Aluminium News
Shielding aluminium
With aluminium continuing as the lightweight material of choice, Chemetall explains why a smarter approach to pretreatment of high-share aluminium content vehicle bodies is required
Al around the weld
Joining aluminium parts gives the bodyshop a number of challenges not encountered when welding steel. But a variety of weld techniques are helping OEMs to adapt and extend use of the lighter metal
Drawing attention: aluminium hot form quench
Better known as a niche process for parts with deep-drawn and complex geometries in high-strength aluminium, hot form quench is now being adapted for high volume production
Weight-loss programme
The electrification drive has increased the importance of lightweight vehicle structures. AMS looks at the development of the latest aluminium grades for electric vehicle applications
Worth its metal
Aluminium welding requires special care but an understanding of the process helps suppliers to make good choices, writes Lincoln Electric’s Raheel Khan
Gestamp starts production in Slovakia
Slovakia - Gestamp has started making aluminium components for JLR at its new Slovakia plant
Dongfeng Maxion to build wheel plant
China - Dongfeng Motor Parts and Components Group has formed a new joint venture company with Maxion Wheels - a division of the Brazilian wheel and structural component manufacturer Iochpe Maxion. The new company is called Dongfeng Maxion Wheels, and will look to serve the global market.
Corolla confidence
Upgrade and investments at Burnaston see Toyota start production of the new Corolla in the UK, despite all the turmoil of Brexit
Low heat input welding
The Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding process reduces the heat input in comparison to other MIG/MAG processes, claims Fronius. This uses a digital process control, which automatically detects short circuits and then helps to detach the droplet by retracting the wire; during welding, the wire moves forward and is pulled ...
Industrial suction spray gun
The 4100 Xtreme suction spray gun has been developed to paint larger surface areas commonly associate with commercial and general industrial applications, such as machinery, truck chassis and trailers, says Sagola. The gun’s nozzles and needles come in two variants, 1.6 and 1.8 that deliver fine and heavy atomisation respectively ...
A high-performance build
The Audi R8 series of sports cars is described as being closer to motor racing than any other on-the-road vehicles. Mike Farish takes a closer look at the manufacturing operation
Smartly pressed
OEMs and suppliers are teaming up to design and construct a state-of-art press shops, duly networked for an industry 4.0 approach
Steel wars
Bridges are being burnt in today’s automotive industry. Political decisions are having a significant impact on the price of vehicles, the way in which they are sold, and where they are made. One factor that could soon play a key role is the trade war between the US and the ...
The perfect finishing touch
Turkish alloy wheel producer Cevher Wheels has invested in Graco Pro Xpc Auto electrostatic
High performance for next-gen at NIO
Lightweighting, multi-metal compatibility and a focus on aluminium substrates is how thin-film, pretreatment technologies fulfil the requirements for NIO’s next generation of electric vehicles
Paint technology and investments
We report on the new technology, techniques and investments in the world of paintshop being implemented by vehicle-makers around the world…
Cool paint for hot cars
Ferrari is renowned for the high quality paint finish on its supercars. So creating a workable paint formulation that would cure at much lower temperatures without compromising these exacting standard would be a challenge. PPG’s Technical director, William Brunat, discusses the project with Nick Holt
A focus on fibres
Lightweight, high-strength benefits are being offset by materials and process costs. James Bakewell looks at the challenges of making carbon fibre cost effective
