All articles by Nick Holt – Page 47
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ArticlePlastic laser sintering by EOS
EOS has introduced the EOSINT P 800, said to be the first laser sintering machine in the world capable of producing plastic components from high-performance polymer powders at temperatures up to 385C.Exact physical replicas of a CAD model are built up layer by layer in the P 800’s sealed, nitrogen-fi ...
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Dual-Phase steels from Corus
Corus has announced the availability of production-ready coils of Dual- Phase 600 Hot Rolled Steel (DP600HR). This latest dual-phase steel product has been designed to help carmakers meet emissions targets by reducing vehicle weight. Crucially, the new hot-rolled product will allow customers to benefi t from the material’s enhanced properties ...
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ArticleStaying on top at Maruti
Maruti Suzuki has topped India’s JD Power customer satisfaction survey for the ninth year in a row. AMS visits the company’s Gurgaon plant to talk with the company’s manufacturing guru, M.M. Singh, about this, the largest Suzuki manufacturing facility outside Japan.The importance of defining rolesHarmonizing labour and automationFactory layoutIn-house production ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Surviving in weak markets
The knock-on effect of the downturn in carmaking has started to take its toll on major suppliers to the auto industry. With an estimated 33% drop in orders over the last 12 months, Corus Steel has announced it plans to layoff 3,200 employees. Bought in 2007 by Tata Steel, the ...
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ArticleSize matters
Sony Europe’s Image Sensing Solutions Division has announced a compact, lightweight addition to its range of high-resolution industry-standard Camera-Link-equipped camera modules. The XCL-U100 features a selectable Power on Camera Link (PoCL) and measures just 29x29x30mm, shrinking the footprint to just one-third of Sony’s XCL-5005 and the overall volume to one ...
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ArticlePriming the pump
Capable of producing pressures in excess of 90,000psi, Jet Edge’s 100hp X-Stream xP90-100 waterjet intensifi er pump achieves much faster cutting speeds and drastically lowers operating costs compared to traditional 60,000psi pumps, enabling users to increase productivity and reduce part costs.The X-Stream produces 50 per cent more pressure than a ...
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ArticleImproved technology for spraying small parts
Manufacturers can improve their paint production process with the introduction of the ABB IRB 52 painting robot, designed for spraying small- and medium-sized parts in a wide range of industries. The lightweight robot can help users achieve a 20 per cent reduction in energy consumption, while its compact size occupies ...
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ArticleA cooling solution
Trelleborg Automotive, a leading provider of comfort solutions to the automotive industry, has announced the availability of its fibre-based, Creatube engine cooling hose, which offers a number of advantages over traditional, multi-layered hoses that incorporate a textile/knitted construction.Thanks to a single-layer design that integrates fibre compound with rubber, the problem ...
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ArticleEasyBlank enhanced with feasibility assessment
AutoForm Engineering, a leading supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has announced an enhanced version of EasyBlank. This version provides a quick feasibility evaluation of the part that also includes a forming limit diagram (FLD). Users of EasyBlank can now check their product for stamping concerns ...
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ArticleImproved compressor range to save money and energy
Atlas Copco’s improvements to its 11-30kW GA+/GA VSD compressor range have resulted in world-class Free Air Delivery (FAD). A new integrated dryer simultaneously enhances energy efficiency and air quality.Atlas Copco has redesigned and upgraded its popular fi xed-speed compressor, the GA 11+-30, and the variable speed version, the GA 15-30 ...
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ArticleFuse switch disconnectors with improved protection
The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed a new series of compact fuse switch disconnectors offering improved protection for staff and plants, as well as more convenient connection.The reach-round and touch protection incorporated as standard in the new Sentron 3NP1 series prevents users from touching current conducting parts when the ...
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ArticleTaking the heat off
Engineers are looking for competitive thermal management solutions that can remove the heat from increasingly sensitive electronic components. Thermal greases are often considered, but due to concerns about ‘bleed-out’ and longterm reliability, engineers may end up selecting more expensive options. Momentive Performance Materials has recently introduced SilCool TIG 210BX, a ...
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ArticleAuto-darkening welding helmets
The New-Tech reactive welding helmet offers professional welders the latest technological innovations in one of the lightest helmets available at just 476 grams.The New-Tech helmets feature new Angular Dependence Compensation (ADC) technology that gives an even shade level across the full height and width of the viewing area, which is ...
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ArticleAdvanced sensor technology
Turck has extended its portfolio of linear position sensors with a new magnetic field sensor providing a measuring range of up to 200mm. Thanks to Hall Effect chains, the WIM200 sensor in its new Q25 housing provides high linearity and accuracy over the entire measuring range. This feature allows the ...
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ArticleLaser Macro – the power of light
The ROFIN Laser Macro Group is setting new benchmarks in the area of remote welding with the RWSflex. With a new control unit from ABB and more flexible programming, the high-speed welding system opens up new possibilities for creating laser-stepwelding of any geometry. Due to the extended operating distance, RWSfl ...
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ArticleApplications of the EMAG VL extended
EMAG’s VL series of machines are now available with a Y-axis. This allows for the machining of very complex geometries. For instance, it can carry out eccentric milling and drilling operations without the need for special tools, increasing its range of applications. The VL-Y is a machine without bells and ...
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ArticleKoenigsegg living the dream
Christian von Koenigsegg talks about his passion for all things automotive, and his continuing drive for innovationPioneers of technologyWorking with carbon fibreFourteen weeks from start to finishChristian von Koenigsegg is, like his father and grandfather before him, an entrepreneur, who formed a company with the sole purpose of bringing his ...
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ArticleBuilding in Russia - the GM way
Despite a recent decline in domestic sales, the long-term future of the Russian car market still looks bright. The new GM plant in St Petersburg illustrates what foreign OEMs moving into the region can expectStrong potential of Russian marketSt Petersburg – automotive centre in the makingEnsuring staff retentionUtilising local knowledgeGuardian ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: US government must rescue carmakers
As much as independent spectators to the current turmoil might consider the likelihood of any American carmaker’s bankruptcy as just comeuppance for rampant overproduction and profligate spending, the truth of the matter is that the 2.5m Americans that work directly or indirectly in the industry do not deserve to be ...
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ArticleSimultaneous engineering at AES
Combining the advanced engineering expertise of CATIA and DELMIA is yielding impressive results for AESUtilising 3D models and robot simulations in key processesModel simulations with fewer steps and greater accuracyProspects for the futureBuilding on its core competence in automotive plant engineering, AES has set up overseas bases in Thailand, China, ...