Systems News
Volkswagen enhances plant productivity
Germany - Volkswagen is implementing a number of various strategies to enhance its global production network by 30%
VinFast deploys Siemens tech in new plant
Vietnam - VinFast is using a suite of Siemens software at its new plant in Hai Phong
Quick learners
From training, quality and work station design, OEMs are seeing a host of applications that can benefit from virtual and augmented reality technology
Digitalised energy saving
Vehicle production has become increasingly digitalised, with a variety of different tools helping workers on production lines. These tools can also help reduce energy usage. Michael Nash provides an insight
BMW Research & Innovation Centre Pilot Plant
BMW provides a glimpse inside its Research & Innovation Centre Pilot Plant, which is located in Munich, Germany
5G networking spreads in car production
Certain companies have started leveraging 5G in their car manufacturing facilities in China with the hope of drastically increasing efficiency. Michael Nash provides an insight
Parts sorting and storage system
Said to have been developed to meet the needs of the automotive industry, Daifuku’s SPDR temporary storage and sortation systems for spare parts features an automated robotic arm, which automatically lowers and raises to grasp a range of tote sizes, and it’s claimed is suitable for kitting operations. Daifuku says ...
New piston developments
MAHLE says it is developing a new generation of piston coatings that are intended to guide and reduce the heat entering the pistons. The company claims this initially reduces the demand for piston cooling, and the increased exhaust gas temperature allows a higher quantity of energy to be extracted by ...
Variable valve timing system
Variable valve timing that is adapted to the different engine operating conditions can be achieved with its Shifting Roller system, claims Mahle. It features an adjustable cam follower, that can be brought into contact with one of the two cam lobes, which have different profiles, says the company. Depending on ...
Sealant dispensing system
The preeflow eco-DUO600 is a volumetric metering, mixing and dispensing unit which uses a progressive cavity pump principle to deliver precise amounts of the mixed sealant, says Intertronics. The company claims these systems provide precision control of the material output (which can be dynamically changed). This means that the FIP ...
Assembly line automation
Nextsense says its Calipri systems can be used to monitor the process of car assembly from body-in-white to end-of-line final assembly. The company claims its fully automatic C12 cobot systems allows human workers and robots to work side by side in a continuous production line – without separation, mechanical barriers ...
On a twinning streak
Creating a digital twin of manufacturing operations can deliver development and efficiency benefits. Mike Farish reports
Identifying errors in manufacturing systems
Smart System Optimisation
New foam for instrument panels
A new series of systems in its Elastoflex E product group now allows weight reductions and foam densities of around 120g/L without sacrificing any of the material characteristics, claims BASF. Up to 30% of the foam weight is saved, says the company, depending on the component geometry. This Thin-Light system ...
PSA juggles engines and motors
Engine manufacturing facilities around the world are changing. Pressure from governments and changes to legislation are pushing carmakers to develop new internal combustion engines (ICEs), the production of which often requires new assembly lines and equipment.
Vision-guided part localisation systems
The PLOC2D and PLB 520 are 2D and 3D vision-guided part localisation systems from SICK. The company says these are designed for the set-up of robot picking from a belt, bin or stillage, and are suitable for both cobots and conventional industrial robots.
Remote monitor for automatic lubrication systems
SKF says its LRM2 lubrication remote monitor is compatible with oil or grease and designed for use with lubrication systems that cannot undergo daily checks due to the nature or position of the application. The company says this system can be used on single-line, dual-line and progressive lubrication systems and ...
Conducting smart energy
Energy management has been an important aspect of vehicle production for decades, but innovative new solutions that can be linked are proving extremely effective
Dashboard meeting
Switching from gantry line to a fleet of AGVs, an IAC facility near Liverpool has brought swift and smart adaptability to its instrument panel assembly process
