Automation – Page 115
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Infrared thermometer for steelworks
The Endurance series pyrometers are suitable for primary and secondary metal production applications, claims Fluke Process Instruments. The infrared thermometers take non-contact measurements and can be used to control process stability, product quality and fuel efficiency, says the company. The units offer a 1µm, 1.6µm, or 2.4µm spectral response and ...
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Tool management service
Mapal says it now offers its Tool Management services based on the c-Com platform. It’s claimed this system offers accurate inventory and tracking usage data and reduces downtime due to issues such as missing tools, data trawls, restarts and tool selection. The company says this system is features a modular ...
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Ford invests in Craiova plant
Romania - The OEM has confirmed it is spending €200m (US$236.17m) to ready its Craiova plant for the production of a second vehicle, the name of which will be confirmed closer to launch. It will be built alongside the EcoSport small SUV and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine."This new investment will ...
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Ford to add 1,500 new jobs in Craoiva
Romania - Ford's Craiova assembly plant is to receive a €200m investment and 1,500 new jobs as part of the OEM's plans to add an as yet unnamed second vehicle the factory.The plant currently assembles Ford's EcoSport small SUV as well as its 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine. Details of the second ...
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High-speed measuring
A combination of precision mechanics, optoelectronic sensor systems, image processing and measurement software, allows the Inspector FQ to perform measurements on the shop floor with short cycle times, claims Werth. The company says the system’s drive concept is based on linear motors and provides very high measuring speeds enabling the ...
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Silicone free tyre production
Rhein Chemie says its new Rhenodiv BP-166 and Rhenodiv BP-9500 products are 100% silicone-free and claims they are easier to wash off due to a new, water-soluble release agent. The company claims the permanently coated Rhenoshape bladders enable tyre manufacturers to vulcanise tyres using no additional release agents, eliminating the ...
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All-wheel drive coupling
BorgWarner says it is supplying two versions of its electro-hydraulically actuated, all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling for the new Volkswagen Crafter. One with a differential lock control at the rear axle, the other without this feature. The unit distributes torque between the front and rear axle and the company claims this ...
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Foreign policy friction
Tariffs on steel imports, NAFTA renegotiation and the return to sanctions on Iran have been at the centre of recent policy actions by the US president; the implications for the auto industry are potentially severe but how things will develop are far from clear.The decision to impose tariffs on steel ...
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Constellium expands aluminium plant
Czech Republic - The supplier has announced that it is building an extension to its facility in Decin, which houses the production of customised aluminium extrusions primarily used in automotive and industrial applications. Construction is expected to finish in October 2019."As the auto industry increasingly turns to lightweight, high-strength aluminium, ...
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Mercedes prepares plant for electric EQ
France - Mercedes-Benz has announced that its Hambach plant will produce a new compact electric car under the EQ brand - it's electric vehicle (EV) family. In order to ready the facility, a total of €500m (US$588.14m) will be spent on a new body shop and surface treatment system, while ...
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Novelis builds new aluminium facility
US - The supplier has started constructing a new plant in Guthrie, Kentucky. Costing US$300m, it will be used to house the production of aluminium sheet for the automotive industry."The increased adoption of aluminium in cars, trucks and SUVs, coupled with more automotive manufacturing plants in the southeast makes Guthrie ...
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G-Class production starts in Austria
Austria - Production of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class has begun at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. It made its global debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in January."With the model change the new G-Class experienced the biggest transformation in its 39 years-old history," explained Gunnar Güthenke, head ...
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Magnetic grippers for materials handling
Magswitch has introduced its new T30 magnetic gripper, which the company says features larger airports for increased compatibility, robust connections and is claimed to be 20% stronger, 26% more compact and manufactured to precision tolerances (+/-0.02 mm). According to Magswitch the T 30 can replace suction cups ...
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Acura RDX production starts in Ohio
US - Honda is now making the all-new 2019 Acura RDX SUV at its East Liberty Auto Plant. This follows on from a US$54m investment in new technologies and processes at the facility, including a multi-layer paint system, a roller hemming process used specifically for the model's ultra-wide panoramic roof, ...
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Powder coating booth
The S-Cube CleanAssist powder coating booth can change colours in five to six minutes, and combines this with automated booth cleaning, says Wagner. This system utilises the company’s Energy Efficiency Package (EEP) powder recovery system, which it’s claimed minimises powder loss, optimising material usage.According to the company this booth uses ...
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Automated sheet metal handling
ByTrans Cross is a new loading and unloading system developed for its fibre laser cutting machines says Bystronic. The company claims this system offers users full automation for producing long runs of components while retaining the flexibility of manual handling for fulfilling smaller jobs.It’s claimed the modular design allows it ...
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Audi starts producing new engine
Hungary - Series production of the OEM's new three-cylinder 1-litre petrol engine has started at Audi Hungaria's plant in Győr. It will be fitted in various Volkswagen Group models, including the Audi A3, BW Golf, SEAT Leon and Ateca."Our engine production facility adapts flexibly to new trends in the automotive ...
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BMW shuffles production personal
Germany - Robert Engelhorn is set to take over as director of the OEM's plant in Munich. Previously head of the technology and production division at the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture in China, Engelhorn will succeed Milan Nedeljkovic, who is assuming management responsibility for the corporate quality division.Daniel ...
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Gente nova no pedaço
Muitas empresas emergentes promissoras estão procurando entrar no segmento de veículos elétricosDe todas as forças perturbadoras que ameaçam derrubar as montadoras estabelecidas, a ascensão da energia elétrica poderia ser a primeira a dar o seu golpe. Afinal de contas, esta é uma tecnologia comprovada que pode ser rapidamente adaptada, projetada ...
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Abrindo uma janela
A Fábrica Transparente, a instalação não convencional da Volkswagen em Dresden, foi reaproveitada para montar o eGolf e se tornar a vitrine da filosofia de mobilidade eletrônica do OEM Após 14 anos de montagem de modelos premium de alta potência, as instalações da Volkswagen em Dresden entraram em uma nova ...