Front End Module
Front End Module
(OP)
Could anyone with front end module experience give some of the pro's and cons of it.
Is there a way to get around having a million and one part numbers due to all the different options ?
On vehicles with open frt architecture how did you control the rails.
Many thanks,
Is there a way to get around having a million and one part numbers due to all the different options ?
On vehicles with open frt architecture how did you control the rails.
Many thanks,





RE: Front End Module
You have to release one part number for each variant, otherwise you won't be able to control your stock.
Pros: makes life easy for the assembly plant. You may be replacing expensive labor with cheap, or offshore, labor.
cons: you are paying someone else to do the assembly plant's job, so you are reducing your potential profit. The engineering may not be done to your standards. Any changes will cost you more eg run-out of old level parts will probably be charged directly to the change, rather than using a draw-down plan. In my experience full service suppliers are not.
From a more theoretical standpoint, assuming you are using a perimeter frame, the structure will not be as efficient as if the equivalent metal were part of the body itself. The tolerance at the bolted joints, and the crash breakaway requirements, are both going to militate against efficient joints.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Front End Module
Ideally we'd like to removed the crossmember to be able to access the engine compartment. However the BIW is suppost to be carry over, with out a big re-design the structure is lost. So it may turn into half hearted module, leaving the crossmember in place.
RE: Front End Module
To be honest unless you are redesigning the whole thing I doubt you'll get much value from a half-way house.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Front End Module
I know there are vehicles out there that get built with open architecture.
RE: Front End Module
I don't know how they control it, but it is done somehow, much tighter than your tolerance.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Front End Module
Basically the modular front end has a carrier arm across the front of it , which bolts to the front longits on assembly to the main BIW- the entire front end module is held to a tolerance of +/-3mm. Prior to assembly the longits are held in place in the assembly fixture itself, and the front end module is brought into place on a special lineside assembly 'crane' with positioning sensos.
I would agree with Greg though that you have to design for this process from the beginning - not only in terms of the actual components themselves - but also the manufacturing process as well. Any re-design that tackles one and not both is doomed to fail.
best wishes
sean