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PTC announced that SPG Company has selected PTC’s FlexPLM retail product lifecycle management (PLM) software to update and support its end-to-end product lifecycle operations. With FlexPLM, SPG will replace its existing PLM system with a cloud-based platform intended to support shorter development cycles and more consistent product data.

SPG Company develops licensed apparel and consumer products for manufacturers and product companies, managing design and development through manufacturing and retail distribution. As its portfolio and customer base expanded, the company needed a PLM platform that could support its licensed product business at scale.

Over time, SPG’s legacy PLM system became more complex and customized, which affected performance and scalability. The company faced slow response times, inconsistent data, and workflow bottlenecks that affected downstream teams and extended development timelines. By moving to FlexPLM, SPG plans to improve data accuracy, support cross-functional collaboration, streamline workflows, and shorten product development cycles to better support future growth.

With FlexPLM and the rest of its portfolio, PTC supports its Intelligent Product Lifecycle approach by helping companies build a product data foundation and use that data across the enterprise. With a product data foundation, companies like SPG can also support AI-driven initiatives across their organization. Using product data more broadly can help companies improve product quality, shorten time to market, manage product complexity, and meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

For more information, please visit ptc.com.

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Emesent, a global provider of autonomous mapping technology, has launched the Emesent GX1, an integrated simultaneous localization and mapping and real-time kinematic scanner.

The company said the GX1 delivers 5-10 mm global accuracy for topographic surveying and building and infrastructure construction. Emesent said it can reduce site survey time by as much as 95%, cutting work that previously took weeks to a single day of scanning.

The GX1 is an integrated, all-in-one system that combines lidar, RTK, cameras and software to support a workflow from capture to validated deliverable. It brings SLAM technology used in challenging environments to everyday surveying applications and reduces the tradeoff between mobile scanning speed and survey-grade accuracy for survey firms and the architecture, engineering and construction industry.

Suited for topographic and road surveys, scan-to-BIM workflows, construction progress tracking and other uses, the GX1 is designed to be easy for junior surveyors to learn and deploy within days while meeting the needs of experienced users.

Accuracy survey firms can trust: Emesent says GX1 is a SLAM-based mobile scanning system that delivers 5 mm to 10 mm global accuracy with rapid scanning. The system combines integrated RTK, a client-focused design and Emesent’s SLAM algorithm to support repeatable results.
Backed by Emesent’s SLAM algorithm: Emesent says its SLAM technology, also used in the Hovermap product, was developed and validated in GPS-denied environments, including underground locations. The company says it delivers repeatable accuracy indoors and outdoors across a range of environments.
Flexible georeferencing and deployment: GX1 has four deployment modes: backpack, survey pole, vehicle mount and supported handheld. Emesent says users can georeference with RTK in the field or use ground control points and checkpoints in postprocessing to reduce return visits.

Emesent says the launch comes as survey firms and the AEC industry face a shortage of experienced surveyors and increased demand for faster results without sacrificing quality.

GX1 technical features

Independently validated 5-10 mm global accuracy
Integrated RTK georeferencing with real-time quality monitoring
Four 20-megapixel cameras for 360-degree panoramic imagery
Emesent SLAM algorithm
Four deployment modes: backpack, survey pole, vehicle mount, handheld
Integrated batteries for cable-free operation
Rapid accuracy validation reports in Aura processing software

To learn more about Emesent, please visit emesent.com.

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Keysight Technologies, Inc. announced its new graphics double data rate 7 (GDDR7)transmitter compliance solution, that accelerates validation of Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standards for graphics and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Growing demand for high-performance computing, gaming, and AI platforms is driving memory and GPU vendors to adopt GDDR7, but the transition is creating significant validation challenges. GDDR7’s shift from traditional NRZ to pulse amplitude modulation (PAM3) encoding enables higher bandwidth while reducing channel complexity, but it requires new test approaches to ensure signal integrity and interoperability at ultra-high data rates. Keysight’s GDDR7 transmitter test solution addresses this bottleneck, enabling organizations to validate designs while accelerating time-to-market.

Keysight sets the standard with SNDR measurements that validate PAM3 signaling performance amid crosstalk and complex system challenges, enabling confident high-speed innovation.The Keysight GDDR7 transmitter test solution consists of D9370GDDC software that runs on Keysight’s UXR oscilloscope series and automates debug and characterization of GDDR7 transmitter designs to ensure compliance with JEDEC JESD239 specifications. When paired with the InfiniiMax Ultra Probe Amplifier, 25 GHz, the solution enables accurate PAM3 signal analysis and timing measurements, allowing engineers to validate and optimize high-speed memory transmitter designs for next-generation GPUs and memory devices.

Key benefits of the Keysight GDDR7 compliance test solution include:

Validates PAM3 signaling under real-world conditions: Advanced signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) measurements account for crosstalk, enabling engineers to identify and resolve signal integrity issues.
Reduces validation time and risk: Automated compliance testing eliminates manual setup and configuration while delivering consistent, repeatable measurements across electrical, timing, jitter, and eye diagrams, helping teams achieve JESD239 compliance faster and with fewer errors.
Design with confidence at 48 Gbps: A low noise measurement floor enables accurate jitter, electrical, and timing analysis of PAM3 encoding, empowering customers to validate next-generation high-speed interfaces reliably and meet performance targets faster.

The GDDR7 test solution can be paired with Keysight’s UXR oscilloscope and MX0025A InfiniiMax Ultra Probe Amplifier, 25 GHz for system debug, validation, and characterization.

The new solution will be demonstrated at Keysight’s booth (#1039) at DesignCon 2026, Feb. 24-26.

For more information, visit keysight.com.

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SimuTech Group announced it has been named 2025 Worldwide Channel Partner of the Year at Synopsys’ Simulation and Analysis (S&A) Global Sales Conference.

This award represents the highest recognition within the global channel partner ecosystem, honoring exceptional performance, growth, and strategic partnership across both software and services.

The recognition caps a landmark year for SimuTech Group, marked by record‑breaking results, successful integration following the SimuTech–Ozen Engineering merger, and continued leadership in delivering simulation‑driven innovation.

A year of global recognition and performance excellenceIn addition to being named Worldwide Channel Partner of the Year, SimuTech Group received multiple regional and global honors in 2025 — including awards for Americas Channel Partner of the Year, marketing leadership, new customer acquisition (driven in large part by the legacy Ozen Engineering team), and sales excellence across both regional and worldwide categories.

Together, these recognitions reflect SimuTech Group’s ability to deliver end-to-end value — from enterprise software deployment and advanced simulation consulting to training, enablement, and long-term customer success.

Strategic partnerships powering industry impactSimuTech Group’s 2025 recognition highlights the company’s role in enabling large‑scale, high‑impact engineering programs through deep collaboration with customers and technology partners. At the global sales conference, SimuTech leadership co‑presented alongside Synopsys executives on strategic partnership initiatives, showcasing customer engagements that represent some of the largest and most complex simulation programs in the global channel ecosystem.

Looking ahead to 2026With momentum from a record-setting year and multiple top-tier recognitions, SimuTech Group enters 2026 focused on expanding its global reach, advancing digital engineering capabilities, and helping customers solve increasingly complex engineering challenges through simulation-driven innovation.

For more information, visit simutechgroup.com.

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Sivers Semiconductors announced general availability of its Cloudchaser beamforming chipset and Maverick antenna-array panels for Ka-band SATCOM ground terminals.

Sivers’ Cloudchaser chipset includes the BLUEWAY1721 receive beamforming IC and the STAMPEDE2731/ STAMPEDE2731LP transmit beamforming ICs. Cloudchaser enables electronically-steered antenna systems for ground terminals with support for two simultaneous beams. Multi-beam support enables ‘make-before-break’ and two simultaneous links across satellites, orbits and networks. The transmit beamforming IC is offered in two variants, supporting high and medium output power levels. This feature helps customers optimize their user terminal size, configuration complexity and energy footprint.

To reduce customer design time, Sivers’ is also making available the Maverick (BFM02701 and BFM02702) Ka-band transmit and receive array panels. The Maverick platform integrates the Cloudchaser chipset with antenna arrays in a compact flat-panel design to simplify development of electronically-steered SATCOM terminals.

Sivers Semiconductors will be showcasing these solutions at MWC Barcelona 2026. Visit us at Hall 5, Stand 5E2.

For more information, visit sivers-semiconductors.com.

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ST Engineering iDirect announced a strategic technology partnership with G&S SatCom to deliver a unified approach to network and service management, enabling customers to unlock new service capabilities across existing networks while maximizing the value of their current investments. As part of this partnership, ST Engineering iDirect will integrate the widely adopted G&S SatConnect as a module within its next-generation ground system, Intuition.

This integration allows operators and service providers to centralize network and service management across multi-network, multi-platform, and multi-vendor environments, including third-party systems. A standardized API layer enables Intuition, alongside ST Engineering iDirect’s other platforms, to interoperate with external OSS/BSS systems and third-party applications, simplifying integration and reducing operational complexity as services scale. Integration with ST Engineering iDirect’s existing platforms will roll out throughout 2026, extending Intuition’s single-pane-of-glass experience across all networks.

ST Engineering iDirect will leverage G&S SatConnect to introduce a service management and OSS/BSS layer within Intuition, bridging network operations with service definition, delivery, and lifecycle management. Through a single interface, customers gain a unified operational and commercial platform for network and service management, enabling seamless network configuration, faster service rollouts, and scalable, differentiated satellite services.

The combined capabilities of Intuition’s unified network and service management and G&S SatConnect deliver measurable efficiency and cost benefits by standardizing workflows across network and service operations. This integration provides cross-platform observability and end-to-end operational control, enabling satellite operators and service providers to reduce migration risks, enhance customer experiences, and respond more quickly to changing market demands while minimizing the need for custom development and integration projects.

For more information, visit idirect.net.

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Parsec Automation, LLC announced the release of TrakSYS 14, a major platform update introducing a wide range of new capabilities designed to help manufacturers scale, govern, and extract real-time insight from complex operations—while preserving the performance, security, and reliability required for execution at the edge.

TrakSYS 14 extends the platform with cloud-connected management, embedded AI-powered insights, and new enterprise solution lifecycle tooling, addressing long-standing challenges manufacturers face as MES environments expand across sites, systems, and teams.

Unlike traditional MES upgrades focused on incremental features, TrakSYS 14 represents a deliberate architectural evolution—one that supports modern IT/OT strategies while preserving the flexibility required on the factory floor.

A platform built for scale, governance, and intelligenceAt the core of TrakSYS 14 is deep integration with TrakSYS Cloud, Parsec’s secure SaaS control plane for managing TrakSYS environments. TrakSYS Cloud provides centralized visibility into licenses, system health, and backups—reducing operational overhead while laying the foundation for future cloud-enabled MES capabilities.

TrakSYS 14 also introduces IQ Assistant, the first AI-powered capability embedded directly into the TrakSYS MES experience. IQ Assistant allows users to interact with manufacturing data using natural language—asking questions, investigating performance issues, generating charts and tables, and summarizing findings without navigating complex dashboards or building custom reports.

TrakSYS 14 includes the debut of Solution Studio, enabling manufacturers and system integrators to develop, version, and promote standardized MES solutions across environments while preserving site-specific configuration. This structured approach replaces error-prone copy-and-paste methods with governed lifecycle management—supporting faster rollouts, safer changes, and long-term maintainability.

Additional platform enhancements in TrakSYS 14 include native Sparkplug B over MQTT support for structured IIoT data exchange, containerized services for modern deployment strategies, and cloud-managed repositories that allow teams to reuse containers and AI views across sites.

Enabling the next phase of manufacturing modernizationFor Parsec, TrakSYS 14 reinforces a long-term strategy centered on platform scalability, intelligence, and operational resilience.

AvailabilityTrakSYS 14 is available immediately. New customers deploying TrakSYS 14 receive access to TrakSYS Cloud, with additional capabilities available based on configuration and licensing. Existing customers can upgrade to TrakSYS 14 in accordance with Parsec’s standard release and support policies.

For more information, including detailed release highlights, is available at www.parsec-corp.com/whats-new.

Digital launch eventTo provide a deeper look at TrakSYS 14, Parsec will host a live digital launch event on February 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM PST. Registration is available here.

During the event, Parsec’s product and engineering leaders will walk through the key capabilities introduced in TrakSYS 14, including TrakSYS Cloud, TrakSYS IQ Assistant, and new solution lifecycle tooling in TrakSYS Solution Studio. Attendees will see how these capabilities work together to support scalable, governed, and intelligent MES deployments across multi-site manufacturing environments.

For more information, visit parsec-corp.com.

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This is Engineering Paper, and here’s the latest design and simulation software news.

First, some final updates from 3DExperience World 2026, the Dassault Systèmes user conference that took place earlier this month in Houston, Texas.

We heard (and saw) a lot about AI at the show. You can now read more about the AI features slated for Solidworks in 10 AI tools coming to Solidworks in 2026. There are four bonus AI features in there, too (two may not be ready this year and two are for xDesign).

Here’s one more bonus AI feature, this time for Simulia: Users will be able to set up and run simulations with natural language. Manish Kumar, Solidworks CEO, showed a demo on stage where Leo (one of Dassault’s three virtual companions) was prompted to perform a drop test on a medical device. I’ve been told that capability is targeted for general availability in 2027.

Using Leo to set up a drop test in Simulia. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.)And now let’s say hello to a new engineering software startup, with a very special gimmick: it has nothing to do with AI (yet).

Hello HelloTriangle“Hello World” is the quintessential output for those learning a programming language. HelloTriangle riffs on that cliché for its Python-based 3D modeling and meshing platform.

“You run easy Python code in your browser, and that combines both the parametric geometry immediately with the mesh generation that you need for physics-based simulations,” Peter Mortier, founder and CEO of HelloTriangle, told me.

Mortier previously co-founded a med tech simulation company called FEops, and he was frustrated with what he saw as two bottlenecks in simulation: the repetitive and tedious nature of preparing and processing data, and the inability to share results effectively.

HelloTriange aims to address both. Unlike a typical 3D modeling program with a graphical user interface, HelloTriangle generates mesh geometry purely with Python code. For example, this is the code that generates a triangle:

points = [[0.0, 0.0, 0.0],

[1.0, 0.0, 0.0],

[0.0, 1.0, 0.0]]

elements = [[0, 1, 2]]

triangle_mesh = Mesh(points, elements)

draw(triangle_mesh, name=‘triangle’)

(Image: HelloTriangle.)Naturally, HelloTriangle can also generate more interesting objects, like this example of a hexahedral mesh for a laser cut stent (Mortier’s med tech background pokes through in many of his examples). The Python code for the stent (see link) is readily adjustable, making it easy to change parameters for both the geometry and mesh density.

(Image: HelloTriangle.)“What we do here is we combine geometry creation with meshing in one go,” Mortier said. “So you don’t create your geometry in Solidworks and then go to another meshing tool.”

HelloTriangle doesn’t offer its own simulation solvers, but aims to be solver agnostic, according to Mortier.

“We want to work together with the big solvers, the commonly used ones, LS-Dyna, Ansys, Dassault Systèmes Abaqus, and then when the results are ready, we want to bring them back,” Mortier said. “We are initially focused more on Abaqus, but soon we’ll expand to others.”

Once simulation results come back, HelloTriangle users can easily share them. It’s as simple as sending a link. Recipients can view the interactive 3D geometry and simulation results directly in their browser, no login or subscription required. The Python code is hidden. In the future, HelloTriangle plans to add additional collaboration features like comments, annotations and shared scripts.

“You can now just render in the browser and then share with anyone,” Mortier said. No more screenshots and slide decks.

Using HelloTriangle to define cutting planes. (Image: HelloTriangle.)And now to the AI of it all. You may have already put two and two together on this one—HelloTriangle is a geometry programming language and AI is adept at generating code. Guess what comes next.

“We will soon add an AI copilot on top of it, so you can just write with a human language prompt what you want to do,” Mortier said. “That doesn’t generate the 3D model, it generates the piece of Python code that you still have full control [of] as an engineer.”

Though it’s early days for the startup, Mortier says HelloTriangle already has a handful of customers and has received positive feedback so far. It’s currently priced at €468/year (~US$554/year). If you’re interested in checking it out, there’s a 14-day free trial.

Quick hits* A couple weeks ago I mentioned a survey from Revolution in Simulation (aka Rev-Sim) on AI-based generative design. Rev-Sim since reached out to tell me they had inadvertently gated the survey, but now it’s wide open. You can participate here. * CoreTechnologie has released the latest version of its CAD data converter, 3D_Evolution 4.9. The release adds the ability to convert and compare product manufacturing information across CAD formats. * Never a dull day at Autodesk. The developer is suing Google over the name Flow, which Autodesk uses for its media and entertainment industry cloud and Google uses for its AI video generator.

One last linkFrom Engineering.com senior editor Ian Wright: Is additive good for defense or is it the other way around?

Got news, tips, comments, or complaints? Send them my way: malba@wtwhmedia.com.

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A newly produced Battle Damaged Repair & Fabrication part produced at the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence inside the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. The BDR&F program allows 3D printing technology to produce replacement parts quickly and get military vehicles back into the field faster. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally. (IMAGE: U.S. Army, Kendall Swank)

There’s no question that the two biggest industries for additive manufacturing (AM) are medical devices and aerospace. At this point, the reasons for this are well understood: you can basically sum them up as the platitude that AM works best in high-mix, low-volume applications.

Setting these industries aside, the next most fecund ground for 3D printing technology is found in defense—not just as a subset of aerospace, but as its own sector. Defense applications for AM include naval ships, armored fighting vehicles (AFVs), and small arms, as well as the usual aerospace lot (e.g., drones).

What’s interesting (at least to me) is that many of the above examples are not quite as high-mix, low-volume as one might expect from a typical AM use case. Sure, we’re not building hundreds or even dozens of naval vessels—at least, not yet—but, compared to your average medical or aerospace AM part, the variety is considerably lower. Then there are the applications involving AFVs or firearms, where volumes are significantly higher than in AM’s two primary sectors.

What is it about defense that makes it such a seemingly ripe market for AM growth? 3D Systems recently announced that its aerospace and defense (A&D) business grew over 15% in 2025 and forecasts that this growth will accelerate to over 20% this year.

“Recent U.S. policy developments, including NDAA provisions, provide an additional tailwind that aligns closely with our ongoing domestic investments,” said Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems, in the press release. That’s at the end of a rather long quote, and it almost sounds like an afterthought, but I suspect that it’s actually the most important part.

2026 NDAA blocks AM machine procurement from select countriesIn case you hadn’t heard: Section 880 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for this year prohibits the Department of Defense from operating, procuring, or contracting with companies using “foreign-made additive manufacturing machines.” This prohibition includes software and post-processing equipment, and the countries identified as “foreign” for the purposes of this prohibition are China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Now, to my own (admittedly limited) knowledge, three of those four countries are not home to any major players in the AM industry. That suggests it’s reasonable to conclude that the real target of this provision is China, which has seen prolific growth in 3D printing (technology) and additive manufacturing (industry) in recent years. While the biggest Chinese AM success stories come from desktop makers, such as Bambu Lab and Creality, companies focusing on industrial markets, such as BLT and Farsoon, have also been making considerable headway.

It’s worth noting that there are caveats that allow for the operation and procurement for “foreign” (i.e., Chinese) AM machines, such as “testing, analysis, and training related to intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare” as well as the option for the Secretary of Defense to waive the prohibitions on a case-by-case basis when such operations or procurement are “required in the national interest of the United States.”

Nevertheless, the 2026 NDAA decisively sides against the Chinese AM industry when it comes to the biggest defense sector spender in the world. This would appear to vindicate a hypothesis I’ve been entertaining since last year: the growth in additive manufacturing for defense isn’t because additive is good for the defense sector, but rather because the defense sector is good for the (Western) AM industry.

To put it another way, if you’re an AM supplier based in Europe or North America (or Israel), you might naturally be concerned with how quickly your Chinese competitors are gaining on you, both in terms of market share and technological capabilities.

What better place to concentrate your efforts than in a sector that those competitors are legally barred from entering?

Defense for additive manufacturingAs much enthusiasm as I have for technology, I also tend toward cynicism when it comes to the business side of things. With that in mind, I wanted to get a sanity check on this idea that the growth of AM in defense has more to do with business prospects than technological fit. I sat down with Steve McKee, technical fellow for advanced manufacturing and repair for defense at Wohlers Associates and former director of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

I asked whether he believes AM adoption in defense is being driven by the technology’s capabilities domestically or competition with China, and he said, “I really believe that it’s a combination of both. I think what we’ll continue to see is an acceleration of the evolution of those capabilities in terms of throughput, speed, and material properties across different types of 3D printers and other advanced manufacturing techniques.”

McKee’s mention of other advanced manufacturing techniques reminded me of a point Tali Rosman made in her webinar on additive manufacturing for defense last year about the loss of domestic casting and forging capacity since the turn of the century. That’s obviously had a significant impact on the defense industrial base, but the question is whether AM can fill that void.

“Maybe we need to reimagine the platform and not be so beholden to casting and forging,” McKee said in response. “There may be an alternative approach, and if you look at the current events and conflicts out there, the opportunity that additive manufacturing offers is the idea of reimagining some of our weapon systems.”

More specifically, there’s the question of how a technology as nuanced as 3D printing—especially metal 3D printing—can integrate into military supply chains, particularly when it comes to the necessary technical skills to utilize AM effectively in field deployments.

“You can’t just train somebody by saying, ‘Okay, I want you to hit the green button and print,’ on a 3D printer downrange,” McKee noted. “It’s a lot more complicated than that, and it requires a lot of change management: What are the policies? What’s the doctrine? Where do I position these assets?”

Despite enthusiasm within the industry and its growth within the defense sector, 3D printing as a technology is not a panacea for the manufacturing and supply chain challenges the sector is currently facing. By a similar token, defense ought not to be taken as the easiest or best path forward for the AM industry’s growth. When I asked McKee about the biggest challenges for AM in defense, he cited the importance of cross-border collaboration, something that seems increasingly difficult to achieve these days.

“The timelines and the linear nature by which we’ve set many of these processes up can absolutely be collapsed or flipped on their heads with additive solutions,” he said. “So, we are seeing an acceleration, but the biggest challenge is we’re going to have to become much more imaginative as we look at employing these platforms.

“How can we understand the qualification of some of these parts, as all of the starting materials and equipment and everything else changes? There will be a continued acceleration, and figuring out how to orchestrate that across national boundaries is critically important, because no one’s cornered the market, nor will they on all of that knowledge.”

Whether AM is good for defense or vice versa, it seems likely that the majority of the Western industry’s growth will continue to come from that sector, at least in the near term. What interests me now is whether that means that Western AM suppliers will double down on their efforts to grow in this sector—potentially at the expense of focus on other areas, such as energy or automotive—and whether we’ll see the major Chinese players shift their emphasis to those more open areas, as well as defense applications outside the United States, in response.

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ABB has introduced its Automation Extended program, an update to its distributed control systems (DCS) approach intended to support modernization without interrupting operations. The program describes a phased path for adding new automation capabilities while maintaining existing system functionality and supporting flexibility, scalability and efficiency.

Industrial operators face market shifts, cyber security risks, regulatory requirements and workforce changes. ABB says the program is intended to help add advanced analytics and IoT integration while limiting disruption to production and supporting a range of user skill levels.

Operators can continue using ABB systems such as ABB Ability System 800xA, ABB Ability Symphony Plus and ABB Freelance while introducing new technologies in stages without interrupting operations. This approach supports a structured transition to updated capabilities while maintaining ongoing production.

The Automation Extended program is implemented through an open, modular environment designed to support interoperability, scalability and integration across industrial domains. Based on separation of concerns principles, the automation ecosystem includes two distinct yet securely interconnected environments:

The control environment, a software-defined domain that delivers deterministic control for critical processes.
The digital environment, securely connected to the control layer, that supports advanced applications, edge intelligence and real time analytics. This environment uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for decision support without changing established control structures.

A single automation service approach is applied for lifecycle management and ongoing maintenance across both environments.

By integrating technologies such as an OPC UA backbone and a cloud-native architecture for managing both environments using containerization, orchestration and modular services the ecosystem supports functions including detection of process anomalies, condition-based monitoring of critical assets and modular engineering methods that can be deployed across different hardware platforms. Access to Automation Extended will be enabled through the next releases of ABB Ability System 800xA, ABB Ability Symphony Plus and ABB Freelance process automation systems.

For more information, visit abb.com.

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vA key plank in the Donald Trump election platform was the widespread implementation of tariffs on goods imported into the United States. Historically, tariffs have been a popular strategy to boost domestic employment, but the globalized supply chains over the last 30 years have changed the way most production goods are manufactured. What happens to the cost of US production if critical inputs face tariffs?

A test case may be the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a major commercial aircraft program which was designed from the outset to have a widely distributed supply chain of major assemblies, with Boeing acting as an integrator and final assembler of those components. Special exemptions will likely be built into any tariff policy for American firms building globalized products.

Access all episodes of End of the Line on Engineering TV along with all of our other series.

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The latest updates to GrabCAD Print and GrabCAD Print Pro from Stratasys introduce emissions estimations in addition to making the software available for use on the company’s Neo stereolithography (SLA) platform.

With the expansion of GrabCAD Print to include the Neo platform, the software now supports all five of Stratasys’ core technologies. According to the company, GrabCAD Print Pro for Neo combines a streamlined, user-friendly SLA build preparation with centralized 3D printer management. GrabCAD Print integrates with Neo’s Titanium software for advanced file management, intuitive support generation and print control.

“The availability of GrabCAD across all five Stratasys technologies gives us a significant competitive advantage,” said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys. “Many of our customers use multiple types of printers, and having one software package helps them seamlessly move between technologies. Customers can harness the full potential of 3D printing in modern manufacturing, optimizing workflows according to carbon and cost, and driving operational efficiency to have a more responsible, future-ready approach to production.”

The latest GrabCAD Print Pro release includes emissions estimations that are intended to help customers estimate and optimize the environmental impact of each 3D printing build. New features provide estimates for carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions on both whole-job and individual-part levels, accounting for variables such as print time, power consumption and specific emissions data for customers’ production locations.

The emissions estimations are now available for the company’s FDM printers, with support for other Stratasys technologies planned for the future.

“We’re committed to supporting our customers in their journey toward decarbonization and responsible manufacturing,” said Rosa Coblens, VP for sustainability at Stratasys. “Our GrabCAD Print software, a key element in Stratasys’ holistic portfolio of sustainable solutions, combines hardware, materials, and software to help manufacturers achieve measurable environmental impacts.

“With features like emissions estimation, GrabCAD Print empowers customers to align their production processes with ESG goals, climate action priorities, and data-based decision making for optimized operations.”

Additional enhancements to GrabCAD Print and GrabCAD Print Pro include expanded material support and advanced features for more precise control, specifically the addition of the so-called Split feature, which is designed to enable intricate model preparation, as well as new anchor placement options for Origin DLP printers that are intended to improve accuracy in support structures.

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In 3D printed parts, residual stress buildup can result in cracking, making it a costly error in terms of both time and materials. Despite being a well-known problem in additive manufacturing (AM), residual stress is still poorly understood and often difficult to determine, especially in anisotropic materials. Although there are simplified ways of generating rough estimations of residual stresses in 3D printed parts, simulation remains the key to predicting and compensating for residual stress in additive manufacturing.

How do you calculate residual stress in additive manufacturing?Given the physics involved in fusion-based 3D printing processes, the simplest formula for estimating residual stress would be based on thermal strains and the temperature differential during the cooling phase. For example:

σres = EαΔT

Where:

E= Young’s Modulus (Pa)
α = Coefficient of thermal expansion (1/K)
ΔT = Temperature change, typically the difference between ambient and peak process temperature (K)

Although it may be useful as a first-order approximation, this formula involves a gross oversimplification of the additive process, discounting cyclic heating, localized cooling and the effects of anisotropy, among other factors.

Ideally, what’s needed to estimate residual stress in an AM part is a finite-element-based stress tensor equation, such as the following:

∇⋅σ+ƒ = 0, σ = D : (ε−εthermal)

Where:

∇⋅σ = Divergence of the stress tensor (Pa/m)
ƒ = Body force vector (N/M3)
D = Material stiffness matrix
ε = Total strain tensor
εthermal = Thermal strain tensor

This formula is part of a system of coupled equations used in finite element analysis (FEA) to model thermal, mechanical and phase-change behaviors in 3D printed parts. As such, it requires a detailed knowledge of material properties, boundary conditions and a part’s thermal history.

How is residual stress evaluated in 3D printed parts?There are numerous methods for assessing residual stress in AM parts, both destructive and non-destructive. These include x-ray and neutron diffraction, ultrasonic velocity measurements, magnetoacoustic emissions, hole-drilling, tool-point indentation, crack pliability assessments, layer removal and electron speckle interferometry.

In an experimental context, residual stress can be evaluated using the so-called bridge curvature method. This approach begins with printing a bridge-shaped test part. When separated from the build plate, the internal residual stresses partially relax, causing the specimen to curl at a certain angle. By measuring this curling, engineers and materials scientists can collect information about the residual stresses resulting from a particular combination of additive materials and processes.

What printing parameters affect residual stress?With regard to polymer 3D printing, the crystallization of semi-crystalline polymers strongly depends on temperature and hence on print parameters. For example, increasing nozzle speed can reduce the cooling time between applied layers, which can negatively affect the crystallinity of the polymer and reduce overall tensile strength.

In addition, raster pattern also has a direct impact on part strength, print time and the accumulated stresses that can cause cracking or delamination. Generally, a concentric raster pattern yields the lowest residual stress and hence the lowest deformation. There’s also an inverse relationship between layer thickness, printing speed and the level of residual stresses, i.e., thinner layers and faster speeds tend to increase residual stress.

For these reasons, simulating the process, mechanics and thermal phenomena involved in 3D printing can help engineers optimize both 3D printing time and material usage by identifying regions of a part that may require additional support materials, rounded fillets or 45-degree chamfers.

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One of the UK’s leading 3D printing specialists is targeting a £3M opportunity after launching a new CNC milling tool that will offer manufacturers the best of both worlds.

Rapid Fusion, which employs eight people at its recently opened Exeter R&D center, has created a high-performance electro spindle that will provide precision milling and post-processing of polymer 3D prints.

CNC Machine ToolEight months in gestation, the breakthrough technology will be fitted to future ZEUS 3D robotic systems by the company and will give clients the opportunity to enjoy the speed of additive manufacturing with the precision of subtractive machining – all in one 6-metre x 6-metre cell.

This tool will be ideal for high-quality molds across a range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace and marine applications, where speed to market is increasingly important.

Martin Jewell “This CNC milling tool has the potential to be a real game changer for manufacturers and has been designed in partnership with a number of end users to ensure we deliver exactly what they need,” explained Martin Jewell, R&D director at Rapid Fusion. “3D printing can give unrivalled speed and creates molds near net shape, within 3 to 4mm. Certain applications need even greater precision and this is where you can call in a CNC milling tool to remove the excess material. Going forward, we’ll be able to offer this in one turnkey solution.”

He went on to add: “The advantages are huge. We now know we can deliver repeatable quality, and, on one trial project, we reduced the lead time for a mold tool from six to eight weeks to just five days. That is some saving.

“Our CNC milling tool comes equipped with a tool changer, allowing users to swap between it and the 3D printing pellet extruder on a robot set-up. It can also efficiently handle engineering-grade materials, such as glass and carbon-filled PEI and peek polymers.”

Rapid Fusion, a sister business of 3D printing hardware specialist EVO 3D, is committed to becoming a major player in additive manufacturing platforms – all designed, built and assembled in the UK.

It launched its first bespoke cell, Apollo, earlier this year and this has already received significant interest for its ability to offer faster speeds than existing FDM printers (nearly 200 times quicker).

The company is just a few months away from releasing a second cell that will include the CNC milling tool, with orders already placed by a 3D printing production specialist in the UK and a construction supplier in the EU.

It is estimated that this new technology alone could generate up to £3M of annual revenue and is completely designed, developed and manufactured in the South West.

Martin continued: “Everyone knows the UK is a fantastic breeding ground for ideas and innovation, yet we don’t commercialize enough of the new things we come up with. We’re trying to change this and the CNC milling tool will be an important weapon in our product portfolio for achieving that.

“When integrated into our new robotic platform, clients will be able to tap into the best of additive and subtractive manufacturing in one solution, benefitting from a host of time, cost and operational benefits – not to mention significant environmental savings from using less material and energy.”

Rapid Fusion used the recent Advanced Engineering Show in Birmingham to sign a distribution agreement with CNC World, which will be one of the main agents for the CNC milling tool and the new robotic platform when it is released.

For further information, please visit rapidfusion.co.uk.

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X-FAB Silicon Foundries SE and SMART Photonics have announced a strategic collaboration. This collaboration intends to integrate X-FAB’s silicon photonics platform with SMART Photonics’ InP chiplets using micro-transfer printing (MTP) for heterogeneous integration, enabling new capabilities for datacom and telecom applications.

Rudi De Winter, CEO of X-FAB and Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART PhotonicsInP technology supports modulator bandwidths exceeding 120 GHz, making it the optimal solution for next-generation multi-terabit telecom and datacom standards – pushing transceiver speeds far into the terabit realm. In contrast, market leading silicon photonics technologies hit a performance ceiling at around 70 GHz. The collaboration aims to deliver scalable, high-volume solutions that combine the best of both technologies.

By co-optimizing silicon photonics, InP, and MTP technologies to fulfill customer requirements, the collaboration will enable new functionalities and improved system performance while reducing integration costs through relaxed photonics packaging requirements. The MTP technology, licensed from X-Celeprint, enables a broad degree of freedom for the system and product designers, by providing flexible integration of various material system chiplets into the product design.

Johan Feenstra, CEO of SMART Photonics, explains: “I am very pleased that we were able to establish a strategic collaboration with X-FAB to unite the strengths of our platforms through world-class heterogeneous integration. As the demand for integrated photonics rapidly increases, thanks to the growth of AI and data transfer, our joint solutions will enable much faster data rates while reducing overall power consumption, and therefore the environmental footprint.”

Rudi De Winter, CEO of X-FAB, adds: “Through heterogeneous integration, we are combining the best of the InP and silicon photonics worlds. This will allow our customers to develop innovative solutions addressing the societal challenges of our times such as decarbonization. It is also a great opportunity to build a strong European value chain.”

This collaboration builds upon the PhotonixFAB EU funding project, which aims to provide a path to scalable high-volume manufacturing for SOI and SiN silicon photonics, MTP-ready InP chiplets and micro-transfer printing of chiplets.

X-FAB and SMART Photonics recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their collaboration. The aim is to support lead customers with industrial prototyping by 2026, with risk production readiness by 2027. Early customer engagements can be supported within the ongoing PhotonixFAB project framework.

For more information, visit xfab.com.

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PLANO, TX, Nov 15, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced it has expanded its collaboration with Microsoft to make its cloud-enabled NX X software for product engineering available through Microsoft’s cloud and AI platform Azure and integrating it with generative AI and copilot features.

Copilot functionality supporting an engineer in the creation of a materials report using the Visual Report functionality in NX X using natural language interaction.Siemens will deliver NX X software on Azure, so organizations can benefit from Microsoft’s responsible AI tools and access to enterprise-grade security combined with Siemens’ leading product engineering software. This follows the announcement earlier this year of Siemens’ Teamcenter X software for product lifecycle management (PLM) being made available on Azure.

“Our customers are continuing to ask Siemens to bring our industry leading industrial software to Azure,” said Bob Haubrock, senior vice president, Product Engineering Software, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “Our relationship with Microsoft is now more than 35 years and we are pleased, once again, to expand this collaboration so we can best enable our customers to digitally transform through our joint solutions. Building on the success we are seeing with delivery of Teamcenter X on Azure, we’re now expanding to also bring our industry leading NX X product engineering software to the Azure platform.”

Delivering NX X through AzureA cornerstone of the Siemens Xcelerator as a Service cloud-based portfolio of industry software, NX X delivers industry leading product engineering capabilities as-a-service for advanced 3D product engineering, enabling customers to free up resources, so they can scale and focus on innovation. NX X delivers centralized cloud license management, configuration, and provision of capability while simplifying IT requirements. NX X seamlessly integrates with Azure Cloud Services, giving organizations the flexibility to either install NX X directly on desktops or access it through virtual desktop solutions, including Azure Virtual Desktop, when needed – maximizing flexibility for distributed teams and enabling them to work efficiently from any location. Through multi-session hosting and GPU partitioning as offered on Azure, NX X on Azure becomes even more cost effective.

Copilot functionality automating 3D modeling based edits to a component in NX X using simple selections and natural language inputs.Enhancing NX X with AIUnveiled in advance of Microsoft Ignite 2024 and part of the Siemens Industrial Copilot ecosystem, Siemens’ NX software for product engineering will leverage the power of Phi-3, part of Microsoft’s family of small language models, to enable users to ask natural language questions, access detailed technical insights and streamline complex design tasks for faster and smarter product development. Additionally, with advanced capabilities like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Domain Specific Language (DSL), the adapted AI model enables users to ask natural language questions, access detailed technical insights and streamline complex design tasks for faster and smarter product development.

The new NX X AI capability builds on the robust foundation of AI functionality in NX X by recommending solutions based on best practices, generating code to automate design tasks, and finding problem areas, all driven with natural, human-like interaction. Not only does this reduce errors and rework, but it also significantly cuts design time by learning from the user and automating repetitive tasks.

“Microsoft is pleased to expand our long-standing collaboration with Siemens, underscoring AI’s role in driving innovation, operational efficiency, and digital transformation in the industrial sector,” said Satish Thomas, corporate vice president, Business & Industry Solutions, Microsoft. “Through the availability of Siemens’ NX X software on Azure and the integration of its adapted AI model, powered by Microsoft Phi-3, into their copilot, Siemens and Microsoft are equipping engineers with cloud-based AI solutions to simplify complex challenges and drive productivity.”

Siemens Xcelerator enables companies to create the most comprehensive digital twin, and this process often begins with NX X. NX X seamlessly integrates with solutions across the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, from concept to design to simulation and manufacturing, across disciplines and managed by Teamcenter X. Through the ongoing collaboration between Siemens and Microsoft, NX X adds robust automation and knowledge to the design stage, resulting in a better digital twin with fewer errors in less time than ever before.

NX X on Azure will be available on the Microsoft Azure marketplace.

For more information, visit sw.siemens.com.

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PLANO, TX, Nov 15, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced the latest advancement in its electronic systems design portfolio. The next generation release takes an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, bringing together Xpedition software, Hyperlynx software and PADS Professional software into a unified user experience that delivers cloud connectivity and AI capabilities to push the boundaries of innovation in electronic systems design.

With a focus on a modern user experience, the next generation release of Xpedition is designed to simplify complex PCB design processes, reduce learning curves, and accelerate time-to-productivity. The enhanced, AI-assisted, user experience emphasizes ease-of-use and unification, enabling engineers to work more efficiently and achieve faster results.The challenges of engineering talent shortages, supply chain uncertainties and the increasing complexity of designs in the electronic systems design industry have impacted engineers and the development ecosystem, hindering their ability to meet the demands of modern electronics development.

Siemens’ next-generation electronic systems design solution aims to address these challenges head-on by delivering an intuitive, AI-enhanced, cloud-connected, integrated and secure solution to empower engineers and organizations in this dynamic environment.

“We are thrilled to announce the release of our next-generation electronic systems design solution, tailored to meet the critical needs of today’s electronics engineers and the wider engineering community,” said AJ Incorvaia, senior vice president, Electronic Board Systems, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “This release represents our most thoroughly vetted solution to date, incorporating feedback from hundreds of participants. By unifying the Xpedition, HyperLynx, and PADS Pro environments and infusing this with AI, our customers will be ready to tackle their challenges head-on.”

Focused on providing highly intuitive tools to overcome talent shortages and enable engineers to quickly adapt with minimal learning curves, the next generation toolset adds predictive engineering and new support assistance using AI, enhancing engineers’ capabilities, streamlining, and optimizing their workflows. Cloud connectivity will facilitate collaboration across the value chain and provide access to specialized services and resources, enabling engineers to rapidly adapt to changing requirements, supply chain insights and easier collaboration with stakeholders, regardless of location.

An integrated and multidisciplinary approach is vital for maximizing efficiency and productivity. Siemens’ next-generation solution will facilitate the seamless flow of data and information throughout the product lifecycle using digital threads. This integration fosters collaboration, informed decision-making, and optimized designs.

One of the standout features of the next generation of HyperLynx is its new, modern user experience. Shared by all Xpedition and HyperLynx products, the next generation of electronic systems design dramatically increases productivity and makes HyperLynx analysis available to a wider group of designers.“We are delighted to have collaborated with Siemens, providing feedback as an active user as they have developed this next-generation toolset,” said Tom Pitchforth, vice president of Electronics Engineering at Leonardo. “Siemens has been a critical partner for us for over 20 years, and it is essential that our toolset providers align with our future needs, particularly in a rapidly changing and complex landscape. Our primary goals in leveraging the new toolset capabilities include strategic objectives, such as enabling organizational flexibility, and tactical objectives, such as achieving rapid time-to-productivity.

The next generation software also brings enhanced integration with Siemens’ Teamcenter® software for product lifecycle management and NX software for product engineering, allowing for multi-BOM support and tighter collaboration between ECAD and MCAD domains. To prioritize security, it offers rigid data access restrictions that can be configured and geo-located, while adhering to the strictest industry protocols. Siemens maintains partnerships with industry-leading cloud providers to ensure robust security measures. The solution also includes design and verification requirements management for model-based systems engineering support.

Siemens’ next-generation electronic systems design solution, including Xpedition NG software and HyperLynx NG software are now available, and PADS Pro NG software will be available in the second quarter of 2025.

To learn more about Electronic Systems Design software from Siemens, visit eda.sw.siemens.com/en-US/pcb/.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Nov 15, 2024 – Toybox Labs has introduced two new 3D printers for young creators: the Alpha Two and Comet. Building on the success of the original Toybox which allows anyone to print with just one click, these new models offer improved features and capabilities, while also introducing updates to the Toybox app and Creator Space for more power, flexibility, and accessibility for creators of all ages.

The Alpha Two model, starting at $249 this Holiday Season, delivers the same ease-of-use that Toybox is known for but with upgrades for enhanced durability, reliability, precision, connectivity and ease of use. It is ideal for compact, everyday use, making it perfect for kids and families exploring 3D printing. Comet, available for pre-order at $349, is Toybox’s most powerful and largest model, offering over 7x the print volume for bigger and more ambitious projects. Built with modularity in mind, Comet is ready for soon-to-be-announced hardware upgrades, providing creators with flexibility for future creative possibilities.

These printers pair perfectly with the enhanced Toybox Creator Space platform, which now includes new tools and multi-printer support. Users can now manage multiple printers simultaneously, making the platform more versatile for educational and creative spaces. The Creator Space has also been upgraded to offer an advanced design feature, allowing kids and family members to CAD, giving young creators more control of creation, design and possibilities for customization.

For more information, visit toybox.com.

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VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Nov 15, 2024 – Dassault Systèmes announced that Volvo Cars has chosen to deploy Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform within its engineering processes for vehicle development.

With an automotive industry constantly evolving toward electric, connected and autonomous mobility, companies must be able to accelerate the launch of advanced solutions. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform helps automotive manufacturers streamline enterprise-wide collaboration and deliver data-driven approaches to manage complexity in the electric vehicle market. They can share real-time information with multiple teams worldwide, and build up their revenue pipeline by reducing engineering time, lead time and costs, maximizing the reuse of parts, increasing product quality, and overcoming regulation challenges.

Copyright © Volvo Car Corp.Volvo Cars, which was already using Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA applications, chose to strengthen the role of Dassault Systèmes as its partner to complete its mission to be a fully electric automotive company. The automaker can benefit from a seamless migration of its data from CATIA applications and third-party solutions, to one scalable virtual platform that facilitates collaborative vehicle design and development.

Engineers at Volvo Cars will rely on multiple Dassault Systèmes industry solution experiences based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to improve quality, part reuse, issue management, the test and validation cycle, requirements and traceability. These solutions include: “Efficient Multi-Energy Platform,” “Global Modular Architecture,” “Smart, Safe & Connected” and “Sustainable Multi-functional Vehicle.”

“Automakers are under pressure to deliver new products and functions quickly and cost-effectively. Volvo Cars excels in developing unique vehicle experiences. In order to build these best-in-class experiences, their engineers need advanced technology solutions, including the ability to combine the development of hardware and software together. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will provide this,” said Laurence Montanari, vice president, Transportation & Mobility Industry, Dassault Systèmes.

For more information, visit 3ds.com.

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HUNTSVILLE, AL, Nov 15, 2024 – Hexagon announced the launch of HxGN Alix, an AI-powered assistant specifically designed to unlock greater insights and faster access to information for heavy asset industries and industrial enterprises.

HxGN Alix is the latest addition to Hexagon’s portfolio of AI technologies, empowering enterprises to enhance operational efficiency, safety and resilience through real-time data insights and predictive analytics. The AI assistant seamlessly integrates with Hexagon’s comprehensive Digital Backbone, which connects data, workflow processes and information systems across industrial facilities.

HxGN Alix is available in the latest release of HxGN EAM, with future availability across the Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division portfolio to come in 2025.

Asset-heavy industries, along with enterprises with complex, globally dispersed operations and supply chains, are grappling with several challenges, including replacing aging physical assets and infrastructure; modernizing legacy processes and systems to enable more digitally connected, AI-powered capabilities to make physical assets smarter, more resilient and sustainable; and protecting against cybersecurity threats that could cripple entire supply chains. To date, the deployment of AI solutions at scale has been hindered by communication gaps between stakeholders and technical teams, infrastructure limitations and change management hurdles.

With robust data security protocols and an emphasis on data accuracy, HxGN Alix minimizes your risk exposure while delivering accurate, high-performance results.

Easily accessible from within Hexagon solutions, HxGN Alix serves as an intelligent advisory system, offering personalized, dependable support comparable to human expertise while acting as a key player in breaking down information silos.

“HxGN Alix represents a significant leap forward in how industrial enterprises manage and optimize their assets,” said Javier Buzzalino, senior vice president solution development, Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division. “By embedding AI-driven insights into daily operations, we’re empowering organizations to predict and prevent issues before they arise, enhance worker productivity, and ultimately, make industrial facilities safer and more efficient. HxGN Alix exemplifies Hexagon’s commitment to delivering pragmatic, data-secure solutions that address the evolving needs of our customers in asset-heavy industries.”

As the industrial sector looks for ways to build more resilient and sustainable operations, Hexagon has positioned itself as a trusted partner to implement AI-led, digital transformation projects. From energy companies managing asset lifecycles to construction firms improving operational efficiencies, Hexagon offers the cutting-edge technology needed to thrive in complex, globally dispersed environments.

For more information, visit hexagon.com. 

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PITTSBURGH, PA, Nov 15, 2024 – Vertiv is collaborating with Ansys to digitally transform its design of data center cooling systems. Ansys digital engineering technology will help Vertiv improve scalability, enable early decision-making, and empower sales teams to swiftly provide customer quotes, reducing their go-to-market timelines.

Heat exchanger (HX) coils are key to the operation of data center thermal management systems; they efficiently transfer heat away from hardware and are highly customizable. However, HX coils are challenging and time-consuming to design given the complexity of the multiphysics and design expertise involved. With Ansys technology, Vertiv’s engineering team can reduce development time and create predictively accurate, reliable designs.

Specifically, Minerva enables experts and non-experts to build and publish web applications to search for designs or generate new ones that meet customer requirements. This accessibility eliminates the designer-to-engineer handoff that causes time delays. With the AI-enhanced optimization framework of optiSLang, Vertiv can reduce material usage and lower costs by rapidly simulating ideal design configurations without having to iterate on physical prototypes.

“Ansys’ industry-leading simulation solutions will help drive Vertiv’s business model as we design solutions for the future,” said Steve Blackwell, vice president of engineering at Vertiv. “Our mission is to revolutionize the way the world conceptualizes and develops data centers — from cooling and power technologies through implementing AI in the design of the data center itself. With Ansys, we will more quickly meet critical milestones that will help us deliver the most optimal infrastructure to support our customers’ AI-based projects with energy-efficient and reliable future-forward designs.”

Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions for applications ranging from traditional data centers to next generation “AI factories” with the power of the NVIDIA Blackwell platform.

“Data centers need the right tools to effectively maintain their hardware, so they can keep up with the AI boom,” said Walt Hearn, senior vice president of worldwide sales and customer excellence at Ansys. “Vertiv is an industry leader in this domain, and their deep understanding of the needs of AI-enabled infrastructure allows them to develop both customized and turnkey solutions, enabling all customers to get the most value from their AI projects. By implementing Ansys solutions across R&D, Vertiv will improve productivity, reduce design time, and save considerable costs.”

For more information, visit ansys.com.

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UNION, NJ and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov 15, 2024 – Black Buffalo 3D and AM Unique–by Namthaja–have partnered to develop concrete projects in the middle east and execute them using 3D printing technology. Black Buffalo 3D (BB3D) will add its concrete 3D printers (NEXCON) to AM Unique’s fleet, while AM Unique will leverage its expertise in design and 3D printing residential, commercial, and industrial structures as an efficient alternative to traditional building methods.

Mr. Jourdan Younis, Senior Advisor Presidio Invest-Black Buffalo 3D MENA Region Partner-and Mr. Yousef Alsughayir-CEO of AM Unique and Co-Founder of Namthaja-signing MOU documents for collaboration for using Black Buffalo 3D construction technology-printers, materials, and processes-for projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.“Black Buffalo 3D works diligently to partner with companies that have the capabilities needed to bring new technology to the forefront of construction,” said Mike Miceli, CEO of Black Buffalo 3D. “After partnering with Saudi Readymix to localize our construction materials for Saudi Arabia, we began searching for a company that could use our 3D printing technology to the fullest extent possible. AM Unique quickly became our first choice, with its vast experience in additive manufacturing and its ability to complete projects that showcase both form and function. We look forward to training its construction team and beginning our collaboration on projects in Saudi Arabia.”

Black Buffalo 3D’s NEXCON gantry 3D construction printer and a print showing the ability to build unique structural shapes on demand.Black Buffalo 3D became the first company in the world to meet ICC-ES AC509 criteria for 3D printing of structural concrete walls after years of investment and testing its machines, materials, and wall assemblies. This internationally-recognized building criteria is accepted in more than 55 countries, and additional regions model their local building codes after it. BB3D’s NEXCON printer and its proprietary materials were also the first in the world to print owner-occupied homes that relied on the printed shell as the load-bearing element supporting the roof, without needing additional vertical reinforcement or grout fill. The company plans to immediately regionalize its proprietary materials and work with AM Unique and its existing partner Saudi Readymix on regionalizing their technology and methods of construction.

“Black Buffalo 3D was introduced through a trusted partner. We have dedicated significant efforts to evaluate and identify key players in 3D construction to support the scaling of this technology within our country. Black Buffalo 3D’s approach to testing and promoting repeatable processes for building made them one of our top choices,” said Yousef Alsughayir, CEO of AM Unique.

The partnership between AM Unique and Black Buffalo 3D is focused on execution of large-scale building and construction projects. Structural 3D printing offers a safer, more sustainable, and efficient building method over traditional. This partnership will emphasize the potential of 3D construction printing, focusing on residences, buildings, and industrial projects that elevate form and function from the ground up.

For more information, visit bb3d.io.

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ROCK HILL, SC, Nov 15, 2024 – 3D Systems announced Sauber Motorsports, a Swiss motorsport engineering company, has selected 3D Systems’ latest polymer 3D printing technologies to accelerate innovation. Sauber intends to add 10 3D Systems 3D printers — eight SLA 750 Dual and two PSLA 270 — to its manufacturing workflow. The combination of these industry-leading technologies along with 3D Systems’ Accura Composite PIV, Accura Xtreme, and Figure 4 ceramic-filled materials will increase Sauber’s production capacity for wind tunnel parts: enabling the team to maintain its position as a leading competitor.

3D Systems’ SLA 750 Dual is recognized as the fastest Stereolithography (SLA) solution available. The platform is designed to deliver the industry-leading combination of print size, speed, accuracy, and resolution for final parts that possess unmatched finish and mechanical performance. The two-laser configuration of this printer delivers increased throughput in a smaller footprint, delivering a higher return to Sauber on its investment. The PSLA 270 is a high speed, projector-based SLA additive manufacturing solution that efficiently delivers high quality parts with the most stable mechanical properties. This compact, cost-efficient, versatile mid-frame 3D printing solution delivers unrivalled accuracy, and first article success expected from SLA, with the speed, and material portfolio of 3D Systems’ Figure 4 projector-based technology. Sauber is the first Formula 1 team to incorporate the recently released PSLA technology to deliver the flexibility needed to execute quick, time-sensitive changes to wind tunnel parts.

“As a race team, Sauber is driven by its desire to win and we want to work with the latest and most innovative technologies,” said Marco Gehrig, head of mechanical & AM production, Sauber Group. “3D Systems is recognized as a pioneer in additive manufacturing, and the inventor of SLA. The benchmarks conducted on the SLA 750 yielded parts with better surface quality and required less post-processing than the current machines in use. Our team is looking forward to using the industry’s most advanced SLA technology available to increase our production speed, quality and flexibility for wind tunnel parts, and accelerating our speed to track.”

“3D Systems not only invented Stereolithography, but the company has also continued to invest in the portfolio, bringing to market additional platforms based on this technology,” said Elvis Perez, SVP, global ISG sales, 3D Systems. “Our continued R&D investment is critical to meet our customers’ evolving needs and helping them maintain their position as industry leaders. 3D Systems has a long-standing partnership with Sauber spanning nearly two decades, and our relationship as well as our technology portfolio have evolved over this time. I’m looking forward to continuing our journey with the Sauber team to push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsports through the power of additive manufacturing.”

According to a report from Markets and Markets, the automotive 3D printing market size was estimated at $2.9 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to 7.9 billion by 2027.1 3D Systems has decades of experience with top racing teams providing applications expertise alongside its portfolio of leading polymer and metal 3D printing technologies, materials, and software to help build, test, and iterate more efficiently, accelerating speed to track.

For more information, visit 3dsystems.com.

1 Markets and Markets, “Automotive 3D Printing Market by Vehicle Type (ICE & Electric Vehicles), Offering (Hardware & Software), Component Materials (Metals, Plastics, Resin & Composites), Technology (SLA, SLS, EBM, FDM, LOM 3DIP), Application, & Region – Global Forecast to 2927”, July 2022.

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UK-based Rapid Fusion, which specializes in large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) of polymer components has announced the release of a new CNC milling tool with the aim of bridging the gap between additive and subtractive manufacturing.

According to the company, the new high-performance electro spindle was designed for precision milling and post-processing of polymer 3D printed parts. It’s made to integrate with Rapid Fusion’s ZEUS 3D robotic systems, which have a 6m by 6m (19.7ft x 19.7ft) footprint.

The company is aiming for £3M in sales with the new tool, targeting the automotive, aerospace and marine industries.

“This CNC milling tool has the potential to be a real game changer for manufacturers and has been designed in partnership with a number of end users to ensure we deliver exactly what they need,” said Martin Jewell, R&D director at Rapid Fusion in a press release.

Jewell says Rapid Fusion’s 3D printing technology can produce polymer molds on its own to near net shape, within 3-4mm. The CNC milling tool is intended for applications requiring greater precision. “We now know we can deliver repeatable quality, and, on one trial project, we reduced the lead time for a mold tool from six to eight weeks to just five days,” he said in the same release.

The CNC milling tool can be swapped out for the company’s 3D printing pellet extruder, which can process glass- and carbon-filled PEI and PEEK polymers. Rapid Fusion is a sister business of EVO 3D and is endeavoring to expand additive manufacturing in the UK.

“Everyone knows the UK is a fantastic breeding ground for ideas and innovation, yet we don’t commercialize enough of the new things we come up with,” Jewell said. “We’re trying to change this and the CNC milling tool will be an important weapon in our product portfolio for achieving that.

“When integrated into our new robotic platform, clients will be able to tap into the best of additive and subtractive manufacturing in one solution, benefitting from a host of time, cost and operational benefits – not to mention significant environmental savings from using less material and energy.”

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IIoT initiatives can go a long way in enhancing the results of a manufacturer’s continuous improvement programs by enhancing real-time control and automation of manufacturing processes. This is achieved by providing an integrated, data-driven approach to operations that connects sensors, machines and devices to systems such as MES, PLM and ERP, among others.

As we’ve learned in this series of articles, IIoT involves the deployment of sensors and smart devices on machines and equipment throughout a manufacturing facility. These sensors continuously collect data such as temperature, pressure, speed, vibration, humidity and other critical performance metrics. This constant stream of real-time data allows operators to monitor machine health, detect performance deviations and measure production parameters instantly.

For example, a temperature sensor on an industrial oven can continuously monitor the baking process and relay that information to a central control system, allowing operators to adjust on the fly if the temperature deviates from the ideal range.

One of the key advantages of such a system in manufacturing is predictive maintenance. The real-time data from sensors not only help manufacturer predict when a machine or component is likely to fail before it breaks down, it helps develop a timeline of machine health to aid in long-term production scheduling. This is possible through techniques like vibration analysis, acoustic monitoring and thermal imaging, which detect signs of wear or malfunction.

By identifying potential issues early, manufacturers can perform maintenance only when needed—reducing unnecessary downtime and costly emergency repairs. This predictive capability enhances the automation of maintenance schedules, allowing for smoother, more continuous production runs.

The value of an IIoT regime isn’t limited to maintenance. When done properly, it enhances the automation of decision-making by integrating advanced data analytics with machine control systems. As data is collected in real time, algorithms analyze this information and automatically adjust equipment settings, production schedules or supply chain logistics.

For example, if a sensor detects a drop in the pressure of a hydraulic system, an IIoT-powered control system can automatically adjust the pressure to maintain optimal performance without human intervention, while signalling operators to warn them of a potential problem. This reduces human error, ensures consistent quality and increases the efficiency of manufacturing processes.

Integrating machines and systemsIIoT enables interconnectivity between different machines, production lines and even links multiple factories or plants. This integration creates seamless communication between devices and systems, enabling data to flow between them in real time. As a result, manufacturers can coordinate complicated operations across the entire production process, from raw material handling to final product assembly.

If a machine on one production line detects a fault and stops, IIoT can signal other parts of the system to adjust, switch tasks or even reroute resources to prevent bottlenecks or downtime elsewhere in the system.

Enhanced supply chain visibility and automationThe follow-on to this is that manufacturers gain real-time insights into their supply chain operations. By integrating data from inventory systems, suppliers and logistics providers, manufacturers can track raw materials, monitor stock levels and predict demand fluctuations. This improves dynamic scheduling and just-in-time production, ensuring that materials are available when needed and avoiding overproduction or stockouts.

IIoT can also help automate inventory management through systems that track and reorder supplies autonomously, reducing manual inputs and the risk of human error.

Energy and resource optimizationUsing these systems, manufacturers can continuously monitor energy consumption and resource utilization in real time. Data on electricity use, water consumption, air pressure, and other utilities, help identify inefficiencies and optimize resource allocation.

For example, by tracking the energy usage of different machines and automatically adjusting power consumption, engineers can ensure equipment is operating at peak efficiency, reducing waste and operational costs. Smart systems can also suggest or adjust energy consumption during idle times or change temperature settings in response to production demands.

Real-time quality controlJust like many other aspects of manufacturing, IIoT can help turn quality control processes from reactive to proactive in real-time. Monitoring production parameters like temperature, speed, material composition and other factors during manufacturing, allows manufacturers to detect deviations that could eventually lead to quality defects.

Sensors would measure the consistency of materials or operations like material removal in machining, detect faults in real time and automatically adjust the production line to correct these issues before defects occur, ensuring products meet the required specifications.

Improved worker safetyIIoT can also enhance worker safety by automating dangerous tasks and monitoring environmental conditions in real time. These systems detect hazardous conditions such as toxic gases or abnormal machine vibrations, alerting workers to potential dangers. In more automated setups, IIoT allows for robots and machines to take over high-risk tasks, minimizing human exposure to dangerous environments.

In addition, IIoT-enabled wearables, such as safety vests or helmets with sensors, track workers’ vital signs and environmental conditions, ensuring their safety by triggering alarms or alerts if any dangerous situations arise.

The benefits significantly enhance real-time control and automation in manufacturing by enabling continuous monitoring, automated decision-making, predictive maintenance, and real-time optimization. Integrating data across machines, systems and supply chains makes manufacturing processes more intelligent, efficient and adaptable. By driving automation, improving quality control, reducing costs, and increasing productivity, IIoT is helping manufacturers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.

Feedback loopsData feedback loops are a critical concept in optimizing and adjusting processes dynamically, especially in the context of manufacturing. These loops involve continuously collecting data from various systems, processing it to generate insights and then using that information to manage the process. The objective is to maintain efficiency, improve quality, reduce waste and adapt to changing conditions.

The first step in a data feedback loop is the collection of real-time data. We have already learned this data can come from a variety of sensors on machinery, production equipment, supply chain systems, environmental sensors or even wearable devices used by workers.

Once data is collected, it’s sent to a central system where it is processed and analyzed. This may involve simple statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms or deep AI-driven analytics. For processes that require immediate adjustments, data is processed instantly at the edge, allowing for quick decision-making.

Some feedback loops use historical data and predictive algorithms to anticipate problems before they occur. A predictive maintenance system can use data on vibration levels and temperature changes to predict when a machine is likely to fail. Advanced analytics can identify patterns or trends in the data, such as recurring defects or inefficiencies. These insights allow companies to target specific areas for improvement.

Decision-making and adjustmentBased on the analysis, decisions are made on how to adjust or optimize the process in real-time. These adjustments can be made by human operators or automated control systems that directly change operational parameters without human intervention.

In an automated system, once a problem is detected or an optimization is identified, the system can adjust itself. For example, if a temperature sensor on a furnace shows that the temperature is too high, the control system can automatically reduce the heat. Similarly, in a factory, a machine might speed up or slow down based on real-time demand or product quality measurements.

In some cases, a feedback loop will alert a human operator about an issue, but the operator will make the decision on how to proceed, such as when a sensor detects a quality issue with a product.

The key advantage of data feedback loops is their ability to drive process optimization continuously. Over time—as the system collects more data—it improves its ability to make more accurate predictions, identify inefficiencies and adjust processes more effectively.

At a glance: a feedback loop in manufacturingTo explore the basic concept of data feedback loops in manufacturing, consider a smart factory scenario with a robotic assembly line, as described below:

Data Collection: Robots on the assembly line are equipped with sensors to monitor the position, speed, and performance of each part as it moves through the production process.

Data Processing: As the sensors collect data on each part, this information is fed into an analytics platform. The system compares the real-time data with pre-set performance targets, such as the desired part speed, quality standards, and cycle times.

Decision-Making and Adjustment: If the system detects that a part is not being assembled correctly (e.g., an incorrect part placement or missing component), the feedback loop triggers an automatic adjustment, such as slowing down the robot or stopping the line for a quality check. Alternatively, if the system notices that parts are moving too slowly, it can increase the robot speed to meet production goals.

Optimization: As the system continues to gather data and make adjustments, it identifies trends and optimizes the process. For example, it might recognize that certain parts are consistently experiencing defects and automatically adjust the settings to improve alignment or material flow.

Data feedback loops are particularly valuable because they provide real-time adaptability. Manufacturing environments are dynamic, and changes in demand, raw materials, or equipment conditions can occur quickly. A well-designed feedback loop ensures that the system can respond immediately to these changes, keeping production smooth and efficient.

Closing the loopOnce adjustments are made, the feedback loop continues by monitoring the results of those changes and further refining the process. If the adjustment improves performance, the loop continues to operate as usual. If it causes a problem or doesn’t improve performance, the loop learns from that data, adjusting its predictions and recommendations.

By enabling real-time data collection, analysis and automated adjustments, IIoT systems give manufacturers the information required to use feedback loops in a more nuanced, targeted manner to continuously improve performance, maintain high levels of quality, and adapt to changing conditions.

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There are some technologies that always seem to be just over the horizon without ever coming closer: fully capable humanoid robots, widely available autonomous vehicles, general artificial intelligence and, of course, fusion power.

The biggest recent development on that last one is probably the 2022 experiment at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) which saw a successful fusion ignition, but the scientists and engineers working at LLNL aren’t content to stop there.

“Now that we have achieved and repeated fusion ignition,” said Tammy Ma, lead for LLNL’s inertial fusion energy institutional initiative, in a press release, “the Lab is rapidly applying our decades of know-how into solving the core physics and engineering challenges that come with the monumental task of building the fusion ecosystem necessary for a laser fusion power plant. The mass production of ignition-grade targets is one of these, and cutting-edge 3D printing could help get us there.”

The ignition targets Ma refers to are nearly perfect spheres of hollow diamond encasing deuterium and tritium (DT) fusion fuel. These are suspended inside a hohlraum: a cavity with walls in radiative equilibrium with the radiant energy within the cavity. Under exposure to intense laser energy, these hydrogen isotopes fuse and, ideally, produce more energy than needed to start the reaction.

Unfortunately, these targets take months to manufacture, while a functioning fusion energy power plant would require nearly one million targets per day, igniting at a rate of ten times a second. The physical reaction would be similar to the ignition already achieved at LLNL, but the production of targets requires a fundamentally new approach that can work at scale.

Enter 3D printing, with a new LLNL project focusing on constructing a workflow to design, fabricate, characterize and field fully 3D-printed fuel capsules. The project is also developing a first-of-its-kind dual-wavelength, two-photon polymerization (DW-2PP) approach to meet the stringent engineering demands of ignition targets.

“We are focusing on a specific type of wetted-foam capsule, in which liquid DT can be wicked into a uniform foam layer on the inside of the spherical capsule by capillary action,” said Xiaoxing Xia, co-principal investigator and a staff scientist at LLNL. “The current DT ice layering process takes up to a week to complete with extreme meticulousness. It’s possible that 3D printing is the only tool for this kind of complex geometry at scale.”

If successful, this project could address critical bottlenecks towards 3D printing ignition capsules in their entirety.

“Our DW-2PP printer uses two light sources with different wavelengths to selectively print different materials with sub-micron resolution,” explained co-principal investigator James Oakdale in the same press release. “This novel capability gives us exquisite control over the spatial chemistry and densities within both the capsule and inner foam material, which allows us to respond quickly to bespoke or one-off capsule designs.”

According to LLNL, the work is already showing promise, with 3D printed targets successfully used during two fusion experiments in 2024 and more expected in the year ahead.

Could 2025 finally be the year we achieve fusion power?

Probably not, but at least we’re still making progress.

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Augmented reality (AR) technology gives the real world some virtual spice, and it’s getting hotter.

If you’ve bought a phone or tablet in the last few years, there’s a good chance it includes a lidar sensor to support AR applications. You may have partaken in some AR games—Pokémon Go is the classic example—or used AR to see what some desired product, such as a piece of furniture, would look like in your living room.

Just as AR is augmenting our everyday lives, it’s also augmenting the lives of engineers and manufacturing professionals. Here’s a primer on the technology and how it’s being used in engineering.

What is augmented reality (AR)?Augmented reality is a type of spatial computing that adds a graphical overlay onto an image of the real world. AR goes beyond a heads-up display, or HUD, in which static info is presented to the user overtop their surroundings. A hallmark of AR, and of spatial computing more broadly, is that the graphical output depends on the user’s position in space.

(Image: Microsoft.)For instance, an AR application that places a virtual sofa in your living room would respond to your position in that room. Whether looking through a phone, tablet or head-mounted display (HMD), you could move around the virtual sofa and see it from different angles while it remained fixed in place.

If you were using the highest-end AR hardware with an exceptionally photorealistic 3D model, you could be fooled into thinking you really had a new sofa—at least until you tried to sit on it. For engineers using AR, that level of photorealism is often desired.

How are engineers and manufacturers using AR?One popular way that engineers are using AR is to visualize their designs as they would exist in the real world. Automotive engineers, for example, could use an AR headset to see a life-size model of their latest vehicle right before their eyes.

With the proper hardware and software, they could even map the lighting and reflections of the real world onto the AR model—heightening the illusion of a real, physical vehicle. In this way, AR can provide a level of design insight not easily achieved without laborious prototyping.

Another emerging use of AR is as a tool for factory commissioning, maintenance and training. AR applications can present information about a piece of equipment on top of that equipment, such as visual instructions for how to operate it safely or change out a part. Similarly, AR could help plan or optimize a factory layout by revealing how a piece of equipment would physically fit in a space.

(Image: PTC.)Once products are designed and built, AR is becoming an increasingly useful tool for selling them. Online product configurators that support AR allow users to see exactly what they’re buying, and in exactly the environment they’re buying them for. Nothing makes you want to buy a real car more than the tantalizing simulacrum of a virtual car in your driveway.

What types of hardware support AR?Unlike virtual reality, which requires the user to don an opaque head-mounted display, augmented reality can be achieved with a more versatile range of computing hardware. Phones, tablets, low-profile smart glasses and HMDs can all be used for AR. This flexibility makes AR more accessible than VR, especially in the field or on the factory floor.

Not all hardware makes for an equal AR experience. Using a phone or tablet for AR may be convenient, but the quality, spatial stability and responsiveness of the AR models won’t be as good as with a high end headset. For engineers hoping to use AR to evaluate their designs, an HMD will provide the best experience. However, HMDs also range in quality and features from one manufacturer to the next. Additionally, for many users, headsets are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Ultimately, the best hardware for your AR needs will be dependent on your application, your software and your budget. As more devices emerge to support augmented reality and other types of spatial computing, more engineering applications of this spicy technology will be close behind.

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PITTSBURGH, PA, Nov 14, 2024 – WEG, a global leader in electrical technologies and automation, used Ansys simulation solutions to develop a revolutionary industrial motor. The W80 AXgen electric motor is used in a wide range of OEM industrial applications including air compressors, water pump systems, and generators.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation results show the rotor temperature field with detailed mesh visualization, highlighting the streamlines of the surrounding fluid flowWith support and additional services provided by Ansys Apex Channel Partner ESSS, WEG is pioneering a new path forward by introducing axial flux motors to the industrial equipment market. Axial flux motors offer a more optimized and efficient alternative to radial flux motors due to their higher power density and specific torque. Some resulting advantages include space and weight savings, high efficiency levels, and improved durability for a reliable product lifespan.

For instance, a standard industrial induction motor with a power output of 220 kW can weigh up to 1,498 kg. Using Ansys solutions, WEG reduced the weight of this model to 139 kg. Furthermore, with advanced numerical data, WEG achieved an ultra-compact design weighing 51 kg while maintaining performance power in both cases. The higher power density of this technology reduces the amount of raw material significantly, shaving downstream logistical costs like shipping and lowering CO2 emissions. This demonstrates WEG’s commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.

WEG leveraged multiple Ansys multiphysics simulation solutions for W80 AXgen, including:

Ansys Fluent fluid simulation software to determine optimal liquid coolant circulation paths for heat management
Ansys Electronics simulation solutions to design and test the magnets that spin the rotors, calculating important parameters of an electrical machine, such as the electromagnetic torque and efficiency
Ansys Mechanical finite element analysis software to understand and refine materials load, impact, and stress factors that are central to manufacturing
Ansys Granta materials information, selection, and data management to quickly identify the most suitable material for a motor with high power density

“With Ansys’ powerful simulation tools and ESSS’ excellent support, we have conducted extensive multiphysics validations in a virtual environment, leading to the successful development of advanced products like the W80 AXgen,” Cassiano Antunes Cezario, R&D manager at WEG. “Ansys simulation provides the ideal balance between speed and reliability — giving us confidence that our products will be durable and perform to our customers’ expectations. We are committed to efficiency, which makes using Ansys simulation an easy yet crucial choice.”

The WEG W80 AXgen is available from 5.5 kW to 220 kW in a single configuration and up to 440 kW when taking advantage of the stackable configuration.

“Ansys simulation helps customers like WEG compete in the marketplace,” said Prith Banerjee, chief technology officer and executive sponsor of sustainability programs at Ansys. “We have been working diligently for over 50 years to refine our leading numerical simulation technology, and now decades of materials research is catching up. This is the perfect combination for our customers — new materials poised for innovative applications coupled with Ansys simulation solutions that deliver pervasive physics-based insights for more efficient, powerful, and resilient products.”

For more information, visit ansys.com.

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The Boeing Starliner crewed spacecraft program was initiated by NASA to provide a second source for human lift to low Earth orbit, ensuring access to space in case of difficulties with the SpaceX Crew Dragon system. Program delays, cost overruns and hardware problems with both the Starliner uncrewed test flight, and the first passenger carrying trip to the ISS, have placed the future the program in question.

Elon Musk, owner of SpaceX, is expected to form an important part of the incoming Trump Administration, with an anticipated role in improving government efficiency. Could that role include the cancellation of the Starliner program? Everything may depend on the next flight of Starliner. If successful, the economics would suggest continuation of the program. If not, and with the Sierra Space Dream Chaser vehicle nearing flight status, the Starliner program may be on the bubble.

Access all episodes of This Week in Engineering on engineering.com TV along with all of our other series.

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The Siemens Industrial Copilot is the first generative AI-powered assistant for engineering in an industrial environment. Today, Siemens announced major new functionalities for the Industrial Copilot and added thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering as global customer.

The Industrial Copilot helps thyssenkrupp engineers to create a machine visualization in WinCC UnifiedThe Siemens Industrial Copilot for Engineering is the only copilot currently on the market that writes code for automation engineering. Future capabilities include multimodality and agent concepts, which will make it even more valuable for engineers. To deliver full data sovereignty, the Siemens Industrial Copilot for Operations is planned to be offered as an on-premises hardware-software bundle.

Rainer Brehm, CEO Factory Automation at Siemens, said: “With Siemens’ domain expertise, we’re turning generative AI into industrial-grade solutions that can be deployed without specialized AI expertise. The Siemens Industrial Copilot, the first generative AI-powered product for automation engineering, is a supercharger for industrial automation and will accelerate our customer’s journey toward greater innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.”

thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and Siemens Electronics Factory to roll out the Siemens Industrial CopilotCompetitive pressure and lack of skilled labor are major challenges for industrial companies today. Making generative AI industrial-grade and bringing it to the shopfloor holds a huge potential for overcoming current industrial challenges and improving productivity. In fact, according to a recent Gartner report, by 2028 75 percent of developers will regularly use generative AI to assist with code creation, up from less than 10 percent in early 2023.

thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering, a special machine and plant builder, integrated the Copilot for Engineering in a battery machine used for battery quality inspections on electric cars. The industrial company plans to use the genAI-powered assistant at scale – engineering the machines at thyssenkrupp’s global locations from 2025 onwards. The Industrial Copilot assists thyssenkrupp engineers in creating TIA Portal projects. It helps them develop structured control language (SCL) code faster for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), intelligently integrates the code into the TIA Portal and generates a machine visualization in WinCC Unified. This allows engineering teams to reduce repetitive and monotonous tasks like automating data management and sensor configuration. They can work more efficiently, optimize processes, and drive innovation.

“thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering and Siemens have been successfully working together for a long time,” said Dr. Rolf-Günther Nieberding, CEO of thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering. “I expect that rolling out the Siemens Industrial Copilot across our machines will help us – and therefore our customers – to implement demanding projects in a much shorter time.”

The Siemens Electronics Factory in Erlangen, Germany, implemented the Copilot for Operations across its soldering machines. The Industrial Copilot helps Siemens operators and maintenance engineers to understand a machine’s error codes by translating its messages into natural language. It suggests solutions based on the machine’s details and history by combing through different documents, manuals, and spare part lists. Machine downtime can be significantly reduced, production bottlenecks can be resolved faster, and shift handovers will work more efficiently.

Multimodality, agent concepts and on-premises approach to supercharge the Siemens Industrial CopilotThe development of expanded and more powerful functionalities for the Siemens Industrial Copilot has been instrumental in winning thyssenkrupp Automation Engineering as a customer.

The Industrial Copilot for Operations allows shopfloor workers to directly interact with machines and helps them with maintenance tasks, error handling and performance optimization. In addition, the Industrial Copilot will have multimodal capabilities to analyze and interpret images and drive even more productivity with agent-based automation for a variety of tasks. To address data security for customers and make sure that data doesn’t leave the shopfloor, the Industrial Copilot for Operations is planned to be offered as an on-premises hardware-software bundle with the Simatic Industrial PC (IPC 1047E). The software stack running on IPCs is powered by NVIDIA NIM microservices, part of the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, which lets automation and maintenance engineers ask real-time queries about operational and document data to facilitate rapid decision-making and reduce machine downtime. This configuration doesn’t require an Internet connection and stores data on local hardware devices. It helps ensure data security by processing all data right on the shopfloor and keeping customers’ data stored and available when and where it’s needed.

The Industrial Copilot for Engineering will support multimodal input: for instance, by detecting and converting manual changes in the ECAD document that’s used for electrical planning. These changes are automatically highlighted, annotated and eventually implemented in the TIA Portal project.

Highly complex automation projects will be partially automated using agent concepts. Agent concepts go beyond simple question-and-answer interactions, automating processes by breaking down large, complex tasks into subtasks. All relevant information is then collected from a number of sources, including ECAD information, in order to understand the user goal. Agents can also be connected to external systems and sources, which creates a closed loop with different tools linked together. Next, the agents create a plan on how to achieve goals and execute the required actions independently. These range from sending messages and accessing external systems to updating data sets. Engineers can also use agents to control and direct all production processes – while maintaining full transparency, having an overview of the data and knowing which steps should be taken next.

The Engineering Copilot TIA Essential has been available on the Siemens Xcelerator marketplace since July 2024. While Siemens provides the automation elements of the Industrial Copilot, the natural language processing is carried out by one of the most powerful GPT models using the Azure OpenAI Service of the Microsoft Cloud. This enables enterprise-grade performance, data protection, and reliability. Siemens’ generative AI solutions for industry are reliable, secure and trustworthy, thus making industrial AI accessible to everyone, anywhere, at any time.

For more information, visit siemens.com.

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LEEDS, UK, Nov 14, 2024 – element14, an Avnet Community, has teamed up with NXP to launch an exciting new design challenge centered around building automation for smart spaces. This challenge invites engineers and tech enthusiasts to develop innovative solutions using NXP’s FRDM MCX A Series (A15X) development kit.

Ten selected participants will receive the NXP FRDM MCX A15X kit and will tackle a building automation problem. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to:

Smart Temperature Control System
Bluetooth Lighting Controller
Attendance and Presence Monitoring
Meeting Room Booking System
CO2 Monitor
Foot Traffic Monitoring System

Applications are open until Dec 16, and the chosen challengers will be announced on Dec 20. Participants will then have until Mar 7, 2025 to complete their projects and document their journey through blog posts on the element14 Community platform.

Challengers will compete for a range of exciting prizes. The grand prize and runner-up winners will receive a Nest Home Automation Kit, CCTV system, and Multicomp Pro Multimeters. To be eligible, participants must share regular updates and document their build process, culminating in a final showcase of their Building Automation Project.

Andreea Teodorescu, global director of product marketing & element14 Community stated, “We’re thrilled to join forces with NXP to inspire engineers and tech enthusiasts to push the boundaries of building automation. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to leverage NXP’s advanced FRDM MCX A15X development kit and transform spaces through innovative, practical solutions. We look forward to seeing how participants bring their creative ideas to life, shaping the future of smart spaces.

The online hackathon-style design challenge was officially launched at element14 Community’s stand at Farnell’s exhibit within Avnet City during electronica 2024, encouraging attendees to learn more and get involved.

For those attending electronica, element14 Community is hosting Student Day, sponsored by Multicomp Pro, on Friday 15 November. Students and educators are invited to visit the Farnell booth throughout the day to discuss the free technical resources the element14 community has to offer and pick up exclusive giveaways.

For more information and to register for the design challenge, visit community.element14.com/SmartSpaces.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN & REHOVOT, Israel, Nov 14, 2024 – Stratasys Ltd. announced financial results for the third quarter 2024. Revenue of this quarter 2024 was $140M, up 1.4% compared to $138M for the second quarter 2024. GAAP net loss was $26.6M.

Comparative analysis based on Stratasys’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Stratasys website)Comparative analysis based on Stratasys’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Stratasys website)Dr. Yoav Zeif, Stratasys’ chief executive officer, stated, “Our decisive actions to realign our business with current market realities are starting to yield results. We have successfully begun to transform the company through cost optimization and by focusing on higher-growth opportunities. Our flagship F3300 platform is gaining significant traction in the marketplace, while our expansion into our key target industries of aerospace, automotive and healthcare continues to expand. Most importantly, we returned to non-GAAP profitability in the third quarter, overcoming ongoing revenue pressures, further demonstrating the effective execution of our business plan by our entire team.”

Dr. Zeif continued, “The fundamental strength of our business is evident in our improved margins and continued robust balance sheet. Our recurring revenue from consumables continues to grow, particularly in FDM technology utilization for manufacturing purposes, partially offsetting hardware sales that remain impacted by macro conditions. This validates both our recurring revenue model and our customers’ accelerating shift from prototyping to manufacturing applications. With our restructuring plan ahead of schedule and on track to deliver $40 million in annual cost savings starting in the first quarter of next year, we are well-positioned to deliver increased revenue growth, profitability and cash flow in 2025, to address the pent-up demand once market conditions improve.”

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

To learn more about Stratasys, visit stratasys.com.

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With the ever-increasing demand for sustainability in manufacturing, you can expect more stories about repurposing waste powder for 3D printing in 2025. The latest comes from a materials study conducted by voxeljet, Dressler Group GmbH, Fraunhofer IPA and the University of Bayreuth. These found organizations have collaborated to reuse waste PA12 powder from laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) systems.

In the study, waste powder from selective laser sintering (SLS) systems was recycled by Dressler Group and 3D printed by Fraunhofer IPA at the University of Bayreuth using a VX200 HSS platform from voxeljet. According to voxeljet, the initial results demonstrate that reconditioned PA12 waste powder can be processed effectively using ink- and printhead-based high speed sintering (HSS) technology. Moreover, the company reports that the preliminary test results indicate the material properties of the test units are equal to or may even exceed those of comparable prints with fresh powder.

Normally, unprinted PA12 powder loses its ability to be reused due to high temperature exposure in the build area, which causes the polyamide chains to lengthen after condensation and negatively affects powder flowability and melt viscosity. This makes the material difficult to process again via laser-based technologies, since the energy input from lasers is too short to process the longer molecule chains.

The study aimed to reclaim this used powder by processing it through voxeljet’s VX200 HSS platform, which uses an inkjet-based printhead and infrared heating to allow the polyamide to sinter gradually, enabling its reuse.

“Recycling used PA12 powder can effectively reduce costs and support sustainability efforts in AM.” said Holger Leonards, head of R&D at Dressler Group in a voxeljet press release. “Our expertise in regenerating powder properties and handling of large powder volumes enables companies to reclaim this valuable material.”

