Bruce Jenkins | Ora Research Altair on the last day of July announced immediate availability of its “simulation-driven innovation” software to qualified startup companies through its newly formed Altair Startup Program. “Tailored specifically to the unique needs of the startup community,” the company says, “the global program offers preferential pricing for its simulation-driven design, computer-aided […]
The marriage of 3D printer and material—Carbon-fiber-filled Nylon 12 and the Fortus 380mc
Composite material, including 3D printer material, has seen a year-over-year market growth between 8 to 12%. In addition, carbon fiber composite applications and carbon fiber reinforced polymers are considered clean energy technologies by the U.S. Department of Energy because they enable “light-weighting,” which reduces energy consumption. It’s estimated that each 10% reduction in vehicle mass […]
Union Tech, Inc. opens stereolithography demonstration center in Chicago Area
Given the ever-expanding range of options for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, Illinois based Union Tech, Inc. wanted to facilitate potential buyers efforts to evaluate the benefits and advantages of the UnionTech line of commercial and production stereolithography equipment. Jim Reitz, General Manager of Union Tech, Inc states “the center’s purpose is to provide a […]
Hexagon strengthens its safety-enhancing solution suite with acquisition of mine safety specialist Guardvant
Bruce Jenkins | Ora Research Hexagon AB early this month announced its acquisition of Guardvant, a recognized leader in operator safety solutions for the mining industry. Guardvant’s flagship offering, OpGuard, is used to detect and respond to driver fatigue and distraction—the most common underlying cause of accidents in the industry. To further mitigate operator-related accident […]
End-to-end metal additive manufacturing system handles overhangs of less than 5 degrees
Velo3D announced the general release of its end-to-end metal additive manufacturing (AM) system comprised of the Sapphire system, Flow print preparation software, and Intelligent Fusion technology. The integrated system solves difficult AM challenges including product design limitations, part-to-part consistency, process control and cost-effective manufacturing. Sapphire system The Sapphire system is a laser powder-bed metal additive […]
Is additive right for your part? Answer these 8 questions to find out
Not every design should be made using additive technology. But answers to eight questions will help you make the right choice between additive, machining, and injection molding for your production needs. Despite the buzz and attention on additive manufacturing (AM), not every design should be built using an additive process. Just as there are tradeoffs […]
Pak/iQ boosts intelligence of smart packaging machines
Responding to end user needs to rapidly adjust to changing consumer demands and OEM requirements to incorporate the latest technologies into their machines, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc., introduces Pak/iQTM to solve the challenges of both customer segments in the packaging industry. Pak/iQ is a comprehensive portfolio of packaging products designed to improve the performance and…
How to get the most out of additive manufacturing
When evaluating Direct Digital Manufacturing for production, take a methodical analysis of cost, design, assembly, materials, and process to fully understand its benefits. Here are suggested tips. Contributors Include Industrial Designers and Mechanical Engineers on the FATHOM Engineering & Design Team While additive manufacturing (AM) has mostly been used as a prototyping tool, in the […]
Polymer powder bed 3D printing forecast to grow at 28% CAGR Through 2027
SmarTech Publishing, a provider of industry analysis and market forecasting data to the additive manufacturing industry, published in its latest study Polymer Powder Bed Fusion 3D Printing Markets 2018, that rapid evolution of the once niche polymer powder bed fusion 3D printing segment, combined with strong demand for industrial production solutions for polymer 3D printed […]
3D printed tooling keeps a Ducati running
Paul Nishihira, GoEngineer Application Engineer Since purchasing my Ducati in 1996, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with it. When the weather is right, the motorcycle is freshly detailed, and the engine mechanics are in complete adjustment, there is no better feeling in the world like aggressively shifting through gears at wide-open throttle cresting an apex […]
Can you build electronics into sensors using additive technology?
