Mazda plans to invest an additional \5.5 billion for Phase 2. When combined with Phase 1, Mazda's cumulative spending will reach \23.5 billion. With the Phase 2 investment, Mazda will begin operations, starting next spring, with the single use of SDRC's** I-DEAS MS software for the 3D CAD system, the nucleus of the MDI support system. The current use of the dual software application, I-DEAS MS and Mazda-developed New-GNC, will be halted. With this change, the number of engineering workstations will be increased, and I-DEAS MS system engineer training will be expanded.
These initiatives will enable Mazda to utilize advanced I-DEAS MS software integrated with CAE/CAM as superior design tool, ahead of other automotive manufacturers in Japan. With the implementation of these systems, design iteration and analysis functions will be strengthened and overall efficiency in quality design and R&D processes will be further accelerated.
At the start of Phase 2 this April, Mazda will activate operations of new machines and equipment which were introduced during Phase 1 of the project at a prototype shop, assembly shops, and testing laboratories.
At the prototype shop in the Hiroshima plant, Mazda introduced six super-speed, high precision machining centers from Makino Fraise Inc. (Japan), the world leader in this area. These state-of-the-art machines contribute to reducing the time and cost of making dies and prototype parts.
Additionally, to improve the quality of prototypes, pilot cars and mass-produced cars, five large highly accurate, 3D computer measuring devices were procured from Carl-Zeiss, a leading German manufacturer of measuring devices. These tools will be used at the prototype shop and at Hiroshima and Hofu production plants.
At testing laboratories, three new simulators, including a multi-axial road simulator and a multi-axial simulation table, for vehicle and component durability and rigidity testing were introduced to achieve high precision analysis data in a shorter period of time. These simulators were purchased from MTS Systems (Minnesota, USA). Digital data obtained by these simulators will be feedback through Mazda's LAN network to be used for quality design and engineering to further improve Mazda products.
As a part of the MDI Project, Mazda will continue to promote laboratory testing through the use of such advanced testing technology to achieve overall efficiency in product development.
* *MDI: Mazda introduced the MDI project at the end of 1996 to renovate all processes from the new car planning stage through to its manufacturing stage. To do so, Mazda utilizes the latest information technology and advanced tools.
This project will enable Mazda to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive automotive industry into the 21th century.
* **SDRC: Structural Dynamics Research Corporation
Find more news and information at www.mazda.com
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