“The VX200 HSS technology is an open-source system, allowing us to quickly change and adapt process parameters to any powder,” said Jan Kemnitzer, research team lead at Fraunhofer IPA, in the same release. “We were therefore able to quickly adapt the 3D printer to the material with consistent or improved results in part properties.”

“The results of this study are especially interesting for ink- and printhead-based technologies such as the HSS technology,” said Tobias Grün, global product management at voxeljet. “The future possibility of processing this recycled powder on production platforms like the VX1000HSS will bring immense cost savings. Typically, 50% of running costs are attributable to powder. Thus, this development provides a huge effect on cost effectiveness while boosting a circular material flow and reducing waste.”

voxeljet and Fraunhofer will be demonstrating the results of this study at their respective booths at Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt from November 19th to 22nd.

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An artist’s impression of the Harmony satellites: Their aim is to observe small-scale movement and deformation fields of the ocean surface, glaciers and ice sheets, sea ice and the solid Earth. (Image: OHB System AG).ABB has been selected by OHB System AG, a German space technology company, to design and build thermal infrared payloads for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer Harmony satellites, set to launch in 2029. The advanced payloads will enable the satellites to collect critical environmental data, including sea surface temperatures, cloud motion and the positioning of clouds, with a level of accuracy that will significantly aid in climate science and weather forecasting.

The Harmony mission aims to enhance our understanding of the Earth’s climate and environmental dynamics. ABB’s multispectral thermal infrared (TIR) instruments, including its multiview TIR technology, will measure radiometric precision—the accuracy of infrared temperature readings compared to the true surface temperature. These measurements will play a key role in improving climate models and forecasting extreme weather events, such as hurricanes. Additionally, the data collected will help assess geohazards, providing valuable insights into seismic and volcanic activity by detecting subtle shifts in the land surface.

The satellites will also help researchers understand how upper-ocean heat exchanges influence weather patterns and contribute to long-term climate changes. One of the mission’s unique contributions will be its ability to track ice loss from glaciers, which has implications for rising sea levels. The thermal infrared payloads, combined with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from the Sentinel-1 satellite, will give a comprehensive view of Earth’s surface and atmosphere, offering more accurate information about ocean temperature, cloud movements, and climate change drivers.

“Harmony will provide critical data that will help advance Earth system science and climate research,” said Florence Hélière, Harmony Project Manager at the European Space Agency. “The expertise and reliability of industrial partners like ABB are crucial for ensuring the success of this mission and its ability to deliver valuable insights on time.”

ABB’s selection for this high-profile mission highlights the company’s long-standing expertise in infrared sensor technologies. “We’ve worked with OHB on multiple space programs and know ABB’s capabilities are second to none,” said Agustina Alvarez Toledo, Harmony Project Manager at OHB System AG. “We’re excited to collaborate again on this project to help support the global scientific community.”

The Harmony satellites will operate in tandem with the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, with their configurations changing throughout the mission. The combination of radar and thermal infrared imagery from the satellites will provide a more detailed and dynamic understanding of Earth’s climate system. ABB’s advanced sensor technologies will play a critical role in achieving the mission’s goal of supporting sustainable and resource-efficient solutions for understanding and mitigating climate change.

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Post-processing is the final phase in a simulation study when engineers analyze and visualize results to evaluate the design. This includes creating charts, graphs, images and animations to interpret the data and gain insights. It also includes running statistical analyses to validate the data and creating reports or presentations to communicate results and make informed decisions.

Some simulation software platforms include post-processors with various options to streamline workflows and make analyses easier. However, engineers can also export data from a solver and import it into separate post-processing or data analysis software. Some third-party software, including open-source tools, are optimized for specific techniques and datasets. Therefore, engineers should consider their simulation technique, data size and complexity when selecting a post-processor.

This heat map visually represents the results of a stress analysis. (Image: Adobe Stock.)Although post-processing software can generate cool-looking pictures and impressive animations, the focus is less on creating appealing visuals and more on assessing results and gaining knowledge.

During post-processing, engineers must leverage their experience and mathematical and scientific training to evaluate the entire study and determine whether the results make sense. Recall that a simulation study starts with pre-processing a model under defined conditions, then discretizes the model’s governing PDEs into algebraic equations and solves the system of equations as an approximation of real-world phenomena. Pre-processing inaccuracies directly affect post-processing results and can give inaccurate representations of the model’s behavior.

Things to keep in mind:

While planning a simulation study, clearly define the problem and what you want to achieve during post-processing.
Select the right post-processing software that satisfies the study’s goals.
Analyze the data for accuracy, validity and reliability to ensure the dataset makes sense and to evaluate the entire study.
Consider who will use your results and ensure visuals are easy for such audiences to understand.

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YOUNGSTOWN, OH, Nov 13, 2024 – JuggerBot 3D announces the development of the Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA, a large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) system designed specifically to address the challenges of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) processing. This project has been developed in partnership with IPEX Technologies Inc., a leader in thermoplastic piping systems to provide new capabilities for industrial printing of PVC-based components & end-use parts.

3D printing comparison between 3D printed PVC, traditional PVC manufacturing, and 3D printed ABS.PVC, with an annual global production of over 50 million tons, is valued for its chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and mechanical durability. However, its use in additive manufacturing has been limited by the need for precise fume management and material handling. JuggerBot 3D’s P3-44 ASTRA addresses these challenges through advanced process controls and safety systems, designed for operator safety, equipment longevity, and the environment during printing operations. The ASTRA builds on JuggerBot 3D’s expertise in material testing and process control to handle the unique challenges of PVC & maximize process controls currently in place within the base model of the Tradesman Series P3-44. The system is engineered to handle the unique challenges of PVC with corrosion-resistant components and targeted fume extraction at the point of print deposition while maintaining the same structural integrity of the base Tradesman Series P3-44 unit.

Advanced Process Controls for Safety and QualityThe P3-44 system incorporates advanced technologies to ensure seamless operation while accommodating users and the environment for the challenges PVC presents. Proper safety procedures required for observation during the successful operation of the unit include:

Prevention: Corrosion-resistant components extend the printer’s lifespan while ensuring PVC processing control. ASTRA has been outfitted with hardware to mitigate these issues and key control components to maintain extrusion temperatures.
Containment: Processing PVC may release other VOCs that could be harmful over time, making proper containment essential for workplace safety. Additional sealing areas across the already enclosed base P3-44 ensure fumes generated during printing stay within controlled zones.
Extraction: Equipped with a dual-stage fume extraction system, ASTRA captures fumes emitted throughout the printing process.
Protection: Improper processing of these materials can produce issues in the production environment. Access to the chamber is prohibited to prevent premature access, ensuring the environment is clear of fumes before the system is opened.

JuggerBot 3D Tradesman Series P3-44 ASTRA ExteriorThe P3-44 ASTRA is intended to impact industries requiring PVC’s unique material properties, such as chemical resistance and long-term durability. Key uses include, but are not limited to body molds, ducting and pipe systems, and medical housings and enclosures where material stability is critical.

These applications highlight the system’s potential for use in high-demand manufacturing environments, providing new opportunities for industries looking to incorporate additive manufacturing into their operations while maintaining the performance benefits of PVC.

“This project represents an important step forward in additive manufacturing for industrial materials. We pride ourselves that we can process a wide array of performance thermoplastics, including PVC. By advancing preexistent process controls in our base P3-44, we’ve developed a system that offers safety and performance, enabling operators to leverage PVC’s material benefits through reliable 3D printing technology.” says Brian Zellers, product development manager, JuggerBot 3D.

For more information, visit juggerbot3d.com.

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SANTA CLARA, CA, Nov 13, 2024 – AMD announced the AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2, an adaptive SoC platform designed to deliver the highest levels of system acceleration for a wide range of workloads. Versal Premium Series Gen 2 will be the FPGA industry’s first devices featuring Compute Express Link (CXL) 3.1 and PCIe Gen6 as well as LPDDR5X memory support in hard IP.1

These next-generation interface and memory technologies access and move data rapidly and efficiently between processors and accelerators. CXL 3.1 and LPDDR5X help unlock more memory resources faster to address the growing real-time processing and storage demands of data-intensive applications in data center, communications, test and measurement, and aerospace and defense markets.

“System architects are constantly looking to pack more data into smaller spaces and move data more efficiently between parts of the system,” said Salil Raje, senior vice president and general manager, Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group, AMD. “Our latest addition to the Versal Gen 2 portfolio helps customers improve overall system throughput and utilization of memory resources to achieve the highest performance and unlock insights for their most demanding applications from the cloud to the edge.”

Accelerate Host ConnectivityAMD champions open innovation through its support of CXL, an open industry-standard interconnect between processors and devices such as FPGA-based accelerators. With support for CXL 3.1 and PCIe Gen6, the industry’s fastest host interfaces,2 Versal Premium Gen 2 devices enable industry-leading, high-bandwidth host CPU-to-accelerator connectivity. PCIe Gen6 offers a 2-4X faster line rate compared to competing FPGAs with PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 support,2 while CXL 3.1 running PCIe Gen6 provides double the bandwidth of competing devices with CXL 2.13 at similar latencies, as well as enhanced fabric and coherency capabilities.

Additionally, by pairing Versal Premium Series Gen 2 with an AMD EPYC CPUs, system architects can leverage the latest AMD FPGA-based device connected via CXL or PCIe to a high-performance CPU, to accelerate data-intensive applications and meet rapid data growth demands. CXL also brings an additional benefit of memory coherency to help enable true heterogeneous, accelerated computing.

Increasing Memory Bandwidth and UtilizationAMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2 adaptive SoCs accelerate memory bandwidth for faster data transfers and real-time responsiveness with the fastest LPDDR5X memory connectivity available, at up to 8533 Mb/s. This ultra-fast, enhanced DDR memory enables up to 2.7X faster host connectivity over comparable competitive devices with LPDDR4/5 memory.4

Connectivity to CXL memory expansion modules enable up to 2.7X more total bandwidth than LPDDR5X memory alone.5 As a result, the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 allows for scalable memory pooling and extension for multiple accelerators, optimizing memory utilization and increasing bandwidth and capacity.

By dynamically allocating a memory pool for multiple devices, Versal Premium Series Gen 2 adaptive SoCs are designed to improve memory utilization in a Multi-Headed Single Logic Device (MH-SLD), allowing it to operate without a fabric or switch, while supporting up to two CXL hosts.

Strengthen Data SecurityEnhanced security features help the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 transfer data quickly and securely, both in transit and at rest. It is the industry’s first FPGA device to feature support for integrated PCIe Integrity and Data Encryption (IDE) in hard IP.6 Inline encryption built into hard DDR memory controllers helps secure data at rest, while 400G High-Speed Crypto Engines help the device secure user data at up to 2X faster line rates, enabling faster secure data transactions.7

AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2 development tools are expected to be available in Q2 2025, followed by the availability of silicon samples by early 2026. Production shipments are expected to begin in the second half of 2026.

For more information, visit amd.com.

1 Based on an AMD internal analysis of AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices with CXL 3.1 and PCIe Gen6 vs. comparable competitive devices without CXL 3.1 and/or with PCIe Gen 4/5, as of July 2024. (VER-055)

2 Based on an AMD internal analysis of the Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices with PCIe Gen6 vs. comparable competitive and prior generation AMD Versal Premium Series devices with PCIe Gen4/5, as of July 2024. Actual line rate speeds will vary based on system configuration and other factors. (VER-057)

3 Based on an AMD internal analysis of Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices with CXL 3.1 vs. comparable competitive device(s) with CXL 2.0, as of July 2024. Actual line rate speed will vary based on system configuration and other factors. (VER-056)

4 Based on an AMD internal analysis of Versal Premium Series Gen 2 device DDR/LPDDR memory interface specifications vs. comparable competitive devices, as of July 2024. Actual performance will vary based on system configuration and other factors. (VER-058)

5 Based on an AMD internal analysis of the total memory bandwidth (CXL 3.1 and LPDDR5X memory components) available with Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices vs. the same devices with LPDDR5X memory alone. Memory bandwidth will vary based on system configuration and other factors. (VER-059)

6 Based on AMD internal analysis in October 2024, AMD Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices include the PCIe Integrity and Data Encryption feature, while the competition does not. (VER-064)

7 Based on AMD internal analysis of Versal Premium Series Gen 2 devices with 400 Gb/s high-speed crypto engines vs. comparable competitive devices with 200 Gb/s crypto engines. Actual line rate speeds will vary based on system configuration and other factors. (VER-062)

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MUNICH, Germany (SEMICON Europa), Nov 13, 2024 – Agileo Automation, a leading provider of control and connectivity solutions for global semiconductor equipment manufacturers, launches the E84 PIO Box at Booth #C2848. This handheld device offers a new lightweight interface for fab staff to test semiconductor equipment software for compliance with SEMI’s E84 and GEM300 standards suite for automatic carrier delivery.

Agileo Automation’s E84 PIO Box is an innovative handheld device that offers a new lightweight interface for wafer fab staff to test semiconductor equipment software for compliance with SEMI’s E84 and GEM300 standards suite for automatic carrier delivery in highly automated fabs. (Photo: Business Wire)It improves the readability, identification, and validation of E84 signal exchanges and functional aspects in cleanrooms or workshops. Integrated with Agileo Automation’s Speech Scenario software that emulates the fab host and validates the SECS/GEM interface with predefined test scenarios, the E84 PIO Box can easily emulate automated carrier delivery systems such as overhead hoist transport or automated guided vehicles. It is able to detect non-compliance and other functional issues thanks to its close alignment with SEMI’s E84 standard. The device features a DB25 connector for easy integration with E84 passive systems such as a load port and connects directly to a PC via a single USB cable for both data and power supply.

“In highly automated fabs, even minor carrier delivery issues can lead to costly downtime. Our E84 PIO Box is designed to rigorously validate nominal and error cases, ensuring seamless operations and fast recovery, benefiting both equipment manufacturers and facilities alike,” explains Marc Engel, CEO of Agileo Automation. “Early adopters have seen significant improvements in overall equipment software quality and now approach each software update with greater confidence, backed by consistent testing results.”

For more information, please visit agileo.com.

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Fabory has announced that the Rawlplug Koelner HV range is now available on the Fabory webshop. This latest addition to the product line, offered through their strategic partnership with Rawlplug, ensures a seamless continuation of supply, reinforcing Fabory’s commitment to delivering high-performance fastening solutions that meet the rigorous standards of today’s industrial applications.

The Rawlplug Koelner HV range, EN 14399 standard fasteners, is manufactured to rigorous specifications at Rawlplug’s cutting-edge facility in Łańcut, Poland. Engineered for resilience and reliability, these fasteners are designed to excel in demanding construction and engineering projects where strength and performance are paramount.

Key Benefits of the Rawlplug Koelner HV Range:

Exceptional Durability: The Rawlplug Koelner HV range features advanced coatings and high-grade materials, enabling it to withstand extreme conditions, from harsh weather to high-load applications, for dependable, long-term performance.
Quality and Traceability Assured: Each fastener in the Rawlplug Koelner HV range undergoes strict quality control with full traceability, ensuring it meets the highest standards for structural integrity.
Versatile Applications: Suited to a wide range of industries, these fasteners are ideal for large-scale construction projects as well as specialised engineering applications, providing reliable solutions across diverse environments.

“The introduction of the Rawlplug Koelner HV range through our partnership with Rawlplug reflects Fabory’s dedication to supplying the highest-quality fasteners for our customers,” said Rob Marcus, product manager for Fabory. “This range offers our customers the reliability, strength, and safety they need to succeed in even the most challenging applications.”

Ordering InformationThe Rawlplug Koelner HV range is available for immediate purchase on the Fabory webshop. For detailed product specifications or to place an order, customers can visit fabory.com.

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LAS VEGAS, NV, Nov 13, 2024 – Trimble announced winners of the annual Trimble Construction Innovation Awards, recognizing exceptional use of Trimble technology on workflows, processes and projects by North American customers.

Six award categories allowed applicants to highlight any and all types of Trimble construction technology used throughout their operations — from design, 3D modeling, estimating and financial management, to scanning, surveying, machine control and construction management. Seven winners were chosen, with a tie in one category. The announcement was made at the annual Trimble Dimensions User Conference.

“Sizes, specialities and challenges vary widely among this year’s Construction Innovation Award winners, but a common theme is how their confident, proactive investment in technology elevated performance, efficiency, collaboration and data-driven decision making,” explained Pete Large, senior vice president of strategy at Trimble. “It’s especially impressive to see how the winners have combined Trimble solutions and their own strategic and creative initiatives to connect people, workflows and the physical and digital aspects of construction.”

The 2024 Trimble Construction Innovation Award Winners are:

Connected Construction Award: Bituminous Roadways, Mendota Heights, MN

Bituminous Roadways, a paving and heavy construction specialist, adopted and connected a wide range of Trimble systems. The lineup includes surveying, positioning, machine control and drone technology as well as the Trimble Viewpoint Spectrum construction ERP software and the full B2W suite for estimating, performance tracking, scheduling and equipment maintenance. Data now moves seamlessly between many of these Trimble systems, allowing the company to collaborate more effectively across departments, eliminating redundant data entry, achieving time and labor savings and improving quality.

Process Transformation Award: Myco Mechanical, Telford, PA

Myco Mechanical, an HVAC and plumbing company, utilizes integrated software solutions including Trimble SysQue, Trimble Connect, Connect2Fab and ProjectSight to eliminate inefficiencies in workflows from the office to the field. Through a strategically planned and skillfully-executed ProjectSight implementation, the company has been able to drastically increase its workload while using less resources. ProjectSight replaced multiple, disparate systems for document sharing and collaboration, allowing Myco to eliminate communication and connectivity frustrations among team members.

Data-Driven Decision Making Award: Hensel Phelps, Greeley, CO

Hensel Phelps, a global general contracting and construction company, relies on Trimble Connect, Revit, Navisworks and SysQue to connect data, making it more transparent and accessible for key project stakeholders. Trimble technology allows the company to track metrics for pipe work, including detailing, spooling, installation and testing and to track parts as they move through the ordering-to-testing lifecycle. Hensel Phelps also integrates data from Trimble Connect into Hilti Ontrack to track material locations and onsite maintenance schedules.

Most Challenging Project Award: DPR Construction, Redwood City, CA

DPR Construction self-performs and serves as general contractor for projects globally. Data-rich construction models from Tekla Structures and collaboration in a common data environment were essential for completing the concrete portion of the most challenging concrete project in its history — a 74-story building in Austin, Texas — safely and ahead of schedule. DPR used modeling software to adjust and align designs in the bidding processes to expedite the start of construction. Trimble Connect gave all trades access to up-to-date models to visualize, coordinate and resolve conflicts. Planning concrete pours and modeling formwork with Tekla Structures drove further efficiencies.

Workforce Achievement Award: Canam Group, Saint-Georges, Quebec, Canada

Canam Group designs and manufactures steel components worldwide, with a focus on buildings, structural steel and bridges. The company integrated Trimble Connect technology into its operations to help employees be more successful and productive and, ultimately, to aid in recruitment and retention. Workstations on shop floors now give employees easier access to accurate fabrication drawings and assemblies through Trimble Connect. Productivity has improved, and employees have more trust in their work with the guarantee that it will fit onsite. Safety has also improved due to a reduction in the need to move steel assemblies in the plants.

Changemaker Award: Elder Corporation, Pleasant Hill, IA

Elder Corporation GPS Manager, Shawn Swygman, consistently researches Trimble technology, looking for opportunities to create efficiencies and reduce costs for the Iowa-based earthmoving company. Swygman, a former Trimble dealer salesperson and repair technician, has been instrumental in the adoption of WorksManager and a wide range of Trimble surveying and machine control technologies that have increased productivity and cut costs.

Changemaker Award: Lafarge, various locations across Canada

A member of the Holcim Group, Lafarge is Canada’s largest provider of building solutions, including aggregates, cement, concrete and asphalt. Rory Prendergast, machine control superintendent for Lafarge, has helped the company adopt and creatively configure Trimble Business Center, SketchUp, WorksManager and machine control technologies. His efforts have automated and radically improved communication of design and production data between the office and machines and operators in the field.

Runners up: Trimble also recognized seven additional companies as runners up in this year’s awards program. They include ASN Constructors, Crete United, Caltrans, Saunders, Sol Design + Consulting, SPC Mechanical and Oklahoma Department of Transportation.

All companies using Trimble technology for architecture, engineering and construction projects in North America were eligible to submit applications for the Construction Innovation Awards. Winners were selected by a panel of Trimble judges.

For more information about Trimble, visit trimble.com.

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Two major players in metal additive manufacturing (AM) are teaming up to push the technology forward. ArcelorMittal, the Luxembourg-based multinational steel manufacturer, and HP, one of the largest technology companies in the United States, have announced a strategic collaboration focusing on advancing steel AM.

More specifically, ArcelorMittal has selected HP’s Metal Jet S100 as the basis of its research into new steel powders. The announcement comes almost exactly one year after ArcelorMittal entered the AM market as a steel powder supplier with the construction of an industrial-scale inert gas atomizer in Aviles, Spain.

According to ArcelorMittal, the collaboration will focus on two key pillars:

Lowering the cost-per-part of AM, with an eye toward the automotive sector
Extending material options by developing new steels

The two companies have committed to bringing new steel solutions to a sufficient Technology Readiness Level before using ArcelorMittal’s research center as an incubator for new applications.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with HP in advancing steel additive manufacturing,” said Aubin Defer, Chief Marketing Officer for ArcelorMittal Powders in a press release. “This collaboration leverages our combined expertise to develop innovative solutions to drive the industry forward. The promising results of our steel powders with HP’s binder jetting technology are a testament to the potential of this partnership.”

“We are excited to join forces with ArcelorMittal to push the boundaries of steel additive manufacturing,” said Alexandre Tartas, global leader of metals sales at HP, in the same release. “This collaboration will enable us to leverage our technical expertise and ArcelorMittal’s leadership in sustainable steel solutions to create groundbreaking advancements in the industry. Combining the steel expertise of ArcelorMittal and HP Additive Manufacturing positioning in high volume production offers a unique value proposition for the manufacturing industry.”

Both companies will be exhibiting at this year’s Formnext, from November 19th to November 22nd in Frankfurt, Germany.

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Industrial 3D printing supplier EOS has announced the addition of two new materials for metal additive manufacturing (AM). EOS NickelAlloy IN738 and EOS NickelAlloy K500 are designed for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and will be available for the EOS M 290 family of printers in December and the EOS M 400-4 in H1 2025.

EOS IN738 is designed to combine high-strength and heat resistance with a tensile strength of 1,265 MPa and 4.5% elongation. EOS claims that, compared to traditionally manufactured superalloys, EOS IN738 withstands higher-temperature environments and shows significantly less deterioration in high-stress applications, such as turbine blades and other energy components.

EOS IN738 MPa in comparison to IN939 and Haynes 282. (Image: EOS)Winnipeg-based Precision ADM provided an early test case for EOS IN738, producing turbine blades for a Canadian energy customer experiencing the strain of supply chain and spare part inventory shortages. This project was both a test for EOS IN738 as well as what may be the first known use-test of AM in a rotating turbomachinery part.

“Because of EOS technology and EOS IN738 material, we successfully produced a turbine engine blade that achieved 110% of standard running RPM, and withstood up to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit produced by an active turbine,” said Derek VanDenDreissche, director of medical and industrial sales and business development at Precision ADM, in an EOS press release. “These tests not only showcased the first-ever successful 3D printed turbine engine blade, but that EOS IN738 can withstand the high levels of heat and stress that turbomachinery applications require. Simply put, EOS IN738 was critical to the success of this project.”

EOS K500 was developed at the request of a major space launch organization and is designed to balance strength and moderate thermal conductivity, thereby bridging the performance of nickel-alloys and copper-alloys. According to EOS, this material is ideal for space applications like thrusters and nozzles, as well as chemical processors making pumps and valves, and for maritime applications.

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Most engineers understand why simulation is crucial in additive manufacturing (AM), even if only in principle. Whether you’re talking about thermal simulations, mechanical simulations or process simulations, applying these methods and technologies to 3D printing often means the difference between success and failure. Nevertheless, there’s a big difference between understanding how simulation applies to AM in general and knowing what practical applications actually look like.

So, here are four diverse examples of using simulation in additive manufacturing.

1) Simulating energy and material consumption in binder jetting One of the first questions engineers ask when presented with a new technology is, “How much is this going to cost?” It’s undoubtedly an important question, but it’s not always the easiest one to answer. For AM, what it really boils down to is the amount of energy and material consumed during the 3D printing process. Xin Xu, a graduate student in the department of mechanical engineering at McGill University, tackled this question head on in a master’s thesis entitled An energy consumption and material efficiency simulation method for additive manufacturing.

The simulation considers part geometry, print orientation, layer thickness and various other process parameters to generate a model of energy and material consumption for the binder jetting process. Created using MATLAB, the simulation was validated experimentally based on the following input parameters and process variables:

Taking this approach, the majority of simulated outputs for material and energy consumption were >90% accurate, demonstrating the usefulness of even relatively simple numerical simulations for AM processes. One important caveat: this approach doesn’t include the energy consumption of post-processing operations or calculations of material waste.

2) Modeling heat transfer, fluid flow and solidification in L-PBFA much more complex example of simulation in 3D printing comes from an engineer and a materials scientist at Ohio State University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, respectively. In their paper, published in the journal Additive Manufacturing, Y.S. Lee and W. Zhang discuss their development of a computational framework with mesoscale resolution for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) of Inconel 718.

The framework combines a simple powder packing model based on a discrete element method and a 3D transient heat and fluid flow simulation (referred to in the paper as “the molten pool model”). The idea is to use this framework to capture the complex interactions between the laser beam and the powder particles during the L-PBF process. By calculating solidification parameters using thermal gradients and cooling rate data, the researchers were able to assess solidification morphology and grain size using previously established models.

3) High-fidelity modelling of thermal stress in additive manufacturingAnother example of process simulation comes from researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In a paper published in Materials & Design, Fan Chen and Wentao Yan explain how they combined a finite element method (FEM) with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to create an improved model for predicting thermal stress. While their simulations focused on single tracks, multiple tracks and multiple layers of electron beam melting (EBM), the researchers claim that their approach is applicable to a variety of fusion-based AM processes, including selective laser melting (SLM), directed energy deposition (DED) and wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM).

Using their improved model, the researchers were able to identify the process parameters with the greatest impact on mechanical failures correlating with high-stress regions, such as cracking and porosity.

4) The impact of additive manufacturing on supply chain designGoing beyond the 3D printing process itself, simulation can also be a tool for understanding how implementing additive manufacturing technology can affect supply chains. A team of engineers from the University of Campania in Italy did just that by creating a discrete event simulation model using Excel to compare AM with traditional manufacturing methods for aerospace spare parts.

Their model of a traditional manufacturing supply chain included one supplier, one OEM, two regional distributors and eight local distributors, while the AM supply chain was modeled in two different ways:

A centralized model with one supplier, two OEMs and eight local distributors
A decentralized model with one supplier and eight OEMs

The researchers evaluated these three different models on 11 different service level scenarios, ranging from 65% to 95%, and included variables for final customer demand, lead times and travel distances based on industry data attained via literature review. Each model was evaluated in terms of supply chain lead times and customer satisfaction. What they found was that “regardless of the service level, additive manufacturing reports a better result.”

However, it’s worth noting that, “the significant number of machines affects the KPIs linked to the production stage and such aspect could limit the economic feasibility of AM technology.” In other words, if you have enough 3D printers, you can construct a decentralized supply chain that performs better in terms of holding stock, supply chain costs and customer satisfaction.

These are often touted as benefits of AM, but this simulation actually provides evidence to back them up.

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Siemens Digital Industries has sponsored this post. Written by Mario Vollbracht, VP of Consumer Products and Retail, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Automated packaging line at Coopers Brewery. (Image: Coopers Brewery.)Globalized and highly competitive, the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry has remained eternally resilient. However, emerging trends are set to significantly impact demand and potentially open new revenue streams. Shifts in consumer preferences, increased competition from the lowering of entry barriers, and a growing population worldwide have transformed the markets. Meanwhile, retailers have created their own formidable brands with private label product lines, which has forced brand manufacturers to adjust their prices, putting even more strain on their profit margins.

CPG companies are confronting these competitive concerns while simultaneously seeking to improve profit margins, meet regulations and satisfy consumer demands for greater levels of sustainability and transparency across the entire product lifecycle.

To address this multitude of elaborate challenges and the ever-changing landscape of the CPG industry requires an evolution of processes and technologies. This is why top performers in the industry have begun digitalizing their operations. Digital transformation is an important way to support growth, become more efficient and guarantee resilience as competition increases and consumers evolve.

Shifting consumer demandsConsumer desires have never been consistent, but today there are many interesting factors affecting these demands, which have increased market fragmentation and caused the proliferation of new brands and SKUs (stock keeping units), so it is important to understand them.

One factor is that CPG companies are now targeting the Generation Z (Gen Z) market segment. Studies indicate that about 38 percent of Gen Z is willing to try new brands and buy healthier as well as more sustainable, transparent and innovative products from multiple companies. This is an increase compared to other generations.

Other factors include the acceleration of online buying and initiatives like “eat at home,” which gained considerable momentum during COVID. These factors are forcing companies to redesign their product portfolios. According to a new report from Grand View Research, the meal kit industry in the United States could achieve a compound annual growth rate of 15.3 percent, reaching nearly $64 billion by 2030. Online platform meal kit sales currently account for over 63 percent of this market.

One of the biggest factors affecting consumer demands is that the UN predicts the worldwide population will reach 8.6 billion by 2030 — with most of this growth driven by developing and emerging markets. Consequentially, many of these consumers will have limited disposable income as World Bank studies estimate that 47 percent of the global population lives on less than $6.85 USD per person per day.

Managing these factors will require CPG companies to accelerate their speed to market and be more responsive to consumer demands while guaranteeing shorter and increased NPI (new product introduction) cycles. To accomplish this, companies must digitally integrate the entire lifecycle to break down department silos and allow information and data to flow to all necessary stakeholders. This requires more than the adoption of a few digital tools or just digitalizing certain aspects of the process. Digitalization of the entire product development process is critical to success.

Flexible factories for flexible productionThe changing landscape of innovation, personalized products, accelerated e-commerce and trade shifts are also putting extreme pressures on factories and their manufacturing operations. CPG is a highly automated industry so it would seem well positioned to meet the changing landscape. However, most CPG companies implemented their automation systems between the 1980s and 1990s. Their main goal at that time was to produce large product batches as efficiently as possible. Forty years later, these same machines and automation systems have difficulty adapting to continuous product changes. This is partly because they are not equipped with modern technologies that aid connectivity and flexibility, such as IoT and AI.

With the latest advances in automation, older factories or manufacturing lines can still be modernized. (Image credit: Siemens.)Today, factories need to be able to manufacture a greater number of products and product variants. When a newly updated product recipe reaches the factory, businesses need to be able to quickly and easily update and/or reconfigure the entire manufacturing process — from line automation to machines. Manufacturers need production systems and machines that can guarantee speed and quality as well as flexibility so they can quickly adapt to market changes. Whether a company is building a new factory or converting existing factories, introducing flexibility in the manufacturing ecosystem is key.

There are several ways to increase production flexibility. Leveraging digital twin technology — combined with manufacturing planning and manufacturing operations solutions — early in the product lifecycle, enables companies to predict production feasibility and performance while minimizing downtimes and ensuring quality. One of the latest advances in the automation area is the use of virtual programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Organizations can download virtual PLCs as edge applications and integrate them directly into the IT environment, modernizing older factories or manufacturing lines.

Lines and manufacturing equipment also play significant roles in improving production flexibility. New intelligent machines often have flexible, modular designs that facilitate integration into production lines and can adapt to perform several tasks. These new technologies are applied to these machines via edge computing where they can run software at the machine level — including AI applications. IoT enabled machines can increase connectivity, easing integration and can even automate some engineering tasks.

Navigating the complexities of the supply chainSupply chain risks remain an ever-present issue for CPG. Oil price fluctuation, political crises and wars negatively impact traditional supply routes, forcing companies to strategically analyze their product portfolios, look for alternates and evaluate new supply options. Often, businesses opt to nearshore, or manufacture close to the consumer to shorten the supply chains.

Additionally, obstacles can arise from weather and other climate-related occurrences which can hinder improving profit margins. Digitalizing the supply chain to build a “central control tower” can address these challenges. Flexible supply chain planning solutions facilitate real-time information on shipping costs, tariffs and materials, enabling better informed decisions.

Digital control towers, however, only solve part of the supply chain challenge. Contamination, for example, is a growing concern in the food and beverage industry, and is often caused by faults in the supply chain. CPG safety is also becoming increasingly important as stringent country and region-based regulations influence practices. Even still, food poisoning incidents are rising with an estimated one in 10 people falling ill from eating contaminated food globally every year. Many cases of food poisoning are caused by supply chain hiccups, with agricultural ingredients and final food products being the most susceptible.

Whether CPG companies source materials locally or overseas, the risk of interferences in the supply chain will always exist. Traceability of both ingredients and final products is the only way to certify that products are safe and legitimate. In the event there is an issue of contamination, traceability makes it possible to quickly determine the source.

Blockchain technology together with IoT provides secure traceability of products across the entire supply chain. (Image: Siemens.)The integrated lifecycle management solutions available today make it possible to develop a robust digital backbone, which can provide full traceability of products. Blockchain technology, for example, immutably stores traceability and event data, providing stakeholders with a single source of truth generated from secure data that cannot be overwritten or changed. This creates a digital footprint for the verification and validation of information. Coupled with IoT, blockchain technology can provide insights “from farm to fork,” helping to eradicate human error and enhancing transparency in a complex and multi-tiered supply chain.

Preparing for tomorrow’s problems todayMany companies in the CPG industry are reluctant to enhance and digitalize their processes through software and automation. The industry fears that implementing new technology may impact downtimes and increase operational costs. While the idea of continuing to “do things the way they have always been done” appears safe, it is not. The current landscape requires a revolution in the way companies develop, manufacture and source their products.

The CPG industry needs to implement fresh, flexible and scalable digital solutions to meet both its current and future goals while overcoming obstacles that are primed to become more complex as the population grows, ecosystems evolve and trends emerge. Through digital transformation, organizations can create one source of truth across the enterprise. Brands, programs and product lifecycles are combined into a single database that can boost collaboration across the entire CPG ecosystem while maintaining brand equity. By integrating the entire digital lifecycle, companies can improve quality, promote brand loyalty and improve speed to market for new products, enabling them to not just survive, but thrive in today’s market.

Visit Siemens to learn more about the impact of digital transformation in the food and beverage industry.

About the authorMario Vollbracht is the Vice President of Consumer Products and Retail at Siemens Digital Industries Software. He joined Siemens in 2022 with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, including direct industry experience, management consulting and an extensive background in IT management. Vollbracht has background across the entire value chain of retail and consumer goods, with a focus on innovation, supply chain, sales, marketing and business analytics.

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SHEFFIELD, UK, Nov 12, 2024 – MachineWorks Ltd will be displaying a preview of the latest release of Polygonica, the renowned component software for polygon-mesh processing, at Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt next week.

A grid texture wrapped onto a selection of polygon meshes after computation of UV coordinates by Polygonica’s new seamless UV solver.Key features being released in Polygonica 3.4 include:

Seamless UV parameterization
Smoothing of ragged boundaries typical of laser scan data
Feature detection of embossed and engraved labels
Recreate a mesh solid from a set of dense slices
Improvements to registration and alignment including a new fine tune mode
Extend a surface at an angle to a plane, for dental crown border modelling
Subtract and intersect 3D curves with polygon mesh bodies
A new option to preserve large planar regions during mesh decimation
Improved handling of embossing across sharp edges, suitable for imprinting texture patterns onto a mesh surface

Polygonica 3.4 is targeted for release in December 2024.

The Polygonica booth can be found at Formnext, Frankfurt, Nov 19 – 22, Hall 11 Stand C2.

For more information, visit machineworks.com.

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LAS VEGAS, NV, Nov 12, 2024 – Trimble announced enhancements to Trimble App Xchange and launched Trimble Marketplace to expand connections between applications and data across construction workflows. With App Xchange, software developers can build integrations that can be sold as ready-to-use options for customers. These integrations can be found on Trimble Marketplace, which now boasts more than 100 integrations between Trimble products and third-party solutions. The announcement was made at the annual Trimble Dimensions User Conference.

With App Xchange, software developers can build integrations that can be sold as ready-to-use options for customers. App Xchange can also be used directly by construction contractors to build integrations between Trimble and other software solutions.“App Xchange and Trimble Marketplace are key parts of our commitment to facilitating open, interoperable systems and an automated flow of data between solutions from Trimble and other software vendors,” said Chris Peppler, vice president of platform and product for Trimble. “We’ve made it easier for contractors and other software developers to access and use these solutions because data sharing and workflow integration are increasingly vital to operational efficiency, productivity and safety.”

App Xchange can now be used directly by construction contractors to build integrations between Trimble and other software solutions. Additionally, contractors can create custom integrations with unique workflow automation across project management, workforce management and financial management to suit their needs.

One construction software company, called TOOLTRIBE, recently succeeded in using Trimble App Xchange to build an integration between Trimble Viewpoint Vista and their cloud-based app. Together, the integrated experience will help track tools, equipment, and consumables on job sites and in offices. “Getting data in and out of App Xchange has been very clear and straightforward,” said Kav Latiolais, software engineer at TOOLTRIBE.

Integrations built with Trimble App Xchange can be found on Trimble Marketplace, which now boasts more than 100 integrations between Trimble products and third-party solutions.Trimble has also recently added a number of new integrations to the Trimble Marketplace. These include AI-technology startup Document Crunch and construction-focused CRM ProjectMark. Document Crunch simplifies complex construction documents, identifies project risks and streamlines critical workflows to support better project outcomes. ProjectMark is a construction-specific customer relationship management (CRM) system that helps contractors enhance their digital presence and improve client acquisition.

“Having all Trimble integrations in one place makes it easy for contractors to pick and choose the solutions that best fit their specific needs — whether they be financial or project-related,” said Peppler. “It also helps make the construction industry more approachable to technology startups by providing entrepreneurs an easy way to interconnect their solution with others, driving up the value to contractors who are explicitly looking to make their businesses more efficient and profitable.”

App Xchange is available as part of Trimble Construction One, a connected suite of software solutions that automates workflows and synchronizes data so that contractors can more easily design, build and maintain their projects. From designing and modeling, estimating to procurement, project management and fabrication, Trimble Construction One optimizes efficiency and facilitates communication among key stakeholders so that the right data can be used to make the right decisions at the right time.

For more information about Trimble, visit trimble.com.

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LAS VEGAS, NV, Nov 12, 2024 – Trimble is unveiling a free version of Trimble ProjectSight, featuring AI and advanced tools that were previously inaccessible to many in the construction industry. This initiative underscores Trimble’s strategy to empower contractors of all sizes with connected data and workflows. ProjectSight provides a centralized, real-time solution for managing and sharing project information, including documents and drawings. Contractors use the application to collaborate within their teams and with other contractors, architects, engineers and project owners to gain efficiency and minimize risk.

The new, free version of ProjectSight connects construction teams and simplifies project management through powerful document, drawing and field collaboration features.Trimble is highlighting ProjectSight’s new, AI-driven feature to automate tasks, save time and increase accuracy at the annual Trimble Dimensions User Conference.

Extending Advanced Collaboration Tools to EveryoneTrimble ProjectSight empowers contractors to connect construction teams by capturing, organizing and sharing critical project data, such as drawings, requests for information (RFIs), submittals and photos. Jon Fingland, vice president and general manager for Trimble construction software solutions, said, “A no-cost version of ProjectSight removes barriers to entry and presents a simple way to experience the project management benefits.”

“Some contractors have viewed powerful construction management tools like ProjectSight as too expensive or complicated,” explained Fingland. “We envision a future where all contractors use this type of solution to access up-to-date information, collaborate, streamline workflows and make critical business and project decisions more effectively.”

Contractors can now access and install the software themselves by creating an account on the ProjectSight website.

AI Feature Ushers in a New Era of AutomationTrimble’s ProjectSight AI-driven capabilities were developed in collaboration with Microsoft. Trimble integrates Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service to add automation to project management workflows, improve efficiency and accuracy, and free up construction professionals to spend more time on critical tasks rather than administrative work.

A new ProjectSight drawing import feature uses AI to read and extract critical drawing information. “The specialized drawing tool goes beyond standard optical character recognition with an engine that can read the name, revision number and content more holistically,” Fingland explained. “This makes it much faster to upload, validate and publish drawing sets without re-keying information.”

ProjectSight OptionsThe new, free version of Trimble ProjectSight provides a centralized environment to manage and share drawings, photos, specifications, submittals, punchlists and RFIs. Contractors can also create customized dashboards to view and organize upcoming document-related tasks.

Additional versions of ProjectSight — available with paid subscriptions — allow for unlimited projects and data, and provide advanced cost management, field management, workflow connectivity and integrations with Trimble Viewpoint Vista and Spectrum construction management software.

Trimble hardware and software solutions for architecture, engineering and construction — including ProjectSight — elevate performance, efficiency, coordination and data-driven decision making across workflows and project phases. With Trimble Construction One, customers can purchase, manage and use multiple Trimble solutions cohesively. This connected construction approach enhances collaboration and visibility by linking people, processes, data and the physical and digital aspects of planning, designing and building.

For more information about Trimble, visit trimble.com.

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VIENNA, Austria, Nov 12, 2024 – UpNano GmbH has announced the release of the NanoOne green, a new addition to its acclaimed NanoOne series. Responding to increasing demand for enhanced transparent material versatility and higher resolution, the NanoOne green integrates a powerful 515 nm green laser wavelength to unlock new research fields and industrial applications. This innovation joins UpNano’s flagship NanoOne 1000 and NanoOne 250 models, recognized globally for their precision, power, and adaptability. On Nov 19 at 11.00AM, UpNano will showcase additional groundbreaking innovations at FormNext, the premier international trade fair for additive manufacturing technologies, in Frankfurt am Main.

The NanoOne printing system and available accessory upgrades© UpNanoThe NanoOne green introduces a 515 nm wavelength laser, delivering 30% higher resolution than traditional 2PP 3D printers, which operate at 780 nm. This advancement enables new levels of detail, achieving detail elements below 100 nm in width. Furthermore, the NanoOne green facilitates the use of transparent, biocompatible, non-fluorescent materials preferred in optics and microfluidics, where the conventional fluorescent photoinitiators are restrictive. The green laser also broadens material compatibility, allowing for the use of existing photochemistries along with the development of innovative ones previously unattainable with standard 780 nm lasers.

Line Extension“With the NanoOne green, we have extended our NanoOne product line with a tool that delivers ultra-high-resolution features and paves the way for diverse industrial applications,” says Bernhard Küenburg, CEO of UpNano. All NanoOne printers feature UpNano’s patented adaptive resolution technology, which dynamically expands the width of the laser beam tenfold to speed up printing in bulk material areas or shrinks it where precision is needed. This advancement makes the NanoOne range the highest performing and most adaptable 2PP 3D printers on the market, ideal for both research and industrial applications.

The new NanoOne green© UpNanoThe NanoOne green, like the existing NanoOne models, is a compact desktop system that incorporates high-performance vibration isolation, a built-in cleanroom with a HEPA filter, and full compatibility with all existing NanoOne accessories. These include specialized fiber holders, wafer chucks, and a heatable vat, all of which enhance system flexibility for diverse applications. By integrating this new wavelength, UpNano continues to meet the evolving needs of the 2PP 3D printing market, offering cutting-edge solutions that support breakthroughs in microfabrication, prototyping, and scale-up.

Leading the WayThe latest addition to its product portfolio further confirms UpNano’s position as a leader in high-resolution 3D printing technology, specializing in 2PP. The NanoOne printer series sets the current standard in the market, delivering unparalleled performance. Unmatched speed meets precision, capable of achieving resolutions below 100 nm across multiple scales – from nanometer to centimeter-sized objects by switching between different objectives as needed. The company’s technology supports a wide range of applications, from batch production to complex bioprinting in native cell environments, leveraging their growing portfolio of innovative materials, including fully biocompatible and fused silica options. UpNano continually enhances its offerings through proprietary advancements. This commitment to innovation and customer-focused solutions has driven impressive growth, with the company now expanding its reach across five continents.

For more information, visit upnano.com.

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HSINCHU, Taiwan, Nov 12, 2024 – BASF has devoted themselves to creating innovative solutions for customers. One of their products, Ultrasim, integrates processing simulation and structural analysis software to provide users with a unique simulation workflow. Jin Jing, CAE Manager of BASF China, shared his insight into how the integration of Moldex3D and ANSA Morphing in Ultrasim successfully accelerated the product design process.

Fig 1: The comparison of the original and optimized designTake one case, for example. BASF had to reduce warpage while maintaining a maximum injection pressure of 100MPa. Additionally, 3 gate locations needed to be optimized, which added the complexity to the product design. For this part, 13 design parameters needed to be considered, and each parameter would be affected by 3 variables related to the gates. Considering all possible outcomes would result in over 1.5 million combinations, which would have been time-consuming to simulate and analyze each combination.

By integrating Moldex3D and ANSA Morphing in Ultrasim, BASF was able to test hundreds of cases in a short time. The program can automatically adjust the size and shape without the need for manual re-modeling, enabling the BASF team to quickly identify the optimum design solution through a seamless and automated workflow. In this case, by adjusting product shape and optimizing geometry features with ANSA Morphing, the maximum warpage was successfully reduced from 19.23mm to 10.04mm, a 47.79% reduction (as shown in Fig 1). Additionally, the gate positions were optimized to meet the requirement of the injection pressure (as shown in Fig 2).

Fig 2: Optimized gate locationsBASF’s Ultrasim has demonstrated its exceptional benefits with the integration of Moldex3D and ANSA Morphing. By carefully considering the impacts caused by different variables and accurately simulating each combination, it has successfully addressed the complex challenges of minimizing warpage, controlling the maximum injection pressure, and optimizing 3 gate locations simultaneously, ultimately identifying the optimum design.

By enabling precise adjustments of the part’s shape, this integration makes the product development more efficient. The case also successfully demonstrates Moldex3D’s pivotal role in intelligent design and highlights the importance of Ultrasim in modern manufacturing.

The Benefits that Moldex3D Offers BASF Ultrasim

Optimized gate locations
Decreased nearly 50% warpage
Accelerated product development process

For more information about BASF, please visit BASF website.

More information can be found at Moldex3D Website.

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Renishaw has announced several new additions to the processable materials for its RenAM 500 series of metal AM systems. The new materials added include commercially pure copper, H13 tool steel, Hastelloy X alloy, super-duplex stainless steel and AlSi7Mg aluminum alloy. These additions are intended to provide manufacturers with the ability to create new parts for a wide range of applications.

According to the company, Renishaw is releasing these five material files for its laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) systems after working with its customers to develop process parameters for new alloys to open up innovative applications.

Renishaw has also added new powder layer thicknesses to its current processable materials, including 90 μm titanium grade 23, 70 μm stainless steel 316L and 120 μm Inconel 718 parameters.

For the first time, the material data sheets include results of Plastometrex’s proprietary PIP (Profilometry-based Indentation Plastometry) testing. Renishaw claims that by facilitating rapid, direct testing on different sections of AM parts, this method provides a more precise and efficient evaluation of a part’s mechanical properties, in addition to complementing the company’s existing testing procedures.

“We are pleased to be adding to our portfolio of available materials to support innovative applications, and respond to the needs of our customers,” said Marc Gardon, EMEA Additive Manufacturing Applications Manager at Renishaw in a press release. “For instance, we have developed parameters for H13 tool steel, Hastelloy X alloy and super-duplex stainless steel to support customers in Spain and Portugal — SIMOLDES, ITP Aero and ADDIMEN — for applications in the tooling, aerospace and energy industries.”

The new material range opens a number of new AM applications for users of Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series:

Pure copper, with its extremely high thermal and electrical conductivity, is well-suited to consumer electronics and heat exchanger components.
Aluminium AlSi7Mg is a lightweight, high-strength alloy that’s well suited to various applications in the aerospace and automotive industries.
H13 tool steel boasts excellent thermal fatigue properties and high heat resistance to provide high-temperature performance.
Hastelloy X alloy and super-duplex stainless steel share excellent corrosion resistance and high-strength, characteristics that are well suited to the oil and gas and chemical process industries.

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Sougata Roy, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering from Iowa State University has received a $1M grant from the United States Department of Energy to study the possibility of using additive manufacturing to create shields and other components for use in nuclear reactors.

“One of the major things that excites me about this project is working with nuclear energy,” Roy said in a press release. “It’s the largest source of clean power in the United States. This emission-free electricity is important for the future.”

The grant will allow Roy, as the lead researcher, to assemble what he calls a DREAM-TEAM project: “Developing a Robust Ecosystem for Additive Manufacturing of Tungsten for Extreme Applications and Management.”

Joining Roy on the project are Yachao Wang, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota, and researchers from three of the U.S. Department of Energy’s labs: Ames National Laboratory on the Iowa State campus, Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

The grant is part of a $36 million effort by the energy department’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which is designed to build energy-related research capabilities and expertise across the country.

The researchers will work with tungsten because it maintains strength at high temperatures, has a high melting temperature, resists erosion under high-energy neutron irradiation and retains low levels of radioactive tritium.

Tungsten is typically expensive for conventional manufacturers to work with because it’s hard and brittle, which is why Roy and his team will be 3D printing tungsten-based alloys using laser powder-blown directed-energy deposition. This involves using a laser under oxygen-controlled conditions to process tungsten powder and print the metal layer by layer.

Roy, who has experience 3D printing other steel-based alloys for nuclear energy applications, said the project will allow him to purchase a new instrument to characterize the mechanical properties (including the instrumented indentation characteristics and the fracture toughness) of the printed samples.

Roy said the most unique part of the project isn’t the actual printing, it’s the physics-based modeling and computational simulations of the printing process that will complement the experimental work.

The modeling and simulations, which will include work with machine learning and artificial intelligence tools, will help researchers establish the theories behind their experimental results. The simulations will also help them develop recipes for tungsten alloys that can withstand the extreme conditions inside a nuclear reactor.

“We’ll start with pure tungsten,” he said. “Eventually we’ll develop new alloys to resolve the cracking challenge.”

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Connectivity is the foundation of any Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementation. For engineers, it’s not just about ensuring that devices and systems can talk to each other; it’s about choosing the right network architecture, protocols and security strategies to meet operational goals.

In IIoT, connectivity refers to the ability of machines, sensors and control systems to communicate over networks. This enables real-time data exchange and interaction between devices, local networks, edge systems and centralized cloud platforms. In IIoT implementations, this connectivity is critical to enabling the flow of data needed for process optimization, predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and real-time decision-making.

IIoT devices can range from sensors to actuators to industrial machines. For devices to exchange data directly, you’ll typically use machine-to-machine (M2M) protocols. Engineers must ensure that these devices can communicate over low-latency and robust protocols that handle the real-time data flows characteristic of industrial environments.

Protocols like Modbus, OPC UA, and MQTT are industry standards used in IIoT for device-to-device communication. While Modbus, OPC UA, and MQTT are indeed the cornerstones of IIoT protocols, there are many other protocols to choose from depending on the application, environment and system requirements. Each protocol comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to assess performance, security, scalability and interoperability when selecting a protocol for your IIoT architecture.

Another consideration is protocol overhead, which is the extra information that communication protocols add to manage data transmission, handle security, ensure data integrity and support real-time operation. While necessary for reliable, secure communication, overhead can reduce bandwidth efficiency, increase latency and consume more power, which is especially problematic in IIoT environments. Understanding and managing protocol overhead is essential for optimizing performance and efficiency in IIoT implementations.

Edge connectivity

Edge devices (often called edge gateways or edge controllers) act as intermediaries between the industrial devices and the cloud. They handle preprocessing and data aggregation before sending relevant information upstream.

Implementing edge computing reduces latency, conserves bandwidth and allows for real-time decision-making at the device level. Edge architecture must be scalable and secure, often integrating with local databases or edge AI algorithms to run complex analytics.

Cloud connectivity and platform integration

IIoT relies heavily on cloud-based platforms for long-term data storage, aggregation, advanced analytics and remote monitoring. Cloud platforms offer scalable environments for handling data streams from devices in the field.

Ensuring reliable connectivity between edge nodes and the cloud is vital. Engineers should also focus on data integrity and network reliability, optimizing data protocols to reduce packet loss and latency.

Common protocols and data handling

MQTT is lightweight, supports real-time data and works well in low-bandwidth environments, making it ideal for IIoT where data volumes can be massive but not all data needs to be sent in real-time.

OPC UA is widely used in industrial settings for real-time data exchange between PLCs and other industrial automation equipment. It also supports security, which is a critical concern in industrial systems.

RESTful APIs or HTTP/HTTPS are more suitable for web-based interfaces or when integrating IIoT with existing enterprise IT systems but may not offer the real-time capabilities needed for certain mission-critical operations.

How to Address Connectivity Challenges

Industrial environments can be challenging for connectivity due to electromagnetic interference, harsh environments and network congestion. Implement redundant networks (dual Ethernet, cellular backup) for failover in case of primary network failures. Mesh networking in IIoT can increase reliability in environments with intermittent connectivity.

Engineers will often deal with scaling from dozens to thousands of devices over a large geographical area. To support this, it’s important to architect networks that can grow without compromising performance. This may involve local edge computing to handle localized data aggregation and minimize bandwidth requirements.

Security is paramount in IIoT, especially when sensitive operational data and critical infrastructure are involved. Use end-to-end encryption (TLS, AES) and secure communication protocols (like OPC UA with security features enabled). Additionally, ensuring device authentication, role-based access control and network segmentation can help protect against cyber threats.

Zero-trust architectures are becoming increasingly popular in industrial networks to ensure that no device or user is implicitly trusted.

Latency and bandwidth optimization

Low latency is crucial for time-sensitive operations, such as real-time control or automated responses in manufacturing. For example, 5G and LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks, such as LoRaWAN) are being explored for IIoT because they offer low latency, high bandwidth and long-range communication capabilities.

You should also look at how data is being transmitted. Use data compression, aggregation and edge processing to reduce the volume of data being sent over the network.

Technologies enhancing IIoT connectivity

With the advent of 5G, IIoT is gaining a huge advantage in terms of bandwidth and low latency. 5G allows for high-density device support and real-time communication, ideal for applications like autonomous vehicles, smart grids and advanced robotics in factories.

For environments where power efficiency is crucial and devices are spread across large areas, such as farms, pipelines or smart cities, LPWAN protocols offer extended range and low power consumption with relatively low bandwidth needs.

Edge computing reduces the need to send every bit of data to the cloud, providing a more efficient means of processing high volumes of data locally. This can include real-time anomaly detection or local decision-making that reduces latency and bandwidth needs.

Best practices for IIoT implementation

In industrial settings, systems and machines from multiple manufacturers may need to communicate with each other. Ensure your connectivity infrastructure allows for interoperability through open standards (like OPC UA) and modular architectures that can easily integrate with third-party equipment.

Track all data flows and network performance with network monitoring tools and data governance frameworks. This will help in troubleshooting, performance tuning and meeting compliance standards.

Architect your IIoT system in a modular way so new devices or protocols can be integrated without requiring a full system redesign. This modularity supports future-proofing the system as new technologies emerge.

For engineers implementing IIoT, connectivity is a multi-faceted challenge that involves choosing the right protocols, designing reliable and secure networks, optimizing for scalability and latency and ensuring devices can communicate efficiently across systems. The foundation for a successful IIoT implementation lies in robust, scalable and secure connectivity, enabling real-time data flow, remote monitoring and proactive decision-making.

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Most additive manufacturing (AM) processes involve using thermal energy to fuse feedstocks into 3D printed parts, layer by layer. While this approach allows for more complex internal geometries than traditional processes, such as casting, molding or machining, it can also introduce anisotropic material properties and residual stresses as a result of heterogenous heating and cooling in 3D printed parts, which can cause directional solidification or grain growth in the material, particularly in metal AM processes.

This in turn can make the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts less consistent, as well as affecting print speeds – due to the need to account for temperature variations across the part – and reducing surface quality and dimensional accuracy.

This is why it’s crucial for engineers to understand an additive part’s thermal history, since that determines its microstructure, its mechanical properties and its final dimensions. Thermal simulations can help optimize these key performance indicators (KPIs) by modeling the thermal history without the need to actually 3D print experimental parts.

What’s involved in thermal simulation for additive manufacturing?While the relevant process variables will obviously depend on the particular additive manufacturing process being simulated, in the context of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), for example, these include:

Laser power
Laser spot diameter
Laser offset
Scanner head speed
Layer thickness

In this context, a part’s temperature history affects the melt pool dimensions, defect formation, solidification conditions, remelting cycles and residual stress. What makes AM simulation even more challenging is the fact that it requires analyses of temperature changes at sub-nanosecond timescales, which are orders of magnitude shorter than the entire build duration. For this reason, thermal simulations of L-PBF builds can take hours or even days to complete.

How do materials affect thermal simulations for AM?Next to the specific additive manufacturing process, the materials being 3D printed will have the biggest impact on thermal simulation for AM.

For metals used in L-PBF or direct energy deposition (DED), their high thermal conductivity allows for rapid heat dissipation, which can lead to thermal gradients across the part and cause residual stress that can result in warping or distortion. Metals also undergo solid-state phase changes during cooling, such as martensitic transformations in stainless steel. Beyond these general considerations, there are also alloy-specific considerations for thermal simulations of metal AM: for example, titanium alloys are highly reactive and oxidize easily and so require controlled atmospheres while aluminum is more prone to solidification cracking.

In contrast, polymers used in fused deposition modeling (FDM) or selective laser sintering (SLS) exhibit low thermal conductivity, resulting in slower cooling rates and a greater propensity for residual thermal stresses or warping. This is especially problematic in semi-crystalline polymers, such as nylon, in which slower cooling can result in the formation of crystals that impact mechanical strength. Polymer materials are also at risk of thermal degradation due to excessive heat, which can cause brittleness or off-gassing. Finally, simulations involving 3D printing with thermosets (as opposed to thermoplastics) must also account for the effects of the curing process.

How do you do thermal simulation for 3D printing?Thermal simulations often use numerical methods due to the complexity of the phenomena they’re modeling – for example, using finite element analysis for heat transfer during metal deposition.

However, the speed of many 3D printing processes, combined with the complexity of the spatial and temporal dynamic thermomechanical phenomena makes the computational costs of numerical modeling for AM particularly high, especially when trying to simulate the entire thermal history of a part. For this reason, FEA is often too computationally complex and time intensive to be practically useful during manufacturing. Reduced-order models (ROMs) and hybrid techniques that combine a finite element method (FEM) with other methods are emerging to address this computational cost issue, but at the time of writing these are still in relatively early stages of development.

Ultimately, additive manufacturing simulation can be understood as a multiscale problem in both time and space. From this perspective, engineers can control the scale of a simulation and the solution fidelity by choosing appropriate time incrementations and mesh sizes.

Considered on a spectrum, process-level simulations with small time increments and fine meshes are high fidelity, versus part-level simulations with averaged time sequences of events and coarser meshes, which are low fidelity. In the former case, the simulations are intended to capture the rapidly changing temperatures and high-temperature gradients found within and near zones where active melting or fusion occurs. In the latter, the temperature results do not usually contain an accurate thermal history, though a heat transfer analysis can still capture changes away from the active zones, so long as the thermal energy balance of processive heating and cooling has been modelled correctly.

Modelling thermal transport phenomena in AM processes is complex, needing to account for moving heat sources, phase changes and various mass and heat transfer phenomenon. However, when done correctly, thermal simulations can enable design and manufacturing engineers to make design changes to ensure more homogenous cooling, introduce supports to minimize distortions or change process parameters to reduce the risk of defects.

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PLANO, TX, Oct 4, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced that GlobalFoundries (GF) has certified Siemens’ industry leading Analog FastSPICE (AFS) platform for GF’s 22FDX, 22FDX+,12LP, and 12LP+ Process Design Kits (PDKs). With these certifications, mutual customers using Siemens’ AFS tool can now leverage the exceptional performance and power efficiency of these GF processes.

AFS is a key part of Siemens’ Solido Simulation Suite software. It provides leading-edge circuit verification for nanometer analog, radio frequency (RF), mixed-signal, memory, and custom digital circuits. This proven Siemens EDA solution provides a unified platform for the broader integrated circuit (IC) design industry to develop mixed-signal and variation-aware verification capabilities with SPICE accuracy, high performance, high capacity and ease of use.

“Siemens is pleased to collaborate with GlobalFoundries as we continue to deliver advanced technologies that help our shared customers deliver innovative and compelling ICs to market more quickly,” said Amit Gupta, general manager, Custom IC Verification, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “We look forward to the successful end-products that our customers can soon develop with this new design solution kit.”

GF’s 12nm FinFET platform is built using FinFET technology and offers high-performance SoC integration with low-power memory and logic. The platform allows for seamless integration of digital and analog circuitry on the same chip, enabling more efficient designs for applications such as wireless communications, sensor interfaces, and automotive electronics. Siemens’s AFS platform is now certified for 12LP and 12LP+ processes. In addition, Siemens and GF have an active partnership with Si2’s Compact Model Coalition (CMC) in the development of Open Model Interface (OMI), the industry-standard platform for enabling aging modeling and reliability analyses. GF’s 12LP and 12LP+ processes are now enabled with OMI, the industry-standard platform for enabling aging modeling and reliability analyses.

Siemens’ AFS is now certified for 22FDX+, a derivative of GF’s 22FDX platform with half-node performance and power improvements. 22FDX and 22FDX+ are built using FD-SOI technology that delivers high performance, minimal leakage and exceptional power efficiency. These platforms also support seamless integration of digital and analog circuitry on the same chip, enabling more efficient designs for applications such as wireless communications, sensor interfaces, and automotive electronics.

“Our ongoing collaboration with Siemens continues to deliver strong value for our shared customers and the broader GlobalFoundries ecosystem,” said Richard Trihy, senior vice president of Design Technology Enablement at GF. “With our combined expertise and dedication to innovation, GF and Siemens EDA are shaping the future of manufacturing and beyond.”

For more information, visit sw.siemens.com.

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WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT, Oct 4, 2024 – Concepts NREC is pleased to announce the latest release of the Agile Engineering Design System.

The Agile Engineering Design System is an integrated suite of software modules for CAE and CAM specialized for turbomachinery.

For decades they have offered Pushbutton CFD, the ability for a turbomachinery designer to run CFD inside of the design environment with a set of default meshing, boundary conditions, and solver settings and then post-process the CFD results with turbomachinery-specific views. For the past 8 years they have included the ability to run the NUMECA Fine/Turbo (now Cadence Fidelity) in the same environment and with the release of v2024.2 the ANSYS TurboGrid mesher and CFX solvers can be used in the same way. Companies that rely on AxCent for design and CFX for analysis will now have a greatly streamlined workflow to increase productivity.

They have also made a major upgrade to their Throughflow solver. The Throughflow solver is a 2-D version of their pbCFD solver that relies on empirical loss and deviation models in the blade-to-blade direction. Throughflow now includes a design mode that can automatically set inlet and exit blade angles to match a desired incidence and stage pressure split. In addition, they continue their work making secondary flows in all classes of turbomachines easier to design and analyze at all levels (meanline, 3D geometry, and CFD). All of the modules have been upgraded in this release and every engineer will find something new to help them design better turbomachinery.

Any design coming out of their CAE tools can be seamlessly transferred to MAX-PAC, their turbomachinery specialized 5-axis machining toolpath generation software. Version 2024.2 of MAX-PAC has been simultaneously released and includes a major upgrade to the mixer functionality. Users can now generate inserts, retracts, transitions and change spindle speeds while mixing operations. They also continue their plan to make MAX-PAC easier to use by allowing customization of APT format inside of the MAX-PAC UI.

Dr. Peter Weitzman, president of Agile Engineering Software commented “Although we do not sell CFX ourselves, we acknowledge that it is one of the industry standard tools for turbomachinery design and analysis. Our customers have been asking us to integrate CFX with AxCent for a long time and I am happy that we can deliver this to make their work easier. I also want to add that this version of AxCent won’t look like the one your boss learned 25 years ago, the 3D graphics have had an overhaul for a nicer look!”

Version 2024.2 is available now for active Agile Product Support (APS) members to download at the customer support center.

For more information, visit conceptsnrec.com.

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Emerson announced the TESCOMTM AGI BR Series Flushing Ring, a comprehensive packaged solution for flushing and bleeding applications in petroleum refineries, biofuel refineries and petrochemical facilities. By providing a complete, modular valve assembly with a single part number, the AGI BR Series flushing ring streamlines ordering and allows for easy reordering with customer specific test requirements. Both traditional BRS “sandwich” and BRW “wafer” style rings are available, as well as the BR7 “integrated bonnet” design, which includes the bleed/flushing functions in the flange ring itself.

Most flushing ring products are sold as separate components and assembled in the field. This often involves on-site welding and non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements such as pressure testing, Positive Material Identification (PMI), dye-penetrant and radiography. In comparison, the AGI flushing ring includes valve assembly, welding, painting and testing in one comprehensive, compact package.

“Ordering and installing flushing ring products as separate components is overly burdensome and often results in additional costs and long lead times for product delivery,” said Md Wasfi, product marketing manager at Emerson. “What’s more, the entire process must be repeated when reordering. With the new TESCOM AGI flushing ring, customers can order a complete, modular valve assembly under one SKU, simplifying the process as well as reducing on-site installation costs.”

The AGI flushing ring meets piping and instrument class requirements according to the ASME B16.34 standard and is ideal for installation in processes requiring flushing of residue in front of diaphragm seals such as distillation towers, hydrotreaters, coking towers, reactors and separators. The one-piece forged design reduces leak paths and helps minimize emissions compared to conventional products. Fugitive emissions bonnets and ball valves that follow ISO 15848-1 & 2 are also available.

With the flexibility to meet each application, the TESCOM AGI flushing ring features flanged connections that are available in a range of sizes from 1 to 6 inches, pressure class ratings from 150# ANSI to 2,500# ANSI, and temperature range options from -3,143 to 1,000 degrees F (-192 to 538 degrees C). Additionally, Emerson can provide custom variations and NDE testing to meet specific project requirements.

For more information, visit emerson.com.

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SHANGHAI, China, Oct 4, 2024 – Fourier announces the launch of GR-2, the latest addition to its GRx humanoid robot series. With remarkable upgrades across hardware, design, and software, GR-2 marks a new milestone in the field of humanoid robotics.

Fourier GR-2Next-Level Hardware DesignGR-2 builds upon the success of its predecessor, GR-1 — the world’s first mass-produced humanoid robot. Standing at 175 cm and weighing 63 kg, GR-2 offers 53 degrees of freedom and a single-arm load capacity of 3 kg, enabling it to tackle more complex tasks.

The new robot features a detachable battery with the capacity doubled, extending runtime by an hour. This upgrade boosts GR-2’s adaptability, making it capable of handling a broader range of challenges, such as long-distance walking.

Fourier GRx series outlines six key areas for humanoid robotics development—locomotion, manipulation, cognition, bionic design, user experience, and commercial viability.Engineering Breakthroughs for DevelopersGR-2 features integrated cabling design for power and communication transmission, allowing concealed wires and more compact packaging. The efficient layout optimizes space for easier modularization and greater adaptiveness for application-oriented customization.

To simplify the control system and reduce maintenance, Fourier re-designed GR-2’s joint configuration, shifting from a parallel to a serial structure. It improves debugging, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances the robot’s ability to rapidly learn and transition from AI simulation to real-world applications.

The 12-Degree-of-Freedom Dexterous Hand is equipped with 6 array-type tactile sensors, enabling GR-2 to adapt seamlessly to complex tasks with greater precision.12-Degrees-of-Freedom Dexterous Hands: Precision in MotionGR-2 introduces 12-DoF dexterous hands—double the dexterity of previous models. Designed to mirror the flexibility of human physiology, these hands adapt seamlessly to complex tasks with greater precision.

Equipped with six array-type tactile sensors, GR-2 can sense force, identify object shapes and materials, and adjust its grip in real time for optimal manipulation in dynamic settings.

Supporting multiple upper-limb teaching modes—VR remote control, lead-through programming, and direct command—GR-2 can record a comprehensive set of operational data, from motion paths to tactile responses. The robust data collection expects to bridge the gap between virtual models and real-world applications, pushing the boundaries of robot training and deployment further.

FSA 2.0 Actuators series include seven different types of actuators, allowing each to tailored to meet the specific torque demands of GR-2’s every joint.FSA 2.0: Powering Dynamic MobilityFourier breaks new ground in humanoid robotics by incorporating human-like motion into GR-2’s design. To optimize its movement, the company developed seven distinct FSA actuators for GR-2, each tailored to meet the specific torque demands of every joint.

With peak torques exceeding 380 N.m, FSA 2.0 boosts GR-2’s agility and dynamic capabilities. The dual-encoder system doubles control accuracy, ensuring precise movements even in high-pressure environments. Designed for both speed and precision, FSA 2.0 empowers GR-2 to navigate complex tasks with greater flexibility.

Optimized Tools for Innovative DevelopmentFourier prioritizes the developer’s experience. The company optimized GR-2’s development platform by introducing a new software development kit compatible with mainstream programming languages such as ROS. Developers can have easy access to a robust suite of pre-optimized modules for machine vision, path planning, and force feedback control through intuitive APIs.

Supporting frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac Lab and Mujoco, the new platform empowers developers to focus on innovation, streamlining their workflow and elevating the robotics development experience.

“GR-2 is a big step into the future of humanoid robotics,” said Alex Gu, CEO of Fourier. “We’re passionate about building the most intuitive embodied agent for AI, allowing it to engage with the physical world in ways like never before. Fourier is excited to have developers, researchers, and enterprises join us on this incredible journey.”

Fourier GRx series sets new standards in humanoid robotics with its emphasis on AI integration. In view of the future evolution of humanoid robot entities, the company outlines six key areas for development—locomotion, manipulation, cognition, bionic design, user experience, and commercial viability. The launch of GR-2 marks a new step toward future breakthroughs in human-robot collaboration.

For more information, please visit fftai.com.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL and WESTMINSTER, CO, Oct 4, 2024 – Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Trimble celebrated the grand opening of the new Trimble Technology Lab at the Tallahassee campus on October 2.

This event marks a major milestone as FAMU becomes the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to host a Trimble Technology Lab (TTL). The lab at FAMU is set to revolutionize the learning experience for students in architecture and construction engineering by providing access to state-of-the-art technology and software solutions.

“Trimble’s generous support will equip our students and faculty with state-of-the-art technology, while setting a historic precedent,” said Andrew Chin, Assoc. AIA, dean, FAMU’s School of Architecture & Engineering Technology. “We are honored by a gift that demonstrates a commitment to cultivating a diverse and technologically proficient generation of architects and engineers.”

In addition to the donation of software and hardware technologies from Trimble, the Trimble Foundation Fund —Trimble’s philanthropic donor-advised fund — provided a grant to support the renovation and refurbishment of classroom spaces to house the new labs. FAMU is the first institution to be a recipient of a grant from Trimble Foundation Fund in connection with the establishment of a Trimble Technology Lab.

“Establishing our first technology lab at an HBCU underscores our commitment to fostering a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce,” said Amy Northcutt, director of education and outreach at Trimble. “By partnering with Florida A&M University and providing a grant from the Trimble Foundation to support facility renovations, we aim to create a more equitable environment in the industry. This initiative ensures that FAMU students have access to cutting-edge resources and tools, enhancing their education and preparing them for successful careers in construction.”

“The facilities grant from the Trimble Foundation offers a distinctive opportunity for FAMU students to access cutting-edge technology in the construction industry, enhancing their competitiveness in this rapidly evolving field,” said Doreen Kobelo, Ph.D., director of the division of engineering technology at FAMU. “Given the limited funding for capacity building, this grant allows for significant student advancement through solutions that would otherwise be inaccessible with state funding. This initiative will increase the number of underrepresented minorities equipped with expertise in advanced construction design and management solutions.”

The lab includes a broad range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions such as the Trimble Ri robotic total station and XR10 HoloLens hardhat as well as advanced software solutions including RealWorks scanning software, Trimble Business Center Infrastructure Construction edition, Tekla Structures, Tekla Structural Designer, Trimble Connect AR interactive collaboration software, and the company’s popular 3D modeling solution, SketchUp.

Florida A&M UniversityFounded on October 3, 1887 with its main campus in Tallahassee, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is the only public, historically Black university in Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

In addition to its main Tallahassee campus, FAMU has several satellite campuses across Florida. These include the College of Law in Orlando and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, which has sites in Crestview, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami.

Trimble Foundation FundTrimble Foundation Fund is a donor-advised fund that focuses its charitable giving on the missions of supporting natural disaster and climate resilience, promoting female education and empowerment and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. The Trimble Foundation Fund is aligned to the company’s commitment towards building a more sustainable future. For more information on the Trimble Foundation Fund, visit foundation.trimble.com.

For more information about Trimble, visit trimble.com.

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SAN JOSE, CA, Oct 3, 2024 – Quanergy Solutions, Inc. has announced the launch of the Q-Vision F540 3D iToF LiDAR sensor. The Q-Vision solid-state family of sensors extends beyond Quanergy’s acclaimed mechanical M-Series line to optimize automation processes across industries such as logistics and warehouse management, construction, and agriculture with our cutting-edge solid-state technology. The F540 delivers exceptional environmental and vibration performance for both off-road and indoor industrial vehicles, including forklifts, Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), coupled with its exceptional imaging quality, edge compute intelligence and highly accurate volumetric measurements.

The Q-Vision F540 offers an advanced low-noise point cloud and high resolution, allowing developers to detect objects and critical features—such as pallet pockets, shelves, tables, and doorways—at longer ranges with superior precision compared to existing solutions. This increased accuracy and clarity enable faster and safer operations, enhancing the efficiency and economic return of automation processes.The Q-Vision F540 offers an advanced low-noise point cloud and high resolution, allowing developers to detect objects and critical features—such as pallet pockets, shelves, tables, and doorways—at longer ranges with superior precision compared to existing solutions. This increased accuracy and clarity enable faster and safer operations, enhancing the efficiency and economic return of automation processes.

Key Capabilities for Industrial AutomationThe Q-Vision F540 is an essential tool for delivering reliable situational awareness in AGVs and AMRs, supporting a wide range of critical applications, including:

Pallet pocket detection
Collision avoidance
Object classification
Navigation

With 75% more data points than leading competitors, the F540 redefines industry standards in high-resolution 3D LiDAR technology. Its advanced on-sensor Image Signal Processing (ISP) significantly reduces noise, delivering a crisp and reliable 3D point cloud that streamlines and accelerates engineering workflows.

“The Q-Vision F540 provides capabilities that were once either challenging or prohibitively expensive to achieve in industrial mobility applications, especially for outdoors operations,” said Enzo Signore, CEO of Quanergy Solutions. “By integrating advanced sensor technology with on-sensor ISP, we offer unmatched clarity and reliability, empowering developers to design more innovative and efficient autonomous systems.”

Addressing Industry ChallengesThe Q-Vision F540 is designed to overcome key obstacles that have traditionally hindered the widespread adoption of 3D LiDAR in AGV and AMR markets. It directly addresses issues such as:

Limited field of view (FoV) and low resolution in existing iToF cameras
Lack of plug-and-play functionality, requiring extensive software development
Absence of developer-friendly software tools
High costs associated with off-board point cloud processing
Data transport challenges with edge compute for at-sensor insights
Inability to perform in challenging environmental conditions, such as bright sunlight or specific indoor lighting, and able to withstand high shock and vibration
Short-range performance limitations (dead bands)
Inability to read barcodes or QR codes

“Q-Vision F540 is one of the most exciting sensors I have seen come on the market in a long time,” said Greg Cole, robotics chief technology officer and innovator. “Baked into its very core is empathy for the challenges of autonomous navigation and perception. The solid state technology gives it a really robust construction, and the combination of depth and RGB data with the edge computing just makes it such a flexible platform to build on. I’m really excited to see what people can do with this.”

In addition to resolving these issues, the F540’s on-sensor software tackles common iToF LiDAR challenges, including:

Reducing the interference of stray light from reflective surfaces
Outdoor operation under sunlight
Eliminating false data from distances beyond sensor’s set operating range
High dynamic range adaptation
The ability for multiple sensors to operate in the same space without disturbing each other’s data
Motion blur

These capabilities, combined with low cross-sensor interference, allow the F540 to be deployed effectively in environments with multiple robots operating simultaneously. The sensor’s wide field of view ensures comprehensive situational awareness, while its high angular resolution enhances precision in object detection.

Enhanced Configuration OptionsThe Q-Vision F540 will initially be available in two configurations, including an integrated 2-megapixel RGB camera capable of reading text and barcodes, making it a versatile solution for various industrial automation needs.

Seamless Integration for DevelopersQuanergy’s Q-Vision F540 supports an extensive range of industry-standard programming languages and tools, including C, C++, Python, MATLAB, ROS1/2, OpenCV, and PCL. This ensures seamless integration into existing development environments and makes it easier for developers to adopt the sensor into their automation systems.

The accompanying SDK supports the development of both host computer applications and on-sensor applets. Example projects for both is included to facilitate faster development.

For more information, visit quanergy.com.

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Kollmorgen released its new PCMM2G programmable motion controller. This highly scalable controller offers simple integration with systems based on the Kollmorgen Automation Suite as well as with third-party devices, bringing new capabilities and greatly increased performance to everything from standalone machines to complex, modular automation systems.

The PCMM2G controller is compatible with previous-generation PDMM and PCMM controllers from Kollmorgen, offering a simple migration path while enabling greater flexibility and a 1.5–3.5x faster fieldbus cycle rate than PCMM and PDMM. It also supports most third-party automation systems while improving performance and ease of use.

Leading performanceKollmorgen’s new controller is based on a 1.5 GHz quad-core processor that delivers industry-leading cycle times. It is designed to support everything from small, simple machine modules to high-complexity automation environments with up to 64 axes of synchronized path motion, including S-curve and other complex moves.

The PCMM2G controller also includes 16 GB of internal flash memory, six digital inputs, two digital outputs, integral functional safety modules and an onboard human-machine interface panel

Seamless integration100BASE-T connectivity supports UDP, HTTP, Modbus®, Ethernet/IP and PROFINET® for fast integration with most systems. Dual Ethernet ports allow system configuration while connected to an industrial network. An uninterruptible real-time clock with battery backup, plus support for an external time-keeping server via network time protocol (NTP), ensures precise timing and synchronization across all axes.

For Kollmorgen PDMM and PCMM controller users, the PCMM2G offers a simple upgrade path with step-by-step migration assistance. And all customers can count on full support, both online and live.

Simple usabilityPlug-and-play capabilities with Kollmorgen Automation Suite and third-party systems ensure easy setup. Integrated tools simplify and speed network configuration, servo tuning and machine optimization. Support for file management and backup/restore is provided through a USB slot to accommodate removable flash drives.

When employed as part of the full Kollmorgen Automation Suite, the PCMM2G controller offers the additional benefits of simplified inventory, reduced setup time, consolidated software, and the confidence of having one trusted automation supplier with fully integrated components and complete system validation.

“Whether you’re a Kollmorgen Automation Suite customer or you’re looking to maximize the performance of third-party motion components, our next-generation PCMM2G is designed for you,” says Chris Cooper, product management senior director. “It’s exceptionally fast and powerful. It’s fully featured and versatile. And it’s an easy way to bring advanced automation capabilities to practically any industrial application, from small simple machines to large highly complex environments.”

For more information, visit kollmorgen.com.

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The are few items in the engineer’s toolkit with more practical value than simulation.

Grouped under the broad heading of computer-aided engineering (CAE), simulation involves a host of other acronyms: finite element analysis (FAE), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multibody dynamics (MBD), to name a few. While these tools were originally used at the end of product development, over time they have become an integral part of the design process.

Simulation helps us understand complex thermomechanical phenomena without the need to produce physical prototypes, saving both time and money. In this regard it shares a commonality with 3D printing, which is often lauded for its ability to reduce the time and capital expense of prototyping.

What is simulation for 3D printing?While the tools of simulation are often focused on parts, in the context of 3D printing, simulation is more often focused on processes. That means simulating material flow, heat distribution and mechanical stress, among other factors. Typical 3D printing simulations include static analysis to identify deformation based on stresses and strains, dynamic analysis to account for noise, vibration and acceleration; and multibody dynamics for evaluating stress on multidimensional assemblies.

The goal is to understand the physics involved in the layer-by-layer progression of a build and how these will in turn affect the final product. Ideally, simulation enables additive manufacturing engineers to predict the microstructural characteristics of 3D printed parts and thereby anticipate potential issues, such as warping, residual stress or support structure failures. In addition, simulation can be used to improve print speeds or reduce necessary post-processing operations.

What are the simulation outputs for 3D printing?The two most common outputs of additive manufacturing simulations are temperature distribution within the build volume and mechanical deformation within the part. Depending on the application, these two outputs can potentially be calculated independently although there is obviously a high correlation between them.

For example, some software packages will allow the temperature gradient to be computed on its own, which is considerably faster than a running full simulation of the entire 3D printing process. As a bonus, at least in the context of 3D printing, solving heat issues can sometimes solve problems with mechanical deformation at the same time.

Simulating deformation is generally more involved because it requires knowledge of the mechanical and thermal properties of the material. As is typical in simulation more broadly, simulating deformations in 3D printed components is more of a balancing act with regard to the size of the mesh: a finer mesh yields more precise results but it also takes longer to run.

Recoater interference is another common simulation output in 3D printing, though only for powder bed processes. With these technologies, such as selective laser melting (SLM), selective laser sintering (SLS) and electron beam melting (EBM), the recoater can physically impact deformations along the z-axis that are larger than the layer thickness, disturbing the part and most likely ruining the build. For this reason, some software packages include settings for recoater tolerance, generating alerts if z-axis deformations exceed a preset threshold.

There are also software packages that allow for simulating certain post-processing operations, such as heat treatments, detaching parts from the build platform and support removal. With regard to supports in particular, engineers can either simulate parts before generating supports to identify critical areas of deformation or internal stress or after generating supports to evaluate their impact on part dimensions and ensure that they’re still within tolerances.

That covers the basics of additive manufacturing simulation, but there’s much more to consider in terms of software selection, optimization, monitoring feedback, and more. Stay tuned for future articles that cover these topics in more detail.

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BREMEN, Germany, Oct 3, 2024 – Apollo Tyres Ltd relies on CONTACT Elements as its central platform for product development and testing. The low-code solution will foster collaboration, harmonize processes across locations, and support Apollo Tyres in meeting its sustainability goals.

