Page 38 - Plastics News January 2022

FEATURE

SPE Automotive Awards Acknowledges The Innovations

The 50th annual automotive innovations awards recognized several “firsts” and an added category
of innovative solutions for COVID-19 protection, says Lilli Sherman Senior editor of Plastics Technol-
ogy Magazine

fter having had to skip a year due Meanwhile, the 2021 Vehicle Engineering fit in storage slots of their vehicle across
Ato the coronavirus pandemic, the Team Award (VETA) award went to the the entire Ford Maverick series. More
50th annual Society of Plastics Engineers team at Ford Motor Co. and its suppliers than 20 initial designs were developed
Automotive Division’s Blue Ribbon that developed the 2021 model year by Ford and its supply teams, such as
Automotive Innovation Awards did not Ford F-150 pickup. Created by SPE tier supplier IAC Group, but many future
disappoint. There were several “firsts” in 2004, the VETA award recognizes designs could be suggested by customers.
among the seven major categories, the technical achievements of entire A variety of printer types and suggested
along with an added category featuring teams—automotive designers, engineers, materials can be used. This provides
innovative solutions for COVID-19. tier integrators, materials suppliers, customers with flexible, customizable
Since 1970, this oldest and largest toolmakers, and others—whose work storage and use features or the option
competition of its kind as highlighted in research, design, engineering, and/ to maximize cabin space while avoiding
the positive changes that polymers have or manufacturing has led to significant significant tooling investment.
brought to automotive and ground integration of polymeric materials
transportation industries, such as weight on notable vehicles. For 44 years, Exterior: Grille with Integrated Lit
and cost reduction, parts consolidation, Ford’s F-Series has been the best- Emblem
increased safety, and enhanced aesthetics selling pickup in the U.S., and the 2021
and design freedom. To commemorate model features numerous plastics and
“50 Years of Plastics Innovation,” instead composites innovations, many of which
of picking a single Hall of Fame (HOF) were nominated in other categories
Winner for 2021, the HOF committee of this year’s competition, including
selected the top five leading innovations Body Exterior, Body Interior, Chassis/
from the previous 37 winners—from Hardware and Materials
1983 to 2019. The criteria for a HOF
award is that the nomination be in use for Eight winners for the year
at least 15 years and be game changing; Additive Manufacturing: Integrated
very successful worldwide; innovative in Tether System
materials, process and application; and Additive manufacturing was used to This hardcoated and painted front PC
still being used. The top five Hall of produce an industry- first integrated grille with lit emblem provides a 3D
Fame Awards are: tether system whereby customers can futuristic effect in a single part and is
select, download NFTL files, and 3D featured on the 2021 Ford Mustang
HDPE fuel tank, awarded to Volk- print their own swappable accessories Mach E GT. The tier supplier/processor
swagon AG in 2000. (e.g. cupholders, trash bins, phone cord is Magna Exterior and its LexaMar Div.
• Front & rear TPO bumper fascias, organizers, umbrella holders, etc.) that Covestro is the material supplier and
awarded to General Motors Co. in Inevo Group the tool maker. Injection/
2010. compression molding forms the large-
format clear PC grille with variable
• PVB (polyvinyl butyral) windshield
interlayer, awarded to Ford Motor wall thicknesses (3 to 5 mm) in a lower-
Co. in 1988. tonnage press that helped minimize or
eliminate flow lines and stress marks.
• Nylon intake manifold, awarded to After molding, the optical-quality part
Porsche AG in 2005. undergoes a hardcoat silicone dip

• PC headlamp assembly, awarded to to provide weathering and abrasion
Ford Motor Co. in 2007. resistance; the pony emblem is milled

38 PLASTICS NEWS JANUARY 2022