Power Assist

Disogrin 9250 is part of a family of TODI urethane and polyurethane materials developed by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies to address difficult hydraulic sealing applications. With a service temperature range of -75 to 300 F° (-59 to 149 C°), and a tensile strength of 6,500 psi/ MPa, the material has extremely high mechanical properties and outstanding resistance to abrasion, tear, and elongation. It is suitable for use with petroleum-based, bio-degradable, synthetic, and natural, Ester-based fluids.

The Troy plant has dedicated a production cell to the manufacture of the bumpers. In keeping with Freudenberg Sealing Technologies’ push to adopt Industry 4.0 shop floor digitalization, employees re-evaluated the cell’s production processes and incorporated as much automation into these operations as possible. The cell runs autonomously without employees, and bumpers, once molded, automatically fall into bins for shipping. This automation is not only producing consistent, high-quality parts, but it is also helping address a plant challenge which many manufacturing companies are struggling to overcome: a labor shortage.

“We have high labor dependency that we have been unable to rectify and solve. So, it’s important, as we bring in new business, to focus on new projects that are not as labor intensive as our existing processes,” White concluded. “The bumper cell is our kickoff to more autonomy. We are starting with these two machines but will replicate and build on this approach by applying it to other new business and cells. We want to use our people where we really need them by increasing automation that does not require a full-time attendant.”

Over the long run, White anticipates a successful, long-term relationship with its new power tool customer. “The bumper project has already led to other opportunities with the customer and other power tool manufacturers,” he concluded.