Process/Enabling Technologies  Nominee  Textron Automotive

Description   Interior Trim Stack Mold
OEM, Model, Model Year   Toyota, Camry, 2002
System Supplier, Contact, Phone   Textron Automotive, Nezar Akeel, (248)616-5281
Molder/Processor   Textron Automotive
Toolmaker, Contact and Phone   Hitech Mold, Bruno Mariani, (248)852-6600
Material Supplier   A. Schulman
Generic resin type   PP
Grade   2173
OEM Engineer, Title and Phone   Mike Sweers, Engineering Dept. Manager, (734)995-3428
Nominated by, Company   Nezar Akeel, Textron Automotive Company
Address   750 Stephenson Hwy, Troy, MI 48083
Phone   (248)616-5281
Fax   (248)616-5733
Email   nakeel@tac.textron.com
Summary Combines two molds into one and eliminated the need for 1 additional injection mold press. Produces all 4 parts in a lower tonnage press than is required for a family mold. The mold can be separated and run as two individual tools, is self-contained and can be put into any press with enough "daylight." Weight Savings: None Cost Savings: 35% Cost Avoidance: Substantial savings from eliminating a press, associated burden costs and auxiliary equipment
Most Innovative Feature It combines two molds into one and totally eliminated the need for 1 additional injection mold press. This allowed for all 4 parts to be produced simultaneously in a lower tonnage press then is required for a family mold.
Other Innovative Features The stack mold can be separated and run as two individual tools with in 6 hours. Additionally, the stack tool is self-contained and can be put into any press with enough "daylight."
Forming Process Injection Molding
First time process used? Yes, for Textron and for Toyota. Very few, if any, large automotive parts are being produced using stack molds.
Previous Process Used Previously two seperate molds would of have been built and run in two seperate injection molding presses.
Tooling Innovations The center platen does not ride on a carriage and is strictly supported by a specially engineered support arm with a rack and pinion design to control movement. Each cavity has a valve shut-offs for service part requirements.
New Material Developments none
Weight Savings none
Direct Cost Savings 35% piece price reduction on average per vehicle on a all 4 hard trim door scuff components. Traditionally very difficult to reduce costs on this type of "shoot and ship" part.
Indirect Cost Savings Substantial savings from eliminating a press, associated burden costs and auxiliary equipment
Direct Consumer Benefit No. Transparent to the end user
Translates to other Vehicles? Yes, It can be used on a variety of applications
Safety Benefits none
Environmental Benefits Utility and energy consumption costs are cut in half.
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