All Press and stamping articles – Page 23
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ArticleDigital modelling for stamping
Life-cycle harmonyDecision drivers and dependencies in vehicle development life cycleTechnology enablersHolistic benefitsVirtual die technology embraced in the past decade has grown by quantum leaps, and those who embraced the technology in the early stages of its development are starting to realise superiority in competitiveness, productivity and profit margins.Stamping dies are ...
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ArticleHigh stakes and great expectations
Processes are digitally unifiedWork sharing from a global perspectiveVirtual assessment roomsFord’s virtual builds win plauditsProduct development cycles are reducedPressure pointsLean is the new themeDigital manufacturing is only now coming in to its own, and carmakers are using the virtual factory to assist in reducing time to market of products.But this ...
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ArticleCogniTens Optigo RE for 3D measurement
CogniTens has introduced its new Optigo RE model incorporating new optical 3D textured-light-based measurement technology and software. Optigo RE offers fl exible measurement volumes allowing full or partial measurement on small to large objects including body side panels and large stamping dies. Optigo RE serves primarily as a reliable shop ...
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ArticleLaw and order at Lexus
Continuous improvement in KyushuQuality policeMiyata complexInnovations on the lineIts fight for the title of No. 1 global carmaker is putting pressure on the Toyota Production System, but if any incentive were needed for further improvements in quality, it can be found in the Miyata Lexus complex in KyushuThe Toyota Production ...
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ArticleSimulation helps you get it right
By using the correct simulation software prior to the whole stamping process being carried out, OEMs can make cost savings by reducing engineering, manufacturing and tryout time, thus remaining competitive in a saturated global marketThe challenges of BIW manufacturingSimulation is your way to get it right, every timeA closer look ...
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ArticleGreat shakes in the Great Lakes
Ontario has the honour of being the largest automotive production hub in North America, with a vibrant economy and a regional government that is very proactive in attracting investors to the regionMajor investments made in OntarioBig players in the supplier sectorLinking and private sector and research facilitiesSuppliers a vital part ...
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ArticleFinding a second home
With the right expertise in house, using pre-owned presses or reconditioned robots keeps costs down and means less of an impact on the planet. AMS looks at the pros and cons of the second hand marketMultipurpose pressesRefurbishing the robotGrowing the low endNew combinationsProblem productsSelling whole plantsGoing where the action isMarket ...
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ArticleA new design on production
At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Renault proudly showed its latest-generation D-segment car, the Laguna III. AMS caught up with Jean-Louis Ricaud, Executive Vice President, Quality and Engineering (Vehicle and Powertrain) to learn how design for manufacturing is being implemented at the Sandouville plantAMS: As a member of the ...
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ArticleThe optics at Ogihara
When Japanese Tier One parts supplier Ogihara introduced its revolutionary manufacturing system it needed to bring OEMs up to speed with a user-friendly measurement data solution. CogniTens’ Optigo technology provided the means at just the right timeAhead of the gameEnter CogniTensTime-sensitive troubleshootingRe-engineering and OptigoKey benefitsSix years ago, Ogihara’s quality team ...
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ArticleMaking gains at Genk
At Ford of Europe’s flagship facility in Belgium investment in flexible production and supply has made the plant one of the company’s most successful operationsTeam workCornerstone of productionStamping and constructionError-proofing and testingPaint shop perfectionThree-step assemblyFord of Europe has increased the production and process capacity at its seven vehicle assembly plants ...
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ArticleIndia’s sunrise sector
The Indian government is on a mission to make its booming automotive industry a world contender. The country is encouraging the development of affordable and efficient vehicles, and carmakers are responding with keen interestFramework for future growthStatistics – where are we nowExport demand growingMaruti fights cornerHyundai’s small car hubTata’s small ...
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ArticleSeamless integration at Jaguar
When Jaguar closed down its Browns Lane facility in the UK recently, it had the daunting task of moving final assembly of its XK model to the nearby Castle Bromwich plant. It called on conveyor supplier Dürr to help solve the problem.Process of assembly has been improvedSuccesses to dateThe closure ...
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Article
AutoForm Engineering releases EasyBlank
AutoForm Engineering has released EasyBlank for rapid calculation of developed blank outlines from imported 3D CAD part geometry.It uses AutoForm-OneStep simulation technology and calculates material optimisation and nesting layout, making the software particularly useful at the quotation stage of a project.EasyBlank is free to download and use, and users of ...
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ArticleFlanders – a cornerstone in European production
At the forefront of vehicle making for more than a century, Flanders is home to a vehicle making industry that has grown steadily on the strength of quality engineeringProduction in proximitySupplier supportEmployment – growth through automationFord in FlandersSetting the paceVolkswagen in VorstVolvoPoint clouds for precisionRapid programming Flanders, in the northern ...
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ArticleHot stamping technology moves on
High strength-to-weight ratio, high part complexity and high shape accuracy are all benefits of an exciting new manufacturing technologyAchieving austenitisationHeat transferStamping and hardeningCooling speeds are criticalWeight saving, reduction of CO2 emissions and the improvement of crash safety, these are some of today’s important goals for the automotive industry. An innovative ...
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ArticleCross-breeding the brand in Kentucky
Toyota’s popular Camry now comes in a hybrid version thanks to innovations and investment in the assembly line at Georgetown, Kentucky. AMS looks at how the manufacturing process has been modified to accommodate the new, cleaner model.Smooth transitionDesigned with visionMinor changesSimplified assemblyBypass processesToyota teamIncreasing hybrid ratiosProduct levellingToyota celebrated the production ...
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ArticleFrom rack to track
Explore how automotive manufacturers are improving line feeding and internal logistics through automation, data-driven processes, and smarter warehouse-to-assembly workflows.
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ArticleBuilding the perfect light curtain
We don’t give them much thought, and nor should we – assuming they’re doing their job properly. AMS in conversation with Joe Lazarra and Sergio Aguilar at Omron STIFrequency selection/Scan codesCascading light curtainFixed blankingFloating blanking and mutingReduced resolutionOmron STI’s Joe Lazarra wants to change the way you think about light ...
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ArticleWelcome to the House of Flex
Gary Cowger, Group Vice President for Global Manufacturing and Labour Relations at General Motors discusses the carmaker’s “avowed aim” of manufacturing flexibility using its Global Manufacturing System“House of Flex”Making flex work: a global initiativeMoving east in Europe and beyondCowger’s views on technologyAGV applicationsShifting biasWhile flexibility is a much-used term that ...
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ArticleThe pressures of the press line
Consolidation in the pressing business, both in terms of process steps and suppliers, is seeing the development of smarter applications in body-in-white and door assembly. AMS looks at Stadco and its subassembly supply.Turning JapaneseCost and innovationLocation, location, locationStrength means complexityQuality through consolidationBumper businessThere are several trends that most Tier One ...