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| Cascade Engineering Utilizing High-Pressure Molding for Automotive Application Patent Pending Process Improves Speed of Production GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan, April 21, 2004 – Cascade Engineering, a leader in engineered plastics systems and components, today announced the implementation of a new high-pressure “in-mold” technology. The first-of-its-kind process is being used to produce components for a high-end automotive manufacturer. This patent-pending molding process allows for a reduction in secondary operations, streamlining assembly and reducing the labor and time needed to complete a component. High-pressure “in-mold” technology improves the process of placing vinyl, fabric, foam, or leather in a seating mold and adhering plastic components to the seatback. Cascade Engineering and Setex Products Corporation, a joint venture between Johnson Controls, Inc. and Tachi-S, partnered to develop the process. “The process allows Cascade Engineering to continuously evaluate our production, lowering our customer’s cost while improving the quality, performance and speed of component production,” said Andy Clark, Technical Engineering Manager. “Across the board, this technology and partnership will benefit not only our own internal process, but also the overall speed with which we can meet our customer’s needs.” Cascade Engineering said that the process is currently being used for air bag doors, map pockets, consoles, and instrument panel covers. The Company said it expects to apply the process to multiple automotive applications in the months to come. Cascade Engineering is currently producing seating components with Setex on a new luxury sedan for a high-end automotive manufacturer. The Company is focused on developing a more cost-effective process for component production that expands on its automotive solutions capability, providing increased stability, superior product quality and performance, lower total costs, reduced warping, and a lower final part weight. About Cascade Engineering Cascade Engineering is a leader in engineered plastic systems and components. The company provides innovative expertise and intelligent solutions for the automotive, solid waste and industrial markets. The company produces components for OEM customers as well as Cascade Engineering branded products. Cascade Engineering is widely recognized for innovation in material development, engineering and manufacturing, in addition to its management practices. The Cascade Engineering Family of Companies employs more than 1,200 people – approximately 750 in the Grand Rapids area. < BACK |
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| Cascade Engineering Home < Press Room < Press Release Archives < 2004 < Cascade Engineering Utilizing High-Pressure Molding for Automotive Application | ||
