Automation – Page 190
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ArticleTechnology for new business models
With a relatively low cost and high productivity, rollforming is proving an attractive technology for the manufacture of componentsDynamically changing markets are increasingly challenging classical business models for suppliers of car body parts. Multifunctional rollforming technologies are facilitating the adjustment of such production lines to fast-changing market needs.They open up ...
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ArticleFCA Windsor makes first new Pacifica
US – Production of the sixth-generation Chrysler vehicle began after the completion of major construction projects at the end of 2014 and the beginning of 2015, plus subsequent upgrade work. Since September 2014, the number of personnel has also increased by 1,200 to 6,000 on three shifts.According to Fiat Chrysler ...
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ArticleTravel blog: From booth buzzword to business benefit
Industry 4.0 loomed large over the two major trade shows I visited recently. In the case of Hannover Messe, the show’s exhibitor board chairman, Friedhelm Loh, proclaimed that the event marked a “final breakthrough” for Industry 4.0. With hundreds of real-world examples being showcased in Hannover, Loh confidently asserted that ...
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ArticlePPG opens Oak Creek development centre
US – The $3m liquid coatings facility in Wisconsin features advanced equipment to simulate customer production lines, providing both research and training opportunities. The centre will help PPG to ensure that its products are applied correctly and consistently in industrial manufacturing environments.The facility houses curing ovens, robotic paint applicators and ...
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ArticleFCA Toledo gains Silver WCM status
US – The assembly site in Ohio is the first plant in the country to achieve the World Class Manufacturing accolade, and the third facility in North America. Toledo received Bronze in July 2012.Silver status was awarded after a two-day audit, during which Toledo earned a minimum of 60 points ...
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Mercedes-Benz to build plant in Jawor
Poland – Parent company Daimler will invest around €500m ($570.4m) in the engine factory, the second such facility for Mercedes-Benz Cars outside Germany. The OEM says that the investment is dependent on final commitments including state aid, but that the start of production is anticipated for 2019.“Capacity expansion in Eastern ...
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ArticleVW Chattanooga makes new SUV test body
US – The plant is celebrating an early production milestone after completing the first metal test body for the midsize SUV which is due to be made later this year and enter the market in 2017.The test body was used to test the calibration of bodyshop equipment and processes, then ...
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ArticleKumho opens delayed Macon plant
US – The $450m facility covers 80,000sq.m on 530,000sq.m of land in Georgia and has a launch capacity of 4m tyres per year, with the potential to increase to 10m in future. Construction began in May 2008 but was suspended during the global downturn; it resumed in 2014.Kumho says the ...
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Tendo em mente PTFE
Pode haver uma tendência a prestar pouca atenção no PTFE, mas quando se trata de montagem e desempenho este pequeno componente pode fazer uma grande diferença As dobradiças das portas, capôs e outros dispositivos carro-carroceria parecem à primeira vista, um dos elementos mais simples de componentes em qualquer veículo. Mas, ...
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Atingindo o gás
Conforme OEMs aceleram os seus programas de sustentabilidade, dois principais participantes estão chegando em marcos-principais. A AMS relata como projetos de biogás têm contribuído grandemente para o sucesso de energia renovável da GM e BMWNo ano passado, pela primeira vez, o BMW Group conheceu a maioria de suas necessidades de ...
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ArticleMarchionne marches on at Ferrari
Italy – While retaining his current role as chairman, Sergio Marchionne is taking the responsibilities until now held by CEO Amedeo Felisa, who has served the company for 26 years. In his retirement, Felisa will hold a technical advisory position on the board of directors.“I have known Amedeo for more ...
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ArticleSteiner replaces Hatz at Porsche
Germany – With immediate effect, Michael Steiner succeeds Wolfgang Hatz as member of the executive board with responsibility for R&D. Hatz, who took the position in February 2011, is leaving the company at his own request.The statement from Porsche noted that Hatz went on temporary leave “as a precaution”, following ...
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ArticleNissan CIVAC celebrates 50 years
Mexico – The plant at Jiutepec in Morelos State was the company’s first outside Japan. Nissan said that, as well as launching its global strategy, CIVAC “established the beginning of a longstanding tradition in innovation, research, commitment and the highest quality standards in vehicle manufacturing”.José Muñoz, executive vice-president, Nissan Motor ...
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Cojinetes de PTFE
Puede haber una tendencia a prestar poca atención al humilde cojinete de PTFE (politetrafluoroetileno), pero este pequeño componente puede marcar una gran diferencia cuando se trata del montaje y el funcionamientoLas bisagras de puertas, capós y demás dispositivos de cierre de la carrocería parecen estar en un principio entre los ...
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A todo gas
A medida que los fabricantes intensifican sus programas de sostenibilidad, dos actores principales están alcanzando los hitos cruciales. AMS informa sobre cómo los proyectos de biogás han contribuido en gran medida al éxito de GM y BMW en las energías renovables El año pasado, BMW Group obtuvo por primera vez ...
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Hitting the gas
As OEMs step up their sustainability programmes, two leading players are arriving at key milestones. AMS reports on how biogas projects have contributed greatly to the renewable energy success of GM and BMWLast year, for the first time, the BMW Group met the majority of its electrical energy needs by ...
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Bearing in mind PTFE
There may be a tendency to pay little regard to the humble PTFE bearing but when it comes to assembly and performance this small component can make a big difference The hinges on doors, bonnets and other car-body closures seem at first to be among the most straightforward elements of ...
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ArticleJLR saves 50,000 tonnes of aluminium
UK – The ‘REALCAR’ closed-loop recycling reclaimed an equivalent weight to 200,000 XE body shells over the past 12 months, cutting 500,000 tonnes of CO2. The aluminium-intensive model recently marked its first full year of sales.The REALCAR project, led by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and part-funded by Innovate UK, saw ...
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ArticleLotus loses weight
UK – The vehicle-maker says it has cut 207kg from its model range over the past 12 months, after following a holistic approach to weight loss. The chassis for the Elise and Exige now weigh just 68kg each, and the company’s heaviest car is only 1,395kg.“We’re not concerned with following ...
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Beeston to direct Infiniti in Britain
UK – As country director, Barry Beeston will be responsible for all sales and marketing within the UK. He will assume the role on May 1, reporting directly to Francois Goupil de Bouille, vice-president of Infiniti Europe, Middle East and Africa.Beeston moves to Infiniti UK from Nissan Motor (GB). He ...