All articles by Nick Holt – Page 35
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Article
Assessing Datacolor’s 45G portable spectrophotometer
Datacolor has revealed its 45G portable spectrophotometer, which controls colour and appearance in complex manufacturing supply chains, producing measurement results that correlate better to visual assessment. For items with multiple visible components such as automobiles, achieving colour harmony is complicated by the need to visually match those components. For example, ...
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ArticleHow to ensure good coverage
Water Transfer PrintingPlant Engineering / Paint SupplyConveyor TechnologyPlant EngineeringQuality ControlPlant EngineeringCoatingsPre-TreatmentRegardless of whether it is metal or plastic parts that need to be painted – enhanced quality, efficiency and sustainability are high on the list of challenges faced by OEMs and tier suppliers. At PaintExpo roughly 400 companies from 22 ...
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ArticleFiltering out the issues
The situationConclusions of studyThe SolutionClean Air America tells AMS about the process involved in its assessment and improvement of oil mist filter efficiency at Ford Mexico’s Chihuahua manufacturing plant.The faclity in Chihuahua manufactures 2.0 and 2.3-litre Duratec engines, which meet the rising consumer demand for smaller and more fuel-efficient engines. ...
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ArticleInstigate, innovate, automate
ABB group vice-president Michael Larsson discusses the technologies currently being delivered to OEMs in order to improve quality, efficiency and product throughput.In his role as group vice-president for ABB, Larsson presides over a number different areas, powertrain automation, body-in-white and paint process automation – commonly referred to as robot systems ...
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ArticleStill waiting for the green light
Saved from the floodNew engines, new line?Changing tacticsFuture plansA series of global events have left Honda’s second manufacturing facility in India producing a limited number of body and engine parts. Julian Buckley travelled to the site to ask when it will get the go-ahead to start full production.Honda Siel Cars ...
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ArticleMade in the South
Pleased to meet youWeld typesPlanning for C-ClassTail light preparationA tour of the bodyshop at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which review the technologies that have been added for production of the new M-Class SUV.In 1997, the M-Class SUV was the first model to enter production at the $400m Mercedes-Benz ...
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ArticleSetting the standard for the 508
Shifts and pressLaser applicationsBIW managementPaintshop hardwarePaint solutionsColour applicationFeeding the lineSupermarket sweepA comprehensive tour of the PSA Rennes plant to find out what processes and technologies were put in place to support production of the new Peugeot 508 range.Last year the PSA factory in Rennes, France, celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over ...
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ArticleHigh-precision surface grinder from Okamoto
The company has introduced a new machine which is a double column, gantry-type ACC-208CHiQ and can deliver the accuracy required for motor core dies used in vehicles with hybrid powertrains, or for high precision dies used in die coating equipment, its says. The ACC-208CHiQ, which can operate over 2,000 x ...
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ArticleNew Diavia HVAC system from Delphi Automotive
Delphi Automotive has introduced a new HVAC system for city buses designed to keep passengers comfortable while improving effi ciency and reducing energy consumption when compared to traditional external roof top bus units. The new Diavia City Bus HVAC delivers uniformlycooled air to passengers regardless of where they are located ...
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ArticleNew weld cell environment sensor cables from Pepperl+Fuchs
Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced Weld Slag Resistant POC cables. The robust and fl ame retardant cables offer reliable operation over an extended working life in high temperature welding applications. The fl ame-retardant cable jacket can withstand temperatures up to 150oC, while the fl exible structure can handle high levels of mechanical ...
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ArticleHigh-speed spindle grease from Castrol Industrial
Tool performance is critical to manufacturers, but higher spindle speeds have created the need for a new spindle grease to prevent bearing failure and improve effi ciency. High-speed applications require specialist greases composed of base oils and thickeners, which enable the lubricant to remain in contact with the bearing at ...
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ArticleBayer MaterialScience launches EV polycarbonate glazing solution
Bayer MaterialScience has introduced a new lightweight polycarbonate and polyurethane material suitable for automotive roof structure glazing. The material offers weight reductions of up to 50% when compared to similar glass products. A prototype of a roof module with glazing and integrated solar modules, developed by Webasto, was exhibited as ...
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ArticleDuPont releases Zytel RS for automotive tubing
DuPont has introduced the Zytel RS grade product. Based on PA1010, the material is used for production of fuel lines for vehicles using diesel and biodiesel. The renewably-sourced, long-chain nylon was chosen in preference to competitive grades of PA12 on the basis of its superior temperature resistance and long-term aging ...
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Article
Uddeholm launches new steel product
Uddeholm has replaced its Ramax LH product with RoyAlloy stainless steel. Delivered from Edro Specialty Steels, a division of the Voestalpine Group, Uddeholm will act as the exclusive global distributor of the new product. RoyAlloy is a pre-hardened, corrosion-resistant holder steel specifi cally designed for plastic mould base applications. It ...
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Article
New injection moulding system for Ultramid tubing
Teklas has introduced a new water-assisted injection moulding technology (WIT) for the production of hollow plastic parts. The system is currently used to manufacture tubing using BASF’s Ultramid A3HG6, a glass fi bre-reinforced polyamide specially developed for the WIT process. The new system delivers superior inner and outer surfaces, as ...
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ArticleZebra Technologies launches the WhereLAN III asset tracking system
Zebra Technologies has introduced WhereLAN III, the company’s thirdgeneration real-time location system (RTLS) sensor. WhereLAN III offers a one-metre accuracy level, more than double that of the previous generation, which delivers an improved level of real-time asset management and a signifi cantly decreased total cost of ownership. The new system ...
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ArticleMetal moves at METAV
ChironILT – Industrie Luftfilter- TechnikMAGOptrisTornosThe fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, will again serve as the marketplace for modern production engineering. Examples from the entire spectrum of manufacturing technology will be on display, focusing on: machine tools; production systems; high-precision tools; automated material flows; computer technology; and industrial electronics and accessories.Starting on ...
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ArticleEfficient handling of metal sheets
Improved dynamic handling, decreased costsAdaptability and flexibilityLong-lasting and environmentally friendlyWith the introduction of the SAXM series of suction pads, German vacuum technology provider J. Schmalz is seeking to set new standards in sheet metal processing.The requirements of the automotive and sheet metal industries are increasing in complexity, due in large ...
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Article
Editor's Note: Cost over safety
It is said by many that travel is the next best thing to formal education, meaning that experiencing different cultures is only a little less mind expanding than a good teacher presenting interesting subject matter.Having been to Brazil a few times this year, with the last trip quickly followed by ...
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ArticlePaint process for fantastic plastic
One of the world’s largest automotive rearview mirror manufacturers has combined Indian architectural design with a high-efficiency, ‘green’ paint system at its new facility in Hungary. Faster colour changes with minimum paint lossEnergy-saving operationsSMR Automotive Mirror Technology Hungary is investing in a completely new plant in order to increase its ...