Manufacturing

Materials lead the way to vehicle mass reduction Reducing a vehicle's mass opens the door for a downsized engine and transmission, a lighter cradle and body structure, smaller wheels and brakes, as well as a weight-slimmed suspension. The start point for this ripple effect is materials. Read full story

Oak Ridge collaborates for cheaper carbon fiber Lightweight vehicles of the future will require strong carbon-fiber composite structures, but low-cost fibers are needed for market viability. Overcoming the challenges to cheaper carbon fiber is exactly what a research team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is aiming to do at its new Carbon Fiber Technology Facility in Tennessee. Read full story

Kuka robots get faster, stronger Agile robots. Stronger robots. And robots that can be programmed using computer numerical control (CNC) language took the spotlight during Kuka Robotics' first-ever technology event showcase. Read full story

SMS 3-D modeling helps Chrysler prep plant for new nine- and eight-speed automatics Using a powerful new 3-D modeling package, Chrysler Powertrain engineers and manufacturing experts are reconfiguring the Kokomo transmission plant to build the 845RFE eight-speed automatic for rear-drive vehicles beginning 4Q12 and the 948TE nine-speed fwd transaxle due to launch in 2Q13, in addition to other new powertrain programs. Read full story

Calculating the cost of 'going green' What are the costs of competing powertrain technologies, and how should engineers manage them to satisfy market and regulatory expectations—and make a profit? A value-engineering expert from FEV explains. Read full story

Hyundai adds turbo to Veloster lineup for 2013 The more powerful engine is the answer to reviewers’ calls for additional performance, with technology similar to the 2.0-L turbo in the Sonata, but developed for the Veloster's 1.6-L engine. An optional matte paint job is unique in its class. Read full story

Aerospace leads in additive manufacturing Read full story

Cleanliness is critical in fluid circuit components The evolving nature of the industry has resulted in strict standards concerning cleanliness in the fluid circuit and most other components of road vehicles such as brake systems, fuel injector nozzles, power steering pumps, and fluid hoses. Read full story

A new positioning system for aircraft structural assembly The EcoPositioner is a modular and reconfigurable positioning technology that takes into consideration the positioning task as well as operational conditions and environmental influences. Read full story