Latest News & Features – Page 279
-
ArticleMeasuring success at BMW, Opel and beyond
While BMW and GM have chosen a single optical metrology solution for many of their European plants, other OEMs have stayed with CMMs due to the relative advantages of contact over non-contact systemsDemanding designControlling complex shapesTransparency from all anglesRepeatable and reliableKeeping in contactBody-in-white (BIW) measurement has gone through significant changes ...
-
ArticlePooling the advantages
In the past 10 years, laser welding has moved from an exotic joining solution to a mainstream tool used in most body-in-white facilities. Laser efficiency and flexibilityWelding in 3DLaser welding provides narrow, deep welds and high welding rates, making it well-suited to high-volume applications such as body-inwhite.Here, it is now ...
-
ArticleJoint forces
Fasteners, adhesives, brazing, spot welding, arc welding: lots of choice for body-in-white engineers, but which solutions are winning out?Turn key developmentsNew joining methodsCold joiningSelecting the optimum joining method for body-in-white manufacturing is a delicate task. Considering that, in principle, a car body engineer has only three parameters to combine for ...
-
ArticleZebra Technologies: Flow replenishment
Learn how Android Industries drove their ROI using Zebra Technologies Material FLOW. Rick Frey discussed how they tackled the age-old issue of "you cannot improve that which you cannot measure".David Phillips, Director of Sales Engineering for The Americas and APAC at Zebra, presented this case study on how:Zebra Technologies' Material ...
-
ArticleCommercial sense
The world’s largest LCV markets and a variety of manufacturing facilities in multiple countries show that plans for plug-in van programmes are highly advanced in many marketsNorth AmericaChinaEuropeGeneral Motors & RenaultFiat and PSA Peugoet CitroenVolkswagenRussiaConclusionWhen the best-selling models in each of the world’s two largest markets are classified as light ...
-
Article
Olof Persson is to take over as CEO at Volvo Trucks
Gothenburg, Sweden – Olof Persson is to take over as CEO at Volvo Trucks. He will replace Leif Johansson, who will retire this summer after 14 years in charge of the series truck maker.Persson, who until now has run Volvo’s construction equipment business, said that he would look to improve ...
-
ArticleThe Chinese market starts to mature
Rationalising the manufacturing baseElectric DreamsMercedes-Benz plans rapid -ramp-upIn preparation for the second AMS China conference, to be held June 28 – 30 at the Intercontinental Shanghai Pudong hotel, AMS recently visited several carmakers and suppliers in China. Some interesting themes emerged from the meetings and plant visits, both in manufacturing ...
-
ArticleProtect CFRP with Tinuvin Carboprotect
BASF has launched its Tinuvin Carboprotect light stabilizer product, designed to protect carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP). Using Tinuvin Carboprotect makes it possible to display the embedded carbon fibre material pattern, as the product blocks the destructive radiation from UV and near-UV visible light, keeping the matrix intact. This allows ...
-
ArticleState of independence at Saab
Jan Åke Jonsson, the soon-to-retire CEO of Saab Automobile, and his successor, Victor Muller, who is also Saab’s existing president, talk about their plans for the company’s futureOEM and Tier 1 appliances for powertrainsProduction disruptions at TrollhattanThe mid-winter days of 2010 were even darker than usual for a small corner ...
-
ArticleTrumpf launches the TruLaser 3003 workstation
Trumpf has launched the new TruLaser 3003 workstation for users carrying out medium-sized laser welding batches. The new system is described as being flexible, economic and ergonomic. For example, if the application requires a pulsed laser, such as for welding temperature-sensitive components, users can select a TruPulse laser. Disk, diode ...
-
ArticleAS-interface magnetic door safety switches from Perpperl+Fuchs
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced new AS-interface magnetic door safety switches. The CAT4 magnetic switches feature a coded magnet system with a fixed cable and an industry-standard M12 connector, enabling AS-interface users to safeguard small doors and coverings with a compact solution that quickly and easily mounts in any position.According to Helge ...
-
Article
Jamie Hresko resigns head of global powertrain at GM
Detroit, MI. – In other GM news, the carmaker’s head of global powertrain, Jamie Hresko, has resigned. He is the latest in a series of executives to leave the company since Dan Akerson took over as CEO.Hresko had been VP of global quality when he was selected to head the ...
-
ArticleDow Corning's Molykote helps reduce automotive cabin noise
Dow Corning offers a full range of proven and cost-effective Molykote Smart Lubrication solutions to help OEMs and their suppliers eliminate the causes of interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The noise-damping Molykote specialty lubricants are formulated with and without solid lubricants in synthetics, mineral oils and silicone. Specific choices ...
-
Article
Fasteners from Velcro help reduce seat production times
Seat assembly with Velcro fasteners is more cost-effective than with ring-and-wire or adhesives. The fasteners also reduce scrap and rework, while offering added design flexibility, just some of the reasons hook-and-loop is widely used to secure seat trim covers and, increasingly, for armrests and headrests.There are many advantages to attaching ...
-
ArticleGOM launches ATOS Triple Scan
The mobile ATOS Triple Scan 3D digitizer from GOM features Blue Light technology, and for the first time, a 3-in-1 sensor concept. The new technology of ATOS Triple Scan returns improved resolution and accuracy for fine structures and edges, supplying full-field 3D data for complex components within very short timeframes. ...
-
ArticleFloor-Mark outlines pathways in high-traffic areas
Visual Workplace has launched Floor-Mark, described as being a better alternative to tape and paint for marking floors and other workplace areas. Floor- Mark is ideal for high traffic areas; the product features peel-and-stick backing for simple and quick application, while delivering superior adhesion when compared with traditional tape products ...
-
ArticleJohnson Controls introduces 'Slim Stow' seats
Automotive part supplier Johnson Controls has introduced a new design for second-row seats in pickup trucks. Called ‘Slim Stow’. the seats are said to take up 33% less space, while being more comfortable than traditional rear seat solutions. The seats are also lighter than previous products.“Our Slim Stow Seat enables ...
-
Article
Stracke has taken over as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall
Detroit, MI. – Karl-Friedrich Stracke has taken over as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall. He has also been nominated to become chairman of the management board of Adam Opel AG.Stracke succeeds Nick Reilly, who continues as head of GM’s European operations. Reilly has been nominated to chair the Opel Supervisory Board. In ...
-
ArticleEditor's Note: Finite EV lifespans
An estimated 70 EV and PHEV models are to be launched across various markets over the coming 24 months. These will include some big names, such as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, and the already-available Mitsubishi i, together with some not-so-well-known brands, including Li-ion, Bright and – unknown perhaps in ...
-
ArticleControlling a greener automotive future
Siemens are well-known around the world for their electronic consumer goods, and for their manufacturing hardware and software. To get a perspective on where they are heading in China with their production systems, AMS spoke to William Cui, General Manager, CCA (Competence Center Automotive), Automation & Drive Technologies Division, in ...