Latest News & Features – Page 171
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ArticleA control explosion
Increasingly connected control systems will enable the emergence of ultra-modern automotive plants Being more productive means doing more with less, and this is where the latest control systems technologies can help automotive plants move to the next level of productivity. Examples of automation such as conveyors are at the heart ...
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ArticleParker to lead Infiniti in Americas
US – Succeeding Michael Bartsch, who is leaving the company to pursue other interests, Randy Parker will take the role of vice-president, Infiniti Americas, with immediate effect. He will be based at the Infiniti Americas headquarters in Franklin, Texas.Parker was most recently vice-president, Nissan West Region, Nissan North America, and ...
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ArticleHigh-quality laser marking
Specifically designed for basic marking applications, SCANLAB says its new basiCube 10 scan head is around 15% smaller than the SCANcube 10. The company says it offers users a very-high-speed scan system, with a 10mm aperture and laser-marking-optimised tuning. The new scan head is available with silicon mirrors for three ...
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ArticleAdvanced wastegate technology
Cummins Turbo Technologies says it is working with a large OEM customer to field test its new Electric Wastegate turbocharger. This new technology has been engineered to provide fast response and precise control at all areas of the engine performance envelope, and helps to improve performance and reduce emissions, claims ...
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ArticleA new compact robot
Comau’s newest robot, Racer 999, is a six-axis articulated unit that inherits all the key features of the Racer 7-1.4 model. The company says this new robot is suited to applications including assembly, handling, machine tooling, packaging and more, and particularly where space is limitedWith a reach of 999mm ...
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ArticleHybrid design for trunnion table
TrunnionTable.com claims its new Stallion Hybrid trunnions allow faceplates and chucks to be installed without removal of the trunnion table for faster part setups. Two models are available, the Stallion Hybrid 9/20 (9 in. x 20 in.) designed to hold a 6-in. vise and the 9/23 (9 in. x 23 ...
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ArticleMiniature family of photoelectric sensors
Rockwell Automation says its new Allen-Bradley Bulletin 42KD miniature family of photoelectric sensors offer high-performance and reliability, and are easy to install in confined spaces. The Bulletin 42KD sensor features a visible red LED light source. It is available in polarized retroreflective and fixed or adjustable background suppression-sensing modes. With ...
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ArticleFanuc to boost Japanese production
Japan – The robot-maker has purchased 659,000 sq.m of land at Mibu-hanyuda Industrial Park, Tochigi Prefecture, with plans to build new facilities from September 2015. This will enable the company to increase its capacity for CNCs, servo-motors and servo-amplifiers, in line with growing demand in Europe.In addition, at its headquarters ...
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ArticleChevrolet confirms next-generation EV
US – Based on the Bolt electric vehicle (EV) concept, the new model will be built at General Motors’ Orion Assembly plant in Michigan. Orion and the Pontiac Metal Center are the subject of a $200m investment to support the production, the former receiving $160m for tooling and the latter ...
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ArticleMississippi makes 500,000th Corolla
US – Established only in 2011, Toyota's facility in Blue Springs has reached the milestone faster than any of its other plants in the country. Toyota Mississippi and its workforce of 2,000 turned out nearly 180,000 Corollas last year.The plant has over 15 parts and materials suppliers in the state, ...
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ArticleThe aluminium age
The main alternative to steel is becoming more popular with vehicle-makers for its lightweighting potential but there are challenges in its wider use, including the need to secure a steady supply of recycled contentThe use of aluminium in automotive applications is poised to explode over the next five to ten ...
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ArticleCustom workholding & automation products
DE-STA-CO says it is expanding its custom manufacturing capabilities to provide OEM and end-users with application-designed productivity tools. The company says customers can work directly with its engineers to modify any of its clamping, automation and material handling solutions, to produce products that are matched to a specific application. ...
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ArticleLaser sensor for black or shiny targets
The new Q4X sensor reliably detects distance changes as small as 1mm on challenging targets as black objects on black backgrounds or reflective items, claims Banner Engineering. High excess gain and a 64-element imager combine to minimise errors in detection, counting and validating orientation, says the company. It offers an ...
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ArticleTravel blog: EU puts its money where Louth is
Grimsby. It’s not normally thought of as a hotbed of technological, indeed any, innovation. Luckily, I was merely passing through on my way to Louth, where something more interesting was happening. At an industrial estate on the edge of town, an independent technical compounder and recycler is developing a new ...
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ArticleMercedes breaks ground at Iracemápolis
Brazil – The 500m reais ($172m) car plant near São Paulo will start production of the C-Class in Q1 2016, with the GLS compact SUV following in the middle of the year. The initial annual capacity will be 20,000 units, with potential to expand.The establishment of the plant is expected ...
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ArticleGooden takes a seat on GM board
US – Former Lockheed Martin executive vice-president Linda Gooden will become a director from February 5, 2015. She retired in 2013 but currently serves on the boards of several public companies.Gooden began her 40-year career at the Packard Electric Division of GM and spent 34 years at Lockheed Martin, holding ...
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ArticleContiTech’s polyamide crossbeam heading for series production
Germany – The Hanover-based company has developed a transmission crossbeam from fibreglass-reinforced polyamide BASF Ultramid for the rear axle, which is used in all Mercedes-Benz models with all-wheel drive, excluding the AMG range. The new variant is 25% lighter than diecast aluminium.ContiTech claims that the component offers optimum strength, good ...
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ArticleFord's $2.6 billion Valencia investment
Spain – An initial $1.25 billion was announced in 2011, followed by a further $1.37 billion since 2013. The OEM says that Valencia is now one of the “most advanced, flexible and productive” automotive plants worldwide, and will be the sole European source for all six Ford nameplates assembled there.A ...
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ArticleHyundai-Kia: Moving on up
Expanding production has seen the Korean group break into the top five OEMs worldwide; with new plants on the way in China and Mexico, the vehicle-maker may soon challenge rivals for a place in the top three In this article:Korean productionHyundai plantsKia plantsExpansion in China & EuropeTrouble in the US ...
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ArticleKJR in expansion programme
UK – The Coventry-based manufacturer of high-specification car interiors has secured £1.1m of funding to purchase new plant and tooling equipment to cater to increased demand from its clients.As well as enabling KJ Ryan (KJR) to buy new equipment, the funding will provide additional working capital to increase the company’s ...