Developments

  Innovative software will help the automotive manufacturer to meet its new, higher perceived quality targets across its range of vehicles.       CHINA: Icona Solutions, which develops, supplies and supports the innovative perceived quality simulation and visualisation software solution, aesthetica, together with its Beijing-based business partner, Sili-Tech Co. Ltd., has announced that, following a comprehensive competitive evaluation of all available software in the areas of tolerance analysis and designs, China’s Great Wall Motor Company has selected aesthetica for use in perceived quality studies on all of its future vehicle programmes. Earlier this year, Great Wall Motor Company implemented its new ‘Three Hs Strategy’, addressing ‘High-luxury, ‘High-performance and ‘High-tech’. As a part of this strategy, Great Wall formed its new Dimensional Management Group and aesthetica was selected as a core tool for helping the company achieve the goal of ‘High-luxury’ throughout its vehicles range. While Great Wall does expect the use of aesthetica to help save time and money during the vehicle development process, the company’s principal aim is to improve the perceived quality of its vehicles by reducing the average exterior gap dimension on all its high-end luxury vehicles by next year. Using aesthetica will enable it to design its vehicles so that they are less sensitive to manufacturing variation, enabling the company to achieve higher perceived quality, cost-effectively. First live project With the software now installed in the new Dimensional Management Group, located at Great Wall’s Engineering Development Centre in Baoding, some 100 km south west of Beijing, the first live project on which aesthetica will be used commenced last month (June). aesthetica will be used at all stages of the vehicle design and development process, from the concept phase, where it will be used in setting the dimensional technical specification, i.e. gap and flush targets, through […]

