| Today's Ford's powertrain cost operations is slashed | | | | metal, cooling and more is made undemanding. VAC |
| by the discovery of its revolutionary software called | | | | uses advanced thermodynamics, metallurgy and |
| VAC. Virtual Aluminum Castings or VAC software | | | | design to make the previously complex and |
| was developed by Ford to aid in designing cast | | | | expensive undertaking, simple and easy. |
| components. Said software is capable of pointing out | | | | According to Steve Matera, Ford's systems |
| potential stress points in parts for cylinder heads and | | | | supervisor for the engine, "The use of VAC enabled |
| engine blocks while they are still on the drawing | | | | a flawless launch, and reduced our development time |
| board. Hence, the process is made simplified and | | | | by four months." |
| more effective. | | | | John Allison, senior technical leader at Ford Research |
| VAC cuts down the expenses allotted for Ford car | | | | and Advanced Engineering also noted, "VAC is |
| parts design purposes. Aside from that, the trial and | | | | revolutionizing the way Ford develops cast aluminum |
| error stage is spared. Hence, the automaker can | | | | components. We now have the capability to ensure |
| save so much time which can be used for other | | | | the feasibility of a given design without actually |
| vehicle manufacturing needs and demands. | | | | casting a part. The result is increased quality and |
| The VAC software has helped Ford create the new | | | | significantly lowered costs." |
| 3.5-liter V-6 engine's cylinder head. It is used to | | | | VAC technology was used in developing more than |
| power the new Ford Edge. With VAC software, the | | | | 10 engine programs and it was reported that the |
| process for casting engine parts is made easier and | | | | total amount of savings amounted to more than $90 |
| uncomplicated. The traditional and complex process | | | | million. |
| which includes designing a mold, filling it with hot liquid | | | | |