Hill Machinery reduces costs and improves the environment with Tantec technology
Hill Machinery, a leading supplier of secondary equipment to the automotive industry, has helped their customer achieve significant cost savings and environmental benefits by implementing the Tantec surface treatment machine into their automation solution. Focusing on interior and exterior parts for the automotive industry, Hill Machinery specializes in designing and building automation equipment that improves assembly and manufacturing processes.
The challenge: Expensive and dangerous priming process
One of Hill Machinery’s customers faced a major challenge in their production line. Their process required applying 3M tape to external wheel arch extensions, which were then mounted over the fenders of the wheel wells. Traditionally, this process would require the use of an expensive and dangerous primer to ensure proper adhesion of the tape. Similar challenges arose when processing side skirts, where 3M tape was used to attach them to exterior door panels.
To eliminate the need for the costly and environmentally harmful primer, Hill Machinery and their customer looked for an alternative solution. The Tantec plasma treater became the solution as it allowed the customer to apply 3M tape directly to the treated surfaces without the need for primer.
The solution: Introduction to Tantec surface treatment
Hill Machinery was introduced to Tantec through their customer who had performed extensive testing and proof of concept to validate the process. After the tests, the customer contacted Hill Machinery and presented them with the automation requirements needed to implement Tantec technology in the production line.
“The deciding factors that led to the selection of the Tantec plasma machine included the reliability of the technology, ease of use, excellent support, and the overall results the machine delivered,” says Jerry Falicki, Advanced Engineering Manager at Hill Machinery.
The results: Increased efficiency and significant savings
After implementing the Tantec plasma treater machine, Hill Machinery and their customer experienced increased speed, higher repeatability and improved quality in production. Tantec’s equipment fit perfectly with Hill Machinery’s automation equipment, contributing to a streamlined and efficient production process.
Financially, working with Tantec has allowed Hill Machinery to win more projects with their customer and open the door to new opportunities in the future.
The savings from eliminating the expensive primer and chemicals previously used in the etching process have been significant.
Environmental benefits and future recommendations
In addition to the economic benefits, Tantec’s technology has also led to major environmental improvements. By eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals in the priming process, Hill Machinery and their customer have significantly reduced their environmental footprint.
Hill Machinery highly recommends Tantec plasma equipment to other companies. “It’s a simple system, cost-effective, with fast delivery times and excellent support throughout the entire process, from ordering to installation and validation,” concludes Jerry Falicki.
