Composites
Ford partners with EcoPro BM and SK On to build cathode plant in North America bolstering EV SC in region
The new plant marks Ford’s first investment in the region and is part of the OEMs wider objective of localising key battery raw materials processing operations in closer proximity to its EV production hubs.
GM announces $60m Series B investment in AI-powered battery materials trailblazer Mitra Chem
GM and Mitra Chem will work together to develop “advanced iron-based cathode active materials (CAM), like lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), to power affordable and accessible EV batteries compatible with GM’s EV propulsion architecture, the Ultium Platform.”
Shaping the future – Developing electric vehicle architectures
In our AMS Evolution Livestream experts from ArcelorMittal and Gestamp tackle EV production challenges and explain how digital tools, new technologies, processes and materials innovations could help solve some key issues
Form and function: Developing production processes and structures for electric vehicle architectures
The new electric vehicle architectures are also continuing to evolve as vehicle makers strive to find the optimum balance between platform flexibility, while also being viable for high-volume production. To get some insights in to this ongoing process AMS spoke with Paul Belanger, Gestamp’s R&D Director for North America
Re-evaluating recycled materials
Carmakers are increasingly looking into ways of reducing the environmental impact of their vehicle manufacture – and one way to do this is by using more recycled materials in their cars. But how can they go about this?
Magna to build new battery enclosures facility in Canada to support Ford F-150 Lightning production
The company will also manufacture battery enclosures for GM’s Silverado EV in St. Clair, Michigan, adding to existing battery enclosure production for the Hummer EV
Mercedes looks to chemical recycling to further develop circular manufacturing operations
The carmaker says it is working to increase the proportion of recycled materials in its car fleet to an average of 40% by 2030
3D printing: a step closer to mainstream production
New technologies and materials create more opportunities for additive manufacturing in automotive applications
After tailpipes, auto industry ponders CO2 purge from its materials
Volvo, Polestar and SSAB ponder how to wring out CO2 from materials now that the internal combustion engine’s fate is virtually sealed.
Watch: New magic in the dark art of lightweighting
Ignacio, Jérôme and Prof. Volk explain the magic behind the art of lighweighting all whilst factoring in cost, performance, safety concerns and the impact on manufacturing process.
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’.
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
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.
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
Advanced polymers: Reinforcing metal-to-metal adhesive bond strength
As the automotive industry continues to focus on lightweighting for better fuel and energy efficiency of vehicles, there is an increased trend towards light metal alloys and eliminating mechanical fasteners by adhesive bonding. This has created a need for improving the reliability of metal-to-metal bonds, for which proper surface treatments are key. Solvay discusses some solutions
Building 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
Power is nothing without control
Chassis components keep the wheels from falling off the EV revolution. Illya Verpraet found out how Gestamp is managing the change with material and quality control innovation
Taking shape: Forming aluminium
AMS spoke to two leading press line suppliers to get some insight into process challenges and solutions for this material
Polypropylene materials technology for the automotive market
Carbon and glass fibre-reinforced polypropylene (PP) technology offers alternative to engineering plastics and metal parts
Nissan’s new process to mass-produce CFRP parts
Nissan aims to use the new process to mass-produce CFRP parts and introduce them in more cars for customers