Latest News & Features – Page 280
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ArticleDetroit of the East
GM’s Martin Apfel and Ford’s Joe Hinrichs describe how these two global giants are moving forward with plans to turn Thailand into a regional manufacturing hubChanging relationshipsSustained growthSupplier catch upConfidence is infectiousStar in ascendanceThe sign above the entrance to the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong, Thailand, proclaims it to ...
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ArticleResponsible energy
Reduce energy usage and it follows that emissions will fall too. Two new processes can reduce energy consumption and emissions, while there are benefits in self-generated energyA better wayRubber processSelf-generationWhere is no doubt that the paintshop offers the best ROI in terms of time and money spent when attempting to ...
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ArticleHybrid theory from motor sport
Carbon fibre flywheel technology developed by the Williams F1 team could benefit hybrid powertrains, and BMW’s racing expertise is filtering down to the company’s assembly linesWilliams tries new techStalled battery developmentBMWDry textilesMotor sport, and particularly Formula One, is known for its rapid development of existing technologies, or the formation of ...
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ArticleSolid benefits of fluid management
Growing adoption ratesReview nowTougher metals and more advanced and severe metalworking processes, along with the ongoing drive to increase productivity and reduce costs, have seen cutting fluids rise up the agenda at automotive machine shops.Where a neat or aqueous (soluble/water miscible) cutting fluid is selected, it is crucial to monitor ...
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ArticleIn the line of fire: which automated machining is best?
Greater efficiencyFlexible and modularFor years transfer machining lines dominated production halls at automotive plants around the world. Then came the backlash as plants sought greater flexibility, even higher productivity, and improved reliability – downtime at one station can bring the whole line to a halt. But transfer lines have evolved ...
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ArticleA new spin on turning
There is a growing demand among auto parts manufacturers for turning machines with integrated B-axis functionalityRapid evolutionCranking up rigidityOpposites attractMulti-spindle automatics remain hard to beat for high-volume turned parts, but with designers seeking to combine parts or introduce part ‘families’ to reduce assembly time, the resulting added complexity often means ...
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ArticleSeeing is retreiving
As demand returns to many regions, OEMs require more visibility throughout the supply and manufacturing chainsTimely and accurate delivery of materials and components to production lines is at the heart of any efficient automotive manufacturing facility and is a particularly relevant subject as vehicle output increases in various new markets, ...
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ArticleAutodesk introduces EasyBlank Inventor for metal cutting
AutoForm Engineering has introduced EasyBlank Inventor, an add-on for Autodesk Inventor, specially designed for sheet metal part designers, tool and die designers, and tool cost calculators.Autodesk Inventor allows engineers to digitally prototype parts before they are built. EasyBlank Inventor adds further specialist functions, such as determining the optimal part nesting ...
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Article
Eastman launches Solus 3050
Eastman Chemical has introduced its latest performance additive, Solus 3050, specifi cally engineered to help formulators meet VOC, performance and productivity goals in waterborne coatings systems. The Solus family of performance additives was developed to meet global market demand for paints and coatings that deliver regulatory compliance with optimized performance ...
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ArticleNew KUKA automated insulation compound application system
Kuka Systems has introduced a new acoustic insulating compound application system that allows chassis insulation material to be automatically applied during the production process. This replaces the need to cut and manually fix bitumen or butyl mats, plus the system can support production of various different models on the same ...
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ArticleABB extends its IRB 2600 robot range
ABB has added three new models to its multi-purpose robot range. The new IRB 2600 family features an optimized, compact design and 25% faster cycle times, achieved through the use of ABB’s QuickMove motion control software. The IRB 2600 range is said to offer the best accuracy and speed in ...
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Article
Uyttenhoven is appointed for vice-president of Toyota Europe
Brussels, Belgium – Alain Uyttenhoven, Toyota’s Vice-President of Toyota Motor Deutschland has been appointed Vice-President of Toyota Motor Europe (TME).Uyttenhoven has been replaced by lrich Selzer, who was previously managing director for Lexus in Germany.www.lexus.com
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ArticlePride in production
On a visit to Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Gothenberg, Sweden, AMS examines how the split from Ford has affected the carmaker, going on to look at the production processes put in place to handle the complicated model mixVolvo manufacturing ethosRecruitmentCost-cutting solutionsA lighter modelDelivering to the worldSwedish showcaseIn comparison to the ...
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ArticleLean and reliable identity
A report covering how Volkswagen upgraded its vehicle identification systems across BIW and paint in order to streamline production of a varied model mixSystem change: Back to the futureMoving to an integrated PROFINET communicationReduced maintenance and PROFINET communicationThe end result of a long, multi-branched production process is a vehicle of ...
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Straughan is new board member for manufacturing at Bentley
Crewe, UK – Bentley has announced the appointment of Michael Straughan as new board member for manufacturing. Straughan, who will direct the company’s manufacturing operations, takes over from Doug Dickson, who is scheduled to retire later this year.Straughan was previously Operations Director at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood, UK plant.www.bentleymotors.com
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Reiss has taken over as head of Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen
Stuttgart, Germany – Dr. Willi Reiss has taken over as head of Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen. He replaces Dr. Eberhard Haller, who will retire after running Daimler’s largest production plant since 2003.Before the appointment, Dr. Reiss had been director of body shop operations at the plant since 2006.www.daimler.com
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Osegowitsch becomes director of VW Group Russia
Wolfsburg, Germany – Marcus Osegowitsch, formerly managing director of sales, has taken over as director of VW Group Russia. In further changes, Dr. Josef Baurnert has taken over as plant manager. Osegowitsch replaces Dietmar Korzekwa, who is retiring.Osegowitsch has been managing director of sales and deputy general director of Volkswagen ...
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Myung- Chul Chung is a president and CEO of Kia Europe
Zilina, Slovakia – Kia Motors Slovakia has appointed Myung- Chul Chung as president and CEO of the company’s European production facility. He succeeds In-Kue Bae, who took charge as president during construction of the facility in 2004. Bae will return to Kia’s head offi ce in South Korea.Chung has been ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: A little help from your friends
Volkswagen has had to cut shifts at its Wolfsburg and Emden facilities due to a shortage of engines and other parts, while BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are each facing their own part supply problems. Across Europe, there is a wholesale shortage of electronic components for automotive production. It would appear ...
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ArticlePower is nothing without Control
Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, Hall 3, Booth 3302/3402ColorLite, Hall 1, Booth 1069FARO, Hall 3, Booth 3404GOM, Hall 3, Booth 3330Hexagon Metrology, Hall 5, Booth 5302Marposs, Hall 3, Booth 3202Nikon Metrology, Hall 7, Booth 7412Quality does not go out of fashion, and the 25th Control Fair, which is being held from ...