ITG (Induction Technology Group) are manufacturers of high performance air filters for motorsport and road car applications. Applying unique manufacturing techniques, strict quality systems, best design methodology and hand built process provides exceptional standards of manufacture and fit for their products.
ITG approached Rutland Plastics to investigate whether we could improve on the manufacturing process of one of their filter end caps. The cap was previously vacuum formed but ITG wanted to add texture and engraving to the product at the point of manufacture to eliminate the need for double handling, therefore reducing cost and also improving the aesthetic of the product. Injection moulding was the obvious choice of manufacturing process to achieve all their objectives.
Simon Grainger, Rutland Plastics’ Technical manager, said ‘ Richard from ITG approached us to help develop the air filter end cap, with a brief to use the best techniques to achieve the desired technical performance whilst maintaining the aesthetic of ITG air filters. The material selection in this project was key as the cap had to be able to be bonded with other components, withstand under-bonnet conditions and also have a high gloss level to achieve the desired engraving effect. ABS was selected as the best material to achieve this. We worked closely with our toolmakers and were so confident in the end result that we textured, polished, sampled and got final approval for the product after the first off T1 trial.’
Richard Clews of ITG said ‘We are proud to be a British business and we love working with other British manufacturers. Rutland Plastics have provided support and expertise throughout the whole design and manufacturing process and it’s great to work with a team who share the same values as us. Our attention to detail, our quality systems and knowledge of best design methods together with our unique manufacturing techniques, ensure that ITG customers have the best product. Working in partnership with Rutland Plastics ensures this continues.’
Rutland Plastics has worked closely with ITG for some time now and provides various mouldings of different sizes using machines ranging from 80 tonnes to 650 tonnes. We have started using recycled PP talc filled material in some of the other products we manufacture for ITG and we are always looking for ways to improve the manufacturing process for our customers.
