Events Calendar

Latest Product Launches From Mitsubishi To Widia

Latest Product Launches From Mitsubishi To Widia

Mencom Connectivity Solutions for Hazardous Locations 

These connectors are available for most Mencom circular connectors series such as MIN & PMIN Series, MIL-SPEC series, M23, M12, NAN M8, and Networks. They are rated IP65 (minimum) to IP67 (IP69), providing complete protection against ingress of dust, water jet, and steam. Their rugged structure with quick connect and disconnect design greatly increases installation speed without the use of special tools while providing more secure connections than hardwiring alternatives against machine vibration.

Mencom also offers a locking mechanism for the MIN Size I (7/8”) and PMIN (1 3/8”) series to protect the connection that prevents unexpected interruptions between two straight plugs or between a straight plug and a mating receptacle.

Mitsubishi: Half-Bridge Driver High-Voltage (600V) IC With BSD Function

Mitsubishi is launching a half-bridge driver high-voltage (600V) integrated circuit (HVIC) equipped with a built-in bootstrap diode (BSD) function that can help reduce the number of parts required in inverter systems. The new HVIC, which is designed for circuits that drive power semiconductors in low-capacity inverter systems, will also help to lower the power consumption of white goods, electric bikes, and other electrical products.

Sales will begin on 1 April 2022. HVICs that drive power semiconductors in inverter systems are in increasing demand for use in motor-control systems that help to save energy and improve the performance of consumer products and industrial equipment.

New Analog Safety I/O Modules from Rockwell Automation

The analogue safety I/O modules from Rockwell Automation offer integrated safety with systematic capability up to SC 3. The modules are TÜV certified up to SIL 3, PLe, Cat. 4. They also can be mounted in the same I/O bank with standard FLEX 5000 I/O modules to reduce system costs and complexity.

The FLEX 5000 analogue safety I/O modules are ideal for process applications where speed or frequency measurement, temperature, pressure, or flow sensor monitoring are required for functional safety protection. Potential applications include emergency shutdown, burner management, turbine control, compressor control, oil and gas auxiliary boilers, high-pressure protection, lighting, and ventilation management.

OMAX Unveils OptiMAX, Its Most Advanced Waterjet Ever

New and improved features include:

  • IntelliMAX premium software, designed for incredible ease of use and operation quickly following installation. Incorporating decades of proprietary waterjet cutting models, no other system can consistently produce parts as rapidly or capably. 
  • IntelliVISOR console with key metrics to optimise operations and complete system monitoring to avoid unplanned downtime.
  • EnduroMAX pump that automatically sets the correct pressure and minimises fluctuations to improve component life, while offering the most efficient waterjet pump technology in the market.
  • IntelliTRAX drive system with advanced motion control for further increased system robustness and reliability. Requires virtually no maintenance compared to more conventional ball screw and rack and pinon drive systems. 
  • New garnet delivery system to further minimise downtime.

Seco Machine Monitoring Maximises Manufacturing Efficiency

Seco Machine Monitoring Maximises Manufacturing Efficiency

With a low entry cost, Seco Machine Monitoring provides enhanced communication from the shop floor to upper management based on data-driven smart Manufacturing. Colour-coded metrics on real-time dashboards give manufacturers the insights they need to improve efficiency.

Employees are also able to easily add their insights and observations, categorise machine downtime and help contextualise problems. These best-in-class service solutions come courtesy of partnerships with an exclusive network of state-of-the-art software providers and technology partners like Machine Metrics.

SLM Solutions: Assembrix VMS Software Integrates With SLM Solutions Machines Worldwide

The Assembrix VMS platform enables remote printing on SLM machines while maintaining the highest security standards so that OEMs can work remotely and still have complete ownership of the fully automated printing process. A real-time data feed keeps customers updated on the printing status, while advanced encryption technology ensures IP protection. 

This new partnership meets the growing demand by OEMs for secure distributed additive manufacturing and enables the creation of a reliable, international AM ecosystem with new opportunities across the entire value chain.

