All Ford articles – Page 31
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ArticleClear opportunity for Guardian Automotive
Designers and engineers in automotive production view glass as a rather tiresome necessity; fragile and brittle, it is not an ideal material to install in a machine subject to torsional stresses, severe jolts and almost constant vibration. In the early days of motoring, glass windscreens replaced goggles as a method ...
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ArticleHelmet of choice
AMS speaks to producers and end users of Sperian Welding to find out which features and innovations have made these some of the most popular helmets available on the market. Advances in plant safety are often most apparent in automation control, robot, conveyor and transport systems. Yet one of the ...
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ArticleAGVs stray from the fixed path
Multi-functional AGV solutionCompressor maker benefits from new routesLayout and softwareAGVs have been rather a Cinderella technology; invented some 50 years ago and known as ‘driverless systems’, they have seen advances in electronics start to catch up with their potential for autonomous material handling. Technological developments may have given AGVs more ...
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ArticleRaising the roof at Jaguar
Expert partnersToo smooth for a vision systemThe new Jaguar XJ features among its generous list of standard equipment the first full-glass roof on a Jaguar. This toughened Webasto glass roof is a defining feature of the new model, adding an ‘architectural lightness’ to the car’s exterior. A special opening mechanism ...
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ArticleRobots reach for new processes and markets
ABB’s flexible approachThe ‘Far East’ challengeSpace at a premiumSuccess through simulationVirtual preparation for succesful integrationLocal sourcingWireless control and flexibilityTight timelinesCleaning the casting dieSafer process for safety-critical partsNew tools for the man-machine interfaceThe automotive industry is generally credited with having pioneered the large scale use of robots. Long production runs of ...
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ArticleLeipzig gets the X-factor
New press shop for LeipzigAdjusting production processesSetting up the supply chainModel developmentProduction of the X1 crossover has started at BMW’s plant in Leipzig, Germany and that of the 3-Series saloon has halted. Although taking design cues from the X5 SUV, the smaller X1 features an all-new chassis that - in ...
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ArticleUltimate flexibility
People PowerLogistics and weatherWorld-class flexibilityPart deliveryWorking with labourTechnologies put in place at Kia Motors Slovakia seem to back up the claim that it is the company’s – and perhaps the world’s – most efficient automotive production plant.In Kyu Bae, President and CEO of Kia Motors Slovakia, says that the company’s ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Trapped by legacy infrastructure
Nick Reilly, newly-appointed CEO of GM Europe, has announced that the company will close its Antwerp production facility by the end of the year. Interestingly, aside from the angry reaction of union members, there was little shock registered in the automotive community.This is because it was no spur-of-the-moment decision. The ...
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Article
Tata Motors take Forster for a new CEO
Gaydon, UK – Tata Motors has named Carl-Peter Forster, former head of GM Europe, as its new CEO. The Indian carmaker said that the job would entail ‘overall responsibility of Tata Motors’ global operations’. Forster resigned from GM Europe after the decision was made not to sell the division to ...
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Article
Pflanzl leads BASF Coatings’ Automotive
Münster, Germany – Harald Pflanzl has been appointed head of BASF Coatings’ Automotive Refinish Europe business unit. Pfl anzl succeeds Christoph Hansen, who now heads the Dispersions for Adhesives and Constructions Europe unit, based in Ludwigshafen.Pflanzl has been with the company since 2000, when he was appointed managing director of ...
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ArticleArc welding cells from AWL
AWL has developed a complete line of advanced welding cells suitable for high levels of output and complex product operating conditions. Part of the ‘Advanced’ line, the Basic Arc Welding Cell ensures a high up-time, translating to improved productivity. The integrated modules are selfcontained and are a great asset in ...
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ArticleNew AC/DC sensors from P+F
Expanding its range of its Econo-Vue photoelectric sensors, Pepperl+Fuchs has added AC/DC versions to the existing DC models. The Econo-Vue’s universal supply voltage is signifi cant in that it allows a single sensor to be used for AC or DC applications. Additionally, AC supply sensors could result in longer runs ...
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ArticleBielomatik offers three-in-one welding units
While most thermoplastic welding process require separate delivery systems, Bielomatik specializes in delivering welding systems that can accommodate gas convection, infrared and hot plate welding technologies. This provides the range of alternatives needed to match the technology to the process for the type of plastic material. Bielomatik welding units are ...
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ArticleNew anchor stud from Profil
Pierce fastening and assembly specialist Profi l has launched the SZB stud, a fast and secure anchor post for plastic or metal clips used to secure trim, insulation, hydraulic pipework or electrical wiring runs to sheet metal components. Ideal for use in the automotive industry, the new fastener features an ...
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ArticleRexroth launches IndraMotion MTX micro
The new IndraMotion MTX micro machining centre is described as being one of the most compact turning and milling machines currently available. The unit is designed for automating up to four feed drives for turning or milling machines as a CNC controller with integrated PLC. A built-in frequency converter function ...
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Article
Lotus has made two changes to its senior management
Hethel, UK – Lotus has made two changes to its senior management. Dr. Robert Hentschel has been appointed Director of Lotus Engineering. Hentschel will lead expansion of Lotus Engineering’s thirdparty consultancy work.Paul Newsome, previously Managing Director of Lotus Engineering, will now take over as Director of Product Engineering for Lotus ...
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ArticleDirectSkinning for a superior plastics finish
Bayer MaterialScience and Fischer Automotive Systems have launched the jointlydeveloped DirectSkinning technology, a plastic coating process said to return improved cost-effi ciency in the production of injection-moulded parts for vehicle interiors. DirectSkinning combines the injection moulding of thermoplastics with the reaction injection moulding (RIM) process for polyurethane processing. DirectSkinning does ...
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ArticleMilliken releases new Hyperform HPR-803
Milliken has introduced its high-performance reinforcing agent, Hyperform HPR-803 and Hyperform HPN nucleating additives for polyolefi ns. The Hyperform HPR-803 agent is suitable for use in the automotive sector as it can reduce the weight of polypropylene car parts. Hyperform HPN nucleating additives for polyolefi ns add further dimensional control, ...
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ArticlePortable TIG welding equipment from ESAB
ESAB’s latest Caddy portable TIG welding units are suitable for welding various materials, including mild and stainless steels, while some can be used for aluminium welding. In addition to an introductory range of equipment, ESAB has launched two Origo Tig 3001i units - TA23 and TA24. Both require a three-phase ...
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ArticleColorMax-1000 from EMX Industries
According to EMX Industries, colour sensing and matching is easy with ColorMax-1000 industrial sensors. Housed in a standard M30 proximity sensor package, ColorMax-1000 allows faster differentiation between parts, allowing machines to see up to 15 different colours and RGB intensity, while built-in algorithms ignore lustre. Traditional colour sensors output only ...