Automated Systems Enable the Use of Lightweight Materials in Volume Production

摘要

Government environmental protection initiatives and social trends are driving the entire automotive industry to develop new materials, innovative technologies and processes. Against this background, lightweight design is gaining momentum. A rule of thumb states that in a mid-range vehicle, every 100 kg weight saving cuts consumption by up to 0,5 l per 100 km. However, in many cases, lightweight design not only requires existing plants to be converted; production processes must also become more efficient.