The COVID-19 black swan event disrupted the global economy and forced companies to rapidly rethink their processes, operations and supply networks.
Like the United Nations’ international delegates who use interpreters to understand each other, robots, machines and other industrial components from various vendors speak different computer languages and need translators to help them communicate.
IPG Photonics Corp. has launched LightWELD, a new handheld laser welding system. The LightWELD product line enables fabricators to benefit from the greater flexibility, precision and ease of use enabled by laser-based solutions over traditional welding products, according to IPG Photonics.
EnvisionTEC CEO Al Siblani—whose firm is being purchased by Desktop Metal—discusses photopolymers’ move from prototyping to production. He gets into how he sees the sale will impact his company, as well as Desktop Metal and the 3D printing market in general. For the uninitiated, he also patiently explains how the 3d printing of polymers has progressed over the years. Last but not least, he details EnvisionTEC’s plans for growth—and asserts that the cost of 3D printing has reached a point where it is disrupting plastics.
Better wheels and more capable machines add to grinding’s edge on tough materials
Holemaking in steel and cast iron up to one inch in diameter is one of the most widely used metalworking processes. What is driving drilling and tapping performance are advances in substrate, coatings, three-flute designs, and combination tools. Just as important are advances in coolant delivery, using different size holes and shapes to facilitate chip evacuation.
ExOne Co. and Ford Motor Co. say they are on a path where 3D printing plays a bigger part in automotive manufacturing.
In a project co-funded by Ford Motor Co. and the ExOne Co., a team of engineers, material scientists, and manufacturing experts has developed a patent-pending process for rapid and reliable binder jet 3D printing and sintering of aluminum that delivers properties comparable to die casting.
The FX5 now with a new 12kW grinding spindle and an even stronger upgrade option
Okuma America Corp. has announced that select machines from Okuma's core product line now come equipped with the Advanced One Touch-Interactive Graphics Function.
