All articles by Nick Holt – Page 36
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ArticlePlant reborn
New material usageBody testingBeyond FreelanderAutomation in productionRaising the roofSealing the doorCustom paintMeeting expectationThe Land Rover Freelander 2 is not, by any definition, an entry-level model. Yet the new Range Rover Evoque, which borrows its layout from the Freelander, has undergone a series of major revisions in terms of its manufacturability ...
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Editor's Note: No quick fix
Badge engineering would appear to be a win-win for carmakers. Beyond production and delivery of restyled components, it's cheap to produce the same vehicle with largely cosmetic changes. It can also expand a new model's potential customer base - Buyer A wouldn't want to drive a car from Brand X, ...
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Wenzel releases the new exaCT XS desktop CT system
The new Exact XS from Wenzel is designed for the dimensional measurement and testing of small plastic components and parts with low density, where 3D data of complex inner structures is required. Measuring 600mm x 520mm x 430mm, the Exact XS is the smallest industrial CT scanner in its class, ...
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Jet Edge launches Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system
The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry waterjet cutting machine is capable of producing complex parts out of virtually any material. Features include an exposed tank that easily accommodates overhead loading. The system is delivered with a standard abrasivejet cutting head; a second cutting head can be added to increase productivity. ...
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DuraMax ‘Shop floor’ measuring equipment from Carl Zeiss
With a series of additional components and functions, the compact DuraMax Shop floor coordinate measuring machine from Carl Zeiss is now even better suited for taking measurements in the workplace.With its additional functions, DuraMax Shop floor is tailored for use in rough production environments. DuraMax also eliminates errors associated with ...
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Werth Inspector FQ high-speed CMM
The Werth Inspector FQ is a fast measuring machine that uses linear drives. Maximum positioning speed for the CMM is 1,000m/sec., with acceleration speed reaching 10m/sec2. The system is delivered with standard zoom optics, plus it can be fitted with additional sensors, including touch probes and laser scanning. For even ...
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Autoform delivers efficient simulation of hot forming and quenching processes
AutoForm Engineering, supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has introduced AutoForm-ThermoSolver, designed to simulate the hot forming and quenching processes. Using AutoForm-ThermoSolver, high-strength components with complex geometries and minimal springback can be engineered in less time and at lower cost.AutoForm-ThermoSolver features several innovations. In addition to ...
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Sabic introduces Xenoy iQ resin
Xenoy iQ resin, from Sabic’s Innovative Plastics unit, offers superior ductility and improved impact resistance for automotive parts. This translates to improved energy absorption in such events as pedestrian impacts, which is why the material has been used to produce the undertray fitted to Ford C-MAX models.As a further benefit, ...
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ExxonMobil introduces new Mobilcut water-soluble cutting fluids
The best coolants can deliver reduced maintenance requirements by resisting biological attack, helping to extend batch life. Ease of maintenance must also be balanced with good machining performance, while also protecting the machine tools and work pieces from corrosion and sticky deposits. In addition, the fluids should meet the latest ...
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Sandvik Coromant to launch new CoroDrill 860
Sandvik Coromant has announced that the new CoroDrill 860 will be available from March 2012. Optimised for steel drilling, the CoroDrill 860 delivers top-class performance across a range of operations, including conventional drilling, chamfered holes, inclined surfaces, cross holes, stack drilling and convex/concave surfaces. Using high cutting data in long ...
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New feature-rich CTX Ecoline turning machines from DMG
DMG has launched the CTX Ecoline range of turning machines that incorporate a range of new features. These include high-tech digital drives and the highly-stable linear roller guideways in all axes, which deliver optimum speed and dynamics even when completing complex procedures.Other features include a highly-dynamic spindle drive with continuously-adjustable ...
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ArticleFrom processing to final application
Schunk Hall 8.0 C70Creaform Hall 8.0 J150Delcam Hall 8.0 H57, Hall 9.0 B139SLM Solutions Hall 11 C80The 18th EuroMold World Fair for Mouldmaking and Tooling will be held at the Frankfurt/Main, Germany, from November 29 - December 2. In addition to being a showcase for the two titled areas ...
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ArticleAutomated wheel and tire balancing
A new automated wheel weight application system developed by 3M and Esys Automation can increase throughput speed of balanced wheels and tires in automotive assembly plants, the companies sayWhat’s the added value of cut-to-weight wheel weights?Less scrap: Causes no damage to Class A surfaces like hammeron weights can; avoids waste ...
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ArticleHow to make it in America
Executives at three transplant OEM production sites in the United States discuss how their respective operations are developing and what challenges had to be overcome in order to achieve success in manufacturingClose relationshipsBenchmarking worksPeople powerProcess leadershipDecoupled shiftsDifferent future pathsNo restIn 1966, Nissan was the first transplant carmaker to set up ...
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ArticleGet the lead out
Developments that can reduce ELV activities should always be welcomed – right? A US-based company claims to have a ready-made lead-free replacement for leaded window connectors, and how OEMs are demanding that more research be done before the product hits the assembly line.Part resistenceBetter go greenPoint, counterpointTrust in performanceThe European ...
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ArticleRobotic assessment
Regional aspectsSafety level variationsSafety theoryAs demand for vehicles continues to grow across various markets, a quick fix for OEMs looking to increase production volumes in existing plants is to add to the existing depth of automation. Reducing the human element in the production process mix can substantially increase throughput, while ...
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ArticleProgress makes perfect at Aston Martin
Many of the processes used in volume production at Aston Martin are also being used to produce the One-77, as a visit to both the supercar’s dedicated build unit and the company’s full manufacturing facility revealsSpecific solutionsInterior partsFinal stagesCore productionLimited automationFeeding the lineIn 2007, Aston Martin revealed that it was ...
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ArticleEditor’s Note: Rock and a hard place
Original equipment manufacturers were already getting nervous about part delivery, but since the knock-on effects of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake disaster, and to a lesser extent last year’s volcanic eruption on Iceland, the potential for disruption to the parts supply chain has been brought to the forefront.Specifically, OEMs want ...
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ArticleEisenmann introduces the VarioLoc modular skid conveyor system
Combining several systems, such as inverted monorail or eccentric lifting tables, Eisenmann has developed a new conveyor system, the VarioLoc shuttle, which has the ability to raise, lower and transport skids and car bodies. The shuttle moves along a rail installed at floor level, which has fixtures at each side ...
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ArticleFederal-Mogul introduces the CrushShield cable protection system
Federal-Mogul has developed a product that will help protect occupants of hybrid and electric vehicles in the event of a crash. The new material, called CrushShield, surrounds and protects electrical cables, keeping the electrical system isolated from the rest of the vehicle.CrushShield is one of the first cable products on ...