Production basics – Philips Lighting HQ6640 User Manual

Page 3

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Proper construction of a vehicle often requires careful

inspection at every step of the production process, with

each step demanding very specific lighting conditions.

The first essential for an automotive production center is good

general lighting, which is important for creating a pleasant working

environment with good conditions of visibility and comfort.

There are six main phases in the production of a

vehicle: stamping, body-in-white (

B I W

) assembly,

paintwork, engine assembly, final assembly and car

testing and delivery.

Stamping

This is the process by which parts (bodies, doors,

bonnets, floor pans) are cut out of sheet metal.

Completely automated-machines known as

transfer presses perform all the work of cutting

and shaping the metal.

Body-in-white assembly

This is the assembly-line operation during which all

the various parts are put together and then welded

to make the “shell” either by semi- or fully-

automated machinery.

Paintwork

Here too, the lines are automated to reduce waste

and pollution. The body shell is cleaned, dipped in

an anti-corrosion bath and dried thoroughly.

This process is known as cataphoresis. Paint spray

guns have been replaced by a sophisticated

procedure based on the principle of aerostatics

(the mechanics of elastic fluids), thanks to which

paint particles are spread in a perfectly even layer.

Water-based paint is used to reduce the release

of solvents into the air.

Engine, axle and transmission assembly

When all components are completed, the engine,

axles and transmissions are assembled and

tested together.

Final assembly

During final assembly, all the remaining parts of

the car are put together: seats, wheels, engine,

dashboard and so on. Parts are delivered directly

to the assembly lines by other production sites

(or power train plants) and by suppliers on a

just-in-time basis.

Car testing and delivery

At this stage, final exterior and interior inspection

are performed, cars are fully tested and repairs

are made as necessary.

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production basics

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