The Powertrain Plant machines and assembles components for
both 4-cylinder and V-6 engines. Axles are also assembled
at Powertrain. In 1996, V-6 machining was added.
Take a look around Powertrain! Place your
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ENGINE COMPONENT
Machining for 4-cylinder engine components at the Powertrain
Plant began in August 1990. Powertrain machines the following
components for the 4-cylinder engine: camshaft, crankshaft,
connecting rods, cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons,
and piston pins. V-6 machining produces crankshafts, camshafts
and connecting rods.
ENGINE ASSEMBLY
Production of the 4-cylinder engine began in November 1989.
Powertrain began producing V-6 engines in August 1994.
Engine Assembly
Production
of the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines involves a three-section
conveyor that completely assembles the engine from machined
components. Each engine has a separate production line
with many electronically controlled nut runners and impact
wrenches that drive nuts and bolts to a specified torque.
Quality Control
All finished products are placed on a rotating turntable
that tests engines for noise abnormality, exhaust gas emissions
and engine timing. The Powertrain facility also uses sophisticated
Dynamometer equipment to analyze engine wear and durability
through simulated vehicle use exercises.
Delivery
After passing quality control tests, the engines are sent
to a staging area. From there they are picked up by tow
trucks and dollies and delivered to the assembly
plants in sequence for installation into vehicles.
Next, they go through the final dress operation which includes
connection to transmission and air conditioning units and
other major components (depending on the exact vehicle
specifications). The engines are then installed by team
members into the car bodies using automated lifts.
AXLE ASSEMBLY
Axle assembly began in 1988. This section provides finished
front and rear axles for all Camrys,
and Avalons produced in Georgetown.
In 1991, this process was transferred to the Powertrain plant.
In 1994, a second axle assembly area was added in the Powertrain
plant to support the expansion of the Assembly Plant.
AXLE MACHINING
Axle machining operations began in mid-1991 at the Powertrain
facility. The following components are machined at the Powertrain
plant: knuckle, axle hub, shaft, axle carrier, and lower
arm. The lower arm is transported directly to the assembly
plant, while the remaining components are used to support
TMMK's axle assembly operation.
Production
of the 4-cylinder and V-6 engines involves a three-section
conveyor that completely assembles the engine from machined
components. Each engine has a separate production line
with many electronically controlled nut runners and impact
wrenches that drive nuts and bolts to a specified torque.