Teledyne FLIR Introduces Neutrino SX12 ISR1200 MWIR Camera 

Based on Teledyne FLIR focal plane array (FPA) technology, near diffraction-limited optics, and a long-life linear Stirling cooler with 25,000-hour MTTF, the Neutrino SX12 ISR1200 offers 1280×1024 resolution with 12µm pixel size.

It also features dual-parallel outputs using a 60Hz Camera Link base with 1080P30 HD-SDI or 720P60 HD-SDI, ideal for tracking, turbulence mitigation, and artificial intelligence. The SX12 ISR1200 is a turnkey system that is ideal for integration with ground-based, long-range ISR, perimeter surveillance, border surveillance, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS).

Widia Introduces The Next Generation In Versatile End Milling

Widia Introduces The Next Generation In Versatile End Milling

The initial release of the WCE platform features WCE4, a four-flute geometry which combines advanced, high-performance features with a brand new, versatile grade offered at a highly competitive price. 

Two key features of the tool are its asymmetrical index and variable helix. The combination of the two reduce vibrations and enable heavy cuts, while the new grade, WU20PE, enables versatility on steel, stainless steel and cast-iron applications. These design features, coupled with the four-flute geometry, deliver an end mill with reliable performance and application versatility – even in demanding operations such as full slots and heavy cuts.

The WCE5 five-flute geometry will be released later in 2022. Orders for the WCE4 end mill, as well as other WIDIA metal cutting tooling, can be placed through WIDIA authorised distribution partners.

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Latest Product Launches From Okuma To Studer

Latest Product Launches From Okuma To Studer

NORDAC FLEX Frequency Inverters From NORD DRIVESYSTEMS

The large power range, up to 22 kW, is characteristic for the frequency inverter. In addition, the NORDAC FLEX SK 205E is compact and enables high precision in synchronous and positioning applications via the integrated POSICON control Another advantage is the precise and rapid current vector control: It ensures constant speeds in case of fluctuating loads. The NORDAC FLEX SK 205E also offers maximum flexibility and due to its high energy efficiency enables energy savings, especially during partial load operation. This even applies to applications that technically do not require an inverter.

NORDAC FLEX Frequency Inverters From NORD DRIVESYSTEMS

Okuma Corporation Launches New Horizontal Machining Center

Okuma Corporation has developed the new MA-8000H Horizontal Machining Center with a pallet size of 800 x 800 mm. Equipped with extensive power-saving functions and eco-friendly technologies that operate autonomously without human intervention, this new product strongly supports user efforts to decarbonise.

Okuma would like to introduce three features of the MA-8000H:

  1. Autonomously achieves energy savings without human intervention.
  2. Sharply boosts labor productivity by strengthening automation responsiveness and reliability to support long periods of stable operation.
  3. Further improves production capacity to process large components with enhanced basic capabilities.

Orders will be accepted from January 2022.

Red Lion Launches Next Generation Graphical Panel Meter PM-50

Red Lion has introduced the next generation of panel meters PM-50. This graphical panel meter, PM-50, expands Red Lion’s existing award-winning panel meter portfolio. The PM-50 is available as a 3.5-inch or 4.3-inch graphical touchscreen display. 

Using simple “swipe” technology, users can easily switch between relevant screens and receive comprehensive operational data for monitoring equipment and production.

Visual alerts notify the user that immediate action is necessary, either on the unit itself or via the PM-50 app, available on Google Play or Apple Store.

Red Lion Launches Next Generation Graphical Panel Meter PM-50

Sandvik Coromant Introduces A New Form Of Chip Control

Sandvik Coromant has unveiled a new machining method that enables controlled chip breaking in thread turning applications. Launched within the existing CoroPlus® Tool Path software, OptiThreading™ is a new software module that will help manufacturers overcome one of the most significant issues within thread turning — the risk of chip jams and their associated downtime.Successful chip control is the key for good component quality when thread turning.  OptiThreading™ has been designed with these challenges in mind. The module is available as part of a subscription to the CoroPlus® Tool Path, and is developed specifically for CoroThread® 266 tools and inserts. 

