All articles by Nick Holt – Page 44
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Article
Carl Zeiss releases Metrotom 800 CMM
The new Metrotom 800 tomograph was specifi cally developed for 3D measurements and structural inspections of complex parts made of plastic, composite materials and ceramic. With the help of ‘metrotomography’ – the combination of metrology and tomography – this measuring system enables both the dimensional measurement of the geometry and ...
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ArticleMotoman launches new VS50 spotwelding robot
Motoman has introduced the new seven-axis VS50 ‘Versatile Spot’ welding robot, designed to optimize automotive applications using DC spot guns with compact servo actuators. According to Motoman, the VS50 robot can be placed in close proximity to workpieces and other robots to create fl exible, high-density layouts, This can eliminate ...
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ArticleWelding wonderland
‘Olympics of Welding Technology’Trumpf, Hall 3.0, Stand 154Carl Cloos, Hall 3.0, Stand 547Fronius, Hall 3.0, Stand 302/3043M, Hall 1.0, Stand 217Sperian Welding Protection, Hall 3.0, Stand 318Schweissen & Schneiden, which translates to ‘welding and cutting’, is one of the most important shows for automotive technicians looking to peruse the latest ...
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ArticleTooling gets tough
As the EMO tooling expo makes its biennial location switch from Germany to Italy, Julian Buckley looks at what buyers, exhibitors and attendees can expect at this year’s event.DMG, Hall 4, Stand TBASchenck, Hall and Stand TBAPrima Industrie, Hall 18, Stand C14/C16Hardinge Inc, Hall 6, Stand L13Haas Automation, Hall 4, ...
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ArticleFronius technology saves GM time and money
The best Astra quality in EuropeMain joining technologyBridging wide gapsSuccessful technology with multiple usesBottleneck at doorRecognition for FroniusGeneral Motors’ Ellesmere Port facility manufactures the Astra model for a variety of markets, badged Vauxhall, Opel, Holden and Chevrolet. One of the defining features of the plant is its vertical integration – ...
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ArticleInvest to impress for R-R's new baby
Press sharingGoodwood reworkPersonal touchRemote suppliersWhen BMW took full control of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 1998, it was quick to launch the first new model, the Phantom, just five years later. Since then, Rolls-Royce has expanded the Phantom range to include the standard car – if a Rolls-Royce can ever be ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: A theory on Opel’s future
While China’s Sichuan Tengzhong and GM have signed a memorandum of understanding as to the estimated $200 million deal to buy Hummer, the Chinese government appears to be rightly wary over the proposed purchase. After all, a failed car company is just that; a company that, given the best opportunity ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Welding
Sharing numbersRemote weldingDominating the marketIn the first issue of AMS, it was predicted that a welding revolution was on the horizon. Important news, as there are up to 3,000 individual resistance spot welds on every passenger vehicle.The revolution, it was reported, was to be brought about by the arrival of ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Pressing, tool & die
Hi-tech toolingStronger die steelsLatest and greatestIt was not until the oil crisis of the 1970s, together with the rapid penetration of Japanese-built vehicles into Western markets, that European and American carmakers were forced to update antiquated press lines.Faced with an increasing demand for lighter, more aerodynamic vehicles that the existing ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Paintshop
Environmental concernsNew products for old plantsCutting emissionsNew plants lead the waySmooth finishThe early years of this decade saw paint solution providers introduce a series of new preparation and application techniques. For their part, OEM carmakers analyzed the new products and technologies with growing interest but, with the exception of a ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Measurement & quality
Sensors determine finish qualityKeeping it in shapeMobile scanningDisruptiveMeasurement is a key aspect of maintaining quality in a variety of areas of automotive part manufacture and assembly. As well as physical areas like fit and finish, and gap and flush, quality measurements must also be made in areas such as the ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Materials
Money isn’t the whole storyThe solution is compromisePlastic is on formExotic metals such as titanium and magnesium offer carmakers lightweight alternatives to standard materials. But drawbacks such as the strength (or lack of it) and cost of the basic commodity have served to kept these choices very much in the ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Machining
Improving the qualityUnder pressureEasy to alterThe machine tool industry has traditionally been the provider of dedicated lines (transfer and special machine tools) to handle the five ‘Cs’: cylinder blocks; cylinder heads; crankshafts; camshafts; and connecting rods.But these lines needed more flexibility if parts producers were not to be left with ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Lasers & vision
Boxing cleverExtremely costlyGoing furtherVision systems can help maintain and improve quality standards across most areas of car production, while also driving new technology designed to increase automation and reduce production costs.Such systems are predominantly used in the following areas: part inspection (including measurement); assembly verification; flaw detection; and part identification ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Digital manufacturing
Getting the full pictureVirtual part and plant developmentFull circleLegacy creates problemsThe first issue of AMS noted that General Motors had, in 2000, already been using simulation tools for over a decade. At plants around the world the company had put various software packages into widespread use in applications ranging from ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Conveyors & robotics
Beyond weldingLending a robotic handWhat goes up must come downGetting it thereImproving functionalityNo other application in automotive production is, or will ever be, as robot-intensive as welding. In 2000, AMS reported that both GM and Ford were purchasing robots in their hundreds for the production of the new Corsa and ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Automation systems
Market saturationTouch sensitiveFull automationProtecting the peopleIn 2000, AMS reported BMW as having a total of 1,275 bodyin- white robots in total at its Dingolfing, Regensburg and Munich plants. The Regensburg equipment alone, totalling 475 units, represented an investment of $320 million. Meanwhile, GM had installed 500 Fanuc robots at its ...
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ArticleAMS 10th Anniversary: Assembly & testing
Interviewed by AMS in 2000, Henrik Hakonsson, CFrom clay to CraySilence is goldenEngine and part testingMeeting the targethief Executive of Bruel and Kjaer, called for ‘intelligent’ tools which would make sound and vibration testing equipment both easier to use and better at data collection.“There is a definite need for innovation ...
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ArticleElectrostatic separation system for paint overspray
Boost efficiency, save energy, avoid CO2 emissions – these are today’s strategies for successful and sustainable production.Eisenmann has released the E-SCRUB, an electrostatic separation system for paint overspray that offers both product and energy efficiency. Further, the system can be retrofitted without difficulty into existing plants to allow paint specialists ...
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ArticleANCA MX7 CNC grinding system
ANCA has announced the introduction of its new MX7 grinding machine. Capable of manufacturing a variety of tools up to 16mm (5/8”) diameter, ANCA’s CNC grinder is specifi cally designed to meet the needs of tool production facilities, while retaining maximum flexibility.The MX7’s permanent-magnet spindle performs across the entire spindle ...