The energy-saving implications of such projects should attract private capital and not require taxpayer subsidies according to critics.
Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) announced today that the company has been awarded a $3.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop an energy-efficient method for micro-machining complex shapes. Using laser technology, the new manufacturing process will enable enhanced production in Delphi’s gasoline direct injection (GDi) fuel injectors. The Obama Administration’s DOE grants are politically contentious in this election year, of course.
The process will increase laser machining energy efficiency up to 25% compared to standard practices while eliminating secondary processes such as etching, deburring or surface cleaning, Delphi claimed.
“This project has energy-saving implications and applicability across numerous industries and our working relationship with the Department of Energy is critical to advancing these important initiative,” said Jeffrey Owens, chief technology officer, Delphi Automotive.
The former component arm of General Motors is working with Raydiance, Inc. and Microlution, Inc. in the development of this new system. The project’s prototype platform will be developed and verified at Delphi’s Rochester, New York facility.
See also:
- Delphi Reports Q1 Profits are Up 9% to $578 Million
- GM Sells its Stake in Delphi Automotive for $3.8 Billion
- General Motors Posts 2011 Q1 Profit of $3.2 Billion. Results Almost Doubled by One Time Sales of Ally and Delphi Preferred
