08/02/2011

The Future is Light: Manufacturing Technologies from Schuler

Reduced vehicle weight for improved fuel economy and minimized environmental impact will be the topic of discussion at the Schuler Incorporated symposium on September 7, 2011 at Oakland University in Auburn Hills. “The Future is Light: Manufacturing Technologies from Schuler” will discuss the use of metal production systems, as well as strategic blends of advanced materials, for reducing total vehicle mass.

The one-day conference will feature presentations by Chrysler’s John (J.P.) McGuire, group manager - Die Design, Automation & COC Global Standards entitled “Evolution of High Strength Steel at Chrysler – Stamping Manufacturing”, Lorenzo Smith, director of CLIC-form, Oakland University’s Learning and Innovation Center for Sheet Metal Forming, as well as numerous experts from the Schuler Group.

“Featuring more and more safety and comfort technologies, today’s vehicles are becoming increasingly heavy and manufacturers are being forced to find ways to reduce weight to meet fuel economy standards,” said Tim McCaughey, president and CEO of Schuler Incorporated. “Nearly 65 percent of a vehicle’s weight can be found in the body and chassis and by coupling improved forming technologies with a strategic blend of advanced materials, automakers can begin to meet their most challenging weight goals.”

Schuler’s global experts will discuss its production systems, including cold forming of high-strength steels, pressure-controlled hardening – commonly referred to as hot stamping – tubular metal hydroforming, and aluminum-and plastic-forming. Together, these processes offer manufacturers design freedom for the varying structural strengths needed by each vehicle. Schuler is the only manufacturer in the world to offer press and automation systems for all five of these manufacturing processes.

New material concepts hold the promise of increased flexibility and the use of lightweight design technology can help reduce emissions and provide greater sustainability in vehicle production. Specifically, the process of hydroforming can help automakers reduce the number of joined parts by creating a single formed component. This process is especially useful in forming exhaust, chassis and structural components. Additionally, the forming processes for high-strength steels and aluminum are increasingly used on chassis and structural components, as well as auto body panels and other vehicle parts. Schuler’s press lines offer maximum flexibility while maintaining the highest levels of productivity and quality for numerous automotive part applications. As each piece of the vehicle contributes to the body’s weight, it is important to consider the process and materials used in developing each part.

“The Future is Light” will offer attendees the opportunity to network with a diverse mix of experts and managers in design engineering, production planning and manufacturing management of automotive bodies and structures.

Those interested in attending should email info@schulerinc.com for further details on the event.

 

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