Claudius Peters makes the machines that make cement. Applying agile processes to product design calls upon CAD systems to optimize those machines. By Jean Thilmany, Contributing Writer Once used mainly to speed up software development, the agile method — which proponents say can slash product development time and costs — is making inroads into product […]
How real-time data can increase uptime
Today in automation, predictive and preventive maintenance are constantly in the conversation. While the ideas may be clear, the implementation and advantages are not. Is this a fad that will fizzle out soon? By Gerry Paci, Marketing Manager — Material Handling ⋅ Pepperl+Fuchs For many years in the material handling industry, warehouse operators have strived…
SLAM technology improves AMR autonomy
Dynamic warehouses seek robots that can adapt to change with minimal human intervention. With localization and mapping software, AMRs can build facility maps, orient themselves, detect differences, and share changes with their fleet for uninterrupted and safer operations. When people were building warehouses 10 or 15 years ago in the U.S., few considered employing robots…
Smart Fusion automatically adjusts laser power in metal AM
Committed to advancing and adopting metal additive manufacturing (AM), EOS has launched its Smart Fusion software technology for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing that automatically adjusts laser power in real time. The technology eliminates the need for most support structures, minimizes material use, reduces post-processing requirements, and lowers the cost per part […]
AMUG names the 2023 Technical Competition winners
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) holds a Technical Competition at its annual conference to recognize excellence in additive manufacturing applications and finishing techniques. At the 2023 AMUG Conference, a panel of industry veterans selected the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Custom Prototypes as Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing winners, respectively. AMUG Members […]
Louisville Slugger uses 3D printing for Major League Baseball products
Since 1884, the Louisville Slugger Innovation Center in Roseville, California, has manufactured baseball bats and equipment for Major League Baseball and college, high school, and youth teams. Product designer John Steel uses a combination of traditional and modern tools for the design and manufacturing of aluminum and composite bats. He relies on the Form 3 stereolithography […]
Considering cutting-edge rotary bearing materials
By Brian Dahmer | Director of Application Engineering • SKF Many materials in the rolling elements of bearings — both linear and rotary — have been used for over a century. But slowly, new materials are finding their way into industrial applications. Increasingly, new materials are being developed for rotary bearings used in very challenging […]
The latest developments in fast food automation
The fast-food industry is all about tasty food at low prices with cheerful customer service — all delivered fast. But with labor shortages and supply chain issues still plaguing the economy, how can businesses compete and survive? Fast-food restaurants across the globe are pondering ways to automate certain tasks or entire assembly lines to provide continuous service […]
Trends in digital manufacturing
The convergence of software, cloud computing, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies has given manufacturers the ability to cost-effectively supply millions, thousands, or dozens of a given workpiece — and even batch sizes down to one. It’s no wonder that worldwide, batch sizes have in fact shrunk ‚ catering to increased demand for customized products […]
Top trends in linear motion technology: Part 2 of 2
For the annual Design World Trends issue, we asked industry experts to share their insights into linear-motion trends. Here’s more of what they had to say on linear actuators, linear guides, and stages. Meet the experts Dave Walden | Applications engineer • PBC Linear Eric Rice | Product market manager — electric automation • Festo Samuel Orozco | […]
Top trends in linear motion technology: Part 1 of 2
We recently asked several industry experts about trends they’re seeing in the design and use of linear actuators, linear guides, and stages. Here’s what those experts had to say. Meet the experts Saurabh Khetan | Product line manager — Leadscrews • Thomson Industries Inc. Justin Lackey | Product manager — Systems • Bosch Rexroth Kelly Walden | V.P. […]
AMUG presents DINO Awards to ten members in 2023
The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) presented its prestigious DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Award for additive manufacturing expertise and service to ten deserving individuals. These new DINOs received their awards at the 35th annual AMUG Conference during a ceremony that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the DINO Award. AMUG representatives presented the DINO Awards in recognition […]
Oerlikon uses the M1 Basic for surface finishing flexibility
To be more flexible in the surface finishing of additively manufactured components for prototypes and small series, Oerlikon Balzers, a technology brand of the Oerlikon Group, has purchased two M1 Basic systems from AM Solutions for its laboratory in Liechtenstein. The all-around solution ensures high-quality surfaces before and after the coating process with a result […]
