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Automotive Rapid Prototyping

2010-11-23T02:22:00.000-08:00

Historically, the automotive industry has been using rapid prototyping as an important tool in the automotive parts design process. The extremely fast-paced automotive design cycles require an extremely fast prototyping system which can produce car parts fast and inexpensively.

The main objective of automotive prototyping is to learn quickly: how a new automotive product behaves in its natural working environment, before transferring the prototype to the production line. Many times, mistakes are learned only after a new automotive part is launched. This is the main explanation for poor automotive parts design, from product mismatch, poor engineering and function or finish, and overpriced production. In order to accelerate the learning curve, before these costly automotive prototyping mistakes are made, one must accelerate and facilitate feedback loops from tests in the lab and market trials.

Automotive Manufacturing Technologies

Working with an assortment of rapid prototyping equipment, automotive prototyping engineers utilize the most advanced 3D printers, in their quest for perfect form, function and utility. Working in advanced manufacturing centers, the automotive engineers use the technology to verify what they are doing, and, equally important, to save tremendous amounts of time, and money.

Automotive Rapid Prototyping Compresses Development Time

The advantages of using 3D rapid prototyping model creation versus viewing a cad/cam model on a computer screen are palpable. Automotive parts engineers get together discuss the pros and cons of a rapidly produced automotive parts model and discuss the pros and cons of the design, as they pass it around, twisting and viewing the prototype, and decide if that is what they had in mind. This way, problems get solved up front, before going to the assembly line! Once determined that the automotive prototype design is a go, the model can then be sent to a die maker.

Automotive Prototyping and the Die Maker Process

The die maker cannot use model to make the die, but because they have it in their hand and can look at it and feel it, they can determine where the parting lines will be and exactly how much steel they will need to produce it. The timing of the die process is greatly compressed.

Examples of Automotive Rapid Prototype Parts

· Car Engine parts

· Engine castings and parts

· Auto Body Components

· Auto Mechanical parts

· Car Dashboards

· Car Handles and Knobs

· Car Trim parts

Fail first Paradox in Automotive Rapid Prototyping

The automotive rapid prototyping paradox is to fail earlier rather than later. By failing earlier, the design engineers surprisingly succeed in accelerating the project; this greatly reduces development cost risk. By considering all automotive prototype failures as learning experiments, the engineer has much less stress, knowing that they are practicing the old adage, that success comes from ninety-nine percent failure and introspection.

Best Tips For Buying Used Cars

2010-08-01T01:15:00.000-07:00

The impact of the current economic crisis, has made some people think twice about can have a new car, they are more considering buying a used car.

Consumers are smart, know that buying a used car can be a far better deal than buying new if you know what you're doing.

Here are some tips that you can use to make sure you get the most out of your used car purchase.

1. Due Diligence

When you make any major purchase, it's Important for you to do some research and purchasing a used car is no different. If you do the right research you'll know the perfect make and model that suits your needs. You'll also be able to determine the fair market value of this type of car and therefore, you'll know when you're getting a good deal at the used car lot.

In addition you'll be able to research Important details about the car, like recalls her things to look for and used models that may help when evaluating used cars and negotiating deals.

2. Check Out The Car

when you find a car that you like, it is wise to check the car's history. This will give you Information regarding the repairs as well as any problems with the car. You can do this for a small fee online and it can save you from buying a car that's been in a flood or other major disaster. You won't want to buy a car that's been a major accident that could've damaged or bent the frame and it may be impossible to tell by just looking at the car so checking on the history is vital. You can find out the history of any car by going to Carfax.com.

3. Think Safety

In order to keep your family safe in the car, you want to consider the safety features of any used car you going to buy. Obviously, the newer model cars will have more safety features. According to reports, 80% of traffic accidents are made worse because the cars lacked safety features.

4. Check the Documentation

You should check out the documents included with the used car cheerfully. Make sure that the cars are not stolen or that there were no liens on the vehicle and also be sure to check that the signature on the bill of sale is the actual possessor of the car.

5. Car Inspection

Before you make any deals on the used car, you must inspect the entire car. Look for Ross to especially around the wheel wells in the frame and carefully scrutinize it for any damage. Don't forget to check the tires, and the interior as well. If you don't know much about cars, you can always asked to take it to your mechanic for inspection. Anybody on the up and up selling a car should not object to this. If any flaws are found, and then you can use this as negotiating leverage and lost the flaws are so major that you no longer want the car.

