Laser Systems Sharpen Product Quality for Chinese Tier 1

Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems uses the Jenoptik-Votan A laser-perforating system to create concealed predetermined breaking points in dashboards for passenger and knee air bags. Photo courtesy Jenoptik AG

China’s auto industry is booming, and one company faced with the challenge of keeping up is Yanfeng Visteon Nanjing Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd. Founded in 2010, Yanfeng Visteon develops and manufactures a wide range of interior trim components, including dashboards, cockpit systems and consoles.

The company is China’s fourth largest automotive supplier. It operates plants in Jiangning and Pukou, and its main customers are Shanghai Volkswagen (Nanjing), Chang’an Ford Mazda (Nanjing) and SAIC Motor Nanjing MG.

Following their customers lead, Yanfeng Visteon increasingly focuses on improving product quality while increasing volume. One way the company does this is with laser perforating systems.

Workers use these systems to create concealed predetermined breaking points in dashboards for passenger and knee air bags. Known as air bag flaps, these points are basically tear lines where the air bag breaks through upon impact.

The challenge for Yanfeg Visteon is making sure the laser weakens the material without completely severing it. After trying various systems, the company recently purchased the Jenoptik-Votan A Classic system because it features special sensors that prevent severing.

Made by Jenoptik AG, the system quickly and reliably processes single- or multilayer materials and decorative layers made from plastic, textiles and leather. Perforation settings (hole type, spacing and shape) are variable and can be easily adjusted according to the material being treated.

The system is also available in a Compact version. Both models can be used for air bag covers in door trims and passenger modules, steering wheel caps for driver air bags and interior trim parts that hold integrated side and thorax air bags.

The systems are flexible. They easily handle different products, treat compounds and PVC-containing materials, and can perform additional edge or functional trimming.

User-friendly capabilities include documenting specific production parameters online and storing them for future use.

For more information on laser perforating systems, call 248-446-9540 or visit www.jenoptik.com.

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