Volkswagen AG has signed agreements with Cinpres Gas Injection licensing it to use the company’s market leading technology for gas assisted moulding of plastic components.
The agreement will also see VW advising suppliers that any components supplied to VW, and using Cinpres technology, must be covered by the appropriate licences (which they must acquire themselves).
Cinpres technology is used worldwide for the production of plastic components for vehicles and has significant benefits. The technology essentially cores out the centre of thicker sections within the plastic component using gas which leads to faster and more even cooling, less distortion, a better surface finish, and a shorter cycle time.
Because the technology requires a lower “clamp force” components can be manufactured using smaller machinery, which can represent a significant capital saving for injection moulding companies.
The latest generation of the technology – Plastic Expulsion Process (PEP – significantly enhances the cosmetic quality of thick section components such as grab handles (eliminating so-called ‘hesitation marks’), and is covered by the VW licences.
“All automotive manufacturers are seeking to reduce the weight in the primary structure of the car and reducing the volume of solid plastic by having gas injected cavities is a major step in that direction,” said Cinpres Managing Director Jon Butler.”
“There is also a significant material cost saving on some components, as well as lower energy usage. We have proprietary 3D CAD software which can simulate the process reducing tool development times and cost.
The agreement covers VW’s facilities in Wolfsburg, where the company makes internal trim components for cars. VW currently has approximately 10 Tier One suppliers of plastic components and several hundred others. Those continuing to supply components based on Cinpres technology will be required to secure the relevant licences.
“This is leading edge technology and as with all leading edge technologies, we do recognise that Cinpres is keen to protect its investment,” said Dr Oliver Grunberg, Volkswagen AG’s Product Unit Trim Manager. The company’s Head of Chemistry Patents, Dr Heidrich v. Beidersee, said: “Volkswagen is diligent in protecting its own legal position with respect to international patents and we were happy to undertake communications with our suppliers, in this instance, to ensure that they, too, abide by the letter of the law.”
Cinpres estimates that it has spent in the region of $10m developing and legally protecting its patents and rights globally. “We have a clear obligation to protect our technology. Forward-looking companies like Volkswagen AG – who is sending a very loud signal that they expect ethical and legal behaviour from their suppliers – will help considerably in that process.”
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