Firm exhibits all-new, high-appeal, high-performance interior - with
CrafTec process-based products onboard - at NAIAS in Detroit
DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- How can automakers enhance the look,
feel and performance of vehicle-interior components, while keeping their
costs under control? Johnson Controls has an ingenious answer to this
question in its CrafTec(TM) processes, which include a lineup of integrated
manufacturing processes that yield appealing, high-performance interior
surfaces and panels for door trim, instrument panels, floor consoles and
more. At the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in
Detroit, officials from Johnson Controls are displaying a unique vehicle
interior outfitted with products made using the CrafTec technology.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070930/AQSU001LOGO)
This week, the company's CrafTec process interior display is being
unveiled at the company's NAIAS product and technology display in room
D2-15 at Cobo Center in Detroit.
The interior features a door trim panel, instrument panel and floor
console configured in a prototype model that mirrors the cabin of the
company's I3 concept interior -- a crossover utility vehicle.
"With this display, our automotive customers will be able to see and
experience firsthand the outstanding design, styling and craftsmanship that
can be achieved with CrafTec processes," said Jeff Williams, group vice
president and general manager, North America for the Automotive Experience
business of Johnson Controls. "CrafTec processes give automakers new
opportunities for differentiating their vehicles and adding consumer value,
without driving up complexity or costs."
Featured in the interior are a door panel that reflects the application
of two CrafTec processes -- PerfectFit and Multi-Color Injection; and the
company's Access Floor Console featuring an armrest manufactured using the
CrafTec Partial Foam-in-Place process. The driver's seat showcases Johnson
Controls' CrafStitch process, uniquely styled stitching that provides a
crafted appearance usually seen in custom furniture or apparel. It's a
feature that easily can be replicated in other interior surfaces using
CrafTec processes. Special LED accent lighting is integrated into the door
panel. The floor console, in addition to offering enhanced access, features
a unique tambour door with a smooth appearance.
The CrafTec PerfectFit process is the latest extension of the Johnson
Controls CrafTec technology portfolio. It allows the flexible introduction
of multiple textures and materials into CrafTec PMB (Partial Mold
Behind)-based products, delivering outstanding "fit and finish"
characteristics. Traditional methods for adding color and texture often
cause surface gaps or "ditches." With the PerfectFit process, common
injection tools are used to produce multi-grain, multi-color and
multi-material parts. Interfaces between various materials are consistent,
creating a "perfectly" appealing and highly crafted look and feel. The
PerfectFit process enables the looks that automotive designers have always
wanted, but previous production methods could not deliver.
The CrafTec Partial Mold-Behind process relies on an advanced
injection- molding process that integrates cover materials on a panel.
Conventional production methods for panels with multiple materials and
surface traits typically require plastic molding and additional assembly
steps. The CrafTec process can position a soft area precisely where an
occupant will come into contact with it -- for example, where a person's
hand or elbow may touch a door panel.
With the CrafTec Partial Foam-in-Place process, designers can place
soft, plush areas into panel surfaces, creating a more luxurious look and
feel for vehicle interiors.
The CrafTec Multi-Color Injection process yields two-color substrates
for interior trim panels, in one part, without the need for extra molding,
additional coatings or painting.
"Many times, increasing the amount of colors and materials for interior
products produces the potential for gaps where parts join together," said
Byron Foster, vice president and general manager for the Interiors business
of Johnson Controls. "Our PerfectFit process eliminates the gaps and
consistently produces a high level of craftsmanship," he said. "As a
result, the material, color and/or grain transitions occur exactly as
intended by the design team. In addition to best-in-class craftsmanship,
designers can use PerfectFit to create brand distinction and design
flexibility with one set of tools."
According to Williams, products based on the CrafTec processes offer
significant benefits to automakers in many areas, including reduced
complexity and part count; superior craftsmanship; consistent fit and
finish; improved performance through reduction in buzz, squeak, and
rattles; reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and design flexibility.
"The CrafTec portfolio of processes represents an outstanding
innovation for the people who build vehicles, and those who buy them," said
Williams. "With CrafTec technology, you can add great consumer value,
without adding costs."
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is the global leader that brings ingenuity
to the places where people live, work and travel. By integrating
technologies, products and services, we create smart environments that
redefine the relationships between people and their surroundings. Our team
of 140,000 employees creates a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world
through our products and services for more than 200 million vehicles, 12
million homes and one million commercial buildings. Our commitment to
sustainability drives our environmental stewardship, good corporate
citizenship in our workplaces and communities, and the products and
services we provide to customers. For additional information, please visit
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/.
SOURCE Johnson Controls
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Related links:
http://www.johnsoncontrols.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070930/AQSU001LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/473547.html/
CONTACT:
Debra Lacey of Johnson Controls,
+1-734-254-5735
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