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. |
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| WATCH: Here’s a Rare Opportunity to Virtually Tour the ‘Vette Assembly Plant |
| General Motors allowed auto.com a rare close-up look at its retooled Bowling Green, KY, Chevy Corvette assembly plant where it’s producing as many as 200 new C8 models per day. The video shows every assembly step along the 2-day build process per car, including a detailed look at how the plant was refitted to manufacture the rear-engine-configured ‘Vette. Listen and learn as a group of GM engineers explain some of the challenges they faced along the production line and tactics used to overcome them. |
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| The Press to Beat Automotive Challenges |
Countless OEMs and automotive stampers have installed SEYI's SAG series in North America alone.
SEYI's SAG series ranges from 300 to 1200 tons. Engineered with a
massive bed and bolster, the SAG is perfect for medium to large
operations, often requiring large die and progressive tooling. These
complex systems become seamless operations with custom-integrated
Wintriss SmartPac2 controls. SAG models are available for immediate
shipping or custom orders. Click here or call (931) 455-7700 for more information. |
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| M&A in Automotive and Mobility: Finding Alternative Routes to the Future |
Companies that make the right deal decisions now can massively benefit over the long haul. So notes this Bain & Company report explaining that substantial capital requirements and the need to speed up R&D are factors influencing companies’ decisions to join forces after years of going it alone.
“History tells us that companies making bold moves during times of turbulence tend to win over the long term,” the report authors note. “The mission of this, our fifth annual report: Improve M&A by sharing the insights of the world's best dealmakers….(Automotive) original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, technology companies and mobility players are forging alliances and partnerships, spinning out divisions and investing in corporate venture capital to get a head start on technology development.” |
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| Innovate on All Cylinders |
| 3D System's DMP Flex 350 helps empower you to drive manufacturing productivity, lower costs, and develop new designs that optimize performance and create the unique experiences your customers demand. Check out the user-friendly DMP Flex 350’s build plate loading process. |
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| 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry: How Can IP Protect Your CAD Files? |
Automotive
OEMs and their suppliers continue to invest in additive manufacturing
(AM) technology to increase the speed of production, decrease time to
market and quickly adapt to engineering changes and to develop
prototypes. However, users of AM should heed this warning from the
attorneys at Volpe Koenig:
“While a company’s actual 3D-printed products can be protected by both design and utility patents, securing the intellectual property of the manufacturing process, including the CAD file, can be tricky when it comes to patent eligibility rejections. Major OEMs, as well as automotive part suppliers…are well advised to consider what areas of their 3D printing operations can be protected: just the resultant 3D-printed products or also the 3D manufacturing process?” |
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| If It’s Dallas, It’s Innovative by Design |
| Dallas Industries has an innovative approach to press feedlines and equipment, such as feeds, straighteners, reels, cradles and controls. Innovations such as three styles of SpaceSaver™ lines which cut floor space requirements and the ProfileSelect™ software and SyncLoop™ line controls that provide a smooth feed motion while reducing stress on the material and mechanical components. |
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| Schuler Hosts Digitalization & Modernization Workshop |
Schuler North America will host a Digitalization & Modernization Workshop on February 23, 2023. The workshop is a full, one-day event and grand opening of Schuler’s Michigan Ave Service Facility (Canton, MI).
Schuler will cover the press shop of the future and highlight key
technologies that maximize OEE, implement digitalization practices, and
conduct press shop planning. Attendees will discover innovative and
practical ways to reshape costs, output, and carbon footprint.
Please contact Jaime.Bartholomai@schulergroup.com to RSVP or learn more. |
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| Introducing a New CX Series |
CX
Series is optimized for small part production with a press capacity
range of 80-300 tons. These presses are ideal for punching and cutting
applications with a higher degree of automation along with SIMPAC Press
Monitoring System (SPMS) enables predictive maintenance.
Discover a New CX Series today or reach out to your local representative at support@simpac-america.com |
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| We Specialize in Hard to Find Items |
| Rapid Metals offers prime, excess prime and secondary flat rolled carbon steel products ranging from .008” thick, through .750.” Coil widths range from .500” and leveled sheets range to 240.00." We specialize in items that are difficult to find, including ultra high strength steel, AHS, Dual Phase, Interstitial Free and various other grades! We carry a substantial, exhaustive inventory and production turnaround is quick - even with short lead times! |
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| PMA Membership |
| Position your company as an industry leader when you utilize PMA resources—ITR Econ Trends reports, trade publications, One Voice and FABTECH trade shows. A PMA membership will provide your company and all of its employees with a range of valuable industry resources that are designed to help you become more connected, more informed, more efficient, more competitive and ultimately more profitable. |
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Event
Management