Schaeffler’s Preload Measurement System, PREMESY

With the growth and development of renewable energy unfolding in the Asia-Pacific region, Schaeffler’s PREMESY Preload Measurement System is the first and only system on the market that monitors the bearing preload during mounting and operation of bearings in a wind turbine system. It provides the basis for predictive maintenance and ensures the continued reliable operation of wind systems and technologies by maximizing the bearing service life, lowering maintenance costs, and helping manufacturers avoid turbine failures. 

Schaeffler’s Preload Measurement System, PREMESY

With renewable energies looking to make a significant contribution to the overall energy mix, PREMESY is part of Schaeffler’s strategic investment in supporting the increased generation of energy from renewable sources.

Siemens’ New Simcenter NVH Prediction software Application

A new Simcenter™ software application that can bring the benefits of a comprehensive digital twin approach to accurately and easily predict the interior and exterior Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance of a vehicle before a physical prototype is available for any type of vehicle: hybrid, fully electric or internal combustion engine (ICE). This new Simcenter™ application helps engineers front load full vehicle NVH analysis and detect potential component NVH performance issues earlier by using measured and simulated component models to build a virtual prototype assembly. Simcenter is part of Xcelerator, Siemens’ integrated portfolio of software, services and application development platform.

Siemens’ New Simcenter NVH Prediction software Application

SLM Solutions’ Cooler And Faster Method For Manufacturing Plastic Injection Moulds

Omni Mold was approached by their customer to address the issue of inefficient cooling in one of the mould core insert. By investing in a SLM280 2.0, Omni Mold was able to completely reimagine the cooling channel within its mold inserts through laser-fast additive manufacturing. AM enables the manufacture of complex parts, in this case, replacing the spiral shape with a conformal cooling channel that targets the hotspot areas and improves cooling efficiency within the injection mold. This allows for uniform cooling across the entire product, thereby improving overall part quality, minimising distortion, and shortening the cycle time during production.

STUDER roboLoad, A New Type Of Loading System

Loading systems for CNC radius internal cylindrical grinding machines – that was not so easy until now. The special characteristics of these machines, such as the height of the workhead and the associated geometric restrictions, made the development of a handling solution a major challenge. STUDER has now developed a system that not only meets the geometrical requirements but also has a comparatively small footprint and an unbeatable price-performance ratio. For the user, the STUDER roboLoad can be operated without any programming knowledge; it enables great flexibility in production and a high degree of operating comfort.

STUDER roboLoad, A New Type Of Loading System

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A Cooler And Faster Method For Manufacturing Plastic Moulds By Investing In SLM Solutions

A Cooler And Faster Method For Manufacturing Plastic Moulds By Investing In SLM Solutions

Hot Problem…

Omni Mold was approached by their customer to address the issue of inefficient cooling in one of the mould core insert. The existing mould uses a conventional cooling design with a spiral-shaped core insert. The cooling was uneven and there were hotspots that led to deformation of moulded parts. Various solutions were considered to address the hotspot issue, including prolonged moulding cycle time to resolve dimensional and warpage issues.

…Cool Solution

By investing in a SLM®️280 2.0 , Omni Mold was able to completely reimagine the cooling channel within its mould inserts through laser-fast additive manufacturing. AM enables the manufacture of complex parts, in this case, replacing the spiral shape with a conformal cooling channel that targets the hotspot areas and improves cooling efficiency within the injection mould. This allows for uniform cooling across the entire product, thereby improving overall part quality, minimizing distortion, and shortening the cycle time during production.

Through much internal testing and development, Omni Mold is now capable of producing hybrid inserts to cater to their customer’s requirements – all with shorter lead time and lower costs. The numbers speak for themselves: The total print time was reduced by 88.75% from 120 hours to 19.5 hours for a full print using a hybrid printing method. The moulding cycle time was also reduced by 44%, from 45 seconds to 25 seconds.

 

Schedule A Demo

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Morf3D Announces New State-of-the-Art Headquarters With SLM Solutions’ Machines.

Morf3D Announces New State-of-the-Art Headquarters with SLM Solutions’ Machines.

SLM Solutions’ Outfits Morf3D’s 9000 square-foot Applied Digital Manufacturing Centre (ADMC) with Two SLM® 500s and the NXG XII 600.

