Automotive Technology breakthrough

April 1, 2004
Alcoa Mill Products, Pittsburgh (www.alcoa.com), had a role in the commercialization of a new GM forming process for the aluminum body and closure panels featured on the 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx's lift gate.

Alcoa Mill Products, Pittsburgh (www.alcoa.com), had a role in the commercialization of a new GM forming process for the aluminum body and closure panels featured on the 2004 Chevy Malibu Maxx's lift gate. The gate is produced by GM's Quick Plastic Forming (QPF) process. Alcoa has been collaborating with GM on QPF for three years. The advanced forming process lets the company extend complex styling features to high-volume vehicles. Previously, these features were limited to concept and low-volume niche cars.

Sponsored Recommendations

Sept. 16, 2025
From robotic arms to high-speed conveyors, accuracy matters. Discover how encoders transform motor control by turning motion into real-time datadelivering tighter speed control...
Sept. 16, 2025
Keep high-torque gearboxes running efficiently with external lubrication and cooling systems delivered fast. Flexible configurations, sensor-ready monitoring, and stocked options...
Sept. 16, 2025
Now assembled in the U.S., compact P2.e planetary gear units combine maximum torque, thermal efficiency, and flexible configurations for heavy-duty applicationsavailable faster...
Sept. 16, 2025
Safety in automation goes beyond fences and emergency stops. Learn how functional safety actively monitors and controls motiondelivering smarter protection, greater flexibility...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!