The challenges to manufacturing as it evolves into the 21st century are now familiar, and impact how metrology must contribute. Manufacturers face uncertain production volumes with roller-coaster demand, shorter production runs and faster product development cycles. Automation, while alluring as a way to reduce cost, needs to adjust.
When you walk into the Redeye On Demand facility in Eden Prairie, MN, you enter into one version of the factory of the future. There you will see a bank of 100 high-end Fortus fused-deposition modeling (FDM) machines from Stratasys that provide the capacity to build real, functional parts with production-grade thermoplastics directly from CAD data.
Overall, there are two overriding customer needs: reducing cycle time and machine downtime. They want higher feed rates and depth of cut for greater metal removal.
CMMs and other multifunctional metrology devices are becoming faster and more sophisticated, but top-quality gages and measuring tools still have an important place.
Measurements have been used to define and attempt to control the stuff we make throughout recorded history. Here's the latest.
Digital metrology enables faster measurements, saving time, money and convenience.
What manufacturers wanting in on Industry 4.0 should know before investing in a 3D printer
Mikron Tool expands its CrazyMill Cool P&S milling cutter family
GOM Scan 1 is a portable 3D scanner designed for the serious hobbyist or industrial engineer that needs to digitize small to medium-sized objects at an affordable price
Lutz Labisch to Become President and CEO for TRUMPF in North America
