Simulations are an important development tool in the automobile and utility vehicle industries – they enable engineers to see into the future. The properties of vehicle components, such as how they respond in an accident, their reliability, or their energy efficiency can be investigated using simulations before the first component is manufactured. To continue to maintain...
The network of charging stations for electric vehicles is becoming more tightly meshed. In Germany, the ratio of electric cars to charging stations is currently two to one and utility companies are pushing forward expansion of charging opportunities, especially in cities and metropolitan areas. Over 2000 charging spots have already been installed nationwide and the count...
According to a California bike design engineering team, part of the answer is greater modularity of accessories. Instead of being bolted on, components such as baskets, racks and a child’s seat ought to attach and detach quickly as they are needed. That is the idea behind the team’s new “Evo” bike. Key to achieving this modularity is an intricate bike lug that include...
“This project has been a huge undertaking for Evolution Time Critical, with on-time delivery the culmination of months of meticulous planning,” commented Brad Brennan, managing director at Evolution Time Critical. “Even for a company with our depth of expertise, the combination of the sheer physical scale of the shipment and the intricacies of scheduling brought new chal...
What are the main factors under consideration when looking to transport parts along an automotive assembly line or move materials around a production plant? Speed, safety, reliability, flexibility, space and energy savings? Most probably, all of these and more besides. For this reason, many solutions are bespoke to fit the requirements of a specific application. With reg...
The robots move at walking speed along airplane components; in doing so, it applies a sealant against corrosion in equal measure. The mobile assistant is surrounded by technical workers who install, drill, and test. Admittedly this scenario is still a glimpse of the future – but in just a few years, it should be reality for the aerospace manufacturing industry. In the EU...
In its Watertown facility, Prime manufactures approximately 800,000 parts per week, primarily for automotive industry customers. Each part has to be flawless, or Prime runs the risk of costly and time-consuming returns, as well as strained relations with its customers. Using the compact, flexible, and economical BOA vision system from Teledyne DALSA, Prime has met its go...
Benecke-KalikoChina – The joint venture between Benecke-Kaliko and its Chinese partner, Jiangsu Changshun Group, plans to manufacture Acella Eco trim material at the upcoming facility. Benecke-Changshun ECO Trim says it has been seeing high demand from the Chinese automotive industry for what it calls “eco-optimised surface solutions”, which can help to meet strict air q...
The power unit is intended for use in a $6,800 commuter vehicle capable of 84mpg. "When you are on a monumental journey such as the launch of a new transportation company, sometimes you have to blaze your own trail,” commented Paul Elio, founder and CEO of Elio Motors. “We looked at existing engines and couldn't find anything that met our needs. We challenged IAV to d...
UK – The Defender Celebration Line at the Solihull plant, West Midlands, replicates the manufacturing set-up which produced the first Series I Land Rover shortly after the Second World War. Jaguar Land Rover is marking the final year of Defender production in the UK. Located by the Defender production line which is housed inside one of the original manufacturing build...
Nissan’s battery plant in Sunderland, north-east England, is unlike other automotive facilities. Parts of it have to be kept so clean that visitors must cover up like medics, and ballpoint pens are confiscated lest clicking them open discharges microscopic particles of plastic into the air. Nissan is incredibly secretive about the processes within. The facility opened la...
Much like in the U.S. city, the Schwaben region’s ties to the automotive industry became more and more apparent with each shop and manufacturer I visited in late spring while I was in Germany for a press tour hosted by turning machine producer Index/Traub. The highlight of the trip was going to the company’s anniversary celebration and open house. While in Esslingen, ...
The Center for Lightweight Production Technology (ZLP) in the German Aerospace Center (DLR, Augsburg) is tasked with developing lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) structures and economic production methods tailored to industries including aerospace, wind energy and automotive. Researchers there seek automated processes utilizing robotics and other technol...
