All Ford articles – Page 48
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ArticleFrom strength to strength
A future for steelSteel innovationsFlat carbon steelQuiet SteelSmooth high strengthCross-car beamSteel solutionsSpecialist high-strength steels are helping engineers and designers save weight while meeting stringent performance and safety targetsWhen you talk to carmakers around the world the theme of high-strength steels as the preferred material for carmakers in terms of performance, ...
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ArticleTwo microns for good measure
Pinpoint accuracyMillion-point metrologyErgonomics 101Safety firstImage is everything when it comes to measuring and inspection, and the meticulous accuracy of the latest digital holography tools promise great leaps forward in quality, safety and performanceThe new wave of digital holographic imaging technology developed at the University of Michigan is emerging as the ...
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ArticleDigital modelling for stamping
Life-cycle harmonyDecision drivers and dependencies in vehicle development life cycleTechnology enablersHolistic benefitsVirtual die technology embraced in the past decade has grown by quantum leaps, and those who embraced the technology in the early stages of its development are starting to realise superiority in competitiveness, productivity and profit margins.Stamping dies are ...
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ArticleHigh stakes and great expectations
Processes are digitally unifiedWork sharing from a global perspectiveVirtual assessment roomsFord’s virtual builds win plauditsProduct development cycles are reducedPressure pointsLean is the new themeDigital manufacturing is only now coming in to its own, and carmakers are using the virtual factory to assist in reducing time to market of products.But this ...
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ArticleCivic interest in Honda grows
Both lines are running at full production“Overtime should be the exception, not the rule”Global platforms for new model introductionsWorking in tandem with suppliersThe success of Honda’s Civic and CR-V models has been nothing short of phenomenal, and production at its UK manufacturing facility has reached capacity 12 months ahead of ...
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ArticleOlympus NDT Introduces the EPOCH LTC
Olympus NDT has introduced its new EPOCH LTC digital ultrasonic fl aw detector. Weighing only 0.96kg, this handheld instrument is now the smallest in its line of EPOCH fl aw detectors. The EPOCH LTC is built for use in a wide range of weather conditions and diffi cult inspection environments. ...
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ArticlePepperl+Fuchs’ Emergency Stop Switches offer fast, error-free installation
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced a new family of Emergency Stop (e-stop) Switches with integrated Safety at Work (SaW) functionality. These intelligent e-stop switches are powered by the ASInterface network and offer fast, error-free installation in fi eld or panel-mount applications. Field and panel-mount models are available in high-intensity, wide-angle illuminated versions, ...
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Article
Easy light curtain installation with Omron STI’s F3SJ
Omron STI’s F3SJ Safety Light Curtains make selecting and installing a safety light curtain easier than ever – users need only specify the required confi guration type and sensor length. F3SJ safety light curtains are available in fi nger protection, hand protection or hand/limb body protection confi gurations.Sensors with protective ...
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Article
Award winning steels from Uddeholm
Uddeholm’s powder compacting steels can increase the lifespan of tools, often lasting twice as long as tools made of conventional materials. In combination they offer superior results in the tooling process.Uddeholm’s four recommended tool steels for powder compacting offer solve all the common tooling problems including galling, adhesive wear, abrasive ...
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ArticleGeico’s J-Flex system takes the stress out of body handling
J-Flex is an innovative handling system for pre-treatment and e-coat plants. The system consists of specifi c trolleys for body handling driven by chains. Body dip and rotation movements are independent thus they can be combined in order to obtain optimised working positions. The complete system is controlled by a ...
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Article
Vacuum sensing system for robotic vacuum handling from PIAB
PIAB’s new decentralized vacuum sensing system for robotic vacuum handling is a customer-driven solution that provides an output of just one to two signals for handling systems with up to 12 vacuum generators. Each vacuum generator in the decentralised handling system can utilise durable, electromechanical mini vacuum switch in aluminum.The ...
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ArticleCogniTens Optigo RE for 3D measurement
CogniTens has introduced its new Optigo RE model incorporating new optical 3D textured-light-based measurement technology and software. Optigo RE offers fl exible measurement volumes allowing full or partial measurement on small to large objects including body side panels and large stamping dies. Optigo RE serves primarily as a reliable shop ...
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ArticleSICK’s C4000 safety light curtain protects while saving space
With the C4000 Guest, SICK adds a particularly compact system to its family of Category 4 safety light curtains for protecting hazardous points-of-operation. Differing resolutions and protective field heights permit application-oriented confi guration. With space-saving installation, the C4000 Guest offers a minimised passive area – reliably preventing stepping around the ...
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Article
Silastic injection mouldable elastomer meets engine specifications
Dow Corning’s Silastic 100 per cent Fluoro Liquid Silicone Rubber (F-LSR) is a new fully fl uorinated twopart injection mouldable elastomer designed to meet increasingly stringent automotive engine temperature, fuel and oil resistance specifi cations. It combines the ease of processing of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) with the temperature and ...
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Article
Light-weight valve terminal system from Rexroth is ideal for automotive
Rexroth has introduced the ‘light generation’ version of its HF (High Flow) valve terminal system series – for use where a number of cylinders are used. The HF03-LG is a lighter-weight system with an impressive fl ow rate of up to 700 litres/min. It has a modular design and can ...
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ArticleVAC-TAC adhesive system from Power Adhesives
VAC-TAC is a new adhesive system from Power Adhesives for securing and positioning reinforcement materials in vacuum infused composites. It has been designed to hold in place typical vacuum processing products such as reinforced fabrics, foam, balsa, bleeders, breathers, peel plies and release fi lms used in even the largest ...
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ArticleComplex parts cleaned inline with Dürr’s EcoCSpeed
Dürr Ecoclean EcoCSpeed offers new advantages for inline cleaning of individual parts. This innovative system makes it possible for the fi rst time to clean complex geometrical workpieces during the manufacturing cycle using non-halogenated hydrocarbon. The EcoCSpeed has several process modules that can be loaded in delayed phases via a ...
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ArticleLille and large - regional focus
PSA at ValenciennesMCP manufactureSuppliers in step with assemblyCRITT M2ABridgestoneCompetition breeds creativityLabour intensive productionBridgestone BIRDRenault at DouaiDSafety and ergonomicsFrench bastion/span>C-Segment productionEnvironmental impactToyotomi EuropeYaris supplyFaureciaThe northern French region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais is a prodigious centre of car production, with over 200 automotive companies supporting an annual build of 10 million. AMS looks at ...
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Article‘Virtual human’ tool improves ergonomics
Ergonomics is the hot topic of the day Possible postures are automatically displayed An ergonomically designed workstation makes work positions more comfortable for employees – and it pays dividends by increasing productivity. Volkswagen has implemented a virtual human software program at its Wolfsburg plant Ergonomics used ...
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ArticleLaw and order at Lexus
Continuous improvement in KyushuQuality policeMiyata complexInnovations on the lineIts fight for the title of No. 1 global carmaker is putting pressure on the Toyota Production System, but if any incentive were needed for further improvements in quality, it can be found in the Miyata Lexus complex in KyushuThe Toyota Production ...