Manufacturing

CAD, fasteners, projections, and quality Today, mechanics refer to drawings prepared by manufacturing engineers, using mark-ups on the part to provide reference features and measurements, but there are problems with this approach. Read full story

Controls system security an emerging trend on plant floors Preventing virus-compromised codes from causing disarray in the automated machines that handle crucial welding, assembly, and other tasks on the factory floor is gaining traction as an industry priority. Read full story

Engineers work off extra engine-blade weight Changing from alloy to composite materials for engine fan blades is an identified path to reducing overall engine weight by a significant amount—typically up to 1000 lb. Read full story

Developing steel cord reinforcement for injection molded parts BASF, Voestalpine, and Bekaert are working together to develop steel-cord-reinforced injection molded parts that the companies believe will make a significant contribution to vehicle safety. Read full story

Marsilli advances ‘open poles’ motor winding for hybrids According to Marsilli, a winding systems manufacturer based in Italy and an exhibitor at this year’s SAE World Congress, brushless motor design is facing a “revolution phase” as traditional needle-wound or field-coil motors have reached their maximum efficiency, being limited by the fill factor. Marsilli is advancing the open-poles motor winding concept to assist motor manufacturers in increasing motor performances and reducing material costs. Read full story

2013 Avalon styling surprises in New York It's the first Toyota car that not only was completely designed in North America at Calty, but also is being carried all the way through to production by the engineering team in Ann Arbor, MI. The new car takes a new direction in styling, is lighter, and puts more emphasis on handling. Read full story

Brembo sees high-performance brakes moving into more medium-price cars The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one example, using a cast-iron rotor. An improved carbon-ceramic manufacturing process is sought to increase production and reduce cost. Fixed caliper design provides more uniform lining wear, reduced hysteresis, and better ABS response. Read full story

Boeing engineers visualize technologies for manufacturing Boeing recently looked at the use of AR as a tool to help get design intent to the builder so the product can build right the first time and every time. Read full story

Handheld ultrasonic camera ‘gun’ finds composite cracks Norwegian start-up’s easy-to-use NDT technology for carbon fiber-reinforced plastics has been adopted by EADS. Read full story