Case Study: Ford’s First Thermoplastic Grille Opening Retainer Able to Endure E-Coating Process
DuPont™ Rynite® PET polyester resin withstands the e-coat baking cycle without sagging while delivering weight savings and reducing assembly time.
Application Description
Ford Motor Co. and Venture Industries combined design innovation with the outstanding properties of DuPont™ Rynite® PET polyester resin to produce Ford’s first thermoplastic grille opening retainer (GOR) that can withstand the head of the e-coating curing process. The new component debuts on the redesigned 2003 Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.
Materials Selected and Why
DuPont™ Rynite® PET’s unique crystalline structure delivers high resistance to heat sag – which helps reduce warpage to ensure the GOR returns to its original shape after the material expands and contracts during e-coat baking. This ensures that essential parts, such as headlights, stay properly focused, and fenders line up precisely with the hood.
The GOR remains within required tolerances during extreme 376° F heating conditions during e-coating. The mold benefits from a customized water-cooling process, and the cooling time is reduced from eight to two minutes.
