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Alcoa Unveils Breakthrough RSR™ Joining System For Next Generation Lightweight Vehicles Alcoa has announced a breakthrough in resistance spot riveting called the RSR™ joining system, a high-performance joining solution for multi-material vehicles. RSR technology can join dissimilar materials using the same equipment as conventional spot welds but offers automakers the flexibility to switch between it and conventional welds, depending on the material. This RSR resistance spot riveting technology solves long-time automotive challenge of joining dissimilar materials, according to the company. ● The RSR joining system allows for the flexible joining of various combinations of automotive material and results in joints that are 10-20% stronger than
joints utilizing competing technologies ● Automakers can utilize Alcoa’s RSR technology with existing spot welding equipment and robotic automation, saving capital expense, minimizing production interruption and providing greater flexibility in deploying a variety of materials in their vehicles ● Alcoa engineers are working with Honda R & D Americas, Inc, in DOE project to demonstrate the use of RSR joining on a prototype scale “Our RSR technology is going to be a powerful tool in the array of joining options for the automotive industry,” said Ray Kilmer, Alcoa’s Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President. “As automakers con-
OSHA has launched a new pilot program, titled “Expedited Case Processing Pilot,” in its Western region, which covers California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. The new program allows a whistleblower who has filed a complaint to ask OSHA to stop its investigation and issue findings in an expedited fashion that can be reviewed by a Department of Labor (DOL) administrative law judge. Here is OSHA’s press release describing the program.
process can be lengthy and therefore wants to facilitate complaints receiving a quicker determination, if possible, by electing to expedite. In order
OSHA Launches New Whistleblower Pilot Program
● The claim is filed under a statute that allows for the administrative law judge to newly review, or review de See OSHA Whistleblower, Page 12
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Meeting Criteria to Expedite In announcing the program, OSHA acknowledged that the investigation
for a whistleblower’s case to move to the administrative law judge on an expedited basis, the following criteria must be met:
tinue to design vehicles using multimaterial combinations, RSR technology is the ideal joining solution. It can easily accommodate stack up changes on the assembly line and it leverages existing welding robots outfitted with our automatic feeding systems.” In addition to partnering with several customers on the RSR technology, Alcoa recently received a grant from the Department of Energy to work with Honda R & D Americas, Inc and Ohio State University to continue to demonstrate the use of RSR joining on a prototype scale. Ultimately, the goal is to enable multi-material automotive body structures that achieve an additional 10–20% weight reduction over those
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made from conventional high strength steel. “We are working with Alcoa on advanced alloys and the RSR joining technology in conjunction with the Department of Energy because we are optimistic about the new value these advanced technologies will enable us to deliver to our customers in terms of performance and fuel efficiency,” said Eric Boettcher, Technical Leader, Advanced Body Design of Honda. Responding to the growing trend of using multi-materials in vehicles to achieve lightweighting objectives and improved performance, Alcoa developed the RSR technology to enable auSee RSR Technology, Page 50
Stolen Car Parts Investigation Turns Into Major Drug Bust in ND by Forum News Service
A routine theft investigation turned into one of the biggest drug busts near the Canadian border in Pembina County, according to law enforcement officers. Now a local business is under investigation to see if it was used to channel those drugs. It started with a search warrant for stolen, high-priced car parts at 52year-old Renaud Duane Winkler’s property off North Dakota Highway 18 in Neche, a city of about 370 residents approximately 90 miles north of Grand Forks. “We were looking for two engines; actually came across a vast amount of drugs at the scene,” Pembina County Sheriff Terry Meidinger said. The auto body sign outside the garage served as a cover for a storage shed for drugs, according to investigators. They said they found $23,000 worth of meth, along with cocaine, marijuana, scales and baggies inside the shed. “That is something law enforcement is still looking at, following how and where drugs are coming into Pembina County,” County State’s Attorney Ryan Bialas said.
Winkler also ran L&M bar in Neche. Investigators said they want to know if there was more than just alcohol on tap. “We will obviously look into all ties, if it is charged with drug delivery, and if you are delivering there has to be channels and means to do so,” said Bialas. Prosecutors remained tight-lipped when asked where the drugs were headed. “We do have information in regards to the drugs, but that is part of the ongoing investigation,” responded Bialas. Winkler was sentenced to 6½ years in prison after pleading guilty to meth and cocaine distribution charges in early 2000. One other arrest was made during the execution of the search warrant. 57-year-old Tammy Tate was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Police claim they found several bags of meth in her purse. Charges have not been filed with the North Dakota court system, though it’s likely they will be in the following days. We thank Forum News Service for reprint permission.
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