From initial specifications to final product, developing a new tire takes about three years. (© Apollo Tyres Ltd) Rising sustainability requirements and the dawn of e-mobility demand for tires with low rolling resistance made from eco-friendly materials. Apollo Tyres has set out to increase the percentage of sustainable raw materials used in their products to 40% by 2030. To achieve this goal, the company relies on a data-centric strategy and is implementing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) based on CONTACT Software’s CIM Database PLM.

It takes about three years to develop a new tire. CONTACT’s solution is intended to speed up this process and foster collaboration and communication among teams. It will digitally support and harmonize global R&D processes, streamline test data management, improve traceability of tire specifications, and simplify materials management.

The LIMS combines specification and test management. Specification management supports the development process from raw material to the final tire, including recipe management. Test management supports Apollo’s engineers in capturing test parameters, instructions, and comprehensively analyzing test results. The solution integrates company-wide distributed data into a single source of truth, which reduces manual efforts, prevents errors, and minimizes dependency on tools like Excel.

CONTACT’s solution includes document management, Bill of Materials management, and reporting. The integrated project management allows users to efficiently execute projects and track their progress. Interfaces to an ERP system and laboratory equipment enable automated data exchange, while end-to-end processes foster cross-department collaboration from research all the way to marketing. Templates reduce manual efforts for routine activities, while workflow management accelerates requests for sample manufacturing and testing.

“As a modular platform, CONTACT Elements allows us to grow our solution organically in a ‘start small, think big’ approach,” says Hizmy Hassen, Chief of Digital and Supply Chain Officer at Apollo Tyres. The system will be rolled out at Apollo’s Global R&D Centres, first in India and subsequently in Europe. As part of the rollout, processes across the development facilities in Chennai, India, and Enschede, Netherlands, will be harmonized.

With 19,000 employees and a revenue of US$ 3.1 billion, Apollo Tyres is among the world’s leading tire manufacturers. The company specializes in developing and producing tires for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and agricultural vehicles, which it sells under the brands Apollo and Vredestein. Apollo Tyres Ltd operates seven manufacturing facilities and two research centers across India and Europe.

For more information, visit contact-software.com.

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WESTMINSTER, CO, Oct 3, 2024 – Trimble announced the winners of its 2024 Tekla Global Building Information Modeling (BIM) Awards. In this biennial competition, the world’s most impressive structural construction projects that use Tekla solutions are judged in eight categories on criteria such as Use of BIM and Collaboration, Innovative Use of Tekla Software, Constructibility, Environmental Benefits and Cool Factor. The overall winner for the best BIM project of 2024 is the Kruunuvuori Bridge in Helsinki, an end-to-end BIM project.

Trimble Announces 2024 Tekla Global BIM Awards Winners:
The overall winner for the best BIM project of 2024 is the Kruunuvuori Bridge in Helsinki, an end-to-end BIM project.Tekla 2024 Global BIM Awards Category WinnersInfrastructure Project Category and Overall 2024 Winner: Kruunuvuori Bridge, Finland**

Promising to be a true landmark at its completion, the Kruunuvuori Bridge in Helsinki will be the longest car-free bridge in the world spanning 1,200 meters. It is a cable-stayed bridge with in situ concrete substructures and a 135 meter-high pylon. The project was a cooperation between the City of Helsinki Urban Environment Division (KYMP), WSP Finland Oy, Kreate Oy, YIT Infra Oy and Ramboll Finland Oy. The project was voted the overall winner of the 2024 Tekla Global BIM Awards as well as the winner in the Infrastructure category.

The tram, pedestrian and bike bridge project features a model-based design from a host of applications (Tekla Structures, Trimble Novapoint, Trimble Connect, Autodesk Civil 3D, Navisworks and Grasshopper). The team did wind tunnel testing for structural design and stability testing using both a BIM and a 3D-printed model. IFC format models ensure efficient geometry control for each construction phase, including model-based erection guidance, and BIM and BrIM integration ensures precision, efficiency and transparency throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The jury specifically praised that the team is managing the project as a full-blown BIM project, using a multitude of software, and with bidirectional field-to-office and office-to-field connectivity enabling a unique quality in handling the complexity of the project.

Public Project Category: Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion, USA**

In the Public Projects category, the jury was most impressed by the technical challenges the Turner Construction team had to overcome with the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion project. The 50,000 square-foot exhibit features complex designs such as a shell-like tank with no straight edges based on 229 CNC router-shaped panels and connects to existing city infrastructure.

The team relied on a bidirectional data exchange between Tekla Structures and Rhino and Grasshopper to ensure consistent geometry. The detailed installation sequence drawings and constructability analysis were done in Tekla Structures. In the field, the team could access the latest 3D models using Trimble Connect, and used a cohesive model-based lay-out workflow based on Trimble FieldLink and robotic total stations.

Industrial Project Category: Brewery Roman, Belgium**

The Brewery Roman project, entered by Matthieu Gijbels, was the Best Industrial Project category winner. This expansion of one of the oldest family breweries in Belgium started with a 3D scan to generate a high-density point cloud that would serve to identify potential conflicts and fine-tune the model throughout the project. This was crucial in the light of the partial preservation and reconstruction of the building’s facade.

The model, generated in Tekla Structures, was shared between the project stakeholders using Tekla Model Sharing. Using Trimble Connect AR, the team ensured that all stakeholders could always access an up-to-date version and view the model as an augmented reality overlay over the camera image displayed on a tablet. The project was characterized by the high level of detail of the model (LOD400) with highly-detailed steel structures and precast concrete elements.

Sports & Recreation Projects Category: Al Hudayriyat Island Velodrome, UAE**

The winner of the Global BIM Award in the Sports & Recreation Projects category is the Al Hudayriyat Island Velodrome in UAE. This new cycling track has seating for over 3,500 spectators. ASSENT Steel Industries LLC and Ramboll cooperated on the design of this indoor cycle arena featuring unique elliptical fins and sawtooth cladding on the facade out of aluminum profiles with vision and spandrel glass.

The project met BEP and LOD300 requirements by using a combination of Tekla Structures and Autodesk Revit in tandem. The Tekla software was used for the connection design, detailing, fabrication and erection and facilitated cooperation between disciplines like facade, RCC and MEP, enhancing communication and reducing errors through its 3D modeling capabilities. The Tekla software assisted in managing the complex presetting of the more than 2,500 meters of roof, ensuring the right camber after erection.

Commercial Project Category: Lyyra, Finland

Ramboll Finland Oy, Ylva, Haahtela, Arco Architecture Company Oy and Byggnadsekonomi Oy were winners in the Commercial category for their Lyyra project, a new block of real estate in the city center of Helsinki. The jury especially valued the data-driven nature of the project and the fact that a new city block was built on top of a fully-functional metro station and in between two buildings. This took strong collaboration and coordination between Ramboll as the main structural engineer and Peikko (the steel frame producer). The team applied laser scanning for the initial design and on-site comparison of the as-built situation with the data model in Tekla Structures. The model was shared between the two companies using Tekla Model Sharing and used in a ‘live’ situation, with workers on site having the models both on tablets or mobile phones and on paper.

Due to the limited amount of space on the job site, all deliveries were just-in-time, requiring a lot of coordination work, which was also model-based. The team applied Deltabeam Green beams, and recycled 95% of demolition waste on-site to further the sustainability aspect (striving for a LEED Platinum and Well certification).

Small Projects Category: Te Veld Modular Homes, The Netherlands**

The residential project ‘Te Veld Modular Homes’ from The Netherlands is the winner in the Small projects category. The project revolves around designing and engineering a model of a temporary house. The house was designed specifically for a residential project encompassing a total of 700 semi-permanent homes. The homes feature a high level of sustainability as they are prefab timber structures with some steel elements for structural rigidity.

All co-makers were an integral part of the design and production process. The plumbing and electrical installers drew their installation in the 2D model after which the engineers from prefab builder Barli converted these to 3D for the timber frame production using Tekla Structures. The design by LA Architecten allowed for rapid production and also the delivery planning was optimized for the least waste and impact possible. The Tekla model even included fall protection during the factory assembly, slope insulation, kitchen cabinets and overflows.

Student Projects: Tomasz Stęplowski (Wroclaw University of Science and Technology), Poland

Tomasz Stęplowski of the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland is the winner of the Global BIM Award in the student category for his design of a funicular-shaped structure of a reinforced concrete hall with the arched girder of the main nave. Tomasz’s thesis aimed to find an effective shape for the main part of the structure based on the methods of graphic statics. To test scientist and architect Robert Hooke’s observation from 1675: ‘as hangs the flexible line, so but inverted will stand the rigid arch,’ he designed not only the arch girder but also other elements of the hall, such as columns, beams, slabs and footings in Tekla Structures.

API Development Projects Category: Component Code Generator, USA**

In the API Development Projects category, Keyack Technology Solutions won the award for their Component Code Generator, a Tekla Open API-based tool that shortens the time required for programming for coding, building system configurators and setting key variables by over 20% to 30%. Typically, developers spend a lot of time manually finding and mapping variables as well as understanding how to properly set the component input on existing components to put them in the model. The Component Code Generator can read selected existing custom, system, or API-plugin components from the Tekla Structures model to automatically generate a C# method to insert that component.

Public Choice Winner: Preservation Plaza Canopy, USA**

Of all the 155 entries, the most votes from the general public went to the Preservation Plaza Canopy by Structures Online.

Tekla Global BIM AwardsOverall, 155 projects from 35 countries (which included winners of the 2023 and 2024 regional Tekla BIM Awards competitions) were entered into the global competition. The winners of the Tekla Global BIM Awards were decided by an international expert jury consisting of Andrew Livingstone, research associate at the Center for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures at Edinburgh Napier University, Rob Roef, senior business developer digital built environment at the Dutch organization for applied scientific research, TNO, co-chair Building Room, BuildingSMART International and chair of buildingSMART Benelux, Aviad Almagor, vice president of technology and innovation Trimble, and Artur Tomczak, bSDD Product Manager for buildingSMART International and PHD Researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU.

“Since its inception in 1999, the Tekla Global BIM Awards have shown us the best of the best in BIM and structural engineering,” said Jari Heino, vice president and general manager, BIM & engineering division at Trimble. “Moreover, the entered projects have shown how broad the field of application is for our Tekla Structures software and other Trimble technologies. The projects share richness in quality, detail, functionality and sustainability. The Student category proves again that a new generation is talented in applying BIM technology and driving future success in the structural engineering trade.”

More information about the Tekla Global BIM Awards, submissions, jury and winners is available at: tekla.com/bim-awards

For more information about Trimble, visit trimble.com.

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SANTA FE, NM, Oct 3, 2024 – Flow Science, Inc. announces the acquisition of Flow Science Deutschland and XC Engineering, both long-standing distributors of FLOW-3D products in Europe.

XC Engineering, which has represented FLOW-3D products in Italy and France, will become Flow Science Mediterranea. The company will be led by Mr. Stefano Mascetti, who continues his previous role with XC Engineering as Managing Director. Mr. Mascetti will be leading an expanded team, which includes all XC staff.

“I am deeply grateful to the entire team of managers, former directors, and employees of XC Engineering, who have always brought a great added value to the company through their expertise, providing support to our customers, and showing a constant enthusiasm in their work,” said Mr. Mascetti. “This merger will certainly contribute to raising the level of customer service, making resources more efficient and benefiting from a greater know-how and collaboration with Flow Science and our colleagues in Europe.”

Flow Science Deutschland will continue to represent FLOW-3D products in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Mr. Malte Leonhard will lead an expanded Flow Science Deutschland team as its new General Manager. Mr. Leonhard has worked for Flow Science Deutschland since 2018, where he has primarily focused on sales and training for FLOW-3D CAST software.

“It is exciting to be a part of Flow Science, Inc. We are looking forward to the opportunity to support and strengthen the presence of FLOW-3D’s advanced CFD products in the European market,” said Mr. Leonhard.

Flow Science president, John Wendelbo said of the acquisitions, “These two teams continue to be incredibly valuable partners and representatives of FLOW-3D products. Europe is a vital customer base for us, and we are fortunate to have such strong teams there providing the highest level of sales and support to our customers in the region. We look forward to an increased close collaboration between the groups.”

For more information, visit flow3d.com.

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IRVING, TX and WESTMINSTER, CO, Oct 3, 2024 – Caterpillar Inc. and Trimble announced the extension of their long-standing joint venture. The agreement includes expanded distribution of grade control solutions in the construction sector to accelerate innovation and customer adoption.

Since 2002, the Caterpillar Trimble Control Technologies (CTCT) joint venture has led the industry in grade control solutions, delivering products that contribute to jobsite safety and productivity.

The renewed agreement will increase industry reach and provide customers broader availability of interoperable grade control solutions via a flexible platform for use by Caterpillar, Trimble and other technology providers and equipment manufacturers. With a strengthened partnership, this agreement enables both Trimble and Caterpillar to increase innovation and differentiation, develop new offerings and pursue new industry and geographic opportunities.

For Caterpillar customers, there are more ways to access the technology:

Factory-fit grade options through Caterpillar
Cat Grade 3D Ready options allow upgrading at any point within the machine lifecycle
Expanded aftermarket and digital offerings directly through Cat dealers

Trimble customers also benefit from broader availability:

Continued mixed-fleet support from trusted SITECH dealers
Expanded distribution network to reach and meet the needs of mixed fleet customers
Streamlined access to grade control through Trimble Construction One suite of digital solutions further extends Trimble’s construction technology ecosystem

“Trimble’s Connect & Scale strategy has created an ecosystem that empowers customers across both the physical and digital worlds. The next phase of our joint venture will drive innovation in grade control technology to expand the industry opportunity with localized and differentiated solutions while improving technology interoperability,” said Rob Painter, president and CEO of Trimble.

“Caterpillar and Trimble have a long history of innovating together,” said Tony Fassino, Caterpillar Construction Industries group president. “We are proud of what we’ve developed to help customers optimize their operations, including grade control. Today’s announcement is a continuation of this collaboration. With a focus on accelerating this leading-edge technology, we are committed to making it easier for customers to acquire and adopt our solutions across Cat and mixed fleets alike.”

For more information, visit trimble.com.

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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY, Oct 3, 2024 – Graphisoft, the leading building information modeling (BIM) software solution developer for architecture and multidisciplinary design, announced that, as it progresses with its strategic shift to a sustainable subscription software delivery model, updated conversion terms will be available to its Software Service Agreement (SSA) / Forward (FWD) customers starting in 2025, with SSA/FWD contracts serviced through the end of 2026.

As announced earlier this year, Archicad perpetual and SSA/FWD licenses will be available for purchase by new customers through December 31, 2024. Existing customers holding Archicad perpetual license(s) can purchase additional Archicad perpetual and SSA/FWD licenses and upgrade earlier versions of Archicad through December 31, 2025. Users can renew SSA/Forward contracts through the end of 2025, and Graphisoft will continue to service active SSA/Forward contracts through the end of 2026.

Starting in 2026, Archicad will be available for purchase only through subscription. Archicad SSA/FWD customers can convert to Archicad Collaborate subscriptions at the same price as SSA/FWD in 2024. Starting in 2025, SSA/FWD customers can convert to Archicad Studio subscriptions at the same price as SSA/FWD. This offer was designed to help SSA/FWD customers take full advantage of Graphisoft’s subscription offerings at a very preferential starting price. Early movers in 2024 are getting the added benefits of cloud collaboration included by default.

“Technology in the AEC industry is evolving at lightning speed,” reiterated Daniel Csillag, Graphisoft CEO. “Shifting our product delivery model fully to subscription allows users to take advantage of agile, responsive, and up-to-date software solutions — as soon as they hit the market,” he added. “We are confident that our conversion program — taking into account our customers’ long-term needs — will attract all our customers to join us on this exciting journey.”

For more information, visit graphisoft.com.

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SOUTHFIELD, MI, Oct 3, 2024 – A new generation of future leaders in manufacturing are being recognized as the 2024 “30 Under 30” honorees by SME, the nonprofit committed to advancing the widespread adoption of manufacturing technologies and developing North America’s talent and capabilities.

Profiles of the honorees are being published today at AdvancedManufacturing.org, SME’s hub for news and content from Manufacturing Engineering magazine and more. A print edition of the profiles will be included with the October issue of Manufacturing Engineering.

Honorees were selected based on the impact of their professional work as well as engagement with the manufacturing industry and their communities.

“This year’s honorees are an incredibly diverse and dedicated group of individuals who have already created change in the industry, and we’re excited to be able to recognize them this way,” said Jake Volcsko, SME’s vice president of integrated media. “It’s worth it to take the time to read their profiles to learn where manufacturing is headed in the future.”

Each honoree receives a one-year SME membership, allowing them to connect with manufacturing professionals across the country and expand their professional networks, as well as participate in knowledge-sharing activities.

“I’m so excited when I see another group of 30 young manufacturing professionals join every year,” said Sheronda Carr, SME vice president of membership. “SME membership is a real bonus for these exceptional individuals because they can take advantage of our countless career development opportunities and make new connections within the industry across our existing membership base.”

This year’s 30 Under 30 honorees are:

Iyanuoluwa Akojiyan, advanced manufacturing engineer, ABB, New Berlin, Wis.
Ethan Baehrend, founder and CEO, Creative 3D Technologies, Austin, Texas
Jared Beck, senior additive manufacturing specialist, Rivian, Philadelphia
Allie Bell, senior manufacturing engineer, Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas
Kenna Biddle, program manager, Textron Aviation, Wichita, Kan.
Amit Deshpande, graduate research assistant, University of Delaware Center of Composite Materials, Newark, Del.
Steven Dohm, assistant director, educational programming and technology, Alliance for Working Together Foundation, Cleveland
Joseph Erickson, graduate student, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
Trent Esser, CEO and co-founder, Printerior, St. Louis
Liam Fortier, advanced manufacturing engineer, Peterbilt Motors, Denton, Texas
Ben Fouch, vice president of strategy and operations, LDI Ltd., Walkerton, Ind.
Maddie Frank, business development manager, Fortius Metals, Lafayette, Colo.
Abhishek “Abhi” Hanchate, founder, AlignAI, College Station, Texas
Riley Horner, engineering project manager, NXP Semiconductors, San Marcos, Texas
Benjamin Obeng, additive manufacturing engineer, Siemens Healthineers, New York City
Riddhi Padariya, Climatebase fellow
Liam Page, additive manufacturing production lead, Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla.
Anne Pauley, technical program manager, early engagement, Pixel, Google Inc., Mountain View, Calif.
Sariah Reed, designer 1, Paul Mueller Co., Springfield, Mo.
Danielle Revering, manufacturing engineer II, Protolabs, Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Kamal Rudra, research & development integration engineer, IBM, Albany, N.Y.
Jacalynn “Jackie” Sharp, mechatronics section supervisor, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md.
Nicole Sturgeon, engineer, early career leadership program, ATI Inc., Monroe, N.C.
Mingjie Tu, senior researcher, General Motors, Warren, Mich.
Hunter Turco, senior mechanical fabrication technician, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Sykesville, Md.
Ian Turowski, product engineer II, ATI Inc., Monroe, N.C.
Erica Ugbo, manufacturing engineer, Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, Conn.
Chloe Vollaro, applications engineer, Protolabs, Morrisville, N.C.
Justin West, PhD, R&D associate staff, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Steve White Jr., senior manager, engineering operations, Bernard M. Gordon Learning Factory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.

To read full profiles of each of the honorees, click here.

For more information, visit sme.org.

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LOS ALAMITOS, CA, Oct 3, 2024 – Epson Robots has announced HPE Automation, a leading automation distributor in Florida, has joined as an AutomateFirst Platinum Partner. HPE Automation’s technical knowledge and engineering expertise combined with Epson’s robot technology helps provide customers in the Southeast region with best-in-class automation solutions for those seeking to integrate or enhance automation processes.

“The partnership with Epson is a perfect fit and underscores our commitment to delivering the most innovative and efficient automation solutions,” said Eric Hord, CEO and co-owner, HPE Automation. “This collaboration expands our offerings and provides access to an extensive lineup of over 300 additional SCARA and 6-Axis robot models to our network in Florida, Southeast Georgia, the Caribbeans, and more.”

HPE Automation is offering the complete lineup of Epson’s award-winning robots, including the extensive SCARA portfolio, 6-Axis and All-in-One robots, as well as software solutions. Whether looking to enhance operational efficiency, integrate advanced robotics into existing processes or explore new automation possibilities, HPE Automation and Epson have the expertise and technology to meet a wide range of automation needs.

“With decades of automation experience, HPE Automation is a proven leader that focuses on advancing industrial automation,” said Tom Kettell, director of Robotics, Epson America, Inc. “We welcome HPE Automation as an Epson AutomateFirst Platinum Partner, and look forward to working together to help businesses accomplish their automation goals.”

For more information, visit epson.com.

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Simulation is a critical part of product design and development, allowing engineers to test and validate designs at various stages in the process. It helps teams save time and costs, optimize physical prototyping and encourage innovation and more sustainable designs.

Engineers use simulation technology to evaluate a model in a virtual environment and predict how it will behave in the real world.

A model is a representation of an object, system or process, such as a bearing for an industrial robot, a landing gear system for commercial aircraft or a food packaging process. Engineers create 3D models of components, machines and structures using computer-aided design (CAD) software and then use computer-aided engineering (CAE) software to test and evaluate the models under defined conditions.

For example, an engineer may design a component in CAD and then use CAE software to simulate peak loading conditions to analyze the component’s response. If simulation results show that the component satisfies requirements, engineers may build a physical prototype to validate the part in the real world.

(Image: Adobe Stock.)Additionally, engineers can use simulation software to explain why a component or structure failed. For example, if many customers report that a machine fails repeatedly at a particular connection, engineers can use simulation tools to understand the problem and improve the design. Thus, simulation can be used at numerous points in a product lifecycle.

Engineers also use process simulation software to model and analyze manufacturing processes, such as production lines, robot operations and automated warehouses. Others leverage physical simulators, such as flight or heavy equipment simulators, incorporating gaming software and even virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) to conduct human-in-the-loop testing. Physical simulators are often used for training and evaluating a system or process involving human decision-making.

For engineers who design products, components, machines and structures, there are three widely used simulation techniques: finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and multibody dynamics (MBD).

How does simulation software work?While CAD software creates 3D models representing real-world designs, CAE software creates mathematical models representing the designs based on physics equations. Physical conditions, such as forces and heat, applied to the designs are often described using partial differential equations (PDEs), which are continuous functions with infinite solutions. To compute and output discrete values from such equations, CAE software uses discretization methods that convert differential equations into solvable systems of algebraic equations.

Engineers choose a discretization method based on the design and what they want to analyze. Without getting into the mathematics, here is a simplistic overview of three commonly used methods:

Finite element method (FEM): This method divides a 3D model into many smaller finite elements, collectively called a mesh. The software discretizes the PDEs into algebraic equations for each element. It then solves the system of equations for the entire mesh. FEM solves a myriad of physics problems and is widely used for complex geometries in FEA tools.

Finite difference method (FDM): This method divides a 3D model into a finite grid with evenly spaced intervals and endpoints. The software discretizes the PDEs into algebraic equations at the endpoints and solves the system. FDM is typically reserved for simple geometries that can be divided into structured grids.

Finite volume method (FVM): This method divides a 3D model into many smaller finite volumes called cells. The software discretizes the PDEs by integrating over the cells, accounting for variations between them and balancing fluxes. FVM is often used to solve fluid flow and heat transfer problems in CFD tools.

Since discretization approximates algebraic equations, there are inherent errors in each method. Engineers must understand which method is most appropriate for their models and set up a quality mesh or grid to help minimize such errors.

How to switch to a simulation engineering careerEngineers interested in transitioning to simulation-based roles can start building skills with open-source software and tutorials. Many commercial platform providers also include trials and introductory courses. Consider looking at job postings from various companies to see what software they use and become familiar with those interfaces by building basic models and running simple studies.

Despite the effort to democratize simulation software and make it more accessible to non-experts, engineers should brush up on relevant physics, calculus and programming skills to understand the calculations and ensure results make sense. That might mean revisiting concepts and equations for structural mechanics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer to gauge whether a model accurately reflects a defined real-world problem. It might also mean practicing coding or learning a new scripting language.

Simulation engineers are highly sought after, and many companies are willing to pay top dollar for expertise. Job prospects are favorable in nearly every industry, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, manufacturing, medical and telecommunications. Demand in such industries continues to grow as more organizations seek to improve efficiency, safety and performance while reducing costs and environmental impact.

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LEEDS, UK, Oct 2, 2024 – Farnell, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance and repair has announced an expansion to its test and measurement equipment offering by introducing the Keysight Technologies InfiniiVision HD3 Series oscilloscope.

Designed to meet the needs of engineers who must detect the tiniest and most sporadic signal irregularities to quickly identify and address issues across various applications, the Keysight HD3 Series delivers superior vertical resolution through its state-of-the-art 14-bit ADC and a low noise floor of 50 µVRMS. These advanced features are made possible by a newly crafted custom ASIC and a deep memory architecture.

“Recognizing the need of engineers for quick and precise measurements for a variety of applications, we built the InfiniiVision HD3 from the ground up to deliver an exceptionally precise general use oscilloscope,” said Robert Saponas, vice president and general manager, Keysight Digital Photonics Center of Excellence. “As an industry-leading design, emulation, and test solutions provider, Keysight is excited to work with our partners to bring the new HD3 Series into the field to speed design debugging to accelerate time to market.”

Christelle Mazella, senior manager, Test & Measurement at Farnell, said, “The Keysight InfiniiVision HD3 Series is more than just an oscilloscope; it’s a game-changer for engineers who demand absolute precision in their measurements. By incorporating this cutting-pioneering technology into our portfolio, we’re empowering our customers to achieve faster, more accurate debugging and to push the boundaries of what’s possible in their designs. At Farnell, we’re committed to delivering the tools that enable innovation, and the HD3 Series is a perfect example of that.”

The Keysight HD3 Series oscilloscope covers bandwidths between 200 MHz and 1 GHz and delivers the following benefits:

Unparalleled precision – Delivers 14-bit ADC resolution and low noise floor in combination with an uncompromised 1.3 M waveforms / second update rate for all measurements, enabling quick, accurate debugging.
Built on new technology – Features a custom-built ASIC that gives engineers higher sample rates and memory under typical testing conditions, an uncompromised waveform update rate, high vertical resolution, and hardware-based functions such as mask, zone, and serial decode.
Deep memory – Captures longer time spans at full sample rate for better measurement / analysis results.
All-new interface – Offers an all-new user interface enabling versatile functionality, , several bandwidth limiting options, HD mode support, and custom measurement thresholds.
Full test automation – Introduces automatic fault hunter software for general debugging, which analyzes glitches, slow edges, and runts while engineers complete other tasks. Engineers can also automate measurements with a large selection of serial bus protocols and application software.
Instant software upgrades – Provides immediate bandwidth, memory, and feature upgrades through software licensing, enabling designers to purchase options they need now and upgrade as their designs evolve in the future without having to return the instrument to the factory.

The Keysight HD3 Series oscilloscope is now available through element14 in APAC, Newark in North America, and Farnell in EMEA, providing engineers across the globe with access to this advanced technology.

For more information, visit farnell.com.

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AutoForm Engineering GmbH, the leading supplier of software solutions for stamping and BiW assembly processes, unveils its latest software version AutoForm Forming R12. This version provides new capabilities and enhancements for the sheet metal forming process chain, in particular for the feasibility and validation phases of stamping processes.

AutoForm Forming R12 offers new capabilities and enhancements for the sheet metal forming process chain.AutoForm Forming R12 offers advancements and new options for the stamping process feasibility phase. An updated mesh refinement strategy allows for a more realistic prediction of the severity, size and number of wrinkles during and at the end of the forming process. The software also enables users to consider not only the maximum press forces but also their distribution. They can now better ascertain whether the press is capable of appropriately closing the tools and thereby ensure that part production runs smoothly. In addition, AutoForm Forming R12 offers various solver improvements, such as the option for parallel execution on 16 cores for faster simulation and an increased maximum number of elements particularly supportive for larger parts and parts with very fine structures. The software also offers various TriboForm enhancements, including expanded libraries especially important for the tryout phase. AutoForm Forming R12 enables users to quickly and easily evaluate process feasibility.

AutoForm Forming R12 brings new capabilities which are important for the process validation phase. Springback compensation is now facilitated by an improved smoothing control option, which allows users to adjust smoothing factors to achieve the desired surface quality. The enhancements in AutoForm-DieDesignerPlus are also important for process validation as they significantly facilitate the creation and compensation of high-quality surfaces within the AutoForm environment. The latest release also brings new options for compensation of elastic tool deflection, i.e. over-crowning, that lead to an even greater reduction in the number of tryout loops, rejects and press downtime in production.

Dr. Markus Thomma, CMO of the AutoForm Group, stated: “With AutoForm Forming R12, we offer our users a range of new features and enhancements which are important for the sheet metal forming process chain. By using AutoForm Forming R12, process designers can achieve better part and process designs, improved design quality and more reliable long-term design performance.”

For more information, visit autoform.com.

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COLUMBIA, MD, Oct 2, 2024 – Global design and BIM software provider Vectorworks, Inc., has secured finalist positions in six categories at this year’s Construction Computing Awards. Specifically, Vectorworks Architect and the virtual reality application Vectorworks Odyssey are being recognized in the categories of BIM, innovation, and product of the year.

The Construction Computing Awards, affectionately known as “The Hammers,” aim to showcase and reward the technology, tools, and solutions involved in the effective design, construction, maintenance, and management of commercial buildings, residential and social housing, infrastructure, and civil engineering projects of all sizes.

“This recognition speaks to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence that defines Vectorworks,” said Vectorworks director of product marketing Martyn Horne. “We are dedicated to empowering designers with the tools they need to push boundaries, meet evolving industry demands, and shape the future of architecture and construction. Being finalists in six categories validates the ongoing impact of our products on the global AEC community.”

Vectorworks, its industry-leading products, and award-winning user Jonathan Reeves are finalists in the following categories:

BIM Software of the Year 2024: Vectorworks Architect
Innovation of the Year 2024: Vectorworks Odyssey Viewer for Meta Quest
Architectural Design Software of the Year 2024: Vectorworks Architect
Editor’s Choice 2024: Vectorworks, Inc.
Product of the Year 2024: Vectorworks Architect
Company of the Year 2024: Vectorworks, Inc.
Channel Partner of the Year: Jonathan Reeves CAD
BIM Project of the Year: Jonathan Reeves Architecture for The Home Office Leicestershire, using Vectorworks and Twinmotion

Votes can be easily submitted on the Construction Computing Awards website until Oct 29. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Nov 7 at The Leonardo City Hotel, London.

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, with offices in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan, Vectorworks is a part of the Nemetschek Group. For more information, visit vectorworks.net.

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SUNNYVALE, CA, Oct 2, 2024 – Matterport, Inc., unveiled a groundbreaking suite of new tools designed to reshape the way professionals design, build, and market properties.

Matterport’s new defurnish tool uses AI to remove furniture and other objects from virtual property listings.Through the power of generative AI, Matterport users can now easily reimagine the potential of any space, transforming digital twins from static replicas into dynamic canvases for creativity.

“Our Fall 2024 Release empowers users to unlock the full potential of Matterport,” said RJ Pittman, chairman and CEO of Matterport. “Imagine being able to defurnish a home with one click or generate stunning property descriptions automatically, using just the data from your digital twin. These tools save time, elevate listings, and simplify complex workflows for everyone—from real estate agents to contractors and enterprise teams. And with features like 3D model merge, field tags, and one-click bill-back processing, we’re helping customers manage spaces at scale with unprecedented speed, efficiency and precision.”

New tools for agentsOne of the most revolutionary additions in the Fall Release is Matterport’s AI-powered defurnish tool, designed to solve a common challenge for home sellers and agents: clutter. With a single click, users can now transform a cluttered living room or messy garage into a clean, open space—allowing potential buyers to visualize the home’s true potential. Whether it’s “erasing” an outdated couch or clearing out the dining room set, defurnish gives agents a powerful yet simple tool to make every property shine.

And coming soon, Matterport’s interior design tools will unlock creativity for everyone—letting users digitally furnish and redesign spaces with ease and offering a glimpse of what the future could hold.

The AI-powered property description tool is another game-changer, crafting detailed, engaging written descriptions in just seconds. Brokers and marketers can select the style and tone, ensuring each listing is perfectly tailored—whether it’s a sleek, modern downtown loft or a charming suburban home. And by leveraging the precise spatial data of every digital twin, the tool creates content that is not only beautifully written but also accurate down to the last detail, saving hours of work and producing results that even seasoned experts will admire.

New tools for property managers, contractors, and designersFor large-scale projects, Matterport’s new Merge tool enables users to seamlessly “snap” together multiple digital twins. Imagine creating a full digital model of an entire hotel, floor by floor, or merging every floor of a high-rise office tower into one cohesive 3D tour of the building. Merge also allows multiple team members to scan different sections of a property simultaneously and integrate them later, making it possible to capture and manage even the most expansive buildings quickly and efficiently.

Field Tags further enhance the efficiency of on-site work by allowing users to add on-site observations and tags during the scanning process. No more repeat visits to capture missed details—everything can be documented in real-time, ensuring accurate, comprehensive records of the space are captured at the moment they matter most. This feature keeps teams aligned and projects moving forward without unnecessary delays.

Lastly, Matterport introduces one-click bill-back processing, a highly anticipated feature for enterprise customers. This simple yet powerful tool removes the headache of manual invoicing and cost allocation, allowing organizations to easily distribute expenses across departments and external partners. By automating billing processes, Matterport reduces administrative burdens and empowers teams to focus on what matters most.

For more information, visit matterport.com.

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Holland,MI, Oct 2, 2024 – Hitachi Ltd. has completed the acquisition of MA micro automation GmbH, a leading provider of robotic and automation technology. MA micro automation will be under operation of JR Automation Technologies, LLC to grow the company’s reach in the global advanced automation market, such as Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. Hitachi and MAX Management GmbH (the seller, a subsidiary of MAX Automation SE) signed a stock purchase agreement in April, 2024, and pursuant to this agreement finalized the deal on September 30, 2024. Both JR Automation and MA micro automation have strong, recognized brands and will continue to do business under their existing names.

“MA micro automation’s capabilities are a perfect complement to JR Automation’s plans for growth in the medical segment,” said Dave DeGraaf, CEO at JR Automation. “We have been impressed not only by their solutions and R&D capabilities, but also by their strong culture and shared values.”

The acquisition of MA micro automation adds value for customers worldwide with diversified offerings in medical and high-precision automation. The deal also expands sales opportunities for JR Automation in Europe and for MA micro automation in the U.S. as well as business portfolio for the Asia Pacific market with a stronger presence in Singapore.

“ This collaboration is poised to deliver increased value and support to our customers worldwide, particularly in the medical market vertical where MA micro automation has established a strong foothold,” said Joachim Hardt, CEO at MA micro automation.

The field of robotic SI, which involves a massive amount of data, is playing a central role in connecting shop floor and top floor to achieve overall optimization. With this acquisition of MA micro automation, Hitachi is globally expanding and strengthening its capabilities in the robotic SI field and develop “Total Seamless Solution” that solve issues between shop floor and top floor to create new value. “By welcoming new colleagues, Hitachi Group aims to be a global leader in the robotic SI business, and strive to increase the productivity of frontline workers and maximize customers’ corporate value by utilizing the strength in IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products through Lumada’s customer co-creation framework,” said Kazunobu Morita, vice president and executive officer, CEO of Industrial Digital Business Unit, Hitachi, Ltd.

For more information, visit hitachi.com.

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TROY, MI, Oct 2, 2024 – Altair, a global leader in computational intelligence, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 Altair Global Student Contest. The contest is open to all students who want to show off their engineering and design talents for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. The contest – which will award nearly $30,000 in cash prizes – will showcase how students are using Altair software to create game-changing innovations, specifically in the fields of robotics and mechatronics.

“This year’s Global Student Contest places a special emphasis on robotics thanks to Altair’s extensive collaboration with FIRST over several years,” said Jim Ryan, vice president of global academic programs, Altair. “Our comprehensive technology offering is perfect for students of all levels, giving them the means to bolster their portfolio, sharpen their skill sets, collaborate more effectively, and become Real-World Ready by the time they’re ready to launch their careers. Nobody gives students the means to unleash their creativity and inspire innovation like Altair.”

The Global Student Contest will run from October 2024 through June 2025. Students are invited to optimize a robotics application of their choice, which could include a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) robot, manufacturing robot, robotic arm, battle bot, or any other robotic system. Optimizations can target electrical, mechanical, structural, lightweighting, motion, or functional aspects, such as using data to enhance the robot’s performance during operation.

While students can use any solution from the Altair HyperWorks and Altair RapidMiner platforms, they are encouraged to utilize at leat one of Altair’s most student-friendly optimization tools: Altair Inspire, Altair AI Studio, and Altair PSIM. Students must submit a video that explains their project’s methodology and results. At the end of each quarter during the contest period, participants have the chance to win $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place.

In addition, throughout the contest Altair will award three FIRST team sponsorships of $5,000 each. Teams can earn a chance to win by submitting short, reel-like testimonial videos that explain how Altair tools have helped them and why they enjoy using them. Altair will also name three Altair Student Ambassadorships, which give each recipient a chance to earn up to $1,000 for their contributions as a student ambassador. More info on the student ambassadorships can be found on the contest’s webpage.

For more information, visit altair.com.

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Kassie Fell
Regional Distribution Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering • University of Wisconsin — Milwaukee

What is your background?Most of my career has been dedicated to technical sales, where I’ve specialized in navigating customer applications to deeply understand their challenges and goals. My focus has always been on providing tailored solutions that effectively address these challenges and help customers achieve their objectives. Additionally, I spent a period in product marketing, bringing my sales-driven perspective to the marketing team, which enriched my understanding of the product lifecycle and enhanced cross-functional collaboration.

Talk about the culture at your company.One of the aspects I deeply value about our organization and leadership team is their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, which they have made a top priority. Our CEO consistently emphasizes the importance of fostering a more inclusive environment and actively encourages each of us to contribute to this goal. We have a variety of internal initiatives dedicated to this cause, including efforts to increase the representation of women in our industry, create opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and engage meaningfully with our communities. This dedication not only strengthens our organization but also ensures that we are contributing positively to society.

Our recruiting team is exceptional in their commitment to broadening our talent pool by actively seeking out and engaging with underrepresented groups. They understand that a diverse workforce drives innovation and success, and they go above and beyond to ensure we have access to the most qualified and diverse candidates when filling open positions. Their proactive approach not only helps us meet our organizational goals but also reinforces our dedication to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace. By prioritizing diversity in our recruitment efforts, we can attract top talent from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring that our team is as dynamic and innovative as the challenges we tackle.

Describe a recent company project that went particularly well.This past year, I had the privilege of being part of an exciting annual project within our organization. We bring together individuals from various departments—marketing, sales, manufacturing, and more—and from different regions across North America to collaborate. As the saying goes, ‘two heads are better than one,’ and in this case, we combine diverse perspectives to generate innovative, out-of-the-box ideas aimed at making a real impact for our customers.

We form teams to brainstorm, then go through a selection process to refine those ideas. At the end, each team presents their best idea, and a final vote determines which one will be pursued and brought to market. The key to our success is a shared commitment to making things better and easier for our customers. With that goal in mind, we can come up with truly unique solutions. By working together, we challenge each other’s ideas, identify potential pitfalls, weigh the pros and cons, and ultimately reach a consensus on what will best serve our customers.

What first drew you to engineering?As an engineer, the most satisfying aspect of my work is the fulfillment of my innate curiosity. I find immense satisfaction in understanding and mastering the intricate processes behind everyday products. For example, there’s something profoundly rewarding about seeing a bottle of water on a store shelf and knowing the detailed journey it undertook—from raw material sourcing to production, packaging, and logistics. This comprehensive understanding of the process not only quenches my thirst for knowledge but also reinforces the impact of engineering on our daily lives. It’s the ability to unravel these complex systems and contribute to their optimization that fuels my passion for the field.

Describe your biggest career challenge.While it may not have been my biggest challenge to date, this experience was pivotal in building the confidence that has since helped me tackle even greater obstacles. During my college engineering co-op at a local manufacturing facility, I found myself unexpectedly in charge when my manager went on vacation. That day, he received a call from a sister plant where the glue line was down, and he instructed me to go fix the problem. I was just a college student studying electrical engineering, with limited experience in programming and manufacturing lines. But when your boss gives you a task, you rise to the occasion.

Feeling overwhelmed, I arrived at the plant, where boxes were passing through the glue station without any glue being dispensed. I plugged in my laptop, took a deep breath, and began analyzing the code, grateful for the comments left by the programmer. As I reviewed the logic rung by rung, I found an issue— the rung that was supposed to activate the glue dispenser wouldn’t trigger due to a logical error. I fixed the code, redownloaded the program, and handed control back to the operator. In what felt like slow motion, I watched as the first box passed through the gluing station and emerged perfectly glued. I couldn’t believe it—I had just fixed my first manufacturing line.

Leaving the plant that day, I had a huge smile on my face and my head held high. That moment marked a turning point for me, as I realized that with determination and problem-solving skills, I could overcome any challenge thrown my way.

What career advice would you give to your younger self?My father has always been my greatest inspiration. Despite facing significant challenges, including having to drop out of college to work full-time and support himself, he never gave up on his dreams. He began working at a young age, starting with a paper route, and as an adult, he found his job opportunities limited without a degree. Yet, when my siblings and I were young, he made the courageous decision to return to college while still working full-time. This determination and sacrifice left a lasting impact on me. From a young age, I remember him telling me to find something I love, so it would become more than just a job—it would be a fulfilling career. His relentless perseverance and the sacrifices he made for our family have shaped my values and drive. While I haven’t had the official title of mentor, I’ve been fortunate to assist high school students with their PLTW year-end projects and coach sports through our local park district. Through these experiences, I hope to inspire the next generation, just as my father inspired me.

What are other observations you have on engineering diversity?Diverse teams bring a wealth of strengths to engineering and design projects, significantly elevating both the quality and innovation of the outcomes. By bringing together individuals from varied cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, these teams benefit from a rich array of perspectives. This diversity of thought leads to a broader spectrum of ideas, approaches, and solutions, ultimately resulting in more innovative and effective designs. When tackling complex challenges, diverse teams are better equipped to approach problems from multiple angles, often identifying issues and opportunities that might be overlooked by more homogeneous groups. The fusion of different experiences and viewpoints naturally fosters creativity, encouraging experimentation with unconventional ideas and ‘outside-the-box’ thinking, which are crucial for driving innovation in engineering and design. Moreover, because these projects often aim to serve a wide range of users, a diverse team is more likely to understand and address the varied needs and preferences of a broad user base, leading to more inclusive and widely applicable products and solutions.

Diverse educational backgrounds can profoundly advance the field of engineering in numerous impactful ways. Engineers who bring knowledge and techniques from different fields foster cross-disciplinary innovation, leading to breakthroughs that might not emerge within a single discipline. For instance, merging insights from computer science, biology, and traditional engineering can drive groundbreaking advancements in areas like bioengineering, robotics, or artificial intelligence. Varied educational experiences also equip engineers with distinct problem-solving approaches. An engineer trained in physics may focus on fundamental principles, while someone with a business background might prioritize cost-efficiency and market impact. This diversity in problem-solving perspectives results in more robust and well-rounded solutions. Additionally, engineers with diverse educational backgrounds offer a broader perspective on the application of engineering solutions. For example, those with a background in environmental science might design products that are not only functional but also sustainable, taking long-term ecological impacts into account. Furthermore, educational diversity introduces varied thought processes and creative methodologies. An engineer with a background in the arts, for example, might emphasize aesthetics and user experience, leading to designs that are both highly functional and visually appealing, enhancing overall user satisfaction.

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NW MN Chapter of Women in Electronics
DigiKey

In 2018, DigiKey founded the NW MN chapter of Women in Electronics (WE), a community of women in the electronics industry committed to working collaboratively with their male counterparts to advance opportunities for women in electronics and related industries. Since then, membership and participation have continued to grow within DigiKey, bringing increased networking and learning opportunities.

Team members at DigiKey’s headquarters face the unique hurdle of being tucked away in the northwest corner of Minnesota. Being far removed from other tech hubs makes it harder for the team to attend industry networking events and speaker sessions and participate in cross-business mentorship programs, which is why the WE chapter has been such an important initiative.

The Thief River Falls chapter of WE is a dynamic group that supports its members in various ways. The chapter offers monthly training, which has helped many feel more confident in their communications and empowered to express their ideas.

The mentorship program has also been an invaluable resource for many. It connects women in different roles and stages in their careers and promotes collaboration, support, and career development opportunities. It’s become a place for many to feel safe and discuss challenges with someone with an outside perspective. Furthermore, it has opened doors previously unavailable to many. Some employees, once mentees, are now looking to become mentors and help encourage the next generation of women in tech.

Talk about the culture at your company. What makes it supportive of diversity?The responsibility of being a major local employer is not lost on leadership, and this WE investment is an initiative paying dividends for the broader community. Women in Electronics provides access to learning and development resources that we can utilize on-site and share with anyone in our local community who desires access to experts, tools and support to empower and develop women leaders in the workplace.

The DigiKey culture wholeheartedly believes that diverse teams are critical to a business’s success because they broaden perspectives on any initiative or idea. There are many research-proven reasons why diverse teams lead to better business results.

Beyond stronger financial returns, diverse teams increase access to better talent, more effective problem-solving, superior innovation, stronger retention and more relevant solutions for end customers.

Our industry is very forward-looking and thinking, but it’s also a very mature industry, especially at the leadership level. In the next decade, there will be a high turnover rate in the industry due to aging leadership. We need to build that bench for the future of the industry so that we can continue to grow and transform. With the ongoing competition for talent, addressing this talent reservoir is critical for our ongoing sustainability. Our partnership with Women in Electronics provides a platform to talk about those challenges and promote the need for change within the industry.

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LOS ANGELES, CA, Oct 2, 2024 – Solver, a cloud-based xFP&A (extended financial planning and analysis) software company, released three industry solutions designed to improve productivity in construction, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and senior living companies.

“Making financial planning and analysis easier and more productive is our number one goal,” said Nils Rasmussen, CEO, Solver. “We already have a number of customers in these three industries, so we listened to their most-immediate needs and goals related to performance, revenue, growth, and profitability. The results are these three new solutions–a deep focus on the way construction, SaaS, and senior living companies analyze their numbers in order to scale, grow, and respond to their respective markets.”

The solutions provide the following benefits to each industry:

Construction: Due to multi-entity structures, regulations, and labor shortages, companies in residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial construction must address economic fluctuations, cost management, safety concerns, and digital transformation. Solver is designed to enable companies to get the full picture to drive decision-making.
SaaS: SaaS businesses face unique challenges with subscription-based pricing models and recurring revenue streams. By leveraging data analytics organized to deliver a single source of truth, these companies can overcome challenges and take advantage of the opportunities to grow their business. Solver is built to meet many planning and reporting challenges, including churn, scalability, pricing, and customer acquisition costs.
Senior Living: Independent or assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, and continuing care retirement communities face cost, staffing, and quality-of-care concerns, as well as government regulations. With an aging population and market competition, Solver is designed to help streamline data to provide patient-centered care, and drill down in reporting to get a full view of costs and revenue to accurately budget.

“Not all xFP&A solutions are equal; there are several factors that CFOs, financial executives, and business owners should take into consideration when selecting the right software for their company,” said Tad Remington, chief commercial officer, Solver.

For more information, visit solverglobal.com.

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EATONTOWN, NJ., Oct 2, 2024 – Climb Channel Solutions, an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc. has announced the expansion of Bluebeam offerings into LATAM. Climb will offer in-region sales and technical assistance to Bluebeam partners within LATAM, in addition to their continued business in North America.

“Our partnership with Climb Channel Solutions underscores our dedication to equipping AEC customers with the tools and solutions needed to effectively manage the complexities of PDF scanning, markups, and workflows, ultimately enhancing project outcomes,” said Curt Bramel, senior director of Global Sales, Bluebeam. “Together, we will continue to introduce Bluebeam technology and offer a delightful user experience to customers around the globe.”

Bluebeam is widely acknowledged as the go-to solution for digital project collaboration. It empowers users to effortlessly create, annotate, and share PDF documents, helping teams streamline workflows, minimize paper consumption, and enhance communication among project stakeholders.

“Bluebeam launching in the LATAM territory is a testament to implementing our reach and expanding our offerings across global territories. Current and prospective LATAM partners will reap the benefits of Bluebeam’s solutions to drive project optimization,” says Dale Foster, CEO at Climb Channel Solutions.

For more information, visit climbcs.com.

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Researchers at the University of Oregon have mixed fluorescent ring-shaped molecules into a novel 3D printing process to create intricate, glowing structures which could support the development of new kinds of biomedical implants.

The advance addresses a common design challenge by making the structures easier to track and monitor inside the body, enabling researchers to distinguish implants from internal tissues.

“I think it was one of those strange times when we said, ‘Let’s try it,’ and it pretty much worked immediately,” said Paul Dalton, associate professor in the department of bioengineering at the University of Oregon in a press release.

Dalton’s lab specializes in intricate, novel forms of 3D printing. His team’s signature development is a technique called melt electrowriting, which allows relatively large objects to be 3D printed at very fine resolution. Using that technique, the team has printed mesh scaffolds that could be used for various kinds of biomedical implants.

Such implants could be used for applications as diverse as new wound-healing technology, artificial blood vessels or structures to help regenerate nerves. In a recent project, the lab collaborated with the cosmetics company L’Oreal, using the scaffolds to create a realistic multilayered artificial skin.

Dalton collaborated with Ramesh Jasti, a professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry whose lab is known for its work on nanohoops: ring-shaped carbon-based molecules that have a variety of interesting properties and are adjustable based on their precise size and structure. The nanohoops fluoresce brightly when exposed to ultraviolet light, emitting different colors depending on their configuration.

Dalton and Jasti discussed the idea of incorporating the nanohoops into 3D printed scaffolds to make the structures glow.

“We thought it probably won’t work,” Jasti said, but he was pleased to be proven wrong.

According to Dalton, people have tried to make the scaffolds glow in the past, but with little success. Most fluorescent molecules break down under the lengthy exposure to heat required for his 3D printing technique. Fortunately, Jasti’s lab’s nanohoops are much more stable under high temperatures.

Though both groups might make their craft look easy, “making nanohoops is really hard, and melt electrowriting is really hard to do, so the fact that we were able to merge these two really complex and different fields into something that’s really simple is incredible,” said Harrison Reid, a graduate student in Jasti’s lab.

Just a small amount of fluorescent nanohoops mixed in to the 3D printing material mixture yields long-lasting glowing structures, the researchers found. Moreover, because the fluorescence is activated by UV light, the scaffolds still look clear under normal conditions.

While the initial concept worked very quickly, it’s taken several years of further testing to fully scope out the material and assess its potential. Dalton and his team ran a battery of tests to confirm that adding the nanohoops didn’t affect the strength or stability of the 3D printed material. They also confirmed that adding the fluorescent molecules didn’t make the resulting material toxic to cells, which is obviously important for biomedical applications.

The team envisions a range of possible applications for the glowing materials they’ve created. Dalton is particularly interested in the biomedical potential, but a customizable material that glows under UV light might also have use in security applications, Jasti said.

They’ve filed a patent application for the advance and eventually hope to commercialize it. And both Jasti and Dalton are grateful for the serendipity that brought them together.

“We get cool new directions by having people who don’t usually discuss their science come together,” Dalton said.

Their research is published in the journal Small.

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The Nvidia IGX Orin platform (left) is used in healthcare, industrial inspection and robotics (from top to bottom, on
right). Source: Nvidia
Real-time and near real-time processing at the edge is more common than ever, thanks to improvements in chips and batteries. Yet a variety of logistical and technical problems present challenges for companies engaging in such processing. Fortunately, every instance of such work presents opportunities for these businesses to learn more from themselves and one another.

Implementing industry 4.0 practices in real-time and near real-time processing at the edge requires evaluating how current procedures can be improved. Beneficial changes enable companies to handle numerous scenarios that relate to interconnected procedures. For example, ensuring there is adequate security at the edge is best accomplished as a team goal between business partners. This goal can utilize two or more tools, such as encryption and two-factor authentication.

Recent changes that have increased the amount of real and near real-time processing at the edge include a current capability of up to 20 trillion operations per second (TOPS) for standard semiconductors, as opposed to a single TOPS a few years ago; faster speed and lower power consumption in different networks, from Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) to 5G; and better software, including more Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, as well as new data sets and tools.

“The edge is where the data come from. Bringing the processing to companies working in these spaces is the goal. Such action can bring deployment time down by as much as a third, like from 18 months to six months. That presents cost savings and better opportunities to leverage AI,” says Pete Bernard, Executive Director of tinyML Foundation.

tinyML is a Seattle-based nonprofit that focuses on low power AI at the edge of the cloud. Its members include large corporations, including Qualcomm and Sony, academic institutions like Johns Hopkins University and nongovernmental organizations.

“tinyML holds frequent events to build community around the concept of the edge. We educate people about the potential of working at it. Our programs include contests, conferences, hackathons and workshops. One of the concepts we are considering now is data provenance,” says Bernard.

This idea relates to the watermarking of data sets and models. AI models must be trained on data sets. Stamping provenance helps users identify sources of data and the developers behind them. Such work makes it easier to integrate different data sets and models.

Software for the edgeSimplifying edge operations is easier to accomplish with software designed for that purpose, like Dell’s NativeEdge platform.

Dell’s NativeEdge platform helps enterprises work with data generated at the edge. Source: Dell“With NativeEdge, a client can build an AI model to operate at the edge. They can retrain the model onsite at the edge. This saves money and gives them the ability to scale up the solution as needed,” says Pierluca Chiodelli, Vice President, Edge Engineering and Product Management at Dell Technologies.

Dell sees security as the biggest challenge for clients.

A company that tries to do everything itself runs the risk of exposing information. Any entity that generates data must protect the data at the points where the data is created and stored.

Dell is enhancing security by working closely with NVIDIA, which developed the AI Enterprise software integrated with NativeEdge’s engine.

“Inference at the edge, which involves gathering data with AI techniques, is really important. Everybody needs to have a way to deploy and secure that. Also a company has to maintain its AI stack, the tools and services to use AI correctly. It must have a blueprint to update all the pieces of the puzzle,” says Chiodelli.

As the different components of an AI stack can change, a company must be aware of all of them and how they interact. This helps the company make the necessary adjustments in proportion and on the appropriate timeline. Such work prevents deviations in manufactured products and slowdowns in production time. It also minimizes the time needed to retrain AI models and workers.

The market for the edge is growingNvidia is working on numerous hardware and software applications to meet the needs of companies utilizing edge computing. The company sees this market as expanding. A March 2024 forecast from the International Data Corp. stated worldwide spending on edge computing is expected to be $232 billion this year.

One of Nvidia’s platforms for the edge is the Nvidia IGX Orin with NVIDIA Holoscan, which is designed for real-time AI computing in industrial and medical environments. This platform provides high performance hardware and enterprise AI software. The platform is for companies working in robotics, healthcare, scientific research, video analytics and broadcasting.

In scientific computing, the Nvidia IGX Orin with Holoscan platform has the power to stream high-bandwidth sensor data to the GPU. It can use AI to detect anomalies, drive sensor autonomy and lower the time to scientific insights. In the medical space, Magic Leap has already integrated Holoscan in its extended reality (ER) software stack to enhance the capabilities of customers. This has allowed one of its clients in software development to provide real-time support for minimally invasive treatments of stroke.

It’s difficult to establish interoperability across systems, says Chen Su, Senior Technical Product Marketing Manager of Edge AI and Robotics for Nvidia.

“Today there are numerous installed legacy systems that weren’t originally designed with AI capabilities in mind. Integrating AI into those systems and still achieving real-time performance continues to pose a significant challenge. This can be overcome by developing industry-wide standards that can meet the complex connectivity requirements across sensors, actuators, control systems and interfaces,” says Su.

Once the task above is accomplished, the entire edge AI system will have no bottleneck in communication. It can then act in a software-defined manner, making the system more flexible and easier to manage.

STMicroelectronics (ST), a global manufacturer and designer of semiconductors, meets the needs of companies that process data in real-time and near real-time with a variety of edge AI tools and products.

These include STM32 and Stellar-E for microcontrollers (MCU) edge AI pure software solutions; the incoming STM32N6, a high-performance STM32 MCU with ST proprietary Neural Processing Units (NPU) and the STM32MP2 microprocessor series.

Danilo Pau, Technical Director in System Research and Applications at STMicroelectronics, says advances in embedded AI computing that enable processing at the edge require higher energy efficiency. The task is made possible by a mix of assets, including super-integrated NPU accelerators, Integrated Memory Controllers (IMC) and 18nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator (FD-SOI) ST technologies. Such resources can be super integrated close to standard MCU and Memory Protection Unit (MPU) cores for viable, high volume low-cost manufacturing.

“There is also the super-integration of heterogeneous technologies in a single package achieved by Intelligent Sensor Processing Unis (ISPU) and Multi-Level Cell (MLC) product families. In a tiny package, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMs) sensors, analog and digital technologies are stacked for large and cheap sensor volumes. They engage in microwatt power consumption. This is a fundamental contribution that enables the incoming trillion of sensor economies envisaged by many IoT experts,” says Pau.

Organizations like tinyML Foundation play an important role in the business community. Since 2018, tinyML has encouraged many companies to invest in generative AI at the edge (edgeGenAI).

Pau says there is need of even greater energy efficiency and super integration of heterogeneous technologies, including NPU, IMC, deep submicron technologies and sensors.

“The vision is to design embedded systems that match the energy efficiency of the human brain,” says Pau.

He adds companies will increasingly need more education about edge AI technologies, tools and mastery of skills.

That fact explains why ST, which is currently Europe’s largest designer and manufacturer of custom semiconductors, is an active part of the tinyML community.

“ST works with many actors in the edgeGenAI ecosystem. We’re eager to see this ecosystem expand and serve AI developers in the best and most productive way. That will ease their path in bringing innovation to the edge AI market,” says Pau.

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IRVINE, CA, Oct 1, 2024 – L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a supplier of wired and wireless connectivity products, has just added a new line of rubber duck antennas. These omnidirectional antennas are compact and flexible for easy installation and adjustment, suitable for low-power applications and cost-effective.

They come in three main frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 433 MHz and 916 MHz. The 2.4 GHz antennas are commonly used to extend the range of Wi-Fi routers, improve the signal strength of Bluetooth devices and enhance the function of cordless telephones. The 433 MHz antennas are a good match for industrial remote controls, tire pressure monitoring systems and keyless entry systems. The 916 MHz antennas extend the reach and reliability of short-range radio applications, such as wireless alarm systems and industrial telemetry.

L-com’s new rubber duck antennas are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry, store and fit into tight spaces without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. Some are less than an inch tall. They are simple to install, typically attaching to devices using screws or basic connectors that do not require special tools or expertise. Their tilt/swivel flexibility allows them to be bent and adjusted for optimal positioning. Their omnidirectional radiation pattern offers consistent signal coverage in all directions, minimizing dead spots.

The new flexible antennas are durable to minimize maintenance costs and downtime associated with antenna replacements. Their operating temperature range is minus-40 degrees to +140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 C to +65 C).

Applications for L-com’s new rubber duck antennas include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IoT, both fixed and mobile devices, LPWAN, ISM, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, Weightless-P, Wi-Fi HaLow, Zigbee and more.

“Our new line of rubber ducks helps round out our already extensive selection of compact omnidirectional antennas,” said Product Line Manager Kevin Hietpas. “The newly designed mini antennas with solder posts are perfect for direct-to-board applications.”

L-com’s new rubber duck antennas are in stock now and available for immediate shipment.

For more information about Infinite Electronics, visit infiniteelectronics.com.

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3… 2… 1… CAD battle!

An engineering drawing is revealed on screen. It shows several views of a simple connector arm, dotted with dimensions and a few helpful annotations known as “Toby notes.” The drawing has a Tier 3 complexity rating.

On opposite sides of the planet, two CAD modelers instantly start making a 3D model of the part. One is using Alibre, the other Solidworks. For these seasoned experts, the modeling is easy. It’s the pressure that’s hard. They’re live on stream before an audience of CAD enthusiasts, trying to tune out their host’s play-by-play commentary and finish the 3D model as fast as they can.

Not even two and a half minutes later, one of them is done.

Screenshot of the live CAD battle between ExMachina and ChrisBCo during the 2024 World Championship of 3D CAD Speed Modeling. (Image: Too Tall Toby via YouTube.)“ChrisBCo coming in with an answer… 0.654…” The voice belongs to Toby Schnaars, known to his audience as Too Tall Toby. A charismatic CAD expert, he’ll determine who wins the battle by correctly providing the model’s mass. The model, like the competition itself, is his creation.

A dramatic pause, and then, “That is not correct!”

The Australian Solidworks user named ChrisBCo gets only one more chance to answer. He can see that his opponent, an Alibre user from Greece named ExMachina, is nearly finished the part. One way or another, this will be over soon.

Suddenly, ChrisBCo spots the mistake in his model—one wrong dimension. He makes the change and stabs 0.687 into the chat just seconds before ExMachina enters his guess.

“And that is correct!” Schnaars announces to the sound effects of a cheering crowd. With this win, ChrisBCo takes the set of three CAD battles and secures his spot in the quarterfinals. He’s one step closer to winning the 2024 World Championship of 3D CAD Speed Modeling.

How fast can you CAD?

Maybe you’ve never thought of it, or cared. Perhaps the idea of speed modeling seems silly for a professional 3D modeler. Or worse—perhaps you think focusing on CAD speed would promote bad habits and sloppy design.

You wouldn’t be alone in thinking those things, but you wouldn’t be right, either. The truth is that speed modeling can greatly benefit your 3D design skills, even if you’re already an experienced modeler.

To see how, look no further than TooTallToby.com. Founded by Toby Schnaars in 2022, the site unites CAD modelers from around the world, using dozens of different CAD systems, around an intriguing premise: the gamification of 3D CAD.

There are challenges, livestreams and competitions. There are points, leaderboards and prizes. But even though it looks like a game of speed, TooTallToby.com isn’t really about being fast. By turning CAD into a game, Schnaars aims to make the players better designers. And you’d be surprised how well it’s working.

The gamification of 3D CADSchnaars has deep CAD experience. He’s a Solidworks master, certified at the highest level with both a CSWE and Elite AE. Before founding TooTallToby.com, Schnaars supported Solidworks users both for reseller Prism Engineering and developer Dassault Systèmes. In those roles he resolved over 10,000 support cases and taught more than 200 classes.

Toby Schnaars, aka Too Tall Toby. (Image: TooTallToby.com.)As an instructor, there was one question Schnaars heard over and over. Which CAD system was the best? 3D modelers certainly have a long list of options. Was Solidworks more efficient than Inventor? Did Catia have an edge over Solid Edge? Was Fusion or NX the key to success?

The question, Schnaars felt, was misguided. He believes the CAD program is much less important than the person using it. Being a master modeler is about honing the fundamentals, such as building a robust feature tree and effectively navigating a user interface.

“The users who are able to really master those workflows are going to be able to go from a napkin sketch to a 3D model faster than anybody else,” Schnaars said. “Regardless of what CAD system they’re using.”

Schnaars envisioned a “Royal Rumble” of CAD, a race among a group of designers to make the same 3D model at the same time using whatever CAD system they preferred. Not only would this showcase that the designer, not the CAD program, was the important variable—it also sounded like good fun.

That vision meshed with another problem Schnaars had noticed with CAD education. If you want to develop CAD skills, you have a few options. You could take a structured training class, such as the kind Schnaars himself had taught. Or you could take a DIY approach, sifting through YouTube videos piecemeal to build up a repertoire of skills.

Schnaars felt there was a missing piece in CAD pedagogy. He discussed his ideas with Guy Rotheram, a colleague and fellow CAD expert who shared Schnaars’ passion for gaming and technology.

“Toby and I… thought that if we could introduce the concept of gamification into the education process for CAD, then we probably had something that would really spark an interest and provide a valuable service to the broader community… all the way from hobbyists to professional engineers,” Rotheram said.

In 2022, Schnaars, Rotheram, and Schnaars’ wife Vicki Chong launched TooTallToby.com. It would test their ideas for gamifying CAD education while building on Schnaars’ existing online presence as a CAD instructor.

They didn’t have to wait long for interest to be sparked.

The game of speed modelingSo how does it work? TooTallToby’s system-agnostic approach turns CAD into a game of speed, rewarding users based on how quickly they can create 3D models from 2D drawings.

This idea manifests in different ways on TooTallToby.com. One way—gamers might think of it as the solo campaign—is a set of exercises called practice models. Users are given a 2D drawing to turn into a 3D model, with a complexity rating based on the number of features involved (Tier 1 is the simplest, and it goes up from there).

It’s easy to play. Just pick a practice model—there are 78 and counting—and hit the start button. The drawing is revealed and the clock starts ticking. Make the 3D model in whatever CAD system you like, and when you think you’ve got it, enter the mass of your part (each drawing specifies a unit system and material density). If the mass is correct, you’ve won the game and the timer stops. You’re then shown some stats to see how your time compares to other users, and how your speed is (hopefully) improving over time.

Here’s an example of a practice model:

(Image: TooTallToby.com.)The average solve time for this model is just over 15 minutes. Can you beat it? Try it and check your answer at TooTallToby.com.

Practice models have only been on TooTallToby.com since the start of the year, and they were launched without fanfare. “We just wanted to beta it with whoever would show up,” Rotheram explained. “And it’s taken off like a rocket ship.” Over 15,000 practice models have been successfully completed so far, Rotheram said.

Online CAD competitionsIf practice models are a solo campaign, then online competition is represented by Too Tall Toby’s Model Monday Live. Every Monday at 1:00 PM Eastern Schnaars hosts an hour-long livestream in which viewers compete to solve two new models. Whoever types the correct mass first wins a point. Enough points will get you a spot on the leaderboard at TooTallToby.com.

And if you really crave the thrill of competition, you can try your mouse at Toby’s flagship tournament: the World Championship of 3D CAD Speed Modeling.

The 2024 tournament is already well underway, pitting 16 pre-qualified modelers one-on-one in a livestreamed competition taking place over six weeks. The finals are scheduled for October 18, 2024 at 6:00 PM Eastern, with Schnaars providing play-by-play commentary. The winner will walk away with a 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse Enterprise Kit, a 3Dconnexion Keyboard Pro and, of course, ultimate bragging rights.

Current bracket for Too Tall Toby’s 2024 World Championship Tournament of 3D CAD Speed Modeling. (Image: TooTallToby.com.)The TooTallToby community may get a kick out of quick CAD, but it’s more than just a game—it’s a path to being a better modeler.

The fun path to CAD masterySchnaars likens the exercise of speed modeling to a musician practicing scales. No one turns on the radio to hear their favorite band play an A major scale, and no designer prioritizes CAD speed over quality. But musical scales, like speedy 3D models, aren’t the destination—they’re the steps on the path.

“Practicing the fundamentals and learning the fundamentals is always valuable if you’re learning a skilled trade,” Schnaars said. “We’re giving people a platform where they can practice repetition.”

You don’t have to take Schnaars’ word for it. The most ardent users of TooTallToby.com are emphatic about how much the site has helped them advance their CAD skills.

ChrisBCo, known in the real world as Chris Buerckner, was initially a skeptic of TooTallToby.com. Speed modelers, he thought, were “using all kinds of techniques that would never work in a real project setting.” But after months of Schnaars’ YouTube videos popping up in his feed, the Australian product design engineer said he eventually came around.

“If you take a step back and consider what you are seeing… there is actually some world-class decision-making and efficiency taking place,” Buerckner said. “All that has to be done for this knowledge to be implemented in real projects is for the user to remove the speed element and add in the detail and organizational considerations (how is the model being used, manufacturing processes, etc.).”

Buerckner is now a devoted user of the site and a current quarter finalist in the 2024 World Championship of 3D CAD Speed Modeling.

Has TooTallToby.com improved his CAD skills? “100% yes,” Buerckner said. He’s not alone in that feeling.

“I think that this site is a gold mine,” said Aleksandar Mihajlovski, who goes by the username acesvaba.

A Solidworks user from North Macedonia, Mihajlovski has been hooked on TooTallToby.com since he stumbled upon it in May 2024. He’s completed almost all of the practice models, regularly tunes into Model Monday Live and will soon compete in the quarter finals of this year’s World Championship.

“It’s fun,” Mihajlovski said, needing no other reason to explain his dedication to the site. But there is another reason: TooTallToby.com has helped him become a better CAD modeler.

“I think I doubled my speed,” Mihajlovski said.

It’s a similar story for TooTallToby user MrAlex, aka Aleksejs Babkins. An engineering unit manager at Kronus, a wooden packaging manufacturer in Latvia, Babkins has been using TooTallToby.com since January 2024 and says it has “definitely” improved his CAD skills.

“I rebinded almost all the hot keys on the keyboard, set up many new mouse gestures to speed up work, and also mastered new modes of work in Solidworks,” Babkins said.

None of these passionate TooTallToby users are CAD novices. Buerckner has been using Solidworks for over 14 years as a product designer and consultant. Mihajlovski has been using Solidworks for 16 years as a product engineer, both as a freelancer and supervisor. Babkins has been using CAD for over two decades.

“It’s a pity that in the late 90s, when I began to design in Solidworks, there were no such sites. Then my development would have been much faster,” Babkins said.

The current generation of CAD learners won’t have any such laments. Astoundingly, the number one seed for the 2024 World Championship, an American Fusion user named greatnate08, is a high schooler. He bested the veteran Babkins in a 2–0 set to qualify for the semifinals.

The future of CAD speed modelingTooTallToby.com has found a unique niche in the CAD world. There’s a devoted core of users who are active in the community, and Schnaars has seen that core steadily grow. He’s excited to continue improving the site, speaking of plans to revamp the practice models app and introduce a new training platform.

Toby Schnaars demonstrating his approach to a model in Onshape during a Model Monday Live stream. (Image: Too Tall Toby via YouTube.)The site may evolve, but Schnaars is still motivated by the same goal he started with.

“What we’re trying to do is help engineers practice doing 3D CAD so that they can get better at the fundamentals,” he said. “So they can focus on the engineering—cause I think that’s the more fun part of it.”

One burning question remains. Just how tall is Too Tall Toby?

“I hit my head on many, many things,” Schnaars said. At least he can dodge a question.

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VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Oct 1, 2024 – Dassault Systèmes announced that it has signed the AI Pact, a new initiative from the European Commission to establish best practices and minimize risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in Europe, and help industry create value. By signing the pact, Dassault Systèmes demonstrates its commitment to playing a proactive role in encouraging innovation and the ethical use of AI in Europe following Europe’s AI Act.

The AI Pact was created by the European Commission to encourage and support organizations to plan ahead for the implementation of measures required by the AI Act, which went into effect on August 1, 2024. The AI Act aims to drive the transparent and regulated use of AI applications in Europe, in particular in high-risk use cases that could impact the safety and rights of citizens.

Companies that join the AI Pact commit to take concrete actions including adopting an AI governance strategy for the use of AI within their company, creating a map of trustworthy AI systems they deploy in high-risk sectors, and training their employees on using AI responsibly.

“For 40 years, we’ve worked with our customers to create a scientific representation of the world that combines AI, modeling and simulation in virtual twin experiences. This has driven major advancements in sustainable industrial innovation while protecting our customers’ most powerful competitive asset: their IP,” said Pascal Daloz, CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “By joining the AI Pact, we pledge to be a driving force in the responsible use of AI to open up innovative opportunities in the generative economy. As a trusted partner of equally committed companies, we will spearhead a collective effort to ensure that AI in Europe benefits citizens, patients and consumers.”

For more information, visit 3ds.com.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN and REHOVOT, Israel, Oct 1, 2024 – Stratasys Ltd. announced the launch of its TechStyle Fabric Alignment Station, the next milestone in the evolution of Stratasys 3DFashion technology. This solution is designed to meet the demands of high-end fashion designers, offering a unique workflow, enabling integration with embroidery, laser cutting, embossing, 2D silk printing, and many other production methods.

A Stratasys J850 TechStyle solution with the new Fabric Alignment Station (Photo: Business Wire)By extending the capabilities of the J850 TechStyle full color solution, designers can now enjoy unprecedented accuracy by aligning 2D printed patterns with intricate 3D designs within defined garment areas such as pockets and patches, and 3D designs on specific sections of a garment created using stitching techniques like embroidery and knitting.

This unprecedented additive manufacturing fashion solution eliminates the trial-and-error traditionally associated with aligning designs on finished garments, reducing costs, improving production times, and promoting more sustainable production by minimizing material waste.

The TechStyle Fabric Alignment Station provides unprecedented accuracy to meet the demands of high-end fashion designers (Photo: Business Wire)“Today’s fashion consumers value personalization, driving demand for customizable and bespoke products, empowering them to achieve a new level of design,” said Zehavit Reisin, senior vice president, consumer solutions at Stratasys. “This solution is transforming the creative process and production efficiency.”

Key features and benefits:

Enhanced Design Accuracy: The station aligns 2D patterns and 3D designs with exceptional precision, allowing designers to place 3D printed elements exactly where they are needed.
Efficiency and Cost Savings: By automating the alignment process, the station reduces the need for manual adjustments, saving time and lowering production costs.
Sustainability: The solution minimizes material waste, supporting environmentally conscious production practices.

For more information on the J850 TechStyle solution, please click here.

For more information about Stratasys, visit stratasys.com.

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BREMEN, Germany, Oct 1, 2024 – The latest version of CONTACT Software’s open low-code platform supports companies even more efficiently in the development, manufacturing, and service of their products – on-premises and in the cloud. Here’s an overview of the key features.

Users will find task boards that match their individual search criteria listed in a table. (© CONTACT Software) )CONTACT Elements combines over 50 flexibly combinable modules, helping companies develop products more efficiently, bring the smart factory to life, and implement innovative digital business models. The new release of the platform offers numerous features for CIM Database PLM, Project Office, and Elements for IoT. In addition to performance improvements at the database level and regarding tool integrations, all modules are fully usable in the WebUI. Below, we present the key innovations for users in detail.

Evaluate requirements fasterThe new “ReqXpert” in CIM Database makes the evaluation process of product requirements even more efficient. It expands the Requirements Engineering module with two role-based views, allowing users to assign, evaluate, and track the status of requirements faster. The advantages of the end-to-end software architecture are particularly evident in everyday work: ReqXpert is integrated into the task management system of the Elements platform, so requirements to be evaluated are automatically displayed on the task board.

All information, such as maintenance, measurements, machines, and tickets, is recorded in an insight. This provides a transparent overview to optimize operations.(© CONTACT Software) Standardize product portfolio with modulesCIM Database now supports the modularization of products with its Variants module for variant management. This allows reusable modules – which, unlike components, are variable in themselves – to be integrated into products. A modular approach is particularly beneficial for companies with a high variety of product variants, helping them reduce complexity at the product level and standardize their portfolios. The advantages range from more efficient development and faster change processes to economies of scale in production.

Extensive research options for task boardsWith the new release, CONTACT expands the functional scope of its project management solution, Project Office, for agile teamwork in development projects. Users can now flexibly search for and access any Task Boards, regardless of whether they are personally involved in the project. Frequently used search filters and criteria can be saved as favorites, making organization more efficient.

In addition to a comprehensive redesign, the new version of the Workflow Designer also offers new functions and is much faster to use in the web browser than before. This includes a separate detail area displaying the data of a workflow as well as a minimap for quick orientation.

Increase energy efficiency in productionCONTACT has expanded Elements for IoT with new features and widgets to create a sophisticated energy management system, enabling companies to transparently track, analyze, and sustainably reduce their energy consumption. The system breaks down energy demand from the production line to the produced unit, providing reliable data for calculating the product carbon footprint, helping reduce CO2 emissions. Customers who combine the new energy management system with CONTACT’s solutions for digital production control (manufacturing execution system (MES)/manufacturing operation management (MOM)) can achieve further significant savings. The energy management system also complies with ISO 50001 and is eligible for government subsidies.

Create economic added value with PLM and IoT data“Insights” is a new feature available in CONTACT Elements for IoT, making it even easier to transform operational and usage data from service or production into value-added actions. Users can now bundle relevant information on a specific issue, such as frequently occurring problems from customer tickets or reasons for high scrap rates from the MES, in an Insight. These can be continuously expanded, shared with colleagues across departments, and used to derive targeted actions from the knowledge gained. With automated documentation, Insights helps improve quality and value creation throughout the entire product lifecycle, from development to production and use (Closed-Loop).

Optimal usability for all user groupsTheir UX team has significantly enhanced the usability and accessibility of CONTACT Elements, adhering to the BITV 2.0 guidelines. Features like keyboard navigation, a screen reader, and increased contrast ensure all users can work efficiently and comfortably with the software. Forms have been made even clearer and the navigation bar has been optimized in terms of structure and workflow. Drag & drop mechanisms have been extended to more parts of the platform, making tasks like working within product structures even more intuitive.

The new release of CONTACT Elements is now available for customers and partners to download.

For more information, visit contact-software.com.

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Dareen Awwad
Regional Support Engineer
Beckhoff Automation LLC

What drew you to engineering?My journey in engineering began well before my formal education in Applied Physics and Mathematics. It was rooted in my childhood in Palestine, inspired by my father’s hands-on approach to problem-solving. He was not just a self-taught engineer but also a practical teacher. He often involved me in fixing household electronics and crafting battery-powered toy cars for our family races.

In school, when my peers had store-bought robotic cars, my family couldn’t afford one. Instead, my father crafted a wooden car body, equipped it with batteries, and we built our own remote-controlled car from scratch. This early experience ignited my passion for engineering. I continued to learn by watching my brothers repair laptops and old consoles, delving into home electronics with my father and exploring experimental physics through my dad’s library.

My fascination with mathematics was nurtured by my mother, a mathematics competition winner, who would create equations for me to solve – for fun! This early love for problem-solving and technology led me to become the president of my college’s physics club, where I taught 3D design and printing using AutoCAD and maintained 3D printers.

Professionally, I joined Beckhoff Automation, where I found a perfect blend of my interests and continued to expand my knowledge in automation. Working closely with customers to troubleshoot their applications, I discovered a deep satisfaction in solving complex problems. My career has been a fulfilling journey that merges early inspirations with professional growth in the engineering field.

What is the most satisfying aspect of being an engineer?The most satisfying part of being an engineer is the endless learning and the thrill of solving real problems for customers. Engineering is always changing, which means there’s always something new to discover and master. But what really drives me is the chance to tackle challenges head-on and come up with solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of your work and know you’ve made someone’s day a little easier.

Have you benefitted from mentoring or mentorship?When I first started working with Beckhoff technologies, the entire support department acted as my mentor, and that experience was incredibly valuable. What I love about working at Beckhoff is the collaborative spirit; everyone is eager to help each other out. It’s a culture where mentorship and support are woven into the fabric of our daily work.

I’ve also had the pleasure of helping others and answering interns’ questions about career growth and my experiences at Beckhoff. It’s been equally rewarding to share my knowledge and support their development. Giving back and continuing the cycle of support and encouragement that I received early in my career is truly fulfilling.

How does the culture at your company make it inclusive or supportive of diversity?At Beckhoff, we really focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. The company is committed to encouraging diversity, especially in engineering fields, through programs like the Talent Development Program, career fairs and internships. We’re always looking to bring in fresh perspectives and support individuals from all kinds of backgrounds, including women. It’s great to be part of a company that genuinely values diversity and works to make engineering and automation more accessible to everyone.

Describe your involvement in a project that went well.One of the standout technologies I was involved in was the support of TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026. As a core team member, I played a key role in helping both internal teams and customers with the transition to this new version. My work focused on troubleshooting and guiding the migration process, ensuring a smooth shift to TwinCAT 4026. It was incredibly rewarding to see the successful adoption of this technology, knowing that my contributions helped streamline the transition and improve overall user experience.

Any career or engineering challenges along the way?My biggest career challenge so far has been navigating the vast array of products we work with at Beckhoff. With so many different technologies and solutions, it’s impossible to know everything. I learned early on that it’s crucial to recognize when you need help and to know who to turn to for guidance. By leveraging the expertise of my colleagues and building a strong network within the company, I was able to effectively overcome this challenge. The key lesson I’ve learned is that collaboration and knowing how to seek support are essential for tackling complex problems and achieving success in a dynamic field like engineering.

What strengths do you think diverse teams bring to engineering or design projects?As a Middle Eastern woman in the engineering field, I’ve seen firsthand the strengths that diverse teams bring to the table. Our varied backgrounds and perspectives foster creativity and drive innovation in ways that homogeneous teams might not. When people from different experiences come together, we’re able to tackle problems from multiple angles and uncover solutions that might not be immediately obvious. This diversity also helps us better understand and meet the needs of a wider range of users. For me, being part of such a diverse team not only enriches the problem-solving process but also highlights the value of different viewpoints in creating more effective and inclusive solutions.

How do diverse educational backgrounds advance the field of engineering?Diverse educational backgrounds significantly advance the field of engineering by bringing a range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. For instance, someone with a background in arts and humanities might offer unique insights into user experience and design, while those from a more traditional engineering background provide technical expertise. This blend of skills and viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and more holistic approaches to complex problems. By integrating diverse knowledge and methodologies, we can tackle engineering challenges in new and more effective ways.

I particularly admire robotics specialists. Their ability to integrate complex technologies and create cutting-edge solutions is truly inspiring. Their work pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and drives significant advancements in the field.

If you had unlimited time to apply your engineering background, what global challenges would you tackle?Every day, I am profoundly inspired by the extraordinary resourcefulness of children living in conflict zones. Despite enduring the harsh realities of war, young innovators demonstrate a remarkable ability to turn basic materials into life-improving solutions. They ingeniously generate electricity, filter water, charge their phones, create cooking stoves and even build games from seemingly nothing. Their creativity and resilience reveal the transformative power of engineering, especially in the face of adversity. If I had unlimited time to dedicate to my engineering background, I would focus on tackling global challenges with a special emphasis on improving the lives of civilians, particularly children, affected by conflict. My vision would be to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that provide safe living conditions and essential support in these dire situations. I would also strive to create ingenious engineering solutions from limited resources to enhance the quality of life. The opportunity to make a profound impact through such meaningful work is incredibly motivating and drives my passion for engineering.

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Eunice K. Esguerra
Manufacturing Product Engineering Section Manager
Allegro MicroSystems
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering • Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

What is your background?In 2009, my career in the semiconductor industry started as a new college graduate (NCG) trained in product engineering, circuit design and applications where I grew from a line-sustaining engineer of a range of high-precision amplifiers and converters to high-speed RF products and eventually transitioned to a pioneering team of product applications engineers developing full turn-key applications from ideation to circuit design, PCB layout and the evaluation hardware and software.

