Double-Duty Lasers June 29, 2020 As laser manufacturing systems for sheet and tube grow more sophisticated—powerful, automated and scalable—navigating the wealth of choices might feel daunting.
The Ins and Outs of Laser Marking June 26, 2020 Part identification is a necessary step in any manufacturing operation. This might be as simple as a label on the shipping box, but more often shops are required to mark each component, especially those used in automotive, aerospace, or medical applications.
Laser-Equipped Swiss CNCs Grow in Capability, Ease of Use June 25, 2020 Beginning around six years ago, one machine tool builder after another added laser cutting and even welding to their products’ already impressive repertoires.
ExOne Adds Two Stainless Steels June 24, 2020 ExOne Co. said it was launching its updated Quick Ship metal 3D printing services, featuring a new digital quoting tool and materials.
CAD/CAM Software For Fast, Efficient Prototyping June 24, 2020 Innovative products call for creative developers equipped with prototyping technology that implements their ideas efficiently. That is true for Kärcher, a global manufacturer of cleaning equipment. Located near Stuttgart, Germany, Kärcher, is part of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG Group, which has more than 13,000 employees in over 127 companies across 72 countries.
On-Machine Metrology Drives Efficiencies In Large-Scale AM June 23, 2020 In the cornfields of southern Indiana, Thermwood Corp. is making unique large-scale additive manufacturing (LSAM) equipment. LSAM machines produce large- to very-large-sized components from reinforced thermoplastic composite materials, creating industrial tooling, masters, patterns, molds and production fixtures used in the aerospace, automotive, foundry, and marine industries.
Practices and Pitfalls of 3D Printing for COVID-19 June 22, 2020 By now, most of us in the manufacturing world are familiar with the steady stream of news describing organizations, large and small, providing medical equipment using 3D printers.
YCM Introduces “Aero” Series Double-Column Machining Center Targeted to Aerospace Industry June 19, 2020 YCM Technology (USA) Inc., Carson, Calif., has announced the introduction of the “AERO” Series of next-generation, high-performance double-column, multi-axis DCV2018A/B-5AX machining centers.
Deburring in Forming and Fabricating: Part 1 June 18, 2020 Deburring can sometimes be overlooked in production planning, but it is a critical part of forming and fabricating processes. In this podcast, part one of two, Alan Rooks, Editor in Chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Dr. LaRoux Gillespie, a researcher, engineer, manager, consultant, and writer with an extensive knowledge base on deburring and finishing gained from decades of both hands-on manufacturing and academic work. Dr. Gillespie is also a past president of SME. In this episode, the discussion focuses on key issues that create burrs in casting/forging/ molding, blanking and bending operations, and the basics of deburring in three key areas: burr properties, acceptable deburring, and cost effective deburring.
Deburring in Forming and Fabricating: Part 2 June 18, 2020 Because it is a production cost, reducing the need for deburring can help the bottom line. In this podcast, part two of two, Alan Rooks, Editor in Chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Dr. LaRoux Gillespie, a researcher, engineer, manager, consultant, and writer with an extensive knowledge base on deburring and finishing. In this episode, the discussion focuses on ways to reduce deburring costs in forming and fabrication operations, such as improving product design; preventing burrs; minimizing burr properties; and removing burrs during the main fab process. Also discussed are how shops can determine if deburring or edge finishing is needed, and how they can choose among the 124 different deburring processes.