Process/Enabling Technologies  Nominee  Delphi Automotive

Description   Robotic Painting of Plastic Parts
OEM, Model, Model Year   General Motors, Chevrolet & Pontiac, 2002
System Supplier   Delphi Automotive
Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone   Delphi Delco Electronics, Christopher LaBoskey, (956)618-7570
Material Supplier   GE Plastics
Generic resin type   PC/ABS
Resin Trade Name   Cycoloy
OEM Engineer, Title and Phone   Dale L. Robertson, Plastic COE Engr. Mgr., (956)982-7049
Nominated by, Company   Christopher P. LaBoskey, Delphi Delco Electronics Systems
Address   601 Joaquin Cavazos Road, Delnosa Plt. 6, Los Indios, Texas 78567
Phone   (956)618-7570
Fax   (956)618-7407
Email   Christopher.P.LaBoskey@delphiauto.com
Summary Lean manufacturing using robotic painting of plastic components for automotive audio systems, multiple colors. Improved painting yields, reduced emissions and scrap. Weight Savings: None. Cost Savings: $400,000/year savings in waste treatment Cost Avoidance: 50% greater throughput eliminating the need for additional equipment. $1,500,000.
Most Innovative Feature Lean manufacturing using robotic painting of plastic components for automotive audio systems, multiple colors.
Other Innovative Features Improved painting yields, reduced emissions and scrap.
Forming Process Conventional injection molding as well as multi-shot injection molding
First time process used? Yes, this is the first time multiple coats of paint applied robotically in a single system.
Previous Process Used Acrylic or polycarbonate molded pushbuttons, waterborne paint, laser etched graphics applied by reciprocating guns. Much higher scrap rates and paint waste.
Tooling Innovations Pushbuttons painted as a set with specific fixturing and programmable robotic spray guns, capable of painting up to 3 colors.
New Material Developments Waterborne paints, specifically matched to colors and formulated for laser etching
Weight Savings No appreciable weight savings.
Direct Cost Savings $400,000/year savings in waste treatment
Indirect Cost Savings 50% greater throughput eliminating the need for additional equipment. $1,500,000.
Direct Consumer Benefit No
Translates to other Vehicles? Unique application for manufacture of small plastic components.
Safety Benefits No direct safety benefits.
Environmental Benefits $400,000 per year savings in waste treatment costs.
Additional Info This has helped to significantly reduce in process inventories and buffer sizes in plant.
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