  （成就你的梦想）这一简洁且催人奋进的口号正是比亚迪（深圳）汽车有限公司英文缩写“BYD”背后所蕴含的意思，并且可能已成为引领公司取得全球成功的重要座右铭。比亚迪汽车有限公司成立于2003年，在致力于为各年龄段消费者打造梦寐以求产品的同时，近几年呈现出惊人的发展速度。公司通过垂直整合和最新能源进展的创新电动汽车和技术，从比亚迪股份有限公司这一控股集团旗下的数个兄弟公司中脱颖而出。 比亚迪汽车近年来产量逐年翻番，预计2011年产汽车 70 万 辆，且均为中国最畅销的一些车型。消费者出于诸多理由，尤其是对产品价值和质量的信赖，树立了对比亚迪汽车品牌的坚定信心。 比亚迪汽车测试工程师周先生解释说：“比亚迪之所以发展如此迅速，归功于其在优质产品生产方面的成功。但是若要实现始终如一的卓越质量标准，必须对能够进行精确且可靠的测量校验解决方案进行投资。我们在装配流程之前和装配过程中使用这些系统，确保所有产品零部件都完全符合设计规格。” 车间内的测量挑战 汽车生产流程是一个主动装配点，要将众多不同形状和尺寸的组件组装在一起得到成品。对于比亚迪汽车而言，一些主要零部件是由公司自主生产的，其他零部件则是外包生产。由于装配过程中每个步骤所需的计量技术存在巨大差异，因此出于质量控制和装配目的而进行的测量校验可谓一大挑战。仅在焊接线上，就必须对数米长的车身焊装夹具以及直径数毫米的定位销进行测量。 周先生表示：“我们所需测量物件的尺寸和特性都截然不同。通常需要使用卡钳、针规和高度尺/几何尺等一系列“传统”测量工具才能满足车间内的各种检测需求。而在测量过程中由一种工具切换到另一种工具会浪费大量时间，且仍无法提供我们所需的精密度和准确度。” 事实上，真正精确的测量不太可能仅依赖传统工具。对于大型汽车零部件尤为如此，原因是大部分传统工具都无法对其进行精确或适当的测量。即使进行重复尝试，但仍会不可避免地出现以毫米计（而非微米）的不可接受的测量误差。 提升精密度的备选方 为解决测量精密度的问题，比亚迪将固定式三坐标测量机 (CMM) 视为一个备选方案。固定式三坐标测量机系统能够实现较高的测量精密度和可重复性，但其便携性和灵活性有限。通常每一套都需要巨额投资，尤其是需要较大的专属测量室，其中必须具有受控环境来容纳和操作这些类型的坐标测量机。同时，由于不得不将零部件在生产线和用于检测的测量室之间来回搬动，这也使得生产流程的劳动密集程度进一步提高。相较于传统测量工具，尽管固定式三坐标测量机能够为比亚迪带来更大程度的测量精密度，但其高昂的安装、维护费用以及操作的不便利性使得这一可行性解决方案吸引力不高。 比亚迪希望获得固定式三坐标测量机的精密度和准确度，但又不愿受其体积限制。周先生 继续说道：“我们需要的是一个可以在任何地方进行配置的系统，它必须易于操作，更重要的是能够提供测量结果的精确性和一致性，使我们一如既往地保持产品的卓越品质。” 理想的解决方案是一个便携式、关节臂式的三坐标测量机，即一个能够人工操作的测量臂，从而为用户带来精密度、准确度和便利性。位于测量臂末端的球形测量头能够在一个物体上的各个位置定向，以收集需要在电脑 CAD/CAM 软件中进行处理的单独 3D 数据点。便携式三坐标测量机可配置在汽车装配线上，而无需将零部件搬运至设备所在的地方。这样就能够同时节省大量的时间、劳力和成本。 “在对诸如资本投资、产量、测量精密度和便利性等主要因素进行仔细分析后，我们决定使用便携式三坐标测量机和精选的 FARO Technologies 计量技术解决方案来满足我们的质量检测需求，”周先生表示，“事实证明这是比亚迪的一个正确选择，在 FARO 的帮助下，我们真正享受到任何其他类型的系统都无法比拟的测量便利性。” 更强的信心、更高的产能 目前，比亚迪汽车拥有大约 20 台 FARO 铂金测量臂。比亚迪位于深圳、西安、长沙和惠州的汽车生产基地都配备了FARO 便携式三坐标测量臂，以协助进行优质测量校验。所有收集到的数据都将通过 FARO 的 CAM2 软件（又称 Geomagic 软件）进行处理。 随着车间内配备 FARO 测量臂，比亚迪能够使用一种工具来测量各种尺寸和型号的所有汽车零部件。周先生 补充说：“凭借该测量臂的灵活性，我们不仅能够测量和控制小型汽车组件的质量，也能掌控具有非凡精密度的大型零部件的质量。FARO 设备的坚固耐用还可以承受我们严苛的车间条件；并且即使在非受控环境下也可实现精确性和可靠性。” 对于比亚迪而言，FARO 测量臂具备了该公司寻求的一切优点。周先生 指出：“我们确实偏爱该六轴旋转所带来的灵活自如的特性。其无限旋转使我们能够进行全方位测量，即使在难以触及的位置或不便的角度。电源组软件还易于掌握，帮我们节省了大量宝贵的时间。此外，FARO 强大的售后团队使我们无需担心任何可能发生的停机事件。 随着 FARO 解决方案的应用，比亚迪汽车拥有了完整的检测和测试流程。工程师能够在设计阶段之初就确保固定部件的结构稳定性，质控人员能够进行有效和客观的评估、校准，以保持产品的卓越品质。“只需较短的设备安装时间和简便易用的控制，就能迅速对各项质量进行检测并收集数据，然后生成报告，”周先生表示，“这确实为我们简化整个生产流程提供了帮助。” FARO 的帮助使比亚迪实现了出色的产量和质量，而这是其他任何测量解决方案都无法企及的。测量效率大大提高，但工时却有所降低。周先生 解释说：“使用固定式三坐标测量机进行质量校验需要一整天的时间，而我们现在只需 3 到 4 小时就能完成。FARO 的测量解决方案迅速成为比亚迪日常运营中不可或缺的一个组成部分。” FARO 解决方案不仅带来更大的便利性和更高的产能，还使比亚迪汽车能够精确、一致并充满信心地测量其产品。这一非凡的结合将成为引领比亚迪获得未来辉煌的重要因素。    

FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO), the world’s leading provider of portable measurement and imaging solutions,has  introduced the FARO Edge, the most advanced, state-of-the-art FaroArm ever produced. The FARO Edge is a portable measurement arm that allows manufacturers to easily verify their product quality by performing inspections, tool certifications, CAD-to-part analysis, and reverse engineering. The latest generation of the FaroArm product line continues to eclipse competitive models in every category. The Edge improves production, quality, and reverse engineering processes by rapidly verifying or scanning parts with confidence and accuracy. The new Arm also simplifies the user experience with improved performance, portability and reliability. “The FARO Edge was designed with our customers’ input and built with our experience,” stated Jay Freeland, FARO’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It offers unparalleled simplicity for the user while maintaining all the existing benefits of a FaroArm and it demonstrates our continued leadership in this space through innovative and disruptive technology.” The all new Edge features the first ever integrated personal measurement assistant. With its built-in touchscreen and on-board operating system, the Edge revolutionizes portable metrology by providing stand-alone basic measurement capability. A laptop is no longer needed to perform quick and simple dimensional checks, or to optimize system performance with it’s on board diagnostic routines. Additional industry-leading areas of improvement and capability include: * Enhanced Connectivity – Bluetooth, WiFi, USB, and Ethernet ready. Multiple device management through networking. * Smart Sensor Technology – Improved sensors warn against excessive external loads, correct for thermal variations, and detect possible setup problems. * Ergonomics Ð – Improved weight distribution and balance for reduced strain and ease-of-use. Patented internal counterbalancing providing comfortable, stress-free use. * Multi-Function Handle Port – Seamless and interchangeable accessory integration. Quick-change handle. Expandable capability. “Everything about the Edge was designed from the ground up to boost productivity and deliver […]

