All Maintenance articles – Page 29
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ArticleMaking the best of India
Turning Tata aroundNew challengesGlobal reachWhat India lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in engineering talent and resourceful enthusiasm. In this first of two reports on the region, AMS looks at Tata Motors and talks to Eric Vas about the manufacturing challenges of this rapidly growing marketAs one drives through ...
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ArticleWaste not, want not
Air today, gone tomorrowEfficiency firstMade to measureHeat harvestingPinch pointFrom lean to greenAlternative energy has yet to provide enough power to run a factory, but when it comes to cutting operating costs it’s worth looking at what can be improved on the factory floorChildren’s programmes around the world show how to ...
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ArticleEnd of the line?
Need for flexibility Machining centres Flexible transfer lines Matching industry demands Integrated modules Perfect match Cycle-time savings Continuous performance Modular evolution Flex flow extension New methods for machining Drivetrain machining Standards and specification Hybrid transfer lines Flexible Manufacturing has transformed the traditional transfer line and ...
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ArticleThe demands of machining
Investment saves money in the long runForging flexible machiningThe cost of flexibilityIt’s a grind for crankshaftsLinear drive technologyYou’re only as good as the last great production run you had, and in an increasingly competitive market, having the right machines and processes to do the right job is criticalWith its reputation ...
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ArticleManaging the motor system
Managing a motor system can be complex and costly. Users can overcome the diffi culties and compatibility issues of upgrading their electronic systems with the Telemecanique TeSys T. This advanced motor management and protection system offers primary motor protection requirements and is adaptable to all installed base motor management needs. ...
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ArticlePutting the fact in factory
Just the factsMining for informationOperator and process practicesPatterns with raw dataAll kinds of dataUser relevanceComparative analysis and benchmarkingInformation is crucial in today’s lean manufacturing environment, but the amount of data generated by resource planning software can often be bewildering and even counter productive. AMS looks at why it’s important to ...
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ArticleAll things automatic
From June 10 for four days, the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany will put everything in automotive manufacturing to the test at Automatica 2008. We preview a show that promises to attract 30,000 visitors to 900 exhibitors Automatica offers international coverage of assembly and handling technologies, robotics, machine ...
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ArticleNo strings attached
Realistic parametersFobs and flashesNo margin for errorZigBeeMesh networksBluetooth capacityPractical wireless control solutions for auto manufacturing and what the future holds for this technologyIt would be something of a finance officer’s dream if automated factories could be controlled from a central point. Whether it was onsite or, even better, remotely, it ...
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ArticleConnecting the network
A matter of choiceDifferent attributes for different networksChoosing one or the otherOpening the WindowsExploiting the gatewaysBenefits of integrationControlling the carriersDriving the devicesInstallation times are reducedCommunications systems are becoming increasingly standardised but there are still two distinct campsOne of the most fundamental factors shaping shop floor manufacturing operations in the automotive ...
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ArticleLeica Geosystems launches Absolute Tracker
Leica Geosystems - part of the worldwide Hexagon Measurement Technologies stable – has launched its new laser tracker. Known as the Absolute, it sets new metrology industry standards for accuracy, durability, portability and ease of use.The highly-advanced portable CMM weighs in at only 22kg and measures 62cm in height, making ...
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ArticleGrinding down the expenses
Competitiveness is keyThe rise of CGIVersatility in productionEliminating filtration problemsCutting down machining timeSaving pays for new investmentThe process of reducing weightIn the ultra-competitive machining sector, the investment levels required to meet cost and quality demands are not for the faint-heartedThe automotive supply chain is investing heavily to retain and attract ...
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ArticleStrength by design
Habasit has introduced what are billed as the strongest plastic modular belts for conveying extreme loads in the automotive industry, suitable for use with skid conveyors and general car conveyors. The high-performance belts, which feature nylon or steel rods, are driven by solid lug tooth sprockets that provide optimum sprocket ...
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ArticleWired into automation
This year’s METAV show will take place from March 31-April 4. The trade fair is the largest international technology showcase in Germany and features the latest in manufacturing technology and automationThe 2008 edition of the METAV show should be very attractive for both visitors and exhibitors, as it coincides with ...
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ArticleDoing more with less with Siemens
More models in less timeGreen car challengeStandards and responsibilityCompetence centreSimple safety systemAdvantages at AudiSuppliers of automation technology have to work closely with carmakers to establish the best platform strategy. AMS talks to Thomas Schott at Siemens Automation and Drives about the latest concepts bringing productivity benefits to the businessThe automotive ...
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ArticleCarrying the can
Flexible systemsPeugeot in ChinaLegacy worriesMoving bodies and parts from A to B demands a flexible conveyor system and it’s a case of mix and match for most OEMsThere are a number of options available when it comes to conveying work in progress in automotive facilities but they generally fall into ...
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ArticleHinrichs wants a revolution in robotics
Forefront of efficiencyCompetitive operatingPriorities for recoveryThe role of robotsQuality gainsPlanning and programmingParamount safetyRobot wish listJoe Hinrichs has got a wish list. He wants to see robots on the shopfloor that will revolutionise productivity and offer new levels of skilled automation and safety. AMS talks to him about the future of ...
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ArticleArmed robotic forces
New trends in roboticsIncreases and decreasesUser-friendly robotsSpeed, accuracy and qualityRobot assemblyProduction flexibilityRobotic relationshipsOEMs and robotics suppliers are collaborating closely on user-friendly solutions to the production processThe automotive sector, with its seemingly neverending quest for greater productivity, has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for robotic innovation. The body shop ...
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ArticleFollowing the guidelines
Flexible conveyorsChoosing the right AGVAutomatic unloadingControl systemsFinal assemblySafety firstFuture advancesThe specific use of automated guided vehicles between shipping dock and assembly line is offering carmakers safety-conscious production savingsSeveral decades ago, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) were being heralded as the ultimate answer to the material handling requirements of automotive OEMs. Plants ...
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ArticleGeico’s J-Flex system takes the stress out of body handling
J-Flex is an innovative handling system for pre-treatment and e-coat plants. The system consists of specifi c trolleys for body handling driven by chains. Body dip and rotation movements are independent thus they can be combined in order to obtain optimised working positions. The complete system is controlled by a ...
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ArticleLille and large - regional focus
PSA at ValenciennesMCP manufactureSuppliers in step with assemblyCRITT M2ABridgestoneCompetition breeds creativityLabour intensive productionBridgestone BIRDRenault at DouaiDSafety and ergonomicsFrench bastion/span>C-Segment productionEnvironmental impactToyotomi EuropeYaris supplyFaureciaThe northern French region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais is a prodigious centre of car production, with over 200 automotive companies supporting an annual build of 10 million. AMS looks at ...