All Composites articles – Page 5

  • Composites Technology Centre, McLaren
    Article

    McLaren to open composites facility

    2017-02-09T09:13:56Z

    UK – The Composites Technology Centre in Sheffield will develop and manufacture the Monocell and Moncage carbon-fibre chassis in future McLaren cars. Construction work will begin in early 2017 and full production is scheduled for 2020. Meanwhile, pre-production chassis will be completed using trial processes at the nearby Advanced Manufacturing ...

  • Article

    Seven key issues for tier suppliers

    2017-01-05T15:53:35Z

    Taking examples from across the world of automotive tier supply, AMS looks at the seven key considerations from supply base consolidation, vertical integration and outsourcing to the changes that the move to electric, autonomous and connected vehicles might mean for the supplier industry1. Supply base consolidationWhile car companies make most ...

  • screen-shot-2017-01-05-at-14-49-24
    Article

    Get the insight inside

    2017-01-05T15:12:25Z

    With shorter lead times and constant cost pressures, OEMs are adopting CT scanning to analyse internal structures without the disassembling of countless prototypesToday’s automotive OEMs and suppliers face ever shortening lead times for introducing new products at a lower cost. Consequently, fewer prototype iterations are required and destructive testing is ...

  • Article

    Layer upon layer

    2016-11-25T15:18:02Z

    Researchers at Ford Dearborn are keen to see additive manufacturing move on from its prototyping origins and into the mainstream volume production processIn itself, there is nothing new about the automotive industry’s use of the set of techniques generally known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing, in which objects are ...

  • stratasys-infinite-build-3d-demonstrator_backdetail
    Article

    Layer upon layer

    2016-11-22T15:31:04Z

    Researchers at Ford Dearborn are keen to see additive manufacturing move on from its prototyping origins and into the mainstream volume production processIn itself, there is nothing new about the automotive industry’s use of the set of techniques generally known as additive manufacturing or 3D printing, in which objects are ...

  • Audi develops a new generation of tools
    Article

    Making light work

    2016-10-06T16:47:39Z

    Strong, stiff and light, these properties make composites a compelling proposition for the manufacture of tooling and production aidsIn sheet metal forming, epoxy resin dies were first used in the 1950s. These thermosets were often filled with steel powder or sand to increase their wear resistance and mechanical properties. Filled ...

  • carbon-fibre-recycle
    Article

    Recycle route for carbon fibre

    2016-09-30T17:09:09Z

    The use of carbon fibre in automotive manufacturing is in its infancy but with £316m worth of the material sent to landfill in 2015 it is imperative the industry explores more ways of recycling European Union (EU) end-of-life vehicle directives prescribe that 85% of the materials used in a new ...

  • Component painting, Durr
    Article

    Power to the machines

    2016-07-05T14:55:53Z

    While human flexibility offers special advantages in the assembly hall, modern paintshops rely heavily on automation to tackle hostile conditions and a strong need for consistency. AMS reviews the recent trendsRobotic technologies have for decades been centre stage in automotive manufacturing. The industry is top of the league for robot ...

  • Klemens Bartmann
    Article

    Interview: Klemens Bartmann, Axalta

    2016-06-29T09:44:25Z

    As the coatings company turns 150 years old, its global technology director reflects on the sector’s trends, challenges and opportunities – including new materials, environmental concerns and multi-functionality Klemens Bartmann, Axalta Coating SystemsJoanne Perry (JP): Can you briefly outline the differences in requirements between coatings for light vehicles and those ...

  • Sika Grandview
    Article

    Sika expands adhesives capacity at Grandview

    2016-06-01T16:26:39Z

    US – The company has commissioned mixing equipment and associated bulk packaging capabilities at its plant in Missouri, enabling the local production of SikaPower products which are used in vehicle assembly. The move is in line with Sika’s ‘Global Reach with Local Presence’ strategy.“The expanded capability enables further supply of ...

  • ELG Carbon Fibre Carbiso CT
    Article

    Recycled carbon fibre

    2016-05-16T08:00:30Z

    ELG Carbon Fibre claims it has developed a recycling solution that converts manufacturing waste into products that can be incorporated into vehicle design. The company says it is currently working with a number of automotive OEM’s on a range of projects from the development of end-of-use recycling solutions for carbon ...

  • Article

    Interior angles

    2016-04-01T17:05:25Z

    Despite much merger, acquisition and joint ventures, the automotive interiors market remains fragmented Seats and dashboards/cockpits are the two largest segments of the interiors market, both in terms of component size and value. Historically these components have been supplied by a mixture of in-house and independent suppliers, while in recent ...

  • Versalis
    Article

    Interiors: An inside look

    2016-04-01T14:56:50Z

    Despite many mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, the automotive interiors market remains fragmented Seats and dashboards/cockpits are the two largest segments of the interiors market, both in terms of component size and value. Historically, these components have been supplied by a mixture of in-house and independent suppliers, while in recent ...

  • Audi R8 Spyder
    Article

    The case for carbon fibre

    2016-03-15T14:57:00Z

    The composites industry’s flagship event, JEC World, was bigger than ever this year. The number of exhibitors showing off their automotive expertise at this month’s show and conference in Paris was particularly striking. The use of glass-fibre-reinforced composites is established for the production of non-structural internal and external parts for ...

  • Article

    VW's new VP for product innovations

    2016-03-11T10:19:31Z

    US – In his role as vice-president at Volkswagen’s North American Engineering and Planning Center (EPC), Burkhard Huhnke will encourage innovation in the market, build relationships with national R&D organisations and liaise with universities. His appointment is effective immediately.“Dr Burkhard Huhnke’s 18 years of experience in research and development have ...

  • Haas CNC, Formaplex
    Article

    Formaplex boosts CNC capability

    2016-03-07T10:09:40Z

    UK – An investment of £300,000 ($426,330) has enabled the purchase of three new, three-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machines from Haas Automation plus a trunnion table for five-axis milling. Formaplex says the equipment will help its Specialist Engineering Division “to meet the growing demand for high-speed machining of a ...

  • Press, Schuler
    Article

    Schuler to lead iComposite 4.0 project

    2016-01-27T16:25:33Z

    Germany – In partnership with a number of other organisations, the press manufacturer is exploring the economical series production of components made from fibre-reinforced plastics. The project will address the high manufacturing costs which currently limit the use of composite parts.According to Schuler, iComposite 4.0 will achieve cost savings through ...

  • Article

    BMW using Hexcel carbon fibre for 7 Series

    2016-01-14T10:26:54Z

    Germany – The composites company is supplying BMW with preforms made of unidirectional carbon prepreg set in various orientations and combined with adhesive. The carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) technology is used to reinforce the metal shell of the B pillar, while saving weight.In order to meet demand from the automotive ...

  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
    Article

    Cost-effective composites

    2016-01-07T18:12:53Z

    As OEMs explore reinforced plastics, the composites industry is preparing to capitalise on this trendUS materials supplier Cytec Industries has done well out of the aerospace industry's switch from metal to carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP)-intensive aircraft, and the company sees the automotive industry as key to its future growth. In ...

  • Norman.M20C-Right-Side_2.5x1.5x300ppi
    Article

    Polymers with power

    2015-12-11T11:12:22Z

    Composites are now being explored as alternative materials for engine-cylinder housings and may soon become mainstream – enabling the production of lighter-weight powertrains and more fuel-efficient vehiclesIn as little as three years, automotive engine housings made of polymer materials will start to enter the market as volume production items. That ...