All Operational Excellence articles – Page 4

  • Nissan headliner robot
    Article

    Nissan lines up its next-gen factory technology

    2020-01-10T16:15:00Z

    In preparation for its next generation of electrified, intelligent and connected vehicles, Nissan is introducing a programme of major advancements in its production operations

  • AP Racing manual
    Article

    Setting the pace – AP Racing speeds up smart production

    2020-01-09T16:05:00Z

    A new €1m assembly line is helping UK-based high-performance brake component supplier AP Racing take a smarter approach to production

  • Grainger Worrall sand casting
    Article

    Breaking the mould: Grainger & Worrall go beyond the block

    2020-01-08T12:04:00Z

    With the onset of the EV age, casting specialists are demonstrating versatility and diversifying away from engine block production. Mike Farish reports on the solutions Grainger & Worrall has developed to produce its new generation of cast parts

  • 3D printed window guide rail BMW i8 Roadster
    Article

    BMW takes additive manufacturing from prototype to serial lines

    2019-12-11T18:04:00Z

    OEMs and tier suppliers are now integrating additive manufacturing processes into their production operations – a prime example is BMW   

  • Audi exoskeleton 4
    Article

    Exoskeleton trials underway at Audi

    2019-12-11T12:46:00Z

    Audi has begun testing the ergonomic benefits of exoskeleton systems for workers at its Ingolstadt plant

  • Audi A8 remote laser weld al u door
    Article

    Al around the weld

    2019-12-06T12:05:00Z

    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

  • hot form quenching 3
    Article

    Drawing attention: aluminium hot form quench

    2019-12-04T15:01:00Z

    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

  • Yanfeng Serbia -  Prefixing Station 2
    Article

    Yanfeng Automotive Interiors – Kragujevac, Serbia

    2019-12-03T07:55:00Z

    Another major tier supplier has added its name to the list automotive players attracted to Serbia

  • skoda-side-dry-line-process-paint-shop
    Article

    Painting sideways

    2019-11-18T14:11:00Z

    With its new paintshop at Mladá Boleslav, Skoda is bringing some unique approaches to conveying, coating and curing 

  • The external exoskeleton devices help reduce stresses placed on the muscles of line workers
    Video

    Nissan puts exoskeletons to the test

    2019-10-31T17:04:00Z

    Nissan has been testing new ergonomic-assistance devices to be worn by assembly workers performing overhead tasks  

  • predictive maintenance
    Article

    A proactive approach

    2019-10-07T12:11:00Z

    Predictive maintenance offers big gains in production efficiency. Mike Farish looks at some examples of how these systems have been developed and applied

  • Auria_Vráble__MG_9981
    Article

    Building to order

    2019-09-23T16:04:00Z

    JLR-interiors supplier Auria has big plans for its new facility in Slovakia, both with the fabric of the building and the technology it is housing. Mike Farish reports

  • TPCA finish line inspection
    Article

    Looking after ‘the triplets’

    2019-09-18T17:24:00Z

    The Toyota-PSA venture combines talents for the production of a trio of city cars. Gareth Price reports 

  • Skoda Superb 2019 Kvasiny
    Article

    Bohemian prosperity

    2019-09-17T11:04:00Z

    After a record-breaking year, Skoda’s Kvasiny plant is aiming higher still, backed by industry 4.0. Gareth Price visits the operation in East Bohemia

  • BMW engine assembly training
    Article

    Quick learners

    2019-08-22T16:00:00Z

    From training, quality and work station design, OEMs are seeing a host of applications that can benefit from virtual and augmented reality technology

  • ZF eight-speed transmission assembly Saarbrucken
    Article

    Easing into electrification

    2019-07-24T08:45:00Z

    ZF is offering both hybrid and pure electric powertrain solutions to its customers in order to encourage the auto industry’s transition to electrification. Michael Nash looks into its strategy…

  • Tucson HMMC
    Article

    Team building at Hyundai, Czech Republic

    2019-07-22T13:20:00Z

    Gareth Price reports on a collaborative approach to production quality that prompted Hyundai to locate assembly of its N performance brand in the Czech Republic