All Ford articles – Page 53
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ArticleModular safety at Eisenach
The process of welding the tailgate on the Corsa at Opel Eisenach has been overhauled without any compromise to safety, with automation expert PilzSensory deprivationPeople scannersLike most body shops the one at Opel Eisenach is heavily automated, almost a 100 per cent in fact, save for eight workstations on the ...
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AutoForm Engineering releases EasyBlank
AutoForm Engineering has released EasyBlank for rapid calculation of developed blank outlines from imported 3D CAD part geometry.It uses AutoForm-OneStep simulation technology and calculates material optimisation and nesting layout, making the software particularly useful at the quotation stage of a project.EasyBlank is free to download and use, and users of ...
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ArticleGrand range of parts at Crewe
While a Bentley may be something more than the sum total of its parts, making sure those parts are engineered, regardless of model year, to the company’s exceptional standards is a priority for continued prestigeWhat’s in a nameParts and parcelsPrice and ApplicationKey to the pastBuried deep within the bowels of ...
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ArticleHyster shows foresight on the Fortens forklift
Hyster is pleased to announce the launch of “Raised Operator” versions of both the H2.0-3.5FT & H4.0-5.5FT Fortens Series IC-engine forklift trucks. The new Raised Operator option is designed for use in applications where the load carried can often hinder the driver’s view.To enhance visibility over the attachment and associated ...
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ArticleAutomotive robots reach for the sky
Airbus has completed a major research project that has brought automotive robots up to aerospace tolerances – a process that incorporates Delmia V5R16 Robotics software and should reduce costs, cut production time and improve quality.Realistic Robot SimulationAdaptive ControlCo-operating robotsCompany-wide, we drill around 50 million holes per year and half of ...
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ArticleCutting out the carbon
Volvo Trucks is paving the way for CO2-free truck making while Ford embraces wind power and the photovoltaic cell. These are just two of the innovations emerging from an industry committed to reducing both carbon output and the cost of manufacturingBiomass and windpowerEnergy reduction remains criticalDifferent energy models for each ...
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ArticleTurning up the WiC
BERU F1 is working in harness with carmakers to protect and package wiring solutions for today’s more sophisticated vehicles.Reliable protectionVersatilitySignificant advances in the materials used in wiring harnesses offer the automotive industry opportunities to enhance the packaging, weight and functionality by combining composites and loom into a single component.Today’s automotive ...
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ArticleCool coatings
Heat resistant ceramic coating offers OEMs reliability and performance advantages. Developed originally for the UK nuclear industry, a zirconia-based coating is finding increasing uses in the automotive industry.Thermal managementCut the wrapCeramic coatings have been used previously to retain heat within specific sub-systems or to protect components and operators from excessive ...
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ArticlePump up the volume
Carbon fibre has long been the preserve of the super car elite – but those days are coming to an endCarbon fibre is finding favour in structural componentsProduction processes must be developedCarbon gives the necessary weight savingsMention composites in the context of car design and thoughts automatically turn to the ...
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The race for better metals
Motorsport engines demand higher performance and that means the manufacture of very pure metals. It’s an area of intense competition and innovation, as Nigel Eames of MCT explainsPurer steelMaterial researchOne of the most gruelling automotive environments for metals is that found in a motorsport engine, where reliability and performance are ...
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ArticleDesmo dangers solved
Ducati’s famed Desmodromic valve system allows its engines to reach tremendous speeds but demands absolute precision in machining and assembly Taking controlEye for detailDucati has realised that the machining of valuable components for its Desmodromic engines must be carefully controlled. Different tools are used hundreds of thousands of times during ...
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ArticleSpreading the Ethernet
The demands of commercial vehicle making are being met with increasingly sophisticated automation software, including integrated Ethernet communication and client/server architecturesCommunication protocolsUnity automation platformAutomation faces particular challenges when it comes to the production of commercial vehicles because of the wide variety demanded. Theoretically, the number of variants that might need ...
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Holding the energy line at GM
General Motors is embracing energy savings and improved performance with a new decentralised vacuum system from PIAB. AMS talks to Senior Manufacturing Project Engineer Dan Anfinson about getting a grip on the competitive edgeA firm grasp on safety and performanceIncreased up-timeDan Anfinson recognises that competition is the driving force in ...
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ArticleFrom function blocks to engine blocks
Schneider Electric has developed digital function blocks that allow cost efficiency and application support for major Tier One suppliersReady for reuseProgramming project bookAs Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programmers know well, there are two schools of thought on how you program them. There’s the North American “ladder logic” camp, and the ...
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ArticleThis smart little worker needs no rest
New module programming and configuring technology from Mahle Powertrain puts an end to end-of-line testing. AMS reports on the opportunities for assembly line flexibility and cost savings that come with VPPRail systems become expensivePlug and let playMeasuring contentWhen it comes to the programming and testing of today’s electronically sophisticated vehicles, ...
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ArticleQashqai on delivery
Nissan has ensured a high standard in the launch of its Qashqai model with the use of manufacturing execution software from factory information expert Lighthouse SystemsPre-production trialsSystems for new model introductionsFlow of informationSupporting the life cycleNissan is renowned for its innovative designs and they reflect the spirit of the organisation. ...
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Manufacturing in full view
Engineered Machined Products is North America’s leading producer of pumps and components for the heavy duty industry. AMS reports on how its adoption of PC-based automation is securing manufacturing efficiency across its operationPC-based automationQuality controlFuture trendsEver since Engineered Machined Products (EMP) started moving towards a PC-based front end for the ...
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Audi names Strotbek as its new Chief Financial Officer
Ingolstadt, Germany – Audi has named Axel Strotbek as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1st. He takes over from Audi CEO Rupert Stadler, who has been acting CFO since taking charge of the luxury brand in January.Strotbek studied in Sweden and earned a masters in business administration in ...
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ArticleGetting the right mix
Thanks to Quaker Chemical’s detection of shortfalls in its emulsion and deburring activity, one German truckmaker was able to ensure more reliable transmission manufacturing while also lowering maintenance costsPerformance indicatorsImproving the emulsionWhen a large German car and truck subcontractor encountered several problems with the manufacturing of its transmission housings for ...
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Schalow is the new head of DaimlerChrysler plant in Hamburg-Harburg
Hamburg, Germany – Werner Schalow has been appointed the new head of the DaimlerChrysler plant in Hamburg-Harburg, effective July 1st, 2007. He succeeds Dr Jürgen Böhm, who retired on June 30th after 27 years of service.Schalow has held various specialist and management positions at the Hamburg plant, most recently as ...