In the course of the mobility transition, electric and hybrid drives will gradually replace the traditional combustion engine. The battery is a key element in electrification: More and more manufacturers are starting their own production of battery systems and are looking for suitable solutions to do so. Liebherr has looked into the processes extensively and offers system-capable, modular concepts for the automated assembly of battery packs.

At IMTS 2022 in Booth #135621, Marposs will be demonstrating OptoCloud EDU (Electric Drive Unit), its latest generation of 3D precision inspection solutions designed for the electrical vehicle industry. Using multiple laser heads in tandem with contact sensors for measurement and vision inspection, OptoCloud EDU reconstructs the 3D model of complex and articulated workpieces in less than a minute to ensure accuracy of the produced component.  For example, it can validate 240 electrical contacts of a motor stator in only 30 seconds, which is 100 times faster than a traditional contact system.

The fascination of the automotive differential has led to the idea to build a second differential unit around a first center unit. Both units have the same axes around which they rotate with different speeds. The potential of double differentials as ultrahigh reduction speed reducers is significant. Only the tooth-count of the gears in the outer differential unit must be changed in order to achieve ratios between 5 and 80 without a noticeable change of the transmission size.

Different component characteristics in electric vehicles lead to higher noise and load requirements in the automotive industry. E-mobility—to a certain degree—is changing how gear analysis and inspection is carried out. Dissecting noise issues in gears and gearboxes requires an analytical approach like a detective. The problem could stem from the design itself, tolerancing or tip/root relief issues, tooth flank form deviations like waviness or perhaps crowning issues that directly impact noise. Every aspect of gear production needs to be examined to provide the most accurate results.

Klingelnberg examines gear noise behavior and the evolution of the electric powertrain. 

Hexagon offers a three-part E-mobility webinar series highlighting the use of engineering simulation tools and methods to rapidly evaluate numerous ePowertrain designs. This webinar series will showcase how an EV gearbox is designed from scratch and developed to meet design requirements.

The first phase is now initiated of what will be a brand-new mobility hub of fuel cell and plug-in hybrid cars that will be available to everyone in Sandviken, Sweden. The initiative is a joint project between Sandvik Coromant and Toyota’s mobility brand KINTO. The cars will be available around the clock, at any day of the week. The cars can be easily booked with the KINTO app, which is free to download.

The automotive industry is evolving. The trend toward more electromobility is also changing the way cars are being manufactured. In some cases, this has a serious impact, not only on automakers themselves, but also on suppliers. Jürgen Hechler, Global Application Engineering Leader at 3M, is nevertheless confident: "We expect the demand for high-precision abrasives to continue to grow, despite the discussion about electromobility." Among other things, 3M supplies the automotive industry with abrasives for machining gears and shafts.

With its brand-new 300GMS nano Gear Metrology System, Gleason presents a world- first at Control Show 2022, May 03-06, Stuttgart, Germany. The capability of measuring gears at sub-micron level, executing advanced waviness analysis and evaluating gear noise using the most advanced analytical tools, make the 300GMS nano ideally suited to support automotive e-drive production with minimum noise requirements. 

The transition to EVs will lower transport emissions, and adoption can be accelerated by increasing their efficiency. EVs that take advantage of aluminum components can travel further per charge, helping to overcome range anxiety. Automotive manufacturers who select machining tools optimized for aluminum will be able to produce high-quality aluminum EV components ― helping to support the shift to greener travel.