I then spent eight years in another company as an automotive product engineer supporting safe launch, yield sustaining and yield improvement projects, especially on ultrasonic park assist devices. My key contributions were record-breaking safe launch releases as well as cycle time. Joining Allegro Microsystems in 2023, the newest challenge in my career is my current position as a section manager, with 32 highly competent, talented and enthusiastic engineers in the Manufacturing Product Engineering team where I strive to develop not only the technical competence of my team but also to mentor and foster personal development, sharing my advocacies on project management, lean manufacturing, 5S and financial education.

Talk about the culture at your company.Being a new mom and a woman in a male-dominated industry, I had concerns that my current situation might be perceived negatively. But even from the beginning, during my interviews with Allegro, my apprehensions subsided when I realized the value they place on family and even how supportive they were of me in my plan to have a second child. With a little over a year at Allegro, I have seen several women and leaders in engineering and executive positions who started with the company as operators or technicians and moved through the ranks. I believe this is a true testament to the inclusive culture at Allegro, not only regarding gender but also to Allegro’s diverse backgrounds as well.

From programs celebrating Women in Allegro to events recognizing diversity, it feels great to be a part of a company that not only supports but also nurtures DEI.

Describe a recent company project (in which you were involved) that went particularly well.One of the KPIs of the manufacturing product engineering team is “holding lots performance” – the team needs to review and provide timely and quality disposition for any lot that goes on hold. When I joined the team, the holds KPI was crimson red. The team dissected the root causes – from the responsible group to the underlying nature of the reasons it went on hold and streamlined the process by identifying hold codes, reasonable cycle times for each and corresponding delegations for the actions needed.

The support of all the teams involved as well as regular reviews and follow-ups to the compliance of the improved business process led to the success of the project. The holds KPI is now neon green and sustained. But on top of achieving the performance metric, is being able to synergize with multifunctional teams to a common goal and serve as a catalyst of positive change.

What first drew you to engineering?My earliest influence in engineering was my father. He is a civil engineer and as early as I can remember, I would always be amazed at how he fixed and built things. He also introduced me to technology at an early age via a home computer as well as inkjet printers. I remember enjoying the typing test application and eventually, loving Excel and how it makes data and computing so elegant.

My friends and relatives would always go to me whenever they needed to create documents, spreadsheets, or even print stuff and I would happily oblige. It was a joy to be able to help “engineer” things that would make life easier or better. Even now in my current role, whatever work I need to do, I engineer ways to make life (for my internal and external customers) easier and better.

Describe your biggest career challenge. How did you solve it?My biggest career challenge would be the one that I have today – how to be a good manager (of engineers). With 14 years as an engineer, I have always managed issues (or my boss), but not other people (especially not engineers). I know how to improve KPIs, but it’s a different ball game to improve a team. I think I could never say that I’ve solved this challenge, but one of the most important lessons I have learned so far (or I’m applying right now), is to be the leader I always wanted to have and emphasize the importance of not just working as a manager but also serving as a mentor and life coach.

What career advice would you give to your younger self?Excellent metrics are good for a year. But kind words or gestures can last a lifetime. It’s always better to be kind than right. But if you insist on giving your two cents, the right tone makes all the difference.

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PLANO, TX, Oct 1, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced the release of its new Capital X software as a service (SaaS), the cloud-enabled suite for engineering of electrical and electronic (E/E) systems.

For over two decades, Siemens’ Capital software has been the leading solution for comprehensive E/E systems development, trusted by the world’s most respected companies for engineering complex products such as cars, aircraft and sophisticated machines. Now delivered in a SaaS model, operated by Siemens, Capital X delivers the same capabilities in a more accessible, scalable, and flexible manner than ever before.

Part of the Siemens Xcelerator as a Service portfolio of cloud-enabled industry software, Capital X has been designed for rapid deployment, allowing customers to have best-in-class E/E systems development software in dramatically shorter timeframes than traditional software implementations.

“Delivering Capital as a service makes huge sense for both existing and new customers. We’re able to deliver the same industry leading E/E design capabilities with faster implementation, enhanced collaboration and industry standard security,” said Frances Evans, senior vice president, Lifecycle Collaboration Software, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “E/E systems development is growing in sophistication across all industries and with Capital X we’re able to deliver the tools that pioneers and leaders across many industries need with greater accessibility, flexibility and scalability when and wherever they need it.”

“Companies seeking to reduce time to market, minimize prototyping and testing costs, increase systems quality, and ultimately remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving industry should adopt cloud-based SaaS solutions for E/E systems development.,” said Chad Jackson, CEO and chief analyst, Lifecycle Insights. “Siemens’ move to deliver Capital as a service aligns with these fundamental priorities, delivering what manufacturers need in an open, accessible and flexible manner.”

Siemens brings years of experience in running high-performance cloud environments, combined with cloud-specific services for customization, integration, and migration – all built on a trusted and secure environment that delivers managed updates, remote access, automated backup and data recovery.

To learn more about Capital X and how Siemens is continuing its strategic shift to deliver its industry leading Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software on the cloud, visit plm.sw.siemens.com/en-US/capital/products/capital-x/.

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TTI Inc. has sponsored this post. Written by Robert Ullstrom, Sales Manager Application Focus Growth, and Ivan Ruiz Stubelj, Strategic Business Development Manager.

(Image: TE Connectivity.)Automation control systems are used for a wide range of factory automation applications in a wide mix of industries — from chemical plants to factory production lines.

Design engineers for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face the challenges of increasingly complex requirements in designing automation control systems that offer the functionality, reliability and safety necessary for these markets. Applications may have specific requirements for safety, performance or maintenance, for example, that engineers must factor into the design as they balance standardization versus customization and reliability versus scalable solutions.

Connectivity is one part of automation control systems that may look very simple. At its core, it is a connection between a pin and a socket. However, in any electronic system the connection point can be a weak spot where the system fails first, and a broken or malfunctioning connector could take down the entire production line. This makes reliability the most critical factor for connectors in automation control systems.

Thinking about the common challenges involved can help engineers navigate the complexities and ever-changing requirements so they can create designs that comply with the necessary specifications and produce robust and reliable systems.

Ask these questions to tackle challenges in system designNavigating changing standards and specifications for a wide range of applications requires attention to numerous factors. These five questions can help point engineers down the right path.

Am I thinking upfront about connector design and specification?Connectors are often seen as a modular and interchangeable commodity in automation control system design: one can be swapped out for another, and they will always be able to comply with necessary specifications. However, not all connectors are created equal, and there are several factors to consider when choosing a connector, including the necessary speed and power as well as any vibration or extreme temperature exposure.

Thinking about the best connector for the application at the start of the design process — rather than waiting until the end of the process to choose a connector — will help ensure that all mechanical and electrical parameters are met, and that the system will accomplish what it should. In addition, involving the connector manufacturer as early as possible means they can provide support, advice and technical expertise.

Do these components meet the requirements I need to deliver?While design requirements vary by applications, in general they are becoming more complex to help ensure safer and more reliable operation in certain environments and for industry-specific end solutions. There are several complex requirements involved, including mechanical stability, electrical stability and functionality. Be aware of the capabilities of a connector portfolio. All connectors may seem similar and interchangeable until there is a problem. Selecting consumer-grade connectors that are not designed for robust industrial applications, for example, can result in performance and results that do not meet your customer’s standards or requirements.

On many devices, engineers may copy a development board or reference board that worked in a previous system and adapt it to the new system layout. However, a more holistic approach is needed to help ensure a longer-lasting product for newer automation systems.

Are these connectors robust enough to withstand the environment?Every piece of hardware in automation control systems must be able to resist the worst conditions that may occur in the factory environment. The challenging conditions may include extreme temperatures, vibration, micromovements and humidity.

It is common for engineers to design one hardware solution that meets many needs and then make any necessary adjustments with software variations, it is important to optimize the hardware selection based on the most stringent safety and reliability requirements for the market and end applications. Electrical performance and stability are key, but do not forget to consider mechanical stability as well.

(Image: TE Connectivity.)4. Is a smaller system more vulnerable?Looking holistically at a system’s design early in the process often results in the use of smaller components and parts; intelligence can be moved to the edge and more computing power can be planned for a smaller space. Starting with something smaller can make the product more competitive; however, it is important to think about the increased risks with much smaller products. They could be more vulnerable to breaking, electrical noise interference or mechanical instability, so it is key to find a compromise between miniaturization and mechanical stability.

You must optimize the combination of data speed, reliability and miniaturization to make sure all mechanical stability and electrical performance requirements are met. The smaller your product becomes, the more critical the assembly and production of the product is, as well as the design and construction of the components inside the system. The mechanical tolerances in the system should be designed to help prevent generating frictions or loads that could jeopardize the connection over time.

What is the total applied cost of this solution?Taking a holistic approach in system design helps deliver a total applied cost that is more competitive. It goes beyond looking only at component cost. Total applied cost also considers the design, manufacturing process, system life and any ongoing maintenance. Using well-designed, reliable components ultimately results in minimal quality problems and returns — for a lower total applied cost. Avoid the short-sighted approach of choosing the cheapest components based solely on the cheapest cost without considering other factors such as long-term maintenance or quality costs.

Evolving trends in automation control systemsSeveral trends are shaping the future of automation control systems and customer expectations. Paying attention to these evolving technologies and areas of interest can help design engineers stay ahead of the curve in producing more reliable, adaptable systems. Here are four trends to be aware of:

Miniaturization: The demand for miniaturization is affecting electronic components in many industries. As parts and machines used in industrial factories become smaller, the controllers and components inside those solutions must become smaller as well. But while the size is reduced, speed and power requirements remain the same — or are increasing. All of the environmental issues, such as vibration or temperature requirements, also remain the same. With miniaturization, choosing the right industrial connector solution becomes very important to get the durability and reliability needed from the component. The impact of a bad decision regarding components is amplified as the solutions become smaller.

Increasing power requirements: The processing power available in these components and systems continues to grow to new levels. One factor driving the adoption of new systems is the ability to extract information from the field and put it seamlessly into the hands of decision-makers — at their desks or on their laptops or tablets. Industrial connectors must be reliable and allow for greater bandwidth to take advantage of these advancements in power and capabilities. Think of the connector as a pipe. If there is a broken pipe, the water cannot flow.

Impact of artificial intelligence (AI): This technology could have a significant influence on design cycles and how automation control systems are designed. For example, if a manufacturer has very specific system requirements, these could be loaded into the solution using AI. The increasing processing power (as mentioned above) in these systems can allow engineers to make meaningful strides using AI. The implications for connectivity are all about more bandwidth and speed and continuing to increase those capabilities in harsh environments.

Sustainability and energy efficiency: How will a push for sustainability impact a customer’s selection of components? Sustainability requirements influence the specifications and what customers expect in terms of products and solutions. The push for more sustainability and energy efficiency in automation control systems is in the early stages, but customers will expect more from OEMs on this front in the coming years. It is important to consider such questions as how are we handling wastewater? Are products fully recyclable? Making these issues a key part of system design is not far down the road.

How can TE Connectivity help design engineers be more nimble?TE Connectivity (TE) has an expansive portfolio of reliable connectors designed to meet a wide variety of automation control system needs for factory and manufacturing applications. TE can help OEM design engineers navigate the ever-changing standards for these systems and their components, acting as a trusted partner in producing flexible and durable systems that deliver value.

Our engineers are connector experts skilled in helping you address connectivity requirements. They bring product and application expertise and engineering know-how so you can build your product offering with an application lens. For OEMs dealing with a shortage of skilled labor in-house, TE can help fill this expertise gap. Bringing in TE experts early in the process can help ensure that the solution is optimized to meet application requirements and needs.

In addition, TE’s rugged and durable connector solutions will provide long-term performance and value, and the portfolio meets a broad range of application needs. For example, if the application standards require components that can endure high vibration or corrosive elements, TE has connectors specifically designed for optimized performance in these conditions.

Connect With UsYou do not have to navigate the challenges and complex requirements of automation control system components alone. Partner with TE to find the right connector solutions for your customers’ applications so you can deliver systems that provide reliability, functionality, safety and optimized performance. Connect with us today.

About the AuthorsRobert Ullstrom, Global Sales Manager Application Focus Growth, TE ConnectivityIvan A. Ruiz Stubelj, Manager Global Strategic Business Development, TE ConnectivityThe post 5 questions to overcome the challenges in designing automation control systems appeared first on Engineering.com.

Containers are generating significant interest as the next potential breakthrough, though it remains to be seen if they will drive real advancements. Containerization, particularly through technologies like Kubernetes, Docker, and OpenShift, has become a significant trend across various sectors to streamline application deployment and infrastructure management. Platform editors are progressively adopting containerization to enhance the scalability, flexibility, and reliability of their services, making them more adaptable to modern cloud-based infrastructures. With Gartner predicting that 75% of container instances will be deployed in public cloud environments by 2026, Kubernetes is becoming a standard for container orchestration.

Despite growing interest, the adoption of containers in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) application development has been relatively slow and not widely publicized. For example, there are only a few posts about containerization on the PTC community and Siemens websites. In April 2024, Outscale, a Dassault Systèmes brand, announced the acquisition of Satelliz, a French company specialized in the development and operation of Kubernetes services. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) editors, such as SAP and Salesforce, are more openly sharing their container management strategies for enabling cloud transformations.

Kubernetes, Docker and container orchestrationKubernetes and Docker are at the forefront of containerization, which is revolutionizing how applications are deployed and managed. Kubernetes is a portable, extensible, open-source platform designed to manage containerized applications across clusters of machines. It automates the deployment, scaling, and management of these applications, providing robust solutions for complex workloads.

On the other hand, Docker is a platform for developing, deploying and running containerized applications. Docker defines a container as “a standard unit of software that packages up code and all its dependencies, so the application runs quickly and reliably from one computing environment to another, […] a lightweight, standalone, executable package of software that includes everything needed to run an application: code, runtime, system tools, system libraries and settings.”

Advantages of container technologies include:

Portability: Containers can run consistently across various environments, from development to production.
Compatibility: Containers are compatible with different operating systems and cloud environments.
Scalability: They can be easily scaled up or down depending on demand.
Consistency: Containers ensure that applications run the same regardless of where they are deployed.
Efficiency: Containers use system resources more efficiently than traditional virtual machines.

However, there are challenges:

Orchestration complexity: Managing containers, especially at scale and in multi-cloud or hybrid environments, can be complex.
Networking complexity: Networking containers across different environments and maintaining security can be challenging.

Gartner highlighted that container management related services, “Associated technologies include service mesh, orchestration and scheduling, service discovery and registration, image registry, routing and networking, service catalog and management user interface, and API.” Anna Belak, Principal Research Analyst at Gartner, noted in 2018 that: “Containerization decouples the application and its dependencies from the underlying infrastructure. As a result, issues caused by differences in operating system distributions and core infrastructure are removed.”

Containers: a growing interest in the PLM landscapeWhile containerization might seem like a highly technical concept, its practical benefits are clear. Containers are driving significant changes in software development and IT system management, making companies more agile, scalable, and efficient. Some ways containers are making an impact include:

Microservices architecture: Containers allow different parts of a software application to be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. This not only makes the development process faster but also simplifies the management of complex systems.
DevOps and CI/CD pipelines: Containers provide consistent environments for software from development to production, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up the release process.
Hybrid and multi-cloud deployments: Containers enable applications to run smoothly across various cloud environments—public, private, or hybrid—providing flexibility and optimizing costs.
Modernizing legacy applications: Containers help older applications run in modern environments without needing extensive rework, which extends the life of existing investments and eases the transition to newer platforms.
Edge computing: Containers are ideal for deploying lightweight applications close to data sources, reducing latency and enhancing real-time data processing.

These examples show that containerization is more than just a technical trend—it is a critical tool for modernizing IT infrastructure.

Despite the clear advantages of containerization, PLM editors have been slower to adopt these technologies. Traditional PLM systems often rely on legacy infrastructure with complex data models, making the transition to containers challenging. The need for stability, long-term data integrity, and seamless integration with existing modules adds complexity and risk. High costs and complexity in deploying and maintaining private-cloud applications also contribute to a cautious approach to adopting modern container orchestration technologies in the PLM landscape.

Integrating containerized solutions can address key challenges faced by PLM systems, such as managing complex product data across global teams and ensuring industry compliance. As organizations adopt cloud-native architectures, containerization may become essential for modernizing PLM platforms to meet Industry 4.0 and digital economy demands. Large OEMs in the Aerospace and Defense industry in the US and Europe are already leading the way in containerizing PLM systems, influencing software editors to make the shift to modern architectures; and this is just the beginning.

Despite the clear advantages of containerization, PLM editors have been slower to adopt these technologies. Traditional PLM systems are often built on legacy infrastructure with complex data models, making the shift to containers challenging. The need for stability, long-term data integrity, and seamless integration with existing modules adds complexity and risk to this transition. High costs and complexity of deploying and maintaining private-cloud applications have also contributed to a cautious approach to adopting modern container orchestration technologies in the PLM landscape.

The integration of containerized solutions can address key challenges faced by PLM systems, such as managing complex product data across global teams and ensuring industry compliance. As organizations adopt cloud-native architectures, containerization may become essential for modernizing PLM platforms to meet Industry 4.0 and digital economy demands. Large OEMs in the Aerospace and Defence industry are already at the forefront of driving containerization in the PLM landscape, and this is just the beginning.

Accelerating cloud and digital transformationsThe shift to containerized has been gradual, but developments such as Outscale’s acquisition of Satelliz could accelerate this transition. As containerization and orchestration technologies evolve, they are likely to play a crucial role in modernizing PLM systems and enhancing business agility. Potential benefits of this shift include:

The shift to containerized PLM systems has been gradual, but developments such as Outscale’s acquisition of Satelliz could accelerate this transition. As containerization and orchestration technologies evolve, they are likely to play a crucial role in modernizing PLM systems and enhancing business agility. Potential benefits of this shift include:

Faster deployment: Containerized PLM systems could significantly reduce the time required to deploy applications, allowing businesses to respond more quickly to market changes.
Improved scalability: Containers allow PLM modules to scale easily based on demand, helping businesses manage resources more efficiently.
Enhanced integration: By utilizing containerized infrastructure, PLM systems can better integrate with other enterprise platforms like ERP, CRM, and MES, ensuring smoother operations across different functions.
Support for digital transformation: Containerized PLM systems are well-suited to support initiatives like Digital Thread and Digital Twin, which require seamless data exchange and real-time collaboration across the entire product lifecycle.
Increased resilience: Containers isolate failures, ensuring that issues in one part of the system don’t disrupt the entire operation, thus enhancing system reliability.

While containerization in PLM is still emerging, its potential to drive cloud and digital transformations is becoming more evident. As organizations embrace cloud-native architectures, containerized PLM solutions could offer the flexibility and scalability needed to thrive in a competitive, fast-paced market. Outscale’s acquisition of Satelliz represents a significant step toward broader adoption and innovation in the PLM landscape

The post Can containerized PLM accelerate cloud transformations? appeared first on Engineering.com.

Companies pursuing digital transformation often face a tough choice: prioritize rapid innovation or maintain stability? This tension is embodied in the concept of technical debt, which refers to the costs and constraints associated with quick-fix solutions or legacy systems that have outlived their usefulness. While technical debt can sometimes enable short-term gains, its unchecked accumulation can stifle growth, reduce agility and derail digital transformation efforts.

In a previous post, I discussed the fact that technical debt—often misunderstood as a solely technical issue—is actually a broader business challenge linked to gaps in process governance and data ownership, making it a significant barrier to digital transformation. It can either enable innovation or hinder progress if left unmanaged, much like financial debt. Companies frequently rely on makeshift solutions such as spreadsheets to handle complex tasks., Over time, this exacerbates technical debt and obstructs effective digitalization. By adopting a comprehensive end-to-end PLM strategy (beyond only tool or architecture considerations), businesses can address these issues, align technology with strategic goals and maintain a resilient, innovation-supporting technology landscape.

Understanding technical debt in the context of digital transformationTechnical debt is often seen as an unavoidable consequence of the fast-paced nature of digital transformation. Companies frequently prioritize speed over quality, leading to the adoption of temporary solutions that later become long-term liabilities. This issue extends beyond IT departments—while IT sees it as a coding or system problem, business leaders often view it as a barrier to strategic goals. This disconnect can lead to misaligned priorities and ineffective management strategies, including:

Piling up quick fixes: In the rush to implement new capabilities, temporary workarounds like using spreadsheets for data management or bypassing governance processes become permanent solutions, adding to the technical debt over time.
Inconsistent data management: Legacy systems often result in fragmented data management, creating data silos that hinder cross-departmental collaboration and prevent a unified business view.
Increased maintenance costs: As technical debt grows, so do the costs associated with maintaining and updating these patched systems, diverting resources away from innovation.
Decreased agility: Layering new technologies on top of outdated systems or disconnected capabilities complicates future upgrades and integrations, making the organization less responsive to market changes.

Legacy systems, for example, pose significant challenges. Outdated tools and processes are difficult to modify and lack the flexibility to adapt to new business needs. The cost of maintaining these legacy systems and sub-optimum ways of working consumes a large share of resources, leaving little room for strategic initiatives. Additionally, these systems often create data silos, where crucial information is isolated within departments, making it difficult to achieve a unified view of the business. In a digital-first world, where data-driven innovation and decisions are paramount, this is a serious drawback.

In the rush to digitally transform and leverage new tech such as analytics, IoT, AI, ML, and SaaS enterprise platforms, businesses often implement quick fixes to meet immediate needs. While these solutions offer short-term value or relief, they frequently evolve into long-term problems due to incoherent roadmaps, perhaps doubled with constraining asset capitalization accounting. This leads to a patchwork of tech solutions that are not fully integrated, making future transformations even more complex and costly. As new technologies are layered onto this unstable foundation, the complexity and cost of managing technical debt increase exponentially, creating a vicious cycle that hampers innovation and agility.

Are short-term gains compromising long-term digital transformation goals?
How much of your technology landscape is made up of quick fixes that have become permanent?
Can your current systems handle the integration of new technologies like AI and IoT without extensive rework?
Is your tech spending more on maintaining legacy systems than on driving strategic innovation?
How well are your technology investments aligned with your business transformation strategy?

Moreover, technical debt can significantly slow down time-to-market for new products and services, putting companies at a competitive disadvantage. Instead of focusing on developing new capabilities, teams are often stuck maintaining outdated systems. This reduced capacity for innovation can make it difficult for organizations to keep pace with digital natives and adapt to changing market demands. High levels of technical debt also lead to escalating costs, as companies are forced to invest in maintaining, automating and updating legacy systems rather than driving strategic growth.

Strategies for managing technical debtTo navigate technical debt related challenges, organizations need a strategic approach that addresses both immediate and long-term implications. Prioritizing incremental modernization is another key strategy. Instead of trying to eliminate technical debt all at once, companies should identify high-impact areas where technical debt is most disruptive and address these first. Using agile methodologies can help organizations make these improvements iteratively, without disrupting ongoing operations. Emerging technologies like cloud computing and microservices architectures also play a crucial role. They offer more flexible and scalable solutions, reducing the maintenance burden and making it easier to update and integrate systems over time.

Furthermore, fostering a culture of continuous improvement is essential. Technical debt should be made visible and discussed as part of the organization’s strategic priorities. Leadership needs to communicate its importance and incentivize efforts to reduce it. By aligning IT and business teams around shared goals, companies can ensure that technical debt management supports broader digital transformation efforts, incorporating key incentives to enable tech-enabled change:

Make technical debt visible and part of digital planning: Use metrics and dashboards to highlight technical debt, making it a visible part of business discussions and strategic planning.
Reward process efficiency and effectiveness: Encourage teams to proactively address technical debt by integrating it into performance goals and rewarding those who contribute to its reduction.
Foster cross-functional asset lifecycle strategies: Align IT and business teams around shared goals to ensure that technical debt management supports the broader digital transformation strategy.

Technical debt is an inevitable part of any organization’s technology landscape, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to digital transformation. By understanding its impact, prioritizing its management and embedding it into a strategic roadmap, companies can navigate this double-edged sword effectively. Balancing innovation with stability will enable organizations to leverage their technology investments fully, ensuring that technical debt remains a manageable and calculated investment rather than a roadblock to growth and innovation.

The post The vicious cycle of technical debt in digital transformation appeared first on Engineering.com.

It’s well known that standardization is one of the biggest obstacles for additive manufacturing (AM) adoption. The need for industry-wide AM standards has been felt by every engineer working with 3D printing at one time or another.

That’s why America Makes and the American National Standards Institute have been working on a standardization roadmap for AM as well as a supporting Gaps Progress Report to provide updates on standards, research and conformity assessment activities that aim to address the standardization gaps identified in the roadmap.

The latest version of the progress report is over 200 pages, so we’ve pulled out the latest updates on the five highest priority items identified by the America Makes & ANSI Additive Manufacturing Standards Collaborative.

Gap DE9: AM Simulation Benchmark Model/Part RequirementDescription: Standards for process and simulation type-specific AM benchmark models, tests and/or parts are needed to enable verification and validation of application process simulation tools.

Update(s):

A new AM Bench Test series [led by NIST] will occur in 2025. A NAVAIR project is working with Ansys to evaluate test artifacts used for distortion calibration.

Gap DE15: Design of Test CouponsDescription: No AM standards are currently available for the design of test coupons for additively manufactured structures.

Update(s):

Polymer AM aspects are being addressed with FAA research, CMH-17 and collaboration with ASTM.

Gap DE17: Contents of a Data PackageDescription: The contents of a data package that is sufficiently complete such that it could be provided to a vendor and result in components that are identical in physical and performance characteristics has not been defined.

Update(s):

Anticipated FAA research may assist in this area. A round robin study is planned, requesting multiple venders to build components and test articles per a provided design that references industry specs.

Chapter 3.4(c) on Data Management of DoDI 5000.93 Use of Additive Manufacturing in the DoD requires the use of a data package standard and format, as appropriate for AM, in accordance with MIL-ST-31000, ISO/ASTM 52915:20 and accepted non-U.S. Governmental standards.

Version C of MIL-ST31000 on Technical Data Packages is in development and will address AM primarily through references to ASME, ASTM, and ISO standards.

ISO/ASTM PWI CD 52951 Additive Manufacturing — Data — Data packages for AM parts is in ballot and will likely be available in 2025.

ISO/ASTM JG64 on File Formats for AM is implementing a new work project to create specifications for meta-data that will address the of technical data requirements listed in the recommendations to this gap.

ASME Y14.46 Rev A is in development and will provide clarity to address many of the issues in this gap.

Gap DE18: New Dimensioning and Tolerancing RequirementsDescription: ASME Y14.46 has been published and specifically deals with dimensioning and tolerancing requirements but additional work is needed on verification and validation.

Update(s):

ASME Y14.46 Rev A is in development and will provide clarify to address lattice structures.

Gap DE31: Feature-based Support for STEPDescription: There is a need for STEP – 242 to be updated to include feature-based information, which is parametric, to better preserve geometry when developed with AM-specific characteristics (generative design, lattice body).

Update(s):

There is an ongoing effort led by NIST with involvement from government, industry, and academia towards this gap (changed to research is needed). AP 238 (STEP NC) Edition 4 will go to ballot in 2024 and will be the first step in addressing this gap.

The post Updates on 5 high-priority gaps in additive manufacturing standardization appeared first on Engineering.com.

Lenovo has sponsored this post.

Hyundai and Kia are two automakers using VR for virtual design reviews. (Image: Hyundai.)The latest trend in the computing world is “spatial computing” – popularly understood as the extension of computer interactions into the third dimension, and encompassing technologies including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), extended reality (XR), the metaverse and more.

The core conceit of spatial computing involves the user’s physical movements being used to control the software and the models or environments displayed within it. Virtual reality headsets are one example of hardware for this purpose. With these, users can interact with the virtual environment by physically moving within a room, or via hand gestures or controllers. But AR, MR, and XR experiences can also run on smaller devices such as smart glasses and smartphones, offering virtual information overlaid on images or video of the physical world.

But spatial computing is far more than a gimmick, and advances in the hardware technology have enabled applications in industry and enterprise to rise to the forefront.

Spatial computing applications in AEC and manufacturingUnder the spatial computing banner, XR technologies are seeing new applications in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and manufacturing industries to improve designs, increase efficiency and reduce costs.

In the AEC industry, spatial computing and XR means being able to visualize designs at scale and immersively explore designed environments. Virtual prototypes of AEC projects mean designers can view and update elements in real-time, or walk clients and decision-makers through the virtual model of a building project.

On the automotive side, virtual models, design reviews, and digital twins are on the rise, and spatial computing applications bring a whole new level to the design and production process. Using XR and spatial computing, users can collaborate on design reviews both in person and remotely, and manipulate design elements within the virtual environment. Assets derived from CAD models can be easily changed or reused, and finished designs can be easily shared with sales and marketing teams.

Digital twins of factories and processes can also be built and explored virtually, enabling optimized lines and floor plans, XR-augmented plant tours and enhanced training for plant operators.

While there are many consumer-focused VR headsets available, engineering and industrial applications require workstation-grade hardware. Some headsets, such as Lenovo’s ThinkReality VRX, offer both convenient mobile processing combined with high-performance workstation hardware in order to provide the highest processing and graphics performance. The bigger the models you intend to create, the greater processing power you’ll need in the GPU. According to Mike Leach, senior manager for Lenovo workstations, an Nvidia RTX A3000 mobile GPU or better is recommended, though all GPUs from the RTX A1000 and up are considered to be “VR Ready” by Nvidia.

And while GPU power might be the key consideration, it’s not the only one. Enterprise users should assess their needs to find a balance between performance, cost, physical comfort and graphics resolution.

Future-forward engineeringSpatial computing offers an enhancement to engineers in industry, rather than a replacement of their expertise. Leach pictures spatial computing and headset hardware as one more tool in the engineer’s toolbox to streamline workflows and improve the design and development process.

“You can jump into spatial computing to do design collaborations with colleagues at a moment’s notice,” Leach says. “We see that for the engineer of the future.”

For an in-depth look at spatial computing hardware, check out Lenovo’s white paper The Workstations Behind Spatial Computing.

The post Spatial computing extends reality in design, AEC and manufacturing appeared first on Engineering.com.

Lenovo has sponsored this post.

(Image: Technology Innovation Institute.)Artificial intelligence is growing rapidly within the engineering space, and AI functionality is quickly becoming ubiquitous in applications from design to manufacturing and more. The utility and potential of AI means that companies of all sizes need to invest in this technology in order to stay ahead of the curve. Since AI relies heavily on computing power, investment in computing hardware is key. Luckily, the familiar engineering workstations used for CAD, BIM and CAE are evolving to accommodate the computing needs of AI.

Engineering software for CAD, CAE and more are already seeing AI enhancements. In CAD, machine learning can predict designers’ needs and suggest tools or features to use, while generative design tools help streamline the design iteration process. With CAE and simulation, AI models can augment—or one day replace—traditional solvers, accelerating solve time as well as tedious tasks such as data preparation and meshing.

Large language model (LLM) chatbots are also appearing in engineering software of all stripes, offering assistance to users with technical questions or acting as “AI copilots” for tasks like writing G-code or designing schematics.

Some engineering companies are developing their own AI tools and workflows that leverage their proprietary data to provide results tailored to their needs. But many companies don’t have the budget or hardware to develop their own machine learning models, which can involve billions of parameters and intensive processing and compute power.

“You should never train a model just once,” says Mike Leach, senior manager for Lenovo workstations. “You need to constantly fine-tune or train to make sure it’s accurate, that it’s up to date and learns as it goes.”

The Lenovo ThinkStation P7, pictured here, is “the world’s fastest and most powerful workstation for AI workloads,” according to Leach. (Image: Lenovo.)The solution might be a pre-trained model, such as the Llama 3 LLM from Meta or the Falcon open source LLM from the Technology Innovation Institute, which can then be customized.

All of these AI applications need powerful hardware. The GPU is the key, with today’s top-of-the-line GPUs from providers such as NVIDIA and AMD offering dedicated AI processing cores as well as compute power for 3D modeling and rendering. Many engineering workstations can combine multiple GPUs for increased compute power, and offer advantages over cloud resources because desktop hardware can be configured with the latest generation technologies and the fastest processor clock speeds.

While workstations are critical themselves, part of their core value comes from being part of a larger hardware ecosystem. Leach points to the hybrid AI concept, where workstation hardware, on-premises servers and cloud infrastructure work together to deliver enterprise AI solutions. Lenovo offers a wide portfolio of ThinkSystem servers and ThinkStation workstations that can be deployed as part of an organization’s hybrid AI ecosystem. These AI optimized platforms are certified for NVIDIA’s AI Enterprise software and will enable organizations to develop custom LLMs, GenAI applications, and deploy production AI across their systems.

Though industry is still learning how AI technology will impact the engineering space, it is clear that AI is here to stay, and grow. AI is a computing revolution, and companies that begin to invest in AI-capable hardware now will stand the best chance of success—and with workstations more powerful and versatile than ever before, there are plenty of options to suit every business’ needs.

“AI is a journey, not a destination,” Leach says.

For an in-depth look at hardware for AI in engineering, check out Lenovo’s white paper Workstations for AI in the Modern Engineering Workflow.

The post How hardware fits into your AI journey appeared first on Engineering.com.

NEW YORK, NY, Sep 30, 2024 – GenNx360 Capital Partners announced that its portfolio company, Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (PAG), a leading provider of products and value-added services to the global aerospace and defense market, has completed the acquisition of ICON Aerospace (ICON) and TAG Aero (TAG), strategically expanding PAG’s Avionics and Engine services capabilities.

ICON Aerospace, headquartered in Indian Trail, North Carolina, is an FAA/CAA/EASA-approved repair station specializing in the repair and overhaul of avionics, instruments, radios, and accessories. With 150 employees and a strong reputation for quality, ICON adds substantial avionics expertise to PAG’s portfolio.

TAG Aero, based in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is an FAA/CAA/EASA-approved repair station focused on auxiliary power units (APUs). TAG provides a vertically integrated suite of services including repair and overhaul, outright sales, leasing and exchanges for 131, 331, and 85 Series APUs. Known for reliability and high service standards, TAG supported by 60 employees and four in-house test cells, strengthens PAG’s Engine Services segment.

Both TAG and ICON’s customers will gain access to PAG’s global network of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, including its Inventory Supported MRO (ISMRO) model, which ensures increased parts availability, faster turnaround times, and expanded support.

President and CEO of PAG, David Mast said, “Jeff and the teams at Icon and Tag have built world-class businesses and facilities. ICON and TAG joining PAG significantly bolster our Avionics services and Engines services businesses with incremental capabilities, which will allow us to better serve our customers with a broader range of repair capabilities.” He added, “In partnership with GenNx360, we have significantly scaled PAG into a global player in the aerospace and defense industry, now operating 24 Repair Stations/27 Locations across 1.1M square feet of facilities, with over 1,000 employees performing over 150,000 repairs annually.”

“We are very excited to join David and the PAG family in building the premier service provider to the global aerospace and defense industry. This partnership enhances our ability to serve our customers, providing them with a broader range of solutions and a network of repair stations across the globe,” said Jeff Lambert, CEO of ICON and TAG.

Pratik Rajeevan, the GenNx360 Principal who led the transaction said, “We are pleased to support the PAG team, as it continues to execute on its growth strategy. Our partnership with ICON and TAG is a continuation of the PAG strategy to increase the company’s repair portfolio through synergistic acquisitions that help the Company better serve its customers. This investment is the ninth PAG add-on executed under GenNx360’s ownership and scales the business to over half a billion dollars of revenue in a large and attractive growth market.”

Prior to being acquired by PAG, ICON and TAG were portfolio companies of Mill Hill Capital, a Florida-based investment firm. Perella Weinberg Partners served as exclusive financial advisor to ICON and TAG; Greenberg Traurig served as legal counsel to ICON and TAG. Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel to PAG and GenNx360.

For more information about Precision Aviation Group, visit precisionaviationgroup.com.

For more information about GenNx360 Capital Partners, visit gennx360.com.

The post Precision Aviation Acquires Icon Aerospace, Tag Aero appeared first on Engineering.com.

NOVATO, CA, Sep 30, 2024 – IMSI Design has announced the release of new Windows versions for all of its award-winning FloorPlan Home & Landscape Design software titles.

FloorPlan 2024 comes with over 30 new features and improvements, including:

Spray Topography: An intuitive feature that transforms the shaping of terrain in 3D. Complex contour maps are no longer necessary as landscapes can be sculpted directly within the 3D environment.
Custom Subplans: This feature provides enhanced control over design elements, allowing for the organization and focus on specific project aspects with a high degree of precision.
Floor 2D/3D Visibility Control: Offers the capability to selectively display or conceal specific floors in both 2D and 3D views, facilitating rapid and precise customization of 3D renders.
Batch Rendering 3D Views: A streamlined rendering workflow that enables the queuing of saved 3D views for high-quality image rendering, saving valuable time.
New Editing Options & Creation Tools: A suite of new tools, including Duplicate as CAD, Combo CAD Tool, and Precision Input Resize Option, simplifies the design process.
Default Design Settings Templates: Allows for the creation and application of personalized design settings templates, promoting consistency and efficiency across projects.
3D Innovations: A series of advancements such as Curved Railing Excellence, Guided Aerial Views, and High-Resolution Flora and Materials, all contribute to the enhanced visual fidelity and precision of designs.

“FloorPlan 2024’s latest features are a leap forward in design technology. From intuitive terrain shaping to enhanced control over design details and efficient rendering processes, this version provides tools that cater to the creativity and productivity of professionals. The advancements in 3D technology will open up new possibilities in architectural and design excellence,” states Syed Gilani, co-founder & managing director, IMSI Design

“FloorPlan 2024 embodies a commitment to continuous improvement and user-centric design. The integration of direct feedback and cutting-edge technology has resulted in a tool that not only meets the demands of modern design professionals but also opens up new possibilities for creativity and efficiency,” states Rita Buschmann, senior product manager CAD & Home Design.

To view videos showcasing the product’s features, click here.

Availability and PricingThe FloorPlan 2024 for Windows product line is available now from both www.IMSIDesign.com and www.TurboCAD.com:

FloorPlan 2024 Pro – $279.99
As Bundle with Custom WorkShop Pro – $339.99
As Bundle with LuxCore – $379.99
FloorPlan 2024 Deluxe – $139.99
FloorPlan 2024 Instant Architect – $69.99
FloorPlan 2024 Express – $49.99

IMSI Design is a global leader in home design and in mechanical and architectural CAD desktop software for the PC and Mac, and a pioneer in mobile app solutions for the AEC (architectural, engineering, and construction) industry.

The post IMSI Design Releases FloorPlan 2024 appeared first on Engineering.com.

SUNNYVALE, CA, Sep 30, 2024 – SimOps announces the official launch of its Simulation Operations Automation initiative, a groundbreaking category poised to redefine the way organizations manage and optimize their engineering simulations and the operation of the underlying infrastructures.

As high-performance computing (HPC) becomes central to innovation across various industries and applications, SimOps provides a comprehensive framework designed to streamline simulation processes, enhance operational efficiency, and align technical workflows with strategic business goals.

The Need for SimOpsEngineering simulations are critical to industries such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and beyond, but managing the infrastructures—whether on premises or in the cloud—can be complex and costly. The SimOps Framework addresses these challenges by integrating technology, people, and processes into a unified model, simplifying the management of HPC environments, driving more effective use of resources, and fostering the effective collaboration of engineering and IT.

SimOps Training and CertificationAs part of the SimOps launch, we are introducing a structured educational pathway to equip professionals with the skills needed to master simulation operations. It starts with the SimOps Fundamentals Training which covers key concepts, tools, and methodologies for effectively managing simulation infrastructures. Following this, participants will have the opportunity to pursue advanced certifications in areas like HPC resource management and cloud-based simulation operations automation.

SimOps certifications will become an industry-recognized training and career path, providing individuals with valuable credentials to enhance their expertise and thus contribute to their organization’s success. Certified professionals will also gain access to a community of SimOps practitioners, offering ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities.

Looking AheadSimOps is more than just a framework—it represents a community of innovators dedicated to advancing simulation operations. As industries adopt this new approach, the SimOps community will continue to expand, sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and driving advancements in simulation technology.

For more information, visitSimOps.com.

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The FEATool Multiphysics finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) multi-solver/simulation toolbox has been updated to version 1.17, with enhancements focusing on advanced physics modes, enhanced user interface, and improved performance and capabilities for aerodynamics simulations.

The new release features improvements to turbulent and compressible flow simulations, adding support for these flow regimes to both the OpenFOAM and SU2 Code solver interfaces. Moreover, a dedicated OpenFOAM scripting and programming interface (API) has been introduced, as well as improved performance and responsiveness of the easy-to-use toolbox Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Compressible Supersonic Flow SimulationsA new physics mode for compressible flows for turbulent and high Mach number flow regimes has been introduced. This physics mode is supported by both the SU2 and OpenFOAM CFD solvers, and enables users to model flows and applications involving high-speed trans-sonic and super-sonic airflows with shock waves and boundary layers, such as in high Ma aerodynamic, rocket, and also space applications.

In order to quickly get started with compressible flow modeling a new tutorial benchmark model for supersonic flow past a prism has also been made available.

In addition the existing compressible flow mode for the inviscid Euler equations, is naturally still available with support for all solvers, including full multi-physics applications and built-in and FEniCS FEA solvers.

OpenFOAM Solver UI EnhancementsFEATool Multiphysics, the easiest and fastest way to get started with OpenFOAM and CFD simulations!

OpenFOAM Simulations with Conjugate Heat TransferIn addition to now fully supporting compressible flows as described previously, the easy-to-use OpenFOAM GUI and CFD solver interface has also been extended to support natural and forced convection with conjugate heat transfer and geometries featuring multiple domains with the chtMultiRegionFoam and buoyantBoussinesqFoam solver applications. This can for example be applicable to complex multi-physics simulations involving heat transfer and chemical reactions, such as found in heat exchangers, reactors, and battery simulations.

In connection with this addition, new model examples and tutorials related to heat exchangers and heat transfer have been introduced and extended, offering users a broader range of applications within industries such as automotive, energy, and process engineering, where thermal effects significantly impact system performance. With these new tutorial examples, users can quickly get up to speed with complex heat transfer simulations to efficiently analyze various design scenarios, leading to more optimized systems.

OpenFOAM API Interface for MATLABThe OpenFOAM CFD solver API has now been fully made open and available to all users, meaning that users can programmatically set up, define, manage, and run OpenFOAM CFD simulations directly from MATLAB CLI interface and user defined m-file scripts. This also includes importing and exporting external OpenFOAM dictionaries, data, and simulation results.

The new API uniquely enables advanced users to use the flexibility and ease-of-use of MATLAB scripting, and controlling every aspect of OpenFOAM and advanced fluid dynamics simulations, which has not been possible to this extent until now.

SU2 Code Solver Interface EnhancementsThe SU2 CFD solver interface has also been upgraded to support compressible high Ma number and turbulent flows (in addition to inviscid compressible flow as before). These upgrades provide users with a more versatile tool-set, enabling simulations for various engineering systems involving supersonic airflow and shock waves.

Uniquely, being able to effortlessly use and run multiple solvers with the same GUI and model setup allow users to perform advanced CFD validation and comparison studies, ensuring accuracy and quickly deliver optimal results.

Lastly, FEATool version 1.17 also features improvements for enhanced user interface (GUI) performance and responsiveness to enable smoother and more efficient simulation workflows. These improvements enables users to quickly and seamlessly move between models, scripts, and results, allowing them to efficiently evaluate different design options or optimize existing systems.

Please see the FEATool Multiphysics Changelog and the improved and updated toolbox documentation for a detailed list of changes and new features.

CFDTool Fluid Dynamics Simulation ToolboxIn addition to the updates to the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox described above, the simplified sister toolbox CFDTool has also been updated to version 1.10, streamlining the user interface (GUI) to mirror the FEATool UI, making switching between the toolboxes easier and natural.

CFDTool is a simplified version of the FEATool toolbox only featuring physics modes and functionality for fluid mechanics and heat transfer simulations. Fore more advanced, multi-physics simulations, and MATLAB m-file scripting the FEATool Multiphysics toolbox is recommended.

Benefits for Researchers and Engineers* Accurate and Efficient Simulations: FEATool Multiphysics 1.17 delivers highly accurate and efficient simulations, enabling engineers to optimize designs, reduce development time, and improve product performance. * Expanded Application Areas: The new features and enhancements broaden the range of applications for FEATool, making it suitable for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, and process engineering. * Increased Productivity: The improved user interface and streamlined workflows enhance productivity and allow engineers to focus on their simulations rather than technical complexities.

Availability and DownloadThe physics simulation toolboxes FEATool Multiphysics 1.17 and CFDTool 1.10 are available right now both as stand-alone desktop apps, and also as MATLAB toolbox Add-Ons, with fully interactive GUI and cross-platform support for the Microsoft Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems. The toolboxes can be downloaded directly from https://featool.com/download or https://cfdtool.com/download (or installed with one-click from the MATLAB Add-Ons Toolbar).

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Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing (ACAM) is excited to welcome its newest member, Dyndrite, a pioneer in digital manufacturing software. This collaboration represents a major milestone for both organizations as they set out together to advance innovation in the field of additive manufacturing.

Dyndrite, a US-based company, has rapidly gained recognition for its transformative approach to digital manufacturing, particularly with its Accelerated Computation Engine (ACE) and Dyndrite LPBF Pro solutions. The company’s innovative tools offer unparalleled performance in areas such as geometry processing, automation, and metal AM materials and process development, making it a natural fit for ACAM’s forward-thinking mission.

Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AM“At Dyndrite, we are thrilled to be joining an organization that shares our passion for innovation and excellence in additive manufacturing. By collaborating with ACAM and its esteemed network of industrial and scientific leaders, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in AM. Together, we can drive forward groundbreaking advancements in process automation, materials development, and digital manufacturing—fostering a future where AM plays a pivotal role in shaping industries worldwide,”says Stephen Anderson, head of strategic relations at Dyndrite.

Dyndrite’s contribution to the partnership will focus on its core expertise in mathematics, computation, software development, and manufacturing. The company’s software tools, including Dyndrite LPBF Pro, are designed to empower manufacturers to solve complex geometry and production challenges, accelerate R&D, and reduce costs—all while improving part quality and scale.

Stephan Ziegler, managing director of ACAM, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “We are delighted to welcome Dyndrite to our growing network of innovators. Their expertise in advanced digital manufacturing solutions aligns perfectly with ACAM’s commitment to driving the AM industry forward. Together, we will work to advance automation, improve materials development, and unlock new possibilities for digital manufacturing at scale.”

Dyndrite joins an exceptional list of industrial and scientific partners within the ACAM community, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and growth. Together, they are set to drive advancements in AM, shaping a more efficient, scalable, and innovative future for industries worldwide.

To learn more about Dyndrite, please visit dyndrite.com.

To learn more about ACAM, please visit acam.rwth-campus.com.

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IRVINE, CA, Sep 30, 2024 – EON Reality has announced its strategic alignment with META’s groundbreaking AR glasses and text-to-3D technology. This synergy propels EON-XR platform users to the forefront of immersive education and training, perfectly positioning them to leverage META’s latest innovations.

“META’s recent unveiling of their Orion AR glasses and text-to-3D capabilities at Meta Connect 2024 marks a pivotal moment in immersive technology,” said Dan Lejerskar, chairman of EON Reality. “Our EON-XR platform, with its AI Autonomous Agent and Text2XR functionalities, is uniquely primed to integrate these advancements, offering our users an unprecedented leap in immersive learning experiences.”

Key Integrations and Enhancements:

Orion AR Glasses Compatibility:
- EON-XR will offer day-one support for META’s Orion AR glasses, featuring Micro LED projectors and a 70-degree field of view.
- Users will benefit from the glasses’ lightweight design (under 100 grams) and advanced silicon carbide lenses.
- EON’s content will leverage Orion’s eye tracking, hand gestures, and neural wristband controls for intuitive interactions.
Revolutionary Text-to-3D Integration:
- EON’s existing Text2XR technology will be supercharged by META’s text-to-3D capabilities.
- Users can now generate complex 3D models and environments from simple text descriptions, dramatically accelerating content creation.
- This integration aligns perfectly with EON’s goal of democratizing XR content creation.
Enhanced Holographic Experiences:
- Utilizing Orion’s holographic display technology, EON-XR will offer more realistic and interactive 3D overlays in real environments.
- This advancement is particularly crucial for fields like medicine, engineering, and industrial training.
AI-Driven Personalization:
- EON’s AI Autonomous Agent will work in tandem with Orion’s advanced sensors to provide hyper-personalized learning experiences.
- Real-time adaptation of content difficulty and presentation based on user engagement and comprehension.
Expanded Global Reach:
- With implementations in over 80 locations worldwide, EON is set to bring META’s AR advancements to millions of learners across academic, government, and enterprise sectors.
- The platform’s support for 85+ languages ensures global accessibility of these cutting-edge learning experiences.
Continued Innovation Partnership:
- EON Reality’s collaboration with 33+ leading tech companies positions it to rapidly integrate future META advancements.
- Ongoing R&D efforts focus on pushing the boundaries of AR and AI integration in education and training.

“This integration represents a quantum leap in immersive learning,” Lejerskar emphasized. “Our customers in education, industry, and government will soon have access to learning experiences that were once the realm of science fiction. Imagine medical students examining holographic organs or engineers manipulating complex 3D models with a gesture – this is the future we’re building.”

EON Reality’s proven track record of 4x faster learning and 275% increase in learner confidence is expected to be further enhanced by these new capabilities. The company is already collaborating with its global partners to prepare for the rollout of these advanced features.

For a glimpse into the future of AR technology that EON Reality is integrating, watch META’s Orion AR glasses unveiling.

As META works towards making Orion commercially available, EON Reality is ensuring that its vast user base of over 45 million will be ready to harness this technology from day one.

The integration of META’s innovations with EON’s extensive library of over 36 million 3D assets promises to usher in a new era of immersive, efficient, and engaging learning experiences.

For more information, visit eonreality.com.

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VELIZY-VILLACOUBLAY, France, Sep 30, 2024 – Dassault Systèmes extends its sincere thanks to Fabien Fedida for his valuable contributions over his 19-year tenure.

In his various global roles, and most recently as the Senior Director for Global Offer Positioning, Experience Center, and Business Intelligence, Mr. Fedida made outstanding contributions while at the company. His many significant achievements included creating and managing the online Global Demo Center which is used by all tech sales worldwide, launching to market the V6 architecture and 3DEXPERIENCE releases, and spearheading the Company’s unique global market intelligence program which harnesses collective intelligence. Mr. Fedida’s track record, integrity, and passion have been exemplary over his entire tenure.

Dassault Systèmes would be pleased to collaborate with Mr. Fedida if the opportunity arises in the future. “I am thankful for everything I have learned, the opportunities to innovate, and the meaningful relationships I have built over these 19 years at Dassault Systèmes,” says Fabien Fedida.

For more information, visit 3ds.com.

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DAYTON, OH, Sep 30, 2024 – Woolpert has been selected for a five-year, $80 million shared capacity, multiple award task order contract to provide architecture and engineering services for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District and Department of Defense Education Activity.

Barkley Elementary School in Fort Campbell, KY
Currently operating 161 accredited schools across nine districts, DoDEA is responsible for the planning, directing, coordination, and management of pre-K through 12th-grade educational programs for children of military members stationed across the world, including in the U.S., the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and Guam, Europe, and the Pacific. This is Woolpert’s fourth consecutive DoDEA contract for the district.

Under this contract, Woolpert will provide planning, programming, and design services for modification, rehabilitation, maintenance, alternatives, new construction, and commissioning of primary and secondary schools and support facilities.

Woolpert vice president and Federal Market director Doug Brown said that this latest contract serves as a testament to the long-term, successful working relationship between Woolpert and USACE Norfolk District.

“Woolpert has had the honor of supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and all three of DoDEA’s geographic areas—Europe, Pacific, and the Americas—for the last 20 years,” Brown said. “We’re thrilled to continue our legacy of supporting the advancement of military schools worldwide, and helping to ensure that DoDEA has the facilities it needs in order to continue its mission of providing a world-class education for the children of military families.”

For more information, visit woolpert.com.

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For many companies, Digital Transformation (DT) has become a nonstarter—no surprise given it’s negative track record. According to studies conducted by McKinsey & Co., Boston Consulting Group, KPMG, Bain & Co., and business-media publisher Forbes, the risk of failure in DT projects is between 70% and 95%.

So why keep trying? Isn’t digitalization enough? The answer is “no”, but it’s a good start. Digitalization converts analog data and information into 1s and 0s so they can be accessed and read by any digital toolset or application; the goal is to make all of an enterprise’s information available to anyone in the workforce who needs it and is approved to use it.

Ultimately, DT completes the process of digitalization by digitally connecting the enterprise throughout its products’ lifecycles so that it can continuously transform itself. DT is about enabling dramatically improved processes, new business models and new value-added products and services to give you a competitive advantage. DT’s goal is to create growing value everywhere in the organization with more competitive products and services, speedier production and deployment and more effective service—all while fostering collaboration and innovation.

DT accommodates and fosters continuous change and radically new digital work environments, placing tough new demands on the workforce while helping them adapt and succeed. DT leverages the organization’s digitalized knowledge base to levels previously out of reach.

Sounds wonderful, right? So, how do we get started? How do we successfully digitally transform when so many have failed in the past?

Here, I offer seven DT Success Premises. These premises represent keys to successful DT and were formed during CIMdata’s four decades of untangling data and information.

We begin with two blunt statements.

The first Success Premise states:

Digital must be at the core of your company. To be successful, digital (i.e., the availability of valid digital information and process enablement) must cut across all the enterprise’s departments and even include development partners, suppliers and customers, as well as the end-to-end product lifecycle.As a result, we—those of us who deal with DT every day—must continue to understand how PLM and other digital enabling strategies and tools are evolving and stay ahead of them.

To this, we must add a second Success Premise, likewise the fruit of four decades of focused work with data and information, which reads:

Digital strategies need to be built on a solid foundation of business justification, as well as a set of strategy elements that have been designed to evolve with the business. As a result, we must know and promote how PLM is a major foundation of your company’s DT and other business-critical elements.

We will explain five more Success Premises after we look into why DT faces so much resistance. The resulting workforce problems include having to:

• Jot down critical information from their workstations and operations on paper forms or sticky notes.

• Protect information in obsolete and cumbersome formats—on paper or digital.

• Work with organizational information they know is incomplete and thus not fully trustworthy.

Little wonder, then, that factory floor workforces will be among DT’s biggest beneficiaries. This brings us to CIMdata’s third Success Premise:

Implementing PLM and other digital enabling solutions is “like performing open-heart surgery on a person while they run in a marathon.”

Corollary: “You must strive to keep the complex simple.”

Because DT seems to take forever, the fourth Success Premise reads:

Digital is not something you implement overnight; as a result, what you define today may not be appropriate tomorrow. Therefore, flexibility, configurability and sustainability are critical. DT enablement with PLM is that and more, and it must be communicated early and often.

The fifth Success Premise addresses endless change:

DT requires a company’s PLM strategy and associated roadmap and support to be robust and flexible … Rome wasn’t built in a day … DT is a journey.

The sixth Success Premise:

The evolving nature of the typical enterprise and how digital strategies should be defined and implemented should also be handled in a sustainable manner that naturally addresses change.

Corollary: “Change happens; you might as well embrace it.”

The use of the word “enable” in the fourth Success Premise should not be overlooked. To be effective, DT must focus on workforce enablement. In other words, the finalization of DT is not implementation, as if something is done by uploading blocks of code into databases, but an enablement— as is virtually anything accomplished with PLM. The new way of working and the new processes enabled by new technologies must not just be implemented; they must be embedded in the organization’s culture. This isn’t a one-time action; it requires an ongoing state of continuous enablement and improvement.

The seventh and final Success Premise addresses terminology:

Don’t be afraid to call PLM something else. PLM by any other name is still PLM, but you may need to stop running into the brick wall. Either remove the wall or go over or around it.

You might be asking yourself, why would I, as the CEO of the leading PLM strategic management consulting company, say something like that? Because as noted in the first Success Premise, DT must reach all the enterprise’s departments and development partners, suppliers and customers throughout the entire product lifecycle. Many essential enterprise units are skeptical about PLM, believing it’s needed only for product development and the engineering department. They mistakenly fixate on the “P” in the PLM abbreviation rather than on the “L.” From an overall organizational or enterprise standpoint, “product” implies a focus limited in ways that “lifecycle” is not.

Corollary: “You can only run into a brick wall so many times before you break your collarbone.”

To sum up the seven Success Premises, we must always bear in mind that as a digital strategy is built, it must be communicated early, often and firmly to the entire workforce. Most new technology can be imposed—implemented top-down. But, with or without PLM, digital enablement is best done bottom-up.

RationaleThese seven Success Premises show why expertise and experience are indispensable, even crucial, in any transformational change.

The surging importance of expertise and experience recognizes, perhaps belatedly, that digital is endless in its reach and depth. This means finding it, getting access to it and transforming it is a bigger challenge than expected at the outset.

Until now, too much DT discussion has focused on questions such as:

– What makes each solution provider’s offerings superior to those of its competitors?

-How satisfied everyone will be once enablement is complete, however “complete” is defined.

– What is likely to go wrong?

As we better understand our DT challenges, changing information-handling practices is ever more important—especially on the factory floor and out in the field. The following conclusions crystalizes this.

Conclusion: critical success factorsFinally, I’d like to share the insights CIMdata has gained from participating in hundreds of digital transformation (DT) and PLM enablement projects. These seven key points of critical advice are as follows:

• Use a broad vision and approach: people want business solutions, not another system.

• Educate senior management and the initial team.

• Support and do not undermine company culture.

• Seek partners: people who understand your business needs and who have proven solutions & track records.

• Scope should be well-defined, clearly understood and under change control; required functionality must be precisely specified at each stage.

• Use pilot projects as the key to success.

• Seek to continually learn and adjust as required.

Ultimately, DT success is a multi-variable equation that is the sum of the enterprise’s DT vision, the organization put in place to support it, the processes included, the solution providers chosen to support it, the approach taken and the technology and process environment.

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In just under two months, Renishaw will unveil the latest offering for its RenAM 500 series of metal additive manufacturing (AM) systems. At Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany, the company will host demonstrations of the new system on the Renishaw stand throughout the show, from November 19 to 22.

Incorporating advanced laser technology and intelligent process monitoring capabilities, the RenAM 500 series is designed to deliver precise control throughout the AM process, ensuring consistently high-quality parts. Renishaw claims that the upcoming addition to the RenAM 500 series will help meet the needs of more recent adopters looking for a lower initial investment.

“After launching our most recent developments, TEMPUS technology and the RenAM 500 Ultra, at Formnext 2023, it felt natural to launch our next system at this year’s show,” explained Louise Callanan, Renishaw’s director of additive manufacturing, in a press release. “The reception at the event last year was incredibly positive, with attendees excited about the exceptional results they could achieve with more productive systems.”

“Reducing cost per part has always been integral to widening the adoption of AM,” Callanan added. “Our most recent launch of TEMPUS technology and the RenAM 500 Ultra system focused on productivity, helping manufacturers reduce build times by up to 50 per cent. As we develop the latest system in the RenAM 500 series, Renishaw aims to lower the entry barrier to metal AM, to ensure that manufacturers of any size can find a system that provides value and quality.”

Renishaw’s RenAM 500 series systems, including the RenAM 500 Ultra, are available with high powered lasers that access the whole powder bed simultaneously. According to the company, this allows for efficient laser assignment and significantly higher build rates, improving productivity and lowering cost per part.

The latest RenAM 500 Ultra system is fitted with TEMPUS technology, which allows the lasers to fire as the recoater moves, reportedly removing up to nine seconds of build time per layer. Renishaw has stated that existing RenAM 500 series customers can gain access to the TEMPUS algorithm, potentially reducing total build times by tens of hours.

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TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sep 27, 2024 – ASUS IoT announced Tinker System 3N, an Arm-based fanless embedded computer with versatile applications for industrial use, and Tinker Board 3, a compact single-board computer (SBC) equipped with a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 with comprehensive software-development kit (SDK) integration for versatile IoT and smart retail applications. Both ASUS IoT Tinker System 3N and Tinker Board 3 have been meticulously designed to cater to diverse vertical applications and industrial demands.

Both ASUS IoT Tinker System 3N and Tinker Board 3 have been meticulously designed to cater to diverse vertical applications and industrial demands.Tinker System 3N: Rugged design and customizable I/O, optimized for industrial useThe fanless Tinker System 3N, equipped with a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor (Rockchip RK3568) and an Arm M-based Mali-G52 GPU, is optimized for industrial use. It meets exacting US MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards for shock and vibration resilience, and features a compact 0.79-liter size and an extruded aluminum chassis that ensures reliable operation within a wide temperature range – able to function in conditions ranging from -40 to 60°C.

Tinker System 3N also supports a wide 12V-24V input range and includes over-voltage, over-current, electrostatic discharge and reverse-current protection to prevent damage. Its expandable and customizable I/O interface allows swift adjustments to adapt to diverse requirements and configurations, making it ideal for smart factory operations, human-machine interface (HMI) applications and outdoor kiosk deployments. Tinker System 3N additionally benefits from a built-in neural-processing unit (NPU) designed for seamless AI integration and applications.

ASUS IoT Tinker Board 3: Advanced AI capabilities with built-in NPUAlso powered by a 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor (Rockchip RK3566) and an Arm-based Mali-G52 GPU, ASUS IoT Tinker Board 3 delivers enhanced graphics processing and robust data security. It is designed for seamless integration and features a versatile software suite for quick market deployment, with support for over-the-air (OTA) updates, advanced controls and SDKs to provide a complete solution for smart retail and healthcare applications.

In common with its stablemate, Tinker Board 3 also features an integrated NPU for AI tasks, empowering capabilities such as object detection, speech recognition and face recognition. This ensures Tinker Board 3 is ideal for diverse industrial needs, such as digital signage, self-service kiosks, medical devices, and more.

Integrated software and hardware solutionsBoth Tinker System 3N and Tinker Board 3 and integrate advanced software and hardware features to deliver a comprehensive solution, including an SDK with GPIO API integration for simplified development, power scheduling for energy efficiency, USB device power management for durability, and regular OTA updates for optimal performance.

For more information, visit iot.asus.com.

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PITTSBURGH, PA, Sep 27, 2024 – Ansys joins Liebherr in the implementation of the European manufacturer’s simulation strategy and model-based enterprise approach. Liebherr’s 35-year engagement with Ansys extends across the Ansys product portfolio, strengthening the digital thread and presenting a clear competitive advantage for Liebherr in developing products that exceed customer expectations.

Ansys simulation enables detailed virtual models that describe all physical and functional aspects of every Liebherr product. From mechanical, computational fluid dynamics, and electronics, to live simulation, acoustics, system simulation, safety analysis, and embedded software, Ansys’ multiphysics capabilities reinforce the company’s digital transformation and digital engineering initiatives through simulation process and data management (SPDM). Ansys Apex Channel Partner CADFEM Germany GmbH — which provides training, user support, and consulting services — supports all sites through a common resource-sharing strategy that reduces barriers to entry.

Liebherr-Aerospace and Transportation SAS is one of the largest Liebherr divisions with sites in Lindenberg, Germany and Toulouse, France, among others. Its product segment Aerospace has already launched a digital transformation program. The objective is to deploy an innovative model-based enterprise approach, become data/model-centric, and implement digital continuity across the entire development and product lifecycle, including efficient data exchange with customers and suppliers.

“Liebherr-Aerospace develops products consistently and completely digitally,” said Elko Van Balen and Olivier Banessy, who together lead the model-based enterprise development at Liebherr-Aerospace and Transportation. “The implementation of the model-based approach behind this confirms that the right partners have been chosen.”

“Access to Ansys software alleviates challenges related to delivering best-in-class solutions that specifically support our products and technologies in a timely manner,” said Dr. Ling Li, PLM innovation services simulation consultant at Liebherr. “We recognize that expertise is being established at all locations and that new simulation topics are being tested as well. Even our designers can run live simulations using Ansys software, which frees up our dedicated simulation engineers and reduces our reliance on external resources.”

In this project, Ansys and CADFEM are in close cooperation to jointly implement Liebherr’s state-of-the-art and fully digitalized development infrastructure.

“Another important factor is the long-standing partnership with CADFEM, through which we are optimally exploiting the potential of Ansys in many respects,” said Bertram Peer, department manager Simulation and Method Development Liebherr-MCCtec at the Liebherr plant in Nenzing.

“Virtual product design and development enables teams to work harmoniously across the product lifecycle to leverage critical data that leads to better products,” said Walt Hearn, senior vice president of global sales and customer excellence at Ansys. “Through instantaneous data collection and sharing, digital models can simultaneously increase design capabilities and reduce product changes during the entire development process. The ability to transform business processes and applications to improve the customer experience makes the simulation software of Ansys integral to the digital transformation strategy.”

For more information, visit ansys.com.

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Comau has secured a public tender with the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, to industrialize flexible machines for advanced cell formation and testing. The collaboration aims to develop and industrialize flexible machines for the formation and testing of advanced cell technologies at varying working temperatures. The project was started in June, and is expected to end by the end of 2025.

The scope of the project is to deliver a technology path (from design to installation and commissioning) for the industrialization of flexible machines that manage both the formation and testing of various cell formats. The cell formation process must be able to handle both pouch and prismatic cell formats, whereas Comau is tasked with ensuring comprehensive testing capabilities for pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cell formats. Furthermore, the tests must cover a wide range of working temperatures, from room temperature to sub-zero conditions.

This project not only showcases Comau’s leadership in industrial automation but also underscores the increasing importance of flexible and advanced cell formation and testing technologies within the evolving battery landscape. Indeed, Comau’s collaboration with the National institute of chemistry highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and development in next-generation cell technologies and supporting the transition to a carbon-free reality.

One of the most challenging aspects, which is also a critical component of the initiative, is the management of a diverse range of cell dimensions, in addition to accommodating cells from external sources. To achieve this, Comau has engineered specific and flexible tooling for secure safe handling and precise connectivity. Both of which can be integrated with the climatic chambers for precise temperature control and advanced power electronics that ensure optimal current levels. Another important element was to design the machines with the most appropriate level of automation complexity considering the tooling would be handled by scientists and other operators. In every aspect of the set-up, safety must be considered the priority, both in terms of the materials to be handled as well as overall accessibility and maintainability. For example, there are no manual couplings between the tooling and the climatic chambers, such that the operator can easily and safely configure the tooling based on the products to be processed. Comau has also engineered a sophisticated software interface to allow operators to control processes and input specific parameters efficiently.

“The opportunity to work with an innovative and authoritative organization such as the Slovenian National Institute of Chemistry confirms our steadfast research in the field of next generation electrification enablers in order to provide our customers with best-in-class solutions”, said Andrew Lloyd, Comau chief engineering officer. “Comau’s comprehensive competencies and cutting-edge technologies span the spectrum from batteries to e-motors, and from cell formation to innovative hairpin stator technologies. All of which underscore our commitment to helping drive the evolution of e-mobility by ensuring superior performance, reliability, and sustainability during every stage of our customers’ journey.”

For more information, visit comau.com.

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AZCO Corp announces the availability of its Sheeter FGW 1650, a highly versatile and customizable cutting assembly that includes heavy-duty unwinds, slitter station and edge guides to precisely unwind, slit and cut various materials.

Units can cut various flexible materials including films, foils, nonwovens and paper. They feature a rugged, clear anodized frame with stainless steel covers and include an air shaft supported by safety chucks for quick and easy roll changes — a design that maintains continuous operations and minimizes downtime. In addition, each unwind station includes a variable speed motor, control panel, edge guide system and dancer assembly that maintains constant web tension. Other component highlights include: rotary shear blades, which cleanly cut the material into strips; ground urethane rollers, which pull the material into the cut-to-length station; and hardened steel blade, which cut the slit material.

Like all AZCO cutting assemblies, the SUR SIZE Sheeter FGW 1650 has a modular, “building block” approach that supports additional features to meet specific operational needs. For example, we can seamlessly integrate unwinds, rewinds, sensors, light towers, rollers, eye registration, web-guiding systems, tray lifts, conveyors and more.

Additional features and technical specifications include:

Maximum cut width: 1,650 mm.
Servo motor drive system.
Tolerance: +/- 0.38 mm or +/- 0.1% — whichever is larger.
Power requirements: 110 V AC or 220 V AC.
Compressed air requirements: 30 to 90 psi.
A no-product sensor.
Color touchscreen, facilitating setup and monitoring.

For more information, visit azcocorp.com.

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DALLAS, TX, Sep 27, 2024 – AECOM in partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), launched the SMI Nature Risk Tool at NYC Climate Week 2024. Developed by AECOM as part of its work leading SMI’s Measurement and Transparency Task Force, the first-of-its-kind tool is designed to revolutionize the way infrastructure projects are planned, financed, and delivered in response to the impact of nature and biodiversity.

“As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, this tool provides a much-needed solution for making informed decisions about nature and financial risks at the earliest stages of project development,” said Troy Rudd, AECOM’s chief executive officer and head of SMI’s Measurement and Transparency Task Force. “We’re proud to support SMI in developing this first-of-its-kind resource to arm users with clear, actionable insight to drive nature-positive outcomes.”

Designed to be used at the optioneering or site selection stages of an infrastructure project, the tool assesses the impact of new infrastructure developments on biodiversity and nature. Powered by AI, it collates complex data from diverse open sources, including academic and environmental research into a simplistic, user-friendly format. It segments the world into 16 unique geographical areas characterized by climate, vegetation, and wildlife, allowing users to assess nature-related risks and opportunities based on a project’s location, type, and scale. This enables decision-makers to evaluate environmental dangers, from potential pollution issues to biodiversity loss or geological hazards.

By cutting the length of time for risk assessments from weeks to hours, the SMI Nature Risk Tool helps future-proof projects, avoiding costly delays, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. It also unlocks new sources of value, innovation, and financing by providing clear, actionable insights. The tool supports users in meeting the growing expectations and requirements of regulators, investors, clients, and communities, and prepares projects for reporting under the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

“With global infrastructure investment projected to reach $94 trillion by 2040, the need for development that works with nature has never been more critical,” said Robert Spencer, AECOM’s global head of ESG Advisory Services. “This launch marks a major milestone in our commitment to Sustainable Legacies and empowers clients to make informed decisions that not only mitigate risks but also create long-term value for communities and the environment.”

“Nature is the engine of our economy which lies at the heart of our mandate, the Terra Carta,” said Jennifer Jordan Saifi, CEO of SMI. “By partnering with AECOM, we have been able to demonstrate the significant impact that infrastructure development can have on global biodiversity. Our hope is the SMI Nature Risk Tool will act as a powerful resource for developers and policymakers worldwide as we work collectively to protect and restore harmony with nature.”

The pilot phase of the SMI Nature Risk Tool commenced in June with organizations that include Shell, BP, KPMG, WWF, Barclays and Acciona. The output of the pilot projects informed the final version of the tool which will be available to all members of SMI.

For more information, visit aecom.com.

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PLANO, TX, Sep 27, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced the latest updates to its Simcenter Testlab offering to help advanced manufacturers on their journey to zero prototypes and develop products faster, smarter and earlier.

Simcenter Testlab makes acquiring frequency response functions (FRFs) more efficient than ever before, also over an extended frequency range thanks to multi hammer testing and online merging.The journey to zero prototypes really means zero full product prototypes, with physical testing still playing a critical role in testing the components that make up the full system. Tests of these components are then used to correlate and update the corresponding simulation models to ensure they accurately predict the real world. This ultimately helps development teams test different variations and configurations faster than they could before and is enabled by new capabilities in Simcenter Testlab to enhance testing efficiency, expand testing capabilities, improve collaboration and automation.

“Manufacturers are looking for opportunities to accelerate their zero prototypes initiatives. Advances made with Simcenter Testlab demonstrate how the use of virtual pre-test planning with the reuse of digital twin data, when combined with centralized data management collaboration capabilities and flexible, rugged data acquisition hardware designed for use in the field, are changing the testing industry,” said Wilfried Claes, product manager director, Simulation and Test, Siemens Digital Industries Software.

Modal Analysis of a gearbox housing with Simcenter Testlab and Simcenter SCADAS Mobile. Engineer looking at screen during physical testing. Below the screen Simcenter 3D is open and combined.Impact testing efficiencyUp to a 50% overall efficiency gain in complex impact testing campaigns can be gained with the latest updates. First, test engineers can reduce time by reusing existing CAD data to define instrumentation and points for impact. The additional support for using multiple hammers in parallel during impact testing allows engineers to extend the frequency range, which is necessary for evaluating the unique characteristics of electric vehicles.

The testing software automatically merges the data from multiple hammers on the fly so you can see results during testing. Since engineers no longer need to change hammer every time and manually merge data, Simcenter Testlab reduces overall testing time and allows testing teams to cover more impact points in less time.

Expanding Testing CapabilitiesThis update to Simcenter Testlab also introduces three key new capabilities to expand the testing capabilities of the software/hardware offering. The new Virtual Prototype Assembly tools bring together physical test and simulation data to create virtual prototypes with a focus on enabling performance evaluation of different configurations and variants before building physical prototypes. Alongside this, the new NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) Simulator allows users tolisten to a product prototype before it is built, supporting time domain loads and auralizing combined testing and simulation results – which enables the development of pleasing experience for customers and evaluation against sound quality metrics. Finally, the new Mission Synthesis tools can streamline the durability testing process by defining mission profiles, acquiring real-life vibration data and synthesizing test profiles to predict potential failure points accurately.

Simcenter SCADAS RS hardware for acquiring road loads during a field test on a motorbike.Enabling CollaborationThe latest update to Simcenter Testlab also includes additional capabilities across data management and automation to help customers bring greater organization and centralization to key test data and to provide efficiency gains. The new Simcenter Testlab Data Management capability provides centralized storage for all NVH data, allowing easy retrieval and annotation across different contexts and collaboration between engineering teams by supporting storing single values, such as critical KPIs, and immediate replay of test data directly from the server without the need to download locally. In addition, the new Simcenter Testlab workflow automation tools can be used to automatically retrieve, process and publish data – reducing manual effort, minimizing errors and enabling consistent analysis and centralized data management.

Smarter Field TestingFor test professionals conducting test processes in the field, the Simcenter SCADAS RS hardware combined with Simcenter Testlab software has been designed to enhance in-field data acquisition. Remote connectivity helps engineers validate the data being captured in real-time without having to be at the proving ground. New event marking capabilities let test technicians and drivers note when certain events occur during the test drive, helping the engineer understand and interpret test data more accurately. Finally, the hardware’s rugged design ensures in-field testing even in the toughest test conditions, from extreme temperatures to moisture, dust and high shock and vibration.

For more information, visit sw.siemens.com.

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Nano Dimension and Markforged have jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Nano Dimension will acquire all outstanding shares of Markforged in an all-cash transaction.

According to a statement from Nano Dimension, this in conjunction with the earlier announcement that the company would acquire Desktop Metal will expand Nano Dimension’s leadership in additive manufacturing (AM).

Yoav Stern, CEO and member of the board of directors of Nano Dimension, said in a press release, “In combining with Markforged, Nano Dimension is taking bold action in its journey towards becoming a digital manufacturing leader and being a foundational pillar of Industry 4.0. Markforged is an exceptional company with innovative AM materials and solutions for true production. Their prowess is validated by their more than fifteen thousand installed and connected systems in the field with many leading names across key industry verticals. I am excited to work with Shai Terem and his team, who have done an exceptional job developing their cutting-edge solutions. This is all the more substantial when we think about the anticipated closing of our deal with Desktop Metal. We believe the combination of Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal, and Markforged further strengthens our unique opportunity in creating value for our shareholders, customers, and employees as we work to deliver profitable growth, exceptional services, and notable career development opportunities.”

In the same press release, Shai Terem, president, CEO and member of the board of directors of Markfoged added, “We’re excited to bring together our pioneering, complementary product portfolios that will further enhance our ability to serve our customers in high-growth industries with a more complete offering of highly innovative solutions used on the factory floor. Not only is our product offering unique, but together we will have the scale and balance sheet strength to become an even more trusted partner to our customers, who are leaders across several industries. We look forward to working with Nano Dimension to join great companies and their devoted teams that can serve our stakeholders to the maximum extent possible.”

The acquisition is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of Markforged’s stockholders and required regulatory approvals.

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It’s no secret that the additive manufacturing (AM) industry is facing challenges. The enthusiasm that once greeted novel 3D printed parts has been replaced by skepticism about the viability of this technology beyond the niche use cases where it excels.

In the first part of our discussion with Ehsan Toyserkani, we discussed some of the most prominent 3D printing myths that often give rise to this sort of skepticism. In the latter half of the Q&A, we turn to the future of AM and the challenges that will need to be overcome to get there.

engineering.com: Based on your expertise in in-process monitoring and closed loop controls, what do you see as the major challenges for these areas in additive manufacturing?

Toyserkani: One of the major challenges is the lack of standards. In an effort to come up with a remedy, my group has been working with ASTM and ISO over the past three years. We’ve proposed a workflow for in-situ monitoring using a specific sensor, a photodiode in this case. This standard has been vetted by people from NASA, GE, Siemens, because we need to address all critics and clarify each point, one-by-one. It’s been a difficult three years, but now the standard is ready for publication and, hopefully, it will be out in the next few months.

The other challenge is collecting real-time data from the processes. It might not seem like it, but laser powder bed fusion is really high speed: the laser beam is moving four or five meters per second, so you’re collecting lots of data. In our lab, we have an L-PBF system that uses two sensing technologies — optical tomography and photodiode melt pool monitoring — and after one print that takes around 70 hours to complete, the data size is in the range of terabytes. With that volume of data and the way you have to collect it and synchronize the sensors, we see a lot of challenges in hardware. Then there’s the process variability that comes from the environment and other disturbances which introduces noise into the data.

I had a mentor, Dr. Jyoti Mazumder from the University of Michigan, and he was a renowned scholar in laser-based manufacturing. I was talking to him about the data we were collecting from laser powder bed fusion and he said, “Wow, these are very messy datasets!” [Laughs] But it’s the complexity of multiphysics phenomena that adds to this challenge. It’s not just a thermal process – it’s also a fluid process and it combines mechanical and chemical phenomena all together. This is what we call sensor fusion, and it is a big challenge.

Given these challenges and the state of the industry more broadly, are there any particular developments in materials or software that you’re watching closely?

Well, obviously I’m not going to endorse any particular companies, but there are a lot of activities at the material level: at the university, we’re developing process recipes for unweldable materials, super alloys and so forth. There are also significant advancements in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning for the prediction and optimization of AM processes. We actually already have a patent pending in this area, though it hasn’t been granted yet.

Then there are activities by some companies for parameter optimizations for defect detection and quality assurance – very much the same as what we are doing – and also the use of AI for design for additive as well as optimization of supply chains. I couldn’t make it to RAPID this year but I’ll be going to Formnext and chatting with some of these companies to see where they stand.

AI is getting a lot of attention because dimensionality reduction is very important [in additive manufacturing]. So, because we’re dealing with not only large but multidimensional datasets, including images, we need to reduce the dimensionality without jeopardizing the integrity of the data, so this is a very important topic.

There seems to be a consensus that AM adoption has been slower than expected, or at least slower than the industry was hoping. Would you agree?

Absolutely, yes. I think one of the reasons for that is overpromising on capabilities which led to frustration in the manufacturing market. There are other issues related to the marketplace and disagreements over mergers. Multiple mergers could have happened for the benefit of the AM industry but, unfortunately, those didn’t happen and now the valuations of companies are coming down. Then there are higher valuations for some companies that undermine the AM industry as a whole. So, there’s less money in AM these days and that’s a challenge.

When I heard about the high valuations of some of these companies three or four years ago, I told them, “This is going to be a major loss, because they’re not going to maintain the expectations of their investors, and if there are unrealistic expectations, that puts pressure on the whole industry, not just one individual company.”

I also think a lack of understanding of the importance of design for additive was another challenge that’s caused issues for adoption. AM is not good for just any component, so you really need to do lifecycle assessments, and that can be done in collaboration with universities. We’re here to help de-risk the technology. But you had companies investing in additive by purchasing a few million-dollar machines and – because they didn’t do their homework – they ended up disappointed. That’s why you need to find the right niche. Finding the right application would help not only the company, but also the entire AM industry.

There are a lot of companies I’m working with that have found the right applications but I can’t disclose their names because it’s confidential, and that’s another problem. There are fantastic stories in the market about setting up serial production, but many companies want to keep that confidential because of competition. But there are at least three examples I know of in Canada where the companies are making fourteen or fifteen thousand parts per year at a good margin, but they don’t disclose it.

More often, you hear about companies that tried to adopt additive, they weren’t successful, and so they put the machine up for sale. The good news is that the hype is gone: people are more realistic because they have a better understanding of the merits of additive manufacturing.

On that optimistic note, if we’re looking ahead to the next decade, how do you envision AM evolving in industrial applications?

Obviously, I believe there are a lot of opportunities for the AM industry. With the hype gone and people being more realistic, that’s a great opportunity for further adoption of the technology across various industries, like medical, aerospace, tooling and energy.

I think there will be more advancements in materials, with materials designed specifically for additive to improve the quality and reliability of end-use components.

I think automation and the use of robotics goes hand-in-hand with 3D printing, and that will streamline the market so that the trial process is more of a complementary component to the main manufacturing stream, as well as obviously being more efficient and reducing the need for manual intervention.

Are you talking about pallet loading systems moving parts between printers and post-processing operations?

Yes, exactly. For post-processing specifically, having less human involvement is very important. One of the challenges right now is how to do de-powdering in an automated fashion. For components that are quite large, I think that’s coming soon, but in ten years’ time I think we’ll have more automated 3D printers as components of a larger manufacturing line that’s fully connected and fully automated. At that point, we could have more actual serial production and eventually reduced costs and lead times over conventional production. Sustainability may play a critical role in adoption of additive manufacturing as well, since we would have less waste and more local production.

You hear some people saying, “RIP to 3D printing” today but this is not correct. It’s still coming, but in a more realistic way.

Last question: Do you have any advice for young engineers that are looking to pursue careers in AM?

This is a very dynamic field. Obviously, there are a lot of challenges, but challenges bring opportunities and there are a lot of R&D opportunities here. I would recommend you go with hands-on experience: stay tuned with the AM industry and try to develop your CAD and design-for-manufacturing skills. I also think it’s very important to learn about quality assurance, AI and how these are relevant to AM.

Sustainability is also very important for the younger generations. Think about sustainability and how we would be able to actually minimize energy and waste when you are producing components.

I can tell you that we receive a lot of requests from people to join our lab, far beyond our capacity, but that’s why we’re trying to include more training in our curriculum for 3D printing. It’s all coming together and I think the next ten years are going to be fascinating.

