All Maintenance articles – Page 15
-
ArticleDual-purpose laser
In laser technology, the distinction between diode and fibre methods is clear – but automotive manufacturers are likely to need both types on their production linesLasers are now a commonplace tool on factory floors and are universal in volume car manufacturing environments. They fall into two categories – diode and ...
-
ArticleStop problems from the root
Addressing risks within your automation infrastructure can help protect your operations and reputationBy Larry Smentowski, senior industry consultant, automotive and tire, Rockwell AutomationEN EMEA Jaguar Land Rover HANNOVER MESSEBuilt with Rockwell Automation and Cisco Technology and demonstrating validated scalable and secure network architectures where data is managed to improve business ...
-
ArticleBeaming with benefits
Clean, flexible and able to provide quality assurance data, laser technology is now proving effective in welding plasticsA recent report released by Credence Research suggests that the US welding equipment industry for plastics is undergoing a period of explosive growth. The industry was valued at $595.3m in 2015, and the ...
-
ArticleRed-hot robots
AMS takes a look at the latest installations and innovations in the world of robot arms and automation used for welding applicationsAccording to the International Federation of Robotics, 50% of the world’s robots are used for welding. Moreover, a recent report from BCC Research reveals that the global automated/robotic welding ...
-
ArticleA tale of two paintshops
A major new double paintshop project is under way at Bowling Green which GM say will achieve unprecedented levels of first time quality and throughputBy any standards $439m represents a significant investment. Even more so when the money goes towards the construction of an automotive painting installation covering a little ...
-
ArticleMinding Maserati
A pre-treatment technology from Chemetall is helping the luxury carmaker reduce environmental impact levels at its Grugliasco plantAs a brand, Maserati stands for a tradition of high-performance cars – style, performance, luxury and safety. It is a marque that underlines the FCA strategy for responsible production practices. To further support ...
-
ArticleUnder the spotlight
With current demand for lightweighting so voracious, there are many applications in which OEMs are looking to spot weld mixed-material assemblies Trumpf's I-PFO is suited to the laser welding of doors, seats, sun roofs and other large body partsWith high thermal and electrical conductivity plus the very high electrical resistance ...
-
ArticleNissan opens Tennessee training centre
US – The 162,000 sq.m facility in Smyrna, a public-private partnership between the OEM and the Tennessee Board of Regents, will train local students and Nissan employees in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology. It will operate as an extension of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro.Describing Nissan’s workforce ...
-
ArticleFineblanking machine
The reinforced model of the XFT 2500speed press offers an effective solution for the special challenges in fineblanking production claims Feintool. The company says this model is equipped with stronger knuckle joints, which increases the press force at the tip to 3000kN (time-limited).It’s claimed that this additional reinforcement makes this ...
-
ArticleTailor-made
With a total throughput capacity of 750,000 tonnes of metal per year, it is no surprise to discover the automotive industry is a major customer of the Tata SteelparkThe Tata Steelpark near Wolverhampton, UK, is one of the major steel processing sites in Europe. Inbound, coiled steel from the company’s ...
-
ArticleHonda to double UK apprentices
UK – The vehicle-maker said it would expand its apprenticeship training for this year after receiving the highest number of applications since the scheme launched in 1999. Honda Swindon, which has become the production hub for the new Civic, is midway through recruiting September’s intake of apprentices.At present, the successful ...
-
WebinarFrom big data to smart data – Siemens MindSphere
Today’s automotive manufacturing plants generate huge amounts of data. While it is important to collect such data, it is essential to handle it intelligently. In this webinar, we’ll explain why cloud solutions are a vital part of the journey toward becoming a productive ...
-
ArticleThe 60% saving challenge
South Korean automotive parts manufacturer Ecoplastic and special-purpose machine supplier B+R Maschinenbau have both had their stringent demands met by ABB RoboticsIn South Korea, 370km south-east of Seoul, the coastal city of Gyeong-ju is located among widespread low mountains at the East Sea of Korea. Commonly referred to as “the ...
-
ArticleLiquid pro quo
Non-anaerobic silicone beading has gradually replaced solid gaskets on powertrain assembly lines. Christoph Denis-Bosio of Kremlin Rexson Sames explains the importance of application for the solution’s better performanceIn 2016, a total of 90m engines and 90m gearboxes were produced for light passenger vehicles the in 371 engine plants and 309 ...
-
ArticleNew compact pressure sensor
Festo’s new compact pressure sensor, SPAN, adds to its range of sensors for process and factory automation applications. The company says this unit is easy to set up, use and maintain, and is IP40 certified for protection against outside ingress.Applications are said to include supply pressure monitoring, vacuum monitoring, leak ...
-
ArticleA kanban plan
eFlex vice-president George Jewell explores the software development collaboration tools that companies can use in manufacturingAfter working for many years at a vehicle manufacturer, I moved to a manufacturing software company. At first glance, you would assume they have very different processes, but in many ways they are similar. Both ...
-
ArticleEnsuring global productivity
With low heat input, high welding speed and short weld-to-weld times, laser welding is helping meet the demand for increased output and use of lightweight materialsAs a system integrator of high-end automatic welding equipment, the Dutch company AWL-Techniek has grown into a global partner for its customers with branches in ...
-
ArticleFrom success to excellence
Siemens’ TIA Portal helped Continental Regensburg simplify and interlink its evolving standard cell manufacturing processContinental AG is one of the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers. The group’s automotive division operates from around 200 locations worldwide and at its largest facility, in Regensburg, Germany, around 8,000 people are employed in production ...
-
ArticleJust-in-time to fit the perfect wheel
Series production of complete wheelsets in JIT manufacturing operations is one of the decisive process stages in final vehicles assemblyWith its new wheel-tyre assembly line, Schenck RoTec offers both OEMs and main tier one automotive suppliers and tyre wholesalers a flexible, highly scalable and efficient solution for just-in-time (JIT) production. ...
-
ArticleConnected services for robot systems
Connected Services are a suite of resources designed to help UK manufacturers maximise robot uptime using data access and problem resolution says ABB Robotics. Delivered via the company’s single interface called MyRobot, Connected Services will make actionable data immediately available to plant engineers, maintenance staff and managing directors via smart ...