Fabrication & Cutting

Anodizing is an economical approach to resolving surface finishing challenges.

Rhode Island shop applies latest technology to increase productivity.

Micro-Laser Assisted Machining Technologies Inc. makes laser-based tools to improve machining for ceramics, silicon and metal. The lasers generate heat of about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit at a tiny point a tenth the width of a human hair, softening the target, greatly reducing cutting time and decreasing cutting tool wear.

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division launched its first blue laser scanning sensor for creating point clouds. The HP-L-5.8 joins Hexagon's comprehensive range of tactile and non-contact sensors for CMMs and is for companies that need a versatile, affordable, fixed-line laser sensor.

Look Ahead: Researchers discover a new class of carbides that may be among the hardest materials with the highest melting points.n

Shops that need a highly efficient digital solution to surface texturing for product design and moldmaking will gain new levels of design quality and productivity with the new AgieCharmilles LASER S series from GF Machining Solutions. This all-in-one texturing solution applies designs to challenging surfaces while it controls cost per part, cuts lead and machining times and significantly improves quality.

Providence Texture LLC, Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a shop leading the way and showing how much femtosecond lasers can do. Femtosecond laser technology represents a new frontier in moldmaking.

EXAIR says its new Soft Grip Back Blow Safety Air Gun uses the smallest back blow nozzle available to deliver a blast of air to effectively blow debris and liquids from inside small pipe or hose diameters, channels, bores, holes, internal threads and other internal part features. The ergonomic design of the air gun keeps the operator's hand in a comfortable position so it can be used for hours of continuous use without fatigue.

Formulators looking to enhance the corrosion protection of increasingly popular water-based coatings systems can now use Cortec's M-120, a water-based corrosion inhibitor additive that does not contain heavy metals. M-120 can be used alone or in conjunction with other inhibitors to increase the corrosion protection abilities of both water-based and solvent-based systems. It is recommended for use in acrylic and alkyd resin systems.

Whether they're required for downstream manufacturing steps or for error-free functioning, surface characteristics are decisive with regard to part and product quality. Processes such as deburring and precision surface finishing are becoming more and more significant as a result – regardless of whether the parts are produced by means of erosion, forming, primary forming or additive manufacturing. DeburringEXPO, the world's only trade fair that deals exclusively with the removal of burrs and the production of precision surface finishes, will be held at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre from Oct. 8-10, 2019.

General-purpose tap achieves reliability while eliminating twisted swarf and short tool life woes.n

EXAIR's new Gen4 Super Ion Air Wipe provides a uniform 360 degree ionized airstream that clamps around a continuously moving part to eliminate static electricity and contaminants. It is suitable for removing dust, particulates and personnel shocks on pipe, cable, extruded shapes, hose, wire and more.