Latest News & Features – Page 268

  • linear-1
    Article

    Linear actuator for process automation

    01 May 2013

    Festo says its DFPI combines the functions of a linear actuator, a positioner and displacement encoder in one unit.The company claims the DFPI solution is suitable for controlling knife gate valves and shut-off valves with regulated strokes and for use with all linear-actuated process valves, and incorporates IP65, IP67 and ...

  • led-1
    Article

    LED worklights for production machinery

    01 May 2013

    Patlite’s CLK series LED worklights feature micro-array lens technology that provides even light distribution with illuminance up to 2,100 lux.The company’s LED worklights feature a slim profile aluminium or stainless steel body that is resistant to water, oil and chemicals. IP66G, IP67G and IP69K-rated CLK series LED worklights offer one-touch ...

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    Article

    Leitz’s co-ordinate measuring machine

    01 May 2013

    Offering a basic accuracy of 0.6 + L/550 micrometres, Leitz says the PMM-Xi is suitable for calibrating measuring tools and as a reference instrument for the production floor, quality centres and measurement laboratories.As a universal measuring machine, the PMM-Xi takes the place of form testers, gear and camshaft checkers, and ...

  • Article

    Environmentally-friendly transit coating

    01 May 2013

    Cortec’s CorShield VpCI transit coating is an environmentally friendly, water-reducible concentrate designed as a replacement for oil-based corrosion preventives.The protective coating is applied to metal surfaces by spraying or dipping and is also translucent. The company claims that in ambient conditions the coating becomes dry to the touch 30 minutes ...

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    Article

    GM’s faith in Europe

    01 May 2013

    Ian Henry visits Opel’s Gliwice plant in Poland, which is at the heart of GM’s Drive! 2022 turnaround strategyGM’s European operations lost over US$1bn in 2012, and a similar or even worse loss is expected for 2013. Back in the US, however, GM senior management is standing behind its European ...

  • new-1
    Article

    New Horizon for modular resistance welders

    01 May 2013

    Miyachi Europe says its New Horizon resistance welding equipment allows users to create the best solution for their individual application through the use of a selection of modular components.Users can choose from a total of 24 modules to configure up to 400 weld heads and weld pincers, and the company ...

  • world-1
    Article

    Workspace solutions that can help to create world class manufacturing facilities

    01 May 2013

    Lista’s wide variety of storage and workstation solutions offer improved efficiency and organisation in manufacturing facilities.The company says its modular workbenches and workstations are suitable for use in cellular manufacturing, world class manufacturing, and lean manufacturing initiatives. The range includes workstations, mobile workbenches, and Nexus above-work surface accessories for tool ...

  • crossblue
    Article

    Paint trends - balancing appearance and sustainability

    01 May 2013

    More eco-friendly pre-treatmentMaterial and application advantagesEnergy efficient dryingUV-tech – the forgotten magic?Customisation and coatingWhether it is the auto body, the interior or the optimisation of the qualitative properties of the paint, coating is one of the challenges faced by the automotive industry and its suppliers. On the one hand, this ...

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    Article

    Measuring cells for 3D digitising and inspection

    01 May 2013

    The newest addition by GOM to its ATOS ScanBox series is the 6130. Its largest model so far, the company says this unit is designed for components with a diameter of up to three metres.Equipped with the ATOS Triple Scan 3D sensor, the new 6130 offers a measuring cell with ...

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    Article

    High-density connector system

    01 May 2013

    Molex says its SpeedStack mezzanine connector system, is a high-density, low-profile solution that supports data rates of up to 40Gbps per differential pair. The company claims the system is suitable for OEMs that contend with limited PCB real estate. The connector system comes in multiple circuit sizes of 22, 44, ...

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    Article

    New generation of efficient screw compressors

    01 May 2013

    BOGE claims its new S-3 series of screw compressors offer increased efficiency, quieter operation and an optimised sound pressure level.These compressors incorporate the company’s effilence air delivery system, which features a new 5:6 screw profile of the rotors (five main rotor teeth and six secondary rotor teeth). The company says ...

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    Article

    Great and global

    01 May 2013

    Simon Duval Smith interviews Hu Shujie, Great Wall Motor’s vice-president of manufacturing about transplant strategies and machinery choicesGreat Wall Motor (GWM), one of China’s leading privately-owned domestic carmakers, is most likely to continue to grow despite a slight downturn in demand that started in 2012. GWM showed great agility in ...

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    Article

    Eco-friendly part cleaning

    01 May 2013

    The EcoCSteam system is a new environmentally friendly cleaning technology developed by Dürr Ecoclean. The company claims this new steam cleaning process will remove particulate and fi lm-type contaminants such as oils, grease, emulsions, mould lubricants, chips, particles, dust and fi ngerprints from any material without the use of detergents, ...

  • act-11
    Article

    Editor's Note: Evolution not revolution

    01 May 2013

    When following the fast moving developments in this industry it’s easy to get swept along on a tide of innovative technologies, expanding (and shrinking) manufacturing networks and staggering production figures (usually from China). But, taking time to stand back and view this constant flow information, you realize that change, while ...

  • gap-1.jpg
    Article

    Gap contour optical measurement system in three versions

    01 May 2013

    CALIPRI, from NextSense, is a noncontact multi-platform method for the recording and analysis of gap contours, designed to meet the requirements of the automotive industry for gap dimensions and measurement.The measuring system is available in three versions: CALIPRI Portable for mobile gap and fl ush measurements; CALIPRI Inline Operator for ...

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    Article

    Engineering for efficient production

    01 May 2013

    Nick Holt reports on the presentations and product launches at the Eisenmann Technical ForumWith energy efficiency a hot topic at present it was no surprise that it was at a key theme at Eisenmann’s technical forum, held at the company’s Holzgerlingen engineering and R&D facility. The forum offered presentations from ...

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    Article

    Forging strength to save weight

    01 May 2013

    Mark Venables discovers how OEMs are applying new high-strength steels to different areas of the vehicle structureVolkswagen is increasingly using new high strength steel to make cars lighter and comply with strict emissions rules, confounding forecasts that aluminium would be the metal of choice for reducing weight. The German carmaker ...

  • Article

    Making the grade with steel CHECK INTRO - SAME AS OTHER STORY

    01 May 2013

    Steel makers are developing new grades and coatings that can help the automotive industry reduce weight without compromising safetyThere is a significant need within the automotive industry to find ways of increasing safety in a crash situation, using lightweight designs,” explains Anke Meyer, marketing manager at SSAB. One of the ...

  • Article

    Steel crazy after all these years CHECK INTRO - DUPLICATE WITH OTHER STORY

    01 May 2013

    Steelmakers are developing innovative new processes and coatings to meet changing demandsThere is a significant need within the automotive industry to find ways of increasing safety in a crash situation, using lightweight designs,” explains Anke Meyer, marketing manager at SSAB. One of the solutions is electro-galvanised steels such as SSAB’s ...

  • pressing-1.jpg
    Article

    Pressing matters

    01 May 2013

    Mark Venables reveals how continued innovation in the manufacture, properties and application of new steel grades is evolving vehicle structuresThe steel used in automotive production today bears little resemblance to that used 20 or even 10 years ago. This ubiquitous material has been continually re-invented, engineering new grades and gauges. ...