Latest News & Features – Page 178
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ArticleGeared up to the maximum
The number of gears in transmissions is increasing, but OEMs may be about to hit an upper limit The four-, five- and even six-speed gearboxes may well have had their day. So says Mark Champine, director transmission and driveline platform at Chrysler. “It may be a little bit different region ...
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ArticleStaying out of touch
Automated, non-contact measurement solutions seem to be the way forward for automotive manufacturingAutomotive plants require a variety of cell configurations for robotic 3D metrology and process control. Typically, such solutions will be based upon key components that include: industrial robots as flexible sensor positioning platforms; non-contact, white-light sensors; a software ...
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ArticleGM to spend $200m on Orion & Pontiac plants
US – The investment at the two facilities is to prepare for a future vehicle programme, and forms part of a $300m expenditure planned by GM for its operations in Michigan. Orion Assembly will receive $160m for tooling and equipment, while Pontiac Metal Center will get $40m for new dies.Cathy ...
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WebinarComau webinar: Light weighting manufacturing technologies
Automotive manufacturing relies on the use of efficient, high-volume processes which guarantee productivity and quality. In practical terms, this can be translated into effective performance-based Body-in-White solutions that deliver speed, precision and the flexibility to handle the growing use of multiple materials.In an exclusive Comau webinar, Martin Kinsella, Director of ...
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_Hexagon Metrology: Fast, rich and actionable 3D process control
Global automotive manufacturers are aiming to improve mechanical and visual assembly quality and reduce rework while accelerating new vehicle launches. 3D Metrology and In-line process control technologies are important contributors for achieving higher quality products, more stable process and faster ramp up for new vehicle programs. The introduction of fast ...
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ArticleSteel's stiff competition
New developments have made composite materials an increasingly viable option in vehicle manufacturingThe phrase ‘the right material in the right place’ has become something of a mantra for vehicle-makers in recent years in their efforts to reduce the weight of their cars. While the use of aluminium is increasing, many ...
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ArticleVW reports ‘Think Blue.Factory’ success
Germany – The OEM says it has completed over 2,700 projects and made its production processes 17% more “environmentally compatible” over the past three years. The results were presented by more than 250 experts from 27 plants of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the company’s Components division.The objective ...
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ArticleSuper colour vision
The latest technologies, including 3D dirt detection, can significantly improve the efficacy of colour identification in a range of automotive production applications At first glance, colour appears to be a fairly straightforward concept. However, when it comes to checking and measurement, it rapidly becomes a complex entity that demands attention ...
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ArticleAlabama: A sweet home for Honda
The OEM's Lincoln plant has upgraded its powertrain and stamping capabilities with greater automation Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) was selected to make the Acura MDX, which is the most technical product built at the plant. Classed as a light-truck facility, HMA builds three models: Odyssey, Pilot and MDX.The plant ...
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ArticleBMW pilots Google's 'smart' eyewear
US – The pioneering project at the OEM’s Spartanburg plant, South Carolina, is aimed at determining whether wearable technology can enhance workflows in quality assurance. The Google Glass devices are intended to improve communication between quality testers at the analysis centre for pre-series production and development engineers.The smart glasses enable ...
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ArticleCan steel keep its edge?
The ArcelorMittal finishing plant at Calvert, Alabama, is claimed to be one of the most advanced in the world – supplying the automotive industry in North America with the latest high-strength steelsArcelorMittal's Calvert plant is relatively new, built in 2009 and originally owned by ThyssenKrupp. ArcelorMittal and joint venture partner ...
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ArticleBenecke-Kaliko expands interior foils production
Germany – The company has acquired two plants from Mecaseat Group of Belgium. Backdated to November 1, Mecaseat’s Spanish subsidiary, Gorvi, in Pamplona and the Polish Mecapol in Wagrowiec has become 100% owned by Benecke-Kaliko. The two plants employ 150 workers; all jobs will be maintained.“We didn't just want to ...
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ArticleComposites: On good form
An array of composite materials are now available to vehicle-makers, each with special properties and production processes; but challenges remain in the cost and speed of manufacture – plus recyclabilityAlthough the advantages of polymer composites are well known in the automotive industry, their use has been impeded by high material ...
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ArticleDirect drive robotic arms
Igus has expanded its range of its modular robolink systemswith the introduction of the the robolink D direct drive articulated arm. The company says this is a more durable solution compared with remote drive versions. This new robolink is driven by a worm gear drive and a NEMA 17 or ...
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ArticleMonitoring magnetic clamping force
The latest development from ROEMHELD M-TECS‘ magnetic clamping plates is called Force Evaluation System (FES). The company says the function of FES is to constantly monitor the working cycle of injection moulding machines for plastic materials. The system has been developed to operate with a touchscreen operator interface and tablet. ...
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ArticleReporting & analysis software
COPA-DATA has developed a new version of its reporting and analysis software, zenon Analyzer 2.20. According to the company development of the new software focused on three issues: close interaction with other database systems, allowing users to connect databases from third parties and use the respective data for reporting and ...
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ArticlePorsche progresses at Zuffenhausen
Germany – The structural work and erection of steel girders for the new 10,000 sq.m facility will be completed by the end of the year. By the start of 2016, the two-storey plant will include a state-of-the-art assembly line with logistics areas and engine testing technology. The workforce will number ...
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ArticleWheeler and Parker take Nissan regional roles
US – Having previously served as regional vice-presidents, Judy Wheeler and Randy Parker will now take the titles of vice-president, Nissan Southeast Region, and vice-president, Nissan West Region, respectively. Both will continue to report to Fred Diaz, senior vice-president, US sales and marketing and operations.Nissan said that, in addition, the ...
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ArticleECS completes expansion with new CNC machine
UK – The workshop in Northamptonshire has installed a new Haas VF2SSYT three-axis CNC machine, which can rapidly manufacture metallic or plastic parts up to 760mm in length, courtesy of its 12,000rpm spindle, high feed rates and tool change capability. Now fully operational, the unit will complement the company’s existing ...