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AeroDef Manufacturing: Smart Technologies, Collaborative Intelligence, and New Products/Services

By SME Media Staff

AeroDef Manufacturing is an aerospace and defense manufacturing conference and trade show. Produced by SME, in partnership with industry OEMs, AeroDef, to be held March 16-18 in Fort Worth, Texas, fosters innovation across the extended enterprise to reduce costs, expedite production times and maintain manufacturing competitiveness in the global economy.

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AeroDef showcases advanced technologies across a floor plan designed to facilitate interaction and business relationships between exhibitors and buyers looking for integrated solutions. Keynote speakers and panelists come from the highest levels of government and industry. They participate to share their vision of the potential of technology, collaboration and public policy to transform manufacturing—concepts that attendees will experience on the exposition floor and in the in-depth conference technical sessions. AeroDef brings together high-concept, advanced solutions and real-world applications.

Conference topics include:

  • Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing
  • Automation & Robotics
  • Composites & Advanced Materials
  • Integrated Assembly
  • Precision Machining
  • Finishing & Coatings
  • Quality, Measurement & Inspection
  • Smart Manufacturing

Trade Show Floor

AeroDef Manufacturing showcases the technologies leading aerospace and defense manufacturing—including the Aerofied Preferred Supplier Pavilion—all in one location. A preview of exhibitor products begins below.

