Latest News & Features – Page 105
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ArticleAsset management
The Simatic PDM Maintenance Station V2.0, enables the monitoring of intelligent field device status independently of the automation and control system used, claims Siemens. Integration is based on DD (Device Description)/EDD (Electronic Device Description) technology and the collected data can be transferred using an export function for further processing, says ...
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ArticleVW pours €22.8bn into production network
Germany – The OEM said the funds will be used to implement its Transform 2025+ strategy, focusing on “the further development of modular production, the continuation of the model offensive and further orientation towards e-mobility”. The investment, equivalent to $27 billion, will be spread over five years to 2022.“The investment ...
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ArticleMini-spectrometer
The C13555MA is the latest edition to the TF series of mini-spectrometer for colour measurement applications from Hamamatsu Photonics. The company says this USB-powered polychromator contains optical elements, a driver circuit and a built-in 512 pixel CMOS sensor. A USB connection allows any acquired spectrum data to be transferred to ...
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ArticleAl-Futtaim to assemble Renault vehicles
Pakistan – The two companies have signed definitive agreements for the exclusive assembly and distribution of Renault models in the country. The new subsidiary Al-Futtaim Automotive Pakistan will start building a factory in Karachi in Q1 2018.“Groupe Renault is delighted to extend its international footprint by entering Pakistan, a fast-growing ...
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ArticleLabyrinth seals
Schaeffler claims its CoRX and Twin-Ax deep groove ball bearings (for passenger car drive shafts) feature two sealing rings that are interconnected, effectively protecting the inside of the bearing from contamination.The company says the CoRX bearings use axial and radial seals, while the Twin-Ax units feature two axial lips made ...
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Article
Gordon Murray joins seats project
UK – During its participation in the Manufacturability of Advanced Passenger Seats (MAPS) programme alongside Formaplex, the company will focus on reducing structural weight by using composite panels made from recycled carbon fibre, while maintaining high volume and controlling costs. The goal is to develop a seat frame which is ...
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ArticlePolestar starts building Chengdu plant
China – The company is following a nine-month construction plan, with the aim of beginning tooling installation and pre-production testing halfway through next year. The facility will produce the brand’s first model, Polestar 1.“Following the successful launch of the new Polestar brand in October, construction of the new Polestar Production ...
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Article
A winning formula?
Like all new strategic plans announced by vehicle companies from time to time, the new Opel PACE! plan leaves many questions unanswered. It’s not clear yet what will happen to the enlarged manufacturing network which PSA-Opel/Vauxhall now has; by common consent, the group has too many plants, but CEO Carlos ...
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ArticleEditor's note: High anxiety
We live in anxious times, if the headlines are to be believed. In the UK, Brexit has seemed to be less of a concern to the consuming public than it does to a nervous business community. But worries regarding what the future holds for the millions of diesel and petrol ...
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ArticleCAD collision testing
CoreTechnologies says it has developed a new digital-mock-up (DMU) tool for machine and plant engineering. This module for the 3D_Evolution series for collision testing is specifically tailored to machine and plant engineering needs, claims the company.The collision calculation takes place on the exact B-Rep descriptions, so that a precise distinction ...
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ArticleOpel’s ambitious future
After losing around US$16 billion in Europe, GM decided to sell Opel/Vauxhall to PSA. The French company had been transformed from near bankruptcy to profitability under Carlos Tavares’ shrewd stewardship. Tavares was looking for ways to grow PSA; with joint vehicle programmes between GM and PSA already under way, he ...
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ArticleAdded value
Although additive manufacturing is not new, the latest techniques are offering OEMs more options for its useThe use of additively manufactured parts in vehicles is now unexceptional, if not yet pervasive, at least at the high end of the market characterised by low volume and high purchase price. But there ...
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ArticleCylindrical gear machining
Klingelnberg says its Speed Viper platform machines feature a revised, ergonomic design and a simplified operating system. The company says this removes the need for any modifications or corrections to be entered manually, as theses are now automatically loaded using GearPro Operator. A touch screen display provides operator guidance.Other new ...
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ArticleFibre space
The recycling of carbon fibres presents a real challenge for the industry but, with interest being shown by the makers of electric vehicles and sportscars, opportunities are emergingIf the automotive industry’s use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is to increase significantly, then efficient methods for recycling these materials must be ...
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ArticleFibre space
The recycling of carbon fibres presents a real challenge for the industry but with interest being shown by the makers of electric vehicles and sportscars, opportunities are emergingIf the automotive industry’s use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is to increase significantly, then efficient methods for recycling these materials must be ...
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ArticleCleaning and machining
The Bonderite duaLCys process has been used in a precision tool, machining project at German customer Mapal, claims Henkel. The company says the process can be tailored to the customer’s needs across their value chain from casting and machining to assembly. One of the stated benefits is the recycling of ...
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ArticleNew stamping ground
Gestamp chairman and CEO Francisco Riberas tells AMS about the growth in outsourcing of press shop operationsSpanish metal parts supplier Gestamp has grown to the point it is now the go-to company for European makers wanting to outsource body-in-white and chassis parts, particularly stronger hot-stamped steel parts.It has leveraged this ...
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ArticleMotor reflex
Brose’s Bernd Kaufer tells AMS how engineering instincts helps him to run the company’s Würzburg plantAt 7:00am each working morning, Bernd Kaufer begins his day by consulting his smartphone. As general manager of Brose’s Würzburg plant, his first task is to check on the status of operations there. Thanks to ...
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ArticleThe stage to engage
The continually restructuring tier supply environment is witnessing record M&A activity amid rapid technological changeTier one suppliers currently face a bewildering mix of challenges, some long-term and some short-term in impact. This has always been the case, but the pace of change and the scale of adjustment required now are ...
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Article
The stage to engage
The continually restructuring tier supply environment is witnessing record M&A activity amid rapid technological change Tier one suppliers currently face a bewildering mix of challenges, some long-term and some short-term in impact. This has always been the case, but the pace of change and the scale of adjustment required now ...