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Summary: Warpage control, improved dimensional stability of critical sealing and press fit geometries, and the elimination of cracking from thermal fatigue through use of the MuCell injection molding process. Reduced part weight, cycle time and cavity pressure. Latching mechanism of Carrier to Flow Tube
Weight Savings: 15 - 20%.
Cost Savings: 15%. End result: optimize mileage/gallon and minimized emissions.
Most Innovative Feature: Warpage control, improved dimensional stability of critical sealing and press fit geometries, and the elimination of cracking from thermal fatigue through use of the MuCell injection molding process. Also reduced part weight, cycle time reduction, and cavity pressure reductions were achieved through MuCell processing.
Other Innovative Features: Latching mechanism of Carrier to Flow Tube
Forming Process: The MuCell injection molding process
First time process used?: Yes
Previous Process Used: Conventional solid injection molding
Tooling Innovations:
New Material Developments: None
Weight Savings: 15 - 20%
Direct Cost Savings: 15%
Indirect Cost Savings: MuCell implementation eliminated the cost of numerous tooling modifications typically needed to profile the tool to achieve the proper dimensions.
Direct Consumer Benefit: Improved air meter dimensions using the MuCell process result in greater accuracy of the air meter and hence a more accurate engine air/fuel ratio. The final result improved balancing of engine performance, fuel economy and minimized emissions. The MuCell air meter is also lighter than a conventionally molded air meter.
Translates to other Vehicles?: Can be used for all vehicle applications
Safety Benefits: Lower injection pressures of the MuCell process provide additional safety to manufacturing operators
Environmental Benefits: No positive or negative impact
Additional Info: This breakthrough technology, through its inherent quality improvement and potential cost savings benefits, will have an enormous impact on other underhood automotive components as well as components for interior systems, electrical/electronic systems, and HVAC and radiator systems.
