|
Tech Briefs The Automotive Products business unit of Foamex International Inc. has developed a proprietary, patent-pending technology called Continuous Platform Cutting (CPC). The new technology offers automotive OEMs and Tier 1 interior integrators the ability to reduce floor system weight and part count, improve fit and finish and component durability, and ease plant material-handling issues. The company has received its first order for the new CPC technology from a major Tier 1 supplier. Foamex will provide the carpet underlay for an upcoming minivan/SUV program launching in mid-2000, with volumes estimated at 150,000 units per year. Vinnie Bonaddio, Foamex's Senior Vice President of Technology, said of CPC: "With this technology, we can cost-effectively offer a substantial vehicle weight reduction by fabricating an entire floor carpet underlay as a single polyurethane foam component. The weight savings can become quite considerable, especially on the large minivan and SUV platforms that are so popular today. CPC offers a number of other benefits including a precise fit to the contour of the floorpan, improved retention of acoustical properties over time, and the opportunity for manufacturing plants to work with clean, lint-free components that are light, flexible, and easy to handle." Michael Panczyk, Foamex's Director of Automotive Business Development, added that the development of the CPC technology was in direct response to customer needs, driven by automotive market trends: "Much of the automotive interiors market is currently driven by three key factors: quality improvement, cost reduction, and regulatory compliance. Upcoming emissions and fuel economy regulations are greatly increasing the need for vehicle weight reduction. At the same time, the need for an efficient cost structure is unrelenting, driving component integration and more efficient part handling in the various manufacturing processes. Most importantly, customer demands for quality continue unabated, in areas such as fit and finish, comfort, noise reduction, and durability. CPC gives Foamex the unique ability to assist our customers all of these areas simultaneously." |
