Editor's Pick – Page 115
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ArticleGroupe PSA creates Digital Factory
France - The OEM has turned an area covering 3,000 sq.m at its Poissy plant into a digitalised centre. It hopes that the centre will allow it to bring resources and skills together in one place to support various departments, from manufacturing to customer experience."The 3,000 sq.m renovation was completed ...
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ArticleBMW starts Leipzig extension
Germany - The OEM revealed its intension to expand the plant back in July 2017. It originally said the cost would total around €200m (US$234.82m), but has revised that figure to €300m.Construction work has started to extend and update both the bodyshop and paintshop. 500 new robots are being ...
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ArticleOptimising compressed air quality
The Drypoint M eco control system allows for the precise control of the degree of compressed air drying across a defined range, says Beko. The company says this system allows operators to optimise the compressed air quality to suit specific applications, even under changing operating conditions.The purge air demand is ...
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ArticleInfrared thermometer for steelworks
The Endurance series pyrometers are suitable for primary and secondary metal production applications, claims Fluke Process Instruments. The infrared thermometers take non-contact measurements and can be used to control process stability, product quality and fuel efficiency, says the company. The units offer a 1µm, 1.6µm, or 2.4µm spectral response and ...
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ArticleTool management service
Mapal says it now offers its Tool Management services based on the c-Com platform. It’s claimed this system offers accurate inventory and tracking usage data and reduces downtime due to issues such as missing tools, data trawls, restarts and tool selection. The company says this system is features a modular ...
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ArticleFord invests in Craiova plant
Romania - The OEM has confirmed it is spending €200m (US$236.17m) to ready its Craiova plant for the production of a second vehicle, the name of which will be confirmed closer to launch. It will be built alongside the EcoSport small SUV and the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine."This new investment will ...
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Ford to add 1,500 new jobs in Craoiva
Romania - Ford's Craiova assembly plant is to receive a €200m investment and 1,500 new jobs as part of the OEM's plans to add an as yet unnamed second vehicle the factory.The plant currently assembles Ford's EcoSport small SUV as well as its 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine. Details of the second ...
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ArticleHigh-speed measuring
A combination of precision mechanics, optoelectronic sensor systems, image processing and measurement software, allows the Inspector FQ to perform measurements on the shop floor with short cycle times, claims Werth. The company says the system’s drive concept is based on linear motors and provides very high measuring speeds enabling the ...
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ArticleSilicone free tyre production
Rhein Chemie says its new Rhenodiv BP-166 and Rhenodiv BP-9500 products are 100% silicone-free and claims they are easier to wash off due to a new, water-soluble release agent. The company claims the permanently coated Rhenoshape bladders enable tyre manufacturers to vulcanise tyres using no additional release agents, eliminating the ...
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ArticleAll-wheel drive coupling
BorgWarner says it is supplying two versions of its electro-hydraulically actuated, all-wheel drive (AWD) coupling for the new Volkswagen Crafter. One with a differential lock control at the rear axle, the other without this feature. The unit distributes torque between the front and rear axle and the company claims this ...
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ArticleForeign policy friction
Tariffs on steel imports, NAFTA renegotiation and the return to sanctions on Iran have been at the centre of recent policy actions by the US president; the implications for the auto industry are potentially severe but how things will develop are far from clear.The decision to impose tariffs on steel ...
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ArticleConstellium expands aluminium plant
Czech Republic - The supplier has announced that it is building an extension to its facility in Decin, which houses the production of customised aluminium extrusions primarily used in automotive and industrial applications. Construction is expected to finish in October 2019."As the auto industry increasingly turns to lightweight, high-strength aluminium, ...
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ArticleMercedes prepares plant for electric EQ
France - Mercedes-Benz has announced that its Hambach plant will produce a new compact electric car under the EQ brand - it's electric vehicle (EV) family. In order to ready the facility, a total of €500m (US$588.14m) will be spent on a new body shop and surface treatment system, while ...
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ArticleNovelis builds new aluminium facility
US - The supplier has started constructing a new plant in Guthrie, Kentucky. Costing US$300m, it will be used to house the production of aluminium sheet for the automotive industry."The increased adoption of aluminium in cars, trucks and SUVs, coupled with more automotive manufacturing plants in the southeast makes Guthrie ...
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ArticleG-Class production starts in Austria
Austria - Production of the new Mercedes-Benz G-Class has begun at the Magna Steyr plant in Graz, Austria. It made its global debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show in January."With the model change the new G-Class experienced the biggest transformation in its 39 years-old history," explained Gunnar Güthenke, head ...
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ArticleMagnetic grippers for materials handling
Magswitch has introduced its new T30 magnetic gripper, which the company says features larger airports for increased compatibility, robust connections and is claimed to be 20% stronger, 26% more compact and manufactured to precision tolerances (+/-0.02 mm). According to Magswitch the T 30 can replace suction cups ...
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ArticleAcura RDX production starts in Ohio
US - Honda is now making the all-new 2019 Acura RDX SUV at its East Liberty Auto Plant. This follows on from a US$54m investment in new technologies and processes at the facility, including a multi-layer paint system, a roller hemming process used specifically for the model's ultra-wide panoramic roof, ...
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ArticlePowder coating booth
The S-Cube CleanAssist powder coating booth can change colours in five to six minutes, and combines this with automated booth cleaning, says Wagner. This system utilises the company’s Energy Efficiency Package (EEP) powder recovery system, which it’s claimed minimises powder loss, optimising material usage.According to the company this booth uses ...
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ArticleAutomated sheet metal handling
ByTrans Cross is a new loading and unloading system developed for its fibre laser cutting machines says Bystronic. The company claims this system offers users full automation for producing long runs of components while retaining the flexibility of manual handling for fulfilling smaller jobs.It’s claimed the modular design allows it ...
