As the importance of lightweight construction methods continues to rise, the automotive industry is increasingly considering fiber-reinforced plastics (composites). Due to high strength combined with low weight, fiber-reinforced plastics offer lightweight potentials which have not been fully exploited yet. At the moment, however, high resulting component costs, among other things, are preventing the widespread use of such composite parts. The beginning of 2016 saw the launch of iComposite (…)

International manufacturing technology company, Jaivel, has used Delcam’s PowerMILL CAM software to generate programs for the machining of more than fifty parts for the Bloodhound SuperSonic Car project. Bloodhound SSC, which is powered by a combination of a Rolls Royce jet engine and a rocket, aims to set a new world land speed record of 1,000 mph in South Africa next year. Staff at Jaivel, which has grown over almost twenty years into an international supplier of technology solutions for (…)

Renishaw’s proven HS20 laser encoder system has been upgraded and is now able to achieve a new maximum speed of 2 m/s for large machine tool applications. Previously the system, which can deliver an accuracy of ±1 µm/m for axis lengths up to 60 m, was limited to 1 m/s but through improvements to the electronic design it has been possible to double the speed performance. The improved speed allows for the HS20 laser head to be designed into higher velocity applications which are becoming (…)

Delcam has released the 2016 version of its PowerINSPECT inspection software, the world’s leading hardware-independent 3D inspection solution. The new release includes greatly enhanced options for section measurement, more comprehensive collision avoidance, improved point cloud inspection, the ability to add notes to reports, and improved user control of CNC surface inspection routines. Section inspection has been improved with easier creation of sections, better visualisation and enhanced (…)

Versatile cutter with unique torque key offers trouble-free milling. Available immediately, Sandvik Coromant offers a new end mill for small diameters. The CoroMill 390 with size 07 inserts is a versatile cutter that is ideal for shoulder milling, deep shoulder milling, edging, linear and helical ramping, plunge milling, slot milling and face milling. From roughing to finishing, it offers reliability, precision and productivity. Suitable for all machine types, the CoroMill 390 with size 07 (…)

These days, defined cleanliness specifications are common in component production across virtually all sectors. To comply with these specifications, some companies are investing vast sums in systems engineering and process technology. However, one major factor is often not considered: the cleaning basket. This is very critical as the cleaning basket influences effectiveness of the costly process technology significantly, and thus the costs of cleaning. In most cases, adapting or optimising (…)

BIG KAISER, a leader in premium high-precision tooling systems and solutions for the aerospace, automotive, energy, medical and watch-making industries, today announced the AG90 Light Weight Type with BT30 (BIG-PLUS) taper, a fixed 90-degree angle head. Part of the BIG KAISER family of angle heads, new AG90 Light Weight Type weighs less than 2kg. This makes it one of the lightest angle heads in the world, and it is therefore compatible with the automatic tool change of small machines. By (…)

Delcam has added an ABB robot fitted with a Fronius CMT Advanced welding head to the range of manufacturing equipment at its Birmingham site. The new unit will be used mainly for research into the programming of robots for the additive manufacturing of metals with Delcam’s PowerMILL Robot software. Cold Metal Transfer welding was initially developed by Fronius to join materials with different properties, in particular for welding aluminium to steel. The process uses very high frequency (…)

Schuler today opened its new research and demonstration center for hot stamping at its home base in Göppingen, Germany. At the so-called Hot Stamping TechCenter, the company will be showing its customers innovative applications for the future of lightweight vehicle construction. Schuler has invested some 6.5 million euros in the line, which is equipped with hydraulic press, roller hearth furnace, and automation. It was developed at the company’s Waghäusel site. In the hot stamping (or (…)

The FOCUS consortium has announced the addition of 10 global experts industry speakers to the programme of its upcoming workshop on 16 February 2016 in Brussels. The content of the one-day workshop has been built around the FOCUS consortium’s current areas of research, which are: zero defect manufacturing (4ZDM), cleanfactories, robotics, high precision manufacturing and maintenance & support. The event has been designed to share insights on what the current state-of-the-art in (…)