How can commonly mass-produced transmission components, such as planetary gears be produced even more efficiently? The EMAG Group provides a customized answer to this question with the development of the twin-spindle pick-up turning center, VL 1 TWIN. It machines two identical components simultaneously in the same machining area. This technology opens up a wide range of possibilities: When two machines are combined in a line, the planetary gear can be machined from two sides—and all that is completed with shorter cycle times. What exactly does the line solution for planetary gears look like?
The transformation in the automotive industry is coming fast, and those affected should prepare now— this was the primary message at the 2019 EMAG Technology Forum. The event provided a lot of food for thought for attendees. Which key messages stood out?
The EMAG Technology Forum will take place in Salach on May 15 and 16, 2019
EMAG employs more than 3,000 people worldwide. In addition to the modern production facilities in Jintan and Zerbst, the heart of our company resides at our German technology sites.
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In a traditional automatic transmission, a torque converter is installed between the engine and transmission. This core component contains an impeller, turbine wheel and a guide wheel. Driven by the engine, the impeller blade catch oil in the housing which creates a flow that will delayed drive the turbine wheel. This principle ensures a smooth startup and separates the drive train from the engine’s vibrations (referred to as engine irregularities).
The VL 1 Twin has set the new standard for the high-output, simultaneous machining of workpieces with a maximum dimaeter of 75 mm (3 in). This turning center has two main spindles in one machining area that are able to simultaneously machine two identical workpieces – resulting in substantially increased output quantities, and lower unit costs.
According to a new study by PwC, an automotive consultant firm – there are five dimensions that influence change in the automotive industry. The car of the future is electric and connected, increasingly autonomous, more integrated in sharing concepts and models are updated on a yearly basis (!)—making eight year model cycles a thing of the past. How can such a fast and radical change be implemented on the shop floor? What happens to the old machinery and to the existing production lines? A discussion with Markus Woitsch, Head of the EMAG plant in Eislingen, responsible for retrofitting and retooling, reveals that the answer relies not only on investment in new machines – but also retrofitting. The specialists at EMAG will ensure that existing machines and production systems are prepared for changing manufacturing processes with the help of some conversion work – offering an attractive alternative to purchasing new equipment.
1. Why do cars even have differentials?
There are no cars that don’t have differentials in them—otherwise we would be driving through tight curves with the wheels spinning and tires screeching. This essential component is located in the center of the drive axle, where its function is to make sure that the two wheels can turn at different speeds when driving around curves, while nonetheless having exactly the same propulsive power. The torque of the motor is always divided in a fixed ratio.
By the way: All-wheel drive vehicles have a differential on each axle, plus a central differential that distributes the engine power between the axles in a given ratio.
This animation shows how easy it is to set up whole manufacturing systems, realized with modular machines. The example of sprocket machining demonstrates how versatile these modular machines are. Read more about the modular machines here…
The VLC 200 GT is loaded at by the integrated pick-up spindle. The process starts with hard pre-turning of the shoulder and the bore hole in quick succession. Only a few micrometers of material are then left to be removed from the automotive gear by the subsequent grinding process, using either aluminum oxide or CBN grinding wheels.
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