Automation – Page 162
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ArticleNew generation of robots
Dürr’s new seven-axis EcoRP E043i robot features a kinematic system, which the company claims enlarges the work zone and can be used instead of a linear displacement rail system. Dürr says this improves access and avoids collisions with the vehicle, particularly in interior painting.The six-axis EcoRP E/L133i robots can operate ...
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ArticleConnected services for robot systems
Connected Services are a suite of resources designed to help UK manufacturers maximise robot uptime using data access and problem resolution says ABB Robotics. Delivered via the company’s single interface called MyRobot, Connected Services will make actionable data immediately available to plant engineers, maintenance staff and managing directors via smart ...
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ArticleIndustrial Ethernet switches
Siemens says with its new Scalance XC-200 compact industrial ethernet switches users can set up electrical and optical line, star and ring structures in industrial networks. The layer 2 network components can be integrated into both Profinet and EtherNet/IPdiagnostics. For transferring large volumes of data, the company offers the Scalance ...
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ArticleInjecting a dash of insulation
Automotive interiors specialist International Automotive Components (IAC) has further expanded its operations in EuropeIAC's newest production facility, at Prestice in the Czech Republic, will initially be producing the company’s injection moulded inner dash, acoustical insulation product for two major vehicle OEM customers – including trunk trim and dash insulation components ...
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ArticlePloys against noise
Following a joint project with Henkel, BMW is piloting a new generation of sustainable, lighter, liquid-applied sound deadening materials for series productionWind whistle and engine sounds work against the quiet enjoyment that OEMs seek to provide for drivers and passengers. Noise-Vibration-Harshness (NVH) materials placed onto the vehicle BIW structures help ...
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ArticleOperation and cooperation
The working relationship between design and manufacturing departments can optimise processes, reduce costs and make the most of the best ideasGenuine leather, synthetic leather, thermoplastic polyolefins and slush skins have become standard surface materials in cockpit production. These various surface concepts usually call for multiple-stage production processes, requiring specific tools. ...
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Article
Zero tolerance for error
If a single word can sum up the key challenge involved in the manufacture of injector valves for diesel engines it is very likely ‘tolerances’Summing up the high-precision machining operations at Delphi’s Storehouse plant, chief manufacturing engineer for commercial vehicle fuel injection systems Dave Jewell says: “We have got to ...
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ArticleBraking point
The last decade has seen the most dramatic and potentially disruptive burst of innovation in braking system developmentWith new vehicle power sources, increased viability of extensive ‘Driver Assist’ technologies, and a movement towards electronic control and actuation, the challenges facing suppliers and the opportunities offered to designers perhaps seem greater ...
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ArticleTransfer of power
GKN is supporting the growth in electric and hybrid vehicle production with the development of its eDrive powertrainsThe company has spent the past 15 years acquiring the production experience needed to transfer the technology from niche vehicles to high-volume mass-market applications,” says Peter Moelgg, All-Wheel & E-Drive CEO at GKN ...
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ArticleAssembly language
A flagship plant in Portugal provides Visteon with the platform to innovate and find best practices it can roll out worldwideFrom Palmela, its key European production base and centre of excellence based on the outskirts of Lisbon, Visteon supplies to almost every OEM in the market. Half of the Palmela ...
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ArticleKaizen in Karben
As one site in a huge global network, Continental’s plant near Frankfurt provides a fine example of how improvement by knowledge sharing comes in forms both old and newEvery morning at 9am, the managing director of Continental’s plant at Karben, Germany takes a gemba walk. Following a different route each ...
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ArticleSkoda Kvasiny reaches 2m vehicles
Czech Republic – The milestone car was a Kodiaq, the brand’s first large SUV. For the launch of this model, the factory recruited an extra 2,600 personnel by the end of 2016 and is still progressing with a modernisation and expansion programme.Skoda has invested 7 billion crowns ($269.4m) at Kvasiny ...
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ArticlePosition of power
Flexible power distribution systems are energising automotive tier one suppliers’ growthGrowth in the automotive industry is benefiting from an extensive global network composed of thousands of tier one suppliers. While not only good for business, this growth functions as a catalyst for advancements in technology that eventually will be adopted ...
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ArticleFull speed ahead
Solutions such as 3D smart snapshot sensors are offering faster, more data-rich automotive quality controlThe main challenge in automotive quality control today is acquiring sufficient data and processing it to measure complicated geometries in the shortest cycle time. Established laser line solutions do not offer enough data to fully determine ...
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ArticleMetal futures
Press hardenable steels enable automotive designers to find light and strong solutions. Now, the second generation of PHS will allow OEMs even greater scopeHot forming has become very important to the automotive industry as a way of meeting specific crash-performance criteria and ensuring low overall weight at an affordable cost. ...
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ArticleHonda hits 100m-unit milestone
Japan – The company reached this cumulative total after starting automotive production in 1963 with the T360 mini-truck and the S500 sports car. Honda built its first dedicated plant one year later and now has 34 such facilities on five continents.Honda’s original automotive factory, at Sayama City in Saitama Prefecture, ...
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Toyota announces reshuffle in America
US – Effective from January 3, 2017, the appointments are part of a move toward regional autonomy and self-reliance, incorporating the ‘One Toyota’ strategy. The location of business affiliates and senior personnel at a single site is aimed at improving decision-making, sharing best practices and maximising human resources.New presidents with ...
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ArticleVW unveils CKD plant near Nairobi
Kenya – The first vehicle off the production line was a Polo Vivo, a bestseller in Sub-Saharan Africa. The factory at Thika, which is a joint project with DT Dobie, will be able to produce up to 1,000 cars per year in its initial phase. Its annual capacity may be ...
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ArticleGKN to expand in North Carolina
US – The driveline supplier announced an expenditure of $179m over the next five years to grow its manufacturing facilities in Alamance, Catawba, Lee and Person. The investment will support increasing demand for its all-wheel-drive (AWD) and eDrive products among North American vehicle-makers.Phil Swash, CEO of GKN Driveline, described the ...
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Flannery to lead Hyundai in America
US – As interim president and CEO, W. Gerald Flannery will take over the responsibilities of Dave Zuchowski, who will be leaving the company. Hyundai Motor America said the appointment continued a reorganisation that began late this year.Flannery joined Hyundai in 1987, having previously worked as senior attorney at Ford, ...