The increased use of CT scanning for metal powder bed fusion parts is usually associated with high-value parts and elevated quality requirements. There are increased requests for CT scanning on parts made of engineering-grade polymers like PEEK, PEKK or ULTEM and for fiber-reinforced composites like Nylon 12 CF.
Machine shops use a variety of techniques to track the condition of their cutting tools, ranging from simple to sophisticated. No matter what monitoring method is used, it can be crucial in preventing catastrophic tool failure. At its best, monitoring also significantly boosts tool life and slashes tooling costs.
The newly developed 5-axis portal milling machines of the FZP Series from Zimmermann are compact, flexible and highly accurate. This is ensured by the thermosymmetrical design with center-guided Z-slide.
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.
The U.S. has not been competitive, so companies sourced offshore to meet consumer and industrial demand for low-priced goods. Fortunately, however, a positive localization trend since 2010 indicates an increasing rate of reshoring by U.S. companies and foreign direct investment by foreign companies.
Roush Yates Engines explored ways to improve the accuracy, integrity and throughput of its measurement data, and decided to implement DataSure 4.0, a data acquisition solution developed by The L.S. Starrett Co.
Alden Tool Co. expands its presence in medical tools via precision grinding.
BLM GROUP USA has added more processing power to its LS5 and LC5 flat sheet laser cutters with the new option of a 10kW fiber laser source.
The IM-8000 dimensional measurement system has a rotary unit, which allows for 360-degree measurement capability on both turned and machined parts.
Rotary machines can help shops reduce their cost per part.