| Description |
|
Strut Dust Boot |
| OEM, Model, Model Year |
|
Ford, Taurus/Sable, 2000 |
| System Supplier |
|
Sachs Automotive |
| Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone |
|
Hahn Elastomer, Tom D'Angelo, (734)455-3300 |
| Toolmaker |
|
Corma |
| Material Supplier, Contact and Phone |
|
Advanced Elastomer Systems, L.P., Bonnie Bennyhoff, (248)377-6204 |
| Generic resin type |
|
TPV |
| Resin Trade Name |
|
Santoprene |
| Grade |
|
101-87 |
| OEM Engineer, Title and Phone |
|
Lou Mastrofrancesco, Technical Specialist, (313)323-8659 |
| Nominated by, Company |
|
Tom D'Angelo, Hahn Elastomer |
| Address |
|
14557 Keel Street, Plymouth, MI 48170 |
| Phone |
|
(734)455-3300 |
| Fax |
|
(734)455-2938 |
| Email |
|
tmdangelo@hahnelastomer.com |
| Summary | | First time to allow variable geometries in a "continuous" extrusion process for this type of application. The process allows flexibility to make separate part numbers in the same extrusion. Weight Savings: None. Cost Savings: 20% Cost Avoidance: Reduced flash improving the quality of the parts right off the line thus avoiding cost of trimming. |
| Most Innovative Feature | | First time to allow variable geometries in a "continuous" extrusion process for this type of application. |
| Other Innovative Features | | The process allows flexibility to make separate part numbers in the same extrusion. |
| Forming Process | | Corrugation extrusion, not a newly invented process, but the first time adapted for this automotive application area. |
| First time process used? | | Yes. Never before has anyone tried to adapt this technology for a boot application requiring mounting/sealing at both ends. |
| Previous Process Used | | Same materials were previously used, but only via the extrusion blow molding process. |
| Tooling Innovations | | This will be described during the presentation. Drawdown considerations were intricate. |
| New Material Developments | | None were required. |
| Weight Savings | | None. |
| Direct Cost Savings | | Introduction of this part immediately saved ~20% for the customer. Consequently, the entire market price has been lowered and subsequent savings are 10-15%. |
| Indirect Cost Savings | | The corrugation process reduces flash improving the quality of the parts right off the line thus avoiding cost of trimming. |
| Translates to other Vehicles? | | Yes. Additionally, the process will be employed to make steering column closeouts, again shifting the dynamic of how parts are made and costed. |
| Safety Benefits | | None. |
| Environmental Benefits | | |
| Additional Info | | |