By Ashwini Balan, Eastern Trade Media

Morf3D, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, helps clients realize the potential of additive manufacturing in a new age of aerospace innovation. SLM Solutions is an integrated solutions provider and metal additive manufacturing partner. The cooperation underscores both SLM Solution’s and Morf3D’s commitment to further advance the industrialisation of Additive Manufacturing(AM) technology as well as to streamline and accelerate serial production lines across the globe. Such industry partnerships aim to significantly scale AM production repeatability and quality to new heights.

The mission of Morf3D’s new headquarters is to leverage partner networks that will transform supply chain norms and develop the industry’s first certified production system to accelerate the industrialisation of Digital Manufacturing. The addition of the 2 SLM®500s and the NXG XII 600 will support Morf3D’s goal of ramping up a global production setup while improving production lead time, order flexibility, cost efficiency, and quality.

SLM®500 is the best performing, most efficient system in its class, and it is designed to ensure operator safety and lower overall operational costs. The first quad-laser metal system on the market, SLM®500 can integrate lasers independently or in parallel to increase build rates by 90% over twin laser configuration. NXG XII 600 on the other hand, is an industry gamechanger equipped with 12 1KW lasers, making it the fastest commercial machine on the market. It’s designed to be used in serial production for high-volume applications as well as for printing large parts. It’s capable of printing at speeds 20x faster than that of a single laser system and 5x faster than a 4-laser machine. Enabling acceleration in AM at every angle, the NXG XII 600 is the modern day “da vinci”, crafting masterpieces at serial production scale.

“Our partnership with SLM Solutions dramatically shifts the landscape of serial production enabling our customers to achieve unmatched levels of quality and performance,” comments Ivan Madera, CEO of Morf3D. “The NXG XII 600 platform is an engineering marvel that addresses many aspects of a production-ready system. Our goal is to accelerate the qualification process by collaborating on new application development and part certification within the aerospace, space, and defense market.”  

Sam O’Leary, CEO of SLM Solutions, is enthusiastic about the partnership, citing the increase in efficiency and productivity as the key benefits for all partners. “Adding the NXG Xll 600 to Morf3D’s SLM Solutions’ machines to the ADMC bolsters the collective digital manufacturing ecosystem, helping to improve production speed, quality, and automation.”

Next to the supply of machines, SLM Solutions will also offer on-site support in the form of education, training, and consulting.  All of ADMC’s research and development partners will also have access to collective training, meeting, and gathering spaces for customer events and business development efforts. Sam O’Leary, adds: “We are united in our customer-first approach, which reflects the training and education we provide to all of our partners.”

The machines will be delivered to Morf3D’s new state-of-the-art headquarters, in Long Beach, California, in 2022. This partnership strengthens the international impact of Additive Manufacturing solutions.

Find out more about their innovations and digital solutions: Morf3D, SLM Solutions.

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SLM Solutions’ Next Disruption In Additive Manufacturing Vows To Impress

SLM Solutions’ Next Disruption In Additive Manufacturing Vows To Impress

SLM Solutions invites the industry to a game-changing product launch on June 23 at 5pm CEST. The launch will take place digitally and will be accessible to everyone at SLM-SOLUTIONS.COM/THE-BIG-LAUNCH. The new product empowers the creation of metal components with previously impossible designs and unmatched productivity, reducing overall material usage and minimizing the end-part cost to achieve industrial-scale production.

Sam O’Leary, CEO of SLM Solutions, is enthusiastic about the upcoming product launch “Last year we introduced an industry gamechanger—the NXG Xll 600—but we won’t stop there. Today, after three years in the making and care of many of the world’s most visionary engineers, we are proud to add a new technology to our portfolio.”

The groundbreaking product has a record impact on part design and increases the productivity of the entire process by reducing powder consumption and scrap and shortening post-processing times. Likewise, improved thermal management will significantly shorten the build time while substantially reducing part stress. As a result, a surface finish like no other will soon be the new norm.

