COBA Plastics Ltd, manufacturer of Europe’s largest range of trim retainers, has invested in a dedicated line for the production of COBAGrip. This follows the successful launch of this innovative product into the automotive seating market some 18 months ago.
Designed as an alternative to the flexible J retainer which normally features an embedded metal carrier, COBAGrip uses Polypropylene instead of metal and is covered with a TPV profile.
The patented product is fully recyclable and there is a considerable weight reduction (up to 23%) with costs subsequently reduced, whereas its metal predecessor is non-recyclable, heavy, sharp and prone to rusting.
End cuts are clean and do not need treating, and COBAGrip’s patented carrier system gives superior flexibility and excellent retention.
COBA has now taken production a stage further since its original development which had previously utilized two separate processes carried out separately. A complete production line has now been assigned for the sole manufacture of COBAGrip following further investment in extrusion plant and associated downstream equipment, creating a total inline process. Efficiencies are increased and wastage is reduced with fewer inventory parts and more control over the manufacture.
Peter Jesson, Engineering Manager, COBA Plastics explains, “Having a dedicated line for further product development opens up exciting possibilities for future variants based on this technology, such as different size in height, width, sowing flanges as well as the addition of sealing bubbles, flippers and so on depending on applications.”
COBA Plastics currently offers two configurations of this product, either with or without the sowing flange in a variety of colours to tone with interiors. Both feature the same clip or grip head, which can grip from around 0.5mm to 3.00mm edges (metal or other materials depending on space constraints with further sizes possible on request). Without the sowing flange, COBAGrip can be used simply as metal edge protection product. Parts can be printed or punched to suit requirements.
Don’t forget, COBA Plastics offers a wide range of additional processes and products to support its customers. COBA’s high skilled engineering team provides design and development support too from initial prototype stage through to serial production.
Telephone: +44 (0)116 240 1555
Email: sales@cobaautomotive.co.uk
