Latest News & Features – Page 170
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ArticleFixed-mount barcode readers
The DataMan 150, 260 and 360 series of fixed-mount, image-based, ID readers run the latest Cognex algorithms to achieve the highest possible read rates, claims the company.The serial USB-based DataMan 150 series and Ethernet-based 260 series models offer straight or right-angled configurations to fit into tight spaces. DataMan 360 series ...
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ArticleNew range of Bi-face radius cutters
Toolex says it offers two types of its new bi-face cutters; mini with two flutes in four radius sizes from 0.2 to 0.5mm and standard with three flutes in ten radius sizes from 0.5 to 3.0mm, all with a claimed tolerance of ±0.02mm on the radius.The company says the cutters ...
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ArticleSkoda halves production energy per car
Czech Republic – Over the 20 years the OEM has been working with its energy provider, Sko-Energo, production has seen a drop of more than 50% in energy use and a “significant” reduction in water consumption (including 15% in 2014).“Using energy efficiently gives companies a real competitive edge,” said Michael ...
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ArticleMercedes chooses Hankook for Actros
Germany – Four product types will be supplied for the heavy-duty truck in accordance with the new deal: the AL10 and DL10 long-haul tyres, plus the AM06 and DM03 off-road tyres. This extends an existing OE agreement from last year.The AL10 will be supplied in two sizes: 295/80R22.5 and 385/55R22.5; ...
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ArticleTVR to return to production
UK – Led by a fresh management team, the brand – established in 1947 – will make its comeback with a new sports car designed and built in Britain, in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design and Cosworth. The project has already spent one year in development.TVR says the vehicle will ...
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ArticleSVW to boost EV production with expansion at Anting
China – The decision between Volkswagen and SAIC to grow the main facility of their joint venture, SVW, will enable the full localisation of VW electric vehicles (EVs) on a gradual basis. In four years’ time, a new EV based on VW’s Chinese bestseller, the Lavida, will roll off the ...
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ArticleFluid thinking in machining
The latest coolant and cutting-oil technologies can support automotive's drive for ever higher productivityTo meet demanding output schedules, automotive manufacturing engineers have little option but to machine fast. However, if there is one thing certain to cause heat in machining operations, it is fast cutting speeds and high feed rates. ...
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ArticleModel predictive control software
Rockwell Automation claims its Pavilion8 Model Predictive Control (MPC) software now offers a more user-friendly configuration environment, step-by-step prompts, warning diagnostics and flexible work flows.The company says this v5.0 software remains control system independent, but integrates with its PlantPAx process automation system and includes four key enhancements: Updated, Windows-based solution ...
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ArticleSurface measurement testers
AMETEK Taylor Hobson says it has added two new products to its range of surface measurement testers. These are the Surtronic Duo portable surface roughness tester for shopfloor and on-site measurement of multiple roughness parameters and the Intra Touch contour and finish measurement system for applications including precision machining.The company ...
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Article
FCA makes senior management changes in UK
UK – Karl Howkins is newly appointed as deputy managing director and will head up a streamlined structure, with two country directors looking after the Fiat/Abarth and Jeep/Alfa Romeo marques – respectively, Elena Bernardelli and Damien Dally.Bernardelli was previously marketing director at Fiat; Dally headed up Alfa Romeo in the ...
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ArticleBarratt is Ford Britain’s new MD
UK – Effective from July 1, Andy Barratt will be chairman and managing director; his predecessor, Mark Ovenden, is moving on to become president and CEO of Ford Sollers, the joint venture with JSC Sollers in Russia.Barratt has experience of leading Ford sales teams within the UK and was also ...
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ArticleGM invests $119m in parts plant
US – The expenditure on tools and equipment at the OEM’s Grand Rapids operations in Michigan will support the production of future vehicle components. The plant already operates on three shifts with 500 employees but will add 300 personnel.The factory produces a variety of precision-machined engine parts for Chevrolet, Buick, ...
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ArticleBristol to use BMW engine for Pinnacle project
UK – The British carmaker’s first new vehicle in more than a decade will launch later this year as a 70th anniversary model. The company says its BMW-powered car will be “a modern take on the best of British craftsmanship”.Bristol Cars says Project Pinnacle will be the subject of further ...
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ArticleAudible progress
With sales, revenue and production investments all on the increase, Audi is really making some noiseProduction sites in this article:Ingolstadt, GermanyMuenchsmuenster, GermanyNeckarsulm, GermanyMartorell, Spain Brussels, BelgiumGyor, HungaryBratislava, Slovakia Changchun, ChinaFoshan, ChinaSan José Chiapa, MexicoSão José dos Pinhais, Brazil Aurangabad, India Jakarta, IndonesiaKaluga, RussiaStrong financial results will allow Audi to continue ...
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ArticleMultimatic to support Metrocab production
UK – Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, makers of Metrocab, say that the zero-emissions-capable vehicle will be able to enter volume production next year, supported by the partnership with manufacturing specialist Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV).MNV, which makes complete cars plus body/chassis assemblies for low-volume programmes, has a well-established facility in Coventry, ...
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ArticleGreen laser for use with portable & fixed CMMs
Perceptron has introduced a green laser-line metrology scanner, the ScanR CMM, that it claims offers an advantage over red and blue laser scanners when scanning highly reflective and carbon fibre parts. The company says it can be easily integrated into its TouchDMIS metrology software and feature extraction from the ...
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ArticleFRP gel coat systems for composite manufacturing
Graco says its fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) gel coat system is suitable for molded fibre-reinforced plastics such as those used in automotive applications. The company claims its gel coat system proportioner has been optimised for ratio stability and control components and long-lasting seals offer reduced maintenance, increasing overall uptime.The RS gel ...
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ArticleVolvo formalises SC plant development
US – The signing of the agreement with local officials in Charleston, South Carolina (SC) opens the way for ground-breaking to take place this autumn. The first units are due to roll off the line in late 2018.“Today we formalise an important milestone in Volvo Cars’ global transformation in the ...
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ArticleGM Lansing tools up for 2016 Camaro
US – Preparations for the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro are costing $175m and will see the plant in Michigan adding 500 jobs with a second shift in late summer. Facility enhancements include three new paint systems and two robotic framers which will allow better dimensional control.“With this investment in tooling and ...
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ArticleSKF supplying VW at Puebla
Mexico – The company is providing wheel hub and MacPherson suspension bearing units for the Golf VII. Deliveries started in the first quarter of 2015.The SKF factory is close to VW’s manufacturing site at Puebla and able to supply just-in-time deliveries at short notice. The company already provides bearing units ...