Automotive Application Case Study

Objective

Midwest Automotive Designs is a manufacturer of luxury conversion vans, they needed to make an adjustment to their running boards to include a new textured surface which could include their logo

The new textured material needed to be non-skid, weather and chemical-resistant, and durable, as it would be used for the life of the vehicle


The part needed to be designed, signed off, and a small batch completed in time for an industry event in just four weeks

Solution

We realized this was an ideal application for our three-dimensional urethane technology. After receiving an artwork file with the basic part design, our Engineering Department finalized the design of the parts. We provided the design to Midwest, which reviewed and signed off, and we began the production process. We completed the small batch of parts, which included a matte finish with a gritty texture for traction, with debossed gloss finish lines and the Midwest logo to add an attractive aesthetic appearance to the parts. We were able to expedite the small batch of parts and deliver them to Midwest Auto, enabling them to have time to install them on the running boards of the vans which would be on display at the industry event.

Outcome

The parts looked great on the vans at the industry event. Midwest feels these parts meet the necessary functional aspects while providing an attractive aesthetic element on their vans. They have submitted a production order and plan to use these parts on their vans for the foreseeable future. We now refer to this application as our DuroTread technology.