All articles by Nick Holt – Page 36
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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. ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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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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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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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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 ...
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ArticleTechnology for a changing world
This year’s Hanover Fair reflects many of the desires of the modern automotive industry, from increasing automation and digital factory design, to the design of more efficient plants and processes encompassing the whole spectrum of manufacturing technologyDedicated efficiency space at Hanover 2011ABB, Hall 11, Booth A35Epson, Hall 17, Booth E13FESTOForcam, ...
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ArticleNo glass ceiling
Stiff competitionProduct flowGlass makerResurgent marketCars are made of four basic materials: metal, rubber, plastic and glass. While the first three of these undergo exhaustive analysis in order to improve the respective material in order to build a better product, glass can be considered the poor relation at the party. In ...
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ArticleMultiple-layer heat management foils from Zircotec
Coatings specialists Zircotec has added two- and three-layer versions of its Zircofl ex thermal barrier foils. These are offered with and without selfadhesive backing and in a range of sizes, starting from A4. A simple and cost-effective heat management system, ZircoFlex is also both very light and very thin, weighing ...
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ArticleWenzel launches new blue laser scanning technology
The latest version of the Mobilscan3D system features ’Blue-Scan’ blue laser scanning technology. Blue laser technology has shown to be an improvement over red lasers on small volume, high-accuracy applications, as the shorter wavelength can produce a consistantly finer laser line thickness (50 microns) through the measurement area. This delivers ...