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MIDDLETON, WI, Sep 26, 2024 – For the 8th time in a row, CivilGEO has been recognized as a leader in the Civil Engineering Design Software category in the G2 Fall 2024 Grid Reports. In the latest reports, CivilGEO achieved an impressive 38 badges for its flagship products, GeoHECRAS and GeoHECHMS.

With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on over 240 user reviews, CivilGEO’s GeoHECRAS has been named Fall 2024 Leader in the category of Best Civil Engineering Design Software. G2 also recognized CivilGEO’s GeoHECHMS as the Top Performer Fall 2024. The software’s advanced features and automated workflows help civil engineers optimize their productivity by 75%, saving more than 50% of their engineering time. To learn more about GeoHECRAS and GeoHECHMS, click here.

“CivilGEO’s GeoHECRAS and GeoHECHMS have changed the way we approach our projects. The software’s reliability and intuitive interface have significantly improved our workflows, making complex modeling tasks more manageable and efficient,” Shelley E. Cobau, senior civil technical specialist at IMEG Corp (Greenwood, CO).

G2 is a leading business solution review platform providing vital performance metrics to assist market leaders, investors, and professionals in making informed software-related decisions. Their quarterly reports feature accurate analytics, detailed product comparisons, and user reviews, highlighting top software products across diverse business sectors.

As the latest addition to their suite of civil engineering software products, CivilGEO recently released GeoSTORM, which is a sophisticated engineering software that supports numerous stormwater hydrology models and methods within a 2D and 3D AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS environment. This software can significantly accelerate the process of creating, analyzing, and reviewing urban and rural stormwater models, optimizing workflows with high precision.

For more information, visit civilgeo.com.

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DUBAI, UAE, Sep 26, 2024 – Adding to the successful imagePROGRAF TZ and TX series, Canon recently launched the imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 and the imagePROGRAF TX-4200/TX-3200. The 5-colour printers are ideal for printing CAD and geographic information system (GIS) applications, as well as posters. These new models will serve a number of markets, including architects, engineering, construction and manufacturing companies (AEC&M), print service providers (PSPs) and public sector bodies. All models offer enhanced productivity, deliver improved poster quality with vivid colors, and are available with an optional scanner[1].

LC01-TZ-32000Printing large volumes of CAD drawings at high speed, the imagePROGRAF TZ-32000 is ideal to meet the high-productivity needs of the AEC&M market. The 36″ printer achieves a print speed of 4 A1 pages per minute[2], the highest printing speed in the imagePROGRAF series. Productivity is enhanced with a new and improved, easy paper loading process and a Top Delivery Tray (TDT) that stacks up to 100 CAD drawings of various sizes, or up to 10 posters, for continuous printing. The dual roll input allows users to reduce the frequency of media loading, making it possible to switch between two sizes of media automatically for different size printouts, ideal for complex CAD applications. Production time is maximised by faster paper loading and unique hot-swap ink tanks that can be replaced during operation for uninterrupted printing.

The imagePROGRAF TX-4200/TX-3200 meet a wide range of printing needs, including CAD and GIS drawings, as well as posters, which are ideal for the distribution/retail industries. The imagePROGRAF TX-4200 has a width of 44″ while the TX-3200 has a width of 36″ and both models have a higher printing speed than previous models printing up to 3.3 A1 pages per minute[3]. High productivity is achieved through a range of productivity features such as a dual roll media input[4] with a fast paper exchange and easy paper loading process.

Enhanced print features for high-definition and brighter-colored printingAll new models of the TZ and TX series are equipped with a number of improvements including sharpened line quality and color calibration for bolder, consistent colors. The enhanced image quality features enable detailed CAD prints, from line drawings to maps, to be printed accurately – ideal for the AEC&M industries as well as public sector bodies. The newly designed image processing technology maximizes the color development performance of the ink to reproduce deep and bright colors and, by adopting Canon’s latest magenta ink, prints are more vivid compared with previous models[5], enabling bolder and brighter-colored prints even on plain paper. The pigment inks are robust and prevent smudging, making the print-outs ideal for use outdoors.

Increased productivity and efficiencyThe new imagePROGRAF printers incorporate several features to help increase productivity and efficiency. All models are equipped with the advanced easy paper loading process, which automatically detects paper width and type and estimates the remaining amount of paper. It speeds up the paper feed process and reduces roll paper set time[6] by roughly 30% compared with previous models. In addition, high image quality is maintained thanks to the ink sensing system, which automatically optimises the ink landing position by regularly monitoring the ink ejection, and also to the colour calibration function, which automatically corrects variations in output colour due to individual printhead differences and aging. As a result, both the labour time required for printing and device downtime are reduced, allowing users to produce large numbers of drawings and posters quickly and efficiently.

Designed with environmental considerationsAll new models across the TZ and TX printer series have been designed for lower power consumption compared with previous models[5]; the TZ-32000 consumes 29% less power while in use and the TX-4200/TX-3200 uses 25% less power. Environmental considerations have also been extended to the printers’ packaging, with expanded polystyrene (EPS) eliminated. Both the TZ and TX series are registered as “EPEAT” gold products in the United States under the international EPEAT eco-label, established by Global Electronics Council (GEC), a non-profit organisation evaluating electronic products.

Engineered for peace of mindFrom encrypted communications and secure PIN code printing, through to the advanced authentication process and secure hard drive erasure, the imagePROGRAF TZ and TX series printers include an array of security features to safeguard sensitive information so only the right people can access the printer, take prints, and manage data storage.

Ayman Aly, marketing director, B2B, Canon Middle East, said: “With the introduction of the new imagePROGRAF TZ and TX series, Canon is once again redefining what’s possible in large-format printing. These printers not only meet the increasing demand for speed and precision in sectors like architecture, engineering, and construction, but they also set a new standard for vibrant, detailed poster printing. By offering solutions that maximize productivity while maintaining environmental responsibility, Canon is proud to support businesses across the region in achieving their goals with advanced, efficient technology that is built to meet the needs of today’s dynamic markets.”

The new imagePROGRAF models will be available from accredited Canon Partners and directly from Canon from the October 1.

For more information, visit canon-me.com.

[1] The optional scanner Z36 is manufactured by Global Scanning.
[2] A1 landscape, uncoated paper, Fast Economy mode.
[3] A1 landscape, plain paper drawing, fastest print setting.
[4] The second roll unit is optional.
[5] The predecessor model of the TZ-32000 is the imagePROGRAF TZ-30000 (released in May 2021), and predecessor models of the TX-4200/3200 are imagePROGRAF TX-4100/3100 (released in February 2021).
[6] For the purpose of the paper loading process Canon describes here, it refers to the following: for the TZ-32000, it refers to the time it takes for the operator to replace the printer paper rolls in the main unit feed section to closing the roll cover so the printer is ready to resume printing; for the TX series, it refers to the time from placing the roll paper in the main unit feed section to being ready for printing.

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WALTHAM, MA, Sep 26, 2024 – Nano Dimension Ltd. and Markforged Holding Corp. jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Nano Dimension will acquire all outstanding shares of Markforged in an all-cash transaction for $5.00 per share.

In acquiring Markforged, Nano Dimension is acquiring a company with scale and efficiency. Markforged’s 2023 revenue was $93.8 million with a 47.4% gross margin and 48.6% non-GAAP gross margin, and a second quarter of 2024 gross margin of 48.3% and non-GAAP gross margin of 51.9%, with potential to expand further. The combined company post-closing, including both Desktop Metal and Markforged, is expected to have a strong balance sheet with a total expected cash & cash equivalents, which includes marketable securities, of $475 million.

Nano Dimension is poised to lead the industry with its July 3, 2024 announced agreement to acquire Desktop Metal, Inc. (Desktop Metal), and the Markforged acquisition is expected to further expand Nano Dimension’s leadership in AM. The combined Nano Dimension-Desktop Metal company would have a revenue based on fiscal year 2023 of $246 million and, as of today’s announcement, the combined company – Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal, and now Markforged – would have a combined revenue based on fiscal year 2023 of $340 million, along with a clear path to profitability.

The aggregate total consideration payable to Markforged’s shareholders is $115 million. This is based on $5.00 per share, which represents a 71.8% premium to Markforged’s September 24th, 2024 VWAP and a 67.8% premium to Markforged’s 90 day VWAP as of September 24th, 2024.

As of June 30th, 2024, Markforged had cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, of $93.9 million. Restricted cash includes $19.1 million to cover certain liabilities associated with the Continuous Composites lawsuit.

Yoav Stern, chief executive officer and member of the board of directors of Nano Dimension, said, “In combining with Markforged, Nano Dimension is taking bold action in its journey towards becoming a digital manufacturing leader and being a foundational pillar of Industry 4.0. Markforged is an exceptional company with innovative AM materials and solutions for true production. Their prowess is validated by their more than fifteen thousand installed and connected systems in the field with many leading names across key industry verticals. I am excited to work with Shai Terem and his team, who have done an exceptional job developing their cutting-edge solutions. This is all the more substantial when we think about the anticipated closing of our deal with Desktop Metal. We believe the combination of Nano Dimension, Desktop Metal, and Markforged further strengthens our unique opportunity in creating value for our shareholders, customers, and employees as we work to deliver profitable growth, exceptional services, and notable career development opportunities.”

Shai Terem, chief executive officer, president, and member of the board of directors of Markforged, added, “We’re excited to bring together our pioneering, complementary product portfolios that will further enhance our ability to serve our customers in high-growth industries with a more complete offering of highly innovative solutions used on the factory floor. Not only is our product offering unique, but together we will have the scale and balance sheet strength to become an even more trusted partner to our customers, who are leaders across several industries. We look forward to working with Nano Dimension to join great companies and their devoted teams that can serve our stakeholders to the maximum extent possible.”

Compelling Strategic and Financial BenefitsExpansion of Nano Dimension’s product portfolio to include fused filament fabrication (“FFF”) for high performance applications – which Nano Dimension believes will create the most comprehensive set of solutions expected to drive future growth: The transaction will combine the strengths of the respective company offerings, which Nano Dimension believes will bring customers the most complete set of AM solutions in terms of printing technologies and materials, especially those that are aligned with the high growth segments of the industry. Customers will find solutions from FFF to binder jetting to digital light processing to additive inkjet, all across a range of materials, and complemented with sophisticated software. Altogether, customers will realize the manufacturing solutions they need for unrivaled design-to-manufacturing at scale.

Fosters leadership in Metal-AM – widely considered the greatest growth driver in the industry: Fundamental tailwinds within the AM industry are expected to result in further growth whereby metal focused AM is expected to be the clear leader. Nano Dimension secured a promising foothold in Metal-AM with its agreement to acquire Desktop Metal; that foothold would be widened and deepened with Markforged. Both companies have leading Metal-AM solutions, but in different printing technologies. By offering more solutions in metal fabrication, customers will find what they need for their specific requirements whenever they need it.

Builds around strategic focus on sophisticated materials that are core to high performance applications: Those familiar with the AM industry consistently articulate that a focus on materials is vital to delivering solutions that make applications for use as end-parts. On this, the combined company exemplifies a materials oriented organization. Nano Dimension’s existing strength in the materials domain will be brought to new heights with Markforged’s proven know-how in composite materials, specifically continuous fiber reinforcement. The capabilities in continuous fiber re-enables the strength of metal, but in polymer based applications, ushering in structural and weight improvements that would open up entire new areas of AM. This translates to an improved business model whereby wide materials development should translate to increasing recurring revenue.

Enables greater business and organizational scale that is anticipated to drive greater long-term financial strength: Combining resources across the organizations is anticipated to generate efficiencies and cost savings opportunities, while enhancing R&D and innovation capabilities. The combination is projected to generate dozens of millions of dollars in synergies with more to come over the next few years with greater opportunities for scale expected when including Desktop Metal.

Transaction HighlightsSubject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, Nano Dimension will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Markforged for $5.00 per share in cash.

The combined company is expected to have a strong cash position at closing, which should be after the Desktop Metal acquisition also closed, with approximately $475 million of projected cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities post-transaction.

Completing the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of Markforged’s stockholders, and required regulatory approvals.

Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the merger agreement, will be provided in a Report of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K to be filed by Nano Dimension and a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Markforged with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and available at www.sec.gov.

Timing and ApprovalsThe transaction, which was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including those described above.

FinancingThe transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Nano Dimension intends to finance the transaction using its cash on hand.

AdvisorsGreenhill, a Mizuho affiliate, is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Nano Dimension, and Greenberg Traurig and Sullivan & Worcester LLP are serving as Nano Dimension’s legal counsel. Evercore is serving as financial advisor to Markforged, while Goodwin Procter LLP are serving as legal counsel.

For more information about Nano Dimension, please visit nano-di.com.

For more information about Markforged, visit markforged.com.

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BOSTON, MA, Sep 26, 2024 – PTC announced entry into a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate the growth of its Onshape cloud-native CAD and product data management (PDM) solution. This collaboration will focus on advancing Onshape product enhancements, customer adoption programs, and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, all of which are aimed at helping product designers and engineers create new, high-quality products faster and more efficiently.

The Onshape team and AWS will collaborate on several product and go-to-market (GTM) priorities, including:

Onshape Discovery Program: The Onshape Discovery Program allows qualified users to try Onshape Professional at no cost for up to six months. This allows engineering teams to experience the unique speed and collaboration benefits of the Onshape cloud-native CAD and PDM solution for an extended period before making the decision of whether to adopt Onshape. Companies interested in applying for the Discovery Program can learn more here.
Onshape AI Advisor: Onshape AI Advisor will allow users to design products faster by cataloguing the vast Onshape resource library of text-based documentation and videos and answering questions or making recommendations during the design process. While designing, users will be able to type a question in simple, conversational language and the Onshape AI Advisor will respond with an answer or recommendation based on the resource library and provide links to additional information. The Onshape AI Advisor will run on Amazon Bedrock and is expected to be released by the end of 2024.
CAD and PDM Conversion Tools: In response to the growing demand from companies to switch to Onshape, this collaboration will allow the expansion of the capabilities of Onshape intelligent data migration toolsets. These toolsets reduce the complexity of switching systems by preserving the parametric features and sketch information of CAD models during translation.
Onshape Government: Onshape continues to be adopted by companies that need to accelerate their product development timelines and have elevated security requirements. A new Onshape Government option will deliver this security footprint to comply with The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) requirements.

“Onshape continues to disrupt the CAD and PDM market, with product companies of all sizes choosing to switch and experience the speed, collaboration, and productivity benefits of the cloud-native approach,” said David Katzman, general manager of Onshape and Arena, PTC. “Our collaboration with AWS outlines some key priorities that will help us get Onshape in the hands of more designers and engineers, accelerate the delivery of some important product enhancements, and demonstrate how AI can assist in the product development process.”

“Using Onshape has allowed us to make our product development process faster, easier, and more collaborative,” said Wilfried Dufaud, co-founder, executive director & head of Airworthiness, AURA AERO. “We’re always working on the latest version of our design, we no longer deal with lost work or system crashes, and we’re now automating many of our repetitive CAD tasks, which saves us significant time. In addition to these day-to-day benefits, PTC and AWS give us high confidence in the availability, security, and reliability of our cloud-native approach to product development.”

Onshape’s growth has been fueled by its goal to help companies switch CAD and PDM systems to a cloud-native solution, an increase in commercial adoption, notable product enhancements, and significant traction in the education space. Leading companies such as Trek Bikes, Garmin, K2, Garrett Motion, and AURA AERO are all designing products with Onshape. As part of its three-week release cycles, Onshape has added functionality such as Render Studio, PCB Studio, Onshape Simulation, new surfacing, modeling analysis, and mixed modeling capabilities, and the Onshape-Arena connection for a seamless CAD-PDM-PLM experience. In education, from K-12 through university, Onshape is now generating more than one million new signups per year. Leading universities, including The Ohio State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, the University of Washington, and Penn State University, are all teaching Onshape as part of their engineering curricula.

“PTC’s Onshape team and AWS will work together to expand technical and go-to-market collaboration to support the market evolution of engineering design tools moving to the cloud,” said Chris Grusz, managing director of technology partnerships at AWS. “Together, we will evolve PTC’s Onshape cloud-native CAD and PDM solution, supported by technology powered by AWS, and bring new AI/ML-powered capabilities and value propositions in a scalable and cost-effective manner to businesses around the world and the next generation user base in education.”

To learn more about Onshape, please visit onshape.com.

For more information about PTC, please visit ptc.com.

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TROY, MI, Sep 26, 2024 – Altair has announced its involvement in the £5.8 million Performance Integrated Vehicle Optimization Technology (PIVOT) project, supported by Innovate UK and the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). The project aims to revolutionize vehicle manufacturing by creating lighter, more sustainable components, thanks to Altair’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation capabilities.

Led by Sarginsons Industries, the PIVOT project brings together key partners including Altair, Aston Martin, Brunel University London, and metal recycling experts GESCRAP. The initiative will develop innovative software that combines casting simulation, topology optimization, and AI, which will enable organizations to design components optimized for weight, structural performance, and manufacturability. These breakthroughs will result in cast aluminum structures that are up to 30% lighter while maintaining performance requirements.

“This collaboration demonstrates how our AI-powered engineering technology enables manufacturers to develop more efficient vehicle components, cutting down on weight and drastically reducing environmental impact,” said Sam Mahalingam, chief technical officer, Altair. “We are proud to work with like-minded organizations to showcase how innovations in manufacturing contribute to a more sustainable automotive future.”

Funded in part by a £2.9 million government grant from Innovate UK and APC, the PIVOT project will focus on using 100% recycled aluminum to reduce embedded carbon emissions in vehicle components by up to 95%. By overcoming mechanical weaknesses inherent in recycled aluminum through advanced grain refinement techniques developed by Brunel University London, PIVOT will make it possible to use secondary alloys for cast structural applications such as vehicle chassis systems.

“PIVOT represents a huge step forward for the casting industry,” said Mark Nunan, managing director, Sarginsons Industries. “With Altair’s state-of-the-art technology, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating components that are not only lighter and stronger but also significantly greener.”

The PIVOT project will serve as a showcase for how AI, recycled materials, and advanced casting processes can reshape vehicle manufacturing while reducing environmental footprint. The project is expected to deliver critical advancements in the coming years, enabling OEMs and foundries to adopt more efficient and sustainable production methods.

For more information, please visit altair.com.

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168 Manufacturing announced at IMTS the upcoming availability of its reengineered FullShop Gen 3 solutions, which makes coolant automation more affordable and easier to install. Built on years of real-world experience and market feedback, Gen 3 uses modern software and electronics, plus a new fluid architecture, to deliver best-in-class value, performance and simplicity.

FullShop Gen 3 features a small wireless Sensor Valve Interface (SVI) that connects to sensors in the machine sump to monitor coolant temperature, level and concentration. These devices transmit that data back and forth to a Digital Feed Unit (DFU). Using coolant condition data from the SVI and instructions from the FullShop App, this compact, powerful and smart pump monitors water and pumps coolant at precise flow rates so any top-off ratio from 0.5 to 20% can be sent into the CNC sumps to hit target concentrations.

Software defines target tank levels and concentrations for each CNC machine. Mixing manifolds near each machine combine this coolant with water from a supply line that runs in parallel with the coolant line. Coolant leaves the manifold and arrives at each sump at the machine-specific top-off concentration. From there, users can use the FullShop App as a hub for coolant trends and notifications.

FullShop Gen 3’s simplified fluid architecture makes system expansion easy, enhances dosing precision and is easy to install for plant personnel. To expand, users simply add more manifolds and piping to extend Gen 3 throughout their plant. FullShop systems use common piping and standard plumbing fittings for easy installation.

Once released, FullShop Gen 3 will be available as a subscription service, offering a compelling return on investment (ROI) right out of the box.

For more information, visit 168mfg.com.

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Cosen is a global leader in band saw manufacturing with an expansive product line and a sales and service network covering all of North America. Voted the number one sawing manufacture by end-users in this year’s Metal Center News Top-10 equipment brands survey, Cosen is excited to showcase its solutions at this year’s Fabtech show. Fabtech 2024 will be held at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The show will run October 15-17, 2024, with Cosen presenting a diverse assortment of cutting solutions and new technologies at booth S15011.

Cosen has continued to push the standards of sawing and deliver cutting-edge solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of numerous industries such as automotive, aerospace, steel construction, and more. At this year’s Fabtech, Cosen will showcase 7 different saw models, each of which are designed to enhance productivity, accuracy, and safety. Visitors to booth S15011 will have the opportunity to witness these band saw machines up close and in person, with experts on hand to answer questions and provide additional insights into the company and its solutions.

Visitors interested in purchasing a Cosen will have the opportunity to take advantage of the show specials being offered. Details on this year’s show offer will be released Tuesday, October 15th, the first day of the show.

Cosen Saws will be showcasing the following products at Booth S15011:

G320: Fully Automatic, Dual Column Band Saw
Capacity: 12.8” x 15”
NC-510MG: Fully Automatic, Scissor Style Mitering Band Saw
Capacity: 13” x 20”
AV-2026NC: Fully Automatic, Vertical Tilt-Frame Band Saw
Capacity: 20” x 26.3”
C-300MNC: Fully Automatic, Scissor Style Mitering Band Saw
Capacity: 9” x 11.5”
SH-1000F: Semi-Automatic, Dual Column Band Saw
Capacity: 20.5” x 40”
SH-500M: Semi- Automatic, Scissor Style Mitering Band Saw
Capacity: 11” x 19.7”
SC-350: Semi-Automatic, Circular Cold Saw
Capacity: 2.362” Solid / 4.331” Tubing

Along with these saws, Cosen will also be showcasing new advancements in sawing automation integration. These technologies are designed to improve operator efficiency and enhance production flow. All attendees are encouraged to visit Cosen’s booth to learn more.

For more information, visit cosensaws.com.

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PLANO, TX, Sep 26, 2024 – Siemens Digital Industries Software announced it has extended its longstanding collaboration with TSMC through multiple new development projects, product certifications and innovative technology enablement for the foundry’s newest process technologies. Mutual customers can develop highly differentiated end-products with confidence using Siemens’ best-in-class EDA solutions together with TSMC’s industry-leading silicon process and advanced packaging technologies.

“Strengthening our ongoing alliance with Open Innovation Platform (OIP) ecosystem partners like Siemens keeps us at the forefront in accelerating advancements in 3D IC design for AI innovation,” said Dan Kochpatcharin, head of ecosystem and alliance management division at TSMC. “Our longtime collaboration with Siemens allows our mutual customers to fully harness the power, performance, and efficiency of TSMC’s cutting-edge technologies.”

N2/N3 CertificationsSiemens’ Calibre nmPlatform tool is now certified for TSMC’s N2 and N2P processes. The N2 certification includes the new LSVRF (Local Standard Verification Rule Format) functionality in Calibre, which enables independent rule checking within specific regions of a processor for optimal verification accuracy. The collaboration around Siemens’ Calibre portfolio also includes TSMC N2 qualification for Siemens’ Calibre xACT software.

Siemens and TSMC have collaborated to certify parts of Siemens’ Solido Simulation Suite software for analog, mixed-signal, RF and memory designs, with the recent certification of Siemens’ Solido SPICE and Analog FastSPICE (AFS) tools for TSMC’s N2 and N2P processes. Further, as part of the custom design reference flow (CDRF) for TSMC’s N2 process, Siemens’ AFS tool now supports TSMC’s Reliability Aware Simulation technology, which addresses IC aging and real-time self-heating effects, among other advanced reliability features. The CDRF for TSMC’s N2 technology also integrates Siemens’ Solido Design Environment software for advanced variation-aware verification.

To support and advance next-generation physical implementation designs, TSMC has qualified Siemens’ Aprisa software for place-and-route for the foundry’s N3E and N3P processes to offer Aprisa customers new levels of performance and power efficiency.

Additional CollaborationFurther extending the partnership into the realm of silicon photonics, Siemens and TSMC are working to develop a flow methodology to help customers leverage the foundry’s Compact Universal Photonic Engines (COUPE) silicon photonics technology using Siemens’ tools. The on-going collaborations include Tanner software custom IC tools for photonics IC design, Xpedition Substrate Integrator software for system assembly and Siemens’ Calibre 3DStack software for the physical verification of the entire COUPE integrated system.

Siemens and TSMC have also collaborated on the definition and testing of Calibre 3DThermal software, which is Siemens’ newest thermal analysis solution for verification and debugging of advanced 3D integrated circuits (3D-ICs).

Siemens’ relationship with TSMC now also extends into the services realm, with Siemens officially joining the TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA). As a member of this alliance, Siemens offers a broad portfolio of services with a track record of success in enabling design for TSMC customers, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Siemens services encompass crucial elements of the IC design flow, including support for place-and-route, design-for-test, functional verification, emulation, custom memory development, and IC packaging initiatives. Customers around the globe have collaborated with Siemens’ services organization to deliver products for a broad array of applications including the AI, high performance computing (HPC) and other fast-growing markets.

Further, as part of TSMC’s cloud-based Secure Chamber initiative, Siemens and TSMC have successfully demonstrated the Calibre, mPower and AFS toolsets running in the AWS Cloud. Intended for toolsets qualified for TSMC’s N3/N2 Cloud Certification, this initiative demonstrates tool accuracy while running in cloud-based environments, as well as the ability to use cloud-based virtual secure chambers to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues — all focused on streamlining time to tape-out and improving quality of results.

“Siemens EDA’s extensive and successful collaboration with TSMC enables advanced solution certifications for the latest process technologies required by our mutual customers,” said Mike Ellow, CEO, Silicon Systems, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “By integrating Siemens’ top-tier IC design tools with TSMC’s state-of-the-art processes and advanced packaging technologies, we empower our shared customers to achieve groundbreaking and transformative innovations.”

For more information, visit sw.siemens.com.

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vOrbital launch services are the key to the commercial development of space. Crude flight gets the headlines, but the vast majority of launches carry communications and Earth resources satellites, and of course, military applications.

But are there too many players in the market? Space X is in the low-cost launcher, but their major market is internal, with Starlink. And with the upcoming retirement of the ISS, the market for crewed flight is uncertain. The market may bifurcate into:
(1) fewer, heavy launch providers; and
(2) multiple small sat launchers with fast reaction capability.

Access all episodes of End of the Line on Engineering TV along with all of our other series.

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SolidWorks reseller GoEngineer announced on August 13, 2024 its acquisition of reseller, Inceptra. The latter is a Florida-based company mostly for reselling Dassault Systèmes software products and providing related services to enterprise users. This acquisition extends GoEngineer’s lead in selling mostly SolidWorks products, related services and 3D printing services to small and medium sized design, engineering and manufacturing firms.

Ken Coburn, President of GoEngineer, described the acquisition as a significant milestone, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Inceptra into the GoEngineer family. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in the journey to offer the most comprehensive and innovative solutions.”

“Joining forces with GoEngineer represents an exciting new chapter for Inceptra, said Inceptra CEO Tim Petersen. GoEngineer brings “greater value and support to engineers, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive market,” he added.

Over the past five years, GoEngineer has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its footprint and capabilities in the engineering solutions space, including:

Computer Aided Technology Inc. (CATI). In August 2022, GoEngineer acquired CATI, a Chicago-based provider of 3D software and 3D printing solutions. This acquisition expanded GoEngineer’s presence in the Midwest and Eastern U.S., adding depth to their CAD and additive manufacturing offerings. CATI was particularly strong in serving industries such as healthcare and aerospace. Terms and value of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.

Proto3000. In October 2021, GoEngineer acquired Proto3000, a Canada-based company that specialized in 3D printing, 3D scanning and metrology solutions. This acquisition strengthened GoEngineer’s position in the additive manufacturing market, providing additional expertise and capabilities in advanced 3D technologies. Again, terms and value of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed.

Rapid Processing Solutions Inc. (Rapid PSI). In September 2023, GoEngineer acquired Rapid PSI, a Kansas-based company offering 3D printing services such as vacuum forming and laser sintering for sectors such as medical and automotive. This acquisition enhanced GoEngineer’s service portfolio in additive manufacturing, although the financial details were not disclosed.

These acquisitions reflect GoEngineer’s strategy of expanding its footprint as a CAD reseller with benefits across North America.

GoEngineer’s acquisition of Inceptra makes the company’s position at the top of all Dassault Systèmes resellers in North America and Europe even more secure.

Here’s a list of some of the biggest SolidWorks resellers in the world — at least in North America and Europe, according to rankings collected via ChatGPT that may not reflect TriMech’s recent acquisitions .

GoEngineer — As the largest SolidWorks reseller, GoEngineer holds a dominant position in the market, offering a wide range of services including 3D CAD, PLM and 3D printing solutions across the U.S.
MLC CAD Systems — Based in the Southern U.S., MLC CAD Systems is known for its extensive SolidWorks expertise and strong presence in the market, providing comprehensive CAD, CAM and 3D printing solutions.
Hawk Ridge Systems — Operating primarily on the West Coast, Hawk Ridge Systems is one of the largest SolidWorks resellers in North America, known for its robust support and training services.
TriMech — Focused on the East Coast, TriMech offers a full suite of SolidWorks products along with other engineering solutions, including 3D printing and product lifecycle management (PLM).
CADimensions, Inc. — A strong player in the Northeast U.S., CADimensions specializes in SolidWorks, 3D printing and simulation software, serving a wide range of industries.

GoEngineer’s acquisition of Inceptra offers significant strategic benefits, expanding its reach, product offerings and customer base in multiple ways:

Expanded customer base and a bigger footprint.

By acquiring Inceptra, GoEngineer gains access to Inceptra’s design engineers, to which it sold Dassault Systèmes products (not including SolidWorks), including companies in the aerospace, automotive and industrial sectors. The Florida-based Inceptra has a strong presence in the Southeastern U.S. but also parts of Canada, regions where GoEngineer’s had a smaller footprint.

Broadened product portfolio.

Inceptra is a leading reseller and service provider for Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which includes products such as CATIA, ENOVIA, DELMIA and SIMULIA. With this acquisition, GoEngineer adds these enterprise CAD, PLM and simulation tools to its existing offerings. This complements GoEngineer’s existing strength in SolidWorks and Stratasys 3D printing solutions, enabling the company to provide more of the Dassault Systèmes products to design engineers across various industries

Increased expertise and resources.

Inceptra brings a highly specialized team with deep expertise in Dassault Systèmes’ PLM and CAD software, enhancing GoEngineer’s capabilities in these areas. The integration of Inceptra’s experienced staff into GoEngineer’s operations means that design engineers will benefit from enhanced support, training and consulting services. This additional expertise allows GoEngineer to offer more tailored solutions and better customer support, particularly for larger enterprises with global markets and distributed resources.

New market opportunities.

Inceptra’s focus on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform will open many doors previously closed to GoEngineer, particularly in industries where enterprise-sized tools are the standard, such as aerospace and automotive. Going the other way, GoEngineer can offer Inceptra’s design engineers SolidWorks and Stratasys 3D printing technologies.

Enhanced competitive position.

This acquisition positions GoEngineer as one of the largest and most diversified providers of engineering solutions in North America. The combined strengths of GoEngineer and Inceptra solidifies (pun intended) the company’s number one position.

The consolidation continues

The acquisition of Inceptra by GoEngineer highlights a broader trend of consolidation among CAD software resellers, a trend that has been increasingly evident in the past few years. This trend is driven by several key factors, including the desire to expand geographic reach, diversify product portfolios and enhance service offerings to better meet the evolving needs of the engineering and manufacturing sectors. It may also reflect a reduced revenue for resellers as software companies increasingly sell directly to design engineers.

Hawk Ridge Systems and MLC CAD Systems, also major resellers, have also been expanding their footprints through strategic acquisitions. Hawk Ridge Systems acquired reseller DesignPoint, the biggest SolidWorks reseller in the Mid-Atlantic U.S., in 2021.

This trend is expected to continue as software resellers become more service providers, offering their engineering expertise, expertise in specialized products, development of custom tools, data conversion, customization, 3D printing as well as business expansion and digital transformation.

About GoEngineer

GoEngineer, headquartered in Midvale, Utah, is a leading provider of engineering solutions, particularly known for its expertise in SolidWorks and Stratasys 3D printing technologies. With more than 40 years of experience, GoEngineer serves more than 75,000 SolidWorks users with more than 220 AEs across various industries, including high-tech, medical and energy sectors. The company operates more than 60 offices across the United States, employing 600 full time staff total. GoEngineer offers services ranging from CAD and PLM to additive manufacturing and simulation. The company prides itself on empowering engineers by providing cutting-edge tools and exceptional support, which includes thousands of training resources, on-demand support and access to a community of engineers. GoEngineer is saw as a top reseller of SolidWorks, having maintained this status for several years and continues to expand its influence in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

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The following is a transcription of an episode of the Being an Engineer podcast series by Aaron Moncur, edited and published here by permission.

Today we’re speaking with Jon Hirschtick, who is a legend in the CAD industry. If you’re not familiar with Jon by name, you’re familiar with his software. Jon is currently Chief Evangelist at PTC, where he focuses on Onshape, the world’s first and only cloud native CAD and PDM system, which includes rendering collaboration, workflow, analytics and many other tools. John was the General Manager, CEO and is the co-founder of Onshape. Prior to Onshape in 1993, John founded SolidWorks and served as CEO, group executive and board member until 2011, watching the platform grow to two million users and over $500M per year in revenue.

Moncur: Jon, what a treat to have you on the show today. What inspired you to become an engineer?

Hirschtick: It was a combination of things that started when I was a child. I found that I really liked building things. There’s something incredibly cool about building something and then watching it work. However, I didn’t grow up in a household where we built things. I grew up in a small apartment in Chicago, and the only tools we had were a pair of pliers and a screwdriver in the kitchen drawer. We didn’t take apart cars or build anything around the house. But a friend of mine was into electronics, and he invited me over to work on some electronics projects with his father. We built electronic circuits, and from that point on, I was hooked.

This interest in building things was more fueled by the space program when I was a kid, which is making a comeback now. But back in the 1960s and 70s, watching rockets take off for the moon was incredibly inspiring. I also started subscribing to magazines such as Popular Science and Popular Electronics. These experiences collectively drew me toward the world of engineering.

Moncur: You eventually founded SolidWorks, a company that revolutionized the CAD industry. I’ve heard stories that the funding for SolidWorks came from experience gambling in Las Vegas. Is that true?

Hirschtick: Yes, that’s mostly true, though there’s a bit more to it. I was in a financial position to start SolidWorks because of my previous experience as a professional blackjack player with the MIT Blackjack Team. This experience allowed me to go for about a year without any real income while I was starting SolidWorks. I needed to rent office space, buy a phone system, and purchase computers, which were much more expensive relative to today’s prices. My ability to fund these initial costs came from the money I had made playing blackjack.

However, it’s important to clarify that this wasn’t company money being gambled. The money I used to start SolidWorks was all personal, earned from my time with the blackjack team. It’s a bit of a wild story, and since then, there have been movies, TV shows, and books about the MIT Blackjack Team. But at the time, it was really just a lot of hard work, much such as engineering itself. People often think gambling, especially in the context of blackjack, is incredibly exciting — and it is — but it’s also a ton of work.

Moncur: In the early 90s, AutoCAD was the dominant name in CAD, with Pro/ENGINEER also making significant strides. How did SolidWorks manage to get its foot into what was essentially AutoCAD’s market?

Hirschtick: That’s a great question, and you’re right to highlight AutoCAD because it was indeed the dominant player at the time. SolidWorks was founded in 1993, which was 30 years ago, and the world was quite different then. AutoCAD was viewed almost as a monopoly in the CAD market. It was the standard CAD system for 2D drawings, and people using it were literally laying out lines on a drawing. This was before the era of taking views of a 3D model such as we do today.

At the same time, Pro/ENGINEER, which came from PTC, was making waves in the 3D space. It wasn’t the first 3D product, but it was the first one that really worked well for engineers who needed to create product models. So, one had AutoCAD dominating the 2D market on DOS-based PCs, and Pro/ENGINEER leading in the 3D space on expensive Unix workstations, which were difficult to use with command-line interfaces and strange UIs.

The opportunity we saw with SolidWorks was to create a system that combined the best of both worlds. We aimed to have the 3D power of Pro/ENGINEER, the cost-effectiveness of AutoCAD, and the usability of Windows, which was just starting to become the standard for personal computing. We believed that this combination would be the winning formula for bringing advanced CAD capabilities to every engineer, and that’s exactly what we set out to do with SolidWorks.

Moncur: That’s fascinating. So, what were some of the biggest technical challenges team faced while developing SolidWorks?

Hirschtick: There were several major technical challenges we faced. First and foremost, nobody had ever built a solid modeler that worked on a PC or on Windows before. People had built little ones, but engineers need a lot of power in their tools, and no one had successfully created a system that could deliver that on a Windows platform. Windows itself was a bit of a “green banana” at the time — meaning it was still developing and wasn’t fully ready for what we needed it to do.

Another significant challenge was that we were the first successful production-level CAD system to use component technology. This meant we licensed chunks of technology from other companies, such as the geometric modeling engine from Unigraphics, which is now part of Siemens. We also licensed translators and other components. At the time, the prevailing wisdom among CAD insiders was that one couldn’t build a serious application using component technology; they believed that to build something real, everything needed to be created in-house. It was like saying, “If you want to build a Tesla, you need to have your own battery plant,” because no one had ever built an electric car at scale without doing so. But times change, and we were able to prove that one could build a successful CAD system using licensed components.

Finally, building a CAD system is just incredibly hard. One must be a little crazy to even try. The challenges of integrating complex functionalities, ensuring system stability, and delivering performance were immense. We were not only pushing the limits of what was possible on the software side but also on the hardware side, given the limitations of PCs at the time.

Moncur: How long did it take before SolidWorks started gaining traction with engineers?

Hirschtick: It took about three years to start gaining real traction. We shipped the first product at the end of 1995, and the first users started adopting it in 1996. However, at that time, the functionality of SolidWorks was a bit light compared to today’s standards. The feature set back then had many things were missing. But you must remember that expectations were lower in the mid-90s. People didn’t expect as much from a CAD system as they do now.

It wasn’t until about seven or eight years later that the system really hit its stride and became a mature product. By 2004, SolidWorks had become a solid product that could compete well with other systems such as Pro/ENGINEER. Engineers who had initially struggled to transition from systems such as Pro/ENGINEER to SolidWorks eventually found that SolidWorks was much easier to use and offered features that made their work more efficient.

Moncur: Was there anything that surprised you about how users were using SolidWorks, or by its success?

Hirschtick: SolidWorks largely did what we set out to do, so there weren’t many surprises regarding how it was used. We built the product with a specific vision, and it was used largely in the way we intended. However, I was surprised by the scale of adoption and the size of teams that started using it. People were building bigger things with SolidWorks than I might have anticipated, and the size of the teams using it was also larger than I expected.

As for the magnitude of success, I always had the feeling that SolidWorks was going to be huge. I remember getting into an argument with a vendor one day who didn’t believe in what we were doing. I told him, “If you make us successful, we’re going to be a bigger customer than all other customers today put together.” At the time, that probably sounded arrogant, but it wasn’t — I just believed in what we were building. What I didn’t fully grasp was how big the CAD market would get. The place in the market was pretty much what I thought it would be, but the overall size of the market grew far beyond my expectations. We once thought that SolidWorks might reach $300M in revenue, but today, it’s generating over a billion dollars annually.

Moncur: After the success of SolidWorks, what led to Onshape?

Hirschtick: The idea for Onshape came from visiting SolidWorks users and seeing the frustrations they had with installation issues, version control, and data management. I’ve always spent a lot of time visiting users and customers, understanding their problems, and figuring out how to solve them. Back when we first launched SolidWorks, it was great news — it was easier to use than Pro/ENGINEER, had a Windows UI, and ran on a PC. But as SolidWorks grew and more people started using it, new challenges emerged.

I remember visiting a medical company in Boston that was using SolidWorks to design heart valve repair systems. Before we even got into talking about the product, they spent two hours venting their frustrations about the problems they were facing. They had 24 users and were struggling with installation issues, version compatibility, and data management. They had to buy special computers for everyone, and installations failed half the time. They couldn’t get everyone on the same version of SolidWorks, which led to issues with file compatibility. They were running multiple versions of the software, and it was causing all sorts of problems.

On top of that, they had issues with their PDM (Product Data Management) system. They had set up a vault to manage their files, but they couldn’t get everyone to properly lock files.

To be continued …

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Wood is renewable, climate-neutral, light and strong, making it attractive for use in vehicle manufacturing. However, it’s challenging to join wood durably with other materials, such as metals and polymer composites. Fortunately, a research team from the Institute of Materials Science, Joining and Forming of Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) has now successfully tested two techniques by which extremely strong joints can be achieved without using adhesives or screws. The application of the techniques to wood is patent pending and could be used in the aircraft, automotive and furniture industries.

One process, dubbed AddJoining, involves affixing a component made of polymer composite directly onto the wood surface using 3D printing. The printed material penetrates into the wood pores, where a chemical reaction occurs, similar to the reaction of glue with wood. According to the researchers, the resulting connections were highly successful in mechanical load tests.

“After the joint fractured, we were able to find polymer in the wood pores and broken wood fibers in the polymer, which suggests that the fracture occurred in the wood and polymer, but not at the joint,” explained Gean Marcatto in a press release. Marcatto is a postdoc at the institute. The tests were carried out on an untreated wood surface. Test materials included beech, oak, carbon fibre-reinforced polyamide and polyphenylene sulphide, stainless steel 316L and Ti-64 alloys.

According to the researchers, even more durable joints could be achieved by introducing a micro- or nano-structure into the wood through laser texturing or etching, which increases the pores and enhances the bonding surfaces. “But we wanted to work with as few steps as possible and, above all, without chemicals,” explained lead researcher Sergio Amancio. “We can use this technology particularly well with complicated 3D geometries because the components are printed directly onto the surface – in whatever geometry is required.”

The other process, ultrasonic joining, uses high-frequency vibration with low amplitude applied to the wooden component via a sonotrode. In contact with the base component – in this case, polymer or a polymer composite material – the friction generates heat at the interface, which melts the surface of the polymer part. The molten polymer then infiltrates into the naturally porous surface of the wood. In this way, a very stable spot joint can be achieved, from a mixture of mechanical interlocking (because the melted plastic solidifies again in the wood) and adhesion forces.

“This technique is particularly suitable for large components and 2D structures since we achieve a precisely localized spot joint,” explained researcher Awais Awan, who reported that these spot joints were also mechanically tested with success. He added that the joints could also be further strengthened by pre-treatment of the wood surface such as laser texturing.

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The evolution of photodetectors is a multifaceted journey. These devices, adept at converting light into electrical signals, have transformed and continue to shape the future of many industries. The evolution from traditional photodiodes to state-of-the-art quantum dot sensors and everything in between highlights their specialized applications across diverse domains.

The growth and evolution of photodetectors started with military investments and defense needs. During the Cold War, significant advancements in low-light detection technologies were driven by military needs, particularly for heightened surveillance and communication systems. Technologies such as the avalanche photodiode (APD), first patented by Jun-ichi Nishizawa in 1952, were heavily researched in the 1960s and 1970s and were pivotal in advancing photodetector capabilities. Post-Cold War, these technologies transitioned into civilian applications, leading to widespread industrial and consumer adoption.

Best practices for innovating with photodetector technologiesThe types of photodetectors vary based on the material used, the operational mechanism, and their application-specific properties. These devices range from basic PN junction photodiodes to advanced technologies like avalanche photodiodes (APDs) and quantum dot photodetectors. Other types include photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), charge-coupled devices (CCDs), metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors, and emerging materials like graphene-based photodetectors. Each type has distinct characteristics, making them suitable for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, autonomous systems, medical imaging, environmental monitoring, industrial scanners and consumer electronics. It’s imperative to begin any design and engineering process by understanding what the application needs and asking all the questions upfront during the planning stage.

Some key considerations are:

Spectral range and materials: Spectral range is the range of wavelengths over which the photodetector is sensitive, typically measured in nanometers (nm). The below image shows some of the photodetector materials that are used to detect signals ranging from UV wavelengths to Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) wavelengths. With the longstanding evolution of photodetector technologies, many materials for components currently in use may be outdated compared to new advancements. Development of compounds like Silicon carbide (SiC), Gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), and other semiconductor materials like InGaAsSb have enhanced photodetectors’ sensitivity and spectral range. These materials detect short-wave infrared (SWIR) and middle-wave infrared (MWIR), increasing their versatility. Organic, graphene-based and flexible photodetectors expand possibilities for wearable technology and biomedical applications.

Commonly used photodetectors and their corresponding wavelength sensitivity ranges. (Image: Author.) Quantum efficiency (QE): Quantum efficiency is the ratio of the number of charge carriers generated to the number of incident photons, often expressed as a percentage. * Detectivity (D): Detectivity is a normalized measure of a photodetector’s sensitivity, expressed in Jones (cm·Hz^1/2/W). It combines responsivity and noise characteristics. Responsivity measures the electrical output per unit of optical input power, typically expressed in amperes per watt (A/W) or volts per watt (V/W). * Noise: A constant consideration with sensitive components is its bulk noise, which is a combination of the shot and Johnson noise of the detector and often is derived from the dark current of the detector. Noise equivalent power (NEP) is the amount of optical power required to generate a signal equal to the noise level of the photodetector, typically measured in watts per root hertz (W/√Hz). * Device architecture: A photodetector’s architecture, including the active area, the device thickness, and the composition of each layer impacts its efficiency, capacitance and response time. Advanced designs that incorporate specialized epitaxial layering, such as heterostructures and quantum wells, can enhance performance. Pixel configuration for imaging applications is critical. Higher pixel density can improve resolution, while larger pixels may enhance sensitivity. * Speed and response time: Response time is the time it takes for a photodetector to respond to an optical signal, typically measured in nanoseconds (ns) or picoseconds (ps). This impacts the detectivity of photodetectors. Innovations in materials with high electron mobility have lowered capacitance, increasing the bandwidth (Hz) of photodetectors. * Integration: Close collaboration with end-users and industry partners helps to develop photodetectors that meet the precise needs of various applications. Hybrid integration of photodetectors with other components, like receiver systems, leads to more efficient and scalable solutions, improving performance while broadening their application scope. * Reliability, durability and robustness: Developing photodetectors that can withstand extreme conditions, such as extreme temperatures, mechanical stress and radiation, has expanded their use in military, aerospace and industrial applications. This goes hand in hand with thermal management and packaging. Advances in coatings and packaging techniques have demonstrated improved photodetector reliability. * Costs and resource: Costs and resources naturally impact all decision-making and capabilities for investing in growing photodetector technologies. Photonic integrated circuits allow for compact, high-performance systems that are cost-effective. Advances in nanofabrication have allowed for the creation of smaller, more efficient photodetectors. Developing photodetectors compatible with other high-volume semiconductor manufacturing process technologies like complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) facilitates the production of affordable, high-performance sensors.

Photodetector engineers can balance heightened specialization with optimized approaches for success, scalability and future growth by having these conversations on the front end. It’s important to balance overall best practices with the application’s specific standards and certifications, especially for consumer, automotive, aerospace, defense and medical industries.

Photodetector technology supplements and revolutionizes many applicationsToday, photodetector technology is a vital component that underpins countless technologies, including gas sensing, motion sensors and consumer electronics. In telecommunications, it enables high-speed data transmission in fiber optic networks. In aerospace and defense, they’re used for target recognition and range finding; in R&D, there’s a wide range of spectroscopy applications. Their 3D scanning applications are essential in architecture, construction, autonomous vehicles and industrial controls. Photodetectors also enable environmental monitoring to detect pollutants and monitor environmental changes. Photodetectors are also pivotal in medical imaging and are used in devices like CT scanners and MRI machines for precise imaging and remote patient monitoring technologies.

Photodetector evolution comes with growth challengesAcknowledging common industry pain points from the beginning positions engineers and organizations with the information they need to address and mitigate challenges. The photonics industry is small, requiring talent to collaborate frequently within and across disciplines. Having dedicated foundries for photodetectors may not be financially viable. As a result, partnership is vital for meeting the technical demands of development. Universities and research entities stand at the forefront of evolution.

Systems integration presents another challenge, given unique applications and the need for collaboration within photonics technologies. This demands a clear understanding of the product, environment and objectives which is especially critical for custom, application-specific developments.

Optimizing size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) is a paramount concern for the design and development of photodetector technology. Investments and specially dedicated resources are essential to future-proof designs for growth and innovation while offering a competitive edge for organizations in nearly every industry.

The future of photodetector technology is brightGrowth and innovation in applying photodetector technology will undoubtedly continue over time. As this technology becomes more widespread, its success is showcased by how little individuals notice the impact on their everyday lives. The seamless integration of photodetectors into various applications is a testament to their efficiency and effectiveness. Knowing what to expect is essential to harnessing the benefits and opportunities of this next wave of innovation. Advancements in materials, quantum photonics, AI integration and sustainable technologies promise to enhance performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, driving innovation in autonomous systems, security, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, consumer electronics and beyond. As organizations continue to develop and integrate these technologies, there’s no denying the widespread potential for photodetectors to address complex global challenges and improve everyday life. The future holds exciting possibilities, with these advancements seamlessly blending into the fabric of our daily experiences.

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MUNICH, Germany, Sep 3, 2024 – The new release of Assyst.CAD 20.24 is now available. This latest version of the Style3D | ASSYST CAD software introduces a range of features and automations designed to accelerate daily pattern making workflows and improve efficiency.

1,2,3 Click – Function Boost (image from Assyst website)Highlights of Assyst.CAD 20.24:

1,2,3 Click Function Boost: Many common functions can now be executed with just three clicks, significantly speeding up processes and simplifying tasks.
Enhanced 3D/2D Workflows: The 3D/2D.Connect feature offers deeper functionality, particularly for handling details like darts and pleats, improving the integration between 3D and 2D design.
Design Layer/Parts Manager: The Parts Manager has been redesigned for greater clarity and visual organization, making it easier to locate and assemble components for new pattern versions.
Increased User Friendliness: Additional features, such as the clone function, contribute to a more comfortable and efficient user experience.

Assyst.CAD is the renowed, marketing-leading software by Style3D | ASSYST for fashion professionals with particular strengths in fit, grading, and data management. For more information about the new Assyst.CAD release and upgrade projects, please visit Assyst.CAD 20.24 Landing page.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN & REHOVOT, Israel, Sep 3, 2024 – Stratasys Ltd. announced financial results for the second quarter 2024. Revenue of this quarter 2024 was $138M, down 4.2% compared to $144.1M for the first quarter 2024. GAAP net loss was $25.7M.

Comparative analysis based on Stratasys’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Stratasys website)Comparative analysis based on Stratasys’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Stratasys website)Dr. Yoav Zeif, Stratasys’ chief executive officer, stated, “For the Company to maintain its industry leadership, we continuously evaluate and assess our business model to ensure we are optimally aligned with evolving market conditions. We are confident that our efforts will enable our customers to more effectively address their biggest manufacturing challenges, which should lead to increased adoption of our additive technologies. This realignment is critical to ensure that we can achieve our objectives to deliver sustained profitability and cash flow, while remaining ready to capture opportunities when the spending cycle improves, positioning Stratasys to deliver outsized shareholder value.”

Dr. Zeif continued, “During the quarter we achieved strong consumables sales, and strengthened our market position with the addition of leading products, including the H350 version 1.5 printer, the J5 Digital Anatomy printer, and many exciting new software offerings. We understand the importance of a disciplined approach to balancing investment in innovation with staying focused on delivering the most impactful additive manufacturing applications to our customers and value to shareholders.”

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

Stratasysis leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, fashion and education. To learn more about Stratasys, visit stratasys.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Sep 3, 2024 – Autodesk, Inc. reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. This quarter’s revenue stood at $1,505M, 6.2% up compared to $1,417M of first quarter of fiscal 2025, with a profit of $282M.

Comparative analysis based on Autodesk’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Autodesk website)Comparative analysis based on Autodesk’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source Autodesk website)“Autodesk continues to generate strong and sustained momentum both in absolute terms and relative to peers. Our success is fueled by our ability to capitalize on the attractive long term-growth trends we’re seeing, including increases in global reconstruction and infrastructure. This is supported by our focused strategy to deliver more valuable and connected solutions for our customers, and by the proven durability of our business,” said Andrew Anagnost, Autodesk president and CEO. “Disciplined execution and capital deployment is driving even greater operational velocity and efficiency within Autodesk and will underpin the mechanical build of revenue and free cash flow over the next few years and GAAP margins among the best in the industry. In combination, we believe these factors will deliver sustainable shareholder value over many years.”

“We generated broad-based growth across products and regions in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and manufacturing in the second quarter. Overall, macroeconomic, policy, and geopolitical challenges, and the underlying momentum of the business, were consistent with the last few quarters,” said Betsy Rafael, Autodesk interim CFO. “Given our sustained momentum in the second quarter, and smooth launch of the new transaction model in North America, we are raising the mid-points of our billings, revenue, earnings per share, and free cash flow guidance ranges.”

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Their technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. For more information, visit autodesk.com.

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WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Sep 3, 2024 – PlanHub, the premier cloud software platform for commercial construction professionals, proudly joins the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for 2024, reinforcing its position among America’s fastest-growing private companies for the fourth year in a row. This achievement reflects PlanHub’s continued success in empowering contractors and suppliers nationwide to easily network, communicate and grow their businesses.

PlanHub’s ever-growing popularity within the construction industry is a clear result of their continued mission: to streamline the preconstruction project management and bidding process for contractors and suppliers. PlanHub’s integrated platform provides construction professionals with keen market intelligence and intuitive features that invite collaboration, project discovery, and networking opportunities, all in one place..

“I’m incredibly proud to see PlanHub recognized again,” said Ro Bhatia, PlanHub CEO. “Our team’s commitment to listening to our users and improving our platform every day is making a real difference for construction professionals. Knowing that our hard work is helping people connect and succeed is truly rewarding. With the continued support of the construction community, we’re excited to keep growing and making an even bigger impact in the future.”

PlanHub’s continued growth once again lands it in the INC 5000 for 2024, securing the #88 spot in West Palm Beach, the #197 spot in all of Florida, and the #105 spots among all construction companies under consideration throughout the United States. Taking all the challenges over this time period associated with inflation and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration, the company’s 286% growth rate over the past three years is even more impressive, underscoring the platform’s firm foothold in the lives of their ever-expanding base of loyal customers. To learn more about PlanHub, visit planhub.com.

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs aiming to inform, educate and elevate the profile of their community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future. For more information, visit inc.com.

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SAN JOSE, CA, Sep 3, 2024 – Cadence Design Systems, Inc. today announced the launch of Fem.AI—an initiative to propel women and the industry towards a more equitable tech sector, with an emphasis on opportunities in AI. The Cadence Giving Foundation has committed $20 million towards this initiative, including philanthropic and product donations over the next decade to organizations that align with Fem.AI’s mission. By catalyzing the industry to invest in nonprofits, university students and programs, champion women-led ventures, drive product innovation and leverage industry influence, Fem.AI aims to close the gender gap in this critical space.

Addressing Key Challenges for Women in AIDespite years of effort, the tech industry is lagging on critical measures of gender balance.

Initial research by Cadence has identified three “leakage points” in the tech/AI ecosystem where women are losing traction:

Completing Higher Education: In 2021, approximately 20% of computer science graduates were female , while 45% of women who start college as STEM majors leave to pursue another degree .
Accessing First Jobs: Women with STEM-related degrees face more unemployment challenges post-graduation , with women holding just over 20% of AI roles in US tech companies.
Retaining STEM Careers: Over 56% of women in tech are likely to leave the industry before mid-career , further exacerbating the gender gap.

“Achieving true innovation in the current AI revolution requires the full participation of talented individuals, and too many women are slipping through the cracks of the AI pipeline,” said Dr. Anirudh Devgan, president and CEO of Cadence. “Cadence is committed to shrinking the gender gap in AI through Fem.AI, and we hope to be a catalyst within the tech industry by calling for gender equity in the AI workforce and beyond.”

In 2023, Cadence launched a pilot program to assess how to make the biggest impact on this issue, distributing grants to address leakage points. The company partnered with nonprofits, including Break Through Tech, Fast Forward, Generation, Global Semiconductor Alliance’s Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI), Last Mile Education Fund, Reboot Representation and VC Include. So far this year, these grants have already impacted over 14,000 women.

Inaugural Fem.AI SummitAt the heart of Fem.AI lies the unification of the industry to shape the course of gender equity endeavors in AI. On October 1, Cadence will host the inaugural Fem.AI Summit to unite business, academia, media and social impact leaders to promote cross-sector collaboration. More details on the summit are forthcoming, with an exciting lineup of speakers and participants expected at the event in Menlo Park.

“The rapid expansion of AI brings immense opportunities for the workforce. However, if women continue to be left out, the effects will hinder innovation and exacerbate current labor shortages in the high-tech sector. Fem.AI is part of Cadence’s ongoing commitment to propelling women in STEM and other inclusion initiatives at the core of the company,” said Tina Jones, senior vice president, Global Human Resources at Cadence.

For more information, visit cadence.com.

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ROCK HILL, SC, Sep 3, 2024 – 3D Systems Corp. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. For this quarter, the company reported revenue of $ 113.3M, up 10.1% compared to $102.9M for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Net loss was $27.3M.

Comparative analysis based on 3D Systems’ financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source 3D Systems website)Comparative analysis based on 3D Systems’ financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source 3D Systems website)Commenting on second quarter results, Dr. Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems said, “We are encouraged by the sequential revenue progress we delivered during the second quarter despite a challenging operating environment. Our top-line improved 10% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting strong performance by our Industrial and Healthcare markets for hardware, materials, and services. While our second-quarter revenue saw a year-over-year decline, this was primarily due to reduced printer sales to a specific dental customer and ongoing macroeconomic pressures on customer capital spending. We remain optimistic about the future given our most recent sequential recovery and continued momentum in our robust customer pipeline. As a result, given our performance through the first half and current macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, we are now targeting revenues for the full-year 2024 in the range of $450 million – $460 million, as we anticipate continued sequential revenue improvements in the third and fourth quarters.”

Dr. Graves continued, “During the quarter, we continued to deliver gross margin improvements annually and sequentially, in spite of the year-over-year volume decline. Looking forward, we believe our in-sourcing and restructuring actions, which have favorably impacted our cost-of-goods this year, will continue to drive gross margin expansion moving forward. Additionally, we are beginning to demonstrate steady improvement with respect to our operating expenses, which should accelerate in the second half of the year. While many of these costs remain elevated from the prior year, the primary driver is related to costs associated with our extended 2023 audit, which we expect will be more muted in the third quarter and then fully behind us by the fourth quarter. We expect to exit the year with normalized Non-GAAP operating expenses below $60 million by the fourth quarter, which on an annualized basis would be within our previously provided full-year range. In combination with the sequential improvement in revenues expected throughout the second half, we believe the significant reduction of operating expense in the second half will propel the company to near break-even adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter. While conditions remain challenging in the near-term, we have taken considerable actions to derisk our balance sheet since the end of 2023 and believe we are well-positioned with our critical R&D investments to capitalize on a very bright future ahead.”

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods.

For more information, visit 3dsystems.com.

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IRVINE, CA., Sep 3, 2024 – EON Reality, the world leader in AI-assisted Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality-based knowledge transfer, today announces a significant partnership with ITE College Central, a leading institution in technical education in Singapore. The college has unveiled its newly equipped Smart Manufacturing Hub, powered by EON-XR and EON-AI solutions. This collaboration marks a major step forward in technical education, demonstrating ITE College Central’s commitment to innovation and excellence in preparing students for the future of manufacturing.

Showcasing three key applications of EON-XR technology, ITE College Central now provides its students with experiential learning and training that closely simulates real-world conditions:

Learn: AR immersion is redefined with the Basics of Laser Cutting Machines, facilitated through EON-XR’s Merged-XR Digital Twin technology. Learners can visually and interactively explore the inner workings of laser cutting equipment, gaining an unparalleled understanding of its operation.
Train: In a move that transcends traditional education, EON-XR introduces Simulation with Real-Time Feedback for hands-on training. This laser cutting simulation employs immersive technology that guides users through precise manufacturing processes, providing invaluable practical experience alongside instantaneous performance feedback.
Perform: ITE College Central takes spatial intelligence to the next level with EON-XR’s Explore Mode. Students utilize AI-powered assistance to enhance their physical interaction and responses within actual workshop settings, facilitating a seamless integration of learned skills into tangible tasks and projects.

“We are excited to see our partnership with ITE College Central come to life in such a dynamic and impactful way,” said Dan Lejerskar, chairman of EON Reality. “The Smart Manufacturing Hub is a testament to how XR and AI technologies can profoundly enrich the educational landscape, offering students not just knowledge, but the capabilities to implement and excel in real-world industrial applications.”

EON Reality’s collaboration with ITE College Central illustrates a joint commitment to empowering future professionals with the digital proficiency required for success in smart manufacturing. The ability to learn complex machinery in AR mode, train through realistic simulations, and perform with AI assistance represents a breakthrough in technical education.

For more information, visit eonreality.com.

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vAs software controlling everything from video games to jet airliners has become too complex to make completely error proof, the move to increasing flight automation continues to carry risk. No one knows this more than Boeing, but the fundamental problem of systems that are too complex for humans to check means that safety may ultimately be handed over to artificial intelligence.

First, for checking human generated code, then permitting the code itself, and finally, the piloting of the airplanes themselves.

Access all episodes of End of the Line on Engineering TV along with all of our other series.

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Large-scale fused filament fabrication (FFF) manufacturer, BigRep, has signed ADMASYS International as its authorized 3D printer reseller. This partnership expands BigRep’s global market footprint and accessibility in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania.

ADMASYS will deliver BigRep’s portfolio of low to high-temperature industrial 3D printers in the region as well as its qualified materials, and provide complete support and service to all the company’s consumers. This will include complete pre- and post-sales support for all BigRep customers.

Bringing a combined 20 years of additive manufacturing experience, the two companies expect that the partnership will enable manufacturers to shorten product development cycles, expedite design iterations and reduce reliance on third-party manufacturers.

Tomáš Soóky, CEO, 3Dwiser, Czech Republic, and member of ADMASYS International said in a press release:

“BigRep and 3Dwiser share 10 years of experience as suppliers of additive manufacturing solutions in a rapidly changing market. From the first large format 3D printer with a cubic meter volume, it was clear to us that 3D printers capable of printing high-quality, high-volume parts would be in demand – and the ongoing trend and customer demand only confirm that. In addition, the BigRep machines bring our clients quality engineering, German precision, and completely new manufacturing possibilities.”

In the same release, Ferenc Koperniczky, CEO, FreeDee Printing Solutions, Hungary, member of ADMASYS International added:

“We are excited to embark on this new journey with BigRep. As one of Hungary’s pioneering 3D printing specialists, FreeDee has always been dedicated to providing selected, professional 3D technology solutions that deliver maximum value to Hungarian businesses. With our 12 years of market experience, we see a growing demand for large-scale 3D printing solutions in the country. Hungary’s strong manufacturing sector and prominent automotive industry can significantly benefit from BigRep’s reliable large-scale 3D printers for prototyping, molding, tooling, and producing end-use parts.”

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This article was originally published on Medical Design & Outsourcing on July 25, 2024.

Wearable medical device developers are offering products similar in form and function to a FitBit, Whoop or a number of other wrist-worn devices.

However, a growing number of wearable technologies require placement on other parts of the body, with a great example being Avation Medical’s noninvasive ankle garment for treating overactive bladder by stimulating the tibial nerve.

Fabric has an unmatched ability to conform to a contoured form, making it an ideal option for wearable medical devices. (Image: Priority Designs.)One challenge of these alternate placement requirements is attaching a wearable device to the body in a way that facilitates ease of use, while enabling the technology to live up to its full potential. Here are three factors to determine if a soft goods solution is appropriate for your wearable, and three key considerations during development.

Three wearable factors that call for a soft goods solution1. When the device must be highly configurableSoft goods options include tens of thousands of off-the-shelf fabrics, buckles, d-rings and hook and loop parts. (Image: Priority Designs.)Whether your device has a wide range of wearing options, it’s worn somewhere other than the wrist like the neck, ankle, or torso, or it needs to fit 5%-95% of the population, a soft goods solution can go where traditional hard goods cannot.

Materials such as elastics, knit materials and stretch laminates are excellent for making comfortable, highly configurable devices. Apart from stretch and comfort, soft goods options include tens of thousands of off-the-shelf fabrics, buckles, d-rings and hook and loop parts.

These materials allow variable attachment methods to accommodate a wide range of body sizes and shapes. They also address problems around disposability and multi-patient use.

When close contact with the skin is a requirementClose contact with the skin is a key functional requirement for many wearable technologies, but it can render adhesives or hard plastics inappropriate due to compromised skin or challenging locations like near a patient’s sacrum.

In a perfect world, you would be able to peel and stick the device directly to the skin and have it stay in place without any discomfort or skin irritation. When working with the infinite variability of placing a hard object on a soft human form, it becomes clear we do not live in such a perfect world.

Thankfully, soft goods provide unique strengths in these situations. Fabric has an unmatched ability to conform to a contoured form, allowing it to move and adapt to a body’s movement and provide comfort even with tight-fitting items.

Cleanability is a chief concern with any device in a clinical setting, and cleanable, durable textiles are important options as industry leaders look for opportunities to transition from disposables . While there is a spectrum of cleanability and durability, the ability to create custom textiles and narrow goods to target specific functionalities and requirements puts textile-based solutions in a class of their own.

When cost is a concernSoft goods manufacturing is historically one of the more cost-effective ways to produce a product. It is not without its own unique challenges (more on that soon), but simple items like straps, harnesses and covers are excellent places to consider soft goods.

Many manufacturing facilities even have a wide range of line items that are customizable, allowing you to bypass development costs. Depending on the certifications needed for your device, you can expect a wide range of cost estimates and manufacturing lead times. Balancing a manufacturer’s skill with cost is an important consideration when evaluating potential MFG partners.

Key soft goods wearable development considerations1. Material leads time and minimum order quantitiesThis is often the make-or-break point in soft goods development. Material development and purchasing can be subject to large minimum order quantities (MOQs) and 3X lead times, depending on what you are trying to source.

There are many off-the-shelf options, but they may not meet all of your requirements or have the traceability needed for FDA compliance. Developing a custom material gives you unrivaled control over the functionality and sourcing pipeline of your product, but requires additional time.

Whether you are purchasing existing material or developing your own, planning for additional soft goods development and sourcing time at the beginning will pay dividends on the back end. There is no Amazon or McMaster Carr for soft goods materials.

Know your testing requirements at the beginning of the design phaseKnowing whether your product needs to prioritize break and tear strength, material contents, wicking and other textile features — or a blend of many things — will help cut through the fog of product design.

And material selection often influences the design. If a material fails at the end of your development, you might need to halt development and restart from the beginning. Having clear constraints and documentation can help avoid this tragic but common pitfall.

Biocompatibility is a major concern, but there are innumerable ways to define, test and certify biocompatibility. Finding devices with similar FDA clearance/approval and functionality can you help you guide your testing and requirements strategy. A certified testing facility or reputable materials supplier can steer you toward the right set of tests.

Know your prioritiesSoft goods are all about compromise. Your material might be aesthetically perfect, but have a poor hand feel. It may be extremely comfortable, but not pass the EU’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) or REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations or California’s Proposition 65.

Clearly define your priorities to save time trying to source a nonexistent material, cut down on overly burdensome assemblies, and make user needs easier to define. This will ultimately result in a cleaner design with better marketing clarity.

Parting thoughtsSoft goods design and development for medical wearables is not the same as design and development for consumer or retail. We have seen a number of clients make the mistake of working with a garment manufacturer to develop a medical device, and it has gone as well as you might expect. Because of regulatory rigors, medical wearable soft goods often begin by pushing multiple dominos at the same point. Design, material sourcing, manufacturing identification and documentation often start at the same time.

Soft goods is closer to an art than a science, especially when applying a hard wearable to a human form. Each user and use case is different. Adding to this complexity is the reality that each manufacturing partner has different capabilities, skill levels and standards. Knowing how to design to match your manufacturing, how to communicate key construction details, how to liaise with vendors and how materials work on the body are key to getting into production successfully.

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IRVINE, CA, Aug 29, 2024 – L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a supplier of wired and wireless connectivity products, has just added a new line of IX industrial Ethernet cables with angled connectors. The Cat 6a assemblies solve tight cable routing issues in confined spaces with right-angle up or down options. They are ideal for factory and other industrial settings, especially security and machine vision camera applications.

The new Ethernet cable line is rated IX industrial Type A for 10-gigabit Ethernet in harsh environments requiring compact, robust connectors. All use 26 AWG wire and are SF/UTP or F/UTP shielded for protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI). They are 100% PoE capable and compatible.

The newly released line includes versions for outdoor-and-high-flex-industrial, CMX low smoke zero halogen (LSZH), and CMR PVC economy jacket types. Each version comes in lengths of 1 meter or 3 meters.

The outdoor-and-high-flex-industrial assemblies are offered in three configurations: a down-angle IX A plug on one end and options of an IX A plug, RJ-45 jack, or RJ-45 plug on the other end. They are protected by a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) outer jacket for flexibility, durability, chemical resistance and temperature tolerance.

The LSZH cable assemblies feature six configurations: down-angle IX A plug to IX A plug, to RJ-45 jack or to RJ-45 plug; and up-angle IX A plug to IX A plug, to RJ-45 jack, or to RJ-45 plug. The flame-retardant jacket is rated CMX LSZH for low smoke emission, zero halogens and reduced toxicity in the event of a fire.

The economy cable assemblies also come in six configurations: down-angle IX A plug to IX A plug, to RJ-45 jack or to RJ-45 plug; and up-angle IX A plug to IX A plug, to RJ-45 jack, or to RJ-45 plug. Protection is provided by a PVC outer jacket rated CMR/CMX.

“Not all cable assemblies with compact connectors are robust but these certainly are,” said product line manager Dustin Guttadauro. “You can parallel mount them to fit more connectors in a smaller space, and the entire assembly is well protected for years of industrial use.”

L-com’s new IX industrial Ethernet cables with angled connectors are in stock now and available for immediate shipment.

L-com, a leading manufacturer of wired and wireless connectivity products, offers a wide range of solutions and unrivaled customer service for the electronics and data communications industries. L-com is an Infinite Electronics brand. Infinite Electronics operates a global portfolio of leading in-stock connectivity solution brands. The brands help propel the world’s innovators forward by working urgently to provide products, solutions and real-time support for their customers. For more information, visit infiniteelectronics.com.

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SANTA CLARA, CA, Aug 29, 2024 – NVIDIA reported revenue for the second quarter ended July 28, 2024, of $30B, up 15.3% compared to $26B for the first quarter ended April 28, 2024. Net income was $16.6B.

Comparative analysis based on NVIDIA’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source NVIDIA website)Comparative analysis based on NVIDIA’s financial results in the last 12 quarters (Result source NVIDIA website)“Hopper demand remains strong, and the anticipation for Blackwell is incredible,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “NVIDIA achieved record revenues as global data centers are in full throttle to modernize the entire computing stack with accelerated computing and generative AI.”

“Blackwell samples are shipping to our partners and customers. Spectrum-X Ethernet for AI and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software are two new product categories achieving significant scale, demonstrating that NVIDIA is a full-stack and data center-scale platform. Across the entire stack and ecosystem, we are helping frontier model makers to consumer internet services, and now enterprises. Generative AI will revolutionize every industry.”

A complete chart of the financial results is available here.

Since its founding in 1993, NVIDIA has been a pioneer in accelerated computing. The company’s invention of the GPU in 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined computer graphics and ignited the era of modern AI. NVIDIA is now a full-stack computing company with data-center-scale offerings that are reshaping industry.

For more information, visit website.

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BEND, OR, Aug 29, 2024 – Tech Soft 3D, the leading provider of engineering software development toolkits and end-user solutions for CAD/CAE data conversion, visualization, and data publishing, today announces the appointment of Antonio Parisse as president of the Industrial Applications Group. Parisse will join the Leadership Team and report directly to Tech Soft 3D CEO Ron Fritz. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the industrial software industry will enhance the company’s ability to identify market opportunities and drive customer satisfaction throughout the product life cycle.

Antonio Parisse brings over 20 years of software leadership experience to Tech Soft 3D. He has successfully developed strategic accounts, led regional sales teams, and expanded global reseller networks. Parisse began his career as a mechanical designer with Schindler Lift in 1998, before moving into CAD/CAM customization and process automation with ABBAX. He then joined Concepta’s sales team, providing CAD/FEA services to OEMs such as PSA, Renault, Faurecia, and Airbus. Since 1999, Parisse has led software sales teams in the mold & die industry across Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Most recently, he served as President of Cimatron, where he was responsible for strategic growth strategies across the business.

“I am delighted to be joining the Tech Soft 3D team,” said Parisse. “The company is growing, and I am excited about the newly founded Industrial Applications Group. I am keen to engage with the various teams, business partners, and customers to listen and learn, helping ensure we understand the market priorities and solidify our promise of fueling innovation with unmatched 3D technology.”

Commenting on the appointment, Fritz said, “Antonio will be a great asset to our team. His vast experience in innovative software within the manufacturing industry will ensure the future direction of our expanding product portfolio is built upon a solid foundation of knowledge. We are building a strong team at Tech Soft 3D, and Antonio will be a key figure as we accelerate growth and deliver value-added solutions faster to market.”

Tech Soft 3D is the leading provider of engineering software development toolkits and industrial applications for CAD/CAE data conversion, visualization, and data publishing. Established in 1996 and headquartered in Bend, OR, Tech Soft 3D has additional offices in the USA, France, England, Japan, Germany and Norway. Tech Soft 3D is backed by investment firm Battery Ventures. For more information, visit techsoft3d.com.

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For engineering firms, artificial intelligence (AI)- driven tools and other intelligent technologies are more than just a novelty or a luxury; they’re a near-imperative to keep pace in today’s highly competitive business environment, according to a newly released benchmarking report for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.

Findings from the 2024 edition of the AEC Inspire Report from Unanet, the business software company for which I serve as executive vice president for AEC, underscores just how important it is for firms to integrate technologies like AI across their operations, from business development to project execution to strategic planning. “One thing is certain,” the report asserts. “tech-advanced [AEC] firms that can harness the full potential of emerging technologies are the ones best positioned to accelerate growth, overcome challenges, and navigate the unknown. Such companies are not only operating for today; they are prepared for tomorrow.”

Based on survey responses collected this past spring from more than 330 senior-level AEC executives, the report (available for free download here) provides a revealing look at the trends, best practices, strategic priorities, and other dynamics shaping these three industries. It gives engineering firms the means to measure themselves against their peers across the industry.

AEC findings

The results highlight a strong sense of optimism across the AEC industries and an increasingly clear business case for firms to embrace technologies like AI. For example:

Most AEC firms feel good about the current business environment. A large share — 86% — of respondents hold an optimistic business outlook, and 42% say they’re “very optimistic.”
A winning business climate. Most firms, 58%, report a proposal win rate of more than 50%, while a much larger share, 72%, project a win rate above 50% for the year ahead, another sign of growing optimism. Those most confident in their future are firms that leverage technology because they are more likely to have keen insights into all aspects of their company’s resources, projects, and pipelines. These firms are better positioned to weather challenges and economic unpredictability while having greater confidence in their ability to forecast their business and manage resources.
Despite a generally positive outlook, 39% of AEC firms are concerned about the economy. Operational efficiency and talent recruiting and retention are other issues that are particularly concerning.
M&A (merger and acquisition) is on the menu, especially on the buy side. Half of surveyed AEC firms say acquisitions are of interest to their company in the year ahead, while just 5% are interested sellers. Among engineering firms, 40% say they’re interested buyers.

On the technology front, “it may be tempting to stay the course, to tackle change in slow increments,” states the report, “but this approach will not serve for much longer.”

Close to half of AEC firms — 48% — qualify as “tech-advanced” because they meet

at least three of the following criteria:

Data-driven, regularly using data for business management, decision-making, and performance assessment.
Cloud-dominant, with more than 50% of tools and applications based in the cloud.
Fully integrated, with complete integration of platforms and applications across all systems.
AI-mature, as active users of AI with comprehensive firm-wide policies and procedures in place to guide and govern AI usage.

More than half of AEC firms are using AI to some extent, while another one-third are open to using it but are not currently doing so. Our report reveals a strong business case for firms to implement AI:

Close to one-third of firms — 31% — are using AI with policies and guidelines in place as guardrails. However, 26% use AI without formal oversight policies, unnecessarily inviting legal, security, and compliance risks.
Architecture firms are twice as resistant to implementing AI as construction and engineering firms.
AI-mature firms are much more prolific project proposal producers, averaging 263 per year compared to 144 for less AI-savvy firms. They also win more projects and expect higher future win rates than less AI-savvy firms.

To deliver these kinds of benefits, AI requires firms to establish a strong foundation that includes not only internal policies to guide AI usage but also robust employee training on AI and high-quality data, underpinned by clear data stewardship policies. The report states, “Organizational data governance is foundational to AI implementation, and AI implementation is a must in today’s data-driven reality.”

Findings Specific to Engineering Firms

Engineering firms show deep concern about the current state of their workforce. Compared to their counterparts in architecture and construction, engineering firms struggle more with recruiting and more frequently list recruiting as a top human resource challenge. Although they share the AEC industry’s overall sense of business optimism, the workforce issue is pressing enough for many to turn down work for want of labor. As the report notes, firms can attract and retain talent by offering employees access to cutting-edge technology in their day-to-day work and by partnering with local colleges and trade schools.

A lack of sophisticated forecasting practices exacerbates the talent shortfall. Engineering firms most frequently rely on Excel spreadsheets to forecast labor resources and are less likely to be able to predict their growth rate. Troublingly, one-third of engineering firms say they cannot project their growth for the coming year.

Engineering firms also appear deliberate in adopting AI and supporting AI policies. Less than one-quarter of those we surveyed said they’re using AI with policy guardrails in place. As for the areas in which they expect to realize the most benefit from using AI, data analysis and content generation top the list.

Just how important are AI and digital technologies generally to success? For engineering firms, the report concludes, “Technological transformation is essential to maintaining competitive footing and operational resilience in the face of a growing talent shortage.”

About the author

Akshay Mahajan is Executive Vice President, AEC, at Unanet, a company that creates business software solutions for architecture, engineering and construction firms, and government contractors. For more information, visit https://unanet.com/.

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If successful, Anduril’s new facility may become the prototype for a paradigm shift in armaments design, development, manufacturing and procurement. Swarms of low cost, AI driven and fully autonomous drone weapon systems in the air, on the ground and into the sea, may replace the crewed, highly capable but costly armoured vehicles, aircraft and submarines. Part of conflict in Ukraine may have shown us the way wars will be fought in the future.

Access all episodes of This Week in Engineering on engineering.com TV along with all of our other series.

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Ask the average person what Nikon makes, and they’ll probably say, “Cameras.”

Ask the average engineer, and they’ll probably say, “Lithography machines,” or “Metrology equipment.”

Ask Hamid Zarringhalam, and he’ll give you a much broader answer:

“Nikon’s influence lies at the intersection of optics, optoelectronics and precision equipment.”

Zarringhalam is a corporate vice president at Nikon Corporation, as well as CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing and Nikon Ventures Corporation. He’s been with the company in various roles for almost 40 years, which makes him well placed to talk about where Nikon stands today and where it’s heading in the future, particularly when it comes to additive manufacturing (AM).

We sat down with Zarringhalam to discuss Nikon’s AM strategy, the challenges the industry is facing and opportunities for future growth.

Engineering.com: What are the strategic goals for Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, and how do they align with Nikon’s broader strategy?

Hamid Zarringhalam: Nikon’s DNA is rooted in manufacturing and precision technology. I spent over 30 years of my career in semiconductor lithography, which involves some of the most complex machines in the world. Every two years, these machines must be updated to enable Moore’s Law, which drives semiconductor innovation. Given Nikon’s success in this area, we began considering the next stage of manufacturing, which we believe is digital manufacturing.

We identified additive manufacturing as a crucial component of this shift because it allows simpler, monolithic production of complex parts, replacing traditional methods like casting and forging. It offers benefits like weight reduction, lead time reduction and waste reduction.

Nikon’s involvement began organically with the development of direct energy deposition technology, which led to our initial foray into digital manufacturing. However, we soon realized that more growth was necessary, particularly in terms of adoption rates, which were still low. Only about 2% of metal parts that could be manufactured using additive manufacturing are actually being made that way.

The challenges were clear: can additive manufacturing be done economically, at high speed, at scale and with repeatability? If we could answer these questions, we believed additive manufacturing could become a viable alternative to traditional methods. Given Nikon’s experience in semiconductor manufacturing, we felt well-positioned to address these challenges.

We also realized that the industry needed the backing of a strong company with deep technology and manufacturing expertise, as well as stability. This led to our acquisition of SLM Solutions in July 2022, which I led. We integrated our technologies with SLM’s R&D and established the Advanced Manufacturing Business Unit, with its global headquarters in California. This unit aims to make digital manufacturing a pillar of growth for Nikon, in line with our Vision 2030 strategy, which envisions Nikon as a global company enabling seamless collaboration between humans and machines.

Digital manufacturing is expected to become a significant business for Nikon, potentially reaching the scale of a billion-dollar business through the 2030s, contributing to Nikon’s overall growth and aligning with the company’s DNA and history.

Would you say additive manufacturing is at a similar stage today as the semiconductor industry was 20 or 30 years ago?

I wouldn’t say they’re exactly the same because the challenges were different back then, but there are some similarities. When I first got involved in semiconductors, there were probably 50 or 60 companies in the U.S. alone, and maybe 300 worldwide, all producing semiconductors. There were many different machines being made by various companies, many of which don’t exist today.

Moore’s Law became difficult to maintain—you had to improve every two years, doubling the number of transistors at the same cost and in the same space. The technology and R&D became increasingly complex, and every 10 years, people would predict the end of Moore’s Law. Yet, here we are, and it’s still ongoing. Now, we have powerful companies like Intel, TSMC and Samsung, building $40 billion factories around the world to produce the latest generation of machines.

‘The good news is that these factories won’t need to be at the $40 billion level seen in semiconductors, but the same dynamics, mindset, commitment and industry-government collaboration will be necessary to make it happen.’

How does this compare to additive manufacturing? Today, we have a number of companies working with complex technology. You need to invest heavily in R&D—we’ve been investing about 22% of our revenue into R&D consistently. Patience is crucial because it can take several years for a design to move from concept to full-scale manufacturing. It’s at the parts level that it starts to pay off, so you need the strength and endurance to see it through.

More importantly, the customers—such as defense primes and aviation companies—are starting to adopt this technology beyond experimental use. These customers need to trust that the companies they work with will not only continue to invest but will also be around when the products are ready for manufacturing. That’s something Nikon brings to the table, and it’s a similarity with the semiconductor industry.

