HMT Becomes First Airbag Manufacturer worldwide to Implement Lectra’s Focus Quantum® OPW Laser Technology
The automotive supplier aims to capture a third of the Chinese airbag market
Paris, March 29, 2016 – Lectra, the world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with HMT, a leading Chinese airbag manufacturer, supplier of airbag fabrics and technical textiles, to supply a complete solution for the development and manufacture of one-piece woven (OPW) airbags.
Based on the unmatched performance of FocusQuantum®, Lectra’s newest airbag textile-cutting technology platform, HMT has entrusted the company with a comprehensive project comprising a FocusQuantum OPW laser cutter, FocusQuantum Suite pre-production software and value-added Lectra Professional Services, enabling maximum return on investment.
Lectra has supported HMT’s business growth since the publicly traded company’s airbag activity first started. Equipped with a Focus Airbag OPW cutter and three Focus Airbag XHP cutters, HMT sought to substantially increase its airbag manufacturing capacity.
With a trust-based relationship reaching back four years, HMT approached Lectra to conduct a benchmark test. Focus Quantum OPW’s productivity was found to be three times that of the current technology used by HMT, resulting in a significantly lower price per bag. The perfect control of quality and fully industrialized design and cutting processes enabled by Focus Quantum OPW were also decisive factors leading to HMT’s final choice.
By aggressively driving down costs and consolidating its competitive advantage, HMT aims ultimately to acquire a third of the Chinese airbag market. Implementation of Focus Quantum OPW laser technology is a major milestone toward the achievement of this strategic objective.
“We needed a technology partner with the industry leadership to support us into the long term as we expand our operations,” states Charles Zhang, General Manager, HMT. “With Focus Quantum, Lectra is revolutionizing the way OPW airbags are produced. They are the only company with the technology and local support in China to help us ensure quality as we increase production. They also provide the breadth and depth of airbag cutting operations expertise to support execution of our growth strategy.”
“Recent headlines show that the airbag supply chain is still undergoing tremendous change,” declares Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO. “As worldwide demand for vehicle safety content continues to rise, airbag manufacturers must stay apace to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Focus Quantum is a breakthrough in airbag manufacturing in terms of quality and productivity.”
Focus Quantum offers unprecedented precision and streamlined processes meeting the stringent requirements of airbag manufacturing. The fully integrated FocusQuantum Suite enables preparation phases as rigorous and methodical as possible in order to eliminate errors from design to manufacturing, ensuring a level of quality approaching zero defects. The integrated offer was launched in January 2016.
Source: Lectra
