Advanced Software Design Technology Leads GM into Next Generation of Vehicle Lightweighting

Alliance with Autodesk includes advanced AI-based generative design technology and 3D printing advancements to help lighten and transform future

 DETROIT – General Motors is using new, advanced software design technology to introduce the next generation of vehicle lightweighting. The technology is key to developing efficient and lighter alternative propulsion and zero emission vehicles.

GM is the first automaker in North America to use new generative design software technology from Bay Area-based software company Autodesk. It uses cloud computing and AI-based algorithms to rapidly explore multiple permutations of a part design, generating hundreds of high-performance, often organic-looking geometric design options based on goals and parameters set by the user, such as weight, strength, material choice, fabrication method, and more. The user then determines the best part design option.

“This disruptive technology provides tremendous advancements in how we can design and develop components for our future vehicles to make them lighter and more efficient, said GM Vice President Ken Kelzer, Global Vehicle Components and Subsystems. “When we pair the design technology with manufacturing advancements such as 3D printing, our approach to vehicle development is completely transformed and is fundamentally different to co-create with the computer in ways we simply couldn’t have imagined before.”

GM is leading the industry into the next phase of vehicle lightweighting. The new design technology provides significantly more vehicle mass reduction and parts consolidation  opportunities that cannot be achieved through traditional design optimization methods.

GM is utilizing the innovative technology on future product designs. GM and Autodesk engineers have applied this new technology to produce a proof-of-concept part – a seat bracket – that is 40 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than the original part. It also consolidates eight different components into one 3D-printed part.

As part of a multi-year alliance focused on innovation, GM and Autodesk will collaborate on projects involving generative design, additive manufacturing, and materials science. Executives and engineers from the two companies will participate in a series of onsite engagements to exchange ideas, learnings, and expertise. GM also has on-demand access to Autodesk’s full portfolio of software and technical specialists.

“Generative design is the future of manufacturing, and GM is a pioneer in using it to lightweight their future vehicles,” said Scott Reese, Autodesk Senior Vice President for Manufacturing and Construction Products. “Generative technologies fundamentally change how engineering work is done because the manufacturing process is built into design options from the start. GM engineers will be able to explore hundreds of ready-to-be-manufactured, high-performance design options faster than they were able to validate a single design the old way.”

GM has been a leading end-user and innovator in additive manufacturing. For more than three decades, GM has used 3D printing to create three-dimensional parts directly from digital data through successive addition of layers of material. GM possessed the first and has some of the auto industry’s most comprehensive 3D printing capabilities in the world with more than 50 rapid prototype machines that have produced more than 250,000 prototype parts over the last decade.

Since 2016, GM has launched 14 new vehicle models with a total mass reduction of more than 5,000 lbs., or more than 350 pounds per vehicle. Most of the weight reduction are a result of material and technology advancements. Of those models, more than half of the vehicles shed 300-pounds or more including the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, which reduced mass by up to 450-pounds.

Eliminating mass in parts where material is not required for performance combined with parts consolidation yields benefits for vehicle owners including the potential for more interior space and vehicle content, increased range, and enhanced vehicle performance. It also paves the way for new features for customers and provides vehicle designers a canvas on which to explore designs and shapes not seen today.

General Motors Co.  (NYSE: GM, TSX: GMM), its subsidiaries and joint venture entities produce and sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang and Wuling brands. GM has leadership positions in several of the world's most significant automotive markets and is committed to lead the future of personal mobility. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
Autodesk (NASDAQ: ADSK) makes software for people who make things. If you've ever driven a high-performance car, admired a towering skyscraper, used a smartphone, or watched a great film, chances are you've experienced what millions of Autodesk customers are doing with our software. Autodesk gives you the power to make anything. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

CargoGlides Extreme Test VS. Competitor

Say goodbye to the aggravation of a normal truck bed. With CargoGlide, you can stop crawling in the back of your truck or van every time you need to reach your gear. So, stop scuffing your knees and hurting your back! Install a CargoGlide in your truck or van and get your gear and materials out where you need them! Loading and unloading your tools, toys or any other materials is considerably faster, safer and easier when you have a CargoGlide.

PTO Driven Air Compressor Now With Hydraulics: Save 600 lbs in GVW

Reduce Truck GVW By Up To 600 lbs With VMAC’s PTO Driven Air Compressor & Hydraulic Pump

 When spec’ing out equipment for a medium duty Class 5 truck with a max GVWR of 19,500 lbs, like a Ford F550, every pound counts. Truck upfitters are supplied with a list of required equipment from a customer, and it can be tough to accommodate everything when under tight weight restrictions. Preferring not to upsize to the next weight class, upfitters and customers are always looking to get creative with Lightweighting and save as much weight as possible, while retaining functionality on their service trucks.

VMAC DTM70-H PTO Driven Air Compressor & Hydraulics Saves Weight

VMAC’s Direct-Transmission Mounted PTO Driven Air Compressor & Hydraulics (DTM70-H) weighs only 180 lbs and combines two systems, allowing customers to run both the air compressor and the hydraulic pump at the same time. Combining these two types of power into one innovative multi-power system not only saves space, but also reduces weight on service trucks to save up to 600 lbs. This PTO driven system saves hundreds of pounds of weight as it requires no air storage tank to mount on the truck deck and requires a 50% smaller hydraulic tank size compared to other hydraulic systems.

