"SOME ONE POSTED THIS ARTICLE ON DOOTALK"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) has succeeded in the development of a new manufacturing technology called the “Yamaha CF Aluminum Die Casting Technology”* that enables the mass production of large but thin aluminum die-cast parts in an environment-friendly, low-cost way that will contribute significantly to manufacturing innovation.
* CF Die Casting = Controlled Filling Die Casting
Aluminum die casting is a technology that brings excellent manufacturing productivity to aluminum parts, with their inherent qualities of light weight, rust resistance and recyclables. As a result, die-cast aluminum parts are used in large numbers in motorcycle engines and chassis as well as outboard motors. However, with conventional die casting there has always been a limit to the thinness of sections in a cast piece in relationship to its overall size. That is why it has long been difficult in the industry to produce die-cast parts that are both large overall and thin in some sections.
Furthermore, with the present trend toward environmental concerns resulting in the shift to 4-stroke engines and the addition of exhaust-cleaning devices which increase both the weight and number of parts for future models, it is believed that the keys to manufacturing innovation will be lightening technologies in combination with measures that reduce cost and improve fuel efficiency.
The newly developed “Yamaha CF Aluminum Die Casting Technology” is a process that enables mass production of aluminum die-cast parts that are both large and thin in sections, thus making it a technology that answers today’s social needs by enabling the production of lighter products with fewer parts. Focusing on improving the flow characteristics of the molten aluminum as it is poured into the metallic mold (die), Yamaha’s new technology greatly improves the smoothness of the flow into the die by (1) increasing the vacuum inside the die, (2) regulating the temperature of the die and (3) improving the injection speed of the molten aluminum. The combined effects of these measures enable the mass production of high-quality die-cast aluminum parts with an air-intrusion rate (cause of air bubbles) of about one-fifth that of conventional die casting.
The introduction of this new technology to the manufacturing process can result in about a 30% reduction in part weight and 80% reduction in the number of parts necessary. Furthermore, the reduction in the amount of aluminum used and the simplification of the manufacturing process will bring an estimated 30% reduction in cost compared to the conventional die casting method. And, because it does not require specialized aluminum alloys, this technology can be readily transferred to overseas manufacturing bases on the condition that the metallic molds be changed as well.
ALSO!!!!!
After announcing this past November that they were dropping their snowmobile race efforts Yamaha announced today that they are going to produce a Snow Cross and Oval purpose built sleds. “After seeing our giant success at this years Soo-500 we decided that we can once again be a force in racing” said Mike Doughty, Snowmobile Product Manager.The new SnoX sled will expand on our push into the 4stroke market. It will feature an engine very similar to the YZ450F motor but will be a twin cylinder 800cc motor with changes needed to make it winter friendly. With 2 less cylinders to work around the chassis is narrower and accommodates a 14” track easily. With the new track, Yamaha has come out with a new skid that reduces weight by 20% and uses 35% fewer parts. The front end will be a modified RX-1 front end to accommodate the narrower bulkhead and the added abuse from SnoX style racing. The new Oval sleds will be built in 2 different sizes. The first one is an 800cc twin 4 stroke very similar to that of the SnoX engine but higher revving. The basic chassis is similar to the SnoX sled but lower seating and geared higher. “More priority was put into cornering at high rate of speed, where as most are just SnoX sleds that can’t handle high speed cornering” Doughty said.
The second oval sled is a “Modified” RX-1. Fuel-injection was added and utilizes a highly programmable system to make tuning easier. It also increases horsepower and mileage for enduro style racing. Suspension has been lowered to accommodate high speed cornering.
“We are hoping with these major changes, we can once again dominate racing” Doughty added. “This past year was hard for us not being directly involved in the racing scene like we always have been before. If this year proves to be as successful as we believe it will be, we are prepared to offer a full range of race purpose sleds for a race program and also to consumers in detuned versions.” Doughty said. Although no pictures are yet available for release, some of our staff got a chance to check these 3 new sleds out and we were very impressed. Doughty refused to comment on who was going to be first inline for these new machines, but said that several contracts have been signed and will be introduced to the public at a later date at a press conference where they plan to reveal some more goodies about the new sleds and team members.
I am going to go insane until Monday afternoon!
