Software & Digital Solutions

The big technology platforms get all the attention these days. But the biggest tech news of 2019 may turn out to be the rise of manufacturing platforms: companies that rewrite the rules of production and product development and in the process create opportunities for local manufacturing.

A trend in manufacturing is toward tailor-made products in smaller lots with shorter delivery times. This change may lead to frequent production modifications resulting in increased machine downtime, higher production costs, product waste and the need to rework faulty products. To satisfy the customer demand behind this trend, manufacturers must move quickly to new production models.

As manufacturers invest in industrial internet of things-enabled devices to collect more data throughout production processes, many are also deploying edge computing to improve the analysis of data. Edge computing uses dedicated, on-premises resources at the shop-floor level rather than the remote servers that cloud computing relies on.

A robust spindle maintenance plan helps avoid unexpected repair bills and days or even weeks of downtime.

Machine Technology: New voice-enabled digital assistant can make it easier to learn about, operate and maintain a machine tool.

MVTec Software GmbH will issue its new MERLIC 4 software release on Feb. 15. It contains many new and improved features that make the creation of machine vision applications even easier, more efficient and more user-friendly. The range of functions has also been streamlined with regard to obsolete technologies and thereby optimized for users developing real-world solutions.

Boothroyd Dewhurst Inc. announces the availability of DFMA 2019 for analyzing parts and assemblies to reduce part count, control cost, and improve quality, performance and manufacturing efficiencies. Using DFMA, engineering and manufacturing teams are better able to assess part-assembly strategies, learn new design skills, benchmark existing and competitor products, add focus and structure to design reviews, integrate design and manufacturing, and support system-wide decision making.

Vero Software has hired new Territory Sales Manager Justin Duke, who will oversee sales of the Radan solution for sheet metal in the Great Plains region.

FLORENCE, Ky., December 3, 2018 – Mazak Corporation has announced its acquisition of MegaStir, a supplier of friction stir welding (FSW) tools and technology located in Provo, Utah.

The Up! App is a mobile and desktop app that connects manufacturers who need industrial service to companies that can provide it. It's fast, free, and the first of its kind.

NCSIMUL MACHINE simulation and optimization software from SPRING Technologies helps aerospace and other manufacturers create "digital twin" process models that facilitate fulfilment of customer demands for higher production rates and unwavering product quality.