cologne (ots)
- Resourceful engineers from Ford Transmission Plant and research team win 2023 Henry Ford Technology Award in Manufacturing with their innovative production tool
- Ford breaks new technological ground with precision-crafted copper parts from a 3D printer; First production use of a Ford Transit transmission
Ford Transit drivers switch vehicles dozens of times each trip. Especially in delivery traffic, when Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle1 rushes from one stop to another, the number of gear changes quickly multiplies several times. In order to make the work of couriers easier and increase conveyor operating times, production engineers from Ford’s transmission plant in Cologne-Niehl, together with a research team, came up with a remarkable innovation: their unusual inductor allows thermal conductivity to harden the synchronizer rings at 820 degrees Celsius in a particularly equal way. The striking thing is that the gadget is made of copper using 3D printing.
This means Ford is breaking new technological ground: Although this tool was already made of copper, the Ford team is now using the material for the first time in the 3D printing process. Instead of ten parts, the tool only consists of one part and no longer requires welding. Synchronizer rings made from this for the Ford Transit transmission are significantly stronger and also feature less wear.
Transit customers also benefit from this – in the form of significantly more refined transit comfort. Ford has now recognized this special engineering achievement in Cologne with this year’s Henry Ford Technology Award (HFTA) in the field of ‘Manufacturing’. Since 1981, Ford has presented this award annually to Ford Motor Company employees who make an exceptional contribution to the company’s technological leadership through innovation.
“We faced a particular challenge because copper is not a material typically used for 3D printing,” explains Stefan Zimmermann, Head of Production and Systems Engineering at the gearbox plant in Cologne. “But our team was determined to solve the difficult task. With the solution we have now found, we see a clear advantage for our customers, making a noticeable difference in the daily use of the Ford Transit, as well as over a longer period of use.”
Ford Pro has been using innovative manufacturing technology for the Transit since last year. In the future, it could play a bigger role and could also be used for the next generation of electric cars. Manufacturing automotive parts and production tools using 3D printing reduces waste and improves the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. The required electricity is generated from renewable sources, including large-scale solar energy systems installed on the roofs of the Cologne factory halls.
More information is available online in a YouTube video at the following link:
1) Ford Europe takes into account the following 21 European markets in which the company is represented through its sales organizations: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland . Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Turkey and Hungary.
FORD WORKS LIMITED
Ford-Werke GmbH is a German automobile manufacturer and transportation provider headquartered in Cologne. The company employs around 19,000 people at its sites in Cologne, Saarlouis and Aachen. Since its founding in 1925, Ford plants have produced more than 47 million vehicles. More press information can be found at http://www.media.ford.com.
communication:
Monica Wagner
FORD WORKS LIMITED
+49 (0) 152 / 54707044
[email protected]
Original content from: Ford-Werke GmbH, transmitted by news aktuell
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