Process/Enabling Technologies  Nominee  Decoma / Decoplas

Description   Tool Tray LH/RH
OEM, Model, Model Year   General Motors, Avalanche / Escalade, 2001
System Supplier, Contact, Phone   Decoma / Decoplas, Fermine Antonio, (525)864-9901
Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone   Dukane Corporation, Jeff Messics, (734)513-4038
Toolmaker, Contact and Phone   Aar - Kel Tool, Neil Steadman, (519)627-6078
Material Supplier, Contact and Phone   Solvay Engineered Polymers, Gary Carmichael, (905)738-6433
Generic resin type   TPO
Resin Trade Name   Sequel
Grade   1718-UV
OEM Engineer, Title and Phone   Madji ( Mac ) Fakhoury, Lead Engineer, (248)753-1397
Nominated by, Company   Jeff Messics- Dukane & Tyler Kitchen-Decoma,Mac Fakhoury- GM, Dukane Corp. & Magna
Address   12335 Stark Road, Livonia, MI 48150
Phone   (734)513-4038
Fax   (734)513-4483
Email   jmessics@dukane.com
Summary Class " A" closure part that is a multiple part assembly utilizing vibration welding technology on a Class " A " painted & molded in color surface. Unique design that better utilizes the truck sides as a carrier. The complete cargo box is located in the side panels of the truck itself. Weight Savings: 1 lb Cost Savings: N/A Cost Avoidance: Reduce capital investment.
Most Innovative Feature  Class " A" closure part that is a multiple part assembly utilizing Vibration welding technology on a Class " A " painted & molded in color surface.
Other Innovative Features Unique design that better utilizes the truck sides as a carrier. The complete cargo box is located in the side panels of the truck itself.
Forming Process  Injection Molding & Vibration Welding.
First time process used?  Yes, this is the first time that TPO material has been Vibration welded.
Previous Process Used  In previous tool tray applications, they were either glued or screwed together.
Tooling Innovations The Vibration tool has some unique tooling features. The upper tool has individual tooling sections, these can be independently adjusted for part fit.
Weight Savings 1 lb
Direct Cost Savings N/A
Indirect Cost Savings  No cost for the previous hemming machines that were needed to assemble the 3-4 metal brackets, no welding of hinges to the inner piece.
Direct Consumer Benefit The plastic is a more friendly feature, it is easier for the consumer to operate and there is a definite weight savings.
Translates to other Vehicles?  Yes, this application can carry over to all vehicles ( truck ) that would have a tool tray.
Safety Benefits  All the safety benefits are in the overall design, with the ease of operation for the consumer.
Environmental Benefits  The significant direct benefit is that the part is Recyclable, without the metal piece.
Additional Info  The new design of the GMT-806 Tool Tray will completely eliminate the metal bracket, thus providing the consumer with a plastic part that is 100% Recyclable. This design change was realized due to improvements learned on the GMT-805.
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