New Products

Automotive Industries, August, 1999

ELECTRONICS

Paint Defect Detection System

New DDS Series Defect Detection Luminaires fluorescent system inspects paint lines where detecting small topographical defects in gloss and semi-gloss surfaces is critical, says the company. The narrow specular reflector behind the lamp, works in conjunction with the lenticular lens to provide a consistent linear image. The resulting striped pattern, across the entire field of view within the inspection area, promotes visual comfort and greater visibility. Contact Holophane Service Center, 6800 Tussing Rd., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068. 740-349-4114.

MANUFACTURING

Lift For Assembly Skillet

The CSA lift is integrated into the central area of each skillet platform. The lift supports the vehicle, allowing it to be raised and lowered by foot controls. As the line slowly moves, employees can individually adjust the height of each vehicle, thereby making the assembly of doors, cockpits, panels and trim, easier, safer and faster, says the company. The design is based on scissor geometry using four integrated and modified parabolic cams. The electromechanical ball screw drive, combined with the scissor geometry, produces constant speed lifting with very low power requirements. Contact Handling Specialty, P. O. Box 279, Walmore Rd. Entrance, Gate 6, Building 4, Niagara Falls, N.Y. 14304. 716-694-6333.

MATERIALS

Acoustic Insulation

Thinsulate Acoustic Insulation is specifically engineered for automotive applications such as headliners, wheelwells, door panels, door pillars, instrument panels and trunks. It utilizes 3M's microfiber technology and is composed of polyester and polyolefin. The insulation comes with an attached scrim, which enables it to be easily die-cut, edge sealed and affixed to meet a variety of design and manufacturing specifications, says the company. Contact Bill Nastali, Hedge & Co., 248-350-2190.

Carilon Polymers

Carilon engineered thermoplastics appear in two new automotive interior components: a headrest safety clip and an ashtray mechanism. The safety clip is being installed in the front seats of cars, including Renault's Laguna cars, as part of a new headrest system. The ashtray, using the polymers 30% glass-filled injection molding grade, is currently fitted on the Peugeot 806, Citroen Evasion and Fiat Monospace vehicles. The polymers combine strength, stiffness, performance over a broad temperature range, with superior wear and friction characteristics, low hydrocarbon permeability and resistance to a variety of aggressive chemicals, says the company. Contact Shell Chemical Co., P. O. Box 2463, Houston, Texas 77252-2463. 1-888-227-4566.

Thomson's New Polymer

Thomson offers a new double flanged SnapLok Nyliner polymer bearing that retains after insertion with no additional assembly steps. It is for designers of components for automotive power seat mechanism, says the company. The bearing inserts into the seat's pivot links and is automatically secured without swaging. It can take both axial and radial loads, while providing more secure retention than plain sleeve types. Contact Janet Hartly, Thomson Ind., 2 Channel Dr., Port Washington, N.Y. 11050-2214. 516-944-1892.

Rover's Pedal Bracket

A plastic pedal bracket for the new Rover 75 sedan has been developed and produced by Adwest Driver Systems, using DuPont Zytel nylon resin. It can fit both right- and left-hand-drive models without the need to alter the component. The bracket is produced to accept plastic accelerator and clutch pedals, while the brake pedal is made of metal. Contact Carole Davies, DuPont Automotive, 950 Stephenson Highway, P.O. Box 7013, Troy, Mich. 48007-7013. 248-583-8000.