SUPPLY CHAINS
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.
The Power of Two Materials: Plastic Meets Metal
Emission regulations are becoming more stringent. For the entire automotive industry—manufacturers and suppliers—it‘s an enormous challenge. Polymer metal hybrids from ElringKlinger combine maximum functionality with minimum weight.
Hydro Acquires Sapa for Global Aluminum Position
Following the transaction, Hydro says it will become a global, integrated aluminium company with more than 35,000 employees, and activities in around 40 countries.
AK Steel to Purchase Precision Partners Holding Company
The acquisition expands AK Steel’s platform for innovative lightweight steel solutions. Ontario-based Partners Holding Company provides engineering, tooling, die design and hot and cold stamped steel parts.
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.”
Productions+Processes: Solutions in Composite Materials
Large volumes at reasonable prices—often that goal is a contradiction in terms when it comes to producing fiber-reinforced composite materials. PulPress technology developed by Evonik Industries AG, in cooperation with Secar Technologie, demonstrates how it can be achieved.
Solvay Provides Solution for Quieter Clutch Actuator
Solvay and FTE, who have collaborated for more than 20 years, worked together to select Ixef® 1027 PARA, a 50 percent glass-fiber reinforced, heat-stabilized compound that delivers very high strength and rigidity along with excellent creep resistance
KAAP Expanding Again in Kentucky Thanks to Lighter Vehicles
“This is our 12th year producing aluminum automobile suspension parts in Kentucky. Two years ago we decided to make our sixth investment, and due to the increasing necessity of lighter vehicles, we have decided to make another investment.”
Dayco Wins 2017 PACE™ Award for ACTIVAC™ Vacuum Generation System
Increased fuel efficiency. Lighter weight. Fewer parts. Lower costs. These factors led Dayco to win a 2017 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) Award for its ACTIVAC™ vacuum generation system on the 2017 Ford F-150.
