Medical

A new, lightweight, compact processing head from the Coherent division formerly known as LASAG is optimized for industrial laser applications where space is limited and minimum mass is required. Specifically, the new FLBK40 is a modular beam delivery system, including a variety of collimators, focusing lenses, cameras, camera adapters and an IR illuminator, that can be rapidly configured by the user as needed to deliver optimum performance for a wide range of fiber laser-based cutting, welding or drilling applications.

The manufacturing world is embracing 3D metal printing in a big way. GE Aviation is using it to print fuel nozzles, saving aircraft owners millions in operation costs annually per plane. Medical device companies use it to print patient-specific orthopedic implants and life-saving surgical instruments. These are just a few examples of the gigantic strides metal printing has made over the past decade, with countless more to come as the technology becomes increasingly mainstream.

EXSYS Tool Inc. has introduced a new space-saving 5-axis rotary table TAP for small, high-speed vertical machining centers. The table TAP allows users to upgrade a vertical machining center to significantly increase productivity without incurring the expense of a new machine, according to the company.

In response to strong demand for reliable machining solutions in the aerospace industry, Sandvik Coromant has launched new tapping and thread milling tools for ISO S materials (titanium and nickel-based alloys). The products have been specifically designed to enhance process security on high-value components, such as engine casings, thus providing reductions in scrap rates and machine downtime.

Some good ideas can be made even better. Much better. This was certainly the case when Kennametal engineers took the strength and versatility of their proven KSEM modular drill system and combined it with the ease of use and low feed forces of its smaller companion drill, KenTIP, the company reports. The resulting fusion of these advanced holemaking technologies is the KenTIP FS, a 6 mm to 26 mm, 1.5 to 12 x D modular drill that’s simple to use, produces good hole quality, and is tough enough to compete with solid-carbide drills across a wide range of materials.