Latest News & Features – Page 94
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WebinarFibre laser solutions for challenging applications in the automotive industry
High brightness fibre lasers are enabling improved performance in many applications in automotive industry – even the more challenging, such as welding of zinc-coated steel. In this webinar, we discuss how to select the most suitable laser technology for specific automotive applications, taking into account the latest developments and ...
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ArticleVolvo Ghent starts XC40 production
Belgium – The company’s first small premium SUV is based on the Compact Modular Architecture which will underpin all new cars in the 40 series. Volvo has already taken more than 13,000 orders and deliveries will begin early next year.“Our people have put in long days and many hours to ...
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ArticleOut now: ATS 2018
For this, our second issue of the ATS supplement, we have spoken once again to key players in this crucial sector of the market, revealing their insight on the current state of automotive manufacturing.With the wider industry preparing itself for a connected, autonomous, electrified and lightweight future, it’s fascinating to ...
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ArticleX-ray tech for catalytic converters
3Dx-ray claims its MDXi x-ray system enables manufacturers to check the quality of catalytic converter washcoats inside their metal casings. The company says its system offers a non-destructive way of viewing internal features and defects of the component, which can be fed back, in real-time, to control the manufacturing process ...
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ArticleSeating plan
Adient CTO Detlef Juerss talks to AMS about the company’s sure and steady approach to new and complex challengesAmong all the exhibits at the IAA international motor show in Frankfurt, a seat that Adient produces for the BMW 7-Series ably exemplifies a modern automotive manufacturing challenge – to combine precision ...
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ArticleBright work
Coatings specialist Hauzer has developed a viable physical vapour deposition process for automotive partsThe chrome electroplating process for vehicle parts is tried and tested; it’s durable and can be polished to a high shine but uses potentially harmful chemicals, notably chromium 6. A challenge to its use has arisen in ...
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ArticleSmart rotation
SKF looks to digitalise its business model and manufacturing operations. AMS spoke to Luc Graux, director of manufacturing and process development, to find more about the impact of IoTWhat effect is the move to an I4.0 based operation having on SKF’s production?We are certainly trying to apply the same I4.0 ...
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ArticleMobile bending robot
Its new mobile bending robot can be retrofitted to any Xpert 40 press brake in the field, says Bystronic. The company claims the automation module can be interfaced to the press brake in a plug-and-play arrangement and only takes a short time for users to set up the robotics and ...
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ArticleParts of the process
Tenneco CTO Ben Patel talks to AMS about the company’s approach to perfecting process, sharing best practice and mastering materialsSpinning off from a multi-sector conglomerate enterprise in the 1990s, the Tenneco of today takes it manufacturing focus along two distinct component groups. The clean air line features exhaust systems, catalytic ...
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ArticleAutomated welding processes
From special technology modules to box PC to control technology and drives for robotics, Baumüller claims it provides a wide range of solutions for material handling and robotics applications.One example of the company’s automation capabilities is a QIROX QRH-280 six-axis welding robot from Cloos. The robot is completely automated by ...
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ArticleA winning formula?
Like all new strategic plans announced by vehicle companies from time to time, the new Opel PACE! plan leaves many questions unanswered. It’s not clear yet what will happen to the enlarged manufacturing network which PSA-Opel/Vauxhall now has; by common consent, the group has too many plants, but CEO Carlos ...
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ArticleEuropean ramp up
Yanfeng is busily growing its operation within Europe as two new facilities come on stream, with a manufacturing plant in the Czech Republic and a new test centre in SlovakiaThough the company was only formally established in 2015 Yanfeng Automotive Interiors already registers as one of the biggest automotive suppliers ...
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Article
A winning formula?
Like all new strategic plans announced by vehicle companies from time to time, the new Opel PACE! plan leaves many questions unanswered. It’s not clear yet what will happen to the enlarged manufacturing network which PSA-Opel/Vauxhall now has; by common consent, the group has too many plants, but CEO Carlos ...
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ArticleInterview: Thomas Rennemann, MAN
The company's manager at its 1.1m sq.m Salzgitter parts plant discusses the €30m transformation that will double non-driven axle output to 900 per day; a new assembly line combines MAN and Scania productionGP: How did the idea for the project originate?TR: It started when we built up a new cooperation ...
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ArticleAsset management
The Simatic PDM Maintenance Station V2.0, enables the monitoring of intelligent field device status independently of the automation and control system used, claims Siemens. Integration is based on DD (Device Description)/EDD (Electronic Device Description) technology and the collected data can be transferred using an export function for further processing, says ...
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ArticleVW pours €22.8bn into production network
Germany – The OEM said the funds will be used to implement its Transform 2025+ strategy, focusing on “the further development of modular production, the continuation of the model offensive and further orientation towards e-mobility”. The investment, equivalent to $27 billion, will be spread over five years to 2022.“The investment ...
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ArticleMini-spectrometer
The C13555MA is the latest edition to the TF series of mini-spectrometer for colour measurement applications from Hamamatsu Photonics. The company says this USB-powered polychromator contains optical elements, a driver circuit and a built-in 512 pixel CMOS sensor. A USB connection allows any acquired spectrum data to be transferred to ...
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ArticleAl-Futtaim to assemble Renault vehicles
Pakistan – The two companies have signed definitive agreements for the exclusive assembly and distribution of Renault models in the country. The new subsidiary Al-Futtaim Automotive Pakistan will start building a factory in Karachi in Q1 2018.“Groupe Renault is delighted to extend its international footprint by entering Pakistan, a fast-growing ...
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ArticleLabyrinth seals
Schaeffler claims its CoRX and Twin-Ax deep groove ball bearings (for passenger car drive shafts) feature two sealing rings that are interconnected, effectively protecting the inside of the bearing from contamination.The company says the CoRX bearings use axial and radial seals, while the Twin-Ax units feature two axial lips made ...
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Article
Gordon Murray joins seats project
UK – During its participation in the Manufacturability of Advanced Passenger Seats (MAPS) programme alongside Formaplex, the company will focus on reducing structural weight by using composite panels made from recycled carbon fibre, while maintaining high volume and controlling costs. The goal is to develop a seat frame which is ...