And—like almost everything they bring to life—it’s holistic. On this topic, O’Leary adds, “Why is it is available for most systems in our portfolio? Because we strive to make every new piece of technology meet the demands of every priorly-built machine. We believe that creating truly open architecture is the only way to bring additive manufacturing to its powerful potential.”

What’s more, the technology’s basic subscription will be completely free of charge. O’Leary explains, “The goal is to be relentless in innovation. It’s free because we want to empower our partners and customer base. Why should this remain an enablement of just a few when it can benefit all?”.

O’Leary concludes that “This new technology is another milestone, not only for us but for the entire industry. As a high-tech company, we are once again shaping the face of additive manufacturing with this product launch. It’s the next disruption in the manufacturing industry, so it’s worth attending.”

What does the next disruption of additive manufacturing look like? SLM Solutions’ industry experts will explain on June 23 at 5pm CEST at the online product launch that includes an open discussion. Participation is free of charge.

Sign up at SLM-SOLUTIONS.COM/THE-BIG-LAUNCH

 

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Growing Possibilities Of 3D Printing In The Aerospace Industry

Growing Possibilities Of 3D Printing In The Aerospace Industry

Selective Laser Melting offers a wide range of possibilities in the 3D Printing of metal-based parts. Using a rocket engine, CellCore looks into the possibilities that SLM technology can offer for the aerospace industry. Article by SLM Solutions. 

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) offers a wide range of possibilities in the additive manufacturing of metal-based parts. Additive manufacturing allows metal parts to be created with internal structures allowing the part to be stronger and lighter than if it were produced through traditional manufacturing methods. A further advantage is in the integration of several components in one component. This functional integration and a low post-processing effort lead to considerable cost savings in the manufacturing process. 

Using a rocket engine, the company CellCore has demonstrated the advantages of selective laser melting and how it can be optimally utilised in the aerospace industry. Printed in a nickel-based superalloy, a monolithic component was created in collaboration with SLM Solutions. 

3D-printed Rocket Engine

The demonstrator manufactured by CellCore and SLM Solutions consists of a thrust chamber, the core element of a liquid-propellant engine with a combustion chamber wall, a fuel inlet, and an injection head with oxidant inlet. The chemical reaction in the combustion chamber creates a gas that expands due to heat development and is then ejected with enormous force. The thrust required to drive the rocket is therefore created using recoil. Extremely high temperatures are created in the chamber during the combustion process, so the wall must be cooled to prevent it from burning, too. To achieve this, the liquid fuel (e.g. kerosene or hydrogen) is fed upwards through cooling ducts in the combustion chamber wall before entering through the injection head. There, the fuel mixes with the oxidant and is lit by a spark plug. In conventional constructions, the cooling ducts are countersunk in a blank and subsequently sealed through multiple working steps. 

With selective laser melting, the cooling is integrated as part of the design and created together with the chamber in one process. Due to the engine‘s complexity, the traditional manufacturing process is cost-intensive, requiring half a year minimum. Additive manufacturing on the other hand, requires fewer than five working days to create an improved component.

Filigree Structural Cooling to Increase Efficiency

The single-piece rocket propulsion engine, combining the injector and thrust chamber, reduces numerous individual components into one, with multi-functional lightweight construction achievable only with the selective laser melting process. 

The internal structure developed by CellCore is the fundamental element of the engine and cannot be manufactured by traditional methods. It is not only suited to transport heat, but also improves the structural stability of the component. The cooling properties of the CellCore design considerably outperform conventional approaches, such as right-angled, concentrically running cooling ducts.

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Safran And SLM Solutions Evaluate SLM Technology For Additively Manufactured Main Fitting Of A Bizjet

Safran And SLM Solutions Evaluate SLM technology For Additively Manufactured Main Fitting Of A Bizjet

In a joint project, Safran Landing Systems and SLM Solutions tested Selective Laser Melting to produce a component of a nose landing gear for a bizjet. A world first for a part of this size.

The joint objective of the project is to demonstrate the feasibility to produce a main fitting by Selective Laser Melting process. The component was therefore redesigned for metal-based additive manufacturing allowing time saving in the whole process, and significant weight reduction about 15 percent of the component.

