The aerospace industry continues to increase its use of composites, a phenomenon that’s pushing academics, trade groups and manufacturers to research and develop methods to enhance the techniques and tools for using the materials.
With thousands of fastener locations that need to be drilled and filled to complete a plane, drilling and fastening remain the largest areas of opportunity for automated robotics applications in aerospace. New developments are also making robots more attractive than ever in the aerospace and defense space—especially improved rigidity and accuracy in the robots themselves.
Key steps are virtual twins and real relationships.
Bosch said it is moving forward with volume production of silicon carbide chips.
Sandvik Coromant’s Package Selector Application analyzes a 3D CAD model of a product and recommends the smallest packaging possible using an AI algorithm that calculates the product’s rotation.
The acquisition of CAD/CAM pioneer Mastercam by Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions will help further tooling developments.
Thermwood Corp. has added a third print orientation to its LSAM Large Scale Additive Manufacturing systems.
The most important step in digitizing any manufacturing or supply chain process is analysis of the ROI and business case and being able to demonstrate success to company leaders.
Fastems has published “The CNC Automation Guide for Existing Machine Tools” to help manufacturers through a transition into using FMS.
While fossil fuels dominate the energy market, expect a new mix of parts as renewable energy and EVs grow in market share.