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The article offers brief information on several automobile products including Sher-Friction High Friction Surface (HFS) treatment from Sherwin-Williams, Median Alert safety device from Professional Pavement Products, and Sidewinder Tire Muffler Alignment (TMA) truck-automated channelizer from Royal Truck & Equipment Inc.

The article focuses on the shortage of supply for electronic components. It states that the parts shortage was blamed by the manufacturers mainly mobile phone makers for the component shortages in the spring and summer 2010. According to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the global sales were slow and television (TV) manufacturers cut their capacity although there is no short supply for TV components. Moreover, the demand for chips by automobile and appliance industries has buildup.

The article reports on the use of different types of composite materials in engineering design. Industrial and commercial composite can be used for automobile structural parts, engines, drive shafts, gear cases, clutches and brakes. A wide range of mechanical properties of composite materials is presented.

The article reports on the use of magnesium alloys by automotive designers to replace aluminum, zinc and other materials in structural automotive parts. Automotive designers use magnesium alloys because they are much lighter than aluminum and just about a quarter the weight of zinc. They also have excellent ductility and rapid solidification which can cut cycle times in half. Details on diecasting magnesium alloys are discussed.

The article features the winners for the 2007 annual plastic parts competition held during the Innovation Conference including a brush grille guard for General Motors' sport utility vehicles and trucks from Composites Products Inc., a washer-door trim piece for Whirlpool appliances from Minco Tool and Mold Inc. and a dryer-door window from Bemis Mfg. Contract Co.

The article presents several fluid connector products for automobiles. They include the Disposable Universal Dispensing Coupler bag-in-box fitment from Colder Products Co., a variety of compression fittings from Beswick Engineering Co. Inc. and application-specific hose and connectors for truck and bus exhaust-gas-recirculation engines from Gates Corp.

Presents the winners of the design competition sponsored by the North American Die Casting Association. Awards given at the design competition; Information on the steering knuckles designed by SPX Contech; Details on the high-vacuum die-casting process developed by Ahresty Corp. to produce a subframe for car manufacturer Honda.

Provides information on the plastic/metal hybrid technology. Details of the first commercial part that used the technology; Use of plastic/metal parts for the grille opening reinforcement on the 2000 Focus automobile from Ford Motor Co.; Procedures in producing a plastic/metal hybrid component; Advantages of using plastic/metal hybrids. INSET: Fundamental proof testing.

The article reports that researchers at the U.S. Air Force Office of Science Research have developed a method of fiber welding that turns natural plant fibers into molded materials that could be used as components of automotive interiors. The Air Force recently signed a Patent License Agreement (PLA) with Natural Fiber Wilding Inc. that lets the company use the newly developed process for making car parts.

The article reviews the website www.checkanumber.com, which offers a web search engine for car parts from Bintelsoft Inc.

The article reports on the joint efforts of Keronite PLC and Thixomal Inc. in the production of electrolytic-treated Thixomolded magnesium alloy parts for automobile applications. The purpose of Thixomolding will aid in the production of near-net shapes for finishing. Surfaces of molded parts are smoother compared to conventional castings. On the other hand, Keronite is a chrome-free immersion process that produces a hard layer on inner and outer surfaces of shapes. INSETS: Thixomolding at a glance;Keronite basics.

Focuses on several products related to machine design. Use of the Scotchman Model 50414TM machine in fabricating parts for the 1966 Tornado automobile of celebrity Jay Leno; Development of several audio books by the Training and Education Department of Mercedes-Benz USA that cover a number of their vehicles; History of the rugged lamp from Westinghouse.

Features Dana Corp. in Stockton, California as of October 2002. Description of the facility; Information on the processes for building frames of Toyota Tacoma pickup truck of Toyota Motor Corp.; Commitment of employees to the Toyota Production System; Factors that contributed to the success of the facility. INSET: DANA CORP. AT-A-GLANCE.

Discusses the trend in using nylon for the air-intake manifolds of United States-made automobiles. Projection of huge demand for nylon in the end of the decade; Popularity of glass-fiber-reinforced type 6/6 nylon among automobile manufacturers due to higher melt temperature and performance record; Utilization of the lost-core injection-molding technique; Priority given to nylon's sound-damping qualities.

The article reports on the methods being developed by material engineers at Purdue University to use nanocrystals that give cellulose in trees and plants to strengthen construction materials and automobile parts. It cites several applications for the cellulose nanocrystals, which include biodegradable plastics, textiles, and wound dressings. Also mentioned are the advantages of such materials such as their being renewable and carbon neutral.

The article presents the views of Peter Marks, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of automobile supplies provider Robert Bosch LLC in the U.S., regarding the benefits of green technology for the business. Marks believes that despite the challenges faced by the automobile industry, its focus on green business offers opportunities for the company. He mentions some of the green initiatives being implemented by the company including the provision of clean diesel technology.

The article reports that General Motors (GM) is set to increase its procurement spending in China by 25% per year in the period 2005-2010. The announcement, relayed to Reuters by GM senior executives, came at a time when manufacturers are split on the notion of sourcing overseas. According to Bo Anderson, head of global purchasing and supplier chain at GM, China's local industry is increasinlgy producing higher value-added parts that GM procures elsewhere. By 2007, 90% of parts in a locally manufactured GM car are sourced from some 190 Chinese suppliers.