Due to the stringent requirements of this component, which is one of the parts that transfers the loads from the wheel to the aircraft structure and is retracted after take-off, Safran selected the titanium alloy, as it is a material with high mechanical properties, naturally resistant to corrosion, which does not require any surface treatment. Additionally, it helps increasing part durability.

Thierry Berenger, Additive Manufacturing project leader at Safran Landing Systems says: “We chose SLM Solutions as a partner, because of their expertise and the SLM 800 machine, which exactly meets our requirements in terms of machine size and reliability.”

With a vertically extended build envelope, the SLM 800 is perfectly adapted to produce large components. The machine is equipped with SLM Solutions’ proven quad-laser technology and innovative features, like the patented gas flow and a permanent filter, that ensure highest reliability.

One of the strengths of the SLM technology is its flexibility. Design changes can be quickly modified, printed and tested, then less time is spent during the prototype development.

Gerhard Bierleutgeb, EVP Global Services & Solutions at SLM Solutions explains: “Additive manufacturing contributes to save time in the qualification and certification phases by rapidly providing the parts for testing. We were able to produce the main fitting in few days on the SLM 800, vs few months with the forging process.”

Part Information:

  • Measurements: 455x295x805 mm
  • Material: Titanium
  • Machine: SLM 800

This new design invented by Safran Landing Systems, meeting ambitious resistance and mass reduction objectives, is patented.

 

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3D Printing Solutions For The Automotive Industry

3D Printing Solutions for the Automotive Industry

SLM Solutions looks back on years of experience in 3D printing solutions for the automotive industry. But what does it take to successfully print automotive parts? And what are the main use cases?

Metal additive manufacturing technology is accelerating industrial development in the automotive sector and offers numerous advantages. On the one hand, scalable on-demand local-for-local supply chains can get products to market faster and reduce costs. On the other hand, additive manufacturing can lead to improved performance and functionality of parts.

Selective laser melting (SLM) can be used primarily to bridge the gap between prototyping and series production. Pioneer and metal additive manufacturing partner SLM Solutions looks back on years of experience in 3D printing solutions for the automotive industry. But what does it take to successfully print automotive parts? And what are the main use cases?

Robust Machines and Material

To successfully print parts, robust and reliable machines are required. SLM Solutions’ SLM 500 offers excellent features for industrial series production in the automotive industry. As the first quad-laser system on the market, the machine is ideally suited for the rapid cost-effective production of large metal parts. The multi-laser overlap strategy with up to four 700 W lasers ensures maximum efficiency. The ability to change the build cylinder minimizes machine downtime, maximizes productivity and reduces cost per part. 

Equally important is the right choice of metal powder. SLM Solutions offers various alloys, for example, aluminium alloys, nickel alloys, and titanium alloys, that ideally fit to the requirements of the automotive industry. Furthermore, SLM Solutions develops new materials and parameters with customers. 

Another technology from SLM is the NXG XII 600. Equipped with 12 overlapping 1 kW lasers and a build envelope of 600x600x600 mm, the machine sets new milestones in terms of productivity, size, reliability and safety, and paves the way to the future of manufacturing. Productivity is further enhanced through variable beam spot, bi-directional recoating, laser balance and an optimized gas flow while a closed environment maximizes operator safety.

One company that has already tested the productivity of the NXG XII 600 is Porsche. The Porsche advanced powertrain engineering department also focuses on large powertrain applications, such as e-drive housings, cylinder blocks, and cylinder heads, to name a few, in additive manufacturing. In a proof of concept with the SLM  NXG XII 600, a complete e-drive housing with an innovative AM design was successfully printed. Porsche sets high quality demands on the part: A permanent magnet motor with 800 V operating voltage delivers up to 205 kW (280 hp). The downstream two-stage transmission is integrated in the same housing and drives the wheels with up to 2,100 N-m of torque. This highly integrated approach is designed for use on the front axle of a sports car.

All the advantages of additive manufacturing have been implemented in this housing, such as topology optimization with lattice structures to reduce the weight, functional integration of cooling channels, higher stiffness and reduced assembly time by the integration of parts as well as improvements in part quality.

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