Buying a used car can take a bit more work than buying a new one as there are many things to check out. However, doing your due diligence will make sure that you get a great used-car at a fraction of the cost you could buy new one for and that will last for years to come.

Tips Before Taking Your Car On Holiday (Part II)

2010-02-04T23:03:00.000-08:00

Continued from post Tips Before Taking Your Car On Holiday,

Seat Belts

Seat Belts don't really require a whole lot of maintenance, they don't need top ups or regular changes but if they don't work it could prove just as fatal as having faulty brakes. Checking your seatbelts is especially important if you are going be carrying other people in your car when you don't normally do so, make sure they're not frayed or physically damaged, and check they will hold anything when suddenly jolted. Lastly, check the buckle both holds the seatbelt against extreme pressure and that it releases easily in the case of an emergency. If the worst comes to the worst and you are involved in a serious accident and you need to get someone out the car, you cant afford to be struggling with a dodgy seat belt catch.

Windscreen and Wipers

Now you need to look at your windscreen, both the glass and the wipers. It would be nice if we could assume that because it's summer, they wont be needed but they will, whether you're just clearing your screen or because it's raining or maybe the guy in front has decided your windscreen needed a wash while he was doing his own you will need your wipers and you should check them regularly, if you're looking out for a signpost or your driving round somewhere you're not familiar you'll need to know your wipers can clear your windscreen instantly. Check the windscreen wiper blades are smooth and have no splits, cracks or stones stuck in them. Any cracks that appear on the windscreen should always be taken care of as soon as possible but it's especially important if you're about to go away as long journeys increase the risk of a chip spidering and causing serious damage.

Lights

Lastly, give the lights a quick check, it's an offence to drive knowing you have faulty lights, quickly check the brake lights, indicators and headlights, remember you're not just checking the bulb is ok, you need to make sure none of the plastic casing is cracked and they're all clear.

Well that's about it, you should be good to go, a quick bit of basic car maintenance is no substitute for a proper service by a qualified mechanic, if you notice anything out of the ordinary it's always a safe bet to get someone who knows what they're doing to check it out. All that's left to do now is check your break down cover is still in data, pack the map (or sat nav) and have fun.

Tips Before Taking Your Car On Holiday (Part I)

2010-02-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

With current economic situations many people are choosing to stay in the country for their holiday to save a bit of cash. If you're going to drive you may want to check one or two things on your car first and just perform a bit of basic car maintenance.

The last thing you want to do when you get to your destination is try to find a mechanic (especially one you can trust) because something's gone wrong. If you've noticed any niggling noises or anything out of the normal in your car, check it out now, even if it's nothing, you may be too focused on finding your way around your holiday destination to notice if it gets worse (if you've got kids, you may not even hear your engine screaming at you over the cries of 'are we nearly there yet?'). You don't want to start your holiday off waiting for your breakdown service while the family head to the beach.

Brakes

Lets start your car maintenance with your breaks, if there's a problem with them, you don't want to find out about it hurtling down the motorway with your family in the car. If you notice squealing or unusual noises when you brake, or if the car pulls slightly to one side, there's a good chance you'll need to replace your break pads, don't worry, these are relatively cheap and with a certain level of skill, you can replace them yourself. The brake pads should be evenly worn, it's very easy to know if they need changing, most break pads will have lines running through them, once they've worn down to a certain line, change them. A lot of cars will display a warning light on the dashboard that will also indicate it's time for a change, and lastly, if you notice sparks coming from your wheels when you brake and the car doesn't actually stop that's also a pretty good indicator they need changing. The brake disks will also need checking, they should be evenly worn and should look almost polished, if there are any marks or uneven wearing, replace them.

Tires

If you've checked the brakes, it's only logical to make sure your tires are in perfect condition too, this is basic car maintenance and should be checked regularly as you can not only be pulled over by the police for unsafe tires, you can be fined and be issued penalty points on your licence too. Your hand book will advice you of the correct tire pressure, remember this pressure will vary if you're going to be carrying a heavy load, if your family has brought along more suitcases than the TARDIS could be expected to carry you will need more pressure in your tires than if you're just carrying a normal load. Remember to bear in mind that over inflated tires will not have as much grip on the road and under inflated tires will consume more fuel. If you notice any cracks or splits in your tires, you need to replace them. Again, the outside lane of a motorway is not the best place to have a tire blow out on you.

