All Robotics articles – Page 16
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Spotting an opportunity
Steed Webzell talks to major players in joining, automation and materials technologies to get their take on the future of spot welding ABB spot welding technology at Scania's plant in OskarshamnAccording to a Technavio 2017 report, spot welding is the most popular type of robotic welding, generating more than 48% ...
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Training 5-axis machining centre
Heller Machine Tools says it has introduced a training machine designed to raise the skill level of horizontal machining centre operators away from the shop floor. The company clams the CNC ProfiTrainer builds on the capabilities of an existing 4-axis version with rotary table by offering the option of an ...
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Lessons to learn
As the automotive industry changes, OEMs and Tier suppliers need to train and retain skilled work forces. Audi takes on approximately 800 apprentices at its two sites in Germany in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm each yearOptimising production processes is a never-ending task for vehicle makers and while automation offers some ...
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Futuristic assembly at 'Factory 56'
Mercedes-Benz is building a new vehicle assembly facility that will act as a blueprint for the future development of all its production sites. Michael Nash reports Assembly of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class at the company's Sindelfingen plantMercedes-Benz has long been a champion of flexible and efficient manufacturing techniques, carrying out numerous ...
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Tracking and training
Digital technologies are providing new training solutions for the automotive industry. Nick Holt reportsEye tracking systems are now being successfully used to create training programs that reduce errors in manufacturing operations. Mike Bartel, senior research developer at Tobii Pro Insights provided an overview of what this technology offers: “Eye tracking ...
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Aluminium allegiance
Industry analysts are predicting a growth phase for aluminium content in the vehicle material mix. AMS reports on the new grades and applications that underpin this claim
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Joined-up thinking
The welding of plastics and other non-metallic materials is now well established as a fabrication technique for automotive componentsThe welding of non-metallic materials is frequently used to create parts such as cabin consoles, lights and mirror assemblies, intake manifolds and fluid reservoirs, including fuel tanks. However, despite being a common ...
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What can steel do for chassis?
With high-tensile strength and an optimised microstructure, advanced high-strength steel grades can offer many advantages for chassis components Many factors are dictating the future of OEMs developing chassis components. Consumer trends, regulations and advancements in manufacturing technology are just a few of them. Developments in materials is another. ...
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Toyota investigates rare earth element reduction in EVs
Toyota has developed a new magnet that uses significantly less neodymium, which is a rare earth element commonly used to create magnets for electrified vehicles. It also contains no terbium or dysprosium - two rare earth elements that are needed to create heat-resistant neodymium magnets.The OEM believes that the new ...
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The secret behind the shine
ABB Robotics is helping Audi achieve high levels of quality and consistency in its sealing and coating operationWith automated painting processes at Audi’s plant in Changchun, China, clean and shining Audi A4Ls are rolling out one by one. This paintshop includes under-body coating, interior seam sealing, cosmetic sealing and three ...
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Seeing things clearly
AMS reports on the most recent developments in the use of machine vision technology for quality control applications in automotive manufacturingIn response to rapid and sustained improvements in machine vision technologies, a growing number of automotive manufacturing OEMs and suppliers are now deploying such systems in a wider range of ...
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Not too posh to push
Porsche has been expanding its production and achieving record results – with some assistance from Volkswagen Group facilitiesBoth an iconic name in the automotive industry and a core part of the Volkswagen Group, Porsche has been facilitating its rising production in recent years by relying heavily on Group resources while ...
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Photonic precision
Light is a fascinating manufacturing tool enabling laser technologies and applications for materials processing tasks of all scales and sizesSystems for industrial laser applications like cutting, welding and surface processing are well established, reliable and cost efficient production tools with clear technical advantages due to their wear-free highly localised material ...
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Smart rotation
SKF looks to digitalise its business model and manufacturing operations. AMS spoke to Luc Graux, director of manufacturing and process development, to find more about the impact of IoTWhat effect is the move to an I4.0 based operation having on SKF’s production?We are certainly trying to apply the same I4.0 ...
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Mobile bending robot
Its new mobile bending robot can be retrofitted to any Xpert 40 press brake in the field, says Bystronic. The company claims the automation module can be interfaced to the press brake in a plug-and-play arrangement and only takes a short time for users to set up the robotics and ...
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Automated welding processes
From special technology modules to box PC to control technology and drives for robotics, Baumüller claims it provides a wide range of solutions for material handling and robotics applications.One example of the company’s automation capabilities is a QIROX QRH-280 six-axis welding robot from Cloos. The robot is completely automated by ...
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BMW opens Mexican training centre
Mexico – Located at the OEM’s San Lui Potosí plant which is due to open in 2019, the new training centre covers 6,000 sq.m and has 11 workshops for employees plus apprentices from three educational institutions. The centre was built at a cost of $9m.Hermann Bohrer, president and CEO of ...
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A crossroads for Germany’s car industry?
These are challenging times for the automotive industry, especially in Germany, where it is a bellwether for the country’s economic health. But, as the Eurozone slowly emerges from its torpor, Germany’s automotive industry faces several 'mega-issues' with uncertain outcomes, notably the continued fall-out from the emissions scandal; the move toward ...
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Building a Greater Wall
One of China’s most successful vehicle-makers must protect future growth by expanding its model line-upSince its creation in 1984, Great Wall Motors has established itself as one of the most widely known and successful Chinese automotive manufacturers. According to recent research by Macquarie Capital Securities, it is currently ranked tenth ...
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Nissan Tochigi's human touch
Automotive manufacturing is known for its robotics, but Nissan’s ‘master craftsmen’ show that there is still a place for human skill. AMS went to see them at work on the GTR and Infiniti models made at Tochigi, JapanMost countries value luxury products, but few cherish the beauty of production quite ...