INDUSTRY NEWS
Mass production starts of new Ford Explorer
In June 2024 , Ford started mass production of the new all-electric Ford Explorer at its first dedicated electric vehicle ( EV ) facility in Europe , following a US $ 2 billion investment that has transformed a historic plant into a factory of the future . The all-electric Ford Explorer , the first vehicle off the production line in the new Ford Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre , is now on its way to customers in Europe . A second EV , a new sports crossover , will be revealed shortly with production in Cologne , Germany , starting later this year .
Ford ’ s historic plant in Cologne was transformed as part of a US $ 2 billion investment into a modern Electric Vehicle Centre . Its new EV Centre is a key element of Ford ’ s ‘ Road to Better ’ plan targeting carbon neutrality across its European production footprint of facilities , logistics and direct suppliers by 2035 .
The new all-electric Explorer includes battery electric powertrains for zero-tailpipe emissions while driving and more than 600km driving range on a single charge .
Factory of the future
The Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre is equipped with AI and hundreds of robots . The plant ’ s digital twin monitors and supports production line operators .
The Centre is supported by self-learning machines and over 600 new robots that perform welding , cutting , dusting , painting and fusing tasks .
A new control centre monitors the entire assembly process in real-time , down to the quantity of every part and nut at each workstation . The plant ’ s digital twin is displayed via a giant touchscreen containing all workstations with information on tooling , material delivery , work safety and more . With small touchscreens , employees on the line provide further information on the status of their workplace .
“ By monitoring and controlling every step of the manufacturing process , Ford will achieve unprecedented levels of quality for our customers ,” said Rene Wolf , Managing Director , Manufacturing , Ford-Werke GmbH .
The new all-electric Ford Explorer .
More sustainable production
The Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre is one of Ford ’ s most efficient vehicle assembly plants globally , supported by significant reductions in emissions , water usage and energy consumption .
Ford is working towards implementing a carbon neutrality pathway for the Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre . With production now underway , greenhouse gas ( GHG ) emissions data will be monitored and recorded for independent certification according to the latest international standards . Within this carbon neutrality pathway , Ford will continuously improve carbon efficiency and reduce GHG emissions towards a residual level .
All electricity and natural gas required to operate the plant is reportedly 100 per cent certified renewable electricity and biomethane . Ford Motor Company is targeting carbon neutrality across its European production footprint of facilities , logistics and direct suppliers by 2035 .
The company ’ s Ford + plan ( with Model e , Ford Pro and the Ford Blue business units ) is accelerating its European transformation to an all-electric and carbon neutral future by 2035 . The company is driving forward with new EVs , each one designed with European drivers in mind , and innovating with services . n
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Laser cutting machine market in the U . S .
The U . S . laser cutting machine market size is expected to reach US $ 1.95 billion by 2030 , registering a CAGR of 5.9 % from 2024 to 2030 , according to new research from ResearchAndMarkets . com . The estimated market value in 2023 was US $ 1.32 billion .
“ The growing trend of automation in the manufacturing sector and the rising demand for end-use industry will lead to market growth . Laser cutting machines have become increasingly popular in various industries such as metal fabrication ; automotive ; pharmaceuticals ; electronics ; aerospace and others . The market is projected to experience rapid growth due to the rising adoption of Industry-4.0 technologies , including the Internet of Things ( IoT ), data analytics and automation ,” said the report , ‘ U . S . Laser Cutting Machines Market Size , Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 .’
These technologies facilitate real-time information exchange for laser cutting machines , which operators monitor and manage to increase output . Laser cutting machines feature sensors , control systems and data analysis platforms that enable realtime monitoring and predictive maintenance . The growing trend of automation in the manufacturing sector is also fuelling demand for laser cutting machines .
According to the report , the flame cutting segment held the largest market share of 44.1 % in 2023 . Cutting and finishing precision , as well as rapid cutting speed , have led to high demand for flame cutting machines . Flame cutting is used to cut and process steel and high-thickness materials .
“ The high-power , laser cutting machines segment held the largest market share in 2023 . Cutting multiple layers and large quantities of metal sheets is easier with laser cutting machines that provide enhanced power . The fibre laser segment held the largest share in 2023 . Fibre lasers ’ capacity to achieve faster cutting speeds enhances productivity and contributes to cost savings and improved turnaround times in manufacturing processes ,” outlined the report .
The automotive sector held the largest sector share in 2023 . Laser cutting tools offer advantages including reduced errors ,
READ consistent high-quality cuts and the ability to create complex shapes
REPORT and designs efficiently . n
www . researchand markets . com
16 | ismr . net | ISMR September 2024