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KEY PLASTICS’ EXPANDS MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
NORTHVILLE,
Mich.
, January 3,
2008 – In
early 2007, Key Plastics L.L.C. launched production of its vacuum-formed
appliqué technology in their Felton,
Pennsylvania
manufacturing facility. These
appliqués are utilized for in-mold decorating of injection molded plastic
products for the automotive industry.
Eliminating the dependency on third party processors, Key Plastics
can now manufacture their own appliqués, improving cost, quality, and
lead-time for their automotive customers.
Vacuum-formed
appliqués are used throughout the automotive industry to provide
decorative finishes on appearance parts.
These finishes can include woodgrain, carbon fiber, metallic, and
other patterns. Key Plastics
purchases roll stock consisting of a substrate (plastic carrier), a
pattern layer, and a protective clear coat.
This sheet stock or film can very in thickness from 0.20mm (0.0075
inches) to 1.50mm (0.06 inches). Using
a continuous roll-fed, pressure assisted vacuum forming process, products
can be formed as large as 27 by 33 inches.
Key
Plastics has selected two forms of appliqué trimming, to provide the
manufacturing flexibility needed for various part complexities and vehicle
volumes. Matched metal trim
dies are utilized for high volume and tight dimensional tolerances.
Router trimming, utilizing a 6 axis robotic arm, is utilized for
product development and low volume applications.
Key
Plastics is a leading supplier to the automotive Tier 1 and OEM markets.
Key Plastics engineers and produces value-added components and assemblies
for exterior applications, interior trim and functional under-hood
products. Key Plastics' global operations comprise 27 manufacturing
facilities and 4 technical centers that provide concurrent program
management and production services throughout North America, Europe and
Asia
. With over $700 million in annual sales, Key Plastics employs over 5,600
people globally. Key Plastics is an affiliate of the Key Automotive Group.
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