Category Archives: Materials

​Impact of Overseas Tooling Sourcing: A report from the Center for Automotive Research ​

Posted on December 4, 2018 by

​CAR  Director of Manufacturing, Engineering, & Technology Abe Vadhavkar writes about the impact of sourcing tools overseas on the US tool & die sector.​  ​The report​​ ​states that new tooling sourced in Low Cost Countries such as China and Taiwan may … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry Outlook, Manufacturing Process, Materials | Leave a comment

Aluminum and Steel Battle for Supremacy in Automotive Applications

Posted on November 8, 2018 by

There are benefits and challenges associated with each metal, and automakers need to consider strength, stiffness, manufacturing, weight, and cost – and many more characteristics. Steelmakers and aluminum producers are eager to help: 2 tons of sheetmetal are purchased for … Continue reading →

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Using Test Data to Derive Product Improvements: Design Tests to Give Pertinent Quantitative Info

Posted on September 23, 2018 by

NIST and industry partners create new lab test to provide quantitative data on the scratch and damage resistance of automobile polymer clearcoat layers. Continue reading →

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Tesla Stamping and Assembly of Model 3

Posted on September 20, 2018 by

Tesla Stamping and Assembly of Model 3 Continue reading →

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Stamping Higher-Strength Steels Seminar – Sept 12/13 in Nashville

Posted on August 27, 2018 by

Join me, PMA, IRMCO, and Coe Press to learn what makes higher strength steels different and learn some strategies to process them effectively. Continue reading →

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FMEA Failure Modes & Effects Analysis in Sheet Metal Forming

Posted on August 24, 2018 by

Dimensional variability. Random splits. Surface waves. Any of these can cause big production headaches. Scrambling to fix the problems can lead to a host of other issues.  See my article on FMEA Failure Modes & Effects Analysis in the January … Continue reading →

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Terms in the Sheet Metal Industry

Posted on August 22, 2018 by

You might think that you know what you’re asking for, but when talking with your supplier, it’s important that you both use the same language to be sure you’ll get what you need. See my article on the meanings of … Continue reading →

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Limitations of Ordering AISI 1008/1010

Posted on August 20, 2018 by

Not getting what you need from your 1008/1010 #steel? Read about the limitations of ordering AISI 1008/1010, and why you might need to change to something like SAE J2329 for more consistent performance – March 2018 issue of @Metalforming from … Continue reading →

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