AUTOMOTIVE

Blum optoelectronic touch probe

In-Machine Probing Possibilities for VTLs

A manufacturer of vertical turning centers uses a “push/pull” optoelectronic probe with custom bracket to enable its machines to perform effective, in-process measurement of shafts and related automotive components.
#horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

On Automotive

From the CW Archives: The life and death of the BMW i3

A look back at the ambitious and impressive composites production system BMW developed for production of the all-electric i3 EV.

Sustainable Carbon Blacks for Wire and Cable and Other Applications

NPE 2024: Orion showcases carbon blacks from end-of-life pyrolysis oil.  

Expanded Portfolio of Compounds Based on Patented Lubrication Technology

SABIC has expanded its LNP Lubriloy technology to include additional base resins to help processor navigate the changing regulatory use of PFAs.  

Automotive

Automotive Awards Highlight ‘Firsts,’ Emerging Technologies

Annual SPE event recognizes sustainability as a major theme.

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T&H Lemont Reaches Quality Assurance Milestone

T&H Lemont Reaches Quality Assurance Milestone

The company’s quality management system has provided a solid year with no defects, rejects or recalls.

Sunnen Named Official Honing Equipment Partner of Hendrick Motorsports

Sunnen Named Official Honing Equipment Partner of Hendrick Motorsports

Sunnen Products Co. adds its SV-series honing machines to the engine department of Hendrick Motorsports —which has earned a record 14 car owner championships in NASCAR’s premier division.

harbor full of containers and ships

How Small Machine Shops Can Fight Supply Chain Problems

Supply chain disruptions are still presenting challenges in manufacturing. This article examines the effects on aerospace, automotive and medical industries. It also covers ways that machine shops can be successful securing work despite the challenges created by the supply chain.
#columns

Emag laser welder

Automated High-Production Welding of EV Rotor Shafts

This cell is able to perform joining, preheating and welding operations for rotor shafts used in electric vehicles.
#techbrief

Derek Korn Editor-in-Chief, Production Machining magazine
Overcoming 3 Common Challenges With Automated Particle Counting

Overcoming 3 Common Challenges With Automated Particle Counting

Facing difficulties while performing particle analysis is normal but should not be discouraging. Here are some ways to handle the most prevalent issues that can arise.
#techbrief

single-lug hub with pit crew

Reinventing the Wheel with Robot-Automated CNC Multitasking

One race team discovers how to efficiently manufacture a new wheel nut design for the next-generation NASCAR stock car with the help of a CNC mill/turn and a built-in robot.

A Race to the Machined Part (Surface) Finish

A Race to the Machined Part (Surface) Finish

To improve component finish as well as engine and gearbox performance for its customers, this racing motorcycle rebuild company uses a super-finishing process for gears and related components which is more commonly used for aerospace and jewelry applications.

Complete Cleaning/Drying of EV Battery Trays

This parts washer specifically developed to clean and dry EV battery trays has a processing time of less than 100 seconds per part and processes two battery trays per cycle.

How Eaton Uses Metal 3D Printing

With the ability to address customer needs faster and iterate parts quickly, this metal 3D printing system is now standard within the workflow for both the engineering and toolroom teams.

A 'Microscopic' Look at ISO 16232 Standard Analysis

This article gives three key points that should be confirmed with a microscope support team or within microscope software to ensure that proper settings are in place to detect, measure and categorize most particles for automotive manufacturing. 

Gravotech
paint line

Coatings Plant Evolves with Market Trends

Expanding its focus from exclusively serving the RV industry, one of this company’s stand-alone coatings plant has successfully extended its services to additional markets.

Lori Beckman Senior Editor, Products Finishing
Weisser polygon turning

Will Transmission Manufacturers Turn to Out-Of-Round Turning?

Out-of-round turning can be an efficient alternative to profile milling and grinding for polygon couplings that could replace traditional spline connections in automotive transmissions.
#techbrief #horizontal-and-vertical-lathes

PMPA's Market Insights for Automotive and Aerospace
pmpa overlay

PMPA's Market Insights for Automotive and Aerospace

Check out the latest sales insights, prepared by the PMPA, on these top industries served by precision machining industry.
#pmpa

A typical turning operation on a powertrain component.

Understanding – and Machining – Ultra-Clean Steel

Using the strongest steel available to create critical automotive powertrain components is necessary and in demand. Understanding how to properly machine ultra-clean steel and executing these techniques will enable cost-efficient and consistent part production. 
#basics

Custom Tooling, Workholding Help Whip Rotors Into Shape

Whipple Superchargers uses unique form tools and dead-length-collet workholding for its B-axis turn-mill enabling it to create more accurate rotors for its brand of engine power-adders.

What You Should Know About High-Speed Machining

The tools go a whole lot faster—40,000 rpm, perhaps—but the advantage is not parts per hour but in the ability to make precise parts with less induced stress

Machining Gummy Materials: A New Use for Sharpies

Organic films help metal removal Purdue researchers discover
#Aluminum

Star Swiss-type automatic lathes
IndyCars at Dallara

This 3D Printed Part Makes IndyCar Racing Safer: The Cool Parts Show #67

The top frame is a newer addition to Indycar vehicles, but one that has dramatically improved the safety of the sport. We look at the original component and its next generation in this episode of The Cool Parts Show. 

Stephanie Hendrixson Executive Editor, Additive Manufacturing
Seven Cool Tools: Spindles, Quality & More

Seven Cool Tools: Spindles, Quality & More

Increase operational productivity with these new developments

Lucid factory

Lucid Factory—Phase One—Complete

They’ve built the beta test cars. Now they’re running the factory to test the tooling and equipment

Sandvik face mill

Face Milling Aluminum Without Burrs

Sandvik has developed a face milling approach that is analogous to rotary broaching

7 Cool Tools: Laser Cutting, Fixture Modeling, and more

Increase operational productivity with these new developments for automotive manufacturing from Mazak, Renishaw, Omron, Marposs and more.
#Automation & Robotics

Cobots: 14 Things You Need to Know

What jobs do cobots do well? How is a cobot programmed? What’s the ROI? We asked these questions and more to four of the leading suppliers of cobots. 
#Automation & Robotics

Nissan Manufacturing Wish List

What are the sorts of things that people at Nissan North American manufacturing ops are looking for?
#Nissan #facilities #Infiniti

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