Automation – Page 395
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ArticleAutoFormplus R2 for die making and sheet metal forming
AutoFormplus R2 is the second release of AutoFormplus, the software now featuring a redesigned architecture. When using elastic plastic shell elements and bending enhanced membrane elements, Autoform claims an average increase in return times of 30% and 12% respectively. Other improvements are the shared memory multiprocessing (SMP) system, which delivers ...
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ArticleSpecht launches new horizontal machining center
MAG’s new Specht 500/630 horizontal modular machining centre offers linear motor or ballscrew drives, CAT-40 through HSK-100 tool interfaces, six spindle options, four control options and three 5-axis confi gurations to suit operations ranging from one-off jobs through to machining line integration. The machine is engineered around a box-in-box, moving-table ...
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ArticlePlaying the part in survival
Production outlineProcess overviewKeeping the shineFinal touchesSapa Components was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2009 but has been turned around by winning the contract to deliver aluminium trim strips that feature on the new Peugeot RCZ coupeFormed in 1964, Pressweld became part of the Sapa Group in 2002. Now known ...
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ArticleNew multi-angle spectrophotometers from X-Rite
X-Rite says that the new MA94, MA96 and MA98 spectrophotometers are ‘designed to make it easy for quality control personnel to quickly obtain reliable colour measurement data s on the factory fl oor or in the lab’. Further to this, X-Rite says the new equipment is able to measure the ...
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ArticleSabic introduces new resins for alternative powertrain solutions
A new range of Noryl and Valox automotive resins, designed to assist in the development of lighter alternative powertrain solutions for hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV), has been introduced by SABIC Innovative Plastics.The company describes the Noryl polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and Valox polybutadiene terephthalate (PBT) resins ...
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ArticleExpertise in metalworking
DMG, Hall 7, Stand D12GUHRING, Hall 1, Stand E32ISCAR, Hall 1, Stand E31Yamazaki Mazak, Hall 5, Stand D11Sandvik Coromant, Hall 1, Stand E52Tornos, Hall 3, Stand C14The AMB International Metalworking Fair is set to take place at the new Messe Stuttgart with a range of cutting-edge technologies and products that ...
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ArticleMaking a modern classic
Dr. Reinhold Neitzel on production of the iconic 911 sports car at the company’s Zuffenhausen factoryPorsche has been building the 911 at the company’s facility in Stuttgart, Germany, since 1964. Now in its sixth generation, the rear-engined car remains as popular as ever with owners and fans alike. Daily output ...
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ArticleNew tech home in Poland
AMS meets GM Manufacturing Poland to discover more about the business strategies which make the most of their central-European locationThe Polish automotive industry has been through some torrid times in the last few years. While appearing to have many of the cost advantages of its near neighbour Russia, but with ...
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ArticleRamping up quality
Getting back to qualityEfficiency on the lineGood ideasPress shopBodyshopPaintFinal assemblyFinished vehicle quality on the Mercedes- Benz E-Class in StuttgartThe three points of the Mercedes ‘star’ logo celebrate Gottlieb Daimler’s original ambition of seeing his engines used on land, sea and in the air. For a short while at least, he ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Size matters
It is a fortunate coincidence that since the dawn of commercial air travel, there has been a period of reduced volcanic activity. Fortunate in the fact that many of us have now had first-hand experience of the disruption that a volcanic eruption can cause. In my own case, I was ...
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ArticleChoosing the perfect plot
Country experience makes the differenceAttracting new interestNew manufacturing modelsVehicle manufacturers must consider a wide variety of factors when choosing new sites. MAN and Ford reveal the criteria each company considered before starting construction, with a wholly-new production modelBy the middle of this year, truck and bus manufacturer MAN will likely ...
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ArticleYear of the factory for ZF
Developing cost savingsFrom development to productionMaking the gradeWith 123 plants in 27 countries, a global workforce of about 60,000 and total 2009 revenues of €9.4 billion, ZF is one of the largest automotive supply companies, developing, producing and servicing driveline and chassis technologies around the world. In 1984, ZF took ...
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ArticleInside track
Motorsport technology reduces vehicle weightEVs: Back to the futureConsultant roleWorking with carmakersThe motorsport industry believes that materials and powertrains developed on the track lead to better, more advanced production cars. AMS visits one of the world’s most famous motorsport technology companies to see if such claims are trueProdrive, perhaps most ...
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ArticleEdging success
New solutionsGetting it doneMachine lifeDV Automation is both an equipment supplier and contract manufacturer serving various OEMsDVA is, together with Thompson Friction Welding, a subsidiary of Kuka AG. While the company also carries out contract manufacturing, for example delivering axles to Land Rover and piston cylinders to JCB, DVA’s core ...
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Article
Gomes joins PSA Peugeot Citroen as head of Latin American operations
Porto Real, Brazil – Carlos Gomes, former head of Fiat’s French and Spanish operations, has joined PSA Peugeot Citroen as head of Latin American operations. He succeeds Vincent Rambaud, who was named Peugeot CEO earlier this year.www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com
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Article
Laser welding primer
Fit for purposeDecision processJoining techniquesAMS taks to Trumpf Laser and System Technology on the underlying power of lasers used for body-in-white production, the benefits of these systems – and potential drawbacksThere are four basic techniques that can be used to achieve a weld in the automotive body-in-white (BIW) process; spot, ...
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ArticlePressing the advantage
Pressing matters in ChinaPress hardeningThe press shop marks the beginning of the automotive production process. Here, as chassis parts are shaped from precisely cut metal blanks, while corresponding tool sets create body parts such as side frames, doors, bonnets and roofs from sheet metal of various thicknesses.Material details vary between ...
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Article
Ford makes changes to its executive team
Shanghai, China – Joe Hinrichs, Ford Group Vice- President and President Asia Pacific and Africa region has announced changes to the group’s executive team.Randy Krieger has been appointed President of Ford Group Philippines, replacing Rick Baker. Krieger, formerly president of Ford Japan, has been replaced by Tim Tucker, formerly vice-president ...
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Article
Wagh is the head of passenger car manufacturing and product development at Tata
Mumbai, India – Girish Wagh, head of the Tata Motors’ small car project, has been appointed head of passenger car manufacturing and product development. This follows the announcement that Rajiv Dube has resigned from the position. Dube, who joined the company in 1983, played a pivotal role in Tata’s entry ...
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ArticleJoining options in BIW
Focus on adhesive bondingLaser makes gains in BIWWeapon of choiceAdvanced laser techniquesA wide range of recently-launched vehicles claim to have set new standards in joining innovation and efficiency, the improvements largely gained by using a combination of resistance spot welding and adhesive bonding techniques. While few manufacturers are prepared to ...