We all know the buzzwords circulating around digital data and the factory. You have heard them—Industry 4.0, smart factories, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). The question we all have is how will this impact workers in the long term? What do these terms really mean? Nevertheless, both traditional software suppliers and makers of advanced manufacturing equipment are offering digital solutions.
Changes in health care are driving more innovative tooling, including new machining strategies and complex cutting tools that help deliver more patient-centered solutions.
Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is now using 3D printing from Stratasys to manufacture flight-ready parts for several of its military, civil and business aircraft—while producing specific ground-running equipment at a lower cost than aluminum alternatives.
The state of manufacturing is always a combination of tried and true methods; improvements (sometimes dramatic) in traditional processes; and brand new technology few people even conceived of a few years ago.
Swiss-style machine tools can be a good choice for making complex parts. On the downside, however, Swiss machining itself has a reputation of being complex—and, therefore, more difficult to master than standard machining.
NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski has joined the ranks of entrepreneurs in the metalworking industry while continuing his successful racing career.
Abrasive machining is a tried-and-true technology for meeting exacting tolerances and producing superior finishes. Manufacturers continue to develop new capabilities.
Voith will deliver eight electric Voith Schneider Propellers (eVSP) to the Norwegian shipping company Østensjø, thus enabling resource-saving and energy-efficient operation of the four offshore wind supply vessels. The four ships will be built in Spain and are already equipped for the application of CO2-neutral hydrogen technology.
ESPRIT by DP Technology has announced extended support for Mazak Smooth Ai CNC. ESPRIT produces machine-optimized, edit-free G-code programs, program optimization, and machine simulation for Mazak’s machine tools.
In late 2018, 3D Systems introduced its DMP Factory 500 concept, an end-to-end additive manufacturing solution.
