The new BMW Z4 has been officially teased for the first time, with a single, shadowy image of the new sports car, plus a promised unveiling next month.
The new Audi TT and Mercedes SLC rival will make its debut on 17 August. While that rules out a Frankfurt Motor Show reveal, it matches up nicely with the 2017 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Car Week.
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With BMW choosing Pebble Beach to debut the Z4, it’s likely that we’ll see the car in concept form rather than the finished product – full debuts are few and far between at the Monterey Car Week, though concept vehicles, one-offs and special edition cars often break cover.
Therefore, we could see BMW unfurl the new Z4 in a similar manner to the all-new 8 Series, with a revealing concept vehicle to whet the appetite for the production model.Our exclusive images show how the new two-seat roadster could look when it arrives. It has already been spotted testing on multiple occasions, with the most recent spyshots showing it winter testing with a slightly more revealing disguise compared to earlier mules lapping the Nurburgring.
The new Z4 Roadster will replace the ageing second-generation model, in production since 2009, and be a fresh rival for the likes of the Porsche 718 Boxster, as well as a reborn Toyota Supra currently being developed in parallel and set to use the same platform.
It's likely the new car will ditch the current Z4's heavy metal folding roof for a lighter, more traditional fabric hood. This could mean it's being aimed more towards the Porsche 718 Boxster and away from softer, more refined cars like the Mercedes SLC. The soft-top will gain a rear window for production.
An insider told us that “this car will use the same lightweight body construction as the i3 and i8. And even with that type of construction, you can expect a price around the same as that of the current Z4."
The familiar set-back cabin, pert rear-end and long bonnet remain on the new model and the kidney grille looks to be larger than ever.
Mounted behind the front axle will be a range of BMW’s ‘TwinPower’ turbo petrol engines which will be offered in both four and six-cylinder forms. Expect at least 200bhp from base models, with top-end turbocharged straight-six variants nudging 300bhp. As before, all cars will be rear-wheel drive.
The Z4 will also use the same rear axle design as the M3 and M4, and it’s likely that a full M version will follow within a year, possibly using the M2’s 365bhp 3.0-litre straight-six.The Z4 also provides a base for Toyota’s new super-coupe. Rumours suggest it will bring back the iconic 'Supra' name, though unlike the Z4 Roadster it'll be a hard-top coupe, influenced by the FT-1 concept from 2014.
The Toyota version has potential to receive a plug-in hybrid model, with electric motors boosting output instead of a turbocharger.
Sarasota, Fla. — There's an energy and enthusiasm at Octex LLC that's palpable and seemingly infectious.
Maybe it's the sunshine of Sarasota. More likely, it's the vision of President John Hoskins and his team that's sprinkled with youthful leaders. Either way, this contract manufacturer/injection molder is expanding physically and on its balance sheet.
Examples abound.
This month, Octex moved equipment into its newly constructed 4,000-square-foot white room. This room for medical molding has a reflective deep blue floor and wall of windows that give office staff a needed view into the work room, connecting shop to office.
In the fourth quarter
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In the fourth quarter, Hoskins said the company will expand its clean room to 6,000 square feet.
These moves are all part of the company's master plan, which by the end of 2020 will see the complete reconfiguration of the building, moving the entrance to the current rear of the complex.
The company's in-house lab — currently at 3,000 square feet — will expand to 10,000 in the next two to three years. That lab, formerly Octex Labs, now goes by the name Omnia Scientific.
All of this is on the heels of the 2015 purchase of Choice Tool & Mold Inc., which is housed in newly refurbished digs next door to Octex.
A website relaunch is also three months out to help keep current and prospective customers up to date on all of Octex's seemingly ever-changing capabilities.
This growth stems from the company's decision to move deeply into the medical device market, leaving consumer drinkware late last year. Hoskins points out, however, that Octex remains committed to the consumer and industrial markets and its current partners.
Hoskins estimates the company's sales at less than $40 million today. The company has a three-year goal of $50 million and an ambitious target of "nine figures" or more than $100 million in five to 10 years.
"Targets are first brush strokes. We're not going to limit growth. But we don't want to throw away what made us who we are. We've got to remain relevant to our partners," he said.
Design complexity simplifiedwith CNC machining technology
How complex gears are engraved with extreme precision! Complex wooden designs, which are too intricate to understand! How man to achieve that was, was it mere manual work or advanced knowledge; was it a supernatural occurrence? An ordinary individual may ask these usual questions on coming across complex engineering designs. What is your thought?
In the late 1970s, man invented a machine technology, which would allow complex designs to be made by machines automatically, with minimal manpower, and proper timing. This technology has indeed advanced significantly in the 21st century, thus making it possible to design and develop complex components, which would have proved a nightmare without current technology. Let us look with the intent on the actual Robotic machine technology.
1.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining
CNC machining is the use of a computer with a unique Computer software program composed of a numerical machine language, designed to control the movement of the machine components with extreme precision while performing a task. Especially applied on lathes, routers, mills and grinders.
2.
How it works
A CAD drawing of either two dimensions or three dimensions is created and a programming code that the CNC machining will understand is uploaded, then it’s tested on the machine to ensure that there are no errors. This test is of extreme importance since it checks on speed and position because having a fault in operation could result in machine damage or even injuries to the operator.
3.
Significance of CNC Machining
The CNC machining automated control ensures extreme precision, with high-level accuracy, especially on repetitive tasks. Indeed the CNC numeric program is unambiguous, meaning that errors in design are outdated, and the ideology of safety and time management is well accommodated in this mechanism. Work is done with minimal manpower as all is automated through the CNC software program. Accuracy and the high degree of precision in cutting internal threads. Observe the picture. (Done by lathe machine using CNC machining)
4.
What are the basic requirements to acquire the CNC skills?
I am sure you would like to have an idea of the function and operation of the CNC machining technology. Indeed all you need is a background and in mathematical skills, industrial arts, mechanical drafting and computer skills.
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Where do you acquire CNC Training?
CNC machining skills can be acquired through training in the CNC numeric programming allowing you to gain acquaintance to machine operation protocol. There are various technical institutes to link up with, such as the Lincoln’s CNC machining and manufacturing technology program. The Lincoln College of Technology in Indianapolis in collaboration with Lincoln Technical institute Mahwah, NJ, and Lincoln College of Technology in Grand Prairie TX.
Here you will be able to learn and gain the most needed skills and experience in modern manufacturing machines with most advanced technology, therefore, graduating with all the necessary qualifications needed as the machine operator or a setup technician.