BodyShop
Register: Lightweighting next-gen vehicles livestream – Low weight, high production efficiency
Join the next AMS livestream as we investigate how designers and engineers at Ford, Gestamp and key suppliers are using innovative materials and creating light-weight architectures to ensure more sustainable vehicles and efficient production, including for models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Maverick compact truck.
VW and Ford invest in flexible production for an uncertain future
The speed of change in the technology of cars and rapid electrification requires new manufacturing equipment and is making expensive old machines redundant, but exactly where the industry is going next is hard to predict. More flexible manufacturing is the answer.
Cellular manufacturing adds flexibility in Mercedes-Benz bodyshop
For the production of the new C-class, Mercedes has taken the opportunity to add flexibility by way of cellular manufacturing in the body shop and with so-called ‘TecLines’ for assembly.
Thyssenkrupp restructures and carves out auto body division
Thyssenkrupp has launched Automotive Body Solutions as a separate business unit to focus on both in-house production and developing lightweight materials, as well as production equipment
All-new Rogue closes the recycling loop
The 2021 model SUV is company’s first global model built using ‘closed-loop’ recycling system for aluminium parts
AI and automation in automotive production need people and quality data to succeed
Experts from BMW, Ford, Symbio Robotics and Cosmo Tech discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in automotive production need fast ramp-up times and adoption by employees to succeed. High-quality data and use of simulation are also key.
Audi introduces closed-loop systems for aluminium, wastewater and plastic
Audi has detailed how it is introducing closed-loop systems to its plants as part of its goal to make all its five plants carbon-neutral by 2025. This includes aluminium, wastewater and a pilot project for chemical recycling of plastics.
GM invests $4 billion to prepare Spring Hill and Detroit-Hamtramck plants for EV production
General Motors is moving forward with investments to equip its factories to produce electric vehicles (EVs). The Spring Hill, Tennessee plant gets a $2 billion upgrade to produce the Cadillac Lyriq and the and Detroit-Hamtramck plant will see $2.2 billion invested to produce the recently unveiled GMC Hummer EV.
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?
