Automation – Page 291
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ArticleCutting fluid for difficult machining applications
XTREME CUT 292 is specifically designed to overcome the challenges of working with difficult alloys such as titanium, Inconel and stainless steel, claims QualiChem. The fluid can reduce costs because low drag-out rates reduce coolant usage, and extended sump life improves productivity and reduces disposal cost. The company says the ...
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ArticleEnhanced machining software
SolidCAM says it has made enhancements to the latest versions of its iMachining 3D, HSM and Simultaneous 5-Axis modules, which, it claims, are particularly beneficial for mold and insert machining.iMachining 3D automatically produces a complete, ready to run CNC program, with optimal cutting conditions to rough, rest rough and semi-finish ...
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ArticlePrecision power scope
Yokogawa says its PX8000 combines power-analyser and oscilloscope technologies. It has 12-bit resolution with 100MS/s sampling and 20MHz bandwidth. This means that the PX8000 can be used for accurate measurement of inverter pulse shapes. A choice of input modules covers voltage, current and sensor measurements at voltages up to ...
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ArticlePaintshop robots
The P-50iB and P-250iB robots are designed with features making them suitable for high quality automotive finishes and general industrial use, claims FANUC.The P-50iB has a very compact design but offers a large working envelope, with 1.4m and 1.8m reach variants. It offers the option of mounting to a ...
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ArticleMulti-couplings for diesel engine test cells
Stäubli has supplied multi-couplings for engine testing facilities at diesel engine manufacturer Perkins, as part of a project to automate the process. The company says its MCS multi-couplings are configured for each specific application. This takes into account the type of fluids in use, their pressure and temperature as well ...
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ArticleTata launches REVOTRON engines
India – The next-generation petrol engine family will power future models in the passenger vehicle market; the first in the series is the Turbocharged Intercooled Multi-point Fuel Injected (MPFi) REVOTRON 1.2T. REVOTRON 1.2T has been designed to be light weight and low friction while delivering high performance and fuel economy. ...
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Article
Henniges takes full ownership of Chinese JV
China – The supplier of highly engineered sealing and anti-vibration products acquired the remaining 40% of Beijing Wanyuan-Henniges Sealing Systems from its partner, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).“After 18 years of operating as a joint venture with CALT, Henniges grew its capabilities and sealing technologies and now, as ...
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ArticleMazak offers new 5-axis multi-tasking machine
Yamazaki Mazak says its new VARIAXIS i-600 is suited to engineering applications requiring fast set-up, reduced in-process time and accurate machining. The 5-axis machine features a full cast structure and gantry configuration which the company says will ensure a high level of rigidity with no Y-axis overhang. In addition, roller ...
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ArticleComau celebrates moving assembly line centenary
US – The latest automotive body assembly technology from Comau is being displayed within Ford’s exhibit at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, January 13-26. The Ford exhibit features four vehicle bodies representing different levels of the assembly process; Comau is providing a complete assembly system ...
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GKN Driveline’s Russian expansion
Russia – The company is set to open a 5,000m2 plant in Togliatti, in the Volga region where a number of vehicle-makers are situated. Production of constant velocity jointed sideshafts for automotive customers is expected to commence in early 2015.Pointing to Russia’s growth market for car manufacturers, Andrew Smith, ...
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ArticleOpel starts new Meriva production, Zaragoza
Spain – The first vehicle which rolled off the line at the Figueruelas plant was a Casablanca White Meriva Excellence with a new-generation 1.6-litre CDTI engine offering 136hp.The model now includes options for a full range of Euro 6-certified engines (gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains). Opel says the small monocab ...
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ArticleConstellium ploughs €200m into BIW
The Netherlands – The investment will be made over the next three years as the company seeks to grow its body-in-white (BIW) business in the region. Noting the increased use of aluminium flat-rolled products over the past few years in premium models, Constellium said it believes this growth “will continue ...
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ArticleLee takes powertrain and driveline responsibilities at Chrysler
US – In addition to his current role as head of Engine, Powertrain and Electrified Propulsion Systems Engineering, Robert Lee has been appointed interim head of Transmission Powertrain and Driveline Engineering. Lee has held his existing roles since 2011 and also continues to serve as powertrain co-ordination on the Group ...
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ArticleDaimler to invest €190m in Vitoria
Spain – In preparation for a new generation of medium-size commercial vehicles (CVs) to be launched later this year, the OEM will develop the bodyshop, paintshop and assembly units at its second-largest van plant. In addition to modernising and re-organising these areas of the 600,000m2 plant, Daimler will optimise the ...
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ArticleHill to lead US sales for GM
US – Steve Hill will move from his current position as North America VP, Customer Care and Aftersales, a role that will be filled by Tim Turvey, currently executive director, Customer Care and Aftersales sales and marketing. The appointments take place with immediate effect. Hill joined GM in 1983 and ...
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ArticleAlcoa completes $300m Iowa expansion
US – The facility in Davenport is dedicated to supplying aluminium sheet products to the automotive industry, from which Alcoa is seeing increasing demand. Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and CEO of Alcoa, commented: “2014 marks the beginning of dramatic growth for aluminium in the auto sector”, adding that vehicle OEMs are ...
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ArticleVW Golf 7 production gets underway in Puebla
Mexico – The model will be exported to the US and Canada, and will be seen on North American roads from the middle of 2014. Derivatives such as the Golf station wagon for North and South America will also begin production this year.Volkswagen has invested $700m in the Puebla plant, ...
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ArticlePermanova celebrates Volvo award
Sweden – The Volvo Cars Quality Excellence (VQE) award was presented to Ulf Sandström, managing director of Permanova Lasersystem, at a ceremony in Gothenburg in mid-December. Sandström welcomed the award as “proof that our work is being appreciated by our customers”.www.permanova.com
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ArticleTata opens UK steel profiling centre
UK – The new development at Tata’s Steelpark plant amalgamates its plate cutting and machining capability into a single facility which can offer tailored processing services for specific customer requirements. The profiling centre, which is the result of a £3.1m investment, will boost Steelpark’s capacity to 47,000 tonnes per annum. ...
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ArticleNissan to establish engine plant in Rio
Brazil – The new 140m reais (£36m) facility will be part of the Resende Industrial Complex (RJ), where the OEM is constructing a vehicle plant. The engine unit will use an existing building next to the vehicle plant and will have the capacity to produce up to 200,000 engines per ...