The Institute of Microelectronics (IME), an institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have announced their cooperation with TowerJazz, the global specialty foundry leader, on breakthrough projects in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), packaging and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).  IME seeks to advance research and development (R&D) in microelectronics in the area of MEMS, packaging and IC design. IME engages with fabless or fab-lite product companies as R&D partners, along with TowerJazz as a manufacturing partner in a three-party collaboration framework. This joint effort with TowerJazz has yielded outcomes in the areas of inertial sensors, pressure sensors and micromirrors with MEMS product companies. Potential future collaborations include those in the fields of through-silicon via (TSV) and advanced packaging, 3-dimensional integrated chips, photonics and nanoelectronics. MEMS devices are an approximately US$8 billion market globally and projected to grow further. Found in an increasingly wide spectrum of applications ranging from consumer electronics to devices in the industrial and medical sectors, MEMS devices are expected to revolutionize the quality of life everywhere in much the same way that integrated circuits (ICs) have done in the past. Prof. Dim-Lee Kwong, the Executive Director of IME, commented: “By leveraging TowerJazz’s rich technology portfolio and specialty manufacturing excellence, IME has been able to help its partners maintain a development edge and competitive position in their respective fields. In addition, by utilizing existing high volume of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing processes, it permits us to drive down MEMS cost and increase integration with other CMOS-based technologies.” “IME’s capabilities and experience as an 8-inch technology development site for MEMS and ASICs, combined with TowerJazz’s blend of business and technical competency for MEMS and IC fabrication, creates an advantage for our customers by reducing total project cost and time-to-market,” said Zmira Lavie, VP, Process Engineering R&D […]

As the port of Penang undertakes the biggest expansion in its history it is employing worlds best practices to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the craneage system on which its cargo handling depends. PenangPort has ongoing maintenance arrangements with the global Konecranes Group to service its ship-to-shore cranes as it invests RM 1.10 billion ($US340 million) from 2007-2012 to expand  elevate its status to a main line port capable of handling more than a million TEUs a year. (Twenty foot Equivalent Units, TEUs, a year). The nine existing ship-to-shore cranes Ð with three electric overhead travelling (EOT) maintenance cranes for which Konecranes is also responsible at North Butterworth Container Terminal Ð are integral to the port’s performance as it aims to ultimately achieve crane productivity of 30 TEUs an hour. Another seven ship-to-shore cranes are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, with service and parts supply also provided by Konecranes through its nearby Singapore headquarters and worldwide network of 485 locations in 43 countries with more than 366,000 cranes of all brands under service contracts. The current NBCT expansion Phase 3 consists of Segment A1 and A2. Segment A1 involved the extension of a new 600 metre berth at the Northern end of the existing 900 metre wharf. Segment A2 involved the construction of a 771 metre length of stacking area for export containers behind the wharf. The stacking area is capable of handling 465,000 TEUs with 2640 ground slots. The total investment of this project inclusive of the handling equipment is about RM900 million. “We are a 24/7,365 days a year operation, so prompt and reliable service of cranes of all brands is very important to us,” says PenangPort Senior Maintenance Engineer, Engineering Services Ð SBU Container Services, Muhammad Asri Bin Md Isa. “It is […]

Despite the average of Singaporean holding many financial products, only a few of these are with their main financial institution (MFI). According to a report by the independent business analyst Datamonitor, this provides a great growth opportunity for retail banks to derive revenue from customers through product bundling offers and incentives that will create a win-win situation for financial service providers and consumers. “An average Singaporean holds a huge number of financial products, especially on credit cards. Indeed, 80% of customers have at least one credit card and 42% of them hold three or more” comments Harry Senlitonga, senior analyst at Datamonitor. Consumer demands and many attractive offers from card providers, such as credit card exclusive discount offers have caused diverse credit card product holding in Singapore. As its name suggests, exclusive discount offers provide cardholders with exclusive accesses to product or service discounts on specific retail outlets. “Credit card exclusive discounts offers have been proven as an effective acquisition method with the side effect that many Singaporeans now have more cards in their wallet than before. As a result, the main financial institutions of these customers are missing out on the potential to increase revenue per customer” says Harry based in Sydney. Financial institutions should therefore revisit their approach to consumers. Indeed, Datamonitor believes that product bundling offers, which have been successful in many other countries, will help strengthen MFI relationships with customers. “A low product holding within the MFI shows cross-selling still offers plenty of growth opportunities for Singaporean financial providers. Incentive schemes aiming to encourage multiple product uptakes within the same institution may create a win-win scenario for both financial service providers and consumers” concludes Harry.