Latest News & Features – Page 78
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ArticlePSA and Nissan exploring new ground
An interesting news report caught my eye recently; the article suggested that PSA – whose Chinese plants are operating well below capacity – will lease one of its factories in China to Nissan later this summer. The report suggested that the factory and its workforce will move to Nissan in ...
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ArticleISO indexable inserts
Mapal says it is presenting a new series of cutting materials for ISO indexable inserts, as well as “press-to-size” inserts for the boring of steel, stainless steel and heat-resistant cast steel. The company claims it has developed optimum coatings on its in-house coating line and also optimised the carbide substrate ...
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ArticleLaser marking system
The CombiLine Basic is a floor standing, laser marking workstation featuring an integrated laser marker and smart operation technology, says Coherent Rofin. The company points out that this system can be equipped with a selection of laser sources (such as fibre and solid-state) in different power ranges and wavelengths for ...
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ArticleStandardised CNC control
Mazak says its latest machine to feature a Siemens CNC is its VTC-760C vertical travelling column machining centre, which is controlled by the new Siemens 828D control. The company says the VTC-760C is powered by a 12,000rpm spindle and offers rapid traverse rates of 42m/min in the X-, Y- and ...
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ArticleFibre laser for part marking
Foba claims its new 100-Watt fibre laser (Y.1000) allows for marking substrates that are usually difficult to mark with lower powered lasers. The company says the unit’s design allows for simple integration into existing production lines and is suitable for marking and engraving automobile components, offering long-term legibility throughout the ...
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ArticleVW’s Navarra plant to build T-Cross
Spain – The news that the Spanish VW plant, which has produced the Polo since 1984, will build a second model for the first time in its history, was announced by Dr. Andreas Tostmann, head of Volkswagen Production & Logistics. The new T-Cross compact SUV will share its matrix with ...
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ArticleNew VP to lead Nissan Canton
USA – Nissan has announced senior management changes at its Canton, Mississippi facility. Effective 1st September 2018, Philip Calhoun will take over as vice president Manufacturing at the plant. Calhoun will be based in Canton and report to Heath Holtz, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Purchasing, Nissan ...
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ArticleInverted metallurgical microscope
Olympus says its new GX53 inverted metallurgical microscope features MIX observation for clear imaging of structures and surface features, an LED light source for true-to-life images with consistent colour temperature, and coded hardware enabling faster inspections and improved productivity.The company states that GX53 also features the latest version of Stream ...
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ArticleApp for robot control operations
PickAPP is an Android application for an 8-10-inch tablet, configured with graphical operations which Comau claims improves the overall user experience. The company says the App enables anyone familiar with smartphones to be able to move a robot and create a pick and place process by preparing a list of ...
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ArticleParting-off system
Sandvik Coromant claims a new blade for its CoroCut QD parting-off system, when used combination with new process methodology, improves the tool’s stability by realigning the resultant cutting force.The company says its engineers have developed a solution that takes advantage of capability in modern turning centres and multi-task machines to ...
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ArticleThermosetting adhesive tapes
tesa’s claims its reactive HAF thermosetting adhesive tapes have been designed for use in creating compact lightweight designs that reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The company says these tapes feature an adhesive layer that contains nitrile rubber and a phenolic resin, and when heated a chemical reaction is started that ...
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ArticlePhotoelectric smart sensors
The W16 and W26 proximity, reflex and through-beam sensors include Sick’s new BluePilot assistant, which the company says features five top-mounted LEDS for quick and accurate alignment of the sensor’s light spot. The BluePilot combines a potentiometer and teach-in button, which are claimed to simplify set up, range assessment and ...
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ArticleManipulation of heavy workpieces
Roemheld says the articulated arms on its new Centrick manipulator allow workpieces of any shape weighing up to 2 tonnes to be continuously rotated and tilted by up to 90°.The company claims this latest addition to the Modulog range is ergonomic and space saving, and it moves components close to ...
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ArticleSelf-piercing earth stud
The new KSB earthing stud from Profil is self-piercing, removing the need for additional processes involved in either welding studs into place or having to drill holes and then bolt them on, claims the company. Also, with material thicknesses being reduced to save weight, the company says the use of ...
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ArticleLow reaction tool range
Atlas Copco says it has developed a range of ‘Low Reaction’ (LRT) handheld tools designed for assembly operations. The company claims this new line-up of battery and DC-powered tools has been developed to improve both operator ergonomics and factory optimisation.Part of this development is the Transducer Battery Pulse (TBP) based ...
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Article4th gen A-Class at Valmet Automotive
Finland – Having built the previous A-Class generation, the Finnish contract manufacturer said that only limited changes were needed at its Uusikaupunki plant to produce the new A-Class. The bodyshop has seen the most upgrades, where all manual workstations are now automated, increasing the number of body shop robots to ...
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ArticleBMW & Great Wall in electric vehicle JV
China – BMW Group and Great Wall Motor have signed an agreement to produce MINI electric vehicles through a new 50:50 joint venture based in China. This new joint venture, “Spotlight Automotive Limited”, will also produce electric vehicles for Great Wall, and the partners intend to build a new state-of-the-art ...
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ArticleHeading for the clouds
Steed Webzell scrutinises the technologies currently available to assist those wanting to digitise their machining processesMajor machine tool OEMs are upping their game when it comes to digitalisation. “Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is not just a gimmick, as some would have you believe, but a cornerstone of advanced manufacturing,” states Matthias ...
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ArticleJack of all trades
Ford Otosan’s Inönü plant houses an unusual production mix, and is taking on more projects. Michael Nash investigatesInönü is a small, sleepy town in north-west Turkey. The nearest city, Eskisehir, is a 40-minute drive away and is populated by young students who attend its two universities. Aside from an array ...
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ArticleA slow return to growth
Vehicle-makers in South America are seeing signs of recovery, boosted by growing exports, reports Nick Gibbs