BodyShop
Steel makes the case as the mainstay material for vehicles
With OEMs demanding vehicle-structure materials that are low in mass, crash-protective and economic to use, steel grades stay true to form
Steelmakers keen to press home the BEV advantage
Throughout the age of the mass-produced automobile, steel has been the principal material of choice for vehicle structures. Will it maintain its dominance as carmakers pursue new mobility concepts?
Strong, light and formable, stainless steel re-enters the material mix
Helsinki-based Outokumpu says stainless steels are ideal for lightweight, safety-critical structural parts and have put it to use in the series production of EV battery enclosures
Measure for measure: as vehicle tech advances, so do the test methods
To improve vehicle and component quality, and reduce time to market for new models, testing technologies need to be smarter and faster
The Morgan Plus Six: a century in the making
Behind Morgan’s unashamedly traditional exterior there’s a company that’s also keen to embrace modern production methods and processes
SSAB: Design concept – Battery pack protection for EV body-in-white
Protecting battery packs is the fundamental first step when designing the body-in-white for BEVs. We talk to SSAB’s Robert Ström about the Docol EV Design Concept and platforms for new AHSS solutions
GM Arlington: expansion and inspection on the Texas SUV lines
Upgrades at the home of GM’s full-size SUV production help to launch the new Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban models for 2020
Measuring cost
As pressure mounts for OEMs to reduce costs, Simufact explains why the design and development stages are crucial in making significant savings for complex assemblies
Al around the weld
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
Measured view
Robots equipped with 3D smart sensors from LMI Technologies are aiming to take production processes to a new level
Hot on the press
The need for lightweight, high-strength steel parts has been given a boost with increased production of electric vehicles. AMS reports on a new hot stamping process designed to meet this demand
Creating strong bonds
While mixed-material vehicle body structures yield impressive weight reduction results, the joining processes present a challenge for OEMs. How do they fix the myriad materials but still maintain the requisite properties and structural integrity?
The thermal print principle
Heat treatment specialist schwartz has enhanced its system for tailored tempering – one that is capable of ‘printing’ components
Re-tooling of manufacturing plants and supply chain for EVs pose investment risk for OEMs
Tooling and conversion of automotive plants are significant costs for OEMs as they invest in electrification, which some may struggle to afford, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
Steel stays the distance
SSAB’s Thomas Müller explains how new high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels can assist OEMs in cost-effectively improving the range of electric vehicles
Acura Marysville, Ohio
An inside look at production of the second-generation Acura NSX in Marysville, Ohio
A flexible solution
Metal-component supplier Gestamp outlines the challenges ahead and its strategy for meeting higher demand for lightweight parts
Conference: Insight @ BMW
For its latest North American car body engineering Insight conference, the Automotive Circle heads to upstate South Carolina – a region that’s home to the largest plant in the BMW manufacturing network…
Keeping in focus
Ford has invested in its Saarlouis plant to produce the latest generation of its popular Focus model. Nick Holt visited the plant to get a look at the upgrades to the production process
VW sets out Wolfsburg upgrade
Germany - New bodyshop AGVs, more automated assembly stations and a series of ergonomic measures will feature in a major upgrade at Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant
