All Maintenance articles – Page 7
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VoiceFuture-proofing automotive suppliers: Dealing with technological change and uncertain demand
The need for greater flexibility in automotive manufacturing is already influencing investment decisions within OEMs but also has major implications for the supply chain. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) spoke to Tanja Vainio, Managing Director, Business Line Automotive Tier 1, Robotics and Discrete Automation Business at ABB about the challenges ahead and the available solutions.
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ArticleMaking shopfloor management an asset in the smart factory
No matter how comprehensive the digitalisation and automation, the human factor still drives the modern smart factory. And yet, the intersection of man and machine, the shopfloor management, needs a rethink to become an asset in the data driven production line. Report by Chris Löwer
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VoiceDigitalising production scheduling: Connecting with reality
With automotive manufacturers faced with rapidly changing markets, Siemens discusses how they can transform variability on the shopfloor into predictable and executable production schedules
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ArticleThe software-defined assembly line
The manufacturing industry is on the cusp of a revolution, where investment is led by software rather than hardware. That in turn enables a raft of new possibilities in creating the factory of the future, according to experts from Audi, ABB and Cosmo Tech.
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VoiceSmarter, greener paintshops
Efficiency, flexibility and sustainability are now more important than ever in automotive manufacturing operations. Geico Taikisha explains how new developments in the digital management of paintshop systems and processes can deliver on these requirements
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ArticleWatch: Automotive suppliers charging ahead – Electrifying Production Series (Pt.1)
In the first part of our Electrifying Production Livestream series, AMS explores how vehicle electrification is changing major tier-1 suppliers’ manufacturing engineering and design, plant equipment and manufacturing strategies. Featuring experts from automotive suppliers and production specialists including Gestamp and ZF, Henkel and ABB.
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ArticleEV drivetrains inspire new production processes
Boosted by the rapid shift towards electrification, powertrain production is finding new efficiencies. Götz Fuchslocher found out how manufacturers and suppliers are upgrading everything from soft- and hardware, to their processes and their staff
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ArticleBuilding the battery pack
While cell manufacture is still largely in the realm of specialist producers, more OEMs are now assembling the battery pack inhouse, but this can be a complex task requiring specialist tooling. Nick Holt reports
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Article80% 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
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ArticleThe race is on: Meeting EV battery demand with smart manufacturing
John Miles, Global Business Leader – EV & Battery, Rockwell Automation, explains the need for flexible and data-driven production operations to meet future EV battery demand
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ArticleMercedes-Benz develops a number of its locations to enhance its shift to an 'electric first' position
The OEM is investing in the development of existing locations and consolidating test and development operations to boost EV production across its global network
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ArticleIn perfect condition
ABB explores how condition-based maintenance can keep car plant robots in good working order to increase productivity and minimise downtime
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ArticleAI and automation in automotive production need people and quality data to succeed
Experts from BMW, Ford, Symbio Robotics and Cosmo Tech discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in automotive production need fast ramp-up times and adoption by employees to succeed. High-quality data and use of simulation are also key.
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VoiceSmart customisation
AWL has developed a platform of modules for welding, handling and jigs called M-Line. AMS finds out why this represents a completely new approach to creating flexible production cells
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ArticleA collaborative approach to automation
Now in the guise of ‘cobots’, robots often work not just alongside, but with their operations integrated with those of co-located people
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ArticleThe human side of artificial intelligence
The robots are coming, and we should all be welcoming them, according to BMW, which has a plan to introduce AI to its factories, starting from grassroots initiatives. Report by Illya Verpraet
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ArticleCan UK manufacturing keep up with a 2030 ban on new ICE vehicle sales?
The UK government has announced it is bringing forward its plans to phase out the sale of new cars and vans powered by internal combustion engines. Daniel Harrison, automotive analyst at Ultima Media, examines how realistic that is and whether supply chains are ready to produce enough electric vehicles and batteries.
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WebinarWatch recording: A Smarter way to manage on site fluids
Learn about Castrol’s complete chemical management and services, a comprehensive offering that focuses on operational excellence and progressive solutions to future-proof industrial operations.
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ArticleTaking shape: Forming aluminium
AMS spoke to two leading press line suppliers to get some insight into process challenges and solutions for this material
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ArticleAluminium welding goes digital
Aluminium is an important part of the multi-material mix that will form the body and chassis structures of the next generation of electric vehicles. Nick Holt reports on the welding challenges and technologies