LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2017
Chrysler Pacifica redefines the minivan segment. Re-engineered from
the ground up, the Pacifica is built on a new platform that
delivers class-leading ride, versatility and technology. An
essential component of this next-generation vehicle is the
front-end load beam assembly designed and manufactured by
Vari-Form.
"Very tight packaging was one of the challenges we faced on this
technically-advanced van," said Dean
Gericke, Vari-Form director of engineering. "We used
state-of-the-art hydroforming techniques, within the parameters of
the FCA US LLC design, to develop the structural system connecting
the door frame ring with the front rail. Our concept improves upon
a part originally designed with stampings that occupied too much
space. We substituted hydroform tubes into this space, delivering
the section size needed."
Mr. Gericke went on to note that the use of advanced high
strength steel, hydroformed into dual thin wall tubes, contributes
to meeting packaging constraints. "To produce a tube this thin
required the tube manufacturer to upgrade its production. Then we
used Cold Metal Transfer welding to minimize potential distortion
from heat."
Improving occupant protection is another advantage of the
Vari-Form load beam structure. By creating an additional load path
for impact forces, the Vari-Form design helps meet IIHS (Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety) targets for narrow offset front
protection.
"Our load beam assembly helps make the body structure of
Pacifica the lightest and stiffest in its class," pointed out Mr.
Gericke. "That leads to enhanced agility when driving, outstanding
ride characteristics for passengers, and reduced noise, vibration
and harshness that will be appreciated on every ride."
About Vari-Form
Vari-Form, one of the Crowne Group of
companies, is headquartered in Livonia,
Michigan, and has production facilities in Canada, Mexico, Italy, China
and the USA. Vari-Form originated
the concept and application of tubular hydroforming to body,
chassis and other automotive structural parts. Vari-Form is the
industry leader in hydroforming, with more than 100 million parts
produced to date. Looking forward, the Hydroform-Intensive Body
Structures (HIBS) initiative from Vari-Form is redefining the way
automotive manufacturers and tier suppliers view the vehicles of
the future. HIBS is leading the way in demonstrating that critical
components and systems can be hydroformed rather than assembled
from stampings. The benefits are substantial, significantly
increasing safety and structural integrity, while lowering tooling
complexity, weight and cost. The company began volume production
using its patented Pressure-Sequence Hydroforming (PSH) process in
1990. For more information, go to www.vari-form.com.
About Crowne Group, LLC
Crowne, headquartered in
Cleveland, Ohio, is a leading
manufacturer and distributor of both OEM and aftermarket component
parts for the automotive and other industrial equipment markets.
Crowne Group offers a diverse portfolio of metals products,
including hydroformed aluminum and steel parts and assemblies for
the automotive industry, carbon and stainless steel tube and
components for diverse industries, and fabricated tube products for
exhaust systems. The Group currently employs approximately 4,000
people and operates eleven manufacturing facilities in North America and three offshore manufacturing
and assembly facilities. For more information, visit
www.crownegroupllc.com.
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SOURCE Vari-Form