CNC Machining Services
Kurt Manufacturing offers precision CNC machining services utilizing state-of-the-art technology and multi-axis machining capabilities. The diversified manufacturer also offers aluminum impact extrusion services with current capacity for new partnerships. Servicing a range of industries including military, defense and aerospace segments, the company also offers value-added secondary operations to impact extrusions, including a wide range of machining, heat treating, and coating options. Press capabilities range from 100 to 500 tons, diameters up to 4" (101.6 mm), and lengths up to 15" (381 mm). It strokes from 9" to 24" (228.6 to 609.6 mm) and operates at speeds up to 3600 SPM.
Kurt Manufacturing Co.
763-572-1500 / www.kurt.com/contract-solutions
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Wire-EDM Services for the Aerospace Industry
Adron Tool Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis., is a leading supplier of machined parts for the aerospace industry, among other markets. The company’s stringent QA processes and capabilities govern ass of its products and services. As a leader in the wire-EDM field, Adron strives to continuously improve its process efficiencies and capabilities and introduce wire-EDM technology to new markets. The company operates 55 wire-EDM Machines with a mix of CNC sinkers and CNC milling equipment; is ISO 9001/AS9100 certified, nuclear compliant with 10 CFR 21, and ITAR accredited; is Nadcap-accredited to Nonconventional Machining for wire-EDM, sinker and fast hole processes; and is Pratt & Whitney approved and Rolls-Royce approved. Adron can process workpieces up to 10,000 pounds and 32" high.
Adron Tool Corp.
262-255-4433 / https://www.adron.com/
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Material Handling Tug
Power Pusher improves operator safety, reduces manpower and increases plant floor productivity with less downtime by transporting heavy loads fast, according to the manufacturer. A single person can maneuver 500-50,000 lb (226.8-22,680 kg) with total control. With a wide range of standard or custom attachments available, the tugs are a scalable, flexible solution built to meet specific load requirements. The transaxle design delivers stable operation over uneven surfaces, and a 24-V DC, 400-W motor delivers heavy-duty 50,000-pound (22,680-kg) push/pull capacity
Nu-Star
952-445-8295 / www.powerpusher.com  
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Selective Laser Melting Machine
The SLM500 is a quad-laser metal AM system for high volume metal additive manufacturing. Utilizing up to four overlapping lasers and up to 2800W of power, the quad laser optics can increase build rates by 90 percent over twin laser configurations, the company says. Featuring a 19.7 x 11 x 14" (500 x 280 x 365 mm) build chamber, the SLM 500 is available in 4x400W and 4x700W configurations and can feature a build chamber handling device and powder removal station (PRS). It also features a closed-loop power transport system to increase operator safety.
SLM Solutions Americas
248-243-5400 / www.slm-solutions.us
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Hybrid Machining Center
The LASERTEC 125 3D hybrid expand DMG Mori’s laser deposition welding portfolio to include a model for the maintenance, repair and production of larger parts. It is designed for parts measuring up to ø 1,250 x 745 mm and a workpiece weighing up to 2,000 kg. Customers can expect high build rates and repeatable accuracy associated with CNC machines, according to the company. New software and hardware include an integrated thermal imaging camera for continuous monitoring of the entire work area and an AM Evaluator software for 3D process data.
DMG Mori
847-593-5400 / www.dmgmori.com
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Prepackaged Matting Kits
ErgoZones are pre-packaged workstation matting kits that the company says makes it easier than ever to purchase a mat to go into a work area. The matting kits are available in anti-fatigue, ESD, drainage, antimicrobial, and gritted formats. They come in the most popular sizes to accommodate workstations safety and comfort, including all necessary edges, the company says. The workstation kits feature class 1 fire resistance, all in an easy to assemble kit. Products features the Compression Flex Technology that improves blood flow, reduces fatigue, and offers shock absorption protection.
Ergo Advantage Inc.
519-843-5678 / www.ergoadvantageinc.com
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Filtration System
The Duroair clean air solutions are engineered to safeguard against contaminants that contain toxic hexavalent chromium particulates generated during metal fabrication. Using a six-stage filtration system that goes beyond NESHAP 319 requirements, the units contain fabrication processes without disrupting workflow, accommodate large workpieces and low-volume runs, protect employees, and improve overall productivity, the company says. The air filtration technology isolates and captures more than 99 percent of hexavalent chromium particulates, and then recirculates safe, clean air into indoor workspaces without expensive air makeup, according to the company.
Duroair Technologies USA Inc.
888-730-0911 / www.duroair.com
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CNC Dot Peen Marking
The CNC Marking Tool operates within an existing CNC machine to apply a dot peen mark, directly to components of all shapes and sizes, eliminating the process of moving machined parts to a separate workstation for marking. The battery powered and WiFi controlled tool can be mounted in various tool holders and programmed directly from external PC or CNC controller. Serial numbers, in either text or 2D Data Matrix format, can be set to automatically serialize and duplicate check, preventing operator input error. The force control is variable, allowing the tool to be used on materials of varying hardness while maintaining optimum depth.
Pryor Technology Inc.
804-496-6669 / https://pryortechnology.com
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Industrial Manlift 
The LPI 3-Axis aircraft manlift is designed to carry multiple workers. The platform incorporates a tip-down front rail that allows workers (while attached to a safety harness), to access irregular shaped products for sanding, washing and painting procedures. Contact bumpers shut down lift operation to prevent product damage. Side-to-side travel is along a fixed rail system, extending out 14' (4.3 m), and elevating to 28' (8.5 m) above the floor. Its range of travel allows operators to position themselves along the entire product length and extend out to reach the ends and access multiple areas during a work cycle.
LPI Inc.
800-657-6956 / www.lpi-inc.com
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Measuring Equipment for the Shop Floor
Zeiss DuraMax CMM eliminates the need for fixed gages and is adaptable to rough production environments. Equipped with the VAST XXT scanning sensor, it can easily capture contours and freeform surfaces of parts such as blades, according to the manufacturer. There are several customizable options, such as automatic temperature reader, automated loading, rotary table and a high-temperature model for a range from 15-40°C (59-104°F).
Zeiss Industrial Metrology
800-327-9735 / www.zeiss.com/metrology
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Automation and Digital Factory Solutions
Fastems LLC presents its automation management software, ergonomic operator interface, and range of automation equipment solutions, from robotics to fully flexible manufacturing systems. Fastems’ Manufacturing Management Software (MMS) is a solution for automatic production processing, complete with planning, controlling, visualization and monitoring capabilities. Fastems’ automation equipment includes extendable and flexible manufacturing systems and robot applications, such as controls; stacker cranes; conveyors; loading/unloading stations; pallet magazines and assembly organizers; and raw material stations.
Fastems LLC
866-702-0611 / www.fastems.com
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Simulation Software
VERICUT 9.0 features several enhancements designed to increase power and improve efficiency, including a new graphics engine. Users will experience sharper, clearer and more realistic views of machines and the machining process, according to the developer. This latest release offers more robust connections to tooling databases and the latest CAM systems. Most users will also experience gains in performance, especially when simulating additive or hybrid AM operations. Enhancements to VERICUT’s free Reviewer app lets programmers share with others (such as machinists or QA personnel) how parts are manufactured.
CGTech
949-753-1050 / www.cgtech.com
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CAD/CAM and MES for Aerospace
Tebis develops CAD/CAM and MES for tool die and mold manufacturing, primarily for the automotive and aerospace industries, while supplying turnkey installations and providing a full suite of over 40 software modules. With Tebis CAD/CAM and MES, verification and simulation of NC programs can meet aerospace industry requirements on safety, quality and efficiency. By using Tebis’ digital twins feature, equipment will have a complete virtual image of the production process so planning can happen before the machines start running.
Tebis America
248-524-0430 / www.tebis.com
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Solid-Carbide Drills For Heat-Resistant Alloy Machining
The DSA Series from DIAEDGE is made of a new hard grade that is resistant to high wear and fracturing, providing longer tool life. The drills’ tri‑cooling technology and margin design combine to reduce cutting heat and prevent work hardening during machining. With the new DSA Series, manufacturers can machine heat-resistant superalloys with precision to produce manageable chips that are easily ejected, according to the manufacturer.
Mitsubishi Materials USA
800-523-0800 / www.mmus-carbide.com
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Torque Clutch Tools
Precision torque clutch tools are for the assembly environment. Makita’s assembly and production tools are aerospace rated and certified to be repeatable within ±4 percent of target torque, and Makita’s battery tool is UL certified for use in a Hazardous (Class 1, Div. 2) environment.
Makita U.S.A. Inc.
800-867-8265 / www.makitaassemblytools.com
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Aerospace Laser Processing Support
Prima Power Laserdyne builds precision laser processing systems and assists in the development of novel laser processing solutions for difficult applications. Regardless of material type and thickness, welding, laser drilling (including trepanning), and cutting processes for 2D and 3D parts begin with optimum laser processing hardware and software. The goal is to deliver a complete precision laser solution with a fully vetted process ready for a manufacturer to turn out high quality components, ensuring they have a successful process implementation and quality product.
Prima Power Laserdyne
763-433-3700 / www.primapowerlaserdyne.com
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