General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

ShopBot Tools has announced the launch of the ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC, the newest addition to its desktop tool line. The Desktop MAX ATC has all of the same capabilities of the popular Desktop MAX but has the additional power and efficiency of an automatic toolchanger (ATC).

With application-tailored implementation of the umati interface for the machine tool sector, since 2017 clear contents and technical key data for translation into hands-on reality have been drawn up. What this means specifically, and what visitors can expect to see at the EMO Hannover, are explained by three experts: Götz Görisch is responsible at the VDW for the field of digitization and Industry 4.0, and is chairman of the umati Joint Working Group. Bernd Zapf is responsible for development new business and technology at Gebr. Heller Maschinenfabrik GmbH in Nürtingen, while Andreas Wohlfeld is lead architect smart factory at Trumpf GmbH + Co. KG in Ditzingen, and heads the modeling group of the umati Joint Working Group.

Traditionally, manufacturers have relied on mineral-oil based rust preventatives for temporary protection of metal components during storage and shipment. While these are effective, they must be disposed of as hazardous waste, introducing extra costs and complications to the cleanup process.

When geopolitical decisions, whether regulatory, tax or immigration, appear to be made arbitrarily, it's going to cause pullback by business leaders. The current climate of tariffs, uncertainty and risk is a wake-up call for a slowdown.

Between 1990 and 2011, the U.S. manufacturing sector lost 1 of every 3 jobs. This scarring decline has left policymakers seeking explanations, as well as appropriate policy responses.

BLM Group USA has announced the appointment of two new regional sales managers to help develop sales of the company's laser tube cutting systems, benders and machining equipment product lines.

The aerospace and defence, wind energy, automotive, civil construction and sporting goods industries have all come to adopt composites for high-performance applications – and the demand continues to grow. A report by Credence Research in 2019 estimated a CAGR of 9.3% for carbon fiber-reinforced plastics during the period 2017-2025. Duncan Thompson, product manager at ANCA, notes the increased sales inquiries in this area, reflecting a growing demand by tool manufacturers to produce cutting tools to service this specialist market.

MachineMetrics Industrial IoT Platform for discrete manufacturing announced that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Industrial Software Competency status. This designation recognizes that MachineMetrics has demonstrated technical proficiency and proven customer success building solutions for discrete manufacturing. These specialized software solutions enable companies in the discrete manufacturing space to increase the pace of product innovation while decreasing production and operational costs in their value chain.

OnRobot, a manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling for collaborative robot applications, has opened its first location specifically dedicated to R&D in the U.S. Based in Culver City in Los Angeles, California, the new office area boasts 6,000 sq. ft. for engineers, researchers and local staff to work and develop new products.

The DC160 X∙treme Evo Advance solid-carbide universal drill from Walter, features exceptional positioning accuracy. This is achieved with its innovative new thinner web at the point; rapid guidance in the hole due to the advanced positioning of the margins; and high productivity in many different applications.

Cole Technologies Inc., Columbus, Indiana, is a certified Universal Robots system integrator that supplies automation systems specializing in pick-and-place, deburring and plastic part trimming applications. One recent project involved the deflashing of molded parts where a more accurate robot path was deemed necessary.

Effective Aug. 1, 2019, Dr. Heiner Lang will join the executive board of Bosch Rexroth AG, Lohr a. Main, Germany. Once on the board, he will take over responsibility for engineering, which currently lies with Rolf Najork, chairman of the executive board of Bosch Rexroth AG and member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, responsible for the industrial technology business sector.