There are challenges, though. To scale additive manufacturing, we’ll need large-scale factories. While people are currently testing different approaches in R&D and design for manufacturability, the transition to high-value manufacturing will require significant investment. The good news is that these factories won’t need to be at the $40 billion level seen in semiconductors, but the same dynamics, mindset, commitment and industry-government collaboration will be necessary to make it happen.

You mentioned the decision to establish the Nikon Advanced Manufacturing HQ in California. Was that motivated primarily by a desire to be closer to major players in aerospace and defense customers, such as Boeing or were there other factors?

There were several factors. Nikon is a Japanese company, and traditionally, all the business unit headquarters are in Japan. That setup works well, but this industry was growing rapidly, and we felt the need to be much closer to our customers, especially for making important decisions and communicating at the highest levels.

We already had existing operations in California, which was a significant consideration. Aerospace, defense, aviation and space industries are heavily concentrated on the West Coast, particularly in California. We also had prior investments here, so it made sense to establish our presence in this region.

It’s proven to be the right decision—we’ve been expanding our facility in Long Beach, which we started in 2021. Although my office is in Northern California, just an hour away from Sunnyvale, I’m frequently in Long Beach, visiting at least twice a month.

Being close to customers allows us to collaborate closely and make quick decisions in conjunction with them, which was one of the key reasons for establishing our headquarters here.

Regarding your acquisition of SLM Solutions, as well as Morf 3D: Do you see these acquisitions as a cornerstone of your strategy to expand in the AM space? What can you tell us about the thinking behind this approach?

There are two main approaches if you want to establish a footprint in digital manufacturing. We had already decided to focus on digital manufacturing, and we had some organically developed products. There was a time when a big company with significant resources could do everything in-house, and Nikon has the capability to do that if we wanted. However, today, technology evolves so quickly that it would be much more expensive and likely less effective to try and develop everything on your own.

‘The key to survival is investment in R&D, along with having the patience, resources and ability to scale. This naturally leads to consolidation, which, in my view, ultimately strengthens the industry.’

Instead, we looked at the missing pieces in our portfolio and in the industry, and we considered how we could address those gaps through mergers and acquisitions [M&A] or other inorganic growth strategies. M&A is only one part of it; we also engage in other inorganic activities to cultivate and integrate new capabilities. That’s what we did with laser powder bed fusion technology. While this technology is not yet perfect and has room for improvement—especially in areas like speed, repeatability and precision—we recognized that we could leverage our strengths to enhance it.

At the same time, we aimed to broaden our capabilities by acquiring and integrating complementary assets, which helps us advance the technology forward. So yes, acquisitions and bringing these assets together have been key components of our strategy.

To address another question you raised—whether we see consolidation as the way forward—in every industry, especially in manufacturing, there’s a natural tendency toward consolidation, particularly in the early stages. Take semiconductors as an example; there are many players, but the key to survival is investment in R&D, along with having the patience, resources and ability to scale. This naturally leads to consolidation, which, in my view, ultimately strengthens the industry.

We’ve touched on several challenges for additive manufacturing. There’s a general consensus that speed and repeatability are two of the biggest hurdles to adoption. How is Nikon positioning itself to address these challenges in particular?

I would say there are a few key points to consider. First, at the machine technology level, we focus on integrated machines that can operate at high speeds with precision. Our goal is to develop large or even medium-sized machine platforms that meet these requirements. Nikon has expertise in optics, optoelectronics and precision equipment, and we’re already integrating these technologies into our existing and future products. We’re working closely with our global development team, and you’ll hear more about this impact from some of the projects we’re doing, including R&D at our Long Beach facility. This collaboration ensures we bring together the best technologies from companies like SLM Solutions, which has excelled in laser powder bed fusion, and Nikon, with our strengths in optics, metrology and precision, enabling us to scale effectively.

Another crucial aspect is working closely with customers to accelerate their adoption of metal additive manufacturing. Unlike semiconductors, where Moore’s law drove inevitable progress, in additive manufacturing, there is still a choice between traditional methods like casting and forging, despite their limitations. We need to expand our customer base and speed up their journey toward adopting additive manufacturing.

At our Long Beach facility, for example, we’ve created an environment that caters to ultra-secure defense applications and other benchmark testing. This allows customers to evaluate additive manufacturing in one place—determining if they can produce a part, do it repeatedly and scale it effectively.

Through our investment and by bringing these assets together, we can work closely with customers to catalyze their adoption process. However, it’s not just about us; customers, governments and institutions also need to invest to scale this technology. As a company, by contributing these collective assets to the ecosystem, we facilitate this process.

We’ve been talking about AM in the context of aerospace and defense, but another industry where its benefits are often touted is in medical devices. Is that less of a focus for you?

There’s no question that the medical field has seen significant advancements in using additive manufacturing, both in metal and polymers. Established players in that field have made considerable progress. However, entering that field is just as complicated, if not more so, than entering defense or aerospace.

It’s no secret that we don’t have a strong footprint in the medical vertical. That said, we do have ongoing technology developments and solutions that cater to the medical market, and hopefully, in the future, we’ll be able to approach that area with the same vigor as we do in defense, aviation and space. But as of today, we don’t have a strong presence in the medical sector.

Let’s talk about emerging trends: What developments are you most excited about for the next decade? What do you think will have the biggest impact on the market in particular and 3D printing technology in general?

As I mentioned, we’re currently at about a 2% adoption rate for metal additive manufacturing. A couple of years ago, the expectation was that this would grow to 5% within five years, which represents a 30% growth rate in terms of adoption. The exciting part is that even at 5%, there’s still 95% of the market to go, so there’s a lot of promise for additive manufacturing.

Another key point is that the number of applications for additive manufacturing is increasing due to various factors. Some companies and verticals are eager to accelerate their adoption, especially in defense, aviation and automotive industries. This is exciting for us because the requirements for large, very large and ultra-large machines align well with our technology roadmap.

‘My advice to engineers is to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s hard work, but it’s what the world needs. Focus on creating things that will make a difference in society and improve people’s lives.’

Looking at defense, the current global situation is driving demand, and the democratization of space is also contributing to the need for additive manufacturing capabilities. To meet these demands, we need to overcome challenges like geometric limitations, alloy limitations and the ability to scale production while maintaining repeatability.

We also need to establish megafactories that can prove the feasibility of large-scale manufacturing. Once these challenges are addressed, the future of this industry looks very promising, which is why we see it as a growth pillar for Nikon going into the 2030s.

You obviously have a lot of experience working with engineers in a leadership role. Do you have any advice for engineers who are looking to become leaders in advanced manufacturing?

I’m not an engineer by training, but I’ve spent my entire career working with engineers, and I can tell you that, given the pace of technological evolution and the competitive landscape—geopolitically or otherwise—there’s always a shortage of engineers. The ability to put things together and make them work is crucial, and the fields of mechanical, electrical and other engineering disciplines are expanding.

Over the last 40 years, the pace of technological acceleration has been driven by engineers tackling increasingly complex challenges. However, I think we’ve seen a bit of a shift in focus over the last decade, with more attention on social media, software and entertainment. While those fields are important, the ability to create things that solve societal problems is vital, and I believe we’re seeing a return to that focus.

My advice to engineers is to keep doing what you’re doing. It’s hard work, but it’s what the world needs. Focus on creating things that will make a difference in society and improve people’s lives.

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Additive Industries and Additive Assurance have partnered up to cooperate on providing in situ process monitoring with Additive Industries’ MetalFab portfolio of laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) machines. This collaboration will leverage the complementary strengths of both companies to improve the process monitoring of additively manufactured parts in high performance applications.

Additive Industries has been manufacturing metal L-PBF machines for over a decade. The company’s product portfolio was recently updated with the MetalFab 300 Flex. According to Additive Industries, it’s the only metal printer on the market with an on-demand platform size, providing flexibility for manufacturers and making metal additive manufacturing more accessible.

Additive Assurance’s AMiRIS offers the ability to inspect the quality of 3D printed parts during production. This can accelerate the quality validation process and ultimately lead to higher yield and production consistency of L-PBF manufactured parts. AMiRIS is a logical extension to the MetalFab series, designed to address quality assurance with in situ monitoring by enabling manufacturers to detect and address quality problems during production. By providing real-time insights into the build process, AMiRIS can strengthen certification and quality assurance efforts, ultimately leading to shorter production cycles and higher confidence in the final product’s quality.

“Our partnership with Additive Assurance aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing the capabilities of metal additive manufacturing,” said Mark Massey, CEO of Additive Industries. By integrating AMiRIS with our MetalFab portfolio, including our new MetalFab 300 Flex, we’re enhancing real-time quality assurance, offering our customers greater flexibility, and setting new standards in production consistency and reliability.”

“We are delighted to be working with Additive Industries to add value to their customers’ experience and to push the boundaries of what is possible with L-PBF AM,” added Marten Jurg, CEO of Additive Assurance.

Additive Industries and Additive Assurance expect this partnership to result in a broader deployment of in situ monitoring for users of the MetalFab portfolio and ultimately a broader adoption of L-PBF.

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TROY, MI, Aug 21, 2024 – Altair and Oasys, the software house of Arup, announced a joint development agreement to deliver an integrated solution for safety simulation modeling in the automotive market.

This solution will provide customers with a seamless workflow between Altair® HyperWorks®, a world-class design and simulation platform, and Oasys PRIMER, a market leading product for the preparation and modification of crash safety analysis models.

Accessible through the Altair HyperWorks environment, engineers will be able to seamlessly utilize the power of the combined platforms to prepare data for simulations.

“We are delighted to team up with Oasys, whose pedigree and strong market presence in crash simulation has long been admired,” said James R. Scapa, founder and chief executive officer, Altair. “The combination of the power of Altair HyperWorks and Oasys PRIMER will provide customers with an advanced solution for safety modeling.”

“Altair is a leader in the automotive simulation sector, and we look forward to seeing what our customers will achieve with this new solution,” said Peter Young, director, Oasys. “The Oasys Suite provides best-in-class solutions to accelerate and advance crash simulations, and this collaboration with Altair will catapult our joint offer.”

Powered by AI-augmented 3D modeling and visualization tools, and next-gen design and optimization workflows, Altair HyperWorks empowers users to effortlessly manage large and complex models, unveil critical insights, optimize designs, and foster innovation.

The Oasys Suite is a tailored set of tools which support users to analyze, build and share quality models and results with confidence. They are at the cutting edge of pre- and post-processing software and are used by customers worldwide.

For more information about the Altair HyperWorks design and simulation platform, visit altair.com/altair-hyperworks.

For more information about Oasys PRIMER, visit oasys-software.com/dyna/software/primer.

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ROCHESTER, NY, Aug 21, 2024 – EagleView announces that Courtney Cooke will be joining the company as vice president of enterprise growth. Cooke has spent over 20 years working across the P&C insurance industry with top tier carriers and Insurtech startups. She will be leveraging that experience in working with carriers to address their top pain points with technology solutions.

Courtney Cooke“We support 9 out of the top 10 insurance companies in North America as well as a wide range of carriers from farm bureaus to regional mutuals,” said Piers Dormeyer, CEO of EagleView. “Bringing on Courtney will help us support our customers more effectively, partnering with them to deliver new solutions in a dynamic and challenging market. We are thrilled to have her strategic expertise and wide network on our team as we expand to reach new customers.”

Cooke began her journey as a specialized adjuster for the in-house managed repair program at State Farm Insurance in 2002. After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, she joined the Catastrophe Response Team where she continued to serve those in need. Following eight years in training, auditing, classroom instruction, and development path, she moved on to the Office of Learning. She worked with over thirty-five thousand claims employees in that department focused on training prioritization and budget allocation.

In 2018, Courtney transitioned to a vendor support role within the P&C industry as the VP of business development for an independent adjusting company, where she was focused on servicing and consulting with industry leaders for both property and auto claims. In 2021, she pivoted to an AI company where she became the executive vice president of sales and marketing, providing alternative inspection solutions for existing property inspection models. This addressed the industry’s need for an Insurtech alternative at a reduced cost, optimizing efficiency while controlling costs for underwriting and claims leaders.

“I joined EagleView because I’ve seen the efficiency it delivers. It’s a must have for insurance professionals seeking to reduce costs and improve customer experience. I can’t wait to introduce it to a growing class of tech-forward insurers,” said Courtney Cook, VP of enterprise growth at EagleView.

EagleView is renowned for its geospatial data and extensive imagery library which encompasses 94 percent of the U.S. population.

For more information about EagleView, visit eagleview.com.

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IRVINE, CA, Aug 21, 2024 – EON Reality Inc. has announced a landmark partnership with Ethiopia for a $7.5 Million Spatial AI Center. This groundbreaking initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Labor and Skills of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, sets the stage for a revolutionary advancement in education and workforce development across the nation.

Key Highlights $7.5 Million Agreement: The agreement outlines a significant investment to revolutionize education and workforce development in Ethiopia. * Extensive Reach: The initiative will provide 115,000 licenses for the Spatial AI platform, with the potential to reach up to 500,000 users. * Tailored Content: Development of 10,000 Ethiopia-specific courses to address local educational needs. * Innovation Hub:* Creation of an AI Innovation Hub to support Ethiopian SMEs and foster local entrepreneurship.

Dan Lejerskar, chairman of EON Reality, stated, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to make knowledge accessible globally. We are excited to work alongside the Ethiopian government to bring cutting-edge AI and XR technologies to students and professionals across the country.”

The Spatial AI Center will leverage EON Reality’s advanced platform to provide immersive learning experiences, fostering crucial digital skills and catalyzing economic growth in the region. This initiative aligns closely with Ethiopia’s 10-year prosperity plan and the government’s commitment to enhancing education through digital means.

H.E Dr. Teshale Berecha, State Minister of Labour and Skills, representing Minister Muferihat Kamil Ahmed, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating, “This collaboration with EON Reality represents a transformative step in our journey towards digital education. It will significantly enhance our capacity to prepare our workforce for the challenges of the 21st century.”

The project includes:

Deployment of a Spatial AI platform with 115,000 licenses
Extended user capacity of up to 500,000 users
Development of 10,000 Ethiopia-specific tailored courses
Establishment of the Learn for Life AI Academy
Creation of an AI Innovation Hub to support Ethiopian SMEs

EON Reality’s commitment extends beyond technology provision, including comprehensive training, support services, and cloud infrastructure to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative.

This partnership underscores EON Reality’s dedication to democratizing access to advanced educational technologies and aligns with its 15-year history of supporting educational initiatives in Africa through its non-profit organization, Learn for Life.

EON Reality is a world leader in artificial intelligence-powered augmented and virtual reality-based experience creation and knowledge transfer for industry and education. For more information, visit eonreality.com.

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HelixIntel has announced the integration of HSB IoT sensor technology with its cutting-edge CMMS platform, PropertyOS. This groundbreaking combination empowers users with real-time insights into environmental conditions, system performance, and automated work orders. The upgrades to PropertyOS, enhance maintenance management and significantly improve asset reliability.

The fusion of HSB IoT sensor data with CMMS capabilities marks a significant leap forward in maintenance management. By incorporating data from sensors that detect moisture, heat, and other critical metrics, HelixIntel’s PropertyOS platform now offers unparalleled visibility and control over facility operations. Users can monitor sensor readings via an intuitive dashboard to help predict equipment failures and help prevent them from happening. This integration facilitates proactive maintenance, enhances asset performance, and minimizes costly downtime.

Alerts can automatically trigger customized workflows as designed by users. Tasks are then assigned to the appropriate personnel, and all aspects of the work orders are tracked from inception through completion.

In addition to IoT, PropertyOS enriches asset data with equipment photos, open work items, manufacturers and more, generating comprehensive digital records. These records help managers spot trends and coordinate maintenance teams more effectively. With the integration of predictive analytics, potential equipment failures may be identified before they occur, enhancing decision-making and maintenance planning to ensure optimal asset performance.

HelixIntel revolutionizes facility management with forward-thinking solutions. PropertyOS, powered by a robust computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), simplifies facility management by seamlessly handling unlimited equipment, supplies, and inventory. Its cutting-edge Predict and Prevent Engine optimizes operations, improves asset reliability, and mitigates risks for organizations and partners.

For more information, visit helixintel.com.

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LIVERMORE, CA, Aug 21, 2024 – Topcon Positioning Systems has announced that Ray O’Connor, president and chief executive officer, will retire in September 2025 after over three decades of exceptional leadership. O’Connor will transition to the role of Chairman of the Topcon Positioning Systems Board of Directors effective September 1, 2024, providing guidance and support to the executive leadership team during this important year of transition.

Succeeding O’Connor as president and CEO is Ivan Di Federico, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer for Topcon Positioning Systems. After two decades with the company, Di Federico will assume his new role on September 1, 2024.

“It has been a true privilege to lead Topcon Positioning Systems for the past three decades and witness the incredible growth and evolution of the company,” said Ray O’Connor. “I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished, and confident that Ivan is the right leader to take the company into the future. His deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and proven track record of driving innovation make him the ideal choice to lead the company through its next chapter of growth and success.”

Under O’Connor’s leadership, Topcon Positioning Systems has experienced dramatic organic growth and expansion into new markets and product lines. During his tenure, he was responsible for numerous key acquisitions, as well as the expansion into GNSS, radios, machine automation, and global positioning software and workflow solutions for the construction and precision agriculture industries. “Ray has made significant contributions to the global positioning industry through his many patents, inspired by his product vision and application experience — I am honored to succeed him as president and CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems,” said Ivan Di Federico.

In addition to the leadership transition, Topcon also announced that Philip Thach will be promoted to executive vice president (EVP) chief operating officer, and EVP chief financial officer, effective September 1, 2024. Thach joined Topcon in 2018 as CFO and has been instrumental in developing financial controls, strategic planning, and operational efficiencies.

The announcement of these executive leadership changes reflects Topcon’s commitment to a thoughtful and well-planned succession process that will ensure a smooth transition and continued momentum for the company, while maintaining its customer-centric culture and values. With a strong leadership team in place, Topcon is poised to build on its history of innovation and market leadership.

For more information, visit topconpositioning.com.

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Austin, TX, Aug 21, 2024 – Enthought, a company powering digital transformation for science, announced that Resonac, a Japanese functional chemical manufacturer, has expanded its adoption of Enthought’s innovative Materials Informatics (MI) Acceleration Program, following remarkable success achieved through the program at Enthought’s Austin, Texas location in 2023. Integration of MI into R&D can dramatically accelerate novel material product development but requires deep education for the scientists responsible for its success. Enthought’s MI program helps develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to maximize the use of data and deepen the knowledge and insights gleaned from it.

Under the mentorship of Enthought MI experts, Resonac researchers have gained not only cutting-edge machine learning and AI skills for modeling materials data, but also first-hand experience scoping projects, developing prototypes and presenting findings. The transformation was so profound that, in under one year, Resonac nearly doubled the number of participants that went through the unique immersion program. In 2024, the extended partnership will help Resonac further cultivate its scientists’ skills, as it plans to triple its original participant size.

“We are more than delighted with the results of our partnership with Enthought, and are eager to continue the momentum by offering the Materials Informatics Acceleration Program to more of our employees,” said Yoshishige Okuno, fellow and head of Research Center for Computational Science and Informatics at Resonac. “Learning alongside MI consulting scientists enhances our competitiveness and opens up our people to a new way of thinking that propels innovation forward at Resonac.”

At the heart of the MI methodology lies the capability to leverage AI and machine learning tools to create robust software applications and tackle real industrial challenges, transcending sole reliance on the principles of physics and chemistry. Enthought’s deeply skilled MI technical team knows this methodology, and has been a major differentiator ensuring transformative results for Resonac’s participating scientists and engineers–so that they can ultimately introduce new products to the market quickly, through efficient lab decision-making.

Enthought has helped Resonac’s scientists fuel a variety of MI projects to date, including:

An application that uses predictive models to help explore complex materials design space for specialty product development
A special-purpose training dataset by using the latest natural language processing tools to extract polymer property data from academic literature
A robust automated imaging inspection system for quality control monitoring using deep learning
Machine learning-accelerated computational chemistry calculations

“Effectively implemented MI moves beyond applying a new technology or adopting a new platform–it transforms people, processes and technology. One goal of Enthought’s MI Acceleration Program is to do just that, and revolutionize the mindset of scientists. It has been satisfying to witness Resonac’s employees’ transformation and readiness to insert new approaches into their work, and we look forward to continuing to foster their success in the coming year,” said Mike Heiber, Ph.D., Director, professional services and customer success, Materials Informatics at Enthought.

Resonac scientists not only explored a broad range of MI technologies, they rapidly adopted more efficient and robust practices for MI project advancement, the benefits of which extended to scientists outside of the program. Several of the software tools developed have also had a broader impact and taken new life in adaptations to new related business challenges.

For more information, please visit enthought.com/materials-science-chemistry/materials-informatics-acceleration-program/.

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Stephen Hooper is vice president of software development, design and manufacturing at Autodesk.In this article, we continue the discussion of AI in design and manufacturing software with Stephen Hooper, VP of software development for Autodesk’s Design and Manufacturing division. Part two can be found here.

Engineering.com: I’ve anticipated levels of automation for various design software AIs — like SAE levels that classify autonomous-driving capabilities and Level 5 indicating full autonomy. Design software with such capability would get a prompt such as, ‘Hey AI, design a car’ and would design and builds a car. Level 0 is where we’re now. We design and building everything. The geometry is a little smart but mostly dumb. In between, levels abound. At the first level might be what Mike Haley of Autodesk talked about — a natural language UI. That might be the low hanging fruit. That would eliminate the dependance on traditional icon-based menu-based system.

Hooper: Some vendors say, and some startups have tried this. You’ll see a lot of these new startups where this text-based input leads to maybe a skateboard. It’s a little naive to believe that we could do much more than that for a couple of reasons. Let’s use 2D graphics as an example. Let’s suppose I write a prompt that creates an image of a dimly lit nighttime street scene in San Francisco. It’s a back street with neon lights, and there’s a car parked on the curb on the sidewalk. AI: create that image for me. It will accurately create that image for you. The trouble the large language model can get the same prompt three times and yield three different results. With a specific idea in mind, you’re going to have to start to expand the prompt. You’re going to have to say “I want a green neon sign, and I want the green neon sign to say Al’s Bar and I want the Al’s Bar to be six feet off the floor on the right-hand side of the image. And the car should be a Chevy pickup truck. And make it red. The problem is that for a precise output, the prompt will be so big and take so long to define that one may as well create the image manually. This is true with parametrics, too. If I say I draw me a flat plate that is 200 by 400 mil and it has six equally spaced holes in the middle of a flat plate and those equally spaced holes are going to be drilled with six mil diameter all the way through. It’s almost faster for me to draw a rectangle, put the holes in and dimension it. I think a pure text-based product that delivers a whole product definition is highly unlikely. I expect we will move towards what we would call a multimodal prompt by which one may provide an equation for the performance characteristics of the product. An engineer might provide some hand sketches, a little bit of a text description, and a spreadsheet that includes some of the standard parts to be used. I would call that a prompt package that is multimodal. You’d give back to an AI that’s able to accept multimodal input. From that it would derive a range of options with which to interact, edit and refine procedurally to get to the target output. There might be some things one can have produced purely from a prompt — for an M5 screw with a pitch of 1.5, for example. But to get to a product definition, it’s going to be much harder.

Engineering.com: There may be certain things that I’m used to doing, certain shapes that I’m used to using, or certain components. What if the AI could anticipate them? Say I’m a bike designer and in the habit of using round tubes. Could AI sense from the line I am drawing that it will be tube and start drawing a tube? Can it use the shapes I am familiar with? That’s what I’d call Design Assist rather than fully automatic design.

Hooper: I think at the moment people’s mental model of this is that it’s static and asynchronous. I think for it to be truly useful; it will be interactive and synchronous. With bicycle example, one may draw a layout sketch, and it comes back with 16 options. One could say, “I like that option.” It’s not actually right now so I’m going to tweak it a little bit and then it’s going to come back and say “Okay, based on how you’ve tweaked it, I’m going to optimize it so one can make it with carbon fiber in a mold.

Engineering.com: That’s been my frustration with what’s has been provided so far. We’re engineers and one gave us generative design. Generative design is going to start from scratch and give us, excuse the term, garbage geometry. An experienced bike designer would want to start with tubular construction. A structural engineer may want to start modeling with I-beams. Not globs. We’re not going to use that.

Hooper: There’ll be some elements that are deterministic and other elements that can be created. The cross sections for steel structure are going to be 100% deterministic. It could be 50 by 50 by 2.5 box section or an action or a W-150 I-beam. Those will be deterministic. Then, again, we’ll have that multimodal input. one might say to the system, here are the different types of steel members that I want to use. Then one might give it a rough line sketch to say I want a structure that is three meters high in this kind of format. It will take the sketch and the list of standard content that one want to use and produce the structure for you.

Engineering.com: That is what I would call Design Assist. It’s going to use shapes and parts I’m comfortable with what I’ve already found to be optimum or standard and start using those things. If I’m making a wall, I don’t want to have to draw the two by fours. If I’m creating a commercial building I don’t want to draw the I-beams. I don’t want to use blobs. Let me use round tubes. AI can help me figure out where the connections between the round tubes should be. What is the optimum configuration of the round tubes for maximum strength and minimal weight?

By the way, no one has taken me up on my bike challenge, designing a bike frame that is better than the standard diamond shape made with tubes. Excuse my impatience, Stephen. I know one guys are trying hard. You’re putting a lot of stuff into the CAD software. This is me saying after one part of the house is redesigned, It looks great but what about the rest of it? Why can’t we do this? Honestly, I love that Autodesk isn’t making me annotated drawings. That’s great.

AI levels of automation suggested by Autodesk.Hooper: point on levels. I would suggest levels that come after that. The level that comes after that would be multidisciplinary. Now, you’re looking at a 3D model or someone using Cadence is looking at a printed circuit board. There are different AIs and different domain disciplines. An AI that can get into a multidisciplinary model would be ideal. Beyond that, into systems architecture. Now I can generatively produce a systems architecture for a product. Then I’m not going to need to do a detailed design. I’m going to look at the interaction. I’m going to have some black box for the software — some black box for the transmission, the suspension, another black box for the electronics. We can build the systems architecture generatively and then at the next level from systems architecture, then being able to generatively produce the actual details in each of the disciplines. Then I think we’ll get to a generative AI design platform.

When AI goes bad. A blob-eye view of a bicycle frame. Note the chainring embedded in the blob. Image from video posted on Facebook.Engineering.com: Okay, but don’t give me blobs.

Hooper: I agree — no generative design. Only in the sense of historical generative design, a generative AI platform for design.

Engineering.com: That annotation item and the CNC AI mentioned earlier sound excellent.

Hooper: At Level 1, we have a design check and at level two we eliminate the non-value-added tasks.

Engineering.com: To remove what we don’t want to deal with — because engineers hate to annotate.

Hooper: Level three is the design assist; level four is multidisciplinary; level 5 is systems level and architecture; level 6 is the complete product definition.

Engineering.com: I’ll be taking a stab at establishing those levels. I’ll share them with you. We’ve been hearing companies say they’ve got AI and I think how much? A standard with levels would let everyone see if they are at level one or two.

Hooper: We’re also being secretive, because there may be things that they may be things we’re working on that we don’t want to talk about.

Engineering.com: I thought so but one have told me about Fusion 360 having automatic annotation. Is that public information?

Hooper: The annotations in Fusion will be live in the product soon. That’s public, but there may be other things that we’re working on with Mike Haley that are secret.

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EXTON, PA, Aug 19, 2024 – Bentley Systems, Inc. announced the finalists of the 2024 Going Digital Awards. The annual awards event honors the extraordinary work of Bentley’s global users, showcasing how innovative software enables the advancement of the world’s infrastructure for better quality of life. This year, 36 finalists, across 12 categories, were selected from over 250 nominations submitted by organizations in 36 countries.

Representatives from the finalist organizations will present their projects to a panel of 34 independent judges, to determine the award winners. Winners will be revealed on October 9, during the 2024 Going Digital Awards event, held at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. More information about each finalist project can be found on Bentley’s website here.

“Infrastructure is essential. It connects us locally and globally, supporting our society and economic growth and development,” said Kristin Fallon, chief marketing officer, Bentley Systems. “This year’s Going Digital Awards finalists represent an impressive mix of international projects that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on land, at sea, and underground. These programs highlight engineering genius; they showcase the teams of infrastructure professionals that are unlocking the power of data with AI, digital twins, immersive visualizations, and more, to make modern life possible. We applaud and celebrate each finalist for their outstanding achievements to make better, more resilient critical infrastructure for an improved quality of life.”

The finalists in the 2024 Going Digital Awards are:

Bridges and Tunnels JMT – Digital Experience for I-95 Rappahannock River Crossing Construction Project, Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States * QK4, Inc. – Going Digital Survey with Bridging Kentucky, Kentucky, United States * Tecne Systra-Sws Advanced Tunneling Srl* – Digital Implementation in Tunnel Assessment and Rehabilitation, Italy

Construction PT Hutama Karya (Persero) – Navigating the Complexities of Jakarta MRT Phase 2A CP203 with Digital Solutions, Jakarta, South Jakarta, Indonesia * Webuild s.p.a. – 4D Modeling and Construction Management for a Pedestrian Steel Bridge Erection in the New ENI Headquarter Complex in Milan, Italy, San Donato Milanese, Lombardia to Milano, Italy * Proicere Ltd.* – SPRS Retreatment (SRP) Sellafield, Seascale, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Enterprise Engineering Arcadis – A Blueprint for Transforming Project Delivery Through Automation, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom * Mott MacDonald and HDR – Ontario Line – Information Management, Toronto, Ontario, Canada * Amey* – Core Valley Lines (CVL) Transformation – South Wales Metro, UK, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Facilities, Campuses, and Cities Guangdong Airport Authority – Digital Innovation Application of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Phase III Expansion Project, Guangzhou, China * PT Wijaya Karya (Persero) Tbk – Nusantara Presidential Complex, New Capital City of Indonesia, Nusantara, Indonesia * China ENFI Engineering Co., Ltd.* – Digital Construction Project of Comprehensive Garbage Treatment Facilities in Xiong’an New Area, Beijing, China

Process and Power Generation MCC Capital Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited – Integrated Application of BIM Technology in the Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of the World’s First Hydrogen Metallurgy Engineering Demonstration Project, Hebei, China * WISDRI Engineering and Research Incorporation Limited – Digital Innovative Applications throughout the Process of Iron and Steel EPC Projects, Wuhan, Hubei, China * PowerChina ZhongNan Engineering Corporation Limited* – Digital Twin of Shandong Energy Group Bozhong Offshore Wind Farm Site A, Dongying, Shandong, China

Rail and Transit SPL Powerlines UK – Midland Main Line Electrification, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and South Yorkshire; United Kingdom * Transport for London – The Elizabeth Line, London, England, United Kingdom * INECO* – Master Design Stage RBDTD-LV-DS3 North Latvian Section, Latvia

Roads and Highways China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Highway Engineering Consulting Corporation – Phnom Penh – Bavet Expressway, Phnom Penh, Cambodia * WISDRI Engineering & Research Incorporation Limited – Wuhan Gaoxin 4th Road Comprehensive Reconstruction Project, Wuhan, Hubei, China * Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)* – Digital Twin Implementation for NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, Caloocan to Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Structural Engineering Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd. – New Physical Modeling Method for Plant Steel Structures Using STAAD API, Seoul, South Korea * Arcadis – Advanced Analysis and Design of Flood Protection Structures through Automation, New York City, Indianapolis, and Dallas; New York, Indiana, and Texas; United States * Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited* – Enhancing Urban Connectivity–The Punjabi Bagh Interchange, New Delhi, Delhi, India

Subsurface Modeling and Analysis Dataforensics – USACE Ground to Cloud – Enterprise Data Management Migration, Washington, District of Columbia, United States * Spark and WSP – North East Link Central Package, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia * PT Hutama Karya (Persero)* – Integrating Subsurface Model for Efficient Geotech Data Management in Trans Sumatera, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia

Surveying and Monitoring Monir Precision Monitoring – Samantha Ford – 31 Parliament Street Urban Infrastructure and Excavation Shoring Monitoring, Toronto, Ontario, Canada * Water Supplies Department – Digital Twin of the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China * China First Metallurgical Group Co., Ltd.* – Application of Intelligent Construction Technology in the Construction of Comprehensive Improvement Project for the Outlet Reach of Fuhuan River, Wuhan, Huebei, China

Transmission and Distribution Southwest Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd. of China Power Engineering Consulting Group – Full Life Cycle Digital Applications of Butuo ±800kV Converter Station, Liangshan, Sichuan, China * COPEL Distribuição S.A. – Implementation of BIM Modeling for Medium- and High-voltage Substation Projects, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil * Exo Inc.* – Ohio Falls River Crossing Towers, Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Water and Wastewater Beijing Shougang International Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Wanhua Chemical (Penglai) Co., Ltd. – 300,000 Tonnes/Day Seawater Desalination Project of Wanhua Chemical (Penglai) Co., Ltd., Yantai, Shandong, China * L&T Construction – Uttar Pradesh Tube Well Project under Jal Jeevan Mission, Uttar Pradesh, India * Basic Sanitation Utility Company of the State of São Paulo – Sabesp* – INTEGRA 4.0 Cultural Transformation Through Digitalization, São Paulo, Brazil

More information about Bentley’s 2024 Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards can be found here.

Bentley Systems is the infrastructure engineering software company. They provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment. For more information, visit bentley.com.

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Eyrus and Insight Risk Technologies has announced their alliance, pairing Eyrus’ construction IoT platform with Insight Risk’s Builder’s Risk insurance and risk management services. Together, Eyrus and Insight Risk can rapidly implement technology and risk management strategies that reduce Builder’s Risk premiums and deductibles, minimizing construction property losses and maximizing project financial performance.

As recent industries statistics show, water and fire are leading sources of loss on commercial construction sites, causing project timelines to be delayed, building costs to increase, and reputations to be damaged. Through this alliance, Eyrus and Insight Risk seek to prevent losses before they occur by deploying loss-minimizing solutions and delivering valuable data at a project management level and corporate initiative level.

Eyrus provides a comprehensive IoT and SaaS platform for construction workforce management and worksite monitoring by gathering data from video cameras, water/fire/CO2 sensors, weather services, and worker wearables that deliver real-time communication about safety, work time and attendance information, and AI-driven insights to drive worksite productivity. Their offering complements Insight Risk’s deep experience in Builder’s Risk insurance, IoT technology, and professional services, providing comprehensive end-to-end technology design, procurement, and deployment services to guide clients to their risk management goals.

“We save our customers a lot of time and money with automated workforce and worksite solutions. We want to bring them more value when it comes to risk management. We value our alliance with Insight Risk because of their value-add mentality – they don’t stop at meeting insurance requirements and provide best-in-class insurance premiums, they are committed to providing cutting edge technology that brings value throughout the project lifecycle,” said Hussein Cholkamy, COO of Eyrus.

“In an industry facing ever tighter margins, additional expenses on a project bid or insurance quote could result in losing the opportunity. Plus, the process of installing and managing new equipment means lost productivity, increased payroll, additional subcontractors to manage, and longer project timelines for all involved,” shared Chad Hollingsworth, co-founder and president of Insight Risk. “Our alliance with Eyrus will benefit our customers so they have safer, better-connected job sites without additional cost, complexity, or disruption plus cost savings on their Builder’s Risk insurance policy.”

The Eyrus Workforce Intelligence Platform brings together a significant set of worksite solutions that drive efficiencies on-site and drive initiatives in office. Learn more about Eyrus at Eyrus.com.

Insight Risk Technologies is a technology-focused Builder’s Risk MGA with a critical advantage: their unique model bundles Internet of Things (IoT) loss control prevention solutions, comprehensive A+ rated insurance, and proactive risk management to reduce losses significantly and deliver value-added benefits to our policyholders and carrier partners. Learn more at insightrisktec.com.

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NEWTON, MA, Aug 19, 2024 – OpenBOM has announced a significant update tailored specifically for Autodesk Fusion users.

This new release, scheduled for later this month, is centered around enhancing user experience and simplifying the workflow, but also adding a rich set of new features to support Autodesk Fusion and Autodesk Platform Services.

At the core of this release is the all-new “Quick Start” feature, a breakthrough in usability that dramatically reduces the time and effort required to begin using OpenBOM within Autodesk Fusion 360. Designed for both new and experienced users, “Quick Start” streamlines the BOM creation process to a single click, allowing users to focus more on their design and engineering tasks and less on setup.

The “Quick Start” feature in OpenBOM revolutionizes BOM management by making the setup process effortless—users can download and install the latest OpenBOM add-in for Fusion in just minutes. Once installed, a new BOM button seamlessly integrates into the Fusion interface, allowing for easy access to BOM creation and management. With a simple login to OpenBOM, a complete BOM is instantly generated for the active project, eliminating the need for complex configurations or settings.

The “Quick Start” function, while simple, is packed with powerful features. It includes automatic part number generation, ensuring consistency and preventing duplication, and comprehensive data extraction that captures key properties like geometry, weight, and derivatives from Fusion designs for a complete and accurate BOM. Additionally, users can now include PDFs of drawings in the BOM, enhancing communication with teams and partners. The function also integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Fusion Manage for a smooth transition from design to manufacturing and includes sustainability data integration, allowing users to track and optimize the environmental impact of their designs.

“This major update is part of OpenBOM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its service across all CAD integrations and our commitment to Autodesk partnership” , says Oleg Shilovitsky, CEO and co-founder of OpenBOM, ”focus on improving usability and simplifying processes exemplifies OpenBOM’s dedication to making PLM technologies accessible, efficient, and powerful for every user.”

“In just 5 minutes, OpenBOM transformed what could have been days of tedious work into a streamlined process. From installing and configuring to generating a comprehensive BOM for my Autodesk Fusion design, OpenBOM saved me countless hours and made the entire project so much easier to manage,” says TylerR, a founder and owner of a small design firm.

OpenBOM is a cloud-native digital thread platform providing PDM, PLM, and ERP capabilities that manage product data and connect manufacturers and their supply chain networks. OpenBOM streamlines product development processes for teams and supply chains. For more information, visit openbom.com.

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN and REHOVOT, Israel, Aug 19, 2024 – Stratasys Ltd. will release financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The company plans to hold the conference call to discuss its second quarter 2024 financial results on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 8:30AM (ET).

The investor conference call will be available via live webcast on the Stratasys website at investors.stratasys.com; or directly at the following Web address: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=2xc8Kb5W

To participate by telephone, the U.S. toll-free number is 877-407-0619 and the international dial-in is +1-412-902-1012. Investors are advised to dial into the call at least ten minutes prior to the call to register. The webcast will be available for 6 months at investors.stratasys.com, or by accessing the above-provided web address.

Stratasysis leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. To learn more about Stratasys, visit stratasys.com.

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DAYTON, OH, Aug 19, 2024 – The Ohio Department of Transportation has hired Woolpert for two separate engineering contracts to support bridge maintenance, repair, and replacement projects throughout the state.

The first contract supports ODOT District 9’s bridge replacement projects on State Route 772 in a rural area of Huntington Township in Ross County and State Route 138 near Clarksburg, Ohio. Woolpert will provide hydrology and hydraulics analyses, bridge structure type studies, conceptual maintenance of traffic (MOT) planning, and floodplain notification services.

Under the second contract, Woolpert will provide field condition surveys, testing, MOT planning, and condition evaluation reports for District 12 to support maintenance repairs on 11 bridges along U.S. Route 422 in Cuyahoga and Geauga counties.

Woolpert bridge engineer and project manager Tom Less said these projects are proactive to prevent aging bridges from reaching a hazardous state.

“ODOT is committed to ensuring that Ohio’s infrastructure is safe, maintained, and well-positioned for the future, and these contracts will help support that mission,” Less said. “While Woolpert has expanded its presence and services throughout the U.S. and world, we are always incredibly proud to continue our support for such a long-term, valued client and state that many of us here at Woolpert call home.”

The contracts are underway.

For more information, visit woolpert.com.

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Digital transformation projects create the opportunity to deliver value to engineers and their organizations every day. However, like other projects, digital transformation projects routinely face the risk of disasters. With awareness of the source of digital transformation disasters, projects can mitigate their impact by:

Listing the associated risks in detail in the project charter to educate stakeholders.
Including specific tasks in the project plan to avoid or minimize the impact of disasters.
Conducting parallel projects to address these situations before they turn into disasters.

Here is a list of the most common issues that cause digital transformation disasters. Anticipating these issues will position your project for success, allowing the organization to squeeze more value from its data.

Too many data problemsData problems often overwhelm digital transformation projects. Some typical data problems include:

Missing values such as incomplete component specifications or missing product descriptions.
Incompatible key values for data columns, such as customer and vendor codes across systems.
Incorrect data such as material and supplier codes, dates and discount percentages.
Missing transaction history where data such as engineering change history or warranty claims is essential to analyzing trends.
The absence of data quality standards.

Correcting data problems will add to the project cost and extend the schedule, undermining the project team’s efforts. The significant effort required to make corrections will surprise management and potentially reduce their commitment to digital transformation.

To manage data problems in ways that are helpful to advancing digital transformation, engineers can undertake the following actions:

Recognize the risk of data issues in the project charter to set stakeholder expectations.
During the feasibility phase of the project, profile all the potential data sources to determine the extent of data issues.
Share the data issues identified with the data stewards and encourage them to take action to make corrections.
Start the project by focusing on data sources that exhibit fewer data issues.

Lack of data literacyEmployees’ lack of data literacy is impeding the realization of benefits from digital transformation because they are not using the available digital data.

This lack of data literacy means the planned benefits of digital transformation are not a reality in the organization. The absence of visible benefits will reduce management’s commitment to digital transformation.

To overcome employees’ lack of data literacy, project teams can take the following actions:

Develop a library of data analytic routines that employees can run and modify to suit their needs.
Offer in-house, instructor-led training for the available data and data analytic tools.
Offer one-on-one coaching for employees.
Point employees to specific YouTube videos that will improve their conversancy with the available data analytic tools.
Develop a library of frequently requested reports that employees can run and export the data to Excel.

Viewing generative AI as a silver bulletThe explosion of generative AI during the past two years has caused some to view this incredibly capable technology as a silver bullet that can be easily applied to many problems, including digital transformation.

Delivering generative AI features as part of a digital transformation project is not trivial and can lead to undesirable consequences, including:

Poorly constructed prompts that produce erroneous results and then misleading recommendations.
Leakage of commercially sensitive intellectual property into the hands of others.
Risk of inadvertently infringing on the copyrights of others.
Investment in multiple generative AI software packages that increase cost more than value.
A more reasonable approach to applying generative AI for engineering applications includes implementing these elements:
Orient your organization on generative AI capabilities, risks, and limitations.
Architect a data and analytics environment that will include a data lakehouse to manage both structured and unstructured data.
Design an AI computing infrastructure, including cloud components that is efficient, scalable, well-governed and at least somewhat future-proof.
Strike a balance between leveraging vendor capabilities that provide little competitive advantage and developing in-house models and related software that will be costly.
Choose where to deploy open-source and proprietary technologies.
Identify which of the many AI use cases are suitable for your company and can deliver tangible business value.
Build trust in AI-driven solutions through detailed verification of results.

Chasing the latest technologySome digital transformation project teams become excited by or even fixated on the latest vendor announcements about information technology advances. Examples include:

Incorporating a sophisticated data visualization software package when a simpler and cheaper one is sufficient.
Including generative AI capability when it’s of limited value to the digital transformation.
Using a graph DBMS when a relational DBMS is sufficient.
Building a data warehouse when integrating data from multiple data sources is straightforward.
Introducing a new integrated software development environment that is unfamiliar to the organization.

Often, teams see the potential benefits of new information technology without considering how the immature technology will add cost, create delays and introduce quality problems.

Changing technologies or adding more and more technologies mid-project will distract and overwhelm digital transformation projects. Impacts will include reworking software, training staff, and building familiarity with the new technology.

Engineers can take a superior approach by carefully selecting a set of information technologies near the beginning and sticking with the choices for the project’s duration. Information technologies do not advance so quickly that older technologies become obsolete within a system’s planned existence. Engineers successfully use software packages and application development tools that aren’t the latest and greatest every day.

Fantasy business caseSome companies approve digital transformation projects based on an unrealistic business case. Engineers can recognize a fantasy business case because it will include one or more of the following elements:

Estimated future revenue increases that exceed the historical trend.
Estimated future operating costs will decrease more than the historical trend.
The project cost estimate is unrealistically low, does not include a contingency amount and does not recognize the cost of likely change orders.
There is no discounting of the value of future benefits.
Quantification of intangible benefits such as brand value or customer satisfaction. Intangible benefits can be essential aspects of digital transformation projects. However, quantifying these benefits is not realistic.

Engineers can promote a credible business case based on tangible benefits and a more reasonable project cost. While digital transformation offers companies many benefits, those benefits often indirectly support other goals, such as reduced operating costs, compressed product development work or increased market share.

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An international team of researchers claims to have significantly improved the efficiency of thermoelectric materials by altering their geometry to resemble an hourglass. Unlike previous research that solely depended on the material properties of thermoelectric substances, the researchers expect their new approach to have widespread applications in thermoelectric power generation.

The joint research team was led by professors Jae Sung Son of South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Saniya LeBlanc of George Washington University. Together, they developed a new geometry for thermoelectric materials—previously confined to cuboid shapes—through geometric design and 3D printing processes. According to the team, this new design significantly enhances power generation efficiency.

Thermoelectric materials, which are central to thermoelectric technology, are typically made from solid thermoelectric semiconductor materials. Up until now, research on thermoelectric generators has focused on improving the inherent thermoelectric material properties. However, despite improvements in this area, the efficiency of thermoelectric generators is still insufficiency for practical everyday use.

The joint research team has demonstrated that simply changing the geometry and composition of thermoelectric materials can maximize power generation efficiency. By simulating eight different geometric structures, including the traditional cuboid shape and the hourglass shape, and measuring the power generation efficiency of each, the team confirmed that the hourglass consistently outperformed others under all power generation conditions.

A schematic representation of the efficiency enhancement in thermoelectric generators. [a.] shows the eight different geometries used in the study as well as the optimization of 3D printing and heat treatment processes to create high-density dislocation defects. [b.] illustrates the thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) as a function of heat treatment. [c.] shows the power generation efficiency of the eight different geometries. Dotted lines represented simulated data while points indicate actual measure efficiency. (Image: POSTECH.)The research team also reported advancements in 3D printing processes capable of producing complex-shaped thermoelectric materials by creating high-density micro-layered defects within the material to minimize thermal conductivity and increase their thermoelectric performance index (ZT) to 2.0.

The researchers claim this is the highest value achieved for thermoelectric materials produced via 3D printing.

Based on their experiments, the team fabricated thermoelectric generators using the eight different structures and measured their efficiency, finding that the hourglass-shaped generator was approximately 3.6 times more efficient than the traditional rectangular-based generator.

“This research is the first instance where efficiency has been improved by three-dimensional geometry of the material that controlled thermal and electrical transport, instead of conventional microstructure-focused research on thermoelectric materials,” said professor Jae Sung Son. “It is expected that this approach can be universally applied to all thermoelectric materials and can also be utilized in thermoelectric cooling technologies.”

The research is published in Nature Energy.

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The Picture System by Evans & Sutherland was the first commercially available CAD system. It created lines in 3D. Image: Computer History Museum Mountain View, CaliforniaThe first CAD program most designers of the previous generation ever saw was AutoCAD. After its initial release in 1982 by a small band of developers from Marin County (North of San Francisco) created AutoCAD and swept up the CAD market. In 20 years, AutoCAD was established as the lingua franca of design.

The first release of AutoCAD was strictly 2D, but Autodesk added the third dimension in 1985 with AutoCAD 2.1. They must have thought they needed to since they were following on the heels of the 3D MCAD juggernaut, PTC. However, most designers were content to stay in their 2D comfort zone and continued to use CAD as just an electronic version of their drafting tables.

With millions of 2D CAD users (millions) able to run on the poor man’s computer (the IBM PC, instead of workstations on minicomputers required by MCAD programs), CAD entered the mainstream. The drafting table was relegated to museum-level obscurity. It was not until SolidWorks 95, 13 years after AutoCAD came onto the scene, that 3D CAD would enter the mainstream.

The first picture show

The first commercially available CAD system was the Picture System by Evans & Sutherland.

Let’s back up. In 1963, Ivan Sutherland of Evans & Sutherland had already created Sketchpad for his PhD dissertation at MIT. The Computer History Museum recognizes Sketchpad as the first interactive 3D CAD program. However, Sketchpad and the workstation it ran on (MIT’s experimental TX-2) would stay in the lab and not enter the market.

After Sutherland graduated from MIT, he teamed up with David Evans to form Evans & Sutherland. It is unclear how much Sketchpad code ended up in Evans & Sutherland’s CAD programs, the first of which was the LDS-1. Their first success was the Picture System for “interactive, dynamic 3-D line drawings” (pictured above). It was 1968.

Timothy Johnson, of the Design Division of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, Lincoln Laboratory. Image from YouTube.MIT kept developing Sketchpad after Sutherland left the Lincoln Laboratory building, piling on the 3D features. In an old black and white newsreel, we see the bespectacled Timothy Johnson in a suit and tie earnestly conducting what may have been the first-ever CAD demo. He is seated at what appears to be a nuclear plant control room or perhaps battleship command. Such was the state-of-the-art in computers was at the time, with their dials and switches for inputs, an improvement over punch cards. Sketchpad added a most innovative light pen that seems to react to the screen, a glorified oscilloscope, more or less, with a 7-in. square screen on which lines flicker.

However, the lines were not ordinary lines, such as lines drawn on paper, and Sketchpad no ordinary sketchpad.

Johnson shows a simple house, like one a child would draw. He shows a front, top, and side view, like a drafter would draw. Then the magic happens. He makes the apex of a roof in one view, which immediately shows up in the other views. What may have looked like four independent drawings were not that at all but views of one 3D model. This was the first automatic view creation using a single source of truth, the 3D model.

As with every technological breakthrough, we must consider the impact on humanity. Wouldn’t automatic view creation put those paid to make them out of work?

They briefly pause to consider — and quickly move on. Technology then, as now, is relentless. Automatically and painlessly extracting orthographic views should have been seized upon as Sketchpad’s main selling point — had MIT been selling Sketchpad. The reporter could have filed his story right there had he realized the enormity of what he had witnessed. But we have to wait for it. Johnson has more to tell.

To prove it was truly 3D, not smoke and mirrors, the house, which has F, T, and S on its faces for front, top, and side views, is rotated about the vertical axis. Sure enough, the S is backward when the house is rotated 180°. There is no smoke and mirrors here. It is, however, a setup for what we are about to see next.

Lawrence Roberts , on the staff of MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories, shows hidden line removal in Sketchpad. Its only 50 years ahead of its time. Image from YouTube Lawrence Roberts of MIT shows us a wireframe of a simple part. “What if you were to stretch ‘fabric’ across the wires?” The part is rotated about the vertical axis, and the fabric hides the edges or parts of edges that would not be visible the perspective of the user.

The algorithm is taxing for the TX-2. The computer is overcome. It sputters and halts during the rotation. Remember, this is in the 1960s.

“The computer is doing a lot of calculations,” said Roberts.

Perhaps put off by halting display, the reporter does not seem as impressed as he should have been. The ability to remove lines on the screen that would be hidden from view in real life is nothing short of a technological marvel, if not a miracle, 50 years ahead of its time. Anyone seeing this who previously had to integrate a jumble of solid and dashed lines, which 2D orthographic views often are, into a 3D mental image and then into a hidden-line-removed isometric view, a Rubik’s Cube-level exercise, would have been floored.

The reporter asks how big the “paper” behind the “window” is. To his utter astonishment, it is 2 mi wide.

Now we have a story.

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Wherever you look, the story of 3D printing adoption tends to follow a similar arc across industries. It begins with prototyping, followed by a small set of niche use cases, eventually culminating in end-use parts and, sometimes, mass production. Examples of this pattern of development can be found in aerospace, automotive, and even sports equipment.

That last one may not get as much attention as the other two — probably because the industry is only a fraction of their size — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth talking about. Sure, we hear a lot about 3D printing for the Olympics or when there’s some new innovation in bicycle manufacturing, but there are plenty of more mundane examples in sports equipment that highlight the challenges and opportunities for additive manufacturing (AM).

The Past – 3D Printed Prototypes and Customization“Most of these companies, depending on what they make, have a one- or two-year product release cycle,” says Jon Walker, key account manager at EOS. “Given that the development cycle is every 12 months, the ability to iterate very quickly in the prototyping phase is invaluable.”

Perhaps the best recent example of this is Wilson’s airless basketball, introduced in 2023. According to Walker, the project went from concept to prototype to reality in just a few months. “The feedback loop between General Lattice and Wilson was intense,” he recalls. “Parts were built in Texas, sent to Ohio for testing and the results were used to re-optimize the CAD file. The speed and the amount of work we accomplished really showed how digitalization and rapid prototyping can drastically shorten development cycles.”

Sports equipment also offers plenty of examples of another major benefit of AM: customization. Walker cited the 2012 Summer Olympics and a project involving EOS and athletic shoemaker New Balance. The companies measured the US running team’s gaits using high-speed cameras and other sensors to design bespoke outsole patterns for each athlete’s cleats. “A quarter-second advantage, gained by optimizing your track spike to the way your foot rolls across the track could be the difference between first and last place,” he says, “especially in events like the 100 meters.”

(Image: EOS)In many respects, the sports equipment industry is similar to automotive and aerospace: highly competitive, highly regulated and constantly striving for advantages through cutting-edge innovation. However, unlike these other industries, its relatively small size means that it needs to take a different approach to research and development. By taking advantage of the technological leadership in aerospace and automotive, the sports industry can essentially “draft” behind them, like cyclists or speedskaters exploiting a leader’s slipstream.

“This isn’t new,” says Walker, citing the late hockey equipment designer Brian Heaton as an example. “He lived in Windsor, Ontario and was familiar with the automotive industry. That’s how he knew about synthetic leathers with hydrophobic properties, which was revolutionary at the time. Before the early 1980s, goalie pads were literally cowhide stuffed with horse hair because the hockey industry alone just wasn’t big enough to convince a company like DuPont to design these materials from scratch.”

The Present – Additive Manufacturing Materials and SoftwareAs is often the case with 3D printing in other industries, engineers designing sports equipment for additive manufacturing need to strike a balance between revising CAD models and adjusting material properties. However, because sports equipment manufacturing is considerably smaller than other AM users — such aerospace, medical or automotive — the industry’s ability to drive innovation in materials science and software development is proportionally diminished.

Nevertheless, there have still been significant advancements in both these areas when it comes to sports equipment. “We recently added PEBA to our portfolio of polymer materials,” says Walker. Polyether block amide, known under the trade names of PEBAX and VESTAMID E, is a thermoplastic elastomer that’s about as well known and widely used in sports equipment as Kevlar is in defense.

(Image: EOS.)“It’s been used in the sports industry for years, but no one was able to powderize it and 3D print it,” Walker adds. “So, for us, PEBA is really exciting. The fact that it’s a family of materials means it can hit different niches. For example, a really soft PEBA could replace certain foams, while a really stiff PEBA might be able to replace certain hard plastics.”

When it comes to engineering software for additive manufacturing, the story in sports equipment is a familiar one: “You design something, you think you know what material to make it in, but you don’t actually know how the material will act in a specific shape or what the performance will be,” explains Walker. “A lot of software companies, like General Lattice for example, are doing real-world physical testing and then incorporating that data back into their software. So now, if you pick a gyroid lattice and a certain material, the software will give you a rough estimation of the performance.”

Eliminating (or at least reducing) the need to 3D print different versions of the same part in different materials for physical testing saves on development time as well as cost. Fortunately for engineers working in sports equipment, this is another improvement that’s being driven by the much larger aerospace and automotive industries.

The Future – AM Sports Equipment for AmateursWe’ve covered two of the three major steps in 3D printing adoption: prototyping and niche use cases. What about mass production, the third and most difficult hurdle to clear? How close is the average consumer to ordering customized footwear based on their natural gait? On the one hand, mass customization is something AM excels at and it’s especially sought after in sports equipment as opposed to aircraft or automobiles, where the demand for bespoke products is limited to the rare few who can afford them.

As Walker points out, “No two body parts are the same, and I think everyone has had a pair of shoes, a hat, a helmet, or a glove that just didn’t fit right and made the product uncomfortable to wear.” Interestingly, the challenge here is the same one facing 3D printing adoption in the automotive, aerospace and medical industries: regulation.

(Image: EOS)“Almost every piece of sports equipment in a store is regulated somehow,” he says. “It could be size, like a maximum size for a baseball glove, or safety standards like the NOCSAE standard for batting helmets, the CSA and HECC standards for hockey helmets, or the NFL’s own rigorous testing standard for football helmets. Traditionally, you’d test small, medium, and large sizes, or in footwear, sizes 10, 11, and 12, and validate that they work. But with 3D printing, where each iteration can be different, how do you test all those variations?”

The current approach involves validating some subset of sizes from across the available range, but it’s still novel and likely oversimplified. Walker noted that there are only a handful of products that have been validated this way. “The real issue is defining the boundaries because there are still limits,” he says. “You’re not going to make a golf club that’s 10 feet wide because no one could swing it. But moving a few millimeters in either direction can make a big difference, and no one wants to deal with the USGA’s approval process for 300 different permutations.”

Regulatory challenges aside, Walker remains optimistic about the future of AM in sports equipment, in part because of its connections to other industries. “If someone could unlock a high-strength 3D printed nylon that meets automotive requirements, it could close the gap in sports equipment,” he says. “I’ve heard aerospace companies say the golf shaft industry gets all the cool composites, and I’ve heard golf shaft companies say aerospace is where all the development is. There’s a lot of symbiosis in sports equipment and other industries, even if they don’t realize it.”

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ModuleWorks announces the 2024.08 release of its software components for digital manufacturing. This latest release of the ModuleWorks SDK includes various new and enhanced features aimed at increasing safety, toolpath generation efficiency and part quality. These features contain enhancements across multiple components, ranging from Multi-Axis Roughing to Turning.

Multi-Axis Roughing – Area RoughingDetect Material Thicker Than

In previous releases, the rest roughing operation created unnecessary passes when material from the previous operation’s tool trace areas was detected.

With this new feature, ModuleWorks 2024.08 now allows users to set a pre-defined rest stock thickness to precisely detect the rest material. This value should be greater than the rest material from the previous operation. This eliminates all the unnecessary passes in the rest roughing operation, generating cleaner toolpaths that reduce machining time and tool wear.

Multi-Axis Surface Finishing – Wall, Floor and Rest FinishingFloor Parallel Pattern for Wall Finishing

In certain cases, the guide curve for geodesic operations on the wall is not ideal for generating the geodesic offset pattern. As a result, the generated toolpath can look complicated and not very intuitive.

The ModuleWorks 2024.08 release introduces a new floor parallel cut pattern for wall finishing that generates slices parallel to a planar floor. This ensures that features on the wall do not disrupt the pattern generation. The new pattern introduces a whole new set of geometries that can be machined with less tilting and better surface quality.

Multi-Axis Surface Finishing – Wall, Floor and Rest FinishingToolpath Extensions

Working with advanced tools, such as barrel tools, might result in larger cusps at the start and end points of the toolpath when machining closed shapes.

With this release, ModuleWorks introduces toolpath extensions. This feature allows the tool to extend its motion beyond the start and end points of each closed contour. This reduces the size of the cusps at the start and end points, particularly with advanced tools such as barrel tools, resulting in an even surface finish on walls.

3-Axis MachiningSpiral Blend Connection with Shift Distance for Constant Cusp

The one-way and true spiral cutting methods cannot properly connect a toolpath when it collapses into multiple areas, resulting in a varying stepover and cusp.

In the ModuleWorks 2024.08 release, the constant cusp strategy now supports spiral blend connections with a shift distance. This provides a better surface finish compared to the one-way cutting method with blend spline, direct, or follow surface links for areas where a single region collapses into multiple regions.

TurningB-Axis Profile Turning

Until now, it has not been possible to create turning profile toolpaths with simultaneous tool axis tilting. This has made it impossible to reach undercut areas or use short tool overhangs.

With this release, ModuleWorks has introduced a new B-axis profile turning strategy that allows users to create a turning toolpath with simultaneous tool axis tilting. This enables the tip to tilt around the tip center while gouge-checking the insert profile with respect to the part curve, thereby creating a safe B-axis profile turning toolpath. The strategy supports both round and non-round inserts (triangle, square, parallelogram and diamond). A major benefit of this strategy is that it can be used with a shorter tool overhang, thereby improving machining accuracy.

ModuleWorks 2024.08 is available for download from the ModuleWorks website.

For more details about these and the other new features and enhancements in the ModuleWorks 2024.08 release, please see the ModuleWorks What’s New webpage: What’s New in ModuleWorks 2024.08.

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NEW YORK, NY, Aug 15, 2024 –The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has announced several promotions on its leadership team. Keith Bloesch has been named ASME’s chief information officer (CIO), effective immediately, and Anand Sethupathy will become the Society’s chief strategy officer (CSO) following the retirement of Michael Johnson on September 30. Stephanie Viola has accepted expanded responsibilities as managing director of programs and philanthropy and executive director of the ASME Foundation, and Iana Aranda has been promoted to the newly created position of managing director of sustainability.

“These four outstanding leaders have built strong connections with ASME’s supporters, board members, key volunteers, and staff, delivered positive results in their previous roles, and understand where ASME must evolve to better serve the engineering community. They bring a diversity of expertise and experience to our leadership team and have the vision to help ASME achieve our business and sustainability goals,” says ASME executive director/CEO Tom Costabile. “We are grateful for Michael Johnson’s important contributions to the Society in the establishment of the strategy office and congratulate him on his retirement.”

Keith Bloesch is an information technology, finance, accounting, project management, and operations professional with 25 years of experience driving measurable business success. He has been with ASME since 2012 and was most recently the Society’s senior managing director of business and technology solutions. Previously, Bloesch was a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Philadelphia, New York, and Amsterdam. In his new CIO role with ASME, Bloesch will provide global vision, leadership, and oversight for the Society’s information technology strategy, and will be responsible for developing the roadmap and implementation plan to help the organization leverage new and existing technologies to enhance its competitive advantage and improve stakeholder value delivery. He earned Bachelor of Science degrees in finance and accounting at DeSales University, as well as several business and technical certifications from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Villanova University.

Anand Sethupathy is a strategy, technology, and social impact leader with over 25 years of experience driving growth and impact. He specializes in building programs that enable the nonprofit sector to leverage technology to scale and accelerate social impact. His prior experience includes founding and leading two technology startups and working across both private and nonprofit sectors. Since joining ASME in 2018, Sethupathy has served in a variety of roles, from managing ASME’s philanthropic portfolio of programs to leading international growth and workforce transformation. In his new CSO role with ASME, he will lead the organization’s focus on strategy, innovation, international operations/growth, sustainability, and government relations, overseeing several organizational units. He is primarily responsible for developing, communicating, executing, and sustaining the organization’s global strategic initiatives. Before joining ASME, Sethupathy helped to build and lead the Technology for Social Good program at JPMorgan Chase & Co. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information systems and finance from New York University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Yale University.

Stephanie Viola has more than 20 years of experience in development and non-profit management, with an impressive track record of securing corporate, foundation, and individual gifts to meet ambitious philanthropic goals. She has served as ASME’s managing director of philanthropy and executive director of the ASME Foundation for the past two years. In addition to the development, implementation, and assessment of ASME’s fundraising strategy, Viola will now also oversee ASME’s programs spanning engineering education, workforce development, and sustainable innovation, and associated data-driven impact measurement efforts. Before joining ASME in 2019, she helped plan fundraising strategy, led campaigns, planned giving programs, events and communications for the AIChE Foundation, first as manager of individual giving and later as development director. In 1997, she founded Riot Group, a critically acclaimed, multi-award winning not-for-profit experimental theater company in New York, and served as co-artistic director and performer. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology and theater from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville., N.Y. She is also a member of the CHIEF network, the largest network of senior executive women.

Iana Aranda has 20 years of experience in engineering, design, business strategy, and sustainability, including 16 years with ASME. Most recently, she served as ASME’s senior director of engineering for sustainable development and president of ASME’s Engineering for Change LLC. In her new role as managing director of sustainability for ASME, Aranda will lead cross-functional efforts to develop sustainability business strategy focusing on advancing engineering knowledge, enhancing technical workforce readiness, facilitating the energy transition, and accelerating innovation to improve the quality of life for people and the planet. Aranda will also ensure the Society’s internal operations, net zero strategy, and external advocacy reflect its mission to advance the engineering profession while positively impacting humanity and the environment. She will oversee ASME’s Engineering for Sustainable Development and Engineering for Change teams, and its emerging climate technology and sustainability stakeholder engagement groups. Aranda earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto and a certificate in global affairs from New York University. She is passionate about developing and supporting diversity and inclusion, particularly women in STEM, and is a member of the CHIEF network.

The ASME Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), supporting an array of programs in three core pillars: engineering education, career engagement, and global development. For more information about ASME Foundation, visit asmefoundation.org.

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. In 2020, ASME formed the International Society of Interdisciplinary Engineers (ISIE) II & III LLC, a new for-profit subsidiary to house business ventures that will bring new and innovative products, services, and technologies to the engineering community. For more information about ASME, visit asme.org.

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The AutoCAD Array command creates multiple copies of selected objects arranged in a specific pattern. Its advantage is saving time over manually copying and positioning each object individually.

There are three types of arrays:

Rectangular: patterns objects linearly in rows and columns
Polar: patterns the objects radially about a selected center point.
Path: evenly distributes the instances along a selected path.

Start the feature using the Array command.

The first step is to set the type. Or, if using the ribbon, start the feature by picking the array type. The main ribbon button is always the last-used type.

If you prefer the command line, you can also start a specific type using ARRAYRECT, ARRAYPOLAR and ARRAYPATH.

As with most commands in AutoCAD, you can start the command and then select the objects or you can select the objects and then start the command.

rectangularA rectangular array is a pattern of objects dispersed linearly in rows and columns.

After starting the command and selecting the objects, the Array Creation contextual tab shows. Use this to set the number of rows and columns and the distance between the instances.

AutoCAD uses the current UCS (user coordinate system) to set the directions. Columns run in the X direction, while rows run along the Y direction. Use Levels when wanting to pattern in 3D to add instances in the Z direction.

The distance between instances is set as the distance Between or is based on the desired Total.

Use Between to set the distance between instances. It is easy to misunderstand the purpose. This is not the distance between instances. It is the distance between the base (starting) point of one instance and the base point of the next instance.

By using Total, you are setting the desired distance from the first instance’s base point to the base point of the last instance. AutoCAD divides this by the count to find the distance between instances.

Use negative distances to have the array generate in the opposite direction.

Increment sets the increase (or decrease) in elevation for each row.

Instead of the ribbon, use grips to configure the array. Move the outer triangular grips to set the count and the inner ones to set the distance between them.

One of the square grips is for moving the array. The other is another method of setting the count, but in both directions.

PolarUse Polar to pattern the objects radially around a selected center point. You control the count (number of instances) and the angle between each instance.

Like with rectangular arrays, use Between to set the angle between each instance. The Fill is the total angle between the first and last instances base point-to-base point. AutoCAD divides this by the count to calculate the angle between each instance.

Select Direction to toggle the array direction – clockwise or counterclockwise.

Toggle Rotate Items to set whether the objects rotate as they are arrayed.

Use the grips to dynamically adjust the array (as opposed to using the ribbon). In addition to changing the count and angle between instances, you can adjust the radius between the center point and the first instance.

You can also array linearly while doing a polar array by setting the number of rows. Set the distance between each row instance or the total desired distance.

Editing an arrayAssociative arrays stay linked as a group. This allows you to alter the pattern after creation.

Like with blocks, you can change the original objects of an array. AutoCAD updates all instances automatically. To do this select the array and pick Edit Source from the ribbon. Then select the instance you want to change and make the changes. You can alter the geometry, remove objects and add new geometry. Do not forget to save changes when done.

You can shortcut this process slightly using the right-click menu option.

You can adjust the array properties including the number of items and spacing. Use grips, the properties palette or the ribbon.

To modify just an instance within an associative array hold Ctrl as you select the instance. You can then move, rotate, scale, erase and perform other functions on it. Although now different than the other instances it continues to participate in the array.

When creating an array use the option in the ribbon to make arrays non-associative. This creates a pattern of independent objects. It’s really a glorified copy. Changing one item has no effect on the other items.

Explode existing associative arrays when wanting a non-associative pattern.

Along a pathThe Path array evenly distributes copies of selected objects along a selected path. Like with the other arrays you set the number of items.

You can only select one object for the path. But it can be a line, polyline, arc, spline, 3D polyline, helix or closed shapes like circles and ellipses.

Like with polar arrays, you can also array linearly while arraying along the path. Set the desired number of rows and the distance between each row instance or the total desired distance.

Method sets how AutoCAD distributes the items along the path.

Divide spreads the items evenly along the length of the path so the distance between each instance is same. You do not set the distance as AutoCAD divides the path length by the number of instances to calculate the distance.

Measure distributes the items along the path at the specified distance. AutoCAD measures the distance along the path, not linearly like with rectangular arrays. AutoCAD continues to add instances until it gets to the end of the path.

Use Base Point to adjust the base point of the array. Or set the base point coordinates via the Properties palette. AutoCAD positions instances relative to the base point.

Set the base point as a key point to constrain the point to a location on the source objects. If you edit the source object, the base point stays coincident and updates in location with the source objects.

Use the tangent direction to set how the patterned items align relative to the starting direction of the path.

Enable Align items to line up each item tangent to the path direction relative to the first item’s orientation.

Replacing ItemsUse Replace Item when wanting to swap source objects for other objects in the drawing.

Start by selecting the replacement objects and the replacement objects base point. AutoCAD uses this selected base point as the insertion point for the objects into the array. Then select the array instances you want to replace. This creates an irregular array where not all the instances match.

To restore the original objects and remove the overrides use Reset Array.

Alternatively, to replacing instances use the Source Objects feature to replace the original source objects, updating all instances in the array with the selected replacement objects.

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BREMEN, Germany, Aug 15, 2024 – CONTACT’s new energy management app enables companies to reduce emissions and combine climate protection with competitiveness.

Configurable dashboards show the most important information at a glance.Energy-efficient production is a top priority for many manufacturing companies: it not only contributes to climate protection but also lowers costs and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). CONTACT Software has now expanded its Elements for IoT platform with energy management functions that enable companies to transparently break down their energy usage and reduce it with lasting effect. The tool calculates audit-proof KPIs, creates visual comparisons, and generates reports.

Digital energy management is essential for a continuous improvement process: By comparing key figures from successive reference periods, companies can identify savings potentials and derive optimization measures. CONTACT’s solution meets the requirements of ISO 50001 so that companies can benefit from government subsidies.

Making energy data transparentMeter readings are either recorded automatically, entered manually, or imported from a file. Thanks to CONTACT Elements’ no-code approach, users can create digital twins for production plants or energy meters themselves and configure dashboards.

Widgets allow for visual comparisons of the measured values, for example, by displaying the current usage or the consumption over a certain period. Energy consumption and costs are listed in a table and a diagram shows which energy resources (such as electricity, gas, compressed air, district heating) are used by which assets.

Valid data for the Product Carbon FootprintCompanies can transparently break down energy data, from the production line all the way to the individual machine and produced unit. This helps them identify major energy consumers, analyze and optimize processes regarding their energy demand, and collect data for the calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint.

Additional benefits arise from the combination with CONTACT’s solutions for digital production control (MES/MOM). Customizing makes it possible to forecast the energy consumption of production orders using AI. If the expected and measured values deviate, Elements for IoT triggers an alarm and provides recommendations for action. The software also indicates when it is advisable to switch off a machine, considering factors like ramp-up times. In one use case, this resulted in energy savings of 23%.

CONTACT’s app for energy management will be available with the next Elements release, which is set to launch in September. At the Open World 2024 in Munich, Germany, customers and partners can experience all the new features of CONTACT’s technology platform and its specialized applications first-hand.

CONTACT is the leading vendor of open standard software and open source pioneer for the product engineering process and the digital transformation. For more information, visit contact-software.com.

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IRVINE, CA, Aug 15, 2024 – EON Reality has announced the launch of its groundbreaking AI Skill Simulator. This cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) training platform revolutionizes how individuals and organizations approach skill development and training.

The AI Skill Simulator leverages EON Reality’s advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies to provide an immersive, interactive learning experience. This innovative system guides users through complex procedures, allows for hands-on practice in a safe virtual environment, and offers detailed performance assessments.

“Our AI Skill Simulator represents a quantum leap in training and education technology,” said Dan Lejerskar, chairman of EON Reality. “By harnessing the power of AI and AR, we’re not just changing how people learn – we’re transforming how quickly and effectively they can master complex skills. This technology has the potential to reshape workforce development and educational paradigms globally.”

Key features of the AI Skill Simulator include:

AI-Powered Animation Generation: Automatically converts text-based instructions into detailed visual demonstrations.
Interactive AR Environment: Provides realistic, 3D representations for safe practice of potentially dangerous or costly procedures.
Precise Action Tracking: Records and analyzes user actions in detail for accurate performance comparison.
Comprehensive Assessment: Delivers objective feedback, identifying areas for improvement and tracking progress over time.
Versatility: Applicable across a wide range of industries and learning scenarios, from technical fields to academic subjects.

The AI Skill Simulator’s three-step process ensures thorough skill development:

Avatar Demonstration: AI-generated avatars showcase proper techniques and procedures.
User Practice: Learners attempt tasks in a realistic, risk-free virtual environment.
Performance Assessment: AI provides detailed analysis and personalized feedback on user performance.

Use Case ExamplesTVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) Focus:

Industrial Robot Operation: Learn to program and operate complex robotic systems.
Jet Engine Maintenance: Master the intricate process of identifying and repairing compressor disk cracks.
Welding Techniques: Practice various welding methods on different materials without material waste.
CNC Machine Operation: Set up and run CNC milling operations in a virtual environment.
HVAC System Maintenance: Perform troubleshooting and maintenance on complex HVAC systems.

General Applications:

Solar System Exploration: Interactively learn about planetary bodies and their characteristics.
Chemistry Lab Procedures: Conduct virtual titration experiments with precise measurements.
Culinary Arts: Practice preparing dishes following specific recipes and techniques.
Art History: Arrange paintings chronologically by art movement in a virtual gallery.
Archaeological Excavation: Learn proper excavation techniques and artifact documentation.

By providing a safe, cost-effective, and efficient means of skill acquisition, the AI Skill Simulator addresses critical needs in workforce training and education. It allows for the practice of complex, potentially hazardous procedures without real-world risks, significantly enhancing learning outcomes and workplace safety.

EON Reality is a global leader in augmented and virtual reality-based knowledge transfer for industry and education. EON Reality’s immersive platform powers the creation of interactive and engaging training, education, and performance applications. For more information about EON Reality, please visit eonreality.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Aug 15, 2024 – Revizto, the industry-leading integrated collaboration platform that streamlines and centralizes project workflows and communication, announced today a new three-year enterprise agreement with Rogers-O’Brien Construction (RO) to standardize project collaboration and enhance model-based coordination.

The 24th & Rio Grande Student Housing project located in Austin, Texas, scheduled for completion in June 2025. This project led by RO is a 350,000-square-foot, 30-story high-rise featuring 199 units, amenities and parking garage. The image on the right features the 3D model view in Revizto with a 2D overlay on all the floors. (Image source: Rogers-O’Brien Construction)After successfully using Revizto for two years, RO has experienced firsthand the positive impact the platform can have on its processes. As the complexity of their projects continues to grow, the need for seamless collaboration throughout the design, coordination, and construction phases increases as well. This underscores the importance of standardizing the use of Revizto across their diverse portfolio, including healthcare, mission-critical, K-12 schools, corporate offices, multi-family high-rises, senior living, science and technology labs, industrial manufacturing facilities, and more. Expanding the partnership to an enterprise agreement also aligns with RO’s commitment to “Building a Better Way”. It represents a significant step in the general contractor’s digital transformation journey, further solidifying its position as an industry innovator.

“Empowering our projects with best-in-class processes and tools is a cornerstone for Rogers-O’Brien Construction. This agreement underscores our dedication to leveraging advanced technology to streamline project coordination and enhance collaboration. By adopting Revizto, we aim to elevate our operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence across all phases of construction. We are excited about the potential to increase our model-based coordination effectiveness and efficiency, and improve the overall experience for our project teams, partners, and clients.” says Chris Patton, director of virtual design & construction, Rogers-O’Brien Construction.

With the help of Revizto, Rogers-O’Brien Construction aims to significantly increase model-based coordination engagement amongst its operations teams, enhance automation to increase coordination time efficiency by 50%, improve trade partner satisfaction, boost design partner collaboration, and establish Revizto Augmented Reality (AR) as the QA/QC tool on site. This emphasizes RO’s dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology for construction excellence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rogers-O’Brien Construction to our fast-growing list of Enterprise customers. Their decision to standardize the use of Revizto across their entire portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to innovation and efficiency. We’re excited to support their goal of increasing model-based coordination and look forward to seeing the positive impacts on their projects throughout Texas.” says Anthony Heller, central region sales director, Revizto.

Founded in 1969, Rogers-O’Brien Construction (RO) has over 50 years of experience in making clients successful. RO is renowned for delivering exceptional construction solutions across Texas. For more information about Rogers-O’Brien Construction, please visit r-o.com.

Revizto, a Swiss-based company, launched coordination software for the architecture, engineering, construction & operation (AECO) industry in 2012 and quickly became the fastest-growing Integrated Collaboration Platform. Using gaming technology and cloud solutions, Revizto provides a BIM collaboration platform for 3D and 2D workflows that enables users to work and communicate with all project stakeholders in a unified single environment. For more information about Revizto, please visit revizto.com.

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MAYSVILLE, KY, Aug 15, 2024 – Carlson Software has released Carlson Survey OEM 2025 and Takeoff R13, the latest versions of their industry-leading office software for surveyors and their earthwork estimation and data-prep software, respectively. Carlson Survey OEM 2025 and Takeoff R13 both include the AutoCAD 2022 engine built-in, allowing users who prefer to run on AutoCAD the option to do so without the need to sustain a separate AutoCAD subscription.

Among the new features available in these new releases are Importing Text/ASCII files now support importing multiple attributes from more complex data sources:

Annotation Tables for Lines and Curves operate dynamically with revisions including options to copy tables and create new ones by selecting existing labels and LotNET and Lot Manager now have complete support of blocks and lot types for more complex subdivision designs:

SurvNET improved reporting and offers a tabulated report for ease of analyzing complex measurement data:

Station Centerline added options for symbols and additional stationing styles:

And Automated Parking Layout by selecting a perimeter polyline and specifying layout options aids in quickly creating complex parking spaces:

Carlson Survey OEM 2025 and Takeoff R13 now available for upgrade or new purchase. A 30-day free trial of Carlson Survey OEM 2025 and Takeoff R13 are available here under “Carlson Survey (ACAD OEM)” and “Carlson Takeoff (ACAD OEM)”.

Founded in 1983, Carlson Software Inc. specializes in CAD design software, field data collection, laser measurement and machine control products for the civil engineering, surveying, GIS, construction, and mining industries worldwide, providing one-source technology solutions for the entire project cycle. For more information, visit carlsonsw.com.

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ROCHESTER, NY, Aug 15, 2024 – EagleView, a leading provider of aerial imagery and analytics, and Aurora Solar, the leading platform for solar sales and design, announced availability of EagleView Powered models through the Aurora Solar Platform to improve the capacity of solar professionals to drive design accuracy, deliver faster project timelines, and improve the homeowner experience. Through integration of EagleView’s 3D home modelling technology into Aurora’s platform, solar professionals now have the best option on the market to create accurate and reliable solar designs.

Solar professionals rely on 3D roof models to accurately predict final details of the project installation and solar electricity production output for homeowners. The quality of those 3D models is essential to reducing unnecessary costs in the solar install process, improving the speed of installations and building homeowner trust that the return on investment provided by solar PV systems will be accurate over time. With this new, first-of-its-kind integration, solar professionals now have the best tool on the market.

“We understand that improvements in cost and trust are essential to the growth and healthy functioning of the solar industry,” shared Piers Dormeyer, CEO of EagleView. “We know we can help solve this challenge because we’re in our third decade doing the exact same thing in roofing and insurance.”

EagleView’s history in providing roofing models using its patented technologies and deep technical know-how is unparalleled. With over three billion images and the capacity to leverage oblique and orthogonal imagery, the roof modeling integration with Aurora will help solar providers like never before.

For more than two decades, EagleView has been the source of truth in accurate property measurement and analytics solutions in industries as varied as roofing and insurance, and now in solar with Aurora. With exterior contractor customers across the country and 24 of the top 25 United States insurance carriers trusting EagleView’s property measurements and analytics, the EagleView Powered models will now also help Aurora solar customers access some of the best solar project planning and accuracy capabilities available today.

For more information on the integration between EagleView and Aurora Solar, please visit here.

EagleView is a leader in geospatial technology with an extensive imagery library. For more information, visit eagleview.com.

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BOSTON, MA, Aug 15, 2024 – Novobeing, an immersive patient experience platform, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with BRINK XR, the leading immersive travel application on the Meta Quest platform.

BRINK XR’s flagship application, BRINK Traveler, has virtually transported hundreds of thousands of people to iconic destinations, offering an unparalleled sense of presence across VR/AR, web, and mobile platforms. By delivering an immersive, lifelike experience that transcends traditional boundaries, BRINK XR offers users a transformative way to explore the world. Iconic destinations such as Hifoss Waterfall in Iceland, Pulpit Rock in Norway, and Peña Ezkaurre in Spain are brought to life with stunning realism, providing a truly captivating journey for every user.

A patient in a hospital bed gazes at lifelike mountains, one of many immersive nature experiences offered on the Novobeing platform, made possible by the exclusive partnership with BRINK XR.By leveraging proprietary photogrammetry techniques, BRINK XR captures high-resolution aerial drone photography and combines it with land-based images taken by tripod-mounted cameras. This innovative approach produces breathtakingly realistic models of real-world locations. The company then enhances these models with intricate interactions, capturing the sensation of truly being there. From the subtle sight of a bird flying in the sky to the soothing sound of a waterfall, every detail is designed to immerse users in a lifelike experience.

“Our team is incredibly excited to share the healing power of nature with patients in hospitals,” said Akin Bilgic, founder of BRINK XR. “Our partnership with Novobeing perfectly aligns with our mission to bring the beauty of the world to everyone, and we are looking forward to virtually taking more people to the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders.”

