|
FINALIST |
|||
|
|
|||
|
(click on the picture to see a larger illustration - it opens in a new window, close that window to return here) |
|||
|
|
|||
| Description: | Structural Console Side Panel | Model: | Cadillac CTS |
| OEM: | General Motors | Model Year: | 2008 |
| System Supplier: | Draexlmaier Automotive | Generic Resin Type: | GF PC/ABS |
| Molder/Processor: | Plastic Tec | Resin Trade Name: | Bayblend |
| Toolmaker: | Delta Mold | Grade: | T-88 2N |
| Material Supplier: | Bayer | Other Innovative Features: |
"Stiffncess in the structural Panels allowed ""Flow
Through"" Console Design that: 1. Reduced airflow restrictions to rear seat ducts, 2. Allowed Cadillac Styling to achieve desired flow through theme, 3. Achieved proper level of stability and rigidity" |
| Most Innovative Feature: | Structural features of side panel enables console assembly to meet styling and structural requirements with reduced mass and a more efficient assembly process. | Forming Process: | Injection Molding using Sequential Valve Gates |
| Weight Savings: | 480 Grams | First Time Process Used? | No |
| Cost Savings: | Console cost was reduced by 3.3% | Previous Process: | Replaced conventional Injection molded side panel from Polypropylene |
| Cost Avoidance: | Assembly time savings of 14.5% | Transferable to Other Vehicles: | This application can be translated to other products |
| Benefits to Consumer: | |||
| Enabled increased buckle clearance due to thinness of console side panels; Enabled increased bin storage size; and Increased Airflow | |||
| Method Comments: | |||
| The use of Glass Filled PC/ABS allowed the part design to achieve strength and rigidity requirements while enabling the elimination of several structural components. | |||
| Innovations/Improvements: | |||
| Sequential Valve Gating | |||
| Safety Improvements: | |||
| N/A | |||
| Environmental Comments: | |||
| N/A | |||
| Additional Comments: | |||
| N/A | |||
| Summary: | |||
| Replacement of conventional injection molded PP with sequential valve- gated injection molded glass-reinforced PC/ABS allowed thinner, stiffer console side panels to be produced, eliminating the need for several structural components and increased belt-clearance space and bin storage size. These side panels meet styling and structural requirements at lower mass , cost, and assembly time while improving airflow. | |||
