All Ford articles – Page 59
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ArticleUpgrading with IGRIP
Delmia has implemented software solutions to upgrade the paint lines at Caterpillar’s facility in Decatur, Illinois, where a number of new robots have been installed requiring intensive re-programmingModified relationshipsWhen Caterpillar wanted to upgrade its robotic paint line it was agreed that utilising the Delmia IGRIP software with the UltraPaint add-on ...
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ArticleThe pressures of the press line
Consolidation in the pressing business, both in terms of process steps and suppliers, is seeing the development of smarter applications in body-in-white and door assembly. AMS looks at Stadco and its subassembly supply.Turning JapaneseCost and innovationLocation, location, locationStrength means complexityQuality through consolidationBumper businessThere are several trends that most Tier One ...
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ArticleThrowing 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 ...
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ArticleSmart 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 ...
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ArticleA 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, ...
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ArticleRoot 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 ...
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ArticleComputer 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, ...
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ArticleRaising 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 ...
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ArticleWireless 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 ...
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ArticleCable 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 ...
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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 ...