□
Skip to content

Case Study

In the competitive world of automotive manufacturing, precision and reliability are paramount. CMA (Curtis Maruyasu of America), a tier-1 supplier of safety-critical components to the automotive industry, faced a significant challenge in sourcing the correct adhesive tape for their manufacturing line. This case study delves into the partnership between CMA and Tape Providers, a leading manufacturer and retailer of adhesive tapes, and how they worked together to overcome these obstacles.

the challenge

the challenge

It all began on March 7, 2023, when Jonathan Smith from CMA placed an order for Teflon tape, part #SPTFE5, on our website, tapeproviders.com. The intention was clear: CMA needed an adhesive tape that could provide insulation and heat resistance to protect and mask parts in their manufacturing process. Specifically, the tape was intended to insulate hoses from the heat generated by car engines. However, after careful evaluation, CMA discovered that part #SPTFE5 did not meet their minimum requirements. The application involved wrapping the tape over itself to insulate the hose from engine heat emissions. Unfortunately, the low coefficient of friction on the tape's surface caused it to peel off after just 24 hours of application. This posed a critical obstacle that Tape Providers needed to address.

Identifying the Problems

Tape Providers quickly identified two primary problems:

  1. Low Coefficient of Friction Surface.
  2. Application Technique.

1: Low Coefficient of Friction Surface

The first step was to revisit the formulation of the Teflon tape. Tape Providers worked diligently to develop a version with a higher coefficient of friction, ensuring the tape would be suitable for wrapping applications. This modification would prevent the tape from peeling and provide the necessary insulation and heat resistance.

2: Application Technique

Recognizing the importance of proper application, Tape Providers created a detailed video tutorial. This tutorial aimed to teach CMA operators the best practices for applying the tape, increasing the likelihood of the tape adhering properly and standardizing the application process.

the results ✅

100%

Cost-Effective Solution

The new Teflon tape formulation and the instructional video eliminated the need for multiple trial orders and reworks, saving CMA substantial costs.

80%

Increase In Adhesion Reliability

Improvement in adhesion reliability, reducing the tape peeling incidents from 90% to less than 10%.

50%

Reduction In Application Time

The video tutorial streamlined the tape application process, cutting down the time required by operators to apply the tape correctly.

95%

Reduction In Tape Failures

Post-implementation testing showed a dramatic decrease in tape failures.

Successful Implementation

The collaborative efforts between Tape Providers and CMA paid off. The newly formulated Teflon tape with a higher coefficient of friction was tested and approved by CMA, meeting their stringent requirements. The video tutorial proved to be an invaluable resource, helping operators apply the tape effectively and consistently.

teaching cma operators

Curtis Maruyasu Operator implementing and teaching other techs the best practices for applying the tape.

Conclusion

The partnership between Tape Providers and CMA highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in solving complex manufacturing challenges. By addressing both the product formulation and application techniques, Tape Providers was able to deliver a solution that met CMA's needs, ensuring the reliable performance of their safety-critical components. This case study exemplifies how effective problem-solving and teamwork can lead to successful outcomes in the automotive industry.

Acknowledgments

A special thanks to the dedicated CMA employees who made this project successful:

  • Jonathan Smith
  • Matt Sparrow
  • Laura Johnson

Their commitment and collaboration with Tape Providers were instrumental in overcoming the challenges and ensuring the success of this project.