Retainer suits automotive interior trim applications.

Press Release Summary:



Retainer Clip has over 300 lb average extraction effort and requires 12 lb of insertion effort. It functions properly within manufacturing variation limits. Clip is suitable for applications where strong joint load is critical such as side curtain airbags, airbag hardware, headliners, assist handles, and coat hooks.



Original Press Release:


Emhart Introduces New High Strength Retainer For Robust Automotive Interior Applications


Built From Ground Up, Clip is Stronger and Has 50 Percent Higher Load Tolerance Than Existing Technology On The Market

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (August 15, 2002) - Emhart Fastening Teknologies has introduced a new high strength retainer for robust automotive interior trim applications that is designed to perform at higher loads and more effectively within the manufacturing variations of today's automotive fleets than current technology on the market.

The new clip was developed specifically for those types of applications where a stronger joint load is critical, such as side curtain airbags, airbag hardware, headliners, assist handles and coat hooks.

"Our customers were telling us that the fasteners currently available from other suppliers did not perform consistently due to the range of carline manufacturing variation exceeding the design limits of available fastening technology. We knew we could apply our market-leading fastening expertise in this area to develop a superior product that went beyond the limits of existing technology," said Randy Gronau, metal fasteners product manager, Automotive Division.

The result is a clip that has a 300-plus pound average extraction
effort - compared to current retainers that average approximately 270 pounds of removal effort. In addition, the clip exhibits significant improvement to properly function within current manufacturing variation limits.

Because the new clip was designed from the ground up using the Six Sigma Process, it is flexible and adapts into existing applications, Gronau said.

"With Emhart's new high strength retainer clip, OEMs can feel more assured that those applications that require a more robust joint will perform properly and safely. This is important for applications such as airbags since their deployment produces forces of 250-to-300 pounds.

"As a result, Emhart set out to develop an entirely new clip that would exceed current tolerance ranges and offer superior performance despite these types of high load applications. This is a good example of how Emhart's philosophy of putting the customer first has resulted in a new product that solves a unique application problem for them. In addition, customer feedback is leading to the development of additional products that will provide solutions to their manufacturing issues," he
said.

In addition, Emhart's new high strength retainer requires less than half the insertion effort compared to existing retainers thus making it more ergonomically desirable. Emhart's retainer only requires on average about 12 pounds of insertion effort where existing technology requires greater installation efforts.

"By applying the expertise Emhart has in other areas of vehicle
assembly to those areas where a stronger joint is needed, we developed a superior product that provides our customers with added flexibility within their assembly and manufacturing process," Gronau added.

About Emhart Fastening Teknologies

Headquartered in New Haven, Conn., Emhart Fastening Teknologies
is the global leader in the design and creation of unique assembly technologies, from concept through installation. Emhart's technology-based assembly products and systems are designed to deliver innovative, integrated system solutions to virtually any manufacturing challenge anywhere in the world. From automotive to construction, from computer to appliances, Emhart serves customers worldwide. A Black & Decker Company, Emhart has 3,000 employees and 24 operating facilities worldwide. For more information please go to www.emhart.com.

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