GRAND HAVEN, Mich., April 15, 2008 – Shape Corp. developed a new bumper system that is lighter, stronger and still cost effective.
The new Power-B Section bumper beam improves a vehicle’s fuel economy by being lighter, but it uses advanced high-strength steel to meet new global impact requirements. “Our engineers discovered that by simply adding a power rib structure [to the bumper beam] … it not only performed better but it allowed us to take 20 percent of the material out of the product,” said Tom Johnson, product manager.
This new beam still costs less than beams made with expensive alternatives like aluminum.
The new Power-B replaces the conventional B-Section bumper introduced by Shape over 10 years ago. The conventional B-Section was put on tens of millions of vehicles.
Shape Corp. is North America’s top automotive bumper manufacturer and a global leader in impact energy management systems and advanced rollforming. As the world’s only full-service bumper systems supplier providing design, testing, manufacturing and more, Shape has facilities in the U.S., China, Japan, Mexico, India and Germany with headquarters in Grand Haven, Mich. Shape also supplies the office furniture, agricultural, recreational and healthcare industries. Founded in 1974, Shape has over 1,300 associates and five sister companies. For more information, contact Alexis Crandell-Blackmer at 616-850-3681 or at crandela@shapecorp.com.