What would you do with up to 600 lbs of weight reduction on your service truck? Some ideas include:

•     Carry more materials or equipment
•     Take advantage of better fuel economy
•     Install taller tool cabinets
•     Downsize your service truck classification

More on the DTM70-H PTO Driven Multi-Power System

The DTM70-H is a direct-transmission mounted multi-power system that is designed for the F250-550 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel. As described above, these light and medium duty trucks benefit from lightweighting initiatives, which can help provide more options for customers.

While lightweighting is becoming an increasingly important consideration, the performance of the equipment used cannot be compromised. Here are some fast stats on the DTM70-H:

    Up to 70 CFM @ 175 psi*

        A VMAC North-American made rotary screw air compressor produces up to 70 CFM at 100% duty cycle. This provides enough CFM for air tools such as 1” impact wrenches, 60 lb jackhammers/pavement breakers, backfill tampers, OTR tire inflation, and more.

    Up to 14.9 GPM @ 3,265 psi*
        The DTM70-H control system integrates with standard crane controls for easy and simultaneous operations with the air compressor.

*Dependent on pump size and engine RPM.

Visit the DTM70-H product page for more information, and to request a quote.

Day In The Life - Vine & Branch

Jud Scott, owner of Vine & Branch, needs quality, reliability and safety in every area of his business. Watch how the business utilizes Knapheide truck bodies to increase their success.

About BrandFX

Proven Performance and Trusted Excellence

Founded in 1984, BrandFX Body Company has grown to become the world’s largest producer of advanced composite service bodies, line bodies, inserts, toppers and covers. With the full support of a team of industry experts, we focus on designing and producing premium lightweight and durable composite truck bodies that deliver the highest life cycle value available on the market.

Our truck bodies have been proven to deliver more than 20 years of reliable service, while also maintaining their quality finish and appearance. That’s why for over 30 years, companies both large and small have counted on the long-lasting dependability of BrandFX products, including five out of the top six U.S. service fleets*.

Purpose-Built Innovation

The BrandFX line of innovative composite products have paved the way for significant industry improvements in service body design and performance. Today, we’re continually committed to working closely with our customers and meeting the market’s demand for higher life cycle value service bodies that perform under pressure. With over three decades of industry experience, our experts have the vast network of facilities and resources to produce innovative, highly durable truck bodies that redefine what it means to get the job done right.

Made in America

At BrandFX, we believe in American-made quality and all BrandFX service bodies are manufactured within the United States. To ensure the consistent quality of our truck bodies, we utilize some of the most advanced manufacturing and quality control processes in the industry. BrandFX has been ISO 9001 certified since June 2007. Our operations include nearly one million square feet of manufacturing space, with manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S.—supporting the efforts of more than 450 employees nationwide.

BrandFX Quality Policy

Commitment to meet our customer’s expectations, while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements, through continuous improvements of our:

• Processes
• Products and Services
• Relationships with our:
  • Customers
  • Employees
  • Suppliers

*Source: Fleet Owner Magazine, Feb. 2016

 http://brandfxbody.com/about/

A Day In The Life - Roman Pools

Rob Roman, owner/operator of Roman Pools and Spas, constantly evolves his business to remain at the top of the industry. Whether his job takes him to an emergency service call or a ground up pool build, Rob relies on his Knapheide service truck to get things done.

2019 GMC Sierra – Ready to fight Ford F-150

GMC is taking its most popular pickup truck to the next level with the completely redesigned 2019 GMC Sierra.

Distinguished by bold design and segment-leading technologies, the next generation Sierra Denali once again redefines the premium pickup, while advancing Denali’s legacy as the pinnacle of GMC design, capability and refinement.

The next generation 2019 Sierra debuts a GMC exclusive, industry-first MultiPro Tailgate that is the segment’s most innovative tailgate ever. Standard on SLT and Denali, the MultiPro Tailgate features six unique functions and positions, offering enhanced second-tier loading and load-stop solutions, a standing workstation mode and easier access to items in the box.

New versions of the proven 6.2L and 5.3L V-8 engines will be joined by an all-new 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel engine, expanding the powertrain lineup for the 2019 Sierra. The 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature stop/start technology and new Dynamic Fuel Management that enables the engine to operate on one to eight cylinders, depending on demand, to optimize power and efficiency. The new diesel builds on GMC’s expertise with Duramax turbo-diesels offered in Sierra HD and Canyon models. The available 6.2L and 3.0L engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Sierra Denali features an exclusive Adaptive Ride Control suspension system designed to provide premium driving refinement with exceptional responsiveness. It employs sophisticated sensors to monitor road conditions and chassis responses in real time, enabling adjustments to active dampers every 2 milliseconds. The 2019 GMC Sierra Denali and SLT go on sale this fall. Additional details will be released closer to the start of production.

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