CASE STUDY - Rubber

A cleaner release and increased productivity.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED.

A prominent company specializing in sealing for the automotive and aerospace industries needed to streamline a few aspects of their manufacturing. In addition to increasing productivity and decreasing production costs, they also wanted to minimize the number of release agents they were using in compression and transfer molding. We were able to help them use fewer products, reduce scrap level by 75%, improve part quality, drop mold cleaning frequency by 40-80%, and eliminate VOC. This allowed operators to work more easily and lowered costs while producing a better end product.

HOW WE GOT THERE.

Partnering with the customer, Chem-Trend analyzed the process to identify potential solutions. We started by addressing the molding process and equipment that created the greatest challenges for the customer. Consulting with everyone from shift leaders to technical engineers, we provided support and sampling for on-site testing with our product. Testing took place within the automotive division, where sealing components are produced. Once a solution was found, we provided technical support for engineers and operators and ran workshops on proper product application techniques to keep things running smoothly after implementation.

OUR SOLUTION.

Chem-Trend helped the customer make the switch from a combination of three products to a single, unique and completely water-based Chem-Trend product for compression and transfer molding, leading to less mold buildup, no transfer of release agent to parts, and the elimination of VOC. The result was a lower scrap rate, less mold fouling, and fewer cleanings, plus higher-quality end products and a healthier environment. All of this helped surpass the company’s goals of using fewer release agents, lowering costs, and bolstering productivity while improving overall part quality.

75% Reduction in total scrap
75%
Reduction in total scrap
33% Reduction in amount of release agent used
33%
Reduction in amount of release agent used
60% Average decrease in mold cleaning frequency
60%
Average decrease in mold cleaning frequency
DATA INSIGHTS
75% Reduction in total scrap
33% Reduction in amount of release agent used
60% Average decrease in mold cleaning frequency

Handprint

HANDPRINT IMPACT

At Chem-Trend, we pride ourselves on our long history of sustainability efforts. However, it is our effect on our customers’ processes that provides the greatest impact. It goes beyond our global Footprint; it is our even wider Handprint.

Here, we achieved the following:

  • Reduction of material waste (scrap) and energy due to an extension in the amount of time between required mold cleanings
  • Reduction of both the number of release agents used and the amount of product applied
  • Reduction in energy due to reduced transport of product required by the customer
  • Elimination of VOC due to a shift to a more environmentally responsible water-based release agent
  • Materials
  • Waste
  • Energy
  • Emissions

A brand of Freudenberg.
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