Novobeing’s platform leverages the latest advancements in VR and AR technology to transform patient care by providing immersive experiences that reduce anxiety, stress, and pain. The company’s interactive programs, including meditation, breathwork, CBT, ACT, and Positive Psychology will now include virtual escapes to serene nature locations, creating a calming and restorative environment in healthcare settings. Novobeing promotes quality of life and well-being improvements for patients offering clinical and economic benefits as a trusted partner for healthcare providers dedicated to improving patient care.

Novobeing is a patient experience platform committed to transforming patient care using state-of-the-art virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. For more information about Novobeing, please visit novobeing.com.

BRINK XR is dedicated to making the wonders of the world personally accessible to all through Virtual Travel Experiences. For more information about BRINK XR, please visit brinkxr.com.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has been proliferating rapidly in recent years, driven by advancements in computing and statistical algorithms to make some truly stunning leaps forward. There’s a growing sentiment that AI will soon be everywhere, and engineering is no exception. The possibilities of what engineers could do with AI are tantalizing but, as with any new technology, the adoption of artificial intelligence carries with it inherent risks.

The substance of the risks naturally depends on how organizations choose to deploy AI, but in the specific context of engineering, there are three particular hazards of which all stakeholders should be aware.

1 – MisinformationAlthough the AI industry would prefer everyone to use the vaguer, more evocative term, ‘hallucinations’ the simple fact is that AI systems — particularly large language models (LLMs) — routinely generate falsehoods. There’s been no shortage of suggestions for how to overcome this tendency, whether it’s better training data, expert input or even just making the models larger and more complex.

Unfortunately, the inherent structure of LLMs and machine learning more generally means that the outputs of these systems are statistical inferences, which can never guaranteed to be truthful. Add to the fact that LLMs are fantastic confabulators (to use the polite term), and the potential for AI systems to misinform the engineers using them becomes a serious risk indeed.

2 – Gray WorkThe term ‘gray work’ refers to the ad-hoc solutions and workarounds users are forced to adopt when new technologies make their jobs more difficult, rather than easier. For example, imagine a manufacturer decides to add a new machine vision system to an existing production line in order to reduce the number of defects it produces. If the system requires workers to ensure that each product is positioned just so in order to function, the efficiency gained by its detecting more errors will be far outweighed by the extra efforts it requires from employees.

In the context of artificial intelligence, gray work typically involves reconciling data from disparate sources, including sensors, databases and various tools or applications. For example, an engineer working on a predictive maintenance program might need to collect data from designers, customers and the production line. If that predictive maintenance program’s output then becomes part of a larger quality report, the engineering team behind the report may find themselves spending more time sorting through data than doing any actual engineering.

3 – WasteArtificial intelligence is often celebrated for its efficiency, or more specifically for the potential efficiency gains it offers. However, the not-so-secret shame of AI is that it’s incredibly resource intensive to operate. Data centers – the required infrastructure for any cloud-based AI, which is most of them — have a high carbon footprint due to their significant electricity needs in addition to requiring copious volumes of water for cooling. Of course, this pertains to cloud-based design tools as well, not just AI, but what makes the latter more of a concern is the way it’s being used today.

Typically, machine learning models need to go through several generations of training before they become practically useful, which means that every new ML model represents the consumption of more water and electricity. Add that to the fact that many models are redundant copies created solely for commercial purposes and the risk of creating excess waste by using AI becomes fully apparent. Moreover, even if you’re not inclined to worry about resource consumption from the perspective of climate change, you should be aware that AI companies are taking it seriously by charging their customers more for each query they make.

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SPEE3D has announced the successful completion of Trident Warrior – the experimental portion of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise – at the Marine Corps Air Station in Kaneohe Bay, HI.

The company deployed its Expeditionary Manufacturing Unit (EMU), which is designed to serve as a complete on-site mobile additive manufacturing (AM) solution. The EMU printed 11 cast-equivalent metal parts from aluminum and stainless steel, which were studied for their material properties and viability for repairing and replacing defense equipment in a contested environment.

RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime exercise, and within it, Trident Warrior focuses on testing cutting-edge technologies, including additive manufacturing. A team of engineers from the Consortium for Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education (CAMRE) printed cast-equivalent replacement metal parts from EMU for the Army, Navy and Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard.

The goal of implementing SPEE3D’s proprietary cold spray additive manufacturing was to prove that AM can help secure military supply chains by reducing the delivery time of critical parts to the point of need.

“SPEE3D is thrilled to be included in RIMPAC, the largest distributed advanced manufacturing demonstration the Department of Defense has ever conducted to date,” said Byron Kennedy, CEO of SPEE3D in a press release. “In particular, additive manufacturing has been a major area of interest for the Department of Defense, and together, we have the same goals to train the military and implement additive manufacturing to print crucial metal parts at the point of need to support modernization and warfighter readiness.”

Lt. Col. Michael Radigan, a member of the Marine Innovation Unit and the government lead on the CAMRE team for Trident Warrior 24 elaborated, “CAMRE facilitates getting the latest in advanced manufacturing into operational settings and finds ways to unlock additional capabilities. SPEE3D worked side-by-side with our joint participants to further research on cold spray additive manufacturing and helped us uncover best practices to apply its unique capabilities in expeditionary environments.”

According to SPEE3D, EMU combines the company’s metal 3D printer, XSPEE3D, with its SPEE3Dcell post-processing and testing unit. Together, these can produce cast-equivalent metal parts in considerably less time than traditional methods. The system includes two 20-foot containers with twist locks, a ruggedized, mobile metal 3D printer that can produce high-density metal parts in a range of materials, and a fully-equipped post-processing shop – including a heat treatment furnace, CNC three-axis mill, tooling, and testing equipment. In service of mobility, EMU can be transported on a single platform by truck trailer, ship or plane.

RIMPAC and Trident Warrior included approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel trained and operating in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise.

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TOKYO, Japan, Aug 14, 2024 – Designium Inc. has announced its collaboration with FoundAt. They aim to create a revolutionary new World Scale Augmented Reality service that uses highly accurate geospatial pose to place AR content anywhere in over 80 countries.

Designium’s Advanced Capabilities on Geospatial ARFoundAt approached Designium seeking assistance to integrate Geospatial AR technology into their app. With a long-term focus on developing advanced features in Geospatial AR, Designium has pioneered various innovations such as taking pictures, leaving messages, and embedding videos and soundtracks within AR environments. From 2022 to the present, Designium has launched a series of applications showcasing their expertise and creativity in the AR field.

Applications using geospatial AR technology have expanded to multiple platforms, including mobile apps, webAR, AR glasses, VR headsets and Apple Vision Pro. This integration ability enables Designium to deliver immersive, interactive experiences on a variety of devices. Leveraging these past experiences, Designium provided FoundAt with comprehensive support throughout the development process. From initial discussions and prototyping, to integration and iterative improvements based on testing and feedback, Designium ensures applications meet all performance and usability standards for a successful product launch! This collaboration highlights Designium’s advanced capabilities in Geospatial AR and its commitment to delivering cutting-edge XR solutions around the world.

Core Technologies Applied to Geo-Located AR APP DevelopmentThis collaboration highlights Designium’s advanced AR technology capabilities and its role as the technology backbone supporting FoundAt, which enhances location-based AR maps into applications through visual positioning systems (VPS) such as Geospatial and Immersal.

Accurate Geolocation: By leveraging precise geospatial pose, data in AR exhibits greater accuracy. This allows users to extract greater value from their digital assets directly on-site, enhancing the relevance and utility of the information.
Versatile Geospatial Interaction: Users can create posts that include images, text, hyperlinks and tags. These AR posts can be shared with colleagues, customers, friends, family, or the general public, and can be viewed via AR map at the exact location where they were posted.
Enhanced User Experience: Location-based AR map leveraging VPS provides a seamless and interactive way to visualize data. This makes it easier for users to engage with their surroundings and share valuable information, creating a more intuitive and immersive AR experience.

Expand More AR Features with DesigniumTo further enhance location-based AR applications like FoundAt, Designium offers a variety of prototypes that can be integrated with clients’ services. New features, such as integrating Immersal VPS for indoor positioning, adding the ability to switch between VPS based on indoor or outdoor environments, and rewarding users with coupons or points for visiting VPS spots, will provide a richer, more customized experience.

The FoundAt app is now available on the App Store for a soft launch, allowing users to test its features and ensure everything is working smoothly before the official announcement. We invite everyone to explore the app and experience the future of geospatial AR we are creating.

Designium Inc. is a forward-thinking XR studio that thrives on technology and innovation to craft innovative experiences. Their expertise lies in the realm of augmented reality (AR) and XR development, with a strong emphasis on integrating AR with visual positioning systems (VPS). For more information about Designium, visit designium.jp/xr.

FoundAt is a new data management platform that has been developed for Owners and Operators of large infrastructure assets, to help them manage their assets more efficiently by reducing costs, increasing output and reducing emissions. For more information about FoundAt, visit foundat.com.

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BEDFORD, MA, Aug 14, 2024 – Aspen Technology, Inc. announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to support the utility’s goal of net zero carbon production by 2050. AspenTech will provide its digital grid management (DGM) software suite to monitor, intelligently schedule and control distributed energy resources (DERs) on OPPD’s grid while maintaining reliability for a population of 885,000 people across 5,000 square miles in the state of Nebraska.

OPPD will use AspenTech OSI Distributed Energy Resource Management System across both transmission and distribution operations to plan for and manage DER assets within a single platform. The solution, a key component of AspenTech’s DGM suite, will integrate with AspenTech generation, transmission, advanced distribution management and outage management systems, giving the utility comprehensive real-time control and optimization across its grid.

“As we move toward net zero carbon production by 2050, OPPD sees an exciting opportunity ahead to be a decarbonization leader,” said Doug Peterchuck, director, enterprise operational technology, OPPD. “Renewable energy can be unpredictable, which is why we need technology that will help us optimize DERs, including flexible loads, with precision and make significant progress toward our clean energy goals – all while ensuring we continue to provide the community with dependable service.”

“Leading utilities like OPPD require a secure, enterprise-grade platform that can meet new demands driven by the energy transition and an expansive customer base,” said Sally Jacquemin, VP and GM, Power and Utilities at AspenTech. “Seamless integrations across AspenTech’s DGM suite give OPPD the transparency and flexibility needed among operational teams to ensure grid resiliency while it drives toward a more sustainable future.”

The selection of AspenTech’s DGM software to support OPPD’s net zero carbon production goals is the latest milestone in a six-year partnership between the companies.

Aspen Technology is a global software leader helping industries at the forefront of the world’s dual challenge meet the increasing demand for resources from a rapidly growing population in a profitable and sustainable manner. For more information, visit AspenTech.com.

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SANTA CLARA, CA, Aug 14, 2024 – AMD announced the completion of its acquisition of Silo AI, the largest private AI lab in Europe. The all-cash transaction valued at approximately $665 million furthers the company’s commitment to deliver end-to-end AI solutions based on open standards and in strong partnership with the global AI ecosystem.

Silo AI brings a team of world-class AI scientists and engineers to AMD experienced in developing cutting-edge AI models, platforms and solutions for large enterprise customers including Allianz, Philips, Rolls-Royce and Unilever. Their expertise spans diverse markets and they have created state-of-the-art open source multilingual Large Language Models (LLMs) including Poro and Viking on AMD platforms. The Silo AI team will join the AMD Artificial Intelligence Group (AIG), led by AMD senior vice president Vamsi Boppana.

“AI is our number one strategic priority, and we continue to invest in both the talent and software capabilities to support our growing customer deployments and roadmaps,” said Vamsi Boppana, AMD senior vice president, AIG. “The Silo AI team has developed state-of-the-art language models that have been trained at scale on AMD Instinct accelerators and they have broad experience developing and integrating AI models to solve critical problems for end customers. We expect their expertise and software capabilities will directly improve the experience for customers in delivering the best performing AI solutions on AMD platforms.”

For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. For more information, visit AMD amd.com.

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BURLINGTON, MA, Aug 14, 2024 – SoftInWay has announced the release of Peter, an AI chatbot developed to streamline the design process for AxSTREAM users. This product was named after Petr (Peter) Pagur, the original architect of AxSTREAM, and utilizes AI technology to leverage technical information that assists engineers with their daily tasks. This advancement transforms turbomachinery and thermal-fluid system design, enabling quicker achievement of technical goals and higher-quality results.

Pagur was a world-class software developer and devoted family man. During the early development of AxSTREAM, SoftInWay CEO Leonid Moroz relied on Petr, who was critical in shaping the user experience and overall platform development. Petr’s dedication through sleepless nights and countless discussions made AxSTREAM a unique software. He became a pivotal friend, colleague, and mentor to engineers across the global turbomachinery community, including those at SoftInWay, as well as to customers and partners worldwide.

In the last half-decade, SoftInWay has built on the foundation of AxSTREAM that Petr helped create, advancing AI development within the turbomachinery design sector. These developments have enhanced the renowned SoftInWay support team and created the most functional interface for users, which the new Peter technology will assist with. Even in its early stages, the tool will be able to provide insights across the entire AxSTREAM platform.

Throughout SoftInWay’s first 25 years, the company has enhanced engineers’ design processes and improved students’ education in turbomachinery and thermal-fluid systems. By utilizing the AxSTREAM software and Peter chatbot, thousands of engineers, researchers and students worldwide will be able to educate themselves on the inner workings of turbomachinery and advance their design goals and careers.

SoftInWay’s CEO, Leonid Moroz, expressed his excitement about the release and its impact, stating, “I am honored and proud to announce the release of Peter, which will serve as a guide through any turbomachinery and thermal-fluid-related questions while using the AxSTREAM platform. Named after a dear friend and the brilliant mind behind the software, Petr Pagur, this tool was assembled by our world-class engineering team. Petr was a savant of the software, a generational developer, and a person with positive energy. This tool will mirror who he was – someone that was always there to help. No matter the application or system, this tool was built to have your back.

As SoftInWay continues to evolve Peter’s offerings, this latest release stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of engineering technology and fostering better engineering support while meeting the dynamic needs of the industry.

SoftInWay is an R&D engineering company specializing in the development of efficient propulsion and energy conversion systems. Its integrated and automated software platform, AxSTREAM, covers all stages of design, redesign, analysis, and optimization of the turbomachinery used in energy and propulsion technology. For more information, visit softinway.com.

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ROCHESTER, NY, Aug 14, 2024 – Vuzix Corp. announced the introduction of M400 Xtreme smart glasses, a new kit that incorporates numerous advancements to its already widely adopted M400, and features the new Xtreme Weather power bank, a lightweight, long lasting battery that, just like the main M400 Xtreme, is IP67-rated against dust and water intrusion and operates at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 45°C (-4°F – 113°F).

Vuzix M400 Xtreme Smart Glasses feature the new IP67 rated Xtreme Weather power bankVuzix will be offering the M400 Xtreme kit as an out-of-the-box remote support solution that improves upon its currently available M400 All Weather Kit, specifically with a greater battery capacity, use in the harshest workplace environments, and comfortable headband for long shifts. This new combination of features makes the M400 Xtreme an ideal solution for remote field service assignments and all-day cold storage warehouse duty.

To further maximize smart glasses adoption across harsh and remote field assignments, Vuzix is proud to announce a new Collaboration Package offer. For a limited time, the company will be extending all new and existing M400 customers free access to many of the most popular AR communication tools, including Vuzix Video Conferencing for Zoom. These tools enable users to start or join a meeting easily and instantly using hands-free technology, share their point of view using video streaming and more, all on Vuzix M400 smart glasses, and using the teleconferencing apps that clients have already adopted into their workflows.

More on the Collaboration Package is available here.

“Since we first launched the M400, we’ve been continually making improvements to this product. Over time, we’ve made the display brighter and increased screen life and durability, dramatically reduced non-user voice interference, upgraded the OS, added speech recognition and applications support in 30 languages, further ruggedized the adjustable hinge mechanism and improved other key design features. The enhancements implemented were often in direct response to the operational requests and general product feedback we have received from the thousands of customers that have been actively using our smart glasses,” said Paul Travers, president and CEO of Vuzix. “Upgrading to Android 13 support, for example, is another key requirement on our strategy roadmap for the year, based on customer feedback. We’re confident that our new Collaboration Package and the release of the M400 Xtreme will meet the rising need to stay connected with peer teams regardless of location or environmental factors.”

Click here to purchase the M400 Xtreme Kit.

Vuzix is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technologies and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. For more information, visit Vuzix website.

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DUBUQUE, IA, Aug 14, 2024 – Eagle Point Software, a leader in innovative learning solutions for the architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing (AEC&M) industries, announced a reseller partnership with TASE Solutions, a premier technology solutions provider based in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This partnership designates TASE Solutions as an official reseller of Eagle Point’s Pinnacle Series solutions, further expanding their reach in Europe.

“We are excited to welcome TASE Solutions into our family of resellers,” said Steve Biver, COO of Eagle Point Software. “Their expertise in AEC technology solutions and deep understanding of the AEC industries align perfectly with our mission to empower organizations through innovative learning experiences.

Eagle Point Software’s Pinnacle Series delivers world-class learning tools and a robust library of content from leading AEC and manufacturing industry providers to more than half a million professionals worldwide. Pinnacle Series’ unmatched suite of knowledge-sharing and efficiency features is optimized for the way AEC and manufacturing firms operate, and Eagle Point drives consistent innovation to meet industry demands and position partners ahead of the competition.

TASE Solutions has established itself as a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions in Belgium, catering to a wide range of industries including construction, engineering, and manufacturing. With Eagle Point’s Pinnacle Series, TASE Solutions can offer their clients a powerful catalyst for digital transformation and a foundation for continuous learning.

“Partnering with Eagle Point Software allows us to provide our clients with the tools they need to enhance their skills, increase efficiency, and drive innovation within their organizations,” said Emmanuel Petit, CEO and founder at TASE Solutions. “We are committed to delivering top-tier solutions that make a tangible impact on our clients’ success, and the Pinnacle Series is a perfect addition to our portfolio.”

Pinnacle Series is an AEC and manufacturing learning management system with a comprehensive, multimedia library of customizable development resources that enable long-term employee training, on-demand problem-solving, and digital transformation.

Pinnacle Series creator Eagle Point Software has helped AEC and manufacturing companies work more efficiently since 1983. Based in Dubuque, IA, the Pinnacle Series team is comprised of industry experts who deliver the leading development and productivity platform to more than 500,000 global AEC and manufacturing professionals. For more information about Eagle Point Software, visit eaglepoint.com.

Since 1986, TASE Solutions has been a partner of the main players in the construction sector, offering IT solutions and training adapted to the professions in the sector.

For more information about TASE Solutions, visit tase.lu.

The post Eagle Point Partners with TASE Solutions appeared first on Engineering.com.

WIESBADEN, Germany, Aug 14, 2024 – Woolpert was selected for a five-year, $50M indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to provide professional and non-professional mapping and management services for projects assigned to the US Army Corps of Engineers Europe District to support installations throughout Europe. Woolpert most recently served the district as part of a five-year, shared-capacity GIS/mapping, surveying, and photogrammetric mapping services contract under a joint venture arrangement.

Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany.Services to be performed under the current contract will include aerial photography and lidar collection and processing, photogrammetry, land surveying, CAD/GIS mapping and data migration, as well as site, utility, and space utilization survey.

“Leveraging our past experience with the district, our local presence, and skilled subcontractor base, we are privileged to continue our work with USACE Europe and their stakeholders,” Woolpert vice president and National Security Program Director Darius Hensley said.

The contract is underway.

Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG), and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, OH, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. Woolpert has over 2,500 employees and more than 60 offices on five continents.

For more information, visit woolpert.com.

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TORONTO, Canada, Aug 14, 2024 – WZMH Architects, a globally recognized leader in architectural design and innovation, announces the launch of Giraffe, an independently owned software company dedicated to revolutionizing the architectural-engineering-construction sectors. Although Giraffe draws on WZMH’s extensive industry expertise, it operates as a separate entity with its own state-of-the-art software suite designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration in building design and construction.

Founded in 1961, WZMH Architects has established a rich legacy of landmark design. In 2017, the firm expanded its focus on cutting-edge technology by establishing sparkbird, a research and development lab dedicated to driving innovation in IoT (Internet of Things), design efficiency, modularity, and sustainability. Giraffe represents the latest evolution of this commitment, integrating practical architectural and construction knowledge with advanced AI and digital twin technology.

“At WZMH Architects, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction), and bridging the gap between traditional architectural and building practices, and the innovative potential of emerging technologies,” said the founding team at Giraffe.

They added, “Giraffe isn’t just about envisioning the future; we’re building it with solutions born from deep industry understanding and not just IT expertise. With the DNA of Giraffe rooted in WZMH Architects, we bring over 60 years of experience, more than 250 million square feet of designed and constructed buildings, and over 10 million hours of IP production and expertise. Our team of experts transforms visionary ideas into tangible outcomes for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.”

Giraffe addresses key issues in the AEC industry, such as fragmented and inefficient design processes, inconsistent standards and documentation, a declining skilled workforce, and limited automation. By streamlining the entire lifecycle of a building — from design and construction to management — Giraffe’s software solutions are designed to accelerate project timelines, automate tasks, and improve quality assurance.

The software suite features eight smart technology solutions and includes:

doton – A digital construction measurement and inventory tracking solution utilizing standard camera technology and unique markers to enhance measurement accuracy, locate and determine the final placement of materials and construction site safety.
ska-ana – A cutting-edge tool for autonomous site navigation, real-time data collection, and remote construction monitoring, reducing operational time and increasing efficiency.
AiM (Ai Massing) – An AI-driven planning tool for rapid generation and adjustment of real estate development massing models, integrating creative vision with technical specifications.
PARRiT – A centralized platform for managing design and furniture information, facilitating real-time updates and collaboration across project stakeholders.
SOVAi – A site surveying tool that leverages advanced environmental analysis to provide rapid, comprehensive BIM models and reports, enhancing project planning efficiency.
PLAiNNED – An AI-powered app that simplifies architectural design by quickly generating building code-compliant layouts for complex building components, epitomizing efficient ‘design by spreadsheet’.
mySUN – An eco-conscious gaming app that tracks and suggests improvements to users’ environmental footprint, encouraging sustainable daily choices through automated activity.
VOLPAi – An AI-powered application that redefines RFI management in the construction industry by expediting responses to improve project flow and serving as an educational resource on design and construction practices.

With ongoing beta testing and plans for commercialization by 2025, Giraffe is poised to become a transformative force in the AEC industry, and has already achieved significant milestones, including pilot tests and collaborations with industry leaders such as Infrastructure Ontario, RBC, Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure and Operations and major general contractors and subcontractors. And as the industry continues to undergo a digital transformation, Giraffe is uniquely positioned to capitalize on a market projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10% by 2040.

Led by a team of Principals from WZMH Architects, each actively involved in the strategic development and continuous innovation of Giraffe, the software embodies the firm’s visionary approach and industry-leading standards, ensuring it reflects decades of architectural-engineering-construction excellence and forward-thinking innovation. The development team, consisting of in-house professionals and external experts in machine learning and robotics, is dedicated to maintaining Giraffe’s position at the forefront of AEC technology.

For more information on Giraffe and its groundbreaking solutions, visit giraffe.software.

WZMH Architects is committed to the pursuit of design excellence delivered with exceptional technical competency. For more information, visit wzmh.com.

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Renesas completes Altium acquisitionRenesas has completed its acquisition of electronic design automation (EDA) software developer Altium. The $5.91 billion deal, first announced in February, will see Altium as a subsidiary of Renesas led by CEO Aram Mirkazemi, who will concurrently serve as a senior vice president and head of Renesas’ Software & Digitalization team.

“With Renesas’ support and expertise, we are looking forward to accelerating the cloud-enablement of all industry processes associated with electronics design and development,” Mirkazemi said in a press release. “This will make electronics accessible to a broader market and lay the foundation for software defined products.”

Altair Enlighten Awards honor lightweighting and sustainabilityAltair announced the winners of its 2024 Altair Enlighten Award honoring sustainability and lightweighting in the automotive industry.

DuPont’s Betamate broad bake adhesive technology is the 2024 Altair Enlighten Award winner for sustainable product. (Image: Altair.)
The awards categories included sustainable product (winner: DuPont Betamate for its broad bake adhesive technology), sustainable process (BMW M and partners for their visionary materials seat), module lightweighting (Syensqo and General Motors for their high-performance thermoplastic battery module structure), enabling technology (CompositeEdge for their sustainable high-performance structures), the future of lightweighting (WEAV3D, Braskem and Clemson Composites Center for cost-effective lightweight vehicle body structures) and responsible AI (Dow Inc. for Specflex polyurethane solutions).

Read more about the winners and runners-up on Engineering.com.

Ansys revenue up from 2023Ansys’ revenue is up, according to the company’s financial results for the second quarter of 2024. Ansys announced its Q2 revenue was $594.1 million, up from $466.6 million in Q2 2023, a 27.3% increase.

(Data: Ansys.)Beta CAE updates SPDRMBeta CAE Systems released SPDRM v1.11.2, the latest version of its software for simulation process data and resources management. The company said in its release notes that the updated SPDRM includes several enhancements and bug fixes. SPDRM v1.11.2 is now available from Beta CAE and its distributors.

Carmen Torres-Sanchez to be keynote speaker at ASSESS Summit 2025NAFEMS has announced the first keynote speaker for its upcoming ASSESS Summit 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Carmen Torres-Sanchez, a professor of multifunctional materials manufacturing at Loughborough University in the UK, will address the audience at what NAFEMS calls “the think-tank for engineering analysis and simulation, which will guide and shape the direction of the industry for years to come.”

Carmen Torres-Sanchez will be a keynote speaker at the ASSESS Summit 2025. (Image: NAFEMS.)The post It’s official: Renesas buys Altium, plus Altair’s lightweighting highlights and more simulation news appeared first on Engineering.com.

Software, sustainability, and scaling are top-of-mind for additive manufacturing professionals. Design World shares findings from this year’s AMUG Conference and a glimpse of what’s to come.

DINOs (Distinguished INnovator Operators) from the past 26 years gathered to celebrate the 2024 AMUG Conference. Image: AMUGOnce again, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference lived up to its reputation as a haven for 3D printing professionals to gather, exchange knowledge, and have a good time. The 2024 AMUG Conference took place at the Hilton Chicago on March 10-14 and offered dozens of presentations and panels, nonstop networking opportunities, competitions, awards, recognition, and much more.

The New Member Welcome reception marked the beginning of the conference and introduced first-timers to the event. The AMUGexpo followed, and the family reunion began. Hugs and handshakes abounded at every booth as attendees made their rounds. Exhibitors showcased prototypes and end-use parts to demonstrate the outcome of new materials and processes. Entrants of the inaugural AMUGderby placed their original 3D-printed cars in the lineup, and Technical Competition enthusiasts tried to get a sneak peek at this year’s novel ideas. (Catch up on more event highlights here: AMUG brings its annual conference “Back to the User”)

The New Member Welcome is a must-attend reception for first-timers to network with peers and meet AMUG’s leaders. Image: AMUGThroughout the week, AMUG leaders and keynote speakers started each day with insights and announcements. Afternoon breakout sessions focused on aerospace, transportation, defense, healthcare, materials, scanning, metrology, software, AM technologies, education, and training.

During the first morning session, AMUG committee member Todd Grimm shared industry trends from event sponsors and AMUG board members. Automation, sustainability, and workforce development were common themes, aside from advancing hardware and exploring new materials. Such topics echoed across the expo floor, at breakout sessions, and during casual networking conversations. Many exhibitors and attendees also emphasized software for increasing collaboration, productivity, and throughput to scale production, reduce costs, and support sustainability initiatives.

Design World sat down with various exhibitors and experts to learn what’s new and what industries can expect from additive manufacturing this year.

Address challenges head-on and prioritize business valueDuring an exclusive interview at the AMUG Conference, Brad Kreger, CEO of Velo3D, got candid about last year’s challenges and how strategic decisions rerouted the company.

“Looking back, 2023 was a challenging year for everyone in the industry. For us, a lot of that came in two flavors: reliability challenges and our sales process or commercial execution,” said Kreger.

Velo3D developed the Sapphire XC in a very short time and put systems out into the field quickly. Customers wanted to see their utilization rates on existing systems increase before scaling their fleets. So, Velo3D scaled up its field service organization by adding more staff and redirecting some of its R&D to targeted reliability initiatives.

The company found that customers were looking beyond the technology and needed to understand the business value of 3D printing.

“Don’t get me wrong, they’re interested in the technology, but at the end of the day, they’re buying a solution for a particular business need,” said Kreger.

Since then, the company rerouted its sales strategy and reduced operating expenses by 40%. This year, it’s focusing on enhanced training programs for staff and customers and developing customer success plans.

“We want to become a sustainable company. That’s something our customers want as well. They want to know that when they buy platforms for today, in five years and 10 years out, we’re going to continue supporting them and providing for their needs,” said Kreger.

Before the AMUG Conference, Velo3D released Developer to help engineers optimize 3D printing processes and accelerate product development. Ursa Major used Developer to qualify a part once and reproduce the part multiple times at multiple locations without requalifying. The company also optimized its process and reduced print time by nearly 50%. Velo3D continues to support aerospace customers and intends to arm defense organizations with its enhanced print preparation software to help scale production and improve AM repeatability.

Velo3D’s Flow Developer software provides transparency and control over 3D printing processes. Image: Velo3DConnect discussions with designsAt the AMUGexpo, Authentise showcased new features for Threads, its collaboration tool that allows users to share, discuss, and manage engineering projects. It integrates human conversations and decision-making into the design process, which is especially useful for R&D and government organizations that require transparency and tracking.

“The biggest challenge exists in the space between an idea and a design,” said Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise. “The only way we’re keeping track of conversations right now is through email, whiteboards, and Webex boards. The trouble in the additive world is when we want to reverse engineer something, the only information we have available is in the part or the designs, if we’re lucky. All the decisions that were made up to designing that part are lost. The moment that design exists, they’re lost. So, we wanted to give people a tool to collaborate effectively during the design phase.”

The tool integrates 3D models so that engineers can load a model, annotate a design, and have a conversation about it. Each conversation can have its own thread, and when decisions are made, engineers can tag it accordingly. This helps teams track projects during conversations and provides a historical record so that parts can be reverse-engineered or improved upon down the road.

Authentise’s Threads software connects discussions, decisions, and designs. Image: AuthentiseAuthentise also integrated its 3DGPT capability based on OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Organizations can use this to quickly search for information and assist with a project’s risk management process. For instance, traditional project risk management is a top-down process. With Threads, project managers can ask 3DGPT, “How many risks do we have in this project?” Based on the conversations, the AI can gather information and identify risks throughout the project.

Engineers and managers no longer need to mine email inboxes or play investigator searching multiple platforms to understand why decisions were made and how to replicate, repurpose, or learn from history. Authentise’s forward-thinking tool considers what people need now and in the future.

Make ceramics manufacturing simpleWhile medical, dental, aerospace, and R&D applications abound for ceramic 3D printing, there is a growing demand to scale for mass production and industrial uses.

“Ceramics are often a component in a device that performs a key function, such as a high-temperature electrical insulator, or for extreme environments where you need corrosion and wear resistance,” said Shawn Allan, VP at Lithoz America.

Lithoz’s CeraFab systems remain a leader in industrial-scale ceramics manufacturing with its easy-to-learn digital light processing (DLP) technology. Organizations use them to create green hydrogen production parts, microstructure ceramics, advanced high-temperature ceramics, multi-material electrical components, and dental solutions.

Shawn Allan (left), VP at Lithoz America, and his team had 3D-printed ceramic parts on display at the AMUGexpo. Image: AMUG“It’s a DLP polymer process, and we’re printing with photopolymers. We clean the parts just like any other photopolymer process, and then we put the part through a final firing process. The complexity of the process is similar to polymer printing,” said Allan. “The post-processing firing isn’t terribly complicated. You use an oven or a furnace, you can run a range of programs depending on the material, and then you have a final part. Workforce-development-wise, the process is very teachable. In maybe one or two days of training, you can get somebody up and running to operate the system.”

Lithoz reported a 30% increase in printers sold last year and nearly doubled its material production from 2022, signifying an increase in worldwide adoption of ceramic printing. The company aims to boost ceramic 3D printing capabilities this year by increasing service bureaus, expanding its solution, and driving its “Ceramic AM Factory” vision toward serial mass production.

Reduce production costs with new materialsThere are various ways to refine 3D printing processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs, such as optimizing designs and using automation. With its new PA 12 S material, HP helps engineers simultaneously reduce costs, improve sustainability, and create parts with enhanced surface finishes.

“When you do a production build on any powder printer, the powder stays inside the printer for a long time and degrades a little bit depending on its stability. So, for the next run, you need to put new, fresh powder in. It’s called the refresh rate. The lower the refresh rate, the less powder you need to add, and you don’t need to dispose of used powder, which is a big cost and sustainability issue. With the PS 12 S, there is no refresh, so you decrease the cost of production,” said Francois Minec, global head of polymers for HP’s personalization and 3D printing business.

In addition to reducing waste and build costs, the new material produces a surface finish that decreases post-processing needs.

HP’s booth at the AMUGexpo was packed with engineers interested in new materials. Image: AMUG“When you’re new to 3D printing, a good rule of thumb, though not always the case, is the cost per part is 30% materials, 30% printing, and 30% post-processing,” said Minec. “With this new product, we lower the post-processing cost.”

HP also aims to lead sustainability efforts in 3D printing by reducing the carbon footprint of its own product offerings.

“We’re reinforcing the message on two of the materials we have — the original PA 12 enabled by Evonik and the PA 11 enabled by Arkema,” said Minec. “These are the two main powders used in 3D printing today, and we’ve reached an agreement with our suppliers that they only use renewable energy to make these materials. So, the total carbon footprint decreases.”

Help 3D printing mature into adulthoodGoEngineer prides itself on enabling engineers throughout the entire ecosystem. The team helps with software, simulation, 3D scanning, 3D printing, and more. In addition to more than 60 offices across the U.S. and Canada, the company recently acquired Rapid PSI, a service bureau in Wichita, Kansas, that caters to aerospace.

During the 2024 AMUG Conference, the company described how 3D printing is growing from adolescence into adulthood and reiterated that no one is alone in their growth journey.

“We had a presentation called ‘From Mistakes to Mastery’ because it’s important to share learnings so engineers know they’re not the only ones who have made those mistakes, and it helps educate everybody along the way,” said Heather Natal, marketing product manager, manufacturing solutions at GoEngineer. “That’s really where our heart is — to educate.”

With blogs, YouTube channels, webinars, professional training, and 3D printing services, engineers have immense training and support from industry experts.

“When I entered the world of 3D printing, it was really in its teenage years. We knew the capabilities, but everyone was still figuring things out,” said Natal. “I see additive currently at a place of maturity. So, we’re looking at how to make this a profitable industry and partner with traditional manufacturing to encompass all of manufacturing. This is just another tool for manufacturing; it’s nothing to compete against.”

Despite its growing demand, Natal mentioned that the business case issue and materials can stall adoption. Therefore, as the number of materials and applications increases, we should see 3D printing explode in the market.

When she’s not speaking on behalf of GoEngineer, Heather Natal (right) serves as AMUG Secretary and can often be found helping AMUG Conference attendees at the registration desk. Image: AMUGScale 3D printing through softwareAbout a week before the AMUG Conference, Stratasys released two new software packages: GrabCAD Streamline Pro and a new version of GrabCAD Print Pro for PolyJet. The company aims to help scale volume production by managing 3D printing fleets.

“What works with one printer doesn’t necessarily work when you get to 10, 12, 15 printers. And usually, you solve that with software and workflows,” said Victor Gerdes, VP of global software product strategy at Stratasys. “Print Pro is meant to help scale additive with automation, features to make parts with first-time success rates more often, and to help with greater throughput.”

Gerdes had examples of batteries and electronics parts where an engineer used PolyJet to “print air,” meaning it paused printing and placed objects into the prints. With the PolyJet series, engineers can also print on top of objects, such as fabrics, or directly on the tray, leading to better surface finish quality, and the J55 system can print twice as fast.

“If you think about Print Pro as the desktop app for print prep, Streamline is a workgroup app to connect people, parts, and printers to scale 3D printing,” said Gerdes. “We’re in beta testing now, and one of our customers said that with the analytics, they found that one of their printers had more uptime than the other. They didn’t know that was going on, and they were immediately able to investigate it.”

Adding more printers can introduce more risks, and managers need detailed analytics to assess each printer’s performance. With Streamline Pro, Stratasys addresses productivity, utilization, cost, and cybersecurity concerns for 3D printing fleets at any scale.

Stratasys had multiple printers and a variety of finished parts on display at the AMUGexpo. Image: AMUGGet ready for more AMUG ConferencesAMUG members will return to the Hilton Chicago from March 30 through April 3, 2025. Registration will open later this year.

If you’re a return attendee, don’t get too attached to the Windy City! The following year, AMUG is moving to the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, March 15-19, 2026.

Visit amug.com for updates and announcements.

Make Parts Fast

Aerospace is a key industry that uses additive manufacturing (AM) technologies for end-use parts. However, post-processing remains a barrier to adoption and scaling production. Rivelin Robotics has been developing an autonomous post-processing solution with its Netshape Robots to help metal AM users scale.

Rivelin Robotics NS1.0-700 post-production cell. Image: Rivelin RoboticsGKN Aerospace is a Tier 1 supplier, with customers including Airbus, Rolls Royce, and GE. The company has been maturing its metal AM production for more than a decade and developing technology for civil and military aerospace programs. Its current focus is using AM for reliable, sustainable, ready-to-use alternatives to castings and forgings within its engines business.

The Tier 1 supplier primarily uses powder bed fusion (PBF) technology and manually removes supports during post-processing. This manual work is often inaccurate and unrepeatable, varying widely across technicians. It can even result in part defects and non-conforming parts that require rework or a complete rebuild. This prevents the company from scaling to a quality-assured, economical process.

GKN Aerospace isn’t alone, however. Post-processing is a major bottleneck for any metal AM application. It’s labor-intensive and time-consuming, poses repeatability and quality control challenges, and yields long lead times and high costs. Such considerations are critical for regulated industries that must adhere to stringent compliance standards.

As part of an Innovate UK-funded program, Rivelin Robotics recently launched Project CAMPFIRE (Certified Additive Manufactured Parts Finished with Intelligent Robotics Engine) for regulated industries, such as aerospace. The company and GKN Aerospace are exploring autonomous support removal for complex aerospace parts. An automated solution aims to remove human interactions and improve repeatability and productivity.

Project CAMPFIRE has a 15-month runtime and includes non-aerospace partners, including Attenborough Medical and Materials Solutions (a Siemens Energy Business). Additionally, Yaskawa delivers robot and positioner cell solutions, and Saint Gobain Abrasives advises on the right tools for the finishing job.

Rivelin Robotics
rivelinrobotics.com

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Accufacture, in collaboration with Meltio and Fanuc America, recently introduced the Alchemist 1, an innovative all-in-one additive manufacturing robotic workcell made in the U.S. Powered by Meltio’s Wire-Laser Metal Deposition (W-LMD) technology, Alchemist 1 delivers cost-effective production of large, fully dense metal parts, catering to the needs of automotive, aerospace, mining, oil and gas, and various other sectors.

Accufacture introduced the new Alchemist I in partnership with Meltio and Fanuc. Image: MeltioKey features include a deposition rate of up to 1 kg per hour, a spacious build volume of 3.2 x 6.5 x 3.2 ft, and compatibility with inexpensive welding wire feedstock.

The pre-integrated Alchemist 1 Cell Made in the USA combines Meltio’s LW-DED (Directed Energy Deposition) head with a Fanuc six-axis robot and two-axis positioner within a laser-safe enclosure. Furthermore, the system comes with a complimentary Meltio Space robotic slicer license, though customers also have the flexibility to utilize other slicer technologies.

The new Alchemist 1 combines Meltio’s LW-DED head with a Fanuc six-axis robot and two-axis positioner. Image: MeltioAccufacture
accufacture.com

Meltio
meltio3d.com

Fanuc
fanucamerica.com

Make Parts Fast

Creaform, a business of Ametek, unveiled its next-generation scanners with the introduction of the HandyScan Black+ Elite and the complete redesign of the HandyScan Silver and HandyScan Silver Elite. These latest iterations of the Black and Silver Series promise precision and an enhanced user experience.

Creaform’s 3D scanners are helping metrology professionals and designers improve quality control and product development processes. Image: CreaformThe new HandyScan Black+ Elite provides accuracy through the Accu+ kit, enabling the user to confidently rely on an optimized volumetric accuracy of 0.020 mm + 0.015 mm/m. The new Flex Volume provides a greater scanning measurement volume and allows for an adjustable scanning distance that is simple to use, from near (200 mm) to far away (700 mm). Leveraging its newly acquired certifications, the Black Series also ensures precision and measurement reliability through its VDI/VDE 2634 part 3 and ISO 10360-based sensor acceptance tests in its ISO/IEC 17025-2017 accredited laboratories.

The revamped Silver Series has a new ergonomic aesthetic, heightened resolution catering to intricate details, versatile scanning capabilities accommodating various surface types, and user-friendly accessible design. It integrates the advancement of the Black Series, leveraging a proven design, compatibility with the recently launched Automation kit, and benefiting from worldwide support and customer service.

As Simon Côté, product manager at Creaform, emphasized, “We are more than a simple solution provider, we partner with companies to improve our products based on their feedback, ensuring that they get the most out of our 3D scanning technologies and software and get to experience innovation firsthand…With these enhancements in the Black and Silver Series, we provide a complete development path from beginner to expert, in a single lineup; the same that made us pioneers in self-positioning 3D laser scanner.”

To learn more about these latest versions of the HandyScan 3D family, register for the free webinar on May 7, 2024, entitled “Revolutionizing Engineering and Manufacturing: Unleashing the Power of Portable 3D Scanning”. This webinar will showcase real-world case studies and the tangible benefits of Creaform’s new HandyScan Silver and Black scanner models, for product development and quality control.

Make Parts Fast

By Jack Rulander, Senior R&D Engineer, Protolabs Injection molding is responsible for bringing us many of the products we rely on daily, from children’s toys to household items and smartphones. Working for a digital manufacturer that serves nearly 50,000 product developers annually, we see countless CAD files for injection molded parts big and small, representing […]

Make Parts Fast

Additive technologies throw a wrench in traditional manufacturing but can save millions of dollars and minutes down the line. Still, many organizations hesitate and view 3D printing anything besides prototypes as costly and unnecessary. Maybe it’s time to think differently and more creatively. In a recent webinar, Dustin Kloempken, a lead application engineer at HP, […]

Make Parts Fast

Meltio Space is a new innovation to increase the reliability of metal part manufacturing. It is a toolpath generator software for the Meltio Engine Robot Integration with an easy-to-use interface for planar, non-planar, and variable extrusion toolpaths. It also includes 2-axis workpiece positioner interpolation, kinematics simulation, collisions check, and cell configuration. This new slicer is an […]

Make Parts Fast

Velo3D, Lockheed Martin, and Vibrant teamed up with DoD’s LIFT Institute on a data-driven approach to certifying materials and methods for additively manufactured aerospace systems. In the defense industry, there has been a recent and urgent need to advance aerospace applications. Global competitors are accelerating efforts to develop propulsion systems that can generate thrust to […]

Make Parts Fast

By Philipp Pruesse, Sales Manager, Dimensionics Density In the world of modern manufacturing, additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a revolutionary technology that holds the promise of transforming industries through its capability to produce complex geometries, reduce lead times, and enable on-demand production. However, as the adoption of AM grows across sectors ranging from aerospace […]

Make Parts Fast

ModuleWorks, a provider of software components and solutions for CAD/CAM systems and CNC machining, has introduced the Manufacturing Data Exchange Specification (MDES). The new specification aims to enhance the efficiency of manufacturing workflows by enabling seamless data exchange across different platforms and processes.

ModuleWorks has been developing digital manufacturing software in partnership with CAM system developers, machine tool builders, and CNC control manufacturers for more than 20 years. Image: ModuleWorksMDES is a new, open data exchange specification for the manufacturing industry. It is designed to increase the interoperability of different hardware and software systems across all stages of the product lifecycle, from design and planning to production and quality control. The free-to-use specification enables any company to adopt MDES as a universal language for the digital representation of machining assets such as tool components, assemblies, fixtures, stocks, and setups, as well as their mounting in machine tools.

Unifying the digital representation of machining assets in an open specification has the potential to simplify and accelerate data exchange by minimizing the need for data bridges between different proprietary systems. This would also reduce software development costs and dismantle adoption barriers for new equipment, encouraging manufacturers to leverage the benefits of the latest technology on the market.

“Today, a lot of energy is spent breaking data silos and ensuring data flow across various software systems amongst the digital manufacturing thread. This causes immense efforts and crippling dependencies within the IT infrastructures of manufacturing companies. With MDES, we enable different members of the manufacturing industry to invest their efforts where value is created and easily embed their solutions into software workflows,” said Miguel Johann, product director at ModuleWorks.

With MDES, ModuleWorks aims to facilitate the formation of an open ecosystem for the digital exchange of manufacturing data. The new specification is compatible with the existing industry standards ISO13399 (Cutting tool data representation and exchange) and DIN4000-190 / DIN4003-190 (Tabular layouts and 3D description of fixture devices).

To complement the new specification, ModuleWorks has developed MDESLib-Equipment. These ready-to-use software libraries are part of the ModuleWorks SDK and include basic read/write functionality that enables developers to immediately use MDES with the ModuleWorks toolpath and simulation components.

“By making the specification open and standards-based, we intend to build a growing community around a common language for the digital description of manufacturing assets,” said Jasper Sanders, principal product manager of Simulation & Digital Twin at ModuleWorks. “To speed up implementation for our partners, we provide ready-to-use software libraries in our SDK. In this way, we hope to foster an ecosystem that will exponentially grow in value.”

ModuleWorks
moduleworks.com

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Materialise is opening a new 3D printing facility in Plymouth, Michigan, to accelerate the delivery of custom medical implants to U.S. patients. Surgeons increasingly embrace 3D printing solutions as they recognize the added value it brings to personalized patient care, including more predictable and accurate surgical outcomes and time savings during surgery.

The new Materialise 3D-printing facility in Plymouth specializes in patient-specific implants for facial reconstructive surgery. Image: MaterialiseAt the new facility, Materialise specializes in the 3D printing of personalized titanium cranio-maxillofacial (CMF) implants. CMF implants are used for facial reconstructive surgery. Until now, Materialise manufactured titanium CMF implants solely at its 3D printing facility in Belgium. With a dedicated metal 3D printing facility in the U.S., the company can respond to surgeons’ needs with greater reliability while significantly reducing the delivery time of fully personalized implants to hospitals across the country. This expansion of capabilities complements Materialise’s existing production of 3D-printed surgical guides and anatomical models in the U.S.

The advent of technologies such as 3D printing and advanced visualization techniques has transformed personalized patient care. Patient-specific 3D printed medical solutions include anatomical models for diagnostic purposes and surgical guides and implants to enhance accuracy and efficiency. These solutions are designed to bolster surgeons’ comfort before and during surgery, leading to more predictable and accurate surgical outcomes. As a result, surgeons increasingly adopt 3D printing as part of their medical practices to bring personalized care closer to patients and to reduce overall costs.

Materialise has more than three decades of experience in developing medical solutions and offers a comprehensive range of 3D-printed guides and implants. The company produces 280,000 personalized 3D-printed instruments and implants per year, including 160,000 for the U.S. market. Materialise has pioneered numerous groundbreaking medical 3D printing applications. In 2017, it introduced one of the first personalized CMF implant portfolios in the U.S. In 2021, its innovative 3D planning and 3D printed instruments played a pivotal role in the world’s first simultaneous double hand and face transplant that was successfully performed at NYU Langone Health in Manhattan, New York.

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Clarkson College in Omaha, Nebraska, and 3D Systems partnered to establish an on-campus 3D Printing and Training Center of Excellence. This cutting-edge facility represents a significant leap forward in healthcare innovation, education, and patient care. This synergy will create pathways that make 3D printing and visualization accessible to healthcare facilities. Through education, consulting, customized patient care, and research, the team aims to reshape the landscape of healthcare in the region.

Clarkson College’s Assistant Director of Radiography/Medical Imaging and Advanced Technology Patricia (Trish) Weber (left) and 3D Printing and Training Center Administrator Blair Kauzlarich (right) showcase patient-specific boluses, surgical guides, and anatomic models 3D printed through the new partnership with 3D Systems. Image courtesy of Clarkson College.Bringing technology closer to point-of-care and the implementation of 3D Systems’ solutions holds several tangible benefits for Omaha and the surrounding communities, including accelerated innovation through clinical engagement, the potential for enhanced patient outcomes, and the transformation of healthcare practices. This partnership enables Clarkson College to offer FDA-cleared 3D-printed, patient-specific devices on-site and make them accessible to clinicians and healthcare facilities across the region. Device offerings include diagnostic anatomic models, surgical guides for orthopedic oncology procedures, and radiotherapy accessories.

The 3D Printing and Training Center of Excellence at Clarkson College, in conjunction with 3D Systems, is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of medical advancements through the transformative power of 3D printing technology.

Learn more at: clarksoncollege.edu/3d-printing-and-training-center

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Digital manufacturing makes real-time, remote collaboration possible. But there’s still value in face-to-face interaction.

As such, Essentium is launching a physical filament store in Austin, Texas, as a direct result of its partnership with 3D-Fuel. The store offers premium quality USA-made filaments and encourages collaboration and education, empowering makers to fully embrace the capabilities of 3D printing technology.

Essentium opens a new filament store in Austin to foster in-person collaboration. Image: Adobe StockThe brick-and-mortar venture aims to provide technical insights, inspire innovation, and offer the latest 3D printing technology to the local community. With over four years of local filament manufacturing experience, Essentium is committed to engaging with Austin makers and sharing its expertise.

There is currently no dedicated brick-and-mortar store for the 3D printing community in the Austin metro. Addressing this gap, Austin 3D Printing draws insights from 3D-Fuel’s success with a similar store in Fargo, North Dakota, providing face-to-face interactions with 3D printing experts coupled with expedited same-day printing services.

The partnership expands options for 3D printing professionals, educators, and hobbyists by offering over 40 colors, including Tough Pro PLA+ and other popular filaments. The alliance ensures accessible materials, enabling diverse applications and contributing to local sustainability, all made in the USA.

Demonstrating environmental responsibility, Essentium will also introduce spool recycling services, allowing customers to repurpose spools, minimize waste, and support sustainability.

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The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) today announced that online registration will open on September 1, 2023, for its 2024 AMUG Education and Training Conference, which will take place in Chicago, Illinois, from March 10-14, 2024. The AMUG Conference is a users’ event open to owners and operators of industrial additive manufacturing technologies used for […]

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Pico MES, a manufacturing execution system (MES) software company, is getting a leg up from investors to enable digital transformation for small to medium-sized American factories. Since its founding in 2019, Pico MES has integrated 10,000 processes into digital data streams from over 700 workstations and connected over 1,900 devices to its platform. New factory […]

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By Nirup Nagabandi, Ph.D., Vice President of Materials and Process Engineering, Essentium Imagine you’re an apparel manufacturer. You need machines to make your clothes. But the machines you can buy will only make clothes out of fabrics sold by the companies that sell the machines. You can’t use cotton, wool, or polyester. You have to […]

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Injection molding is the preferred method for mass-producing precision plastic parts. However, its upfront costs can be hefty. It’s worthwhile to tweak the production process to decrease both the complexity and the project expense. The primary cost factors in injection molding include: Tooling costs, including the design and machining of the mold. Material costs, based […]

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Die-casting is widely used in the automotive industry, where complex parts can be made with high accuracy and efficiency. It is a process of producing metal parts by forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mold cavity. During manufacturing, these molds are subject to harsh working conditions, such as high temperature and high pressure, […]

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Hard work and good help can pay off, as two young engineers have learned. Mixing undergraduate curiosity and real-world engagement together, Zachary Lesan and Patrick Watson, two students from the Colorado University (CU) Boulder Aerospace Engineering Sciences program, started an independent effort on turbopump design and manufacture that is a lesson in determination and industry […]

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In the rapidly growing clear aligner market, Madrid-based SecretAligner has differentiated itself as a leading high-quality producer. Since Dr. Pablo Kehyaian founded the company in 2019, it has experienced immense growth, which also required the team to scale up manufacturing capacity. During SecretAligner’s journey from a single in-office printer to an 85-person company printing 2,000 […]

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The versatility and mechanical properties of the functional components made in Windform materials are well recognized by specialists and insiders. One of the latest examples comes from the world of Formula SAE. “Like every year, the industry judges at the competition were very interested in the parts that CRP USA 3D printed for our racing […]

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By Nisan Lerea, CEO, WAZER The medical device industry faces numerous challenges, with manufacturers striving to meet the demands for more sophisticated treatments and devices while managing rising costs. Outsourcing production has been a common practice to reduce expenses, but it comes with risks, such as extensive delays, compromised quality, and supply chain vulnerabilities — […]

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Additive manufacturing is often considered a more sustainable method for its material efficiency, reduced energy consumption, localized production, and design optimization potential. Though the benefits sound great and make sense, more organizations seek reliable data to prove they’re not greenwashing their products. To help engineers make more responsible manufacturing decisions that align with sustainability goals, […]

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Countries take holidays at different times of the year, and the whole world can face downtime during wars and pandemics. However, outcomes from screeching halts can inform future production to make impactful use of IoT data and systems. “Golden Week” refers to a collection of consecutive national holidays in Japan and China that creates extended […]

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Earlier this year, 3DPrintUK announced its commitment to a sustainable approach to its additive manufacturing (AM) operations and outlined its “Road to Net Zero” plan. Today, the company is thrilled to announce that it has already taken a significant step towards this goal by attaining certified carbon-neutral status, the first 3D printing service bureau to […]

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The Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) announced the preliminary results of a life-cycle analysis study titled “Comparative Life-Cycle Assessment: Comparison of Casting vs Binder Jetting for an Industrial Part.” The study, commissioned by the AMGTA and conducted by the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) in partnership with Desktop Metal and Trane Technologies, analyzed […]

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The Snowbird Additive Mobile Manufacturing Technology (SAMM Tech) platform is a newly released patented additive manufacturing system that is built and operates inside a shipping container. Designed to be transportable and deployable to any location in the world, SAMM Tech supports warfighters and industrial operators by advancing in the-field production of large-format metal parts for […]

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Velo3D has appointed Adrian Keppler to its Board of Directors. Keppler has spent more than 15 years as a C-level executive in the additive manufacturing industry and his experience and leadership in the industry will help Velo3D increase adoption of its fully integrated solution in Europe and around the world. “Dr. Keppler has a wealth […]

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nano3Dprint recently announced its latest strategic distribution partnership in Asia. Taiwan-based Collimage International will distribute nano3Dprint’s A2200 3D Multi-material Electronics Printer and B3300 Dual-Dispensing 3D Printer to its customers throughout Taiwan. Collimage International has already sold several printers to National Taiwan University, where undergraduate students in the photonics lab course will design and print metallic electrode […]

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According to a report by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturers are accelerating the pace of investments in advanced and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics. The report states, “Digital technologies also present significant opportunities to enhance efficiencies, increase resilience and improve the bottom line. New technologies are being used […]

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Mixed reality (MR) is a compelling technological innovation that blends the digital and physical worlds to create an immersive experience that allows users to interact in virtual and physical environments simultaneously. Advances with MR are enabling new applications across a range of manufacturing sectors to deliver after-sales service and collaboration. Indeed, this is a rapidly […]

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Essentium announced a strategic partnership with 3D-Fuel, a leading functional 3D printing filament manufacturer. The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for innovative materials and simplify the procurement process for customers in the 3D printing industry by enabling them to access a comprehensive range of filaments through a single provider. The partnership consolidates 3D-Fuel’s […]

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Shining 3D unveiled the next generation of its highly acclaimed EinScan H 3D scanner: the EinScan H2. While the EinScan H2 retains its predecessor’s ergonomics, wide field of view (FOV), and convenient hybrid light sources, it has also undergone several key improvements. Richer, brighter colors: The EinScan H2 is equipped with a 5MP camera offering […]

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EOS North America and its Additive Minds applied engineering group have launched the Can I 3D Print This online analysis tool, enabling organizations that are exploring additive manufacturing (AM) to input application information into a user-friendly platform and generate reporting that helps answer the question, “Can I 3D Print This?” Designed for both metal and […]

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3D Systems announced new materials to enhance its Stereolithography (SLA) and Figure 4 portfolios — Accura AMX Tough FR V0 Black, Figure 4 Tough FR V0 Black, and Figure 4 JCAST-GRN 20. These new high-performance materials are enabling efficient production of end-use parts in industries such as automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and consumer goods. Novel, first-to-market flame-retardant […]

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Most aerospace manufacturers understand the value of pretreating metal surfaces of parts to remove corrosion, grease, residue, old coatings, or to roughen the surface of metals prior to coating. By ensuring the items are cleaned down to bare metal, aerospace manufacturers can avoid costly warranty issues that result when coatings peel, flake, bubble, or otherwise […]

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Phase3D, a Chicago-based startup focused on in-situ inspection for powder-based additive manufacturing (AM), has been awarded a two-year $1.25 million contract from the Air Force Research Lab to develop a quality inspection system for cold spray AM (CSAM). This new technology will be installed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. CSAM has incredible […]

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Emergent, an advanced construction technology company, recently announced the completion of the first 3D Concrete Printed (3DCP) home in California. The event marks a significant milestone, with the property conforming fully to the state’s stringent building codes, the most rigorous in the United States, driven by regional seismic activity. The landmark project at 1,200 ft2 […]

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The Chair of Microfluidics at the University of Rostock in Germany is working with Stenzel MIM Technik on a project to print a 3D metal injection molding (MIM) tool. The basis of the development is using AIM3D’s CEM technology with an ExAM 255 system. The ExAM 255 system combines a high precision of 3D components […]

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By David Alatorre, Chief Technical Officer, Rivelin Robotics This article aims to explore the challenges being faced by manufacturing organizations across industries. A societal and cultural shift away from manual, craftsmanship-based roles, coupled with the perception of health risks in manufacturing occupations, has led to a significant skills shortage in the sector. Various other challenges […]

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Essentium announced findings from independent research showcasing the positive impact of 3D printing on reducing carbon emissions. As companies grapple with supply chain challenges, a growing number are adopting sustainable manufacturing approaches, including recyclable materials, reduced energy consumption, and more. The research, commissioned by Essentium, reveals that 94% of manufacturers are actively engaged in initiatives to […]

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Traditional desktop computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering (CAE) software was developed for traditional manufacturing methods and relies on every engineer having access to an expensive, high-performance workstation. Meanwhile, 3D printing has unlocked new opportunities to innovate with complex shapes that are not possible to manufacture with traditional methods. This gap between 3D printing hardware capabilities […]

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Matrix Moon, an additive manufacturing-focused training center and 3D Systems reseller located in India, believes it will take a leading role in transforming manufacturing workflows while dramatically increasing the speed of innovation and reducing costs. The company recently purchased a 3D Systems’ EXT 1070 Titan Pellet 3D printer that includes the optional milling spindle tool […]

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More engineers are embracing design for manufacturing (DFM) to streamline production workflows. Industry leaders such as Apple, GE, and Samsung have already adopted DFM as part of their standard practices. If you’re using the “over the wall” engineering strategy — in which the design team completes their work and then tosses it to the manufacturing […]

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Formlabs and Autodesk recently announced the fifth The Digital Factory Conference coming to SoWa Power Station in Boston on September 13, 2023. This year, the conference will explore “Chaos to Convergence,” highlighting new production methods created in response to recent industry stressors. The Digital Factory will feature an agenda of keynotes and panelists discussing these […]

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nano3dprint recently announced upgrades to its A2200 Multi-Materials Printer and B3300 Dual-Dispensing 3D Printer. These upgrades include precision dispensing tips that improve printing resolution, printer performance, and expanded printer capabilities. Precision dispensing tips allow the A2200 and B3300 to achieve a 100-micron resolution — as compared to the previous resolution of 200 microns. The tips […]

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Ceramic 3D printing has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics. Global ceramics expert CeramTec has been manufacturing and supplying high-performance ceramics (HPC) parts and components for more than a century and believes the future lies in additive manufacturing (AM). As such, […]

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Q.Big 3D was founded at Germany’s Aalen University in 2019 and has received numerous awards for its technology. It specializes in large 3D-printed components, engineering new component applications, and printing-as-a-service. The large-format 3D printing company just received new funding from HZG Group, and Manz AG, a global high-tech engineering company with an extensive technology portfolio, […]

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3D Systems and Oerlikon AM announced the companies have entered a collaboration agreement to further scale metal additive manufacturing. Combining both organizations’ deep process and applications expertise with 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing platform and Oerlikon AM’s surface engineering capabilities will enable a faster path to market for applications in high-criticality industries such as semiconductor and […]

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Arkema announced a partnership with industrial 3D printer manufacturer Raplas to jointly develop a range of high-performance N3xtDimension custom formulations for use in Raplas’ large format stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers. The collaboration will benefit from Arkema’s extensive material expertise for application-specific needs and new market trends. These materials will be offered for use on Raplas […]

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The possibilities for 3D printing are immense and cut across various industries. However, certain sectors have been quicker to embrace its potential. Let’s delve into five industries that are actively experimenting with 3D printing technology and stand at the precipice of transformation. They’re not just dipping their toes in the water but driving the innovation […]

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The U.S. Army scours the globe annually for innovations that will equip American soldiers with game-changing technologies. Established in 2018, the Army xTech Program strives to integrate small businesses and nontraditional vendors into the Army’s science and technology ecosystem. xTech recently announced the top-five winners of its third annual xTechInternational Advanced Manufacturing and Materials prize […]

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Ultimaker announced the addition of PET Carbon Fiber (CF), an easy-to-use and versatile composite material, to its portfolio of high-performance materials for S series 3D printers. Ultimaker PET CF offers superior strength, high heat resistance, and high chemical resistance for strong high-performance thermoplastic applications for a wide range of industries. With its exceptional mechanical properties, […]

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Xaba, developers of the first AI-driven robotics and CNC machine controller, and Lockheed Martin recently completed a collaboration to evaluate the automation of crucial manufacturing operations using the global aerospace company’s industrial robots integrated with Xaba’s proprietary physics-informed deep artificial neural network model, xCognition. Xaba and Lockheed Martin identified a use case focused on a […]

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Siemens Digital Industries Software recently announced that it is integrating the Supplyframe Design-to-Source Intelligence platform with its Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of software and services to bring robust real-time supply chain intelligence to the world’s most comprehensive digital twin technology. Starting with the incorporation of the Supplyframe Design-to-Source Intelligence platform with Siemens’ Xpedition software for electronic […]

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3D Systems and Swany announced a collaboration intended to promote the adoption of large-format pellet extrusion 3D printing in Japan. Through this collaboration, Swany is opening a new demo center that will include a 3D Systems EXT 1070 Titan Pellet printer (formerly Titan Atlas 2.5 HS) — the first of its kind in Japan. With […]

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Domin recently announced its latest development in the manufacture of hydraulic systems using an innovative approach to additive manufacturing. Recognizing the limitations and inefficiencies of traditional hydraulic systems, its ground-breaking approach to designing and manufacturing hydraulic systems combines additive manufacturing with cutting-edge technologies such as high-speed motor controls, onboard electronics, and intelligent data integration. These advancements […]

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WZR Ceramic Solutions, a German-based material development service provider in ceramic 3D printing, selected Lithoz’s CeraFab S65 System 3D printer for the visionary “Redox3D” project that will produce green hydrogen in solar tower power plants through thermochemical processes. The company will use high-precision lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology to construct cerium oxide components with highly […]

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Formlabs announced two new materials for dental and medical applications available for the Form 3B, Form 3B+, and Form 3BL printers: Dental LT Comfort Resin and Biomed Durable Resin. The company expands its library of over 40 3D printing materials to spark innovation and advance personalized patient care for point-of-care facilities, medical device makers, and […]

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Manufacturers wishing to progress from manual metrology to using a CNC coordinate measuring machine (CMM) have a new option to consider — the new ALTO 6.5.5 from CMM manufacturer LK Metrology. Appealing to the entry point of the CMM market, the machine has guideways made from aluminum, lowering the capital cost compared with making those […]

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Dimensionics Density recently launched its density determination technology for additive manufacturing (AM) which contributes to AM process chain automation. “Our solution is a revolutionary metrological system designed to deliver rapid and impeccably precise density analysis for various components,” said Philipp Pruesse, head of sales at Dimensionics Density. “AM parts often face the challenge of porosity, […]

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nano3Dprint announced a new strategic distribution channel in Asia. Japan-based System Create Co. will distribute nano3Dprint’s A2200 3D Multi-material Electronics Printer and B3300 Dual-Dispensing 3D Printer to its customers throughout Japan. The printers will be unveiled, and product sales will commence at Manufacturing World at Tokyo Big Sight, which will take place on June 21-23, […]

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Four leading companies in the medical device manufacturing industry — EOS, Tecomet, Orthopaedic Innovation Centre (OIC,) and Precision ADM — announced a collaborative partnership offering an end-to-end solution for medical device additive manufacturing (AM). The partnership includes a full range of services, including front-end engineering and design services, 510k approval pathways, device and machine validation, […]

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Lincoln Electric and its partners Chevron and Stress Engineering Services have received the prestigious TCT Award for 2023 in the Industrial Product Application category for 3D metal printing refinery pressure components. The TCT Awards celebrate advances in technology, innovation, and collaboration in the global 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry. The entries are judged by […]

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As part of the international “Ad-Proc-Add” of the ecoplus Mechatronics Cluster, Belgian researchers from KU Leuven, Thomas More University, the Belgian Welding Institute, and Sirrishave investigated the influence of various processes within the additive-subtractive manufacturing process chain (ASM) on the quality of the end product and developed empirical models for predicting bead geometry for the […]

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One of the challenges in treating burn victims is the frequency of dressing changes, which can be extremely painful. To bring relief to this and other problems, University of Waterloo researchers have created a new type of wound dressing material using advanced polymers. This new dressing could enhance the healing process for burn patients and […]

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Materialise and Vuzix, a leading supplier of smart glasses and augmented reality (AR) technology and products, have announced a collaborative effort to accelerate the design and production of smart eyewear using 3D printing technology. By integrating 3D printing into the manufacturing process, Vuzix and Materialise aim to accelerate the development of new innovations for enterprise […]

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Indiana Tech has acquired its second EOS industrial 3D printer, the FORMIGA P 110 Velocis, as part of its engineering center expansion and renovation for the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences program. The new polymer selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer complements Indiana Tech’s prior investment of its EOS M 290 direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) metal 3D printer in September 2022 as a tool for its biomedical and advanced manufacturing programming and new additive manufacturing certificate.

Indiana Tech Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences is using the EOS M 290 system to expand its STEM educational programming.Indiana Tech began acquiring additive manufacturing (AM) technology as part of its large $21.5 million expansion and renovation of the Zollner Engineering Center, increasing educational access to state-of-the-art engineering training and equipment within the university’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences programs. The expansion is set to be complete in October 2023, nearly doubling the size of its previous structure.

The school plans to provide a unique advantage to engineering students, being one of the only universities in Indiana to provide access to both polymer and metal AM technology. As the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences expands, Indiana Tech plans to increase AM educational offerings and programming for incoming students.

”3D printing will have a massive impact on advanced manufacturing by decentralizing production, improving product customization and resource efficiency, and reducing complexity,” said Dr. Ying Shang, Dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Indiana Tech. “As northeast Indiana grows its advanced manufacturing potential, the region’s workforce will need new knowledge and skillsets in additive manufacturing. With the two new additions of innovative EOS 3D printers and additional 3D printers for carbon fiber and other composite materials, Indiana Tech will become the leading institution in the nation for developing new talent in additive manufacturing for automotive, medical device, aeronautical applications and more. “

The purchase of the EOS M 290 and FORMIGA P 110 Velocis systems were made possible, in part, by support from a private alumni donor and the university’s grant awards, specifically the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) $1.5 million grant to support workforce training efforts. The EDA funding is a part of the American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, expected to create 700 jobs, and retain 100 as a direct result of purchasing technical equipment, such as EOS AM systems.

“As additive manufacturing begins to play a larger role in U.S. manufacturing, it is crucial we prepare the next generation of STEM for the shift in engineer training,” said Greg Hayes, SVP of Applied Technology at EOS North America. “Amid ongoing AM adoption and government investment into the technology, we feel confident that use of our printers will give Indiana Tech students the tools and competitive advantage needed to bolster the workforce and push the boundaries of what we can accomplish with industrial 3D printing.”

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Evolving from prototype and small-batch production to series production of plastic and metal parts in additive manufacturing increases efficient utilization of 3D printing equipment, provides a safe working environment, and creates an optimal production flow. Achieving efficient series production, however, requires intelligent automation and networking capable of perfectly integrating long production times of components in 3D printing with shorter upstream and downstream steps.

By Oliver Elbert, Head of Additive Manufacturing • Grenzebach Group

The additive manufacturing processes can be applied to fabricate topology-optimized parts. Image courtesy of Grenzebach.Additive Manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is the manufacturing of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control with material being added together (such as plastics, liquids, or powder grains), typically layer by layer.

Thirty-five years ago, 3D printing techniques were considered suitable only for the production of functional or aesthetic prototypes. As of the past several years, however, the precision, repeatability, and material range of additive manufacturing has increased to where it is now a viable industrial-production technology.

Benefits of additive manufacturingBecause additive manufacturing is a material joining process, whereby a product can be directly fabricated from its 3D model, usually layer upon layer, it delivers considerable advantages compared to traditional manufacturing technologies such as CNC machining or casting. Additive manufacturing processes have the unique capability of enabling the fabrication of parts with a complex shape as well as complex material distribution, and significantly enlarges the design freedom for designers.

Complex topology optimized shapes are difficult to handle for traditional manufacturing processes like CNC machining. To solve this issue, additive manufacturing processes can be applied to fabricate topology optimized parts — a type of structural optimization technique which can optimize material layout within a given design space. Compared to other typical structural optimization techniques, such as size optimization or shape optimization, topology optimization can update both shape and topology of a part.
Due to the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing processes, parts with multiscale complexities can be realized. This provides a great design freedom for designers to use cellular structures or lattice structures on micro or meso-scales for the preferred properties. For example, in the aerospace field, lattice structures fabricated by the additive manufacturing process can be used for weight reduction. Previously difficult to manufacture, lattice structures have high strength and low mass mechanical properties and multifunctionality.
Parts with multi-material or complex material distribution can be achieved by additive manufacturing processes using a single printer.
Since additive manufacturing can directly fabricate parts from products’ digital models, it significantly reduces the cost and lead time of producing customized products.
Given the constraints of traditional manufacturing methods, some complex components are usually separated into several parts for the ease of manufacturing as well as assembly. This situation has been changed by the use of additive manufacturing, where component parts of an original design can be consolidated into one complex part and fabricated by additive manufacturing processes.

Need for 3D series productionThe challenge with additive manufacturing is the long production time required for each item in the 3D printer, whereas upstream and downstream production steps have significantly shorter lead times. This makes for considerable inefficiencies in the overall additive manufacturing process.

The solution is series production, with intelligent automation and network integration of all upstream and downstream processes in the 3D printing cycle. Users benefit from automated processes, while ensuring optimum material flow between individual devices such as printers, depowdering and finishing systems. In addition to increasing efficient utilization of the 3D printing equipment, automated production provides a safe working environment for workers.

Improved efficiency. Automation intelligently and reliably networks process steps with different throughput times. 3D printing, pre-processing and post-processing systems are mechanically, electronically, and digitally synchronized, resulting in optimally utilized machinery with maximum output.

Lower cost per part. Intelligent networking of the individual working steps allows maximum use of all systems. This enables production with lower costs per part.

Occupational health and safety. During the post-processing of 3D-printed components, there may be health risks due to fine dust and nanoparticles. Optimally designed automation solutions comply with occupational health and safety regulations and reduce risks for workers.

Industrial 3D printing intelligently synchronizedMultiple process steps of varying duration make additive manufacturing a complex matter. Each manufacturer has specific requirements for type of material being used for 3D printing, preprocess, and postprocess procedures. To prepare a sequence of 3D printing functions for streamlined serial production requires addressing the automation components for each process.

Series production is the intelligent automation and network integration of all upstream and downstream processes in the 3D printing cycle. Image courtesy of Grenzebach.Following is a breakdown of automated system solutions that support intelligent synchronization of series production for additive manufacturing. These systems cover loading and unloading, additive manufacturing, depowdering, and postprocessing:

Robot cells for gripping parts, build boxes, and build plates. Gripping of individual components or containers, such as small load carriers (KLT containers), unpacking of build plates, or inspection of the produced parts. Execution of the full spectrum of stand-alone solutions up to the 7th axis, with integration of robotics.
Transportation and conveying equipment, which includes stationary conveyors and semi-automated or fully-automated transport, such as AGVs, for individual movement of build boxes and load carriers. AGVs that are well adapted for this application, such as the Grenzebach models L1200S and OL1200S, help make processes more flexible in the long term. Depending on the need, suitable goods carriers can be used open or closed (with/without inert gas).
Machine fitting, including the development, design, and manufacturing of docking frames or extensions of existing equipment, as well as mechanical and electrical connection of machines. This also encompasses ports or attachments to enable a safe, efficient, and fully automated process for loading/unloading of the machine.
Inspection, where the quality of produced components is inspected via 2D/3D image processing systems, inline within the process chain, including part recognition and sorting. This is possible both inline on the conveyor and via robot-guided inspection systems.
Software integration incorporates horizontal and vertical communication for all process steps and data exchange by OPC UA interface or hard wired.

Shown here is a sample of a manufacturing-specific solutions for intelligent series production with additive manufacturing. Image courtesy of Grenzebach.Automotive and aerospace manufacturingAdditive manufacturing opens up new perspectives for so many industries, but the automotive and aerospace industries have been early embracers of this critically important technology. For the production of components, these industries are increasingly capitalizing on the possibilities of additive manufacturing.

Vehicles and aircraft can be designed with fewer components but with enhanced functionalities and lower overall weight. Intelligent automation and networking are required for safe, efficient series production of components by 3D printing.

In particular, the synchronization of production steps and transport between manufacturing cells, as demonstrated in series production, is immensely important. Good capacity utilization is key. Only in this way can the equipment be used optimally with long production times of a build job in the printer and significantly shorter throughput times of upstream and downstream production steps.

Assessing the right additive manufacturing processBecause so many factors can impact additive manufacturing processes, it is important for manufacturers to consult an experienced 3D printing automation expert who knows the specifics and priorities influencing series production relative to their application. This is necessary for analysis of requirements and optimum concept development, to ensure the smooth integration into the production environment, including the integration of existing machines into the process chain. Automation experts help manufacturers develop solutions to facilitate achieving the desired production throughput and process control, while ensuring maximally efficient use of 3D printing equipment.

Grenzebach
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3D Systems’ latest Stereolithography (SLA) printer, the SLA 750, offers unprecedented levels of throughput and reliability. The combination of the SLA 750’s high-speed production, large build area, and broad materials portfolio helps companies expand their services. Recently, The Technology House (TTH), an Ohio-based contract manufacturer, purchased an SLA 750 to enhance its manufacturing workflow and is now able to help its customers push the boundaries of innovation — from prototyping to finished parts — for a range of industrial and healthcare applications.

The Technology House uses the 3D Systems SLA 750 to expand additive manufacturing applications in the industrial and healthcare industries. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.The Technology House opened in 1996 as a 3D Systems customer with one SLA 500 3D printer. Since that time, TTH has continued to integrate additional printers, including SLA 5000s, SLA 7000s, and Vipers, among other technologies. After 3D Systems introduced the SLA 750 in 2022, TTH chose to add it to their workflow due to its exceptional capabilities, including enhanced automation and efficiency that results in shorter lead times, faster post-processing, and improved part quality.

“We’ve been a customer of 3D Systems for over 25 years,” said Lauren Good, VP of finance at The Technology House. “We chose to add the SLA 750 to our manufacturing workflow not only due to its speed and accuracy, which allows us to produce both large parts as well as fine feature detail, but also for the number of production-grade materials that we can now offer. 3D Systems’ material portfolio expansion with the SLA 750 allows us to offer better solutions to our customer base faster. We can complete jobs much more efficiently with very little post-processing. Having the SLA 750 is helping us get more throughput out the door, which means we are able to complete the job in half the time and offer a better cost to our customers.”

3D Systems’ SLA 750 is designed to deliver the industry-leading combination of print size, speed, accuracy, and resolution for final parts that possess unmatched finish and mechanical performance. The 3D printer delivers up to 30% faster print speeds and has a 15% larger build envelope and smaller hardware footprint than previous models, allowing manufacturers to optimize and scale production. The system features a self-calibrating dual-rail recoater to improve print process reliability and final part mechanical properties.

Additionally, Hyper-Scan vector technology — a proprietary scanning algorithm developed to address the unique requirements of production additive manufacturing applications — optimizes key speed and productivity elements, such as laser focus and power, as well as vector motor kinematics to deliver significantly improved printer speed and throughput.

The printer includes downstream automation readiness and is robot compatible for 24/7 lights-out operation (e.g., fully automatic printer turnover, job-offloading, washing, on-boarding). The SLA 750 also includes 3D Sprint, all-in-one software to prepare, optimize, and print 3D CAD data. 3D Sprint delivers all the tools needed to quickly and efficiently go from design to high-quality, true-to-CAD printed parts without relying on multiple software packages.

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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For decades, the general wisdom in approaching manufacturing has been to rely on a “just in time” strategy to ensure component parts are available the moment they are needed rather than tying up capital to purchase and store inventory. However, with supply chain disruptions causing delays across industries, there is an argument to be made for holding “just in case” (JIC) inventory as well. This is especially important for “golden screws” — the one or two critical components that are needed to finish production and start generating revenue.

Combining JIT and JIC inventory strategies gives organizations the best of both worlds, which is especially beneficial for electronic components. Image courtesy of Classic Components.While the “just in time”(JIT) philosophy has been effective for over 30 years now, the recent disruptions that have been happening in the supply chain are unpredictable. In the past six years, these disruptions have been more severe and unanticipated, upsetting relative stability that had existed for some time. Suddenly, parts are completely unavailable, a problem that has been increasingly troublesome over the last 18 months.

“When there is supply chain harmony, when everybody is delivering on time, and there is plenty of inventory in distribution, ‘just in time’ works really well, but that is not the current reality, and as COVID taught us, you can never anticipate the next event,” said Mike Thomas, vice president and global general manager at Classic Components, an independent distributor based in Torrance, CA. “This makes the ‘just in case’ inventory philosophy a crucial piece of the profitability puzzle moving forward.”

JIC is not a new concept, but it is a “now” concept, given the instability in the past six years. It is an inventory management strategy where companies keep inventory on hand to anticipate and prepare for the unpredictability of demand or the times. The strategy is typically employed in less industrialized countries where disruptions in the supply chain are more common and maintaining more inventory in case of emergency is critical to avoid production delays and other inefficiencies.

“‘Just in case’ means having specific critical items in stock all the time so that when a situation arises like COVID, civil unrest, countries in conflict, or whatever else you can think of that disrupts the supply chain, we still have enough critical electronic components on hand to continue to manufacture our products. Even if it is not as profitable, you remain operational,” said Thomas.

Thomas believes in balancing “just in time” inventory, which helps businesses keep their inventory low and their capital high, with JIC, particularly of items that may be essential to the continued profitability of their business. A term that is gaining traction to describe such parts is the “golden screw,” an item that, at times, is difficult to procure but is essential to doing business.

“There are a lot of ‘golden screws’ now that companies just couldn’t get their hands on, and there were many products that couldn’t even be shipped. So, now they are meeting and shifting their strategies to ensure they always have the golden screws in the future,” said Thomas.

Combining these two inventory strategies gives organizations the best of both worlds — the low inventory and available capital of JIT with the security of JIC — which is especially beneficial for electronic components.

However, companies need to be willing to shift their strategy to accommodate a JIC philosophy. Organizations must have the foresight and awareness to anticipate future orders not yet placed and be proactive about securing the inventory required to ensure there are no delays when the product is needed.

Thomas adds that the items that have been difficult to find are not always complicated parts. OEMs require simple electronic components to make products in the same way nails and screws are required to construct a house.

“It is important to adopt a ‘just in case’ philosophy both for less sophisticated items along with higher end items as well, to cover all the bases,” said Thomas. “To extend the construction analogy, if a house is built with nails and screws, it will also require expensive fixtures to be completed.”

Classic Componentsclass-ic.com

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UltiMaker recently launched Method XL, the ultimate 3D printing solution for engineering applications, offering precision printing with industrial-grade materials without compromising on part size. The UltiMaker Method XL 3D printer is designed to deliver the accuracy and performance of industrial production alongside the flexibility and affordability of a desktop 3D printer.

UltiMaker launched its new Method XL Hero 3D printing solution for precision applications.The latest printer release from UltiMaker’s professional offering bridges the gap between desktop and industrial 3D printers by delivering a perfect fusion of accessibility and performance. With a spacious 305 x 305 x 320 mm build volume and a dimensional accuracy of ± 0.2 mm, it allows customers to tackle ambitious projects — from functional prototyping to end-use parts.

Method XL is engineered to create large, complex parts that are durable using industrial-grade materials like ABS-R and ABS Carbon Fiber. The heated chamber, which can reach up to 100° C, is designed to enable optimal results when printing with ABS, one of the most popular and challenging materials to successfully print on a desktop 3D printer due to its tendency to warp and deform. New to the Method series is Method XL’s heated build plate, a bonus for customers who want an extra layer of security to avoid warping and layer adhesion issues. Both the heated build plate and the temperature-controlled heated build chamber combine to create a stable environment for printing accurate and strong parts of any size.

“UltiMaker’s mission is to grow the adoption of 3D printing in manufacturing. We saw that there was a lack of production-level industrial capabilities in more accessible and easy-to-use 3D printers,” said Nadav Goshen, CEO at UltiMaker. “With Method XL, we believe we are bringing customers the best 3D printing solution in the market for engineering applications. Method XL is the only 3D printer in its price class with a heated chamber and heated build plate to print large and accurate parts with injection molding plastics like ABS. With the ability to print larger parts, customers can achieve greater output and efficiency, making Method XL an excellent choice for those looking to take their 3D printing to the next level.”

Method XL is engineered to create large, complex parts that are durable using industrial-grade materials like ABS-R and ABS Carbon Fiber.With its expansive build volume, high dimensional accuracy, heated build chamber and heated build plate, Method XL can print production plastics at a fraction of the cost of industrial machines and with the ease of desktop 3D printers. Combined with RapidRinse, a fast-dissolving water-soluble support material, Method XL makes printing with ABS an even simpler and smoother process. RapidRinse enables one of the fastest support removals for complex FDM parts, resulting in a more refined surface finish. For a seamless CAD file to printed part workflow, Method XL syncs directly with CloudPrint software, allowing customers to easily upload, monitor, and track their print jobs from their web browser.

