Lasers — well-established tools in the manufacture of medical devices—are continuing to break ground by producing smaller, more precise and more functional parts thanks to faster pulse speeds at lower cost, new applications and the marriage of laser processing to Swiss-style machining.
Two coordinate measuring machines manufactured by LK Metrology have largely superseded the use of a pair of smaller capacity, 15-year-old machines in the inspection room at contract machining specialists WLR Precision Engineering.
As manufacturers embrace the “new normal,” advanced technologies will set organizations apart from the field.
The experience an Italian electronics manufacturer had with emerging tools provides a glimpse of a better world.
The company creates a new laser unit while releasing a new tool grinding machine.
The need to permanently laser mark parts for tracking and tracing continues to grow.
The three keynote speakers of HOUSTEX, EASTEC, SOUTHTEC and WESTEC—the Manufacturing Technology Series—offer perspectives pertinent to manufacturers in general, but of particular use to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
The rise of cloud-based, Industry 4.0-level computing and networking technology is making multiple documentation and traceability requirements easier to navigate.
Hexagon is providing mold and die shops using its CAM software WORKNC with immediate access to its model preparation software. This allows integration of production workflows from any CAD model format to CAM so shops can machine parts more efficiently and avoid costly errors.
With the ongoing shortage of skilled workers and the pickup in the economy, suppliers of welding equipment are finding ways to making welding easier for those working in manufacturing. Automation is the leading technique among many.
