Materials News
European automotive manufacturing in an age of disruption
European automotive production is in a state of flux and continued disruption. The accumulative impact of continuing coronavirus-related problems, the prominence of Asian productivity, and now war threatens to cause further damage to automotive manufacturing, Jason Dunn reports.
Watch: Making it modular - vehicle production’s flexible future
Flexibility in automotive assembly is now a competitive advantage. This AMS livestream features leaders from automation experts Ewellix and Rockwell and AMS discussing innovations in modular production and how to improve assembly lines at brownfield and greenfield factories.
Ford and VW expand collaboration with plans for new electric model using MEB platform
Ford Motor and Volkswagen Group are growing their e-mobility partnership amid plans to produce a new electric model based on the MEB platform for the European market. Following plans to introduce another 7 EVs in Europe by 2024, Ford also aims to double its planned MEB volume to 1.2m units across six years.
AMS EVolution summit returns with fresh new format and guest speakers
The Automotive Manufacturing Solutions EVolution Summit returns this spring from 17th - 19th May with a brand-new format and with a mission to provide unique and exclusive insight into the world of automotive production.
Megacasting: a chance to rethink body manufacturing
The aluminium die-casting process could revolutionise body construction. Professor Wolfram Volk, the department head for forming technology and casting at the Technical University of Munich, explains the advantages and disadvantages of so-called ‘mega’- or ‘gigacasting’.
Volvo investing $1.1 billion in Gothenburg site to support huge electrification push
In the coming years, Volvo Cars will be investing SEK 10 billion ($1.1 billion) into its manufacturing plant in the Torslanda province of Gothenburg, Sweden, as preparation for the production of the next generation of fully electric cars.
Britishvolt and Glencore agree to expand battery recycling capacity in the UK
Britishvolt has announced a joint venture with strategic partner Glencore to build a battery recycling ecosystem in the UK.
Semiconductor investment boom begins in US with Intel’s $20 billion for Ohio factory
Intel plans to invest $20 billion in the construction of a new factory in Ohio to alleviate the ongoing global microchip shortages and develop local supply chains in North America.
Britishvolt receives UK government support for Northumberland EV battery plant as sustainability goals drive localised manufacturing
The British government has confirmed it will fund the creation of an electric vehicle battery plant in Northumberland.
It all adds up to zero – counting the ways to net carbon zero manufacturing
Sustainability leaders from Audi and Lear explain how the companies are working across the value chain to decarbonise manufacturing
End-to-end sustainability: accelerating to zero emissions and the circular economy
Manufacturers are increasing efforts to reduce waste and to reuse and recycle material, including packaging and battery materials. In this session, executives from Magna, CSR Europe and Li-Cycle discuss initiatives in the circular economy and to reduce overall emissions
Aluminium applications
Electric vehicles battery enclosures are increasing overall vehicle weight, with lightweight materials for structural components, such as castings, can offset the rise. Rio Tinto’s Jerome Fourmann tells Nick Holt about new opportunities and production innovations
AMS Lightweighting 2021 – Weighing the options
This edition features insights on how manufacturing engineers and designers are taking new approaches to vehicle architectures and production to integrate lighter, more efficient materials – especially for EVs – to reduce weight and improve sustainability. Featuring Ford, Gestamp, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Dreistern and more
Lightweighting of the future: Lotus reveals blueprints underpinning new EV sports range
Lotus Cars has unveiled its full range of EV performance cars demonstrating innovations in lightweight chassis technology for the production of its electric sports vehicles. According to the company, they will be essential in both performances of electric vehicles, as well as in maintaining efficiency in manufacturing.
CATL partners with BASF for EV battery material recycling to support European supply chain
Battery maker CATL has announced a strategic partnership with German chemicals firm BASF in battery materials solutions that will support recycling of batteries, and CATL’s plans for the production of battery cells in Europe.
Stress test: new modelling approach for component fatigue testing
The development of lightweight structures and components for electric vehicles has created a demand for more comprehensive and modern test-and-measurement processes to evaluate component fatigue and service life. Lucia Barbu, research professor and project coordinator at Fatigue4light gives insight into the challenges and solutions
Faraday Future names Matt Tall as new vice president of Manufacturing
Amid the company’s overarching new manufacturing strategy, Faraday Future is also making sweeping hiring announcements to oversee its push to expand production of its flagship FF 91 model.
Toyota to produce hydrogen fuel cell modules for trucks in Kentucky from 2023
Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky will become a production centre for the company’s dual fuel cell development, serving commercial vehicles.
Ford gambles with supply chains as OEM reportedly doubles production targets for electric F-150 Lightning trucks
Demand for electric vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years amid broader strategy by global institutions towards carbon-neutrality. However, supply chain disruptions relating to semiconductor shortages, the coronavirus pandemic, and material access may prove problematic for attempts to ramp up EV battery production.
AMS Materials flow and automation 2021 – Moving with the times
Our latest digital edition looks at the latest assembly line concepts coming from new EV producers and how AI is becoming a key enabling technology