Latest News & Features – Page 162
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ArticleSVW to boost EV production with expansion at Anting
China – The decision between Volkswagen and SAIC to grow the main facility of their joint venture, SVW, will enable the full localisation of VW electric vehicles (EVs) on a gradual basis. In four years’ time, a new EV based on VW’s Chinese bestseller, the Lavida, will roll off the ...
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ArticleFluid thinking in machining
The latest coolant and cutting-oil technologies can support automotive's drive for ever higher productivityTo meet demanding output schedules, automotive manufacturing engineers have little option but to machine fast. However, if there is one thing certain to cause heat in machining operations, it is fast cutting speeds and high feed rates. ...
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ArticleModel predictive control software
Rockwell Automation claims its Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC) software now offers a more user-friendly configuration environment, step-by-step prompts, warning diagnostics and flexible work flows.The company says this v5.0 software remains control system independent, but integrates with its PlantPAx process automation system and includes four key enhancements: Updated, Windows-based solution ...
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ArticleSurface measurement testers
AMETEK Taylor Hobson says it has added two new products to its range of surface measurement testers. These are the Surtronic Duo portable surface roughness tester for shopfloor and on-site measurement of multiple roughness parameters and the Intra Touch contour and finish measurement system for applications including precision machining.The company ...
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Article
FCA makes senior management changes in UK
UK – Karl Howkins is newly appointed as deputy managing director and will head up a streamlined structure, with two country directors looking after the Fiat/Abarth and Jeep/Alfa Romeo marques – respectively, Elena Bernardelli and Damien Dally.Bernardelli was previously marketing director at Fiat; Dally headed up Alfa Romeo in the ...
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ArticleBarratt is Ford Britain’s new MD
UK – Effective from July 1, Andy Barratt will be chairman and managing director; his predecessor, Mark Ovenden, is moving on to become president and CEO of Ford Sollers, the joint venture with JSC Sollers in Russia.Barratt has experience of leading Ford sales teams within the UK and was also ...
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ArticleGM invests $119m in parts plant
US – The expenditure on tools and equipment at the OEM’s Grand Rapids operations in Michigan will support the production of future vehicle components. The plant already operates on three shifts with 500 employees but will add 300 personnel.The factory produces a variety of precision-machined engine parts for Chevrolet, Buick, ...
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ArticleBristol to use BMW engine for Pinnacle project
UK – The British carmaker’s first new vehicle in more than a decade will launch later this year as a 70th anniversary model. The company says its BMW-powered car will be “a modern take on the best of British craftsmanship”.Bristol Cars says Project Pinnacle will be the subject of further ...
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ArticleAudible progress
With sales, revenue and production investments all on the increase, Audi is really making some noiseProduction sites in this article:Ingolstadt, GermanyMuenchsmuenster, GermanyNeckarsulm, GermanyMartorell, Spain Brussels, BelgiumGyor, HungaryBratislava, Slovakia Changchun, ChinaFoshan, ChinaSan José Chiapa, MexicoSão José dos Pinhais, Brazil Aurangabad, India Jakarta, IndonesiaKaluga, RussiaStrong financial results will allow Audi to continue ...
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ArticleMultimatic to support Metrocab production
UK – Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, makers of Metrocab, say that the zero-emissions-capable vehicle will be able to enter volume production next year, supported by the partnership with manufacturing specialist Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV).MNV, which makes complete cars plus body/chassis assemblies for low-volume programmes, has a well-established facility in Coventry, ...
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ArticleGreen laser for use with portable & fixed CMMs
Perceptron has introduced a green laser-line metrology scanner, the ScanR CMM, that it claims offers an advantage over red and blue laser scanners when scanning highly reflective and carbon fibre parts. The company says it can be easily integrated into its TouchDMIS metrology software and feature extraction from the ...
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ArticleFRP gel coat systems for composite manufacturing
Graco says its fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) gel coat system is suitable for molded fibre-reinforced plastics such as those used in automotive applications. The company claims its gel coat system proportioner has been optimised for ratio stability and control components and long-lasting seals offer reduced maintenance, increasing overall uptime.The RS gel ...
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Webinar
Hexagon Metrology: Bridging 3D Metrology & Process Control for Automotive Applications
Global automotive manufacturers are striving to improve mechanical quality, fit and finish and reduce rework while accelerating new vehicle launches. Classic 3D Metrology as well as In-line process control technologies are important contributors for achieving higher quality products, more stable process and faster ramp up of new car programs.For many ...
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ArticleVolvo formalises SC plant development
US – The signing of the agreement with local officials in Charleston, South Carolina (SC) opens the way for ground-breaking to take place this autumn. The first units are due to roll off the line in late 2018.“Today we formalise an important milestone in Volvo Cars’ global transformation in the ...
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ArticleGM Lansing tools up for 2016 Camaro
US – Preparations for the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro are costing $175m and will see the plant in Michigan adding 500 jobs with a second shift in late summer. Facility enhancements include three new paint systems and two robotic framers which will allow better dimensional control.“With this investment in tooling and ...
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ArticleSKF supplying VW at Puebla
Mexico – The company is providing wheel hub and MacPherson suspension bearing units for the Golf VII. Deliveries started in the first quarter of 2015.The SKF factory is close to VW’s manufacturing site at Puebla and able to supply just-in-time deliveries at short notice. The company already provides bearing units ...
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ArticleTitan celebrates 40th anniversary
UK – Having developed out of Charles Lucas Engineering, a racing team from the 1960s, Titan has grown to become a supplier of components and engineering solutions to motorsport teams, niche car manufacturers and international automotive OEMs. The company reached its 40th anniversary earlier this month.“This was quite a gradual ...
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ArticleAudi progresses smart factory concept
Germany – The OEM says it has already implemented some intelligent production processes but will introduce further innovations in the coming years. Audi’s vision for the future, discussed at its recent annual shareholders meeting, encompasses collaborative robots, 3D printing and cars driven from the assembly line in piloted mode.An increasing ...
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ArticleKumho and Yokohama expand partnership
China/Japan – Discussions are underway about a start date for Kumho Tires to supply Yokohama with OE product later this year, plus the specifications and volumes required. The two companies already signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2013 for joint R&D of next-generation products.Kumho says the new deal will ...
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ArticleKWSP's 3D printing makes 1920s car parts
UK – Engineers from KW Special Projects (KWSP) in Brackley used their additive manufacturing capabilities and high-performance engineering experience to design and manufacture missing parts for the restoration of a 1927 Amilcar C6, based on a black-and-white photograph.The car had featured an extended selector housing, adapted from the original. Using ...