Seeing Clearly: CT scanning, along with advanced analyses software, becoming key AM tool June 1, 2021 The increased use of CT scanning for metal powder bed fusion parts is usually associated with high-value parts and elevated quality requirements. There are increased requests for CT scanning on parts made of engineering-grade polymers like PEEK, PEKK or ULTEM and for fiber-reinforced composites like Nylon 12 CF.
Field Intelligence: Spirit AeroSystems getting more resilient with AI, RPA June 1, 2021 The industry’s fastest growing firms are leveraging new artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to transform supply chains, transport and logistics. Reliance on paper forms and clashing systems are giving way to improved transparency across the value chain.
Checking Up on Tool Monitoring May 28, 2021 Machine shops use a variety of techniques to track the condition of their cutting tools, ranging from simple to sophisticated. No matter what monitoring method is used, it can be crucial in preventing catastrophic tool failure. At its best, monitoring also significantly boosts tool life and slashes tooling costs.
Toolholding: Built for Speed May 27, 2021 The evolution to high speed machining (HSM) is continuing and toolholders are playing a crucial role in that process, which includes the interlinking of machining center, programming, high-speed spindles, advanced cutting tools, balancing, and high-performance toolholders in order for shops to take full advantage of HSM.
Livin’ Large with Outsize Parts and Workholding May 25, 2021 Workholding needs to be super-sized when machining workpieces like truck transmission housings, wind turbine blades, rocket bodies, and more, for industries like aerospace and defense, agricultural, energy, marine, rail, and on- and off-road transportation.
GE, GMIS to Explore Benefits of Digitization May 25, 2021 GE and the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS) have announced a partnership to explore the role of digitization, lean manufacturing, and workplace safety to support the transformation of manufacturing and economic regeneration.
Shifts in microchip-making to aid automotive, medical May 27, 2021 Shifts in microchip-making to aid automotive, medical
AIM Photonics will give already-exploding AI/ML shot in the arm May 27, 2021 Integrate lasers onto PICs? Use silicon to make PICs? Co-package optics with electronics? This institute is tackling it all.
Drill Choice: Solid-Carbide or Replaceable-Insert? April 27, 2021 Selecting the best type of cutting tool for holemaking jobs is not always clear. It is best to have a drill that caters to the workpiece material, produces the specs required, and provides the most profit for the job at hand. Considering the variety of jobs and parts manufactured in machine shops, there is no “one-drill-fits-all.”