This article reports on the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, in Ocrober 2007. The center is said to have the most-inspiring collection of vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It restores and sells classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, offers appraisals, provides Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts, and is available for special events.

Introduces the Seal-Lok stainless-steel fittings designed by the Tube Fitting Division of Parker Hannifin Corp. for hydrogen-powered cars and trucks. Sizes of the fittings; Standard regulations that approved the fittings.

The article presents an update on new products in the automobile industry as of January 12, 2006. The features of QTouch sensor integrated circuits from Saelig Co. Inc. are presented. The SC 300-HC high cycle industrial shock absorbers from Ace Controls Inc. are suited for the packaging industry.

Reports on the construction of BMW 2002 tii automobile, a replica of a 1973 BMW automobile. Use of original BMW automobile parts in the tii automobile; Engine to be equipped in the automobile; Speed capability of the automobile.

Presents information on the Stanyl TW34 high-temperature polyamide designed by Schaeffler Brasil Ltd. for chain tensioners used by automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Co. Steel part replaced by Stanyl; Advantages of the polyamide; Role of resin supplier DSM Engineering Plastics in the structure of the tensioner.

Presents two photographs featured in the July 1955 issue of "Machine Design." Automobile parts used in the 1955 Chrysler New Yorker car; Award presented by publisher G. D. Crain, Jr. to editor Colin Carmichael.

Deals with the hazards caused by salt that are regularly applied to roads during winter months. Mechanical damage to automobiles; Effect of the hazards on the sodium content of drinking water; Damages to parking garages.

Evaluates the Stanyl TW241f10 chain tensioner from DSM Engineering Plastics Inc. Function; Parts.

Reports on the benefits of a sound manufacturing process on the competitiveness of suppliers in the automobile industry, according to Laurie Felax, vice president at Harbour Consulting. Observations made by Felax on automotive suppliers.

Reports on the development of a hydrogen reformer for cars by the U.S. Department of Energy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Drawback of the steam reforming process; Development of a compact steam reformer to address the flaws of the normal steam reforming.

Focuses on the benefits of software engineering to the material optimization process of General Motors (GM) Corp. Technological innovations of the company; Description of the body and chassis design of GM automobiles; Information on quick plastic forming of aluminum technology by the company.

Provides information on Azdel Superlight, a composite developed by British-based company BI Composites and GE Advanced Materials of Pittsfield, Massachusetts to replace the steel hood on a sports vehicle that will be launched in 2004. Factors considered in material selection; Difference between the tooling cost for the Azdel hood and the steel skin; Key features of Azdel composites.

Reports on a breakthrough process that could make nanocomposites feasible for parts such as body panels according to Ford Motor Company. Technology underlying the process; Components of nanocomposites; Advantages of using nanocomposite parts.

Reports on a study conducted by materials researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology concerning the use of recyclable plastic parts in cars and trucks. Properties of polyolefins.

Focuses on the technology and marketing alliance between 3D Systems Corp. and Mild Seven Benetton Formula 1 Racing Team to build parts for race cars. Details on the solid-imaging technology; Terms under the deal.

Focuses on different factors to be considered in joining automobile auctions in order to purchase custom parts. Discussion on reverse auctions and the posting of request for quote report; Disadvantages of online auctions; Views on electronic commerce; Procurement of products bought over the Internet.

Provides information on the 2001 Mercedes C-Class sport sedan automobile which uses recyclable materials. Type of recyclable materials used; Specifications of the automobile; Benefits of using recyclable materials for cars; Description on the technology used; Features of the automobile.

Discusses benefits that the organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) market from the automobile industry. Ability of an OLED to function over wide temperature latitudes; Lifespan of a full-color OLED; Need for components to meet stiff standards before automotive manufacturers decide to use them.

Focuses on the capability of a hybrid technology joining a metal deep-drawing process with injection molding to produce ready-to-assemble components. Advantages of hybrid components for automobiles.

Evaluates the thinkdesign solid modeler software used by auto-parts manufacturer Tycos Tool and Die. Advantages of the software; Benefit of hybrid surface and solid modeling for the company.

Reports on the tool called Assembly Verifier used by auto parts maker Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc. on its production line to check screws for overtorquing and cross threading. Fasteners the tool can control; Comments from Pete Whitcomb, senior production engineer of the company.

Describes the coextruded resins materials from Bayer Corp. used in the storage compartments of the Isuzu Trooper automobile. Features of the materials; Important features of the material needed for the storage compartment.

Reports on the hesitation of Japan to open its market to American automobile parts. Increase of the trade deficit of Japan with the United States.

Presents information about a study done by Freedonia Group Incorporated, a Cleveland-based industrial market-research firm, on the increase in global demand for automotive aftermarket products. Statistical information on the demand for auto aftermarket products; Countries where fastest growth is expected; How demand would continue in the largest market; Further information concluded by the study.

Describes how General Motors Corp. uses dunnages made from BFGoodrich Co.'s Telene 1100 RIM polymer to transports automobile parts. Properties of the polymer.

Features the vibration-resistant Optiride Seat for cars of General Motors Research Laboratories.

Features the Stanyl nylon 4/6 used for four-wheel-drive locking hubs manufactured by Warn Industries. Comparison with nylon 6/6; Product information.