Automation – Page 386
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ArticleFrom virtual, to reality
Eliminating trial and errorJLR part productionHaving a fully-rendered CAD model on the screen is one thing, but holding a part and assembling it with other prototypes reveals a whole new set of information. An example of this rapid prototyping (RP) in action can be seen at the Jaguar Land Rover ...
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ArticleTotal digital for the new Focus
Improved collaborationCut to sizePLM cuts costsVirtual design drives improved efficiencyWith ever-closer links between 3D simulation tools and factory floor automation, major PLM vendors have pushed digital manufacturing technology from the fringe to the mainstream. Ford is one carmaker that has taken full advantage of such software, an example of which ...
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Editor's Note: Cost over safety
It is said by many that travel is the next best thing to formal education, meaning that experiencing different cultures is only a little less mind expanding than a good teacher presenting interesting subject matter.Having been to Brazil a few times this year, with the last trip quickly followed by ...
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ArticlePaint process for fantastic plastic
One of the world’s largest automotive rearview mirror manufacturers has combined Indian architectural design with a high-efficiency, ‘green’ paint system at its new facility in Hungary. Faster colour changes with minimum paint lossEnergy-saving operationsSMR Automotive Mirror Technology Hungary is investing in a completely new plant in order to increase its ...
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Yang, co-CEO of Hyundai Motor resigns
Seoul, South Korea – Steve Yang, co-CEO of Hyundai Motor, has resigned his position for personal reasons. Under Yang, Hyundai became a global player in the automotive industry, making great gains in regional market.Hyundai’s domestic and foreign sales heads will share Yang’s responsibilities. Health issues forced Yang to resign, but ...
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David Schoch named as CEO of Ford China
Detroit, MI. – Ford has named David Schoch, who was previously controller of Ford of the Americas, as CEO of Ford China. According to the company, he will oversee an ambitious growth programme designed to challenge incountry rivals including GM, VW and Toyota.Schoch joined Ford in 1977 as a financial ...
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Bentley Motors takes on board Rolf Frech
Crewe, UK – Bentley Motors has appointed Rolf Frech as its new Board Member for Engineering. Frech joins from Porsche, where he was Director for Complete Vehicle Engineering and Quality.He succeeds Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, who is to become a managing director with Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), the German Automotive Industry ...
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Provost is the CEO of Renault Samsung Motors
Paris, France – Renault has selected Francois Provost, former COO of Renault Russia, as the new CEO of its subsidiary Renault Samsung Motors. He replaces Jean- Marie Hurgier, who had been head of the South Korean subsidiary since 2006.Provost joined Renault in 2002 after serving in the French government. In ...
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ArticleThe power of nature
Glenn Brooks examines developments in alternative power generation at vehicle and powertrain production plants in Europe, the US and Brazil, as well as a particularly innovative facility currently under construction in North AfricaToyota's UK 'eco-friendly'The world's largest solar roofSolar power for Chevrolet Volt plantVolkswagen's hydropower initiativeZero-emissions car plantZero discharge, zero ...
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ArticleGetting it together
Ruari McCallion reports that new technologies and techniques in vehicle production are being blended with established methods in the modern assembly line, but new vehicle platforms may require a change in the balanceReduced plastic usage - for nowMixing in adhesivesThe right specificationThe old reliables still do the jobCold comfortDeveloping effective ...
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ArticleVital afterthought
Matt Youson reports that while testing equipment is sometimes omitted from an integrator’s plan of action, the installations are a ‘must have’ in terms of automotive productionInnomech - identifying probelmsFederal-Mogul - quality at speedIntegrating test and inspection technology into a production line, instead of relying on a third-party lab, has ...
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ArticleComplexity of location
Integrating an automotive production line is an engineering challenge almost as old as mass production, but the industry still faces new geographic and chronological challengesPurchasing and implementationBWI - adapting to circumstancesNexteer - managing growthFor those in the know, an automated production system in full flow is a thing of great ...
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ArticleRight first time
The various strategies being used to support successful integration of new production lines, including how 3D simulation can certify cell and assembly line performanceSiemens offer integrator services3D modelingBefore the business of building a new line can begin, a period of development is required. This part of the line integration process ...
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Geared up for flexible growth
Steel and stamping successShift systemFrom construction to productionBody-in-white - expertise on two levelsSuppliers onsite and onside for efficient assemblyTransmission productionHyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) in Nošovice is described by the carmaker as being the most modern manufacturing facility in Europe. While that claim might provoke some debate, the plant can ...
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ArticlePlant reborn
New material usageBody testingBeyond FreelanderAutomation in productionRaising the roofSealing the doorCustom paintMeeting expectationThe Land Rover Freelander 2 is not, by any definition, an entry-level model. Yet the new Range Rover Evoque, which borrows its layout from the Freelander, has undergone a series of major revisions in terms of its manufacturability ...
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Editor's Note: No quick fix
Badge engineering would appear to be a win-win for carmakers. Beyond production and delivery of restyled components, it's cheap to produce the same vehicle with largely cosmetic changes. It can also expand a new model's potential customer base - Buyer A wouldn't want to drive a car from Brand X, ...
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Wenzel releases the new exaCT XS desktop CT system
The new Exact XS from Wenzel is designed for the dimensional measurement and testing of small plastic components and parts with low density, where 3D data of complex inner structures is required. Measuring 600mm x 520mm x 430mm, the Exact XS is the smallest industrial CT scanner in its class, ...
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Jet Edge launches Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system
The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry waterjet cutting machine is capable of producing complex parts out of virtually any material. Features include an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. The system is delivered with a standard abrasivejet cutting head; a second cutting head can be added to increase productivity. ...
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DuraMax ‘Shop floor’ measuring equipment from Carl Zeiss
With a series of additional components and functions, the compact DuraMax Shop floor coordinate measuring machine from Carl Zeiss is now even better suited for taking measurements in the workplace.With its additional functions, DuraMax Shop floor is tailored for use in rough production environments. DuraMax also eliminates errors associated with ...
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Werth Inspector FQ high-speed CMM
The Werth Inspector FQ is a fast measuring machine that uses linear drives. Maximum positioning speed for the CMM is 1,000m/sec., with acceleration speed reaching 10m/sec2. The system is delivered with standard zoom optics, plus it can be fitted with additional sensors, including touch probes and laser scanning. For even ...