All articles by ams_Markvenables – Page 3
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ArticleTier suppliers under pressure
Cost of raw materials is relentlessThe supplier base is shrinkingAssembly integrationLife’s a batchGetting up close and personalConsolidation could be the new trendThe economic downswing means that more than ever, Tier Ones in the automotive sector are fighting for business, but there are a few success stories out thereThe ongoing, and ...
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ArticleAdding a bit of local colour at Toyota
Localising TPSEuropean supplyLean productionOne model diversityPotential beyond YarisFocus on the localLevels of automationEnvironmental challengesDesign for the futureThe Toyota Production System is a global success thanks to its customisation on a local level, and nowhere is this more evident than at the company’s Valenciennes plant in France. AMS talks to TMMF ...
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ArticleDoing more with less with Siemens
More models in less timeGreen car challengeStandards and responsibilityCompetence centreSimple safety systemAdvantages at AudiSuppliers of automation technology have to work closely with carmakers to establish the best platform strategy. AMS talks to Thomas Schott at Siemens Automation and Drives about the latest concepts bringing productivity benefits to the businessThe automotive ...
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ArticleCarrying the can
Flexible systemsPeugeot in ChinaLegacy worriesMoving bodies and parts from A to B demands a flexible conveyor system and it’s a case of mix and match for most OEMsThere are a number of options available when it comes to conveying work in progress in automotive facilities but they generally fall into ...
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ArticleNavistar rising
Vertical foundriesLeaving the transfer lineDistinguishing featuresCommonality and changeEnvironmental challengeQuality assurance stationsCompetitive cultureIn the face of emissions regulations, global competition and new materials, truckmaker Navistar is putting new manufacturing processes into effect. AMS talks to Vice President of Manufacturing Tom Horn about themTom Horn is the man responsible for the company’s ...
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ArticleKnowledge is power at Scania
Global standardAssembly in SodertaljeFoundry knowledgeClean machiningBuffers and flowsCrankshaft contrastReplacing old linesBlocks and headsConrod and linersBenchmarking from the beginningScania schoolingState-of-the-art assemblyScania’s reputation is built on global standards that have their roots in the exemplary Sodertalje facility in Sweden. AMS talks to Production Manager Eric Angquist about the importance of manufacturing know-howWith ...
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ArticleHinrichs wants a revolution in robotics
Forefront of efficiencyCompetitive operatingPriorities for recoveryThe role of robotsQuality gainsPlanning and programmingParamount safetyRobot wish listJoe Hinrichs has got a wish list. He wants to see robots on the shopfloor that will revolutionise productivity and offer new levels of skilled automation and safety. AMS talks to him about the future of ...
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ArticleArmed robotic forces
New trends in roboticsIncreases and decreasesUser-friendly robotsSpeed, accuracy and qualityRobot assemblyProduction flexibilityRobotic relationshipsOEMs and robotics suppliers are collaborating closely on user-friendly solutions to the production processThe automotive sector, with its seemingly neverending quest for greater productivity, has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for robotic innovation. The body shop ...
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ArticleFollowing the guidelines
Flexible conveyorsChoosing the right AGVAutomatic unloadingControl systemsFinal assemblySafety firstFuture advancesThe specific use of automated guided vehicles between shipping dock and assembly line is offering carmakers safety-conscious production savingsSeveral decades ago, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) were being heralded as the ultimate answer to the material handling requirements of automotive OEMs. Plants ...
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ArticleFrom strength to strength
A future for steelSteel innovationsFlat carbon steelQuiet SteelSmooth high strengthCross-car beamSteel solutionsSpecialist high-strength steels are helping engineers and designers save weight while meeting stringent performance and safety targetsWhen you talk to carmakers around the world the theme of high-strength steels as the preferred material for carmakers in terms of performance, ...
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ArticleLight and plastic industry
A range of innovative and versatile plastic-moulded components are being eagerly adopted by the automotive industry as it strives to save weight and stay cost effectiveVersatile polypropyleneInstrument panelsPlastic in the hoodWeighty dilemmaPlastic proofingStyling aidOne of the stated aims of US legislators is to raise the fuel economy of cars and ...
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ArticleFlawless bodies
High output and increased complexity mean that Daimler’s highly automated plant in Bremen depends on the most accurate technology when it comes to body-in-white measurement and inspection. AMS reports on how the plant manages the perfect fit and finishLooking for a perfect fitTight tolerancesInline measurementMobile and modularThe first thing you ...
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ArticleQuick off the mark
Robotics experts are helping OEMs to realise prototype models in record time to speed up the new vehicle development process. AMS looks at two systems from Kuka and ABBAutomating the conceptFlexible integrationReusable and leanFlexLeanFlexibility in set-upRobots redefine manufacturingOnly a small circle of developers and design experts know what the cars ...
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ArticleMaking a joint effort
As the automotive industry introduces new combinations of metals, making sure they retain overall strength and avoid corrosion when welded has led to a range of innovative joining technologies.Salt fluxBlowing hot and coldBridging the gapOpel finds process-capable solutionsWelding has evolved within the automotive industry in recent years to embrace automation ...
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ArticleMaking gains at Genk
At Ford of Europe’s flagship facility in Belgium investment in flexible production and supply has made the plant one of the company’s most successful operationsTeam workCornerstone of productionStamping and constructionError-proofing and testingPaint shop perfectionThree-step assemblyFord of Europe has increased the production and process capacity at its seven vehicle assembly plants ...
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ArticlePutting the VVA-voom into Lotus cars
Lotus is renowned for its innovative chassis technology, and its flexible vehicle architecture uses leading developments in casting to enter new segments Light weight, but super fastVVA is a fast-to-market technologyA wide range of solutions for manufacturersSize of castings proved to be a challengeCastings match components wellAt the 75th Geneva ...
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ArticleScrapping the waste
Machining techniques and different configurations can assist in eliminating waste and improving efficiency in productionScrapping the wasteImproving efficiencyMoving between the linesRecycling the cutting fluidIncreased tool life increases OEEThe Nissan Decherd powertrain assembly plant, some 128 kilometres south of Nashville, Tennessee, has the capacity to build 950,000 engines and 300,000 transaxles ...
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ArticleSpin doctors among the Tiers
Major OEMs are turning to the expertise of established Tier One machine makers to meet time critical lathing needsRobot helpSafety and qualityLathe componentsGrinding problemsWinning back workBusiness boostSupplier performanceTapping on-lineBanishing burrsWhile OEMs carry out a lot of their machining in-house, there is still a huge amount that is handed out to ...
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ArticleWorking together in Toledo
DaimlerChrysler’s Toledo plant is a unique example of cost-efficient, integrator-led design and building. AMS looks at how virtual engineering and supplier collaboration has provided a facility for the future.Project integratorsCAD savingsAccommodating for the futureConstruction bidsProcess engineeringUnique collaborationNew projectsThe Toledo North Assembly Plant, home of the Jeep Liberty and, more recently, ...
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ArticleWaste not, want not
Environmental initiatives at GM and Ford are bringing real benefits across the manufacturing process and adding up well on the bottom line GM gets waste wiseBy products initiativeDesign, build and purchasingRemoving metalGreen oil and glassReplacing emulsionsPressing need for MQLMinimum lubricationVacuums and air conditioningModel for wasteSimple curesIn the early days of ...
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