Latest News & Features – Page 186
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ArticleWelding simulation software
Simufact Engineering says it has further developed its welding simulation software (Simufact.welding) and is releasing the new version 4. This is a Finite-Element-based software with which the elastic-plastic material behaviour can be modelled.The company claims the software realistically predicts the distortions and residual stresses that occur during welding, while considering ...
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ArticleElectric pivot unit
DE-STA-CO has introduced a new electric pivot unit that it says is smaller and lighter than traditional pneumatic units, while providing uniform torque and improved versatility. The company claims the 98W electric pivot unit enables manufacturers to add a pivot in tight spaces and gain better operational control of electrode ...
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ArticleTomography system for inspection of automotive turbochargers
An XT H 450 micro-focus computed tomography (CT) system, from Nikon Metrology, is being used by BorgWarner Poland to improve research and development of turbochargers. Nikon says the high power (450 kV) X-ray equipment is able to penetrate the dense materials used in turbocharger production, allowing the internal material ...
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ArticleNext-generation real-time monitoring
Cognex Explorer RTM is a barcode reader, performance-monitoring system that features scalable architecture, a web-based performance statistics interface, and Cognex’s vision technology. The company says this system provides facility managers with data that removes system defects and optimises processes.This is a server-based product that connects to a network of DataMan ...
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ArticleJLR releases E-Type production details
UK – The six vehicles from Jaguar Heritage, which operates within the OEM’s Special Operations division, will be built in a new facility at Browns Lane, using a mixture of traditional handcraftsmanship and computerised technology. A prototype, Car Zero, has already been completed and will be revealed at the Pebble ...
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ArticleMercedes-Benz introduces high-tech steel pistons
Germany – Replacing conventional aluminium pistons, the new components will feature in the V6 diesel engine of the E350 BlueTEC passenger car. According to the OEM, this will result in improved engine efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.Mercedes-Benz says that, while steel pistons are commonly found in commercial vehicle (CV) ...
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ArticleVolvo builds first vehicle on SPA
Sweden – The Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) has been developed by the OEM in-house over the past four years as a mainstay of its $11 billion transformation plan. Following its debut with the XC90, the modular chassis technology will be rolled out across the Volvo product range.According to the OEM, ...
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ArticleDerways assembles first Chery vehicles
Russia – The Bonus 3 and Tiggo 5 were unveiled at the World Trade Centre in Moscow to celebrate the beginning of a local assembly project between the two companies, plus the national launch of the models.Since entering the Russian market in 2005, Chery has sold over 180,000 units in ...
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Article
Ebola halts ArcelorMittal production
Liberia – The outbreak of the virus in West Africa has led to a declaration of force majeure by contractors working on a Phase Two expansion project at Yekepa and Buchanan. The employees are being moved out of the country.ArcelorMittal currently mines and ships 5m tonnes of iron ore per ...
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ArticleLexus Miyata begins new NX production
Japan – The brand says it has already taken 6,500 orders for the crossover vehicle in its domestic market, and 350 from the UK. Deliveries will commence in October.The Miyata plant has responsibility for finished vehicle manufacturing but the new Lexus has also boosted production at the nearby Kanda engine ...
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ArticleScanner for measurement of complex profiles
Werth Messtechnik has presented its new FlatScope scanner, designed for inspection of flat workpieces and extrusion profiles in a production environment. The company says the main area of application is in the measurement of complex profiles (e.g. rubber, plastic, or aluminium profiles) as well as stamped parts, laser cut profiles, ...
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ArticleVertical turning machine for volume gearbox production
EMAG claims its VT 4-4 vertical turning machine offers high efficiency levels in large volume gearbox production and is capable of machining components with a maximum length of 1,050mm and a maximum diameter of 200mm.The company says machining is carried out in 4 axes at a maximum speed of 4,500rpm. ...
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ArticleNon-destructive testing of composites
The Omniscan MX2 Phased Array ultrasonic flaw detector has been added to the Ashtead Technology rental fleet of advanced NDT instruments. The company claims that the MX2 can be combined with other components to form a complete inspection system. For example, phased array probes, scanners, analysis software, and other accessories ...
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MCS and Tsubaki form equipment supply JV
India – Mahindra Conveyor Systems (MCS) of the Mahindra Group and Tsubaki Group have an existing tie-up to share technical knowledge, but MCS will now be renamed as Mahindra Tsubaki Conveyor Systems after Tsubaki gained a majority (51%) holding. The move should enable Tsubaki to enter into new markets in ...
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ArticleLast current-generation Vivaro built
UK – Unit number 957,107 made at the Luton plant will be housed in the Heritage Centre at Vauxhall’s nearby Griffin House headquarters. Of the nearly 1m Vivaros built since 2001, 44,000 were made in 2013. Over half the production has been exported to European markets.Having secured a £185m contract, ...
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ArticleMacht speeds away from VW
Germany – The member of the board of management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft with responsibility for Group Production today stepped down from his post by mutual agreement with the supervisory board. Michael Macht will be replaced temporarily by Thomas Ulbrich, board of management member for Production at Volkswagen Passenger Cars.“Michael Macht ...
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ArticleSouth Africa parts makers facing supply problem
Following weeks of strike action by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), which has hit the automotive parts industry in South Africa, component makers are now faced with two months before they rebuild their pipeline of parts, according to Ken Manners, vice president of the National Association ...
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ArticleManmade in Modena
As Maserati volumes grow, its old plant in north Italy is still using traditional means to make modern carsMaserati’s factory at Modena, northern Italy, is one of the oldest in the country and one of the most traditional in terms of its assembly; and yet it is also home to ...
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ArticleInterview: Sowade and Marques, VW Brazil
Anchieta plant director Frank Sowade and Almir Marques, factory planning, infrastructure and environmental manager, discuss the continued development of VW’s pioneering plant in BrazilJP: Anchieta was the first Volkswagen plant outside Germany, established in 1959. Does this mean that back then VW had already recognised South America’s potential as an ...
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ArticleSkoda sets to work in summer break
Czech Republic – Between August 4-15, preparations will take place at Mladá Boleslav for the production launch of the new Skoda Fabia at the end of the month. The OEM says that “extensive” maintenance and modernisation projects will also be carried out at Kvasiny and Vrchlabí.At Mladá Boleslav, Skoda will ...