Automation – Page 391
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ArticleDow Corning's Molykote helps reduce automotive cabin noise
Dow Corning offers a full range of proven and cost-effective Molykote Smart Lubrication solutions to help OEMs and their suppliers eliminate the causes of interior noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The noise-damping Molykote specialty lubricants are formulated with and without solid lubricants in synthetics, mineral oils and silicone. Specific choices ...
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Fasteners from Velcro help reduce seat production times
Seat assembly with Velcro fasteners is more cost-effective than with ring-and-wire or adhesives. The fasteners also reduce scrap and rework, while offering added design flexibility, just some of the reasons hook-and-loop is widely used to secure seat trim covers and, increasingly, for armrests and headrests.There are many advantages to attaching ...
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ArticleGOM launches ATOS Triple Scan
The mobile ATOS Triple Scan 3D digitizer from GOM features Blue Light technology, and for the first time, a 3-in-1 sensor concept. The new technology of ATOS Triple Scan returns improved resolution and accuracy for fine structures and edges, supplying full-field 3D data for complex components within very short timeframes. ...
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ArticleFloor-Mark outlines pathways in high-traffic areas
Visual Workplace has launched Floor-Mark, described as being a better alternative to tape and paint for marking floors and other workplace areas. Floor- Mark is ideal for high traffic areas; the product features peel-and-stick backing for simple and quick application, while delivering superior adhesion when compared with traditional tape products ...
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ArticleJohnson Controls introduces 'Slim Stow' seats
Automotive part supplier Johnson Controls has introduced a new design for second-row seats in pickup trucks. Called ‘Slim Stow’. the seats are said to take up 33% less space, while being more comfortable than traditional rear seat solutions. The seats are also lighter than previous products.“Our Slim Stow Seat enables ...
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Stracke has taken over as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall
Detroit, MI. – Karl-Friedrich Stracke has taken over as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall. He has also been nominated to become chairman of the management board of Adam Opel AG.Stracke succeeds Nick Reilly, who continues as head of GM’s European operations. Reilly has been nominated to chair the Opel Supervisory Board. In ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Finite EV lifespans
An estimated 70 EV and PHEV models are to be launched across various markets over the coming 24 months. These will include some big names, such as the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, and the already-available Mitsubishi i, together with some not-so-well-known brands, including Li-ion, Bright and – unknown perhaps in ...
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ArticleControlling a greener automotive future
Siemens are well-known around the world for their electronic consumer goods, and for their manufacturing hardware and software. To get a perspective on where they are heading in China with their production systems, AMS spoke to William Cui, General Manager, CCA (Competence Center Automotive), Automation & Drive Technologies Division, in ...
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ArticleDetroit of the East
GM’s Martin Apfel and Ford’s Joe Hinrichs describe how these two global giants are moving forward with plans to turn Thailand into a regional manufacturing hubChanging relationshipsSustained growthSupplier catch upConfidence is infectiousStar in ascendanceThe sign above the entrance to the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong, Thailand, proclaims it to ...
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ArticleResponsible energy
Reduce energy usage and it follows that emissions will fall too. Two new processes can reduce energy consumption and emissions, while there are benefits in self-generated energyA better wayRubber processSelf-generationWhere is no doubt that the paintshop offers the best ROI in terms of time and money spent when attempting to ...
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ArticleHybrid theory from motor sport
Carbon fibre flywheel technology developed by the Williams F1 team could benefit hybrid powertrains, and BMW’s racing expertise is filtering down to the company’s assembly linesWilliams tries new techStalled battery developmentBMWDry textilesMotor sport, and particularly Formula One, is known for its rapid development of existing technologies, or the formation of ...
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ArticleSolid benefits of fluid management
Growing adoption ratesReview nowTougher metals and more advanced and severe metalworking processes, along with the ongoing drive to increase productivity and reduce costs, have seen cutting fluids rise up the agenda at automotive machine shops.Where a neat or aqueous (soluble/water miscible) cutting fluid is selected, it is crucial to monitor ...
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ArticleIn the line of fire: which automated machining is best?
Greater efficiencyFlexible and modularFor years transfer machining lines dominated production halls at automotive plants around the world. Then came the backlash as plants sought greater flexibility, even higher productivity, and improved reliability – downtime at one station can bring the whole line to a halt. But transfer lines have evolved ...
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ArticleA new spin on turning
There is a growing demand among auto parts manufacturers for turning machines with integrated B-axis functionalityRapid evolutionCranking up rigidityOpposites attractMulti-spindle automatics remain hard to beat for high-volume turned parts, but with designers seeking to combine parts or introduce part ‘families’ to reduce assembly time, the resulting added complexity often means ...
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ArticleSeeing is retreiving
As demand returns to many regions, OEMs require more visibility throughout the supply and manufacturing chainsTimely and accurate delivery of materials and components to production lines is at the heart of any efficient automotive manufacturing facility and is a particularly relevant subject as vehicle output increases in various new markets, ...
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ArticleAutodesk introduces EasyBlank Inventor for metal cutting
AutoForm Engineering has introduced EasyBlank Inventor, an add-on for Autodesk Inventor, specially designed for sheet metal part designers, tool and die designers, and tool cost calculators.Autodesk Inventor allows engineers to digitally prototype parts before they are built. EasyBlank Inventor adds further specialist functions, such as determining the optimal part nesting ...
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Eastman launches Solus 3050
Eastman Chemical has introduced its latest performance additive, Solus 3050, specifi cally engineered to help formulators meet VOC, performance and productivity goals in waterborne coatings systems. The Solus family of performance additives was developed to meet global market demand for paints and coatings that deliver regulatory compliance with optimized performance ...
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ArticleNew KUKA automated insulation compound application system
Kuka Systems has introduced a new acoustic insulating compound application system that allows chassis insulation material to be automatically applied during the production process. This replaces the need to cut and manually fix bitumen or butyl mats, plus the system can support production of various different models on the same ...
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ArticleABB extends its IRB 2600 robot range
ABB has added three new models to its multi-purpose robot range. The new IRB 2600 family features an optimized, compact design and 25% faster cycle times, achieved through the use of ABB’s QuickMove motion control software. The IRB 2600 range is said to offer the best accuracy and speed in ...
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Uyttenhoven is appointed for vice-president of Toyota Europe
Brussels, Belgium – Alain Uyttenhoven, Toyota’s Vice-President of Toyota Motor Deutschland has been appointed Vice-President of Toyota Motor Europe (TME).Uyttenhoven has been replaced by lrich Selzer, who was previously managing director for Lexus in Germany.www.lexus.com