The ongoing fight against climate change has a significant impact on the automotive industry, which is in a rapid transition to electrified vehicles. One of the leading manufacturers of tightening and assembly tools used for the automotive industry. Atlas Copco Industrial Technical, also closely examines the impact of electrified transportation on future production processes.
Hüseyin Çelik, Atlas Copco Industrial Technical Automotive Division Manager, He answered our questions about the importance of automation and digitalization in the automotive industry, advanced technologies used, and the company's efforts for sustainable industrial efficiency.
- Can you tell us about the works of Atlas Copco Industrial Teknik?
As you know, Atlas Copco was founded in Sweden in 1873 and has been the home of industrial ideas ever since. A global brand with more than 180 thousand employees worldwide, with presence in more than 45 countries with Industrial Technique, Compressor Technique, Power Equipment and Vacuum Solutions. We have an expert team of 130 people working only for “Industrial Technique” in Turkey. We offer high-quality industrial power tools, quality assurance products, automation and assembly solutions, as well as software and after-sales services.
As Industrial Teknik, we take many companies operating in the light and heavy industry, especially in automotive, energy and aviation, one step further in new generation production with the solutions we produce, using the latest technology. In addition, we aim to be the number one strategic business partner of our customers with our solutions for sustainable industrial efficiency.
- With the changes in mobility, new requirements for production processes have emerged. How and at what level does “automation” play a role in Atlas Copco Industrial Teknik's work for the automotive sector in this rapid transition to electromobility?
Automotive is always at the forefront of the sectors that adapt the fastest to technological developments. We see automation and digitalization as the most important way to meet customer demands in the transition to electromobility in the automotive industry. In order to reduce vehicle weights, lighter materials must be combined, necessary actions must be taken to prevent battery heating during vehicle use and charging, and of course, scalability of the production order to grow with high demand, flexibility and cope with new requirements in future generations are also the most important issues. As Atlas Copco, we use automation systems at every stage of the “electric vehicle battery” production process, namely in bolted connection assembly, image processing, dosing and riveting solutions. While these automation systems provide flexibility in processes, they also offer efficiency, savings and quality for new demands from our customers.
- Can you tell us about the solutions Atlas Copco offers to the industry in the e-mobility transformation?
According to the Electric Vehicle Sales Review report by Strategy and PwC Autofacts, worldwide battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the first half of 2022 increased by 2021 percent compared to the same period in 81. In Turkey, this increase is 154 percent; This is a very serious increase.
We, as Atlas Copco, are aware that the automotive industry needs to be transformed in order to “minimize the damage to the environment” in the current climate change. We understand and offer solutions to the problems faced by automotive manufacturers during the transition from internal combustion engines to fully electric vehicles. “process specific solution” we design and implement; especially in electric vehicle battery manufacturing processes. Thanks to the close work we carry out with our customers in this field, where we are in a leading position in the sector, we feel ourselves. “Strategic Partner” We define as.
Choosing the right technologies for different steps in the battery manufacturing process is also extremely important. Because the battery is the heart of an electric vehicle, the assembly process of the battery has a strong impact on safety, performance and durability.
- What are the challenges that vehicle manufacturers face when it comes to battery assembly?
The most critical factors among the difficulties encountered are; lightweight and different battery cell designs, thermal management and combining multiple materials. At the forefront of all the technological solutions we offer for these issues is the “smart innovations” we use. With our smart assembly technologies, we ensure that critical connections are made safely and quickly.
In addition, the quality assurance element is of great importance in order to minimize errors and recalls and to do all this in a sustainable and cost-effective way with a focus on operator and user safety.
- What are the steps of the battery assembly process?
Atlas Copco has all the solutions needed to complete the A to Z assembly of the electric vehicle battery. From the quality control of the battery cell to the closing of the battery case with the cover, it is necessary to apply the right solution. The assembly process steps include tightening, special riveting systems, bonding with chemical adhesive, visual inspection with a camera, and bonding by drilling holes.
With the use of fully integrated and connected mounting solutions; The electric vehicle battery manufacturing process is improved with data-driven solutions that play a key role in maintaining quality control, minimizing errors and increasing uptime in production-critical operations.
- What kind of improvement is offered with data-driven solutions? Can you explain a little bit?
A concept that combines our advanced industrial software with our state-of-the-art assembly solutions and smart accessories to collect and analyze tightening data throughout the production cycle, thereby predicting equipment failures, recommending an optimal maintenance plan and reducing production costs. Intelligent Assembly Systems'what we offer
With this concept, all transactions are done based on data. In this way, high quality, minimization of errors and efficiency by reducing the working time in critical areas are ensured. We offer a fully integrated assembly solution that can be used throughout the automobile production process. Intelligent Assembly SystemsWe enable manufacturers to benefit from all the benefits of Industry 4.0.
- You produce solutions for sustainable industrial efficiency. What is Atlas Copco's work for sustainability in e-mobility?
Atlas Copco's commitment to science-based goals is reflected in everything we do, as well as in the solutions we offer our customers. Yes, we help our customers achieve their efficiency and sustainability goals. At Atlas Copco, sustainability doesn't start with the use of an electric vehicle or end with a recycling process. It all starts with the “assembly of the electric vehicle battery”.
One of our greatest strengths is our ability to work directly with our customers. We are familiar with their assembly processes; We know best practices and can provide them with a lot of insight into their production processes.
- Alightening of vehicles What difference does it make in terms of sustainability for your customers?
For electric vehicles, and because the weight of batteries is huge and driving range is also a major concern, finding ways to make these vehicles as light as possible becomes a big goal. Both of these factors include increasing the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber composites and high-grade steel. encourages.
For conventional cars, weight reduction is an important factor in reducing CO2 emissions. The heavier a car is, the more fuel it will consume. Our sustainability efforts, which continue throughout the entire production, reduce weight and material waste, thus reducing CO2 emissions.
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