A couple of additive developers do offer ways to add electronics into the additive build cycle to create components, such as sensors. One example is a fiber optic strain sensor, made through the technology offered by Fabrisonic. The Fabrisonic’s system uses high frequency ultrasonic vibrations to scrub metal foils together layer by layer as opposed […]
HP Mars Home Planet premieres virtual reality experience
HP Inc. and a global community of creators unveiled a virtual reality (VR) simulation of what life on Mars could look like for a human population of one million people. The HP Mars Home Planet program, led by HP and NVIDIA, is the culmination of a year-long engagement with the creative community to simulate life…
Service bureau turns to automation to make 3D printing more accessible
New York service bureau Makelab announced its partnership with AMFG, which provides automation software for industrial 3D printing. The partnership will see Makelab implementing AMFG’s automation software to make 3D printing more accessible to designers, engineers and universities, as well as automate the company’s manufacturing operations. Headquartered in Brooklyn, Makelab provides in-house manufacturing services, including […]
New print head delivers quality, tiny detailed parts
Aleph Objects, Inc., manufacturer of LulzBot 3D Printers, has a new tool head that helps users accurately 3D print penny-scale parts. The Aerostruder v2 Micro Tool Head features a genuine E3D Titan Aero Extruder/Hot End with a 0.25 millimeter nozzle and 360-degree part cooling for detailed prints and excellent overhang and bridge performance. This tool […]
Simulation apps provide graduates with a competitive advantage
Engineering and science educators are aware that prospective employers are seeking graduates with skills using product design and simulation software. To address this need, one professor at the University of Hartford has pioneered the use of simulation apps by undergraduate students in the mechanical engineering program. The apps provide students with easy-to-use specialized user interfaces […]
Beckhoff to showcase smart factory technologies at Hannover Messe USA 2018
Beckhoff Automation will highlight the latest smart factory hardware, software, EtherCAT and TSN networking solutions, plus an integrated PC- and EtherCAT-based CNC platform at the inaugural Hannover Messe USA 2018 trade show in Chicago. The event, which is collocated with the long-running IMTS trade show, will run from September 10 – 15, 2018, at McCormick…
Multifunction electrical power meters
AutomationDirect has added multifunction power meters to its line of electrical power products. Socomec DIRIS A power meters are easy to install and use power measurement devices with extended functionality for measuring electrical values in low voltage networks. Socomec power meters offer solutions for industry, infrastructure and data centers and provide reduced costs, reduced production…
PEM SFN spinning flare nuts eliminate loose fasteners in thin metal sheet attachment applications
PEM SFN spinning flare nuts from PennEngineering become permanently captivated upon installation in thin metal sheets and, when paired with a self-clinching stud or other fixed externally threaded hardware, can eliminate all loose fasteners (including flange nuts) in attachment applications. These one-piece, flanged hex nuts additionally will spin freely in a sheet enabling quick attachment…
CADfix 12 release focuses on automating advanced geometry processing
The latest release of CADfix 12 offers new functions that will benefit a range of engineering disciplines across all industry sectors. CADfix 12 sees a significant speed-up, new CAD model preparation and export for Virtual Reality (VR) applications, new 3D model differencing tools for CAD, scan and mesh data, additional advanced defeaturing technology for CAE, […]
BXR-LE Electric Brakes for direct drive servo motor applications
BXR-LE electric spring applied brakes are ideal for small and precise servo motor configurations. Their unique compact and lightweight design optimizes servo drive performance and efficiency. With accompanying voltage controller, the brake’s power consumption is stepped down to 7 Vdc after a split second of 24 Vdc for brake actuation.* When compared to most other…
UL 1008 rated manual transfer disconnect switches
Socomec SIRCOVER UL 1008 rated manual transfer switches provide safe transfer and are extremely durable, tested and approved for use in the most demanding applications such as resistive load or total system applications. The switches provide reliable operation with a double breaking per pole sliding bar contacts system. SIRCOVER manual transfer switches have three stable,…
Advance Graphic Systems rebrands to AGS Additive Manufacturing
AGS (formerly Advanced Graphics Systems) has rebranded to AGS Additive Manufacturing. The revamped brand includes a new logo that better reflects its mission to the additive manufacturing space. “AGS is a pioneer in 3D printing in metal and CNC machining,” said Kevin Goold, AGS 3D Printing Manager. “Even with our rich history, we felt we […]
Earth leakage monitoring relays
CARLO GAVAZZI is proud to announce the launch of two new Earth Leakage Monitoring Relays, the DEA71 and DEB71. When used in conjunction with a CTG Series Core Balance Current Transformer and appropriate circuit breaker, they provide machine protection against fault currents, and help to reduce fire hazards. These earth leakage relays react to small…
Where does additive manufacturing add value in manufacturing?
Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), and most laser powder based fusion as a technology, will deliver a number of benefits if used well. Part of the issue is the need to think outside the design box and take advantage of the unique way AM builds objects. Metal AM really delivers when you can add some innovative […]
HARTING Launches First Ever Industrial IoT Starter Kits
HARTING is making it easy to implement Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions with three new starter kits. Each kit contains all of the necessary hardware and software for a basic application, removing the risk and guesswork for companies looking to embrace IIoT. “Many people want to integrate IIoT, but they don’t know where to…