Automation – Page 396
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ArticleGrowth is China's solution
Joint ventures back indigenous brandsDomestic dangersGeneral MotorsGuangzhou AutomobileBYDGeely AutomobileChery AutoGreat Wall MotorHow the key players in China’s automotive industry are planning to increase vehicle production, the role of the Chinese government in the expansion programmes, and the push to promote electric vehicles.Derided for years by critics in the West, China’s ...
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ArticleNew De-Sta-Co Vulcan grippers
The Vulcan series of high-temperature grippers from De-Sta-Co are suitable for automated foundry and casting applications. Equipped with available options, the gripper can operate in temperatures up to 450oC (840oF). Vulcan series grippers come in three sizes, with holding capacities ranging from 91Nm (67 ft/lbs) to 414Nm (305 ft/lbs).Each can ...
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ArticleNew TruDiode lasers from Trumpf
Trumpf has extended its range of TruDiode series lasers, with the addition of models with output powers of 800, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 watts, suitable for welding, brazing, hardening and heat treatment. These industrial-grade diode lasers offer a beam quality comparable to that of lamp-pumped lasers – even at high ...
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ArticleCombination laser and rotary die cutting system from Spartanics
Spartanics has launched its new Finecut-Plus-Rotary die cutting system, designed to support both a diverse range of short and long product runs found in automotive tooling shops. The Finecut-Plus-Rotary system offers rotary die cutting at speeds up to 120m per minute (400ft per minute). This is a tool-free system, with ...
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Article
A smaller light curtain from SICK
SICK has launched its miniTwin 2, a reduced-size light curtain solution that incorporates sender and receiver in a miniature housing, a built-in unit control and a diagnostic LED display. The miniTwin 2 units measure 120mm x 1,200mm and can be cascaded or daisy chained end-to-end, up to 3,600mm, without any ...
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ArticleJK Lasers enhanced Nd:YAG laser range
JK Lasers has added two new units to its range of pulsed Nd:YAG lasers, the JK80PS and JK150PS. These models are designed for use in a range of application fi elds, including production of automotive components. The JK80PS and JK150PS combine higher peak powers with improved beam quality for increased ...
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ArticleEditor's Note: Too much, too soon in China?
This September-October 2010 edition of AMS includes a vehicle maker special feature covering what the major OEMs in China are planning with regards to future production. As might be expected, to a one they are planning to add more models – and more capacity. With new plants or additions to ...
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ArticleMulti-sensor measuring tech from Werth
Werth Messtechnik has introduced its new ScopeCheck MB multi-sensor coordinate measuring machine for the analysis of large-volume components in a shopfl oor environment. The ScopeCheck MB has a measurement range of up to 800mm in the X-axis and 2,000mm in the Y-axis. Dimensional measurement using tactile, image processing technology or ...
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ArticleClearcut a key matter for matt
A sparkling futureThey are a real eye-catcher at major automobile exhibitions. More and more carmakers are presenting models with matt finishes. Previously only used with custom paint jobs, now they are increasingly being used in smaller production runs as well. Recently, BASF introduced its current colour collection, which include a ...
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Article
Finding the new black
BASF colour designer Eva Höfli talks about today’s fashions, tomorrow’s trends and their impact on automobile colours in the futureAPS: What’s everyday work like for a colour designer in the car industry?Eva Höfli (EH): Oh, it differs a great deal - depending on what stage our work has reached. During ...
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ArticleElectromobility and colours for the cars of tomorrow
Defining current trend worlds and colour worldsNew intelligence: ‘defragmented apparition’Move on nowColour codes of the here-and-nowSensible crossover colours: discrete dubbingColour codes of crossover coloursSupernormal: harmonious irregularitiesNew form for perfect presentationMixing exciting metallics and earthy natural tones to market to a highly diverse global customer base is a challenging job for ...
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ArticleAnodising and coating with experience
Optimising anodisingMeeting the challenge of new EC regulationAluminium cleaning, pre-treatment and anodising are some of the last finishing processes still using highly dangerous chemicals. One materials supplier is trying hard to clean up these areas For many decades, hexavalent chrome pretreatment has been the standard for aluminium. More recently, chromebased ...
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ArticleApplication expertise exhibited
Tight corners and compact carriersMoving into the third dimensionDürr’s Open House in Germany earlier this year saw all of the group’s business units presenting their innovative technologies with the motto: “Efficiency in the handling of energy and resources”In the paintshop application area, most important new model launch in is the ...
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ArticleWhen carbon counts for the better
An alternative to wet-chemical cleaningProcess technology – the decisive criterionComprehensive testing validates cleaning resultsRobot system with three nozzle arraysSmooth operation with many advantagesTopcoat line to go CO2As part of its drive towards greener paintshop processes, BMW has introduced a revolutionary cleaning technology at its Landshut plantTraditionally, plastic components for automobiles ...
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ArticleHarmonized automation
Bosch Rexroth, Hall 7, Booths 450, 550Pilz, Hall 9, Booth 370The SPS/IPC/DRIVES event, which will be held from 23-25 November 2010 at Messe Frankfurt, is Europe’s leading automation fair and the ideal event for finding out what’s new to the market, the trends, and what the future holds for automation ...
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ArticleA good problem to have
New models and plant makeoversPlant analysisNissan looks to lean productionToyota turns to technologyDomestic brands are quality winnersBankrupt in 2009, General Motors has a new problem; not being able to meet customer demand. GM’s VP of Manufacturing Diana Tremblay talks about increasing capacity, and analyst Ron Harbour explains how US carmakers ...
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ArticleMade to master the colour matching challenge
Paint formulation or application variation?Differences in colour – and opinionProcess change brought disharmonyWhen a carmaker found parts painted by a supplier differing from its finished car bodies it had to look at the problem from other anglesA major European automaker experienced difficulties on its production line when body panels painted ...
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ArticleLeading by example
An invitation to OEMsLive paint booths and Speed DryAutophoresis and nanotechnologyAluminium challengesWet-on-wet and low temperature curingR&D investmentLeading partnership successMany suppliers cut back on spending during the recent downturn, but Italian turnkey paintshop maker Geico has invested heavily in an innovation center At a time when many companies are scaling back ...
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ArticleVariations on a theme
Reducing cost in paint use and maintenanceParallel power in paint linesLess paint lost and rapid colour change possibleInside and outsideAdaptable and agileLight weight and high efficiencyLightweighting the robot armSpace-saving interfacing simplifies maintenanceEisenmann has been working hard to meet the challenges of today’s paintshop according to Ralph Meier, head of the ...
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ArticlePremium paintshop principles
Turnkey solutions and specificationsAluminium – low weight – big headache?Sludge control technologiesWet-on-wet – the way forward?Powder clearcoat – good for BMW but not JLRSourcing chemicals – the multi-supplier approachPrimerless paintColour matching challengesMatt finishes – will they ever be volume painted?Dream budgetCombining the finishing of upper-segment saloons, coupes and sports cars ...