All Plant Functions articles – Page 16
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VoiceFuture-proofing automotive suppliers: Dealing with technological change and uncertain demand
The need for greater flexibility in automotive manufacturing is already influencing investment decisions within OEMs but also has major implications for the supply chain. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) spoke to Tanja Vainio, Managing Director, Business Line Automotive Tier 1, Robotics and Discrete Automation Business at ABB about the challenges ahead and the available solutions.
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ArticleMaking shopfloor management an asset in the smart factory
No matter how comprehensive the digitalisation and automation, the human factor still drives the modern smart factory. And yet, the intersection of man and machine, the shopfloor management, needs a rethink to become an asset in the data driven production line. Report by Chris Löwer
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VoiceDigitalising production scheduling: Connecting with reality
With automotive manufacturers faced with rapidly changing markets, Siemens discusses how they can transform variability on the shopfloor into predictable and executable production schedules
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ArticleVolkswagen to develop 3D printing process for vehicle production
VW has entered into a software partnership with Siemens and expanded its existing collaboration with printer manufacturer HP to develop 3D printing processes to support future production operations
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AnalysisEV battery supply chains on the move
As electric vehicles become serious business for OEMs, they are reassessing their battery supply and manufacturing bases, putting their eggs in multiple baskets and taking more control of the process.
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VoiceSmarter, greener paintshops
Efficiency, flexibility and sustainability are now more important than ever in automotive manufacturing operations. Geico Taikisha explains how new developments in the digital management of paintshop systems and processes can deliver on these requirements
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PodcastDecarbonising steel production
Last year ArcelorMittal set out its strategy for decarbonising steel production. The steel producer has now launched a number of new initiatives to support this under the XCarb brand.
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ArticleWatch: Factory of the future Livestream – The software-defined assembly line
As automotive OEMs digitalise and connect factories, hear how the Audi Production Lab, ABB and Cosmotech are using real-time data, smart software and advanced automation to reshape vehicle production processes.
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ArticleFord and SKI form JV to localise battery supply in US
Ford has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with lithium-ion battery maker SK Innovation (SKI) for a joint venture to manufacture battery cells and finished packs in the US.
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ArticleAMS Factory of the future 2021 – Redefining the production line
Flexibility is a key factor in enabling OEMs produce the growing number of electric vehicle variants. Our latest digital edition focuses on how and where OEMs are employing the latest digital technologies in AR, VR and AI to develop networked factories, with shared tooling and data, and cellular production stations. This issue features insights from Honda, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Epic Games and more
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ArticleGame changer: video game technology supporting production line development
AMS spoke with Simon Jones, director of Epic’s Unreal Engine Enterprise division to find out why video game technology is proving so useful to production engineers
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VoiceAutomation advancing flexibility
In a fast-changing industry, OEM production operations must be highly flexible to remain competitive. ABB discusses how the latest automation systems can support this requirement and the need for a mind-set change in the approach to facility planning
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ArticleVW cuts transport emissions by expanding Zwickau press shop
Volkswagen’s electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Zwickau, Germany, has taken another step into sustainable manufacturing by investing €74m ($95m) to expand its press shop.
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VoiceAutomotive paintshop colour changes: reducing waste and cost
The need to multiply the number of colour changes on their paint lines sees car manufacturers waste thousands of litres of paint every year. Sames Kremlin says new innovations can reduce waste and cost
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ArticleWatch: Electrifying Production – How to build an electric future (Pt.2)
In the second part of our Electrifying Production Livestream series, AMS explores how OEMs are ramping up EV production through modular strategies, data analytics and advanced joining and metrology tools. Featuring Volkswagen Group, Ford, Renishaw and Atlas Copco.
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VoicePathway to carbon neutral steel
Reducing carbon emissions throughout the automotive supply chain and production process is a priority for vehicle makers. Last year ArcelorMittal set out its strategy for decarbonising steel production. The steel producer has now launched a number of new initiatives to support this
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NewsVolkswagen builds supply chain efficiency through industry-wide data exchange
The OEM will be a founding member of Catena-X an industry network created to establish data standards for the automotive value chain and promote industry-wide data exchange
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ArticleNew paintshop sealing process for the Taycan
Porsche, in collaboration with Tesa SE has developed a new production process to seal the holes in the car body that are required to ensure the complete application of the anti-corrosion coatings
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ArticleEV drivetrains inspire new production processes
Boosted by the rapid shift towards electrification, powertrain production is finding new efficiencies. Götz Fuchslocher found out how manufacturers and suppliers are upgrading everything from soft- and hardware, to their processes and their staff
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ArticleThe challenges of a transition from ICE to EV production for automotive manufacturers and the implications for assembly plants
As automotive manufacturers make the transition to electric propulsion, the challenges they face from compressed development timescales, ever tightening regulatory limits and technology churn, mean they must adapt very quickly to change. Automotive Manufacturing Solutions spoke to Patrick Matthews, ABB Robotics head of powertrain for their OEM automotive division, on how ABB’s approach can help support OEMs through the transition process while retaining the ability to accommodate changes in production requirements