Watch: BMW Opens World’s First Virtual Car Factory

April 19, 2023

April 19, 2023

Welcome to MetalForming Automotive, the latest enewsletter from MetalForming magazine and the Precision Metalforming Association. In each monthly MetalForming Automotive you’ll find a variety of news and information from this quickly evolving industry, including links to the latest information from our industry partners: AISI, Automation Alley, CAR and MEMA (formerly OESA).

Please share any questions or comments by emailing editorial director Brad Kuvin.

Dr. Milan Nedeljkovic from the BMW AG Production Board of Management presents the firm’s new virtual manufacturing plant, built using the Nvidia Omniverse computing platform, that its engineering teams will use to develop new factories more quickly, and produce more efficiently. BMW can use the platform to connect its global engineering teams and allow them to collaborate in new ways. The video showcases one such virtual planning session, where the teams leverage the virtual factory and digital-twin technology to develop a new body shop.

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Automakers Reevaluating Lean, Moving Away from Just-In-Time

A survey commissioned by ABB Robotics reveals that supply-chain disruption and rising material costs has executives at automotive OEMs and their suppliers reevaluating their lean-manufacturing principles, shifting from just-in-time to just-in-case strategies. Manufacturers are holding more stock to protect against unplanned disruptions, finds the survey, produced in partnership with Automotive Manufacturing Solutions magazine.

When asked how significantly various technologies will change the industry, 50 percent of respondents view digitalization and data management as extremely significant, 43 percent say the same about automation and robotics, and 39 percent of respondents view modular and flexible manufacturing as extremely significant.

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PMA Membership

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Survey: North American Light Vehicle Aluminum Content

A new Aluminum Association survey of automakers and Tier One suppliers confirms that aluminum use in new electric vehicles will continue to grow through the end of the decade, largely fueled by demand for more sustainable transportation. The report, prepared by Ducker, indicates that the demand for more sustainable transportation will help drive an increase in market share for aluminum content by nearly 100 net lb./vehicle from 2020 to 2030.

MetalForming LIVE on the Shop Floor—Robots Working in Metal Forming Operations

Whether your shop is experienced with automation and robotics or you're contemplating your first foray, our latest online event, MetalForming LIVE on the Shop Floor/Automation, promises to deliver a boatload of useful advice, tips and lessons learned, from two metal formers offering to share their experiences. During the event, on April 25, we'll talk with Sukup Manufacturing Co. to learn how they automated 3 manual operations with a press-tending robot; and hear about a new three-robot six-process production cell at Clips & Clamps Industries.

Register for free—don't miss it!