By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Regardless of whether a vehicle features an electric or internal combustion engine (ICE), there are many factors that affect the fuel efficiency and range in its design. Efficiency losses can come in many forms, but are generally affected by factors such as aerodynamics, rolling resistance, friction losses, and weight. […]
Ford Motor Company and the ExOne Company have jointly developed a patent-pending process for rapid and reliable binder jet 3D printing and sintering of aluminum that delivers properties comparable to die casting. “This is a breakthrough in making 3D printed and sintered parts for the auto industry,” said Harold Sears, Ford technical leader for additive manufacturing. “While the […]
The Reducing EMbodied-Energy And Decreasing Emissions (REMADE) Institute based in Rochester, New York, is investing $43 million in new technology research focused on improving the sustainability of manufacturing operations. Working with industry innovators and academic researchers, the institute selected a total of 24 projects as part of its latest round of funding, including several projects […]
Mayflower Consulting conducted a study on automotive suspension systems to determine the value of aluminum forgings in the application.
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Demand for aluminum in the automotive industry is continuing its growth trajectory, according to a new report from DuckerFrontier, 2020 North American Light Vehicle Aluminum Content and Outlook. The report notes that aluminum content is expected to grow to 514 lbs per vehicle by 2026, up by 12% from 2020 […]
On September 17th, Ford celebrated the production start of its all new aluminum-bodied F-150 trucks at its Ford Rouge Center manufacturing plant in Dearborn, MI. The new F-150 lineup includes multiple powertrain options, including the first ever PowerBoost hybrid and an all electric motor. In addition, the company also confirmed construction of the new Rouge Electric […]
The 2021 Ford F-150 pick-up truck was unveiled in June, and the new model is headed to showrooms this fall. Ford stuck with the all-aluminum body for the 2021 model, which rides on a steel frame. According to Ford, despite looking similar to current models, every exterior aluminum body panel on the F-150 is newly […]
Automotive News reported that repairs of the aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 were comparable to and in some cases less than those for steel-bodied trucks. The Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, found that collision claim severity for aluminum F-150s was roughly 7% lower than its steel predecessor — in […]
The 5th edition of the Lightweight Vehicle Manufacturing Detroit Summit has been rebranded as the Lightweight Materials and EV Body Structures Manufacturing Technologies Summit. The event will occur in Detroit, Michigan, on February 21-22, 2018. Automotive OEMs are currently utilizing mixed-material components for automotive manufacturing to optimize structural integrity and achieve weight reduction objectives. This […]
