Problem:

A major supplier to the automotive industry needed to resolve a production line ergonomics issue. The issue was related to the assembly of a rigid pump tube into a four wheel drive transfer case. Their current design required the assembly of five individual components composed of a molded plastic filter, steel tubes, and rubber hoses.

Solution:

Akron Polymer Products developed and manufactured a one piece all plastic tube assembly that eliminated the customer’s ergonomic issues plus was able to withstand the harsh environment of automatic transmission fluid operating at 125°C with peak temperatures approaching 150°C. Akron Polymer’s product development included full flow testing separation, and fluid immersion testing. Akron provided all of the tooling and fixtures, as well as orientation, fit, and 100% inspection during production. The finished product was composed of Nylon 612, measuring 300mm in length, by 100mm in width; the entire project was completed in 14 weeks.

Results/Value:

Not only did this resolve the ergonomics issue, the customer was also able to realize a cost savings of over $1 million per year.

To learn more about this project, or about Akron’s other capabilities, contact Akron Polymer directly.