Materialise automates quality control in the 3D printing process
Materialise announced its Process Control software for metal 3D printing and introduced the Build Processor Software Development Kit (BP SDK). The new solutions enable additive manufacturing (AM) users to fully control the 3D printing process by using automated quality control and customizing their 3D printer parameters. AM service providers are challenged to meet growing demands […]
The industrialized open controller revolution is here
For decades, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies have been migrating into industrial automation applications, providing expanded functionality. Control room workstations and local human-machine interfaces once ran on proprietary operating systems, but most are now Linux- or Windows-based, with dramatically lower costs and increased capabilities. In the same timeframe, industrial communications have advanced from dedicated and limited…
Littelfuse expands dc contactors for eMobility and industrial applications
Littelfuse announced a significant expansion of dc contactors developed specifically for eMobility and industrial applications. “With this latest expansion of dc contactors, we’re aiming to provide design engineers with more flexibility for developing the next generation of high-powered commercial electric vehicles,” said Todd Phillips, senior product manager for commercial vehicle products at Littelfuse. “Plus, we’re…
High-fidelity modeling in metal AM
This article was contributed by Garrett Clyma, CFD Engineer at Flow Science. Melt pool flow dynamics is a critical and often overlooked aspect of the metal 3D printing process. Changes in heat input, powder, and alloy properties directly impact the melt pool evolution, affecting a part’s quality and mechanical properties. Since the melting process occurs […]
AMUG selects Mark Wynn for the President’s Award
At its 35th annual conference, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) bestowed its prestigious President’s Award to Mark Wynn, Senior Technical Specialist for Yazaki North America. “Mark Wynn’s perseverance, dedication, passion, professionalism, and selflessness were apparent in each of the AMUG roles he filled. And the result of those qualities was excellence in his work,” said […]
3DPRINTUK makes ambitious net-zero pledge for 2023
3DPRINTUK announced its ambitious goal to become the first fully certified, carbon-neutral 3D printing bureau by the end of 2023. The company also shared that it aims to be the first 3D printing service to offset 100% of its plastic output. Achieving certified carbon-zero is no easy task, but as a plastic parts manufacturer, the […]
Jabil teams with KAV Sports on new carbon-fiber bike helmet
Jabil teamed up with KAV Sports on made-to-order, personalized bicycle helmets that deliver a better fit for superior comfort and protection using custom-engineered materials and additive manufacturing. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “best inventions of 2022,” the KAV Portola helmet is made from custom nylon carbon-fiber material engineered by Jabil to meet […]
Renishaw showcases AM innovations at RAPID 2023
Additive manufacturing (AM) has opened new possibilities for complex geometries and mass customization of parts at commercially viable costs. Renishaw will showcase additive solutions, from the initial stages of creating the near-net shape to quality verification processes, at the company’s RAPID booth (#4036) in Chicago on May 2-4, 2023. The show is billed as North […]
From science to steampunk, AMUG celebrates innovation and achievement
The AMUG Conference is unlike any other event. The enthusiasm for additive manufacturing is contagious, and the knowledge among members is unmatchable. AMUG as an organization truly lives up to its mission, and the annual conference reflects its dedication to the people of this unique industry. Here are some highlights from the 2023 AMUG Conference. […]
3D Systems and TE Connectivity additively manufacture electrical connectors
3D Systems announced its collaboration with TE Connectivity to develop an additive manufacturing solution to produce electrical connectors meeting stringent UL regulatory requirements. The solution comprising 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Modular, Figure 4 material, 3D Sprint software, and services was designed to meet TE Connectivity’s unique requirements for material performance and high tolerance, reliable printing. […]
Formlabs introduces new elastomer material, TPU 90A Powder
Formlabs recently announced its newest material, TPU 90A Powder, a tough elastomer powder for its Fuse Series printers. This new material enables strong, functional, skin-safe parts with high tear strength and elongation. The strength and flexibility of TPU 90A Powder allow for the production of fully functional parts in-house, providing complete design freedom and a […]
Essentium launches EPOD for on-demand additive manufacturing
The prospect of an economic downturn makes companies more cautious about overextending themselves as they face potential revenue declines. However, while CFOs are rethinking capital expenditure, demand for parts continues to rise. In response, Essentium just announced a new service that offers the benefits of high-speed extrusion (HSE) printing and access to its entire ecosystem […]