GF Machining Solutions, a provider of machine tools and automation technology, was one of 12 companies asked to present on the latest products and technology developments for vehicle interior manufacturing at the recent 14th Annual Automotive Cockpits Conference. The event was hosted by the ITB Group, a consulting firm that serves the global automotive market, and took place in Birmingham, MI.
Surface texture, an important aspect of product design within the automotive industry, was a key topic of discussion at the conference, and one that Chad Hase, Laser Project Manager for GF Machining Solutions, addressed in detail.
Manufacturers of vehicle interior components, such as dashboards, steering wheels and instrument panels, have traditionally relied on chemical etching to produce surface textures on these parts. However, advanced laser texturing technology, as discussed by Hase, is rapidly becoming the preferred method for surface texturing, as it is faster, quieter and more repeatable, flexible and environmentally friendly than chemical etching. Laser texturing technology uses pulsed, fiber-optic lasers of varying strengths and a variety of lenses with different focal lengths to sublimate material, or turn it directly from a solid to gas.
"In fact, with laser texturing, automotive part manufacturers are able to produce 2D and 3D details from a high-quality digital image, allowing completely reproducible results for specific textures, engravings, marks or labels," said Hase. "This opens the door for greater legal protection of innovative designs. The lack of repeatable results with chemical etching renders the process unable to create textures that manufacturers could submit for patent protection. Laser texturing overcomes this hurdle, allowing manufacturers to create and protect surfaces that result in a unique appearance and feel in the final product."
GF Machining Solutions currently offers four innovative laser texturing machines - the LASER 600, LASER 1000, LASER 1200 and LASER 4000 - covering maximum workpiece dimensions that range from 5.9" x 5.9" x 5.9" all the way up to 98.4" x 59" x 35.4". While all of these models are available as 5-axis machines, the LASER 600 and LASER 1000 also come in 3-axis versions.
"As makers of vehicle interior components look to gain a competitive edge in today's fast changing automotive world, they rely on our laser surface texturing technology and expertise to help them accelerate their potential," said Hase. "Our highly accurate laser texturing machines give them full control down to the tiniest of details across challenging geometries, freeing them to execute intricate part surface designs that capture consumers' interests."
For more information contact:
Gisbert Ledvon
GF Machining Solutions
560 Bond St.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224
800-CTC-1EDM
gisbert.ledvon@georgfischer.com
www.gfms.com/us