[I guess Chrysler is trying to get its suppliers interested in RP]
Chrysler Models Engine Parts in Half the Time
(PR Newswire; 05/21/98)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 21 /PRNewswire/ Chrysler Corporation (NYSE: C) is
creating models for power train components in half the time and saving an
estimated $5 million in development by using a new design process, based on
CATIA(R) (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application).
The most dramatic example is the cylinder head for a new 1.6-liter engine
being developed by Chrysler for the Chrysler-BMW joint venture to be used
in future small cars. The model for the cylinder head was developed in four
months, five months faster than any other cylinder head Chrysler has
developed. Prototype tooling time was reduced from 16 weeks to eight weeks.
Previously, computer development of parts were limited to points, lines and
surfaces. Now, through a process known as solid modeling, Chrysler
engineers can create mathematical data for solid, three-dimensional parts.
Computer images are then transferred in mathematical data to "rapid
prototyping" machines that make those parts in hours, rather than days or
weeks.
"As you can imagine, these parts are much more exact and that means better
quality for our customers," said Doug Livermore, Executive Engineer, Small
Car Platform Engine Engineering. "We can create three-dimensional models in
half the time. In addition, we can get that information to tooling
suppliers up to five times faster, depending on the model size."
Parts can be tested sooner and engineers can give feedback faster,
according to Laura Rosenbaum, Small Car Platform Engineer.
"We delivered that cylinder head to machine shops and production machine
tool builders 14 weeks ahead of schedule," Rosenbaum said.
This CATIA application also allows Chrysler engineers to map the path
cutting tools take before the part is ever made, she added.
Chrysler uses rapid prototyping processes, such as Fused Deposition Models
(FDM), Laminated Object Modeling (LOM) and Stereo Lithography Apparatus
(SLA), to make real parts from math data stored into a computer.
SOURCE Chrysler Corporation
-0- 05/21/98
/CONTACT: Denise Sulinski, 248-512-2317, or Scott Fosgard, 248-512-2678,
both of Chrysler/
/Web site: http://www.media.chrysler.com/ (C)
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.2 : Tue Jun 05 2001 - 22:45:40 EEST