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Okuma launches new CNC machine with additive manufacturing functions

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Okuma America Corporation is introducing the new MU-8000V Laser EX multitasking CNC machine, combining the latest laser additive technology with subtractive manufacturing capabilities. The machine is said to enable complete part production on one machine.

The MU-8000V Laser EX revolutionizes production by using laser metal deposition (LMD) technology with the ability to cut unique parts of many different sizes and shapes. LMD supplies powder from nozzles and performs laser melting and bonding to parent material.

This allows for various types of materials to be combined and layered in addition to the possibility of three-dimensional fabrication and cladding.

[Read more…] about Okuma launches new CNC machine with additive manufacturing functions

Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

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Automakers are always looking to improve the aerodynamic quality of their vehicles and there is an ongoing competition to outdo each other in this area. 

Better aerodynamics have the benefit of making a car more fuel-efficient, but it can also mean that it goes faster.

Mercedes-Benz now claims that its new car is most aerodynamic in the world.  [Read more…] about Aerodynamics: Mercedes claims its new A-Class Sedan is the most aerodynamic car in the world

Doosan applies its collaborative robot to its engine production process

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South Korean industrial giant Doosan has applied its newly built collaborative robot, the M1013, to its engine production process. 

The company says the application of Doosan Robotics collaborative robot to its “G2” engine production will lead to the “improvement in the working environment” and increase productivity.

Doosan adds that the G2 engine injector press-fitting process using collaborative robots is consistent with safety certifications and international standards.  [Read more…] about Doosan applies its collaborative robot to its engine production process

Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time

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Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany has won the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time in the automotive giant’s history. 

When assessing lean solutions at more than 50 stations of Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg plant, the expert jury was impressed by the “rapid pace of change at the plant”.

Volkswagen Wolfsburg will receive the award as the best original equipment manufacturer at this year’s Automotive Lean Congress in Bremen at the beginning of November.  [Read more…] about Volkswagen’s main plant in Wolfsburg wins the Automotive Lean Production Award for the first time

Sales and production of industrial robots in China continues to grow apace

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The industrial robotics and automation sector is continuing to grow fast in China. 

The latest report to confirm this trend comes from the communist Chinese government propaganda outlet Xhinua.

China has been the world’s biggest buyer of industrial robots for several years now.  [Read more…] about Sales and production of industrial robots in China continues to grow apace

Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

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Siemens has extended its system family of all-round protected HMI (Human Machine Interface) devices for machine-related, cabinet-free visualisation and automation.

High-performance Simatic Thin Client PRO operator terminals with 15, 19 and 22 inch screen sizes and all-round IP65 degree of protection are new to the range.

Like all devices in the PRO series, the new Thin Clients can be extended by mountable components (extension units) – such as mounting adapter, keyboard tray and keyboard.

[Read more…] about Siemens extends HMI range for industrial applications

Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

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Mining giant Rio Tinto has achieved the first delivery of iron ore with what it describes as “the world’s largest robot”.

The company’s $940 million AutoHaul programme is focused on automating trains transporting iron ore to Rio Tinto’s port facilities in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Once commissioned, the network will be the world’s first heavy haul, long distance autonomous rail operation.  [Read more…] about Rio Tinto makes first delivery of iron ore with ‘world’s largest robot’

Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors

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A Japanese company called Yanmar has launched a couple of new autonomous tractors which it says will help farmers save time and money.

The vehicles are set to be on sale from October and cost around $97,000 to $127,000 each.

Autonomous farm machines were once the subject of science fiction, but Yanmar has made them a reality with the introduction of its new “2-Series” tractors.  [Read more…] about Yanmar launches new autonomous tractors

Daifuku North America tops materials handling systems supplier list

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Daifuku North America Holding Company – the leading provider of material handling solutions – has, together with its parent company and affiliated entities, been recognised as the Number One Worldwide Systems Supplier in Modern Materials Handling’s annual “Top 20 Systems Suppliers” list.

“We are honored and gratefully acknowledge our dedicated employees who continually strive to provide the innovative products and level of service that keep us at the top of the material handling industry year after year,” said Aki Nishimura, President of Daifuku North America Holding Company.

According to Stuart Oliphant in Daifuku’s corporate communications department in Japan, business was good across the globe. He says growth in revenue is partially linked to an increase in orders for materials handling systems from the flat panel display and semiconductor sectors in East Asia.

[Read more…] about Daifuku North America tops materials handling systems supplier list

Steel market: Automakers exploring new materials to make vehicles lighter

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Automotive manufacturers are exploring a variety of new methods and materials which will enable them to produce vehicles that are stronger, lighter, and more suited to what many believe will be an autonomous and electric driving culture of the future.

While many may have heard of carbon-fiber and similarly exotic-sounding and expensive materials, what is probably more likely is that heavier iron parts will be replaced with steel, and steel parts will be replaced with whatever is lighter than that – plastics, perhaps, or new, lighter types of steel.

One new type of steel that is currently being discussed widely is referred to as “advanced high-strength steel”, or AHSS.  [Read more…] about Steel market: Automakers exploring new materials to make vehicles lighter