All Lightweighting articles
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ArticleWhat wireless battery management systems mean for sustainable EV manufacturing
As the demand for EVs rises and OEMs rapidly roll out units, battery component manufacturers are looking to develop vital electrification ecosystems. A factor that is increasingly central to the manufacturing of EVs is a battery framework that simplifies the production process for new sustainable models.
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News
BMW to invest $200m in new South Carolina press shop
US BMW manufacturing CEO Dr Robert Engelhorn announced that the company would invest more than $200m to build a 219,000 sq. ft press shop at its South Carolina plant.
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News
AMS EVolution summit returns with fresh new format and guest speakers
The Automotive Manufacturing Solutions EVolution Summit returns this spring from 17th - 19th May with a brand-new format and with a mission to provide unique and exclusive insight into the world of automotive production.
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Article
Megacasting: a chance to rethink body manufacturing
The aluminium die-casting process could revolutionise body construction. Professor Wolfram Volk, the department head for forming technology and casting at the Technical University of Munich, explains the advantages and disadvantages of so-called ‘mega’- or ‘gigacasting’.
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News
Volvo investing $1.1 billion in Gothenburg site to support huge electrification push
In the coming years, Volvo Cars will be investing SEK 10 billion ($1.1 billion) into its manufacturing plant in the Torslanda province of Gothenburg, Sweden, as preparation for the production of the next generation of fully electric cars.
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Article
The die is cast for Volvo’s future EV production
One of the key pillars of Volvo’s investment in electric vehicles will be the application of aluminium megacasting to produce large structural parts. Mikael Fermér, solution architect for vehicle platforms at Volvo Cars, explains the significance of this change for EV production.
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Voice
Automated sealing & sound deadening: Achieving an efficient application
OEMs are moving towards fully automated paintshop, and this will include robotic application of sealant and protecting solution to the car body. The application of sealant and sound deadener presents a challenge to balance lightweight and protection of the body. SAMES KREMLIN presents a solution for efficient dispensing with a high-performance applicator and dosing unit
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Voice
Multi Part Integration: Optimising vehicle structures
Reducing materials use and vehicle weight are key considerations for OEMs. ArcelorMittal discusses its new Multi Part Integration concept and how this can simplify the vehicle production process
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Article
Heavy-duty lightweighting
The heavy-duty, commercial vehicle sector faces the same challenges in terms of reducing its environmental footprint and is similarly developing alternative fuel vehicles. SSAB discusses how truck OEMs can leverage the car maker’s lightweighting lessons
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Article
Aluminium applications
Electric vehicles battery enclosures are increasing overall vehicle weight, with lightweight materials for structural components, such as castings, can offset the rise. Rio Tinto’s Jerome Fourmann tells Nick Holt about new opportunities and production innovations
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Article
Lightweighting of the future: Lotus reveals blueprints underpinning new EV sports range
Lotus Cars has unveiled its full range of EV performance cars demonstrating innovations in lightweight chassis technology for the production of its electric sports vehicles. According to the company, they will be essential in both performances of electric vehicles, as well as in maintaining efficiency in manufacturing.
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Article
Stress test: new modelling approach for component fatigue testing
The development of lightweight structures and components for electric vehicles has created a demand for more comprehensive and modern test-and-measurement processes to evaluate component fatigue and service life. Lucia Barbu, research professor and project coordinator at Fatigue4light gives insight into the challenges and solutions
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Article
Porsche production: moving faster around the bend
Porsche’s manufacturing chief, Albrecht Reimold, explains the carmaker’s progress towards sustainable, connected manufacturing as it gears up to build more electric vehicles.
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Article
BMW expands plant in Mexico to build 2 Series Coupé
The 2 Series Coupé will be produced exclusively in Mexico for the global market. The plant has seen further investments of $125 million over the last 2 years, which has expanded its operations significantly.
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Article
Cost and opportunity: experts unveil the contradictions at the core of lightweighting EVs
Lightweighting has become one of the most important features when it comes to designing EVs. As calls for more sustainable production practices become louder, creators are looking at new innovative ways to lighten the load.
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Article
Thinking outside the box: lightweight battery enclosures
The lightweighting of electric vehicle (EV) structures is a key element in helping to extend the endurance ranges necessary to accelerate their increasing adoption. A specific target for weight reduction is the compartment used to house the batteries
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Article
Lightweighting the EV is a challenge to celebrate
There is a new impetus to save weight as vehicles become powered by electric powertrains. Reducing the weight of a vehicle by optimising the mix of materials and the application in design is now a key focus.
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Article
Watch: Vehicle lightweighting rises to the top of the agenda for designers and engineers
This livestream investigates how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating lightweight architectures, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
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Article
Watch: Factory of the future Livestream – The software-defined assembly line
As automotive OEMs digitalise and connect factories, hear how the Audi Production Lab, ABB and Cosmotech are using real-time data, smart software and advanced automation to reshape vehicle production processes.
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Article
80% aluminium throughput: Chemetall’s competence in car body pre-treatment
The ongoing drive to reduce vehicle weight is seeing an increasing percentage of aluminium being used in car bodies. In the context of this lightweighting challenge, an ambitious joint effort by Chemetall and Porsche has achieved a targeted share of 80% aluminium throughput in a phosphating pre-treatment plant
