Product News

MSC Software Corp., part of Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division and a global leader in computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation software and services, announced MSC Apex Generative Design, a new design optimization solution that improves quality through automation of design processes with embedded manufacturing knowledge.

Bihler 4Slide-NC Technology advances the goal of an injury-free, OSHA-complaint, manufacturing facility. Job safety is among the most critical factors in protecting the most valuable asset of a manufacturing company - its employees. A safe working environment promotes a positive and productive culture, all the while enhancing company morale and building employee retention. Studies of manufacturing safety have shown that a safe work environment can boost productivity levels by as much as 83%.

Simufact, part of Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and a global operating software company providing process simulation solutions and services to manufacturing industries, announced Simufact Additive 2020. This powerful solution for the optimization of metal-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes now provides cost estimation of the build process, and improves interoperability with Materialize build preparation software and Renishaw printers to streamline manufacturing processes.

Machine shops looking for a “second-op” machine can depend on Palmgren’s vertical machining center for a compact solution. The 7-inch by 24.5-inch center is ideal for production lines, short runs, one-offs and prototyping.

The air filtration industry just got smarter thanks to the introduction of IVEC Command intelligent software, a comprehensive air quality monitoring and troubleshooting program. IVEC Command allows for offsite monitoring and control of air filtration systems from any geographic location.

No. 1049 is a 1050° F (566° C), cabinet oven with two drawers from Grieve, currently used for annealing or normalizing processes at the customer’s facility. Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 39” wide x 102” deep x 51” high, with two drawers rated 250 lbs. loading with 36” wide x 78” deep x 15” high loading area. 800,000 Btu/hour installed in a modulating natural gas burner, while a 10,000-cfm, 7.5-hp recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow to the workload.

Marposs has announced the availability of its new data management software — C-THRU4.0, designed to collect and process data from multiple machine tools equipped with Artis machine monitoring systems via a central hub. This information can be accessed remotely, via an iPad, computer or laptop as well as offering the ability to integrate with MES and higher level ERP systems. The data collected can be used to analyze tool life, machine capability and cost comparisons, as well as alarm tracing and counts, profit and loss accounting, profitability analysis and more, all leading to enhanced productivity and profitability.

Amada Miyachi America Inc. announces the new WL-300A laser processing workstation, configured for nanosecond-pulsed fiber laser applications. This laser workstation is a larger version of the LMWS laser marker workstation that is designed to accommodate larger parts.

ETEL, a direct drive motor manufacturer of the Heidenhain Group, now offers updated ironless linear motors optimized for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. Called the IL+ product lines, these motors are offered in the same profile as ETEL’s previously established ironless linear motors but now specially re-designed to allow for increased performance to benefit these two industries.

The latest release of VISI mold and die software enhances the progressive die design processes, along with enhancements for the Reverse module. Upgrades to the new part unfolding technology provides the ability to work directly on the original solid model, supports blanking functionality, and manages parts with non-linear bends.

A range of coordinate measuring machines has been introduced by British manufacturer LK Metrology that offer high accuracy and repeatability in a compact footprint. Manufactured at the company's factory near Derby, the new ALTERAC machines are available in three sizes - 7.7.5, 10.7.5, and 10.7.7 - their respective X-, Y- and Z-axis movements being 700 x 650 x 500 mm, 1,000 x 650 x 500 mm and 1,000 x 650 x 650 mm.

PFERD has enhanced its lineup of Performance Line POLIFAN Z SG POWER STEELOX flap discs with the addition of a 6 in. (Type 29) disc in 40 and 60 grit in 7/8 in. arbor and 5/8—11 hub versions. Together with its impressive service life and high aggressiveness, the new flap disc, like other members of its product family, maintains consistent performance throughout the entire life of the flap disc yielding maximum economic efficiency for the user.

Newcastle Systems, a leading provider of mobile-powered workplace solutions designed to make warehouses, manufacturing facilities and retail floors more efficient, announced the launch of a new app called the MotionMeter, a real-time activity tracker designed to quickly and accurately perform time studies within the warehouse and identify waste.

nTopology announces the latest version of its computational-modeling software, nTop Platform 2.0, engineering software that enables engineers to simultaneously consider geometry, performance and manufacturability all within a single, reusable workflow. This major release includes support for prepackaged, application-specific nTop Toolkits, letting engineers quickly learn and use its most powerful capabilities right out of the box.

Walter has introduced the T2713, a universal indexable thread mill suitable for a variety of materials up to 55 HRC. This newest addition to the Walter thread milling system combines the advantages of thread milling with the efficiency of tapping. Due to the smooth cutting and lower cutting forces, machining times can be comparable to those of thread tapping and forming.

SMIRT 2020.1 includes user-interface updates, support for importing more CAD formats out-of-the-box, and the availability of interfacing with WORKNC for NC users. The long-standing, intuitive user interface of SMIRT has undergone appearance-enhancing changes, including the addition of icons to the view and command bar buttons, which will be familiar to users of other Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Production Software products.

The Dormer Pramet parting-off and grooving assortment as grown with the additions of a new insert, two new geometries, a grade, blades and tool holder. The new 0.98" GL double-edged insert is available in a variety of widths from 0.08" to 0.236". Targeting long-grooving applications, GL supports 60% capacity over the existing LCMF16 insert.

Automakers and parts suppliers know that the value of auto parts adds up quickly. They also know that corrosion throws an unwanted obstacle into the process of making parts and safely delivering them to the customer. Employees must do rework. Customers are unhappy. Shipments are returned. In a worst-case scenario, the goods are a total loss. Cortec’s VpCI-126 top-quality film and bag technology is a welcome relief to avoiding corrosion problems and preserving value in the auto industry.

Creaform announced the release of HandySCAN Aeropack, a 3D scanning solution suite that addresses the specific challenges of aircraft quality control, such as assessing damage from hailstorms or aircraft incidents, as well as flap and spoiler inspections. The HandySCAN Aeropack can also be used for reverse engineering, maintenance and repair operations, and designing hard-to-acquire spare parts.

As part of Hexagon’s philosophy of supporting data-driven smart factories, the latest release of ALPHACAM CAD/CAM software speeds up how jobs that require several processes are managed. A new job type has been introduced in ALPHACAM 2020.1. The new “Multiple Process Jobs” functionality makes it simpler to create jobs and orders in the ALPHACAM Automation Manager for jobs that need to be output to more than one machine or that require secondary processing at the same machine.