All articles by Nick Holt – Page 42
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ArticleMeasuring at Formula 1 speed
Made to measureContrasting elementsThe world of Formula 1 demands highly-compressed lead times, whether for major car developments between seasons, or for smaller scale repair or improvement in the gaps between races.The ability to implement testing and measurement procedures that bring both quality and speed makes F1 a useful arena for ...
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ArticleRapide production
Oven readyFine tuning the productPaint and final assemblyFirst four-door since LagondaWith Aston Martin’s Gaydon, UK facility nearing capacity, the carmaker has elected to work with Austria’s Magna Steyr for production of its Rapide fourdoor sports car. "A year ago, this building was an empty shell. From January until now, we ...
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ArticleAll that Jazz
In September 2008, Honda finalised plans to start production of the second generation Jazz at its Swindon, UK facility. One year later, the car went into series production. To discover how Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) has managed to implement production of the Jazz city car in just 12 ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Winds of change
While 2009 has exceeded all expectations as to just how bad a year it would be for global carmakers, parts suppliers and tool manufacturers, already there are green shoots appearing out of the dramatically altered landscape that is automotive production.No where more so than in the area of hybrid and ...
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ArticleExtended tool holders from Rego-Fix
Tool holders with long projections are being increasingly used worldwide, particularly in moulding and toolmaking for the automotive industry. Rego-Fix has developed the ‘XL’ for long tool holders. By means of the integrated vibration damping system, vibrations and chatter are almost eliminated, meaning that optimum process results can be achieved ...
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Article‘OnTheFly’ sensors from Werth
Werth, manfacturer of optical and multi-sensor coordinate measuring machines, has introduced the ‘OnTheFly’ system for rapid measurement with image processing. Using the system, Werth ScopeCheck and VideoCheck co-ordinate measuring machines can now take measurements while in constant motion. By using fl ashing light sources, motion-related blurred images are eliminated, negating ...
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ArticleAutoForm launches new hot-forming simulation software
Hot forming has become an important tool for the automotive industry, the technique being used to meet specifi c requirements in crash safety and vehicle weight reductions. Many automotive manufacturers use these processes to produce body structure components such as A- and B-pillars, tunnels, front and rear bumper beams and ...
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Article
‘Master Arc’ from Motoman
Motoman’s new 6-axis MA1400 ‘Master Arc’ welding robot can signifi cantly increase uptime by integrating the welding torch into the upper arm. Available in fl oor-, wall- or ceiling-mounted confi gurations, ideal for highdensity layouts, the space-saving MA1400 robot further features the Sigma V motor control technology. The MA1400 robot ...
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Article
v5.75 of Plato system for hot engine testing
Anthony Best Dynamics (ABD) has released version 5.75 of the company’s Plato system, an objective noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) measurement and analysis system for powertrain and power-steering testing. Designed for end-of-line, off-line audit, R&D and durability testing, through to in-vehicle and pass-by-noise measurement and analysis, Plato provides a wide range of NVH ...
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ArticleKistler introduces new electromechanical NCFS joining module
Successful automation of joining processes where joining stations are close together and space is at a premium requires particularly slim modules. For such situations, Kistler has developed its electromechanical NCFS joining module Type 2152B, suitable for use in such applications as press fi tting valve seat rings and valve guides. ...
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ArticleTubular framing solution from Rexroth
Rexroth’s new tubular framing system, EcoShape, used in combination with components from Rexroth’s Manual Production Systems (MPS), makes it easy to construct custom workstations, material shuttles or fl ow racks. EcoShape’s easy-to-use design allows users to quickly create new solutions or optimise and extend existing racks. This makes it possible ...
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ArticleNew SICK Inspector I40
The new Inspector I40 2D vision sensor from SICK UK is said to inspect products faster, with better defi nition and higher detection reliability over wider fi elds of view. The I40 now offers improved data and image logging, with class-leading ease of use for a wide range of applications, ...
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ArticlePiercing plate with plasma
The piercing processPhysics of limitationAddressing the limitations of plasma piercingPlasma can offer faster piercing times, faster cut speeds and a cleaner finished product, translating to higher productivity and profitability, but there are factors liable to leave operators with unsatsifactory results. New techniques developed by Hypertherm avoid these problems, says the ...
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ArticleABB robots keep Magna in trim
ABB IRB 6600 detailsABB’s IRB 6600 robots are available with a choice of fi ve handling/ reach capacities: 175kg/2.55m, 225kg/2.55 m, 175kg/2.8m, 125kg/3.2m, and 200kg/2.75m. The IRB 6600 is suitable for various process applications, including spotwelding, material handling and machine tending. In addition, a range of software products - all ...
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ArticlePart perfect for BWI
Mount technologyVariations on a themeBraking groundTest for successDesign for EnvironmentThe latest part of Delphi to be sold to a private firm was its Ride Dynamics and Brakes unit, which has become Beijing West Industries (BWI) Group. Under GM, Delphi was of the world’s largest automotive part manufacturers. After being made ...
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ArticleBeauty on a budget at Farbio
Engineering for productionCunning carbon fibre solutionsSupply strategiesPaintshop and final assemblyTesting times aheadThere have been many attempts to bring exclusive, low-volume supercars to market, but the truth is that few of these projects have ever seen paying customers taking delivery of finished vehicles. Building a single, functioning prototype before funds run ...
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ArticleWerth
The new Werth VideoCheck EA is a high-precision, multi-sensor coordinate measuring machine that uses air bearing technology. Image processing is the primary sensor, with additional sensor options including laser, scanning, touch probes and the unique Werth Fiber Probe, offering a minimum diameter of 20μm. Probe magazines, articulated heads and rotary/tilt ...
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ArticleSchneider Electric
Schneider Electric has extended its Preventa line of safety products with the launch of two new type-4 light curtains, the XUSLB and the XUSLD.The two new Preventa light curtains offer varying levels of capability, dependent on the needs of the application. The XUSLB provides basic light curtain functions, with the ...
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ArticlePilz
The PNOZmulti Mini is the latest addition to the PNOZmulti range of multi-functional control systems. With a width of 45mm, the PNOZmulti Mini is considerably smaller than the PNOZmulti (134mm) and is designed mainly for use with stand-alone machines in all areas of engineering. Like all PNOZmulti products, the PNOZmulti ...
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ArticleTurck
Turck has introduced a new line of pressure sensors with integrated evaluation units. The IP69K-rated PS300 sensors provide a wide measuring range from -1 to 600 bar, and are perfectly suited for hydraulic applications in harsh environments. Measuring signals are directly processed on the PS300’s newly-developed, high-build pressure measuring cell ...