Modern vehicles contain hundreds of electric control units (ECUs). These control functions that range from operation of the engine to keyless entry. An ECU receives input from the vehicle then communicates with an actuator to perform a specific action. For example, a door lock ECU would activate an actuator to unlock or lock a door. OEMs and manufacturers are introducing more ECUs into vehicles to meet demands in features and performance.
As manufacturing equipment ages, the maintenance and repair (MRO) of the equipment increases while the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) decreases. Given this, companies must decide while bidding on new projects: “Use the aged equipment and invest in MRO while accepting a lower OEE” or “Invest in new equipment using the latest technology and generate a higher OEE.”
As consumer demands evolve, it's imperative for companies to become environmentally conscious. As a result, OEMs and manufacturers who use aluminum die castings have adapted quickly, and sustainable manufacturing practices have become increasingly common.
The use of electronics in automobiles has made cars faster, safer, and more reliable. Electronics have become so prevalent that they're practically a commodity in the same way that aluminum and steel are. As this trend continues, manufacturers need solutions that address the leak paths that occur naturally in the manufacture of these components.
The benefits in owning and operating equipment vs. outsourcing are found in the savings of logistics, quality, and part costs. These savings serve to increase a company’s profitability. This reality holds true for vacuum impregnation equipment. But with many projects and programs competing for a limited amount of capital expenditure dollars, owning vacuum impregnation equipment can seem out of reach. Therefore, many companies default to outsourcing their vacuum impregnation requirements.
Vacuum impregnation is the most effective way to seal porosity. But for it to be effective, one must adequately prepare parts prior to impregnation. Vacuum impregnation preparation involves having the parts clean and dry. If any residual fluids or debris are on the parts prior to impregnation, then the following problems may occur.
A major benefit to manufacturing with powder metal is that parts are made to near net shape. Often, machining is thus only a secondary operation for improving shape precision and surface quality.
To meet global customers' needs, automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must develop international supply chains. And when an OEM seeks to create a sustainable and efficient supply chain in a new country — regardless of whether that country has an existing manufacturing base — it is inevitably going to face challenges.
On average, a new automobile has approximately 40 electronic controllers, five miles of wiring, and more than 10 million lines of software code. Electronics, coils, and wires used in automobiles will expand to meet fuel efficiency and consumer standards.