Automation – Page 377
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ArticleFluid dynamics: simulation software
Physical prototypingFluid movementUp-front engineeringData characterisationDrive cycleThe presentation of a new development in computational fluid dynamics from Mentor Graphics.The fundamental equations for describing the movement of liquids – fluid dynamics – have been around for a long time but it’s really only with the introduction of computer-assisted calculation techniques that they ...
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ArticleLightweight powertrains
Strength and resilienceMaterial substitutionBodywork and chassis are not the only parts of the car that make use of aluminium. The powertrain has been revolutionised over the past 10 years or so. Before then, engine blocks and gearbox casings were either steel or iron. Not so any more. “We wouldn’t think ...
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Hard truths for B-pillars
Performance variablesTopology optimisation The composite component……sees dreams turn to dustComposites are being promoted as the ultimate impact-resistant material, but Altair and VW found that aluminium was the better solution for B-pillars. Part of Bentley’s parent company, Volkswagen Group Research, recently undertook a project intended to study the viability of composites ...
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Editor's Note: Cutting edge
Making ‘cuts’ seems to be the automotive manufacturing solution of the moment; whether it’s cutting weight from a vehicle, perhaps most dramatically exemplified by the new Range Rover, or cutting production in the case of many of the European OEMs in the face of a lifeless market. Lightweighting vehicles (a ...
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ArticleQoros – a showcase for innovation
Robot partners and material choicesA catalyst for change in heatingInnovation centred in ItalyA joint venture between China’s largest independent car manufacturer Chery and a global industrial company, Qoros aims to release its first model in 2013. Its paintshop partner is Geico spa of Italy Building a paintshop for a completely ...
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ArticleLatest high-power laser applications, with focus on remote processing
The webinar has presented an overview about the latest trends in automotive laser applications.We demonstrated the application fields in press shop, e.g. cutting of hotformed materials, body shop (welding and brazing) as well as powertrain, e.g. welding of gears, clutches, and others.In the field of laser remote processing - we ...
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ArticleIn the comfort zone for assembly
Full scale testsComplete measurementErgonomic pitfallParts presentationReducing non-value-adding timeSupply chain focusHuman modelling moduleOne of the persistent bugbears of the automotive manufacturing industry, most obviously in actual vehicle assembly operations, is the incidence of musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) – in layman’s terms, pulled muscles and twisted joints – among assembly workers.Someone who confirms ...
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UHSS brings electric light
Crash courseBattery changeMore steel = less weightUHSS offers the scope to save weight on electric vehicles. A report on ArcelorMittal’s updated S-in motion project with an electric car BIW exercise.Electric vehicles (EV) present automotive designers with a whole new set of challenges. The powertrain – including the batteries – is ...
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ArticleManufacturing with UHSS
Definition and familiesProduction methodsUsage – where and when?Joining and fasteningHigher strengthCorrosive influenceElectric lightThe pressure on reduce weight, while maintaining strength and improving safety, continues to drive the development and usage of advanced materials. Along with engineering plastics, engineered metals are enjoying a raised profile and being employed in more areas ...
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ArticleAutomation stamps out inefficiency
The automation of stamping lines, presses and conveyor systems presents a three-fold challenge. According to Siemens, key issues include funding a sizeable investment; maintaining a longterm technology commitment; and utilising customised applications in lieu of off-the-shelf designs. Ensuring efficient production means providing the right foundation for automated systems. After all, ...
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ArticleNew stamping ground with the latest technologies
Revolutionising toolmakingStamping is a process where every second counts. A time lag of 0.1 second may sound tiny, but multiplied over thousands of parts a week, over many years, the cost can be considerable. The range of solutions in this technology area has evolved tremendously and today comprises everything from ...
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ArticlePorsche prepares to launch the Macan from Leipzig
Modular assemblyWorking communityQuality managementDomestic product for a global market Continuous improvement processAs Porsche prepares to launch its new Macan model Nick Holt visits the Leipzig facility to find out more about the current production set up and plans for the future.The founder of Porsche once said that he couldn’t find ...
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Yost appointed to chief financial officer post
USA – Fisker has appointed Jim Yost to the position chief financial officer. Yost has extensive experience of the automotive sector having been formerly employed by Ford for 27 years and joins fellow industry veteran, Fisker CEO Tom LaSorda at the company.www.fiskerautomotive.com
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Tony Posawatz ends 30 year career with GM as he retires
USA – Tony Posawatz, line director for the Chevrolet Volt since 2006 is retiring from General Motors, ending a 30 year career with the company.Prior to his appointment to the Volt project Posawatz was a planning director for the company’s full-size trucks.www.gm.com
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Wilkes promoted to PA-610GW manager
UK – Chris Wilkes, formerly project leader of the paintshop at Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, has been promoted to PA- 610GW manager, Corporate and Site Services. Mark Gibbard, Paint Planning Engineer, has succeeded him.www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
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New ultrasonic controller for level measurement
The new Sitrans LUT400 series ultrasonic controllers offer one-millimetre (0.04-inch) measuring accuracy, claims Siemens Industry Automation Division. These compact, single point ultrasonic controllers are designed to continuously monitor and control level in liquids, solids, or slurry applications for a range of industries. The controllers are available in three models: the ...
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New metrology CT system
Nikon Metrology has developed a new “absolute accuracy” Metrology CT system. The company says the MCT225 provides Metrology CT for a wide range of sample sizes and material densities with 9+ L/50μm accuracy in accordance with the VDI/VDE 2630 guideline. All internal and external geometry is measured in a single ...
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Contact scanning and optical measuring combined in coordinate measuring machine
The O-INSPECT 322 coordinate measuring machine is the smallest system in the expanding the range of applications from Carl Zeiss. The company says the system combines contact ZEISS scanning and optical measuring, and is available in two sizes: O-INSPECT 322 and the original O-INSPECT 442. Both machines use the same ...
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Multi-turn encoders use magnetic sampling for reliability
Pepperl+Fuchs has mounted its latest CVM42H absolute encoders in a stainless steel housing, flange and shaft, which the company says makes them suitable for use in harsh environments. The encoders utilize magnetic sampling to deliver 24 bit resolution position value through the CANopen protocol, and are available with an IP66, ...
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Scott Keogh takes over Nysschen as president of Audi US
USA – Scott Keogh has replaced Johan de Nysschen as president of Audi in the US.Keogh has been the company’s chief marketing officer for the last six years.www.audi.com