Durakon Industries, which supplies thermoformed products and paint film technology to the automotive industry, on Wednesday said that General Motors will begin high volume application of its thermoformed paint film rocker panel.
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In recent years, Durakon has focused on developing and introducing exterior automotive parts produced by combining thermoforming with paint film technology. Combining these technologies with substantial investments has resulted in the supplier claiming a number of important benefits for OEMs over traditional injection moulded painted parts.
These claimed advantages include enhanced durability, reduced tooling and piece costs, accelerated time to market, and an environment-friendly atmosphere.
“Our initial efforts and products were directed at niche vehicles or lower volume applications and those earlier results were impressive and lauded by the industry,” said Durkon CEO Ed Gniewek in a statement.
“This decision by GM to expand use of our thermoformed paint film products to its high [volume Buick] Lucerne model reflects the level of design, technology and quality that we have been able to deliver to the industry on a consistent basis.”
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By GlobalDataIt is expected that 250,000 rocker panels will be produced annually for GM in 12 colours.
Durakon’s thermoformed paint film products are also used on the Jeep Liberty Renegade, the GM-built Saab 9-7 SUV and the Chevrolet SSR (which GM has recently axed due to a lack of demand).
The Society of Plastics Engineers has given Durakon and its OEM customers a number of awards over the past several years for technical achievements and commercialisation successes in thermoforming and application of paint film.
In addition to its paint film process, Durakon claims to be the largest producer of cargo covers to the automobile industry. It supplies twin- sheet thermoformed cargo covers and side storage boxes to the OEM market as well as bedliners, tonneau covers and cargo management systems for the aftermarket.
