Latest News & Features – Page 277
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ArticleSolutions on show at Automatica
The potential of the robotic co-workerAutomotion and the challenge of alternative power sourcesMaterial gainsMan and machineThis year’s Automatica, taking place in Munich from 22025 May, will allow visitors can follow complete value-added chains—from components to system, and from application to services—to gain a comprehensive view of new developments and their ...
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ArticleGathering green intelligence in Hannover
Cross-disciplinary thinking to the foreManaging assetsInfrastructure developmentA focus on trends and solutions for sustainable industrial production was a central theme promoted by this year’s Hannover Messe organizers. The Green Intelligence concept formed a backdrop to many displays from various industrial sectors. Visitors were invited to consider the challenges of an ...
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ArticleGetting the right formula in machining
Critical partnershipsFast and furiousThe path to redemptionFirst-rate spindle technology is only one element of a four-part formula leading to optimised machining. As important as the machine tool might be, only the application of the right tooling, coolant strategy and cutting paths will offer up the desired outcome. Neglecting these is ...
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ArticleNew matrix resin for composite making
For the resin transfer molding process, Henkel has developed a new composite matrix resin based on polyurethane that enables improved economics and throughput in processing. Compared to standard epoxy matrix resins, the new Loctite MAX2 cures signifi cantly faster.During injection, it also enables more effi cient impregnation without stressing the ...
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ArticleCut complexity from costing and quoting
New software that automatically extracts manufacturing process-specific information directly from any 3D CAD model, to create the inputs for cost models that reside in virtual production environments, is an enticing prospect for OEMs and suppliers alike.For any supplier, accurate and timely project quoting is a critical success factor. It can ...
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ArticleYour flexible friends in machining
Age of the robotHigh fiveMachine tool investment for producing automotive components is seeing new vigour, as demonstrated by a stream of investment announcements over the past six months by major auto OEMS. Chrysler Group, for example, has pledged to invest $72m in its Toledo machining plant at Perrysburg, Ohio to ...
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ArticleThe power of engine production in Dundee, USA
World class manufacturingInnovative productsAutomation productionQuality testingLocated 60 miles southwest of Detroit, the Dundee engine plant—formerly known as the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)— epitomises Chrysler Group’s drive for state-ofthe- art manufacturing. The production complex’s North plant, launched in October 2005 and the South plant, launched in November 2006, offer 1.16 ...
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VanSlambrouck joins board of directors at AIAG
Detroit, MI – The Automotive Industry Action Group has named Ford executive Jim VanSlambrouck to its board of directors.Currently Ford’s director of product development quality in the Americas, VanSlambrouck has held positions in design and engineering.The Automotive Industry Action Group is a nonprofit group that works to improve the effi ...
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Behr America has named John Tepas as vice president of engineering
Detroit, MI – Behr America has named John Tepas as vice president of engineering.Previously chief engineer of Behr America, Tepas is a member of the company’s executive committee and has overseen the company’s customer engineering groups for General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and heavy-truck customers.Before joining Behr, Tepas held senior engineering ...
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Braunstetter in supply chain management by Continental
Regensburg, Germany – Juergen Braunstetter has been named chief of automotive supply chain management by Continental.In this newly created position Braunstetter will oversee the supply chains for the company’s three automotive divisions and will coordinate purchasing, quality and information technology.Before joining Continental in 2011, Braunstetter was responsible for logistics and ...
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ArticleGoing from local to global in Brazil
Model behaviourFreeing up tradeSheet metal solutionsThe global experienceLocal challengesGM expansionSomething for the future?Moving forwardVarious factors allowed the Brazilian economy to maintain a steady course of growth through the otherwise global economic downturn of 2008 and 2009. For its part, the national government of former president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva ...
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ArticleA hybrid of fortune at Toyota Europe
Speaking at the recent Geneva Motor Show, Toyota Motor Europe CEO Didier Leroy admitted the Japanese carmaker has had a torrid time of late. The combination of global recalls, the Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster and the flooding in Thailand, had all combined to seriously affect both consumer confidence and ...
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Mike Mansuetti is a president of Robert Bosch LLC
Detroit, MI – Robert Bosch has named Mike Mansuetti president of its North American business, Robert Bosch LLC. He will take over the role from Werner Struth, 55, who will remain chairman of Robert Bosch LLC and a board member for its German parent.Mansuetti is currently senior vice president of ...
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ArticleMeeting the revival challenge at Chrysler
Facing a bleak future just a few short years ago, Chrysler has rebounded with a strong line of products and a manufacturing philosophy that highlights its focus on globally competitive production. When restructuring with Fiat began in 2009, Chrysler dedicated itself to World Class Manufacturing (WCM). Scott Garberding, senior vice-president, ...
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ArticleFiat heading for a cleaner horizon
Sharing best practice in Group manufacturingEnvironmental management system certificationVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Addressing water scarcityWater withdrawal and rainwater harvestingWaste managementEquipment containing PCB and PCTWith multiple production plants in Europe and the Americas, and with joint venture facilities in Russia and China due to come on line later this year, Fiat Group’s ...
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ArticleSustainable production through energy savings
Energy saving - a vital performance indicator at SeatGetting the balance rightSavings from sunshineEnergy consumption takes a breakWith over 80 million vehicles sold in 2011, global energy demand has never been higher. AMS reports on how Seat Martorell and Daimler have implemented some advanced efficiency solutions with help from Siemens.Continuing ...
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ArticleInkjet interiors
Multi-material mixingStreetScooter project3D printing has been much mooted as a consumer tool for creating objects in the office or home. Mike Farish reports on a company taking this remarkable technology one step further.An exciting new rapid prototyping tool for automotive designers has been shown off recently at a number of ...
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Editor's Note: Questions of quality
“The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790), American inventor.On a recent research journey to China, I was asked by the marketing head of a volume domestic carmaker: “What does Made in China mean in Europe and ...
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ArticleThe quest for quality in Turkey
Power of threeCrisis and recoveryFlexible purchasingConquering complexityMoving with the timesUltimate customer serviceFord Motor Company has long had a presence in Turkey. In 1928, the first dealership was established in Istanbul, selling imported models. In 1959 the carmaker’s first production plant was established in what was then an Istanbul suburb. Operated ...
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Innovation by InventorCAM 2012
SolidCAM’s InventorCAM 2012, the latest version of its powerful CAM system, seamlessly integrated and with full associativity to Autodesk Inventor, has been launched. InventorCAM 2012 features the revolutionary iMachining module, that reduces cycle times by up to 70% and increases tool life. The revolutionary iMachining technology in InventorCAM 2012 uses ...