Industry News

Use of 3-D printing for the production of parts for final products continues to follow a decade-long growth trend. According to Wohlers Report 2013, final-part production rose to 28.3 percent of the $2.2 billion spent last year on 3-D printing products and services worldwide. In 2003, it represented only 3.9 percent of revenues, as shown in the accompanying chart.

Deublin Company, a manufacturer of rotary unions based in Waukegan, Ill., launched its new Web site at www.Deublin.com. The new site includes an e-commerce section where customers can select and purchase Deublin products. The site also includes detailed product specifications and application information.

Threading and grooving toolmaker Tool-Flo Manufacturing, Houston, has added polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) tools to its product line. The ultrahard materials allow for longer tool life when cutting abrasive materials such as graphite, hard rubber, plastics, carbon, fiberglass components, ceramics, wood, copper, bronze, brass and aluminum alloys, and permit higher removal rates and faster cycle times.

Okuma America Corp.'s Technology Showcase event, held December 10-12, 2013 in Charlotte, N.C., was the company's largest to date, both in attendance and the number of CNC machines shown, according to the company. Held annually, the event is designed to give attendees the opportunity to see and gain hands-on experience with Okuma's latest technology and discuss their individual needs with a variety of industry experts.

MSC Industrial Supply Co. has added more than 3,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) and facility safety products to its safety portfolio. The goal is to make it easier for safety professionals to find, buy and correctly use the highest quality safety solutions from one supplier. With more than 500 brands represented, MSC customers have access to thousands of safety products. In addition, MSC offers specialized support and certified safety training. The company's safety technical team is available to answer questions and offer product recommendations based on each customer's specific criteria.

Parlec Inc., a Fairport, N.Y.-based provider of toolholding and presetting solutions, launched a new Web platform to showcase its re-engineered precision modular boring system. "We wanted to bring our new product offering to life," said Dave Hartman, product manager of tooling systems. "By using a combination of 3-D animations and video footage, we're able to provide clear demonstrations and evidence of the types of benefits Parlec boring systems can bring manufacturing operations."