Mazda Develops New Paint Stripping Technology for Recycling Bumpers
JapanCorp: <http://www.japancorp.net/?page_num=1> Mazda Develops New Paint Stripping Technology for Recycling Bumpers Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 12, 2003 - (JCN Newswire) - Mazda Motor Corporation has developed a new paint stripping process utilizing optical separation technology developed in conjunction with local machinery maker Satake Corporation. Employed in bumper recycling, the new process significantly increases the percentage of paint that can be removed from the bumper surface resulting in strong, high quality material that is suitable for re-use in the manufacturing of new bumpers. The improved paint stripping process combines optical separation technology, which removes impure pieces from grains, with the conventional paint stripping process. After depainting, pellets are sorted using an optical sensor, which detects those with traces of paint still attached so that they can be removed. Compared to grains, the recycled pellets are flat and of various sizes. For this reason, the process had to be refined to better suit the properties of the pellets. For example, the pellets are sorted according to size beforehand to increase the accuracy of separation. As a result, Mazda has successfully improved the rate of paint removal from 99 percent to around 99.9 percent. In addition, the time required for the overall process of paint stripping and separation has been reduced by one-third. Since 1992 Mazda has been collecting damaged bumpers from dealers and recycling them for use as undershields. In 2001, the automaker utilized paint stripping technology owned by Takase Gosei Kagaku Corporation, a plastics recycling company, to produce recycled material with the same strength as new material, which was used for making bumper reinforcement parts. Furthermore, in 2002 Mazda improved the rate of paint removal from 98 percent to 99 percent and since July 2003, has been using this material in the grained surface bumper of its MPV minivan. In this way, Mazda has continued to expand the use of recycled materials in bumpers. The improved recycling process expands the future applications of recyclable materials by producing high quality recyclable material that can be re-used in the manufacturing of painted bumpers with a smooth finish. Following further research and testing, Mazda plans to introduce this new technology into mass produced models in 2004 aiming to utilize recycled material for around twenty to thirty percent (weight base) of the bumper material. Recycling technologies are expected to become increasingly important in the future as carmakers strive to improve the recyclability of automobiles. Mazda believes that this technology will provide a strong foundation as the company continues to pursue the development of further technologies in this field. About Mazda Motor Corporation Mazda Motor Corporation was established in 1920 and is one of Japan's leading automobile manufacturers. With its headquarters in Hiroshima, Mazda has two plants in Japan and manufacturing and assembly operations in sixteen other countries. Mazda cars and trucks are sold in more than one hundred and thirty countries. Ford Motor and Mazda agreed to collaborate in 1979, Ford Motor Company started investing in Mazda and increased its shareholding to 33.39% as of March 31, 1999. For further information, please visit the Mazda Motor Corporation home page at: www.mazda.com/flash.html <http://www.mazda.com/flash.html> Contact Mazda Motor Corporation Mr K. Yoshitake yoshitake.k@tky.mazda.co.jp 03-3508-5022 _____ Sept. 12, 2003, 21:32 (JST) Source: Mazda Motor Corporation Mazda Motor Corporation www.mazda.com/flash.html <http://www.mazda.com/flash.html> From the Japan Corporate News Network www.japancorp.net <http://www.japancorp.net> Topic: Research / Industry Report Sectors: Auto General © 2003 JCN Newswire. A division of Japan Corporate News Network KK. All rights reserved.