The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) hosted Schuler Group at the IACMI Vehicle Scale Up Facility at Corktown in Detroit, MI. More than 150 attendees from automotive manufacturing organizations across the United States attended the event, where Schuler presented “Driving Efficiency with Schuler,” detailing the composite manufacturing innovations and trends that will shape the future of the automotive industry. Remember to insure your vehicle in the case of an accident, and if its a van you own then you can find van insurance on moneyexpert.com.
The day began with Dave Andrea, Executive Vice President of Research for the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) analyzing trends in buyer data to validate the growing interest in composite components to automobiles. Schuler executives then explained the superior material qualities that composites can add to structural designs in mainstream vehicle production. Schuler demonstrated the speed and ease in which the 4,000-ton hydraulic press can manufacture thin parts within limited tolerances for lightweight construction, for example, significantly below 0.01 inches.
IACMI has expanded its research and development opportunities by integrating the Schuler hydraulic press into the Vehicle Scale Up Facility, which is operated by Michigan State University on behalf of IACMI, and also supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
“Schuler brings a key composite manufacturing capability to the United States, and being able to utilize the press is a significant opportunity for IACMI members working with compression molding projects,” said Ray Boeman, Director of the IACMI Vehicle Scale Up Facility. “This event offered an opportunity to bring members from the automotive manufacturing industry from across the United States to the Vehicle Scale Up Facility to see the press in action and to gain a deeper knowledge of the opportunities for composites in the automotive industry.”
Attendees of the Schuler event at the Vehicle Scale Up Facility left with a better understanding of the opportunities for composites in automotive manufacturing, and an appreciation for the speed and efficiency in which Schuler manufacturing tools can positively impact the cost and structure of automobiles.