Automation – Page 426
-
Article
Throwing new shapes
More components in the cars we drive now are made of plastic as material developments bring structural advantages and better crash behaviourNew applicationsStructural and trimMoulding in colourHybrid IPSimple and safeBreakthroughs on performancePlastic GORThe automotive industry’s acceptance of plastic can be traced back to the early part of the century, but ...
-
Article
Smart handling for vacuum gripping
Replacing conventional vacuum ejectors with high-performance versions brings savings in compressed air, energy costs and downtime at a major carmakerRobot press lineIntegrated high-performanceConsideration of the economic and efficiency aspects of vacuum gripping systems for handling sheet-metal parts are of enormous importance, particularly in the automotive industry.A basic distinction can be ...
-
Article
A heavy demand for lightweight construction
Making steel high strength means lightening the load for carmakers, and applications are extending to stamped and rolled components.Structure and safetyThe steel revolutionManufacturing concernsHigh-strength in actionAnother GalaxyIn modern vehicle manufacturing the demand for lightweight, high-strength steels, including the latest dual-phase materials, is increasing because of the overall blend of structural, ...
-
Article
Root and branch reform at Renault
Renault has implemented a new customer-focused strategy that makes quality the centrepiece of the company’s manufacturing system. AMS looks at the initiative and talks to senior VP for quality, Yann Vincent, about its effect on productivityQuality processesPalencia initiativesSupplier qualityCustomer quality managementThere is not an automotive manufacturer that does not put ...
-
Article
Computer crashing
Computer aided engineering is making vehicles safer through the use of more sophisticated simulation models based on reliable data. AMS looks at the rise of the digital dummy.Reducing time and costKnowledge-based solutionsSophisticated structuresReal time restraintTyre model simulationLimited-slip differentialsBepco Host CellRobust solutionMahle sub-system testingCorus, the international steel company, and DAF Trucks, ...
-
Article
Raising the tool bar
Having the right tool for the job is a process being made easier thanks to advances in rapid manufacturing, and it is bringing big benefits to every part of the manufacturing process Helping hand heldOrganic ergonomicDucati design cyclesAll in the detailFormula for successExTreme performanceAt the first mention of prototyping in ...
-
Article
Wireless bridge module from ProSoft
ProSoft Technology’s new inRAx Wireless Ethernet/IP Communication Module (MVI56-WA-EIP) acts as a wireless bridge, enabling remote connectivity between a ControlLogix processor and 802.11 wireless devices including: PCs, Labtops, radio modems such as the RadioLinx Industrial Hotspot and other MVI56-WAEIP modules. The MVI56-WA-EIP module allows programming over the backplane and acts ...
-
Article
Cable and wireless tester from Clare
The latest addition to the Clare range of electrical safety testing equipment is a special ruggedised cable and wiring harness tester designed for demanding test locations and environments. The Horizon 1500 RWA is a durable, portable cable and harness analyser tester capable of battery powered operation and can be equipped ...
-
Article
Rigid and masterbatch compounds from Multibase
Multibase (a Dow Corning company), a key player in thermoplastic materials, has introduced a new range of rigid and masterbatch compounds, reinforced with micrometric structural talcs, (PP-μTalc).This new product line offers new technical and competitive cost alternatives for the design and manufacturing of structural plastic parts.Automotive parts need to integrate ...
-
Article
GE Launches New Extem* Resin Line
GE Plastics Extem* thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) resins are a new family of amorphous polymers that provide exceptional performance, while eliminating the drawbacks of semi-crystalline materials, imidized thermosets, and competitive amorphous thermoplastics.They deliver a powerful combination of melt processability and ultra-high thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties.They meet growing industry demand for ...
-
Article
Swivel Head Force Gauge from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques
Huntingdon Fusion Techniques has released the new Swivel Head Force Gauge, specifically designed for measuring the force between the electrodes in resistance welders used in automotive metal fabrication.This new model replaces the old fixed head resistance welding force gauge as well as the old swivel head version and combines the ...
-
Article
All eyes on design
Convincing 3D environments for automotive designers are becoming more sophisticated thanks to advances in data modelling technologyVirtalis visionMultiple viewing environmentCompany applicationsSubtle advanceCave dwellingSpeed and accuracyAdvanced simulation awardMarketing photo-realismAs if any more proof were needed of the sophistication with which computer technology can now elaborate ‘reality’, take a look at the ...
-
Article
New measurement capability from Bruel & Kjaer
Bruel & Kjaer has introduced its Response Equalisation Extreme (REq-X) measurement solution as part of its PULSE sound and vibration data acquisition and analysis platform. It extends the measurement capability, facilitates the first-time acquisition of valid data, and eliminates annoying measurement re-takes.The new REq-X feature extends and flattens the frequency-response ...
-
Article
Popular photoelectric sensors now feature 4-in-1 outputs
Pepperl+Fuchs’ popular Tru-Vue series photoelectric sensors are now available with 4-in- 1™ outputs. This enables a single sensor to operate in NPN normally open, NPN normally closed, PNP normally open, or PNP normally closed configurations. 4-in-1 simplifies sensor selection and stocking because one sensor model can now replace four sensor ...
-
Article
Go configure with Rexroth’s Easy-2-Combine
Rexroth’s Easy-2-Combine online confi gurator tool for handling systems features pneumatic and electric components that can interface with one another. It quickly and easily compiles a handling module without any extra calculation work and allows users to display handling modules online quickly and precisely. As an added benefit, the configurator ...
-
Article
Platform preparation in one Magics session
Materialise NV has released a new part of its Magics e-RP Suite called Magics 11 which speeds up the build set-up process with an automatic planning and process control system. This involves preparing multiple platforms in a single Magics session, enabling production planning on different machines simultaneously; though even with ...
-
Article
Solid carbide drill for wet and dry machining
Kennametal’s new B222HP solid carbide drill has been specifi cally designed for both wet and dry machining applications at drilling depths of 5x diameter. The drill is designed for application in both steel and cast irons and complements the already successful B221HP range of drills.It has the patented Kennametal HP ...
-
Article
EcoBelt – new Ecoclean belt cleaning system
Dürr Ecoclean has introduced a new belt cleaning system called EcoBelt. It has a modular design and the standard system consists of a cleaning module with tank, a drying module with blower, a spray tunnel, a transport system and a control system. It is available in four different sizes.The standard ...
-
Article
Instron launches ElectroPuls – revolutionary electrodynamic test instruments
Instron, a leading provider of testing equipment solutions designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components,has introduced ElectroPuls, an innovative new family of electrodynamic test instruments.The ElectroPuls systems incorporate state-of-the-art and patentedpending technologies that can perform both static and dynamic testing of a wide variety of materials and components. ...
-
Article
Huron Technologies provides cleaner mould coating
Mold Release Coating 7391 is a specially formulated rotational moulding application from Huron Technologies. Water based and semi-permanent, the coating provides a consistently cleaner mould due to less build-up on the mould surface. The part surface is also smoother and defect-free.Mold Release Coating 7391 can be used for up to ...