Perceptron System Used in New Aluminum Manufacturing Process on New Jaguar XJ
 Jaguar’s new XJ series is a stamped aluminum monocoque structure that also uses castings and extrusions. Forty percent lighter than an equivalent steel structure, the 2004 XJ is the first of what promises to be many aluminum-intensive Jaguar vehicles. The company has asked material suppliers to improve the dimensional capabilities of aluminum, improve its manufacturing robustness and potential joining technologies, and reduce its cost per pound relative to steel, especially for volumes greater than 100,000 units per year. Is it any coincidence that Jaguar built a number of S-types in aluminum, that the XJ uses a number of S-type pieces and hard points, or that the company’s Body-In-White Engineering manager refuses to comment when asked if this means the S-Type might be the next aluminum-intensive Jaguar? Courtesy Automotive design and Construction |
Systems Measure Product and Process
PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 24 -- Perceptron Inc. today announced that Jaguar has chosen its measurement system to help develop and manage a new aluminum body manufacturing process on the new XJ at the Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, UK production facility.
The XJ is the latest example of an ever-expanding group of vehicles being manufactured out of aluminum, in favor of more traditional materials. The use of non-traditional materials has resulted in the need for non-traditional assembly methods.
"The extensive use of aluminum on the XJ has required significant changes to the manufacturing process," says Bill Corriveau, Perceptron senior vice president, global automotive business unit. "Perceptron AutoGauge(R) systems measure over 75 critical build points on every vehicle produced to ensure product quality and refine the new process during the launch phase. We are proud to be a part of these manufacturing trends."
The information is then uploaded to a plant database and is available for company-wide distribution and analysis in a matter of seconds. This data will also play a vital role in maintaining product quality and process optimization during full-production.
About AutoGauge and IPNet
AutoGauge in-process measurement stations use non-contact laser sensors to measure dimensional characteristics on 100% of the vehicles produced on the line. The measurement data are stored in the system controller and are remotely accessible via web browser for use in quality control, process variation reduction and process improvement. AutoGauge fixed sensor systems utilize multiple sensors attached to a mounting structure and aimed at specific points on the part or assembly. Perceptron's exclusive IPNet(TM) web-based platform makes the data available to company engineers anywhere in the world for comparison and analysis.
About Perceptron
Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for industry as well as technology components for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help them improve quality, shorten product launch times.
Headquartered in Plymouth, MI, Perceptron has approximately 215 employees worldwide, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Brazil, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.perceptron.com