Steel
Real clean steel
With vehicle-makers and tier suppliers wanting greater performance from less material weight, Ovako’s engineering steels seem a good fit. Nick Holt visits its production facility at Hofors in Sweden to find out more
Cool processes
Across measures of quality, performance and cost Chemetall discusses how reactive oils can offer advantages in the cold-drawn, precision steel tube production process
Pressing matters
Our vehicles have all faced hazards at one time or another, from potholes in the road to rocks or broken glass. But what about protection when the hazards are ballistic threats to the safety of civil servants or service men and women?
Swedish steel and Russian reveal – AMS Podcast Episode 04
AMS Editor Nick Holt describes his visit to Ovako’s steel foundry in Sweden where high strength engineering steel for long products is made, while Assistant Editor Michael Nash talks about his tour of Russia which included visits to Volkswagen and Volvo Trucks plants.
Eaton and Cummins venture forth
To face an ever-widening array challenges, automotive manufacturing has seen numerous instances of partnerships, alliances, mergers and acquisitions entered into as a means to stay healthy
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 ...
Photochemical etching for metal parts
The use of photo etching offer OEMs the ability to produce aesthetic complex mesh patterns and high definition surface engraving, claims Precision Micro. The company explains that this process doesn’t require hard steel tooling, instead, it uses digital tooling that it’s claimed offers interior trim designers greater freedom to experiment ...
Pressed, radial ISO indexable inserts
Mapal says it now offers a milling programme with pressed, radial ISO indexable inserts. The new face, shoulder, slot and shell end face milling cutters are designed for roughing and for medium machining of cast iron, steel and stainless steel, says the company. It’s claimed the tool bodies are designed ...
Dashboard meeting
Switching from gantry line to a fleet of AGVs, an IAC facility near Liverpool has brought swift and smart adaptability to its instrument panel assembly process
Paintshop 4.0
Nick Holt visits Eisenmann’s technology centre in Holzgerlingen, near Stuttgart, for a preview of the latest skidless paintshop technology prior to its installation at the Daimler plant at Kecskemét
Casting a duo
Two innovative metal forming techniques could have a significant impact on the press shop of the future
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
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 ...
Passing the test
As modern vehicles become more sophisticated, production testing technologies and processes need to keep up. Mike Farish looks at developments with both carmakers and tier suppliers
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