Custom KTL coating
Search for a partner
A bumper is a safety component that must absorb the impact of a collision and redirect the crash energy around the occupants. This keeps them safe within the safety cage. A bumper is therefore a safety component with all the associated additional quality requirements.
A Czech producer was looking for a reliable partner for the requested KTL surface treatment. This partner had to be able to demonstrate both the technical know-how, have an appropriate quality organization, and have Renault approval for the desired treatment. Finally, it also needed sufficient capacity to be able to handle the production of no less than 400,000 bumpers per year.
An additional difficulty is the complex supply chain and very short delivery times. Finally, this part must also be offered in a spare parts circuit with a separate packaging form & individual labeling.
LGTB prove of concept
In the first phase, LGTB had to demonstrate that it could meet the technical specifications with its many requirements. The LGTB R&D department was called in to determine the correct production conditions. Several test parts were coated and extensively tested by Renault. This showed that LGTB already met all facets of the specification on the first attempt: a brilliant result! The producer was even more surprised because its other coaters had only succeeded on the third or fourth attempt. The choice therefore quickly fell on LGTB.
Supplychain optimalisation, EDI
Following this, the 360° open view approach was started. Here, the entire supply chain is discussed in mutual consultation and a search is made for chain optimizations. Packaging, transport, planning, stock,......... are discussed in detail. Since these are voluminous parts, customized packaging & associated logistics are very important. In addition, extra attention was paid to the associated administration & traceability.
LGTB developed a customized EDI to automate the administrative handling of the various documents. In addition, the E-logistics system offers the producer a real-time view of the parts present in LGTB and their status. Through this global
Custom packaging proposal
The prescribed packaging method was not ideal according to LGTB. A modified packaging proposal was therefore proposed with no less than 10% less handling. Another great potential win-win! All we have to do now is wait for the formal approval from Renault to put this into effect. The collaboration with LGTB has been evaluated very positively by the manufacturer. Therefore, recently a second bumper project was awarded to LGTB!
LGTB's collaborative approach
A few months before the SOP (start-of-production), Renault asked us to check whether the layer thickness could be increased significantly. Via the R&D department, samples were quickly produced and submitted. Again, these were immediately approved. The specification was adjusted and the SOP was realised within this new spec. This enabled Renault to realise important savings. Meanwhile, many thousands of bumpers have left LGTB with excellent quality!
The prescribed packaging method was not ideal according to LGTB. A modified packaging proposal was therefore proposed with as much as 10% less handling. Another potential beautiful win-win! All we have to do now is wait for the formal approval from Renault to put this into effect. The collaboration with LGTB has been evaluated very positively by the manufacturer. Therefore, recently a second bumper project was awarded to LGTB!
