The Global Automotive Lightweight Materials Series returns to Detroit Feb. 22-23, 2017, to showcase the latest edition of the Lightweight Manufacturing-specific conference: the 4th Lightweight Vehicle Manufacturing Summit 2017.
Developed in close collaboration with an industry advisory board consisting of Toyota, Ford and General Motors, the summit will feature a brand-new agenda which will examine the latest joining, forming and surface treatment technologies and their applications for mixed material structures.
Expert speakers from Honda, Volvo, FCA, GM and more will discuss the latest innovations in adhesives, additive manufacturing, machine learning, multi-material joining methods and corrosion mitigation techniques.
In addition, driven by updated EPA regulations, the event will launch new discussion focused on specific lightweighting technologies and manufacturing techniques for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, alongside the summit’s long-established passenger vehicles focus.
Here’s a preview of the new features for 2017:
Trucks and Heavy Vehicles
To drive the development of lightweighting across all the U.S. automotive industry, for the first time this year, a specific focus on Lightweighting for Medium & Heavy Duty trucks will be introduced alongside passenger vehicles, in light of recent EPA regulatory changes.
Latest Aluminum Developments
This year’s program will cover the whole spectrum of aluminum-related technology developments, including aluminium castings, sheets and extrusions, joining with aluminum, corrosion mitigation and recycling.
Manufacturing Technologies for Multi-Material Structures
Manufacturing experts will share their expertise and evaluate the pros and cons of each new technology to support practical application in manufacturing contexts.
Future Focus
An examination of the opportunities that lie ahead through advanced processes and technologies for automotive lightweighting, including additive manufacturing, machine learning, plastic and composite technologies.
Corrosion Mitigation Challenges
To address current challenges associated with corrosion mitigation for multi-material combination, the program will focus on corrosion testing, prevention methods for mixed materials, and management of corrosion and distortion issues.
Formability Considerations
Explore the formability of new material grades, forming techniques and formability modeling.
Deep Dive into Joining with Adhesives
In line with the industry’s increased use of adhesives, there will be deep-dive sessions that will allow attendees to evaluate their suitability, including failure-mode analysis of adhesives in multi-material structures and the use of adhesives with different material combinations.
For more information, visit http://www.global-lightweight-vehicle-manufacturing.com/.
