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Cadillac Touts Mixed-Manufacturing for New CT6

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Cadillac mixed-material manufacturing techniques

© General Motors

In order to build its range-topping CT6 sedan, Cadillac will employ a number of advanced mixed-material manufacturing techniques to ensure that its new flagship is lighter, more agile, and more capable than its size would suggest.

Cadillac is building the new CT6 at the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant with the help of a new body shop. This 138,000-square-foot facility is dedicated entirely to the production of the CT6 and features a total of 205 robots that aid in the construction of the CT6.

Forward-thinking techniques used in the creation of the CT6 include: aluminum laser welding, aluminum spot welding technology, self-piercing rivets, aluminum arc welding, and flow drill screws, all of which are meant to give the CT6 a strong and seamless appearance.

28 robots are used to weld the inner and outer vehicle frames in two separate framing stations, and once their work is complete, a large robotic arm transports the CT6 from the assembly line to an upper-level conveyer that transports it across the plant to its next destination.

Cadillac mixed-material manufacturing techniques

“For the Cadillac CT6 we have developed additional new body construction techniques and technologies allowing various types of advanced and lightweight materials to be combined within the manufacturing environment like never before,” Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen said today at the Washington Auto Show.

“We have invested $300 million in the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant to make this possible,” he said. “These actions will allow us to advance the art of manufacturing and take craftsmanship and manufacturing technology to a new level.”

Cadillac will reveal the CT6 on March 31st just ahead of the New York Auto Show, and will likely reveal more information in trickles leading up to the full monte. Stay tuned.