| Description |
|
Multi-Piece Fascia |
| OEM, Model, Model Year |
|
General Motors, Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2002 |
| System Supplier, Contact, Phone |
|
LDM Technologies, Michael Pickholz, (248)836-4133 |
| Molder/Processor |
|
LDM Technologies |
| Material Supplier |
|
Basell Polyolefins |
| Generic resin type |
|
TPO |
| Resin Trade Name |
|
Hi-Fax |
| Grade |
|
CA-287 |
| OEM Engineer, Title and Phone |
|
Alex C.J. Winter, DRE, (248)753-2247 |
| Nominated by, Company |
|
Michael Pickholz, LDM Technologies |
| Address |
|
2500 Executive Hills, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 |
| Phone |
|
(248)836-4700 |
| Fax |
|
(248)858-2815 |
| Email |
|
mpickholz@ldmtech.com |
| Summary | | The two tone rear bumper fascia has been split into multiple components that are snap fitted together to form rear bumper fascia system. The snap channel that is used includes built in guide features to enable automation. Weight Savings: None Cost Savings: $25 per vehicle Cost Avoidance: Reduced scrap from masking and painting operations, reduced labor and increased throughput on paint line. |
| Most Innovative Feature | | The two tone rear bumper fascia - molded in color grained lower and painted body color upper - has been split into two components that are snap fitted together to form rear bumper fascia system. |
| Other Innovative Features | | The snap channel that is used to join the upper to lower sections of the fascia includes built in guide features to enable automation . |
| Forming Process | | Injection molding |
| First time process used? | | No |
| Previous Process Used | | Mold one piece fascia, mask off the lower area, then paint |
| Tooling Innovations | | Pneumatic press was developed to assemble the upper to lower fascia sections |
| New Material Developments | | None |
| Weight Savings | | None |
| Direct Cost Savings | | $25 per vehicle |
| Indirect Cost Savings | | Reduced scrap from masking and painting operations, reduced labor and increased throughput on paint line. |
| Direct Consumer Benefit | | A damaged fascia can be repaired by replacing only the part that has been damaged resulting in lower consumer repair costs. |
| Translates to other Vehicles? | | Yes |
| Additional Info | | This method of breaking the fascia into components is a styling enabler allowing complex paint mask break lines that normally could not be implemented into production. In addition, this is now the preferred method at General Motors of executing a two tone fascia. |