Automotive OEM Research Articles

Influence of coating formulation variables and processing on the adhesion of melamine-crosslinked polyester primer to urethane-crosslinked epoxy electrocoat

The role of spray-primer formulation chemistry towards robustness of adhesion to an epoxy-based electrocoat was examined for a range of coatings representative of those used in automotive OEM applications. For coatings exhibiting degraded adhesion performance, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) identified the presence of a surface-active polyether-based anti-cratering agent (ACA) formulated into the epoxy-based electrocoat at the primer/electrocoat interface. The adhesion performance of the better-performing systems was found to be related to the spray-primer’s ability to accommodate the ACA by either absorbing or displacing it from the electrocoat surface, thus diluting it to concentrations no longer adversely affecting adhesion.

Paint composition

The introduction of VOC compliant waterborne basecoats and solventborne basecoats on one hand and the introduction of VOC compliant clearcoats on the other hand forces to look to the interactions between the two systems. As well known from studies in the automotive OEM area small molecules like HALS and UV-absorbers additives diffuse from the clearcoat into the basecoat. This influences the durability performance of the system.The main question addressed in this paper is the interaction of the binder system of the basecoat and clearcoat. In general crosslinkers (e.g. poly-urethane coatings) are rather low molecular weight materials which may diffuse between layers as well. Also the lower molecular weight functional resins of the binder may move throughout the system.The interactions of basecoat/clearcoat combinations were investigated by means of chemical and physical techniques. The effect of a medium solid clearcoat, a VOC compliant p-urethane clearcoat and UV-clearcoat on interpenetration, physical and paint properties were studied.Also some attention is paid to the diffusion of HALS and UV-absorbers from the clearcoat into the basecoat.

Procurement commodity structures: issues, lessons and contributions

Little attention has been given in the literature on how to involve suppliers in technological development, especially from the purchasing organisation perspective. In researching how to involve the suppliers, we explore the purchasing structure, particularly the role-played by the “commodity managers”. The data for this exploratory study was collected through in-depth interviews and observations made in the case study Company (a global automotive OEM located in Europe) and two of its critical suppliers also located in Europe. The end result of this study is the development of a conceptual model for the organisation and management of purchasing projects in outsourced product development through commodity managers.

High performance Polyurethane Clearcoats for Automotive OEM

High performance Polyurethane Clearcoats for Automotive OEM

Multifunctional coatings in the automotive finishing industry

Multifunctional coatings are expected to change the traditional plating industry. Optimization of the four-step sequence to address the demands of automotive OEMs is only the beginning. A dynamic coordination of the technology between the suppliers and the end users is essential to the success of multifunctional coatings. Also, the use of these coatings is expected to grow, particularly with the increased emphasis on light metals for vehicle components. This integrated concept is a means for fulfilling both the current and future specifications of the automotive industry and to meet local environmental regulations.

Interfirm Relationships in the Supply Chain: The Small Supplier’s View

The need for global market presence, the complexity of new product development, and the emphasis on core competence are making alliances among firms more important, and recent evidence suggests that these issues are affecting small suppliers as well as the large firms that are their customers. This paper studied the relationship orientation (i.e., the perceived importance, of interfirm relations) in a fragmented supplier industry whose single largest customer group is automotive OEMs. The primary objective of the research was the identification of factors that discriminate between firms with high and low relationship orientations. The study found four factors describing benefits and barriers associated with interfirm relationships, and found that firms with a high relationship orientation were smaller and more optimistic about the industry’s ability to support a greater number of firms in the future, and perceived faster technology change than firms with a low relationship orientation.

Powder metal gears: A natural fit in hydraulic pump applications

As manufacturers in industries as diverse as automotive and truck OEMs agricultural, off-road, and material handling equipment continue to seek means of reducing cost without compromising design or performance integrity, the future of powder metal components appears very bright. Indeed, the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) estimates North American sales alone at over $2 billion, and world wide shipments in excess of one million tonnes. Spanning market boundaries in particular is the growing utilisation of powder metal (P/M) gears in hydraulic pump applications. From low pressure engine lubrication pumps to higher pressure industrial applications P/M gears can satisfy the key design criteria of performance, cost and ease of manufacture.

Six Years' Application Experience with 2C-Topcoat in the Automotive Oem at Mercedes-Benz

Six Years' Application Experience with 2C-Topcoat in the Automotive Oem at Mercedes-Benz