PROCESSES & FABRICATING
Ward’s Survey: Automakers Move Forward with Lightweighting Plans
The 2017 Wards Auto survey suggests that automakers are moving forward with strategies to reduce vehicle weights and improve fuel efficiency. The auto industry competes in a global marketplace, and engineers continue to look for innovative lightweighting solutions.
FCA, Toyota, Faurecia, AP&T Win Altair Lightweighting Awards
The winner of the Full Vehicle category was the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which is an impressive 249 pounds (113 kilograms) lighter than its predecessor. Toyota’s carbon fiber closure panels for the 2017 Prius Prime and Lexus LC500, and Faurecia’s Adaptive Valve for exhaust systems employed on the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado took the top honors for the module category.
Q&A with GM Expert on the Company’s Lightweighting Initiatives
Lightweighting World recently spoke with Charlie Klein, executive director, global CO2 and energy center for General Motors. The automaker has made significant strides in its nearly fleet-wide move to develop lighter vehicles.
Reducing Cost and Waste When Purchasing Composites
Ordering more composite material than you need for your production? Is your material expiring before you can use it? Does your material reach its maximum out time before you have completed the processing? There are many things to consider when buying time- and temperature-sensitive goods.
Casting Ahead: Die-Cast Magnesium Gaining Favor
When weighing material choices, the higher tooling costs of die-cast magnesium are offset by lower production costs, according to a report by Joe Petrillo, director of sales at Meridian. “Given that, die-casting magnesium becomes extremely cost effective.”
Thermosets Offer Performance + Cost Advantages
Offering the same lightweighting benefits of thermoplastics, thermosets excel in high-heat applications exposed to harsh environments or elements found in automotive applications.
High-Strength Lightweight Joints Using ‘Flow Drill Screw’ Technology
The FDS® flow drill screw is an innovative single-sided fastening solution for assembly into extruded/hydroformed profiles and difficult-to-reach locations.
Ultralight Door Module From Magna International
Magna International Inc., in cooperation with the DOE and partners FCA US and Grupo Antolin, announced it has developed a new, ultralight door architecture that achieves the project objective of 42.5 percent mass savings compared to an average current production door.
Record-Breaking Linear Friction Welder Debuts
Manufacturing Technology Inc. will develop North America’s largest linear friction welder in terms of force capacity and tooling envelope, and deliver it to Detroit-based LIFT.
Growth Opportunities for Adhesives in the U.S. Automotive Industry
According to a new market report, the future of adhesives in the US automotive industry looks attractive with opportunities in the passenger car and light commercial vehicles.