To be continued.... Part II ........

Best Fuel Efficient Cars For 2010 (Part II)

2010-02-01T01:12:00.000-08:00

Continued from post Best Fuel Efficient Cars For 2010. If you are planning to buy a fuel efficient car, here are some of the best models you can look for :

Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC- EPA city/highway mileage: 23/32

There are very few cars in the world that can match the fuel efficiency of Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC in terms of diesel powered cars. This model is the best answer who always thinks - a diesel car always consumes more fuel. In fact, if you get the chance to test-drive a Mercedes E320 BLUETEC then you must go for it. Its key feature of 3-liter V6 power plant offers an impressive power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a compact sedan.

Toyota Camry Hybrid- EPA city/highway mileage: 33/34

Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of the most affordable cars in the current scenario. In fact, it is one of the best models that feature rock-solid dependability, exceptional comfort along with better fuel economy at an economical price. Adding to this, it is one among those models that can offer an altogether conventional driving experience and features a bigger (2.4 litre) engine and conventional tires that makes it a fuel economical car.

Toyota Corolla- EPA city/highway mileage: 26/35 (manual), 27/35 (automatic)

Today it won't be wrong to consider Toyota Corolla as one of the country's best-selling vehicles. It is in fact considered as one of the most remarkable economical cars in present context. It features impressive fuel economy with the volume-selling base 1.8-liter engine, and its ride is more compliant than the typical compact sedan's.

Today it is not that difficult to get the best car for your money that can save you fuel as well. All you need is proper research and to compare the fuel efficiency for the best deals on the car you want. Owning a car actually matters, and so it is better to make a selection considering the fuel efficiency factor.

Best Fuel Efficient Cars For 2010 (Part I)

2010-01-31T01:47:00.000-08:00

Fuel Efficient Car TechnologyOver the last few years, the world has witnessed an emergence of numerous car models. It won't be wrong to say that today the level of competition has been increased and the market has got bombarded with different car models. Every new model being introduced in the auto market contains new features. Perhaps, today every car is acting as a luxury sedan and contains magnificent features that make it difficult for buyers to make a proper selection. However, the fuel efficiency has been one key feature that has always played a vital role in making the proper selection of a good car.

Today there are still many people who are looking for more economical and fuel efficient cars . In fact, if we carefully study the current scenario, the average person merely can't manage to pay for a vehicle that consumes to much fuel. Ultimately, the money spent in purchasing a car is more like an investment, and no body likes to make a wrong decision. That fact remains that along with the environment; there is one key factor that drives people to shop for cars that are not just environment friendly, but fuel efficient that in turn affects the budget as well. It doesn't matter whether you are purchasing a car for your daily commuting or excursions, you should have a car that suits your lifestyle and consumes less fuel. If you are planning to buy a fuel efficient car, here are some of the best models you can look for:

Honda Civic- EPA city/highway mileage: 26/34 (manual), 25/36 (automatic), 40/45 (hybrid)

For years, Honda Civic has been one of the most popular compact cars admired in Australia. Without doubt, today its popularity can be attributed to its steady high level of finish and luxury, but its fuel efficiency element cannot be ignored. In fact, when it comes to squeezing every last inch of motion out of a drop of gasoline, there cannot be any comparison. The current model is the best and the most fuel-efficient. If that isn't enough, there is another model of Honda, a hybrid version of the Civic as well as the super-green Civic GX, which can run on natural gas and requires no gasoline at all.

Ford Focus- EPA city/highway mileage : 24/35 (manual), 24/33 (automatic)

In terms of fuel efficiency and performance there cannot be any comparison to the Ford Focus. Designed by Ford's European division, this car model fuel economy trails a bit compared to Japanese compacts, but it's cheap to buy, and pleasing to drive. It is easy on your pocketbook when it comes to keeping the gas tank filled. A 13.5 gallon fuel tank usually allows you to travel almost 325 miles non-stop.

Next to part II