SAE offers new credential program for engineers
SAE International is introducing a personnel credentialing program that enables engineers, product development technicians, and associated personnel to earn a Certificate of Competency or Certification in the Design Review Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) methodology. Created by industry professionals for industry professionals, the program was developed and segmented into three distinct levels to meet the needs of specific personnel. Exam questions align with the body of knowledge to address each of the three levels. The DRBFM Process and Application Certificate of Competency is designed for individuals who require training and validation of knowledge in DRBFM process methodology. Job roles include product engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supplier quality engineers, validation and test engineers, and facilitators, trainers, and consultants in all industries. This credential requires completing an open-enrollment training course and passing an online exam. Registration is now open for the December 2012 offering of this program. For more information, contact SAE International at certification@sae.org or visit https://www.saecredentialingalliance.org/go/drbfm.
Allison and Dana license Fallbrook's NuVinci transmission technology
Dana Holding Corp. and Allison Transmission will use Fallbrook Technologies' Continuously Variable Planetary (CVP) technology in new products under a "strategic relationship" announced by the three companies Sept. 13. Fallbrooks' NuVinci CVP is a traction-based class of continuously-variable transmission that is scalable and adaptable. In the basic design, a set of rotating balls is located between the input and output components. Tilting the balls changes their contact diameters and varies the speed ratio. Compared to other current technologies, Fallbrook claims its is less complex, scales and packages more easily, and costs less to manufacture. Under the deal, Allison has exclusive rights to use the Fallbrook CVP technology to develop and commercialize primary drivetrain transmissions for Allison's end markets, which could include commercial vehicles, military applications, and certain off-highway and large stationary equipment. Under a separate agreement, Dana will hold an exclusive license to engineer and produce transmission components and other advanced powertrain solutions for passenger and certain off-highway vehicles in the end markets that Dana serves. For end markets Allison Transmission serves, Dana and Allison have signed a letter of intent to explore a strategic alliance through which Dana would exclusively manufacture transmission components with NuVinci CVP technology for Allison. Full-scale production of transmissions with NuVinci-equipped components in Dana's off-highway markets is expected within the next three to five years, while implementation in passenger and commercial vehicles is anticipated before the end of this decade.
Parker acquires Indian hydraulics business
Parker Hannifin Corp. announced in mid-July that it had acquired the hydraulics manufacturing division of PIX Transmissions Ltd. based in Nagpur, India. PIX manufactures a range of hydraulic and industrial hose, hose assemblies, and fittings primarily used in general engineering, marine, agriculture, mining, construction, and HVAC markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquired business has annual sales of approximately $13 million, employs 470 people, and includes a recently upgraded $25 million manufacturing plant in Nagpur. The division will be integrated into Parker's Fluid Connectors Group, and sales will be reported as part of the International Industrial Segment. “The acquisition of the PIX hose and fittings business will allow us to solidify our position in India, which is a strategically important growth market, while establishing an important base to support growth in the region,” said Bob Bond, President of Parker's Fluid Connectors Group.
Dow expands composite processing capabilities
Dow Automotive Systems has expanded its capabilities in composite processing technology with two new development facilities—one in Freienbach, Switzerland, and the other in Midland, MI. The labs support global automotive and commercial transportation customers with an emphasis on carbon-fiber composites. The 200-m2 (2150-ft2) Composite Technology Center in Freienbach opened in April and is equipped with a large high-pressure resin transfer molding (RTM) machine for prototype production. It also offers development and testing facilities for resins and related adhesives, as well as an Adhesives Training Center. The Midland tech center, which opened in June, accommodates technologies associated with direct long-fiber processing, prepreg, preforming, compression molding, and laminating. This 465-m2 (5000-ft2) site is co-located with key corporate R&D capabilities including analytical sciences, the Materials Engineering Center, and polymer chemistry and processing related expertise. The two new composite technology facilities are part of Dow Automotive Systems’ strategy to support the industry’s push for more lightweight solutions.
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Dow Automotive Systems' new Composite Tech Center in Freienbach is equipped with a large high-pressure resin transfer molding (RTM) machine for prototype production.
ContiTech expands plastic tubes production in U.S.
ContiTech Fluid Technology is building a competence center for plastic lines in the U.S., its second plastics competence center worldwide after one in Waltershausen, Thuringia, Germany. The company is investing about $11 million in the existing ContiTech Thermopol hose factory in Somersworth, NH, to help meet demand in North America, with the first construction stage recently going into operation. ContiTech says that orders from Ford and Chrysler are already exhausting the capacities of the first plant, which has been in production since January. A second system has been ordered and is expected to be installed in October. The company expects the number of plastic tubes it produces to increase fourfold by the end of 2013 compared to 2012. The Somersworth plant was more than doubled in size two years ago for the extrusion of turbocharger hoses and the assembly of SCR (selective catalytic reduction) hose line systems for diesel engines. Volume assembly of SCR lines for Cummins started in June, and lines for Caterpillar will follow shortly, according to ContiTech. Previously, only silicone hoses were produced in Somersworth. The expansion of the plastics technology operations will see a third, 6700-m2 (72,120-ft2) production hall built on the grounds, and an expected increase in the number of employees from 220 presently to 335 by the end of 2013.
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The blow-molding line at ContiTech’s Somersworth plant in New Hampshire currently produces about 150,000 plastic tubes annually.
Corning prepares for growth in heavy-duty diesel products
Corning Inc. has entered into new multiyear supply agreements with heavy-duty diesel engine, truck, construction, and agricultural equipment manufacturers, reserving a substantial portion of its current and future diesel capacity for their needs. “This is an important step toward strategically managing capacity constraints and supporting key customers during a critical growth period,” said Mark A. Beck, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Corning Environmental Technologies. “We plan to optimize our current production capability, expand existing facilities, and invest in a new manufacturing facility to assure a reliable supply of diesel products to our core customers for years to come.” Beck told investors at a November conference that demand for Corning’s heavy-duty diesel products could triple in the next five years due to tightening global regulations. He also announced a price increase for heavy-duty substrates, effective January 2012, and Corning’s plan for a second dedicated heavy-duty diesel facility to support projected market needs. The global site-selection process for that facility is now under way and is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2012.
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