Articles by Jim Camillo

Computer-aided-design (CAD) software has a been friend to part designers and manufacturing engineers for decades, which is old news. The good news is this type of software is friendlier than ever, enabling both specialists to perform functions ranging from analyzing the strength of an assembly, to determining the best design for a given set of parameters.

Custom metal fabricator Miller Welding & Machine Co. has experienced steady growth since its founding in 1963. The keys to this growth are implementing process control, creating high-quality products and always being open to using new technology.

Some Tier II suppliers provide a wide range of parts to the automotive industry, while others are better suited to focus on only one type of part. Grand Rapids, MI-based Erwin Quarder Inc. (EQI) specializes in making plastic-injection overmolded, two-shot-molded and insert-molded parts.

Faurecia has been the world's largest manufacturer of vehicle interiors for the past several years. Automotive OEMs all over the globe install the company’s seats, dashboards, center consoles, door panels, acoustic modules and decorative elements.

In recent years, engineers have come to realize that motion control can be smart. This type of control involves machines that can digitally interact with operators, track each step of the assembly process, ensure quick product changeover and provide the real-time status of available resources.

Component uniformity and product quality often go hand in hand. Knowing this, manufacturers do all they can to find the right equipment that ensures such uniformity batch after batch, day after day.

Though simple in design, the oil pan is a vital part of a vehicle engine's lubrication system. It is typically made of steel and contains a rubber gasket that prevents the oil from leaking.

Increasingly, manufacturers are learning that artificial intelligence (AI) can provide them with actual benefits. One of those manufacturers is Gestamp Automocion, a global designer and producer of metal components (chassis, bodies and mechanisms) for automobiles.

Like many large cities, London is quickly adapting to the increased presence of electric vehicles (EV) on its streets. These vehicles are mostly operated by private citizens, but also by government workers and taxi companies.

Many questions surround artificial intelligence (AI). A common one among non-users is: Can something artificial truly produce real-world benefits? Increasingly, manufacturers in the automotive industry are ready and able to provide an affirmative answer.