All articles by Nick Holt – Page 47
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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, ...
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ArticleThe steel age for ArcelorMittal
The search for new marketsProducing lighter, stronger steelTailor-made steel solutionsThe coating process – a challenge for the futureArcelorMittal is continuing to develop stronger, lighter steels for use in the automotive industry. A looks at the latest materials, and seeing what the future holds for steel"The three most important factors in ...
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ArticleKemppi’s weld time measuring device aids productivity
Kemppi (UK) Ltd has launched ArcTimer, a small, easy-to-use device that is attached to the welding cable or the earth cable from an MMA, MIG or TIG welding machine to measure the actual welding time of the machine. Welding is labour intensive and the ability to determine the welding time, ...
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ArticleDriven to automation
There’s no shortage of innovative ideas and must-see presentations at this year’s SPS/IPC/Drives Electric Automation show in Nuremberg, from 25-27 November.The chance to see what’s new, compare notes and extend, strengthen and reinforce networks in today’s challenging market conditions isn’t to be lightly passed up. Probably the best opportunity this ...
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ArticleAt the ready at Vauxhall
Putting people firstGlobal Compact VehicleCutting the fatGreen can mean good businessSomething old, something newDespite tough economic conditions in Europe, Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant is prepared to face the future head on, as plant director Tom Schmidt, explainsThe first car produced by Vauxhall, in 1903, was a 5bhp (4kW) model that ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Order of the day
Sales figures from America and Europe are no less than shocking, but for all the doom and gloom, there are still some carmakers managing to buck the trend. According to reports, Ferrari is expecting record sales for 2008; Audi CEO Rupert Stadler is forecasting the same for the German carmaker, ...
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Focus software adds speed and versatility
Metris has released Focus Scan 5.1 and Inspection 9.1, which streamline the digital inspection process and embed it into the CAD-centric design-throughmanufacturing process, saving both time and money. Metris Focus is a fully-featured software suite for point cloud data acquisition and inspection. For non-contact 3D metrology applications, Focus drives the ...
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ArticleMisumi offers new linear motion systems
With the new LX Series range of linear motion units, MISUMI Europa offers compact ‘ready-tofit’ systems for applications with high precision and efficiency requirements. Due to the high number of options available, they are suitable for use in many industrial spheres, including single-or multi-axle applications in feeder units, adhesive dispensers ...
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ArticleEnergy for welding robots
Fronius’s new system package and its variants are designed for use with a combination of standard process arm robots and the tried and tested TransPuls Synergic welding systems. The system packages offer the user such benefi ts as cheaper, simpler and more reliable robot programming, reduced robot loading and therefore ...