Advances in software and digital tools
February 2021 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $149.5 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 3.3 percent from January's $144.8 million and down 17.1 percent when compared with the $180.3 million reported for February 2020.
LEO Lane, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based software company, has entered a partnership with HP concerning 3D printing.
New wire EDM models offer improved accuracy, faster cycle times and better finishes. They’re also getting easier to use. Makers of EDMs have stepped up their offerings, improving accuracy, speeding cycle times and producing better finishes.
3D Systems announced the addition of four new high-performance, production-capable resins to its Figure 4 portfolio designed specifically for both batch-run, end-use part manufacturing, and prototyping applications.
Alden Tool Co. expands its presence in medical tools via precision grinding.
Altair announced Altair One, which the company described as "a fully integrated platform that brings together the company’s entire product suite and HPC capabilities to facilitate seamless collaboration and faster time-to-market."
Nexteer Automotive said it is creating a single strategic software team.
Markforged, creator of the integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, announced Eiger Fleet, a cloud-based software solution designed to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing operations at scale.
To address the changing requirements of component post-finishing processes, a closer collaboration between CAM and AM is needed.
