KUKA's Laser Welding Uses Solid-State Laser Beams

EDVSM Software Simulates Tire Blowout

Motor vehicle safety researchers and accident investigators can now perform elaborate simulations on the effect of a loss of tire pressure on vehicle handling dynamics using version 1.1 of the EDVSM (Engineering Dynamics Vehicle Simulation Model) software program. The new model offers the ability to simulate either a gradual or sudden loss of pressure while negotiating a curve. The output includes a graphic depiction of a 3-D simulation of the vehicle trajectory as well as a chart of individual tire forces resulting from the event.

Ward's Info No. 201

Carpenter Technology

Introduces New Alloy

A new soft magnetic alloy with improved corrosion resistance can be considered for critical control devices and systems that must function in any of numerous corrosive environments. Chrome Core 18-FM stainless, developed by Carpenter Technology Corp. of Reading, PA, is offered as a candidate for automotive applications such as fuel injection, antilock braking systems and automatically adjusting suspension systems. Chrome Core 18-FM stainless is a soft magnetic, ferritic material designed for operation in more corrosive environments than tolerated by 18% Cr type 430 stainless. Latest in a series of six Carpenter Chrome Core alloys, the new stainless has been designed for use with fuels containing ethanol or methanol and the corrosive contaminants sometimes associated with these fuels.

Fiberite Material

Used in Rockwell Piston

Fiberite Inc.'s FM 4029F-1 phenolic molding material was recently selected over steel for Rockwell Automotive's lightweight Stainless Plus piston for hydraulic disc brakes. Fiberite says the application is one of many where performance advantages are convincing component makers to switch from metals to thermoset plastics. The Rockwell piston, which will find use in articulated dump trucks, front-end loaders, container handlers and lift trucks is described as a perfect application for Fiberite thermosets - one that complements the material's acceptance for underhood applications. Fiberite thermoset materials are nearing approval at a Big Three automaker for a valve cover application and are in various stages of testing for other under-the-hood components.

Elcon Systems' Advanced Cold-Engine Testing Elcon Systems, a division of H.R. Krueger Machine Tool Inc., has developed an advanced cold-engine test through its Power Train Test Group, offering a number of important features for comprehensive engine testing, reduced cycle times and extensive easy-to-understand test data for both manufacturing and product engineering. Elcon Systems manufactures precision fluid test equipment worldwide for verification of fuel injectors for gas or diesel engines for the automotive, truck, marine and aircraft industries. This equipment includes gas and diesel fuel-injector test systems, transmission test systems and conventional hot and cold engine testing as well as the new advanced cold-engine testing systems. Elcon Systems currently has orders from the U.S., China, Brazil and Austria for injector test and calibration systems.

Ward's Info No. 204

Romer 1000 Series

Now in Custom Lengths

Romer Inc. now offers its 1000 series portable articulating arm coordinate measurement systems in custom lengths. Users can now choose the arm length with the size measuring envelope that best suits their particular inspection needs. Custom lengths on the Romer 1000 series range from a 6-ft. (1.8-m) up to a 12-ft. (3.7-m) diameter measuring envelope. Intermediate lengths are available with 7- through 11-ft. (2.1- to 3.3-m) diameter measuring envelopes. The Romer 1000 series portable CMM features full six- axis articulation. The articulated joints have "human arm" proportions with outboard bearings to give the narrowest profile available. This, plus infinite rotation of the joints of the arm, allows for unhindered inspection in tight or hard-to-reach locations, such as vehicle interiors, aircraft cockpits and appliances, says Romer. The Romer 1000 is a completely portable inspection system. An internal, multiplexed data communication system reduces wiring, connectors and weight. The arm and its components are contained in a single suitcase, and set up takes less than five minutes. The Romer arm is mountable in any orientation, even upside down. Extended measurement options, available for all Romer portable CMMs, extend the arm's reach up to 32 ft. (9.8 m) with no loss of accuracy.

M-B Chooses Santoprene

Rubber On New SUV

Advanced Elastomer Systems LP (AES) announces that Mercedes-Benz has specified Santoprene thermoplastic rubber to encapsulate the rear quarter windows of the automaker's new M class SUV (sport/utility vehicle). AES developed the application with Thona Corp. of Ann Arbor, MI. Thona encapsulates the glass with Santoprene rubber through injection molding and ships the completed window module to Mercedes. The automaker uses Santoprene rubber on the rear quarter windows of its C and E class cars as well, an application developed with Fritz, a German glass encapsulation company.

Ward's Info No. 207

New Process Provides Design Flexibility

T-Rim, a new molding process from Tempress Inc., provides truck, bus and other heavy vehicle designers and engineers with increased design flexibility and thermal-mechanical performance. For structural interior trim applications, T-Rim responds to the trend toward increasingly stylized shapes with improved strength-to-weight ratio, and extended lifetime duty cycles. The process is particularly well-suited for instrument panels, cab overheads, door panels, cabinet sidewalls, and other structural parts that demand surface-design freedom, says the company. A proprietary filler in the resin component provides superior Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT), a low Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE), and uniform density and strength throughout the part. These properties allow the design to have thinner wall sections and fewer geometrical constraints, while meeting structural performance requirements.