All articles by Nick Holt – Page 27
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ArticleAutomated balancing act
With ABB robots and a new material from 3M, Esys Automation claims it is now bringing automated processes to wheel balancingIn tyre and wheel assembly there aren’t a lot of game-changing advances you can point to that have completely altered the paradigm for how wheels get fastened to cars and ...
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Small motoring dynamometers for automotive
The MicroDyne series of small motoring dynamometers is suitable for a range of automotive testing applications, claims SAKOR Technologies.The company says it is capable of testing all types of small rotary devices such as motors, pumps, generators and compressors. The MicroDyne is a four-quadrant dynamometer engineered specifi cally for low ...
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Production scheduling software now in German
Preactor International says it is now offering a free, downloadable software package that allows companies to schedule production to make optimum use of finite resources.Preactor Express is a fully-functioning, entry-level version of the Preactor family of scheduling products, aimed at small to medium-sized companies.All product information such as routing (operational ...
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Tandem welding process
Fronius says its CMT Twin tandem welding process lets users exploit two cold-metal-transfer (CMT) processes, or combine a CMT process with a GMA pulsed-arc welding process.The system features the configuration and synchronised start-up of two separately controllable power sources, two wire electrodes and a gas nozzle, combined with the CMT ...
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ArticleEngine room of Toyota UK
AMS interviewed Richard Kenworthy, director engine manufacturing division and Tony Walker, deputy managing director corporate, production control, to find out more about operations at Toyota’s Deeside engine plant.AMS: Can you explain how Toyota’s philosophy of continuous development in its manufacturing processes is carried out and outline what Deeside contributed to ...
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Non-contact power steering torque sensor
Designed to sense very small differential angles, the new TT electronics SX-4428 Magnetorque II non-contact steering torque sensor is based on Hall Effect technology.The free floating torque rotor within the device offers infinite rotational life claims the company.The new sensor enables the end user to program output levels and reduce ...
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ArticleLightweight luxury
With lightweighting in vehicle construction being a hot topic, AMS visited longtime aluminium users Jaguar at the company’s Castle Bromwich facility to see how they produce luxury cars from this materialJaguar’s new all-aluminium sports car, the F-Type, has been making the headlines recently, but it’s only the most recent vehicle ...
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VDA 19-compliant in-line cleanliness test
Dürr Ecoclean says its new EcoCLab system offers an automated in-line capability for inspecting and documenting particulate cleanliness in compliance with VDA 19.The company claims its EcoCLab provides a system to perform testing of critical areas on individual parts (eg. crankcases) directly in the manufacturing line. These findings are stored ...
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Hand-held single point 3D touch probe
Steinbichler Optotechnik has launched the new, hand-held touch probe T-POINT CS for singlepoint measurement.The company says it features coordinated components – tracking camera, hand-held scanner and touch probe – that act as a modular system to provide optimum flexibility for multiple uses in the broadest range of sectors.The touch probe ...
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New multi-spindle turn-milling centre
A new, multi-spindle turn-milling centre has been launched by Index.The company says it features six independently controlled spindles that are served by both a two-axis CNC slide and a single-axis plunge turning slide.Replacement of cam-controlled lathes for the production of parts up to 16mm diameter, especially in the automotive industry, ...
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3kW fibre laser for processing thick section metals
A 3kW fibre laser has been launched by JK Lasers.The company says this new addition to its Watt to kiloWatt fibre laser range will help manufacturing productivity by processing thicker section metals at faster speeds and to higher standards. It is fitted with JK Lasers’ detachable ‘plug in, pre-aligned’ (PIPA) ...
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Cloud computing for manufacturers
Supplier of manufacturing software, RealVision is offering several of its products through the software-as-a-service cloud model.Its tool and gauge management program, ToolManager; preventative maintenance program, RPM; and document control system, DocManager are now all offered through the cloud.The company says these programs integrate well with each other and with RealVision’s ...
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High performance machining coolant
Master Chemical Europe says it formulates high performance coolants, without the inclusion of environmentally damaging additives, for the requirements of the European market.The company says TRIM E950 is a proprietary blend of the company’s new vegetable-based technology and premium non-chlorinated and non-sulphurised extreme pressure additives which has been formulated to ...
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Quick release cable connections
Now available with integrated SpeedTec quick release fastening technology, igus says its Intercontec connectors offer reduced installation times (with a ¼ turn open-close mechanism), and the special locking mechanism will prevent the connection loosening, as well as offering vibration and shock resistance of up to 25g in three axis.
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Virtual support engineer service for OEMs
Rockwell Automation says it can now offer OEMs secure, remote monitoring and troubleshooting of their production operations through its Virtual Support Engineer service.The company claims this service enables OEMs to identify and resolve technical issues, perform scheduled and preventive maintenance, and monitor their installed base of machinery.Virtual Support Engineer service ...
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Vehicle dynamics control on board motorcycles
Bosch’s stability control system for highperformance motorcycles goes into series production in 2013. Motorcycle stability control (MSC) works by supporting the rider during both braking and accelerating in a straight line and cornering.The technical basis of the MSC is the ABSenhanced system, which Bosch engineers in Japan have now expanded ...
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Combined control for compressor stations
The airtelligence provis 2.0 can control compressor stations of up to 16 rigid or frequency-controlled compressors of various makes, claims Boge.In addition, up to 24 accessory components, such as refrigerated air dryers, filters, fans, dampers or sensors can be integrated. Based on the actual compressed air consumption, the company says ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Software hard driven
The AMS conferences highlight many of the challenges OEMs face in building cars where the infrastructure is still under developed, local suppliers are not always able to offer the levels of support needed and the workforce lack skills and experience. Solutions are being sought and rapid progress is being made ...
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Press line automatic compact transfer system
Strothmann has installed a complete handling system for high-capacity suction presses all the way from blank loading through to end-of-line parts removal at the production site of a major car company.The automation concept, which is suitable for all car parts and can be adapted to new products, consists of a ...
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Space-saving AS-interface splitters
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced G11 passive splitters to its family of G11 Series AS-Interface I/O Modules.Available in flat cable or M12 male connector versions the company says they are ECOLAB certified and IP67- rated for reliable operation in wet environments.This series of interface modules features a round housing design that enables ...