Method XL expands the arena of possibilities, with compatibility with a wide range of industrial-grade materials through its open materials platform and the LABS Experimental Extruder. Materials currently available through the LABS program include Jabil SEBS, a soft material with flexible, rubber-like properties; Polymaker PolyMax PC, a polycarbonate material that combines strength, toughness, and heat resistance, and LEHVOSS PAHT 9891, a carbon fiber-reinforced nylon able to withstand high temperatures. Method XL also offers an external moisture-controlled material case, ensuring peak performance from professional-grade materials. The printer comes equipped with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter for safer 3D printing indoors.

UltiMaker
ultimaker.com/methodxl

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Ultimaker recently announced the reformation of its brands following the merger of Ultimaker and MakerBot last year. The new brand identity reflects the company’s strategic vision to drive adoption of desktop 3D printing solutions and introduce a new product architecture.

Ultimaker’s brand mission is to shape the future of manufacturing and product development, offering customers excellent solutions and services for 3D printing across the globe. The new brand builds on the combined strengths of both companies’ legacies, ensuring existing and future customers are fully supported as it continues to build the world’s leading 3D printing ecosystem — which promises to enable limitless innovation across industrial sectors.

Under the Ultimaker brand, the S and Method series 3D printers will support manufacturing, product development, and other professional applications. As one of the world’s most popular professional 3D printers, the S series will continue to offer the widest variety of materials on the market, making it flexible for a multitude of uses, while the Method series will focus on more specific manufacturing applications that can benefit from access to a heated chamber, specialty high thermoplastics materials, and a high level of dimensional accuracy.

Meanwhile, the MakerBot brand will remain operational as a sub-brand within the education sector, with the MakerBot Sketch series targeted at K-12 learning. The launch of Sketch Large last year strengthened MakerBot’s offerings for educators and students with a comprehensive education ecosystem. The new brand architecture is designed to ensure that customers can easily find the products and applications most suitable for their needs.

“Our new brand reflects the combined strength of the two companies that brought us here. By bringing together the best of both worlds, we are better equipped to deliver on our vision and continue to lead the 3D printing industry and empower more innovators to bring their ideas to life,” says Nadav Goshen, CEO of Ultimaker. “Over the last few months, a lot of careful thought has gone into this exciting opportunity to decide on the direction of our brand’s future. Our customers remain at the core of our decisions, and we’re excited to unveil the result of Ultimaker’s brand journey.”

All Ultimaker hardware and software products plan to be rebranded over the next 12-18 months.

Ultimaker
ultimaker.com

MakerBot
makerbot.com

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nano3Dprint introduced its D4200S printer, a groundbreaking advancement in sub-micron additive manufacturing technology. Capable of a 20-nm print resolution, the D4200S is the highest-resolution additive print system available.

The D4200S micro-to-nanoscale material printer is ideal for electronics, R&D, industrial applications, and bioprinting. Image courtesy of nano3Dprint.nano3Dprint is the first to introduce this technology to the additive manufacturing market and aims to expand the range of technology available to researchers and engineers while pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing solutions.

Leveraging scanning probe nanotechnology, the D4200S is expected to revolutionize nano-scale 3D printing while prioritizing versatility, ease, and precision. The printer’s nano-deposition mode is capable of printing between 20 nm to 250 μm, and D4200S achieves ultimate printing positional accuracy at <1 nm. Additionally, with its high-speed micro-deposition mode, the D4200S dispenses functional materials with feature sizes that range from 5 to 400 μm.

Capable of printing functional materials for electronics, prototyping, R&D, industrial applications, and bioprinting, the D4200S print heads accommodate various print materials, including gold, silver, copper, polymers, metallic oxides, organic compounds, and photosensitive polymers.

Specifically engineered to enable advanced innovations, the D4200S includes AFM capabilities for analysis, nano-writing, and patented 3D printing technology, enabling users to print computer chips or set foundational advancements for complex biological structures. Users can also utilize the D4200S for maskless lithography, mask repair, and tissue engineering.

“Our goal with introducing the D4200S is to provide accessible next-generation technology for top-tier research labs and innovative startups alike,” said Gretta Perlmutter, customer success manager at nano3Dprint. “For example, one D4200S printer can essentially replace all the equipment necessary for lithographic processing in a cleanroom. While a fully equipped cleanroom could cost millions of dollars, the D4200S is a fraction of the cost.”

Customers can secure early commercial availability of the D4200S micro-to-nanoscale printer with a 25% ($62,500) minimum down payment. The total cost of the D4200S printer is $250,000, and shipments will begin later this year.

nano3Dprintnano3dprint.com

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Siemens is expanding its focus on additive manufacturing (AM) initiatives in the U.S. to help accelerate AM industry transformation through serial additive manufacturing.

“We are on the threshold of a new frontier in American industry, where the implementation of additive manufacturing will bring fundamental changes to the landscape, end-to-end, from product to machine to manufacturing. Siemens is very excited to be at the forefront of this process,” said Steve Vosmik, head of additive manufacturing for Siemens in the U.S.

Siemens Additive Manufacturing technologies help American industry re-imagine products, re-invent manufacturing and re-think business. Image courtesy of Siemens.Siemens is focused on supporting the domestic AM machine builder community, so it is bringing its world-class motion control, automation hardware, digitalization software, and technology capabilities to assist machine builders. From its Charlotte Advanced Technology Collaboration Hub (CATCH), located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Siemens will act as an ecosystem platform for machine builders, machine users, and additive design engineers alike.

“More than 100 machine builders from around the world are implementing Siemens automation solutions to industrialize their machines,” said Rajas Sukthankar, vice president of motion control at Siemens. “Now it’s time to support even more customers and accelerate their transformation from single machines to series additive manufacturing factories. North America is heading in this direction.”

Siemens can assist AM job shops as well as Tier One production facilities with end-to-end solutions, including product design software, digital twin machine simulation, and virtual execution of manufacturing methods with full data feedback into the design protocol for necessary adjustments prior to any machine building.

“This comprehensive suite of software and motion control hardware offerings makes Siemens a viable partner at every step of the AM process,” said Vosmik.

Siemens is adding technology to CATCH to incorporate metal binder jet technology through the purchase and installation of an ExOne/Desktop Metal Production System and Meltio Robotic System with the Siemens Sinumerik RunMyRobot application onboard. Sinumerik RunMyRobot controls the kinematic path of an industrial robot as it integrates with the CNC machine.

Siemens is also establishing an Additive Manufacturing Advisory Board of renowned industry leaders in AM, drawn from various industries and technical disciplines, to provide the company guidance, as it seeks to support the fast-growing needs of the AM market.

“We are looking forward to engaging and collaborating with this talented group of industry experts as we move ahead together into this exciting new world of manufacturing in America,” said Vosmik.

Siemens Additive Manufacturing
siemens.com/global/en/markets/machinebuilding/additivemanufacturing

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Velo3D announced a strategic partnership with PhysicsX through Velo3D’s Technical Partner Program. The partnership gives Velo3D customers access to PhysicsX’s artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled physics simulation workflows to hyper-accelerate simulation loops, improve simulation fidelity, and algorithmically explore complex design spaces to unlock new performance levels. It also provides PhysicsX customers with access to the most advanced metal additive manufacturing capabilities available on the market today, so they can produce novel, highly optimized part designs with ease.

“We started working with PhysicsX when we were building the Sapphire XC printer because we needed to optimize the flow of gas in the printer build chamber to eliminate soot build-up around the laser windows of the system,” said Benny Buller, founder and CEO of Velo3D. “We quickly realized that PhysicsX’s capabilities could be a big boon to many of our customers who are pushing design performance limits. After working closely with them over the past two years, we’ve formalized our partnership to expose customers to the engineering synergy that exists by combining both companies’ technologies.”

Simulation for Additive Manufacturing, or SFAM, is a key component of PhysicsX’s processes that makes previously unobtainable part and system performance achievable and manufacturable. Through the use of multi-physics simulation with ultra-fast deep learning models, PhysicsX optimizes designs to maximize their performance. Engineers and scientists can now rapidly optimize designs and improve design-to-production processes, from combustion efficiency improvements to manufacturing yield. It combines traditional computer-aided engineering (CAE) with machine learning capabilities to replicate the physics of various real-world environments. Compared to traditional CAE simulators, PhysicsX’s AI-powered technology can greatly increase the number of design cycles that are possible over a specific timeframe and better fill in the gaps of numerical simulation with real-world data—all to find the true limits of the physics behind the challenge. This enables engineers to extensively search a complex design space without imposing simplified design assumptions, and to have the confidence that those designs are reliably manufacturable at high quality.

“PhysicsX supports customers in some of the most important industries of our time, including aerospace, automotive, sustainability and renewables,” said Robin Tuluie, founder and co-CEO of PhysicsX. “Our technology can be deployed to evaluate performance in a variety of categories, such as system performance, efficiency, weight, noise, and other criteria. Through PhysicsX, engineers have improved reduced emissions from aircraft and road vehicles, won world championships in MotoGP, and increased the performance of wind and hydro turbines. We’re excited about this partnership and that by working with both PhysicsX and Velo3D, customers will be able to quickly realize unparalleled performance gains for their products without compromising on reliability or additive build quality.”

Velo3D works with a variety of partners including contract manufacturers, commercial distributors, software and simulation providers, post-processing solutions, and academic institutions to enable customers to build the parts they need, speed up development, and reduce product costs. Its Technical Partner Program is focused on providing Velo3D customers with powerful technology and services that complement its fully integrated additive manufacturing solution, so customers can more easily produce optimized final, ready-to-use parts.

Velo3D
velo3d.com

PhysicsX
physicsx.ai

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Dyndrite and AMFG recently announced AMFG powered by Dyndrite, an integrated solution that unlocks the full potential of metal 3D printing by bringing order-to-part automation, eliminating bottlenecks, and streamlining the entire production process for increased efficiency and cost savings.

Additive CAM, also known as 3D print preparation, remains a manual, time-consuming, and tedious roadblock to a truly autonomous manufacturing workflow. This is especially true where machines from multiple vendors are involved or where different customer orders must be collated into the same build. AMFG powered by Dyndrite, combines advanced order processing capabilities with the rich industrial 3D printer processing capabilities of Dyndrite. The combined solution enables Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) users and service bureaus to deploy automated ordering, collating, and dynamically processed part production services.

An investigation among AMFG customers reveals impressive benefits of over 500 hours per machine per year in saved labor for powder-based processes alone, excluding additional advantages such as minimized human error, expedited turnaround times, and enhanced machine utilization. Monthly, this translates to a remarkable 220-300 hours saved for six machines, which equates to approximately 40 hours per printer per month. The integration between AMFG and Dyndrite not only streamlines the manufacturing process but also significantly impacts businesses by facilitating quicker time to market and fostering trust through the reduction of time to ship.

Our partnership with AMFG allows us to stay at the forefront of the additive industry. We are excited to further streamline the production process through automated print preparation, allowing us to deliver high-quality parts to our customers faster than ever before. This has not only helped us improve our customer satisfaction but also deepened our relationship with Dyndrite, as we work together to explore new opportunities enabled by a true automated additive CAM solution.
— Richard Minifie, Ricoh

The ability to deploy automated LPBF additive CAM solutions revolutionizes its applicability as a reliable AM production process. The combination of AMFG and Dyndrite transforms the technology from a promising but cumbersome concept to a practical and reliable manufacturing tool.

Preparing build files for additive manufacturing processes, including LPBF, can be a complex and time-consuming process, often taking days or weeks to complete. This problem is compounded when working with multiple machines from different vendors as each machine often has its own proprietary method for driving the process. The lack of standardization of file formats, parameters and protocols also means engineers and technicians must spend an inordinate amount of time adjusting and tweaking build files. With the challenges of the skills shortage across manufacturing, it has become more difficult to train and retain technicians with technical proficiency across multiple machine and software standards. This is all without considering the cost of paying numerous legacy software licenses and modules to manually prepare build files. These issues are especially acute for service bureaus who work across multiple platforms and require streamlined part production and managed labor costs.

AMFG powered by Dyndrite, provides an autonomous manufacturing workflow. The benefits of each software complement each other to form a unified solution. AMFG’s order management system receives and collates orders from multiple customers, sorted by machining process and parameters. Next, the disparate parts enter AMFG software powered by Dyndrite, whose GPU-accelerated CAM engine enables those parts to be nested, supported, labeled, and toolpaths generated for compatible machines, including Aconity3D, EOS, Renishaw, SLM Solutions, and others.

Production build data re-enter AMFG’s MES, which harnesses its powerful production planning capabilities to provide real-time build status updates and analytics, as well as its QMS to ensure jobs are completed with no compromise in quality. The AMFG MES powered by Dyndrite, eliminates countless engineering hours spent manually prepping and collating build files and acquiring costly software modules for each metal platform acquired.

AMFG powered by Dyndrite enables automated process-to-part capability from one application for cross-platform LPBF printing via bi-directional data exchange between MES and ToolPath generation app. Image courtesy of Dyndrite.“We are entering a new era of manufacturing. One driven by data and automation,” said Keyvan Karimi, founder and CEO of AMFG. “By adopting Dyndrite we enable data automation down to the toolpath, unlocking the full potential of each machine, while growing efficiency and reducing the potential for human errors. Dyndrite’s cutting-edge technology is enabling our LPBF customers to produce complex parts with unprecedented precision, speed, and reliability, giving our industry the boost it needs to compete with traditional manufacturing techniques.”

“The partnership between AMFG and Dyndrite marks a significant step towards a seamless production process for 3D metal machines. By combining the strengths of our respective software, we’ve created a one-stop-shop solution that streamlines the complex and time-consuming task of driving the AM process,” said Harshil Goel, founder and CEO of Dyndrite. “With AMFG using our engine, manufacturers can expect increased efficiency, consistency, and reliability, making LPBF a more practical and adoptable tool in their production process.”

AMFG powered by Dyndrite, is available in Q3 2023. Visit both companies at Rapid+TCT 2023 in Chicago: AMFG booth #4656 and Dyndrite booth #3324.

Dyndrite
dyndrite.com

AMFG
amfg.ai

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Today at Rapid+TCT, HP (Booth 4618) announced new automation solutions and expanded materials, software, and services to help customers scale 3D printed parts production. HP has also promoted several of its current Digital Manufacturing Network (DMN) members to its exclusive group of HP Digital Manufacturing Partners (DMP). In addition, Endeavor 3D is adding Metal Jet capabilities to its existing Multi Jet Fusions (polymers) manufacturing services.

At booth Rapid+TCT Booth 4618, HP will demonstrate its new Jet Fusion 3D Powder Handling Automation Solution. Image courtesy of HP.“Companies large and small, in markets around the world, are turning to 3D printing for faster, more flexible, more personalized, and more resilient and sustainable production,” said Didier Deltort, president of Personalization & 3D Printing at HP. “It’s promising to see the development of so many game-changing 3D printed applications across automotive, consumer, healthcare, and industrial, but to disrupt industries, these parts must be manufactured at scale. To help our customers scale effectively and efficiently, HP remains laser-focused on delivering industrial hardware, supplies, software, and services supporting the entirety of the digital production workflow from application design to final parts production.”

Automating production workflowsAs customers scale, AM workflows become more complex. To help simplify these increasingly complex workflows, improve productivity and quality, and reduce costs, HP is introducing two new automation solutions for Multi Jet Fusion customers.

HP Jet Fusion 3D Powder Handling Automation Solution: a pneumatically connected, closed-loop material processing system to minimize labor, provide cleaner, more efficient material flow, and enable quality control and operational traceability.
HP Jet Fusion 3D Automation Accessory: designed for customers with high-volume production demands, provides automatic build unit exchange for two consecutive prints without requiring manual support. In addition to minimizing idle time between print jobs and reducing requirements for manual labor on nights or weekends, the accessory is automation-ready for further integration into factory configurations with autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

HP announced its new Jet Fusion 3D Powder Handling Automation Solution at Rapid+TCT 2023 in Chicago.To push the limits of workflow automation on the AM factory floor, HP is working closely with long-standing partner Siemens on a proof-of-concept demonstration. The concept features HP’s two new automation products integrated with Siemens automation hardware and industrial software, for example, Siemens Simove for AMRs in flexible production systems. The project is active in the Barcelona-based DFactory, which is a hub for HP collaboration with partners and customers on R&D, application development, and production use cases.

Expanded materials, software, and servicesAlong with its industrial 3D printing hardware, HP is developing or partnering on innovative materials, software, services, and post-processing solutions. To enable a broad range of applications across industries, HP continues to work closely on materials development with partners, including Arkema, BASF, Evonik, and Lubrizol. This includes general availability of the new Estane 3D M88A TPU, a flexible and highly durable material that enables complex geometries and lattice structures.

To help polymers and metals customers optimize part development and scale production, HP is offering a portfolio of software products within its HP Digital Production Suite and is collaborating with other software providers to integrate Factory IT and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) solutions. The HP Digital Production Suite now features expanded software products designed to help customers develop metal applications more quickly and easily. HP 3D Digital Sintering and HP 3D Process Development software each support the commercial Metal Jet S100 Solution.

HP 3D Digital Sintering: AI-enhanced simulation of the sintering process provides feedback on the outcome of a sintered part and enables application engineers to pre-compensate the part geometry to improve the dimensional accuracy of the output. Helps reduce time, cost, and speed of final part production by eliminating the need for a build-and-test approach.
HP 3D Process Development: democratizes process development and gives customers insight into the science of Metal Jet through access to open process parameters and build report. Provides ability to conduct guided experimentation to optimize applications.

To accelerate the path to production and reduce barriers to entry, HP Digital Production Services provides customers access to a variety of Professional and Financial Services. HP Professional Services includes support for design (DfAM), application development, and 3D printing factory set-up. HP Financial Services leverages partner programs to provide flexible financing and business models, including leasing and subscription options.

HP is also collaborating across the post-processing ecosystem to ensure customers have access to a broad range of alternatives from providers, including AM Flow, AMT, DyeMansion, and Rösler Group AM Solutions.

Partner and customer momentumTo meet the growing demand for high-quality final parts production, HP continues to expand its DMN. More than 60 members around the world are providing high-quality manufacturing services and enabling OEMs to build their digital supply chains. The DMN includes Digital Manufacturing Partners (DMPs) and Multi Jet Fusion Production Professionals.

HP DMPs are a select group of premier parts service providers certified by HP through onsite assessment to ensure they are equipped to meet the highest standards for manufacturing expertise, part quality, and reliability. HP has recently promoted Athena, Endeavor 3D, and The Technology House (TTH) to DMP. Endeavor 3D is expanding its HP-enabled manufacturing services in its factory in Douglasville, Georgia, adding HP’s Metal Jet S100 Solution to its existing fleet of HP Jet Fusion 5200 and 5420W systems.

“Adding HP’s Metal Jet capabilities to our manufacturing services enables us to provide more to our customers,” said Phil Arnold, CEO of Endeavor 3D. “Top-down, our expert engineering team believes that this technology will help manufacturers reshore production, and we are excited to be a major player in that supply chain.”

To learn more about HP’s DMN visit www.hp.com/go/DigitalManufacturingNetwork.

HP at Rapid+TCTVisit HP Booth 4618 to learn more about HP’s new solutions, services, software, and materials and see the latest production applications. HP will also participate in several thought leadership panels at the event, including:

‘How to scale your AM operations’ featuring Duygu Gunay, product manager, HP Personalization & 3D Printing, on Wednesday, May 3 at 10:15 a.m. CDT in Room W474B.
‘Communicating More than Just Geometry for Additive Manufacturing with 3MF’ featuring Arvind Rangarajan, global head of software and data, HP Personalization and 3D Printing, on Thursday, May 4 at 11:00 a.m. CDT on the McCormick Place – West Building main stage.

HPhp.com

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Formlabs announced at Rapid+TCT the release of its first Flame Retardant Resin (FR Resin) for Form 3 series 3D printers, its new Build Platform 2L with Quick Release Technology for the Form 3L and Form 3BL, and PreForm support for 3MF files. The Flame Retardant Resin is Formlabs’ first UL 94 V-0 certified resin and first self-extinguishing material developed for transportation, aviation, manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace industries. The Build Platform 2L enables Form 3L/3BL users to more efficiently produce large parts with the same post-processing efficiency Form 3/B/+ users have enjoyed since the launch of the first Build Platform 2 last year. Finally, adding 3MF support to PreForm allows for smaller file sizes and the storage of multiple models in one file, among other benefits. All three new offerings open up even more possibilities for anyone to make anything with Formlabs 3D printers.

FR Resin is UL 94 V-0 and FAR25.853(a) certified with favorable flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) ratings. Image courtesy of Formlabs.“We are excited to deliver new options our users have been asking for while expanding production possibilities for customers in new industries,” said Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer at Formlabs. “With the Build Platform 2L, we are enabling Form 3L and 3BL users to print in ways they weren’t able to before, and with our first ever Flame Retardant Resin, we are opening up 3D printing to industries such as aviation and transportation that must adhere to product regulations and certifications for flame retardancy. Lastly, by enabling PreForm, our free file preparation software, to support 3MF files, we are making it easier than ever for users to turn their designs into physical products.”

With Flame Retardant Resin, users can easily and quickly create stiff, creep-resistant, and functional plastic parts that perform well long-term in high-temperature environments. Ideal for producing airplane, automobile, and railway interior parts, protective and internal consumer electronics components, and custom jigs, fixtures, and replacement parts for industrial environments, FR Resin eliminates upfront costs of traditional manufacturing of flame retardant parts. FR Resin is UL 94 V-0 and FAR25.853(a) certified with favorable flame, smoke, and toxicity (FST) ratings. It unlocks design freedom to create isotropic and highly detailed parts with an excellent surface finish that have the look and feel of injection molded parts but at much lower cost.

“Being able to get a 3D printed part that truly mimics a thermoplastic, finishes well, has fine feature details, and behaves mechanically similar to molded parts is a huge benefit and time saver,” said Tony Parker, principal at Avance Design. “With Flame Retardant Resin we can go from CAD design to finished part without the additional work we had to do with other methods.”

Build Platform 2L is Formlabs’ next-generation build platform for Form 3L and Form 3BL with patented Quick Release Technology, enabling users to quickly and easily remove parts from the build platform without tools in seconds. By printing directly to the platform without supports, users can save on material costs and post-process their prints faster. Formlabs user Siemens Energy Orlando Innovation Campus (OIC) is using the Form 3L and Build Platform 2L to print large mold inserts directly on the build platform, which was not possible until now. With Build Platform 2L, Siemens is reducing print time, shortening hands-on labor time, and opening up entirely new applications.

“We’re able to print full kilogram parts all at one time and flex them off the plate with no supports, and we couldn’t do that before — the only other option was machining the mold inserts,” said Matthew Deutsch, additive manufacturing technician at the Siemens Energy OIC. “The wait was worth it. With mold inserts, we can print and then start pumping out injection molded plastic parts within 24 hours. This is a genesis for the entire industry.”

FR Resin, Build Platform 2L, and 3MF file support are available today. To learn more, stop by the Formlabs booth (#4330) at RAPID + TCT May 2-4, 2023.

Formlabs
formlabs.com

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3D Systems will showcase its additive manufacturing (AM) solutions at Rapid+TCT 2023 that are catalyzing innovation across industries including motorsports, semiconductor equipment, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing. The company’s solutions comprising 3D printing technology, materials, software, and applications expertise are changing the landscape of design, engineering, and manufacturing. At Rapid+TCT 2023, 3D Systems is introducing portfolio enhancements — SLS Material Delivery Module, DMP Build Changeover Station, GRCop-42, CuCr1Zr — that will enable customers to expand the breadth of applications they can address with AM and enhance productivity.

GRCop-42 is ideal for load-bearing propulsion applications and high-temperature (400-600° C) applications requiring high thermal conductivity, such as this thruster. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.The SLS Material Delivery Module is a new accessory for the SLS 380 platform that more easily allows customers to use multiple materials on a single platform. The SLS 380 is a high-throughput SLS additive manufacturing solution with unprecedented levels of throughput, consistency, performance, and yield to address cost-effective batch production. The ability to quickly change materials with minimum labor using the new Material Delivery Module helps increase the efficiency of the machine and thus improve productivity. Furthermore, the ability to utilize a broader range of materials with the printer maximizes the value of the platform for end users to expand the applications they can address. In addition to being compatible with SLS 380, the SLS Material Delivery Module also enables multiple material functionality on 3D Systems’ ProX SLS 6100 and ProX SLS 500. This product is planned to be available for ordering in the second half of 2023.

3D Systems’ DMP Build Changeover Station is a standalone module that facilitates quick turnover of a DMP Factory 500 removable print module with a finished build to prepare it for a new build. The DMP Build Changeover Station allows the user to depowder a finished build, remove the base plate with a printed part, add fresh powder, install a new base plate, and prepare a removable print module to launch the next job. Changing materials on the DMP Build Changeover Station proper can be achieved in a matter of minutes, and thus it can serve multiple printers running different materials in parallel. The Build Changeover Station is a lower-cost accessory as compared to 3D Systems’ full peripheral chain, thus making metal AM more accessible to a broader range of customers. As production demands increase in an organization, customers can move to the full peripheral chain. The DMP Build Changeover Station is currently available for ordering.

The company is also announcing the addition of two copper alloys to its portfolio — Certified GRCop-42 and Certified Copper-Chrome-Zirconium (CuCr1Zr). Certified GRCop-42 is specifically designed for high-temperature, high-thermal transfer applications found in rocket engines, where high strength is also required. Parts produced in GRCop-42 maintain their mechanical properties at highly elevated temperatures (typical service temperature range of 400 to 600° C, depending upon the strength and creep requirements for the sustained duration of the load). The addition of this material to 3D Systems’ portfolio expands the range of applications customers can address with the DMP platform to include high-performance combustion applications in aerospace and space.

CuCr1Zr is ideal for heat management applications with a structural component where both high thermal conductivity and strength are required, such as heat exchangers. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.Certified CuCr1Zr (A) is a common copper alloy offering high strength and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Heat treatment can be used as a post-processing method to enhance the strength and conductivity of parts produced with this material. Customers using this material can collaborate with 3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG), which has deep expertise in tuning heat treatment parameters to meet specific application requirements. Marrying strength and electrical conductivity renders CuCr1Zr an ideal solution for complex heat management systems as well as electrical applications that also serve a structural function, such as heat exchangers, cooling systems, induction coils, and electrical contacts.

Due to its unique vacuum chamber architecture, which maintains a low-oxygen environment (<25 ppm), 3D Systems’ DMP 350 platform — especially the DMP Factory 350 — is ideal for working with copper alloys, which are susceptible to oxygen pickup.

Both materials are available for immediate ordering.

“Our customers’ innovation fuels ours,” said Marty Johnson, vice president, product & technical fellow at 3D Systems. “With the collaboration between our application engineers and our customers’ engineering teams, we are collectively pushing the boundaries of what is possible with additive manufacturing. To meet these ever-changing needs, we must constantly evolve our solution portfolio. The addition of the new accessories and materials we are announcing today are the latest examples of customer-centric innovation that are enabling competitive advantage.”

3D Systems will showcase its full portfolio of additive manufacturing solutions, including these latest innovations, in its booth (#4212) at Rapid+TCT 2023, May 2-4 at McCormick Place — West Building, Chicago. In addition, the company will be involved in several speaking sessions: Regulatory Considerations for Hospital-based 3D Printing, May 2 at 1 p.m., Bridging the Biomaterial & Bioprinting Gaps Facing the Industry, May 2 at 3 p.m., and Bringing Implant Manufacturing to the Point of Care, May 3 at 11:30 a.m.

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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AddUp recently established the AddUp Medical Advisory Board to provide AddUp with a non-biased and holistic view of the medical industry as it relates to the development and use of metal 3D printing technologies as a means of serving the medical community.

The company is excited to also announce the appointment of three members to the advisory board, each bringing a wealth of experience from different corners of the healthcare and medical device community. Founding members include Sam Onukuri, Jan Triani, and Severine Valdant.

AddUp’s new Medical Advisory Board members, Sam Onukuri, Jan Triani, and Severine Valdant, provide a holistic view of metal 3D printing technologies for the medical community.Sam Onukuri is an innovative engineering and global thought leader in disruptive technology evaluation, accelerating the commercialization of 3D printing, with specialization in healthcare applications and digital customer delivery models. Mr. Onukuri is focused on engineering global equity and sustainability and brings extensive international experience spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Mr. Onukuri was most recently the Global Head and Senior Fellow for Johnson & Johnson’s 3D Printing Innovation and Customer Solutions divisions.

Jan Triani is an industry leader in the areas of regulatory compliance and is a subject matter expert for FDA audits. She has authored 510(k)s, HDE, complete Quality Management Systems, 483, and Warning Letter responses. She also helped foot and ankle start-up businesses sell to larger MDM, developed and established initial QMS for two startup medical device companies, successfully led Stage I and Stage II assessments with BSI and achieved 13485 certification with no major non-conformities. Ms. Triani is the founder of Triani Consulting and was recently the Director of Qualify Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, Patient Specific for Paragon 28.

Severine Valdant is passionate about technology and the individuals who make technological advances a reality. She took OPM through its evolution from a polymers company to an additive and medical device manufacturer, becoming the first and only remaining company to receive FDA approvals for 3D printed polymeric permanent implants. Ms. Valdant is the Chief Commercial Officer for QuesTek Innovations LLC and was recently the President at Oxford Performance Materials, Inc.

“We are honored to welcome three industry veterans to our newly formed Medical Advisory Board,” said Rush LaSelle, CEO of AddUp. “These professionals have proven track records of leveraging additive technologies in safe and reliable manners to improve patient care. Mr. Onukuri, Ms.Triani, and Ms. Valdant will provide unique perspectives in advising AddUp as we continue advancing our metal 3D printing technologies, software, monitoring suites, and service offerings to empower companies to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing and all its benefits in delivering safe and affordable orthopedic care.”

AddUp
addupsolutions.com

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Materialise is introducing new features to Magics, its leading data and build preparation software. From product design to part and build preparation to printing, the digital thread connects the entire manufacturing process. To facilitate this, connectivity and traceability are crucial, so the most recent update of Magics prioritizes connections with other software solutions.

Magics introduces its Workflow Automation tool and deep integration with the CO-AM Software Platform and Materialise Machine Manager. Image courtesy of Materialise.Magics’ integration with CO-AM adds traceability to the 3D printing process with a revision tree that logs every action applied to a part or build, including which user performed it. This connection between data and build preparation software and manufacturing execution systems is critical to track part status from end to end but is often missing due to silos between software.

“Traceability is critical for any 3D printing production,” said Egwin Bovyn, product line manager at Materialise. “It’s not only a requirement for highly regulated industries like aerospace but also plays an important role in quality improvement. Tracking the parameters of past builds gives users insights into what goes right and what goes wrong. It gives them a detailed log to refer to while improving their processes.”

Traceability is critical in 3D printing, so Magic’s integration with CO-AM provides features, such as this revision tree, to log production and abide by regulations. Image courtesy of Materialise.This update also introduces integration between Magics and Materialise Machine Manager, which connects users to their Build Processors to send project information and parameters necessary to make successful builds.

“By connecting Magics to our Machine Manager, we’re offering a new cloud-based solution to manage your AM machine park and connected Build Processors,” said Brecht Pellens, product manager at Materialise. “Cloud-based working is inherently more collaboration friendly — users no longer need to rely on one workstation for all their build preparation work — so sharing files and processing parameters with colleagues is also easier than ever. Plus, all processing parameters and build files are now stored in the cloud, continuing the traceability factor in this stage of your workflow.”

Another spotlight feature from the Magics update is Workflow Automation’s first off-the-shelf script. Workflow Automation is a Magics tool that offers ready-to-use and custom scripts — developed by Materialise or the user — to automate repetitive workflows during data and build preparation. The first off-the-shelf script — smart labeling — was created for use by Protolabs and automatically labels parts in minutes. Additional Workflow Automation scripts will be made available later this year.

“Labeling twenty parts takes just one person maybe five minutes with our new automated workflow. Before, it was an hour and a half, two hours for two people. It wasn’t fun work. And now the team experiences less stress and uses their time for more challenging, interesting work that truly motivates them,” said Christoph Erhardt, manager of customer projects and additive design at Protolabs.

Materialise will be showcasing its CO-AM and Magics technologies at booth 4830 from May 2-4, 2023, during the Rapid+TCT Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Materialise
materialise.com

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Massivit 3D Printing Technologies will unveil its Massivit 10000-G for the first time to the North American additive manufacturing market at Rapid + TCT in Chicago. The system that automates production for composite materials manufacturing is designed to overcome recognized bottlenecks in mold production and to also provide a full range of large-scale custom manufacturing applications. Visitors to Booth #2924 during the Chicago event May 2-4, 2023, will see the Massivit 10000-G printing live demonstrations as well as many examples of printed components and molds.

The Massivit 10000-G additive manufacturing system automates mold production for composite and custom manufacturing. Image courtesy of Massivit.“As the leading provider of large-scale additive systems, we’re thrilled to offer the North American additive manufacturing sector this opportunity to experience the new game-changing 10000-G in action. Following the launch last year of our award-winning 10000 additive system, we’ve now developed the capability to directly print industrial molds for composites and to also create complex custom end parts all in one system — a true milestone for the manufacturing market,” said Erez Zimerman, CEO of Massivit.

The 10000-G is the latest addition to Massivit’s Cast In Motion product line, designed to automate mold production for composite manufacturing and to provide an extensive range of applications for large-scale custom manufacturing. It enables digital production of complex molds, mandrels, master tools, jigs, and fixtures. It significantly accelerates composite materials production by directly casting industrial molds 80% faster than conventional processes. A variety of digital tooling processes are available on the 10000-G, including molding for thermoforming, resin transfer molding, and reaction injection molding.

The company’s high-performance, epoxy-based casting material uniquely provides true isotropy for uniform strength and hardness in all directions at elevated temperatures. Molding processes for composites have traditionally relied on steel or aluminum that bear high costs, lengthy lead times, and extensive material waste.

In addition, the Massivit 10000-G offers a wide range of additive manufacturing and custom composite manufacturing applications with its integrated Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP) capabilities. GDP technology, adopted across 40 countries so far, enables rapid production of full-scale end parts and functional prototypes suitable for automotive, marine, railway, engineering, and other industries. The addition of GDP capabilities to the 10000-G system opens up the possibility of producing parts that are flame-retardant, impact-resistant, high-definition, or transparent.

“At Massivit, our objective is to automate areas of industrial production that have traditionally required time-consuming and costly skilled manual intervention. Composite manufacturing is one such area, and we have the ability through our 10000-G machine to truly disrupt the future production of composite parts and components,” said Zimerman.

Massivit
massivit3d.com

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Dyndrite announced that Impossible Objects has chosen Dyndrite ADK software to power its new high-speed composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) 25 process. The CBAM 25 process represents a breakthrough in AM end-use part production. It exceeds the durability needs of engineers seeking stronger, lighter parts to replace aluminum and tooling 15x faster than other AM processes. In addition, the process operates at room temperature and is easy to operate and simple to maintain. CBAM uses roll-fed inkjet technology, providing a continuous printing rate of 25 fpm, or nearly 11,000 cm3/hr of parts printed per hour.

The on-RAMP app was built and branded using the Dyndrite ADK. The app development process has been simplified, and allows Impossible Objects to iterate on their software quickly. Image courtesy of Dyndrite.Impossible Object’s “Rules-based Automated Masking Packing and Slicing” (on-RAMP) software, powered by Dyndrite, integrates the multi-threaded, GPU-accelerated, Python-based Accelerated Computation Engine from Dyndrite with Impossible Object’s proprietary software to drive its unique CBAM process. The CBAM software powered by Dyndrite delivers an easy-to-use GUI and automated CAD-to-print workflows. Benefits include faster processing of native CAD 3D data, reductions in tedious manual labor, automated labeling and nesting that optimizes build space and minimizes scrap, and customizable workflows that allow significantly faster time to a first part. With Dyndrite, Impossible Objects created an automated CAD-to-print workflow with a build time ten times faster than before, a 90% reduction in manual labor, and improved build block use by 20%.

“Dyndrite was the perfect partner for supplying software to match our new high-speed process,” said Robert Swartz, founder and chairman of the board at Impossible Objects. “Their team and software augmented our own internal team enabling us to focus on what differentiates us and keep our IP internal while leveraging their powerful ADK toolsets. The result is a high-performance hardware, software, and materials solution that puts automated durable end-use AM part production in the hands of users worldwide.”

“CBAM 25 and Dyndrite is an example of next generation solutions emerging that provide engineers new capabilities at speed,” said Harshil Goel, CEO and founder of Dyndrite. “We’re delighted to continue our work with the fantastic Impossible Objects team, giving them superpowers to focus on what makes their machine special.”

Impossible Objects will be presenting the CBAM 25 at RAPID +TCT booth #4024 in Chicago May 2- 5, 2023. CBAM 25 machines will be available in early 2024.

Dyndrite software is compatible with all existing CBAM machines. Visit the Dyndrite booth #3324 to learn more about this partnership and how it will shape the future of 3D metal printing.

Dyndrite
dyndrite.com

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Jabil recently introduced PLA 3110P, a novel powder based on a renewably sourced biomaterial that offers a bio-based alternative to petrochemical-based powders, such as Nylon-12 (PA 12). Developed in collaboration with NatureWorks, a leading manufacturer of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymers, the new Jabil PLA 3110P material is made with NatureWorks Ingeo PLA and leverages Jabil’s “beaker to box” material innovations to deliver the first-ever PLA-based powder optimized for powder-bed fusion technologies.

Jabil PLA 3110P, based on NatureWorks’ Ingeo PLA-based powder, offers 89% smaller carbon footprint compared to PA 12 when used in powder-bed fusion technologies. Image courtesy of Jabil.“Breakthroughs in material innovations are being driven by the need for better-performing polymers,” said Luke Rodgers, senior director of R&D for additive manufacturing at Jabil. “We applied advanced morphology control to produce this sustainable and bio-based powder based on NatureWorks’ Ingeo biopolymer. Together, we are enabling an entirely new class of PLA material for the growing ecosystem of open additive manufacturing platforms.”

Turning greenhouse gases into performance polymersJabil and NatureWorks collaborated to create, test, and validate Jabil PLA 3110P powder by combining NatureWorks’ expertise in PLA technologies with Jabil’s experience in developing polymer formulations, novel compounds, and material system integration. As a result, the new engineered material can advance sustainability initiatives while providing a low-carbon alternative to nylon-based materials.

“We are excited to join Jabil in launching the first Ingeo-based powder for open selective laser sintering (SLS) printing platforms,” said Salvador Ortega, global industry manager for NatureWorks. “Our Ingeo material is a lower-cost alternative with a carbon footprint that is 89% smaller than PA 12, which makes it well suited for a wide variety of additive manufacturing applications.”

According to research firm SmarTech Analysis, polymer additive manufacturing technologies are forecasted to move into a multitude of industries over the next decade, with print production growing to nearly $26 billion annually by 2030. With the launch of the new Jabil PLA 3110P material, customers now have more material choices for making prototypes as well as manufacturing brackets, jigs, fixtures, and tooling. Moreover, the new PLA powder is an eco-friendly option for producing the precision geometries needed for thermoforming and compression molds, including custom dental impressions.

Jabil continually applies polymer science advancements to elevate commodity resins with value-added attributes. Over the past two years, Jabil has introduced patent-pending materials, including PA 0600, which provides the high strength and stiffness associated with Delrin or alternative POM materials without the risk of exposure to formaldehyde emissions when the material is overheated. In 2022, Jabil released the award-winning PK 5000, which features high-impact strength, high-abrasion resistance, and improved elongation over other nylon materials. The polyketone resin used to make PK 5000 is an eco-friendly, low-carbon material made from carbon monoxide, which can further reduce carbon footprints.

In addition to advancements in materials, Jabil continues to extend its global additive manufacturing platforms and solutions to complement the company’s world-class manufacturing capabilities. Jabil has deployed hundreds of 3D printers — from desktop models to highly sophisticated industrial systems — to address a vast range of prototyping, tooling, and serial production demands.

Sampling program now availableTo accelerate the availability of its specialized engineered materials, Jabil has formalized a sampling program to provide customers with printed files and materials for a broad range of manufacturing requirements. Samples of Jabil PLA 3110P powder made from Ingeo are available, along with samples of Jabil PK 5000.

Parts made with Jabil PLA 3110P, Jabil PK 5000 and Jabil PA 0600 will be on display at Rapid-TCT 2023, May 2-4 in Chicago (Booth 2140). Additionally, Jabil experts will be available to share updates on the company’s capabilities encompassing part design using Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and part consolidation, along with the latest in prototyping and serial production.

Jabil
jabil.com

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AM Solutions is exhibiting an array of post-processing technologies at Rapid-TCT 2023, May 2-4 in Chicago. At booth 4646, visitors will see AM Solutions’ unswerving commitment to advancing the use of AM across all industrial sectors, its focus being the promotion of AM as a production technology by providing an array of automated post-processing solutions. Machines on show include the S2, M1 Basic, and C1 post-processing systems which facilitate a high degree of automation, reduce the need for rework, reduce the post-processing labor requirement, and enhance part quality simultaneously.

“We can all see today that AM is becoming a viable production technology across a range of industries and applications. It has for some time now been recognized that post-processing is a bottleneck, and our role at AM Solutions is to automate this part of the AM process chain, allowing for the timely, cost-effective, and above all high-quality manufacture of end-use AM parts,” said Bernhard Kerschbaum, CEO at Rösler/AM Solutions USA. “Post-processing is a critical area of focus in AM because it obviously directly impacts the quality, performance, and functionality of the final part. While AM can produce complex geometries with high precision and accuracy, the process can also introduce surface roughness issues, residual stresses, and other imperfections unique to the AM process that can affect the part’s mechanical properties and surface finish. Our range of post-processing solutions address all these characteristics of AM parts.”

AM Solutions S2, M1 Basic, and C1 systems all maintain the high standards the company sets for reliable, automated, repeatable, and cost-efficient AM post-processing solutions.

The first of its kind in the world, the S2 is a continuous flow shot blast system that is used for the automatic cleaning and surface finishing of plastic components printed with powder-bed-based printing technologies.

The S2 promotes unique parts handling and fully automated post-processing for plastic components made on the full range of polymer powder bed AM systems.The M1 Basic is AM Solutions’ all-around post-processing solution for the surface smoothing and polishing of single parts and small batches and is able to handle both plastic and metal AM parts.

The M1 Basic provides surface smoothing and polishing of single parts and small batches made of plastic or metal.AM Solutions’ C1 system is a perfect tool for the automated and cost-efficient post-processing of photopolymer components, using an optimally adapted compound combined with the interplay between mechanical and thermal effects that result in a highly consistent, effective, and gentle removal of support structures/resin.

The new C1 system is a fully automated solution for removing resin/support structures from photopolymers, offering numerous quality assurance and operating cost reduction features.There will also be a status update on the company’s exciting C2 technology, which allows chemical smoothing and dyeing of 3D printed parts made from common polymers in one process step. Visitors are invited to come and discuss their post-processing requirements with the team on-site in Chicago and to see the opportunities that exist for streamlining the post-processing of AM-produced parts and components.

“With our range of post-processing solutions, we have all the bases covered, with technologies for parts made from any AM materials and via an AM process,” said Kerschbaum. “AM Solutions (a part of the Rösler Group) has 80 years of experience innovating finishing technologies for industry, and we are excited to be at the forefront of the AM revolution, which is bringing such vitality and agility to the manufacture of an array of innovative parts and components. We understand that for AM to be a viable production process moving forward, post-processing needs not only to be automated, but also easily integrated into production lines and be customisable for the specific needs of different applications. The fact that we make all our post-processing solutions in-house means we have the knowledge and expertise to adapt machines to specific requirements and applications which is a huge advantage for our customers.”

A team of experts will be available at booth 4646 at Rapid-TCT to discuss the post-processing requirements of all visitors at the event.

AM Solutions
solutions-for-am.com

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Zeda (previously PrinterPrezz/Vertex Manufacturing), a global leader in advanced 3D manufacturing and nanotech solutions for the medical, space, aerospace, and defense industries, announced the addition of its first AddUp FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) machine. This machine is the first placement of eight FormUp 350 systems to support the growth of Zeda’s newly expanded manufacturing facility located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Greg Morris, CTO of Zeda, and Rush LaSelle, CEO of AddUp, stand next to the FormUp350 system at Zeda’s new 75,000-square-foot facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.This first FormUp 350 was deployed in March 2023 to print metal parts using Inconel 718 and will be qualified to support critical aerospace and defense part manufacturing. With fully certified ISO AS9100 facilities, Zeda is providing new levels of insight, understanding, and application of 3D printing technologies. Zeda has identified unique capabilities made possible with AddUp’s FormUp 350, which aid in broadening the application of 3D printing technology and how it can be utilized across multiple industries, including those in regulated spaces such as aerospace and defense industries.

“We are pleased to be adding AddUp’s tools to our portfolio of advanced manufacturing technologies,” said Greg Morris, CTO of Zeda. “AddUp has demonstrated a set of capabilities that enable us to address unique design and application challenges faced by our growing base of aerospace, space, and defense customers.”

Zeda leverages unique process knowledge from the semiconductor industry and pioneering experience in producing 3D-printed parts for aerospace in delivering cost-effective and high-quality additive manufacturing for critical applications across numerous industries.

“The success that Greg Morris achieved in pioneering the use of additive manufacturing in regulated industries combined with the novel approaches being introduced by the extended Zeda team represent a critical service for our customers,” said Rush LaSelle, CEO of AddUp. “We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to collaborate with such a veteran team in delivering high-value metal components to the industry using our factory-proven solutions.”

Zeda is expanding to build out 75,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space in Cincinnati, Ohio to answer the growth in demand for metal 3D printing in the medical, aerospace, defense, space, and energy sectors. Ohio represents a high-growth manufacturing environment for additive manufacturing with the Biden Administration announcing the AM Forward program in Cincinnati in 2022. The advanced manufacturing facility enables the expansion of production capacity with 30 additional printers in the near-term and factory space to implement over 100 tools as the business grows in the mid-term.

Zeda
z8a.com

AddUpaddupsolutions.com

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Oqton, a software provider helping manufacturers increase innovation and efficiency by intelligently automating production, has entered a partnership with Castor, the creator of an automated software product that helps companies identify opportunities for additive manufacturing (AM). Bringing together the capabilities of these companies and their products provides manufacturers with a complete end-to-end solution for additive manufacturing — addressing the challenges faced by many when adopting and implementing the technology. The integration of Castor’s software with Oqton’s Manufacturing OS offers a seamless solution for manufacturing contractors and organizations to evaluate and analyze the business case and technical feasibility of using additive for manufacturing. An automatic, AI-driven system like this enables profitable growth for on-demand production.

Castor’s software can analyze thousands of parts and assemblies simultaneously, thus automating a previously time-consuming process. It can select the parts that would benefit from AM (as opposed to traditional manufacturing methods) and recommend the best materials and 3D printing technology, perform geometry analyses, and identify opportunities for weight reduction and part consolidation. Manufacturers that use Castor’s software not only have the opportunity to accelerate time to final part but can also reduce mechanical component costs. For example, some Castor users reported that they were able to reduce the lead time for a metal additively manufactured part by more than 80% (from eight weeks to nine days) and decrease the cost by 50%.

Oqton’s Manufacturing OS provides manufacturers with a unified user experience that deploys artificial intelligence across end-to-end engineering and production workflows for significant process efficiency gains. The company’s end-to-end additive manufacturing workflow and complete MES capabilities provide manufacturers with a comprehensive solution for streamlined production processes and complete traceability and visibility from order to delivery.

By integrating their respective software platforms, Oqton and Castor have created an end-to-end solution that covers the entire additive manufacturing workflow — from identifying suitable parts to design and printing. The integrated software platforms offer comprehensive cost and lead time estimates and insights into the carbon emissions for each part, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions and minimize environmental impact. The result is a more efficient and faster identification, preparation, and printing of high-quality parts, which can help manufacturers gain a competitive edge in the industry.

“We’re excited to expand our trusted partner network with Castor,” said Roy Sterenthal, vice president of industrial additive at Oqton. “Their forward-thinking engineering expertise has enabled the creation of an automated software tool that is helping break down barriers for manufacturers to more easily adopt additive manufacturing as part of their production workflow. When Castor is combined with Oqton’s Manufacturing OS, we are bringing together two leading manufacturing automation solutions that will help our customers accelerate their time to market.”

“We’re excited to partner with Oqton to provide a complete end-to-end solution for additive manufacturing,” said Omer Blaier, CEO of Castor. “Together, our solution enables companies to scale their 3D printing operations, allowing them to automatically identify new business cases and drive profitable growth.”

Manufacturers interested in taking advantage of this ground-breaking solution to transform their business can visit Oqton in booth #2435 at RAPID+TCT 2023 to be held May 2-4 at McCormick Place — West Building, Chicago, Illinois.

Oqton
oqton.com

Castor
3dcastor.com

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Impossible Objects takes its CBAM composite 3D printing process to the next level with the announcement of the CBAM 25 machine, which will be unveiled at RAPID +TCT 2023 in Chicago and commercially available in early 2024. Printing fifteen times faster than the fastest competition, the CBAM 25 brings 3D printing into mass production.

The CBAM 25 will bring 3D printing to volume manufacturing, breaking the 3D printing speed barrier while using advanced materials for superior mechanical properties and tolerances. Image courtesy of Impossible Objects.“The world is made out of things, and with the CBAM 25, we are changing the way they are made,” said Robert Swartz, founder and chairman of the board at Impossible Objects. “The CBAM 25 is the world’s fastest printer, and we are entering a new era of 3D printing with nearly unlimited material options at the speed of true mass production. This is a Moore’s-law moment for 3D printing, and this is just the first step.”

The CBAM 25 high-performance composite materials enable engineers to design stronger, lighter, and more durable parts. Most notably, the carbon fiber PEEK material set achieves very high chemical and temperature resistance and mechanical properties superior to most engineering plastics. Carbon fiber PEEK parts are a suitable alternative for aluminum, tooling, spares, repairs, and end-use parts. Impossible Objects is currently producing and selling parts in untapped 3D markets, such as electronic tooling, and for a broad range of applications, including aerospace, defense, and transportation industries. It is also replacing CNC machining with greater geometric freedom.

The new 3D printer prints parts 15 times faster with the material properties demanded for industrial-grade end-use parts. Image courtesy of Impossible Objects.“With a fifteen times speed improvement over existing 3D printers, our new CBAM 25 completes the transition of 3D printing from its roots in prototyping to the heartland of manufacturing,” said Steve Hoover, CEO of Impossible Objects. “It’s hard to actually imagine what fifteen times faster means. For a comparison, this is also the speed difference between the fastest human running the mile and a Formula race car in a straight away. That’s the same difference that our new CBAM 25 has versus prior technologies. We believe that this is a huge-step forward not only for our company, but also our industry, as it moves 3D printing into volume manufacturing.”

Impossible Objects
impossible-objects.com

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Dimensionics Density announced the commercial introduction of a density determination technology for additive manufacturing (AM) that contributes to the automation of the AM process chain. As AM is adopted more as a production technology, the entire AM process chain is under intense scrutiny, especially in validating finished AM parts and components now routinely used in critical end-use applications.

Dimensionics Density technology automatically measures additively manufactured part density in production. Image courtesy of Dimensionics Density.“Our technology plays straight into the need for automation in the area of validation and quality control of AM parts, and we have launched an array of tools focused on the determination of AM part density,” said Philipp Pruesse, head of sales at Dimensionics Density. “For AM to continue to disrupt the manufacturing paradigm, the entire AM process chain needs to move towards automation. Because of this, our density determination solutions are fully automated and of vital importance and are designed to be used in production settings, not just in the laboratory.

“As we all know, AM stimulates design freedom as it is agnostic to part complexity. As geometric complexity increases, density determination of AM parts becomes more difficult using commonly used density determination technologies. Dimensionics Density’s solutions can easily determine the density of freeform parts and highly complex AM parts and can measure density repeatably to 0.001 g/cm3.”

The company’s metrological system has been developed for the rapid and highly accurate density determination of components and has a particular significance when analyzing AM-produced parts.

Porosity in AM parts can be a problem because it can weaken the mechanical strength and stability of the parts, reduce their durability, and make them more susceptible to failure under stress. Porosity can also affect the thermal and electrical properties of the parts and make them less resistant to high temperatures, corrosives, and other environmental factors. In addition, porosity can limit the ability of the parts to hold liquids, gases, or other materials, which can impact their performance in specific applications.

The accuracy of the Dimensionics Density system is achieved by combining the time-proven Archimedean principle with the latest automation technology and laboratory-standard precision scales.

The measuring process takes place automatically after the samples have been inserted into the universal component carriers. The integrated measurement and control systems monitor and consider numerous environmental factors when calculating the density from the measurement data. The accuracy achieved generally cannot be realized in an industrial production environment.

The machine uses the Archimedes Principle. The density of the test object is determined by weighing it in two different media. The first measurement is usually made in air, and the second measurement is in a defined liquid medium with a known density. The crucial factor for the accuracy of the result, however, is the positioning on the scale. Deviations from the center of mass and resulting off-center measurements of the component will lead to strong deviations. This is why the common manual Archimedes measurement solutions are not viewed favorably across the industry.

Samples are inserted into the universal component carriers, then measuring occurs automatically and accounts for environmental factors. Image courtesy of Dimensionics Density.“To counteract this problem and to ensure the repeatability of the measurements, Dimensionics Density offers a universal carrier which can transport most parts and be easily adapted if necessary for more complex geometries,” said Pruesse. “The determined density is compared with the desired specifications, and so qualitatively more accurate assumptions can be made about the density of complex components. With a cycle time of less than 2 minutes per component and the possibility of inspecting up to 18 components simultaneously in one inspection process as standard, the Dimensionics Density solution supports the optimization and efficiency of manufacturing processes.”

Dimensionics Density’s density determination technology is non-destructive and, therefore, can be used to verify parts that conform to density requirements and those that do not in a speedy, precise, and cost-effective manner.

Dimensionics Densitydimensionics-density.com/additive

Make Parts Fast

The Space Enterprise Berkeley (SEB) team successfully launched their first-ever liquid-fueled rocket, Eureka-1, which reached 11,024 ft in December last year. The collegiate team partnered with Protolabs to create parts for Eureka-1’s plenum and complex parachute system using selective laser sintering (SLS).

SEB worked with Protolabs to create SLS parts made with with PA12 40% glass-filled nylon. Image courtesy of SEB.“3D printing made sense for creating a part that could combine functionalities. It had to mount a parachute swivel, somewhat secure the avionics bay, and integrate a camera. That would’ve been a complex part with traditional manufacturing,” said Asa Garner, structures lead for SEB.

Garner used CAD to create the assembly design. He made a block diagram to show where the parts should be, and sub-teams with different requirements agreed on a general layout. Then, each team designed its individual parts in CAD to develop the general geometries. Garner knew that 3D printing would be the best solution for many parachute and outer plenum components.

Garner used nTopology to simulate how the 3D-printed parts would respond to stress during flight. Image courtesy of SEB.“As soon as we realized we wanted to 3D-print these parts, I looked up all the datasheets for the various Protolabs materials. Then, I simulated options in nTopology and eventually settled on PA12 40% glass-filled nylon,” said Garner. “With PA12 glass-filled, we didn’t have to compromise on strength. We added a little bit more material than we would with metal, but it ended up being about the same weight and way easier.”

Aerospace commonly uses SLS and glass-filled nylon to make lightweight components, especially for rocketry and uncrewed drones. SLS provides material strength and consistency and is helpful for custom and complex parts. By building parts additively, engineers can skeletonize the designs and remove any mass that doesn’t contribute to the part’s functionality.

“As a practical measure, you can reduce the number of parts and decrease assembly times,” said Eric Utley, application engineer at Protolabs. “Initially, I thought people used 3D printing to save on CAD work and assembly. But once it scales up to a production setting, it also saves administrative time. For example, if an aerospace customer has a 13-piece component, they have 13 different purchase orders and must keep track of the 13 different vendors and their quality certifications. Extrapolate that to a larger product like a rocket. If you can go from 100,000 pieces down to 5,000 pieces, it’s tremendously less supply chain management.”

With 3D printing, design engineers can also accelerate product development by quickly creating parts, collecting feedback, and iterating on the design.

“Software developers started the mindset where you can roll out a product, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. You get it out there in people’s hands, then iterate and improve it. That mindset is trickling into hardware,” said Utley.

The lattice design made the part lighter, stronger, and able to withstand anticipated stress during flight. Image courtesy of Protolabs.The SEB team used nTopology to simulate forces on the 3D-printed part and how the part would respond when the parachute opened. They assessed how it would handle stress and located stress concentrations or peaks. Using a lattice design, they could smooth out such peaks, dissipating stress across the part and leveraging the material efficiently.

“By changing the lattice thickness, you can make a part stiffer or softer,” said Utley. “If you design in CAD, it’s a rapid change, and you’re not constrained by manufacturing.”

In addition to SLS, the SEB team uses multi-jet fusion (MJF) for its LAD rocket program.

“At the peak of that program, we were cranking out a LAD rocket almost every week, which is astounding. That would’ve been impossible without 3D printing,” said Garner.

Garner projects that SEB will use a combination of various 3D printing methods and CNC machining to create durable, lightweight, multi-function parts for future projects. And they’re busily working on their second installation, Eureka-2, scheduled to launch in the fall of this year.

Watch the exciting Eureka-1 launch video:

Space Enterprise at Berkeleyberkeleyse.org

Protolabsprotolabs.com

Make Parts Fast

JEOL USA and Cumberland Additive announced that Cumberland’s Neighborhood 91 facility in Pittsburgh will be the first installation in North America of JEOL’s new electron beam melting (EBM) powder bed fusion (PBF) system. This new metal 3D-printed EBM system will expand capabilities, primarily for the serial production of parts.

Cumberland’s Neighborhood 91 facility in Pittsburgh will be the first North American installation of JEOL’s new EBM system used primarily for the serial production of parts.Cumberland is a trusted AM leader that manufactures prototypes for the aerospace, defense, space, and energy markets. Additional services include DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing), engineering, post-processing, and quality inspection. JEOL is a well-known leader in the field of electron optics. The company introduced the new EMB metal 3D printer to the North American market at Rapid TCT in May 2022 and garnered much interest in its display of serially built nested parts and a lightweight yet strong titanium electron beam column.

The collaboration between the two companies brings JEOL new opportunities to demonstrate the unique abilities of the new EBM system in a dedicated environment for additive manufacturing. Cumberland is an AS9100D and ITAR-certified company with established processes and procedures that meet rigorous serial production requirements.

“We are delighted to align with Cumberland’s existing customer base and expansion strategy with aerospace, medical, and energy industries and to showcase the production quality and reliability of our 3D printer that will be centrally located at Neighborhood 91, the first fully integrated production campus dedicated to additive manufacturing,” said Robert Pohorenec, president of JEOL USA. “In addition to being a centralized resource for the AM industry, Neighborhood 91 attracts collaborative academic research opportunities and workforce development at world-class universities like Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh.”

JOEL is also currently pursuing AM-specific aerospace fusion-based metal additive manufacturing qualifications that will validate the robustness and reliability of JEOL designed hardware.

“Cumberland is excited to partner with JEOL to bring in this new state-of-the-art, electron beam technology that promises cost effective and efficient manufacturing, with a diversity of material offerings for our customers. We are honored to be the first North America partner location for this exciting new technology,” said John Jenkins, president of Cumberland Additive.

JEOL’s EBM 3D printing technology began in 2014, derived from the company’s decades-long expertise in the development and production of advanced electron optics technology used for research and industrial applications, including electron microscopes and e-beam lithography tools with unique vacuum technology. The JEOL EBM 3D printer is designed for serial production with maximum uptime. Emitter lifetime is guaranteed over 1,500 hours, which will give Cumberland confidence in their ability to provide timely solutions to their customers. Another key differentiator in JEOL 3D printing technology is the EBM’s clean, helium-free production environment that prevents smoke events and powder scattering. At this time, the materials that can be printed are Ti6Al4V, Nickel Alloy 718, and pure copper.

The key to keeping AM production running smoothly is a reliable manufacturing tool backed by timely on-site repair. In addition to its reliable performance, the new EBM system is supported by JEOL’s nationwide field service support group of over 180 engineers with an average of over 10 years of experience in electron optics and vacuum technology.

JEOL USA
jeolusa.com

Make Parts Fast

By Ramsey Stevens, CEO • nano3Dprint

Direct-write 3D printing technology uses a micro-dispenser to precisely deposit nanoscale multi-materials over a substrate and produce complex shapes in layers. The direct-write additive manufacturing method employs materials such as metals, composites, and ceramics and offers several benefits, including reduced build times, minimal waste, and lower production costs. This technology will significantly drive the additive manufacturing market, which Research and Markets predicts will grow to $83.56 billion by 2030.

With the ability to integrate materials seamlessly and directly embed electronics, industries such as healthcare, professional sports, and automotive can expect direct-write 3D printing technology to develop new smaller smart objects.

nano3Dprint CEO Ramsey Stevens predicts direct-write 3D printing will drive additive manufacturing in the healthcare, professional sports, and automotive industries.The “write” prescription for healthcare’s futureThe healthcare industry will benefit from using direct-write technology to develop medical devices, wearables, and monitoring systems. With the precise deposition of inks and high-viscosity pastes, direct-write opens new opportunities for improving clinical care.

Integrating embedded sensors into medical treatment equipment, such as casts and braces, allows a patient’s health to be monitored continuously within and outside clinic walls. Embedded sensors can also help with diagnostic testing for patients needing more in-depth monitoring beyond the clinic.

One example is the smart cast’s electronic package, which comprises sensors directly printed on supports, making them easy to embed in the cast structure. Printed circuits and sensors allow batteries and wiring to be intelligently integrated and distributed, eliminating the need for external elements and bulky components. Where necessary, multiple sensors can also be connected to the embedded circuit, allowing for more comprehensive capabilities.

Boomcast is a 3D-printed cast with integrated technology, including force-sensitive resistors, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, and a magnetometer. Image courtesy of Fathom Manufacturing.Direct-write technology also enables researchers to place sensors directly on living tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendons, and skin, to better understand the body’s health status and tissue response to treatment. This approach allows for precise, real-time monitoring of physiological changes and provides valuable information for clinicians to make informed decisions regarding patient care.

Furthermore, 3D-printed sensors can also provide necessary biofeedback to move from developing therapeutic devices to developing theranostic devices. Theranostics is a rapidly emerging field that combines diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single device, providing personalized medicine solutions.

The on-demand availability of 3D printing electronics can help researchers bring products to market faster. It will make cutting-edge medical developments more readily available to patients and medical personnel. It also opens opportunities for personalized medical equipment, allowing on-demand development for patients requiring specialized devices.

Personalized patient equipment, such as sensors and casts, enables more precise and effective treatment tailored to an individual’s anatomy. Thus, 3D printing innovation in healthcare brings forward cutting-edge technology to further customize treatment plans when a “one-size-fits-all” approach does not adequately address a diagnosis.

Game-changing benefits of direct-write technology in sportsEmbedded sensors are increasingly used in sports equipment to monitor critical data, such as athletes’ heart rates or level of impact from a hit. This approach enables vast data collection and helps improve athlete health and equipment safety. As a result, studies focused on these aspects are becoming more prevalent, leading to the widespread adoption of embedded sensors in various sports.

The NFL launched a program to develop mouthguards retrofitted with high-tech sensors to collect kinematic data, such as impact speed, direction, force, location, and severity. Last year, in partnership with the NFL, the NCAA adopted these high-tech mouthguards in multiple football programs.

Today, the NFL and NCAA utilize data from these mouthguards to enhance football players’ health and safety. Four NFL clubs are gathering data to analyze impacts during games and practices, informing the league’s approach to injury reduction. Participating NCAA programs will receive team-specific statistical analysis to advance player health and safety, as the sensor data also provides insights for better concussion protocols.

Mouthguards and sensors are fitted to an individual player’s dental mold before they are formed into a mouthguard with embedded sensors. Image courtesy of the NFL.Other direct-write innovations in sports include 3D-printed basketballs and custom cycling saddles. Known for their orange basketballs, Wilson Sporting Goods recently announced the development of a 3D-printed airless basketball prototype, opening new technological opportunities for integrated data within basketball equipment.

Although still in beta, the basketball was used at a recent NBA All-Star slam dunk contest. The prototype showcased the basketball’s performance specifications and demonstrated that the ball meets NBA regulations for weight, size, and rebound. Wilson’s development comes off the heels of Adidas’ innovative 3D-printed running midsole in basketball shoes. These developments pave the way for embedded sensors to monitor player performance, fall impact, and ball specifications during the game.

Wilson introduced the first-ever 3D airless prototype basketball during the 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star game. Image courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods.Across the pond, German engineers have developed personalized cycling saddles. These patient-specific models use technology to map pressure points and weight distribution, which is then loaded into additive manufacturing interfaces to 3D-print a custom riding saddle. Largely targeted towards professional cyclists, these saddles can be personalized for existing medical conditions, comfort preferences, and performance parameters. Continued innovation paves a path for technology integration on the cycling course to monitor fatigue and other performance data.

These initiatives, alongside many others, will play a crucial role in advancing the development of smaller embedded sensors in sports gear, equipment, and clothing, ultimately benefiting players and their teams.

Driving change in the automotive industryThe automotive industry uses 3D printing technology to develop tools for self-driving and connected cars for custom prototypes. However, direct-write technologies will enable faster design, testing, and deployment of new, smaller parts.

Adopting additively manufactured electronics (AME) will help car manufacturers reduce costs while maintaining quality, as prototypes and components can be developed quickly, enabling faster time-to-market.

Direct-write technology can produce parts with complex geometries and internal structures that are lighter and stronger than those made through traditional manufacturing methods, improving fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. This strength and durability are due to the flexibility and makeup of 3D-printed parts. Some quality filaments have the same characteristics as steel but without the added cost and weight. Thus, lighter prototypes can be produced without jeopardizing durability and safety standards.

Pairing lighter 3D-printed parts without changing the power under the hood can lead to more fuel-efficient and powerful vehicles. Ford Motor Company, NASCAR, F1 Racing, Aston Martin, and others have turned to 3D printing to develop innovative aerodynamics and improve their vehicles’ performance and fuel economy. From 3D-printed driveshafts, embedded sensors in bumpers and tires, and even 3D-printed interiors, the ability to develop lighter parts with improved performance is taking the automotive industry by storm.

Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen 2022 race car features 150 Additive-Industries 3D printed parts. Image courtesy of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen.Additionally, direct-write technology significantly reduces waste and production costs compared to conventional auto manufacturing, as materials are used only where needed. Reducing waste helps automotive manufacturers provide clean parts beyond reaching emissions standards or innovating hybrid vehicles.

One of the automotive industry’s most significant advantages of 3D printing is its supply chain flexibility. Automotive companies can produce small batches of parts on demand, significantly reducing the need for large inventory stockpiles. This flexibility offers several benefits to manufacturers.

For instance, it helps companies respond quickly to changes in demand, thereby reducing the time to bring new products to market. This is especially critical in the highly competitive automotive industry.

Supply chain flexibility also reduces the risk of obsolescence for slow-moving parts. In traditional manufacturing, slow-moving parts can become obsolete if demand for those parts is insufficient to justify continued production. This leads to significant inventory costs and can burden the manufacturer financially. However, with direct-write technology, manufacturers can produce the required number of parts as needed, eliminating the risk of obsolescence.

Moreover, tooling costs and other fixed expenses associated with traditional manufacturing increase the cost of producing small batches. Direct-write technology significantly reduces tooling costs, making it a cost-effective alternative for small-batch production.

By producing small batches of parts on demand, manufacturers can respond quickly to changes in demand, reduce inventory costs, eliminate the risk of obsolescence, and save on costs associated with traditional manufacturing methods.

Direct-write technology has the potential to enhance efficiency, facilitate research and development, and tackle supply chain challenges. As such, there is expected to be a growing demand for additive manufacturing technologies across various industries beyond healthcare, sports, and automotive.

Ramsey Stevens is CEO of nano3Dprint and founder of Carbon Design Innovations (CDI). He is a researcher and leader in the development and use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

nano3Dprintnano3Dprint.com

Make Parts Fast

The University Hospital of Salzburg in Austria successfully designed and produced its first 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cranial implant using 3D Systems’ point-of-care additive manufacturing technologies. The hospital used Oqton’s D2P software to create 3D models from the patient’s CT images and Oqton’s Geomagic Freeform to complete the design of the patient-specific occipital prosthesis. The cranial implant was printed using Vestakeep i4 3DF PEEK by Evonik on 3D Systems’ Kumovis R1 extrusion platform.

PEEK is a desirable material for medical device production because it is lightweight, resistant to thermal and ionizing radiation, and possesses mechanical properties like those of human bone. The Kumovis printing platform was specifically designed to enable this type of point-of-care application within the hospital.

Salzburg University Hospital created 3D models from the patient’s CT images to design the patient-specific occipital prosthesis. Image courtesy of Salzburg University Hospital.The patient, Rainer Trummer, a computer scientist from Salzburg, suffers from craniosynostosis, where one of his cranial bones ossified too early during childhood, resulting in a skull deformation. While searching for help, Tummer turned to Professor Alexander Gaggl, head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital of Salzburg, who decided on a spectacular treatment that would take months to complete.

“We planned to replace the visually missing occiput with a prosthesis,” said Gaggle. “However, we faced the challenge that the scalp is very taut and hardly stretchable.”

Last year, Trummer had a plastic balloon implanted under his scalp and 250 mL of saline solution pumped into it over six months. With 3D printing technology, in-house clinical engineers manufactured a PEEK implant in 10 hours. On February 10, 2023, a few days before Trummer’s 55th birthday, Gaggl and Senior Physician Simon Enzinger performed the procedure in six hours — a comparatively short time.

In-house clinicians combined Oqton’s D2P and Geomagic Freeform software with 3D Systems’ Kumovis R1 to produce a patient-specific cranial implant. Image courtesy of Salzburg University Hospital.“We fixed the implant to the top of the skull with four plates and eight screws,” said Enzinger with a grin. “It holds bombproof!”

Six weeks later, the surgical wounds largely healed.

“I’m doing great, I’m totally happy!” said Trummer. “I don’t feel like I have an implant in my head, but now I have a completely ‘normal’ head. It’s like a miracle for me.”

The 3D printing lab is part of the University Hospital of Salzburg’s digitization strategy it has consistently pursued since the COVID-19 pandemic onset.

“We wanted to take with us the positive momentum that the pandemic triggered in this area,” said lecturer Paul Sungler, managing director of the University Hospital Salzburg and an experienced surgeon. “We stand for digitization in the interest of patients, and 3D printing and its many clinical application possibilities are a central building block here.”

Rainer Trummer stands next to the Kumovis R1 that produced his 3D-printed cranial implant. Image courtesy of Salzburg University Hospital.3D-printed cranial implants are expected to accelerate alongside technological advancements. Acumen Research and Consulting recently reported that the cranial implants market size in 2021 was roughly $1.2 billion and is anticipated to approach $2.1 billion by 2030. Cranial implants can address many applications, including trauma, defects, and reconstruction. Advances in technology — including materials and manufacturing methodologies such as 3D printing — are anticipated to provide new solutions to help drive growth in this market.

“We are thrilled for Mr. Trummer and the relief this procedure has given him, and deeply indebted to the talented surgeons and staff at Salzburg University Hospital who brought together for the first time our unique software, hardware, and materials technologies in a point-of-care hospital setting to address his specific needs,” said Jeffrey Graves, president and CEO of 3D Systems. “We believe that this success provides a real-life demonstration of the potential for enhancing orthopedic outcomes using comprehensive digital manufacturing technologies in a hospital setting. Our focus on point-of-care implementation of these integrated technologies is a key priority for our company and one that we believe will bring significant benefits to patients around the world in the years ahead.”

As a pioneer in personalized healthcare solutions, 3D Systems has worked with surgeons for more than a decade to plan more than 150,000 patient-specific cases. The company has additively manufactured more than two million implants and instruments for 100+ CE-marked and FDA-cleared devices from its world-class, FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facilities in Littleton, Colorado, and Leuven, Belgium.

3D Systems3dsystems.com

Make Parts Fast

Committed to advancing and adopting metal additive manufacturing (AM), EOS has launched its Smart Fusion software technology for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing that automatically adjusts laser power in real time. The technology eliminates the need for most support structures, minimizes material use, reduces post-processing requirements, and lowers the cost per part (CPP) for metal AM applications.

Smart Fusion intuitively detects potential build problems, auto-adjusts the laser power, and eliminates wasted time and resources typically associated with “trial and error” additive manufacturing. Unlike current technologies, Smart Fusion’s real-time capabilities are achieved without adding significant build time.

EOS’ new software monitoring package includes real-time intelligent heat management that auto-adjusts the laser power.Customer Beta testing of the Smart Fusion solution has consistently resulted in two to five times faster performance than the leading competitors in the metal AM market. Lower CPP is a primary business driver for Smart Fusion adoption, and removing the need for support structures in metal AM makes an attractive business case. EOS partnered with several organizations during Smart Fusion’s testing phase, where its speed and performance were validated.

“When we learned about Smart Fusion and started to test it several months ago, we knew it would be a game changer,” said Stefan Seidel, chief technical officer at Pankl Racing Systems, manufacturers of auto racing, aerospace, and other high-performance applications. “Not only does it significantly reduce the part cost, but it is also a facilitator in the use of optical tomography, which, in our view, is a key element to introduce AM for serial production. Over the past few months, we have developed several products with EOS, which really show the potential of Smart Fusion. “

How it works

Smart Fusion measures the amount of laser power (energy) absorbed by the powder bed. A special high-resolution camera overlooking the build chamber monitors each layer’s melt pool emissions via proprietary technology, and data is fed back to the laser where it is adjusted. This results in homogeneous energy distribution across the whole build platform, thereby reducing stress in the parts and avoiding metal overheating and movement in undesired directions.

This 3D-printed part with conventional support structures and standard EOS processes (top) shows overheating in the circular section. The same part using Smart Fusion (bottom) shows the support structures greatly reduced and homogenous temperature distribution.At its core, Smart Fusion pairs with EOS’ existing monitoring solutions and employs advanced algorithms to monitor the build layer by layer, providing more homogeneous, consistent parts. From a dataflow perspective, EOSPRINT prepares the data sent to the 3D printer. Smart Fusion then works with EOSTATE and its Optical Tomography (OT) camera to monitor, measure, and adjust the lasers via EOSYSTEM.

The Smart Fusion laser corrective factor (LCF) image (right) is used to adjust the laser power and correct overheating. Correction factors are calculated based on the OT images (left) and the controller settings within Smart Fusion.“Smart Fusion is another important breakthrough for metal AM, especially for those organizations with highly engineered applications, such as energy, space tech, mobility, and aerospace,” said Mirco Schöpf, product line manager for software at EOS. “Other solutions in the market have significant drawbacks, such as slower build times and a need for an expert to make sure it works. Smart Fusion offers an industrialized solution that is faster, flexible, and more accessible.”

Another organization that engineers and manufactures hardware for the space industry piloted Smart Fusion. They compared Smart Fusion head-to-head with leading competitive technology, and the comparative builds proved Smart Fusion to be more than twice as fast and delivered better part qualities.

Smart Fusion lists for $29,262/€27,000 (EOS M 290) and $41,184/€38,000 (EOS M 300-4, and EOS M 400-4), requires the Smart Monitoring System package, and is available now for on the following EOS system and materials:

| Material | EOS M 290 | EOS M 300-4 | EOS M 400-4 | | Inconel IN718HiPro 40/80 µm | Inconel IN718HiPro 80 µm | Inconel IN718HiPro 40/80 µm | | Titanium Ti6460 µm | Ti64 60 µm(late 2023) | Titanium Ti6460 µm | | AluminumAlSi10Mg 60 µm(late 2023) | AluminumAlSi10Mg 60 µm(late 2023) | AluminumAlSi10Mg 40/80 µm |

EOS intends soon to expand Smart Fusion availability, including AMCM systems.

“The beauty of Smart Fusion is that it is incredibly flexible, easy to use, and will work with the majority of customer applications out-of-the-box,” said Schöpf. “We challenged our team to mitigate one of metal AM’s significant challenges with a unique software solution, and we could not be prouder of the results. “

Smart Fusion will be featured May 2-4, 2023, at the EOS booth #4612 at RAPID+TCT 2023 in Chicago.

EOS
eos.info

Make Parts Fast

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) holds a Technical Competition at its annual conference to recognize excellence in additive manufacturing applications and finishing techniques. At the 2023 AMUG Conference, a panel of industry veterans selected the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and Custom Prototypes as Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing winners, respectively. AMUG Members also selected UDRI for the Members’ Choice Award.

AMUG Conference attendees had an opportunity to ask questions and investigate UDRI’s micro-turbine project during the Technical Competition.“I was so impressed with the entries this year. The quality displayed and the range of industries and applications was outstanding,” said Bonnie Meyer, chair of the Technical Competition Committee. “Every year, the judges have a bigger challenge to evaluate all of the high-quality entries. The entries just keep getting better and better!”

Ten judges scrutinized every detail of the competition entries to select Advanced Finishing and Advanced Concepts winners.

Custom Prototypes’ winning entry in the Advance Finishing category was titled “Tomlinsonus Dimitrii — The oldest fossil of marine animal ever found.” Representing the company’s entry, Daniel Goncalves and Jung Kyu Im spearheaded the work to bring the 450-million-year-old fossil back to life. In collaboration with a University of Toronto science team, the pair created a digital model of the fossil and then printed it with stereolithography.

Custom Prototypes brought this 450-million-year-old creature to life with mastery of painting and finishing techniques.“By carefully selecting the materials and post-processing systems, we managed to create various soft, hard, transparent, and opaque tissues of the animal,” said Goncalves and Im.

The pair noted that Custom Prototypes had developed a process that alters the properties of 3D-printed materials in terms of hardness and transparency. With the physical model complete, they then painstakingly prepared the piece and applied color to the delicate features of this sea creature.

Judges noted the impressive talent, craftsmanship, and artistry that went into the piece.

“It is clear that they have an advanced level of talent in painting,” said one judge. “I saw techniques that I rarely see. A master level of their craft was apparent in the project.”

“I don’t know where to start when talking about this category’s highlights. There were so many unique entries that ranged from lifesaving to highly technical,” said Meyer during her on-stage announcement of the Advanced Concepts winner.

She then named UDRI the Advanced Concepts winner for an additively manufactured micro-turbine engine submitted by Ben Loerke, who represented the organization’s engineering team.

UDRI’s micro-turbine engine’s main components — rotor, housing, nozzle, and starter-motor mount — were manufactured with metal additive manufacturing.The program sponsor for the micro-turbine engine is the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP). Additionally, contributions of skills, talents, and resources were made by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), with Michael Froning as the Principal Investigator, and Belcan Engineering.

The micro-turbine project used additive manufacturing to produce and test the novel design that has only four main components: rotor, housing, nozzle, and starter-motor mount. The team reduced the part count by nearly 90 percent compared to traditional designs.

The team employed a multi-disciplinary approach that leveraged the strengths, sidestepped the limitations, and pushed the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Its success also overcame the belief that additive manufacturing could not produce complex features while holding dimensional tolerances and delivering on surface finish specifications.

“The successes of this project have aided in redefining what was thought possible in metal AM design and in the use of metal AM for functional rotating hardware,” asid Loerke. “The long-term goal of this project is to fill a growing DoD need for power plants that are sourced in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Based on a Life Cycle Analysis of the AM engine and similar traditional engines, it is believed that AM provides a unique opportunity to strike both of these criteria and fill this need in the micro-turbine engine market.”

The competition judges selected the micro-turbine engine as the Advanced Concepts winner, recognizing the team’s innovation, effort, and achievements.

“This project definitely has the ‘wow’ factor,” said one judge.

Through voting by AMUG’s Members, UDRI also received the Members’ Choice award.

“Unlike Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing, the Members’ Choice award has no required evaluation criteria. It is open to personal and subjective impressions,” said Meyer. “This year, the members and judges came to the same conclusion. The micro-turbine engine was impressive in so many ways.”

For Advanced Finishing, Dinsmore, represented by Bill Braune, took second place for “Transformers: Rise of Soundwave.” Third place was awarded to Artcast for “Optimized Cast Tiger,” submitted by Marcus Knoespel.

In Advanced Concepts, there was a tie for second place between Addman Engineering and Wilson. Mark Saberton represented Addman Engineering with “Non-coplanar Layering of 3D Printed Parts Rendering ‘Slicing’ Obsolete.” Nadine Lippa represented Wilson for its entry, “Wilson Airless Prototype Basketball.”

A representative of the UDRI and Custom Prototypes teams will receive complimentary admission to the 2024 AMUG Conference so that they can elaborate, from the stage, on the project details and processes used.

The Technical Competition judging panel was comprised of ten AMUG DINOs. These judges were David Flynn, Andrew Graves, David Leigh, Jason Lopes, Bruce LeMaster, Tom Mueller, Todd Reese, Harold Sears, Sean Wise, and Mark Wynn.

AMUG
amug.com

Make Parts Fast

Since 1884, the Louisville Slugger Innovation Center in Roseville, California, has manufactured baseball bats and equipment for Major League Baseball and college, high school, and youth teams. Product designer John Steel uses a combination of traditional and modern tools for the design and manufacturing of aluminum and composite bats. He relies on the Form 3 stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer to create both looks-like prototypes and manufacturing aids for prototype designs of the composite and aluminum bats swung by youth and collegiate players around the world.

“If you’re not 3D printing, you’re not going to keep up,” said Steel.

This prototype is used as a mold positive and then back poured with another material, such as silicone or urethane. Light-touch supports make post-processing faster and easier with less mess.Steel’s first job was at an iron and steel foundry, where he learned traditional manufacturing techniques, such as wood patterning and CNC milling, and how to combine large industrial SLA and SLS 3D prints into traditional wood patterning techniques. Though the 3D prints were outsourced, the experience provided a thorough introduction to combining traditional and modern techniques. He later worked at a product design startup where he used two Form 1+ machines to iterate rapidly.

“We were cranking prototypes out all day, all night, using the full bed. I built our own wash and cure back then,” said Steel.

At Louisville Slugger, Steel is again able to merge the traditional with the modern, using desktop 3D printing, lathes, a CNC metal shop, a composites workshop, and more. The speed of iteration allows the Slugger team to release new products regularly and keep up with the demand for bats suitable for all different levels of play.

“We’re able to rapidly produce prototypes for quick iteration and testing. We use it every week, and if we’re working through a new design, we’ll iterate on it every day,” said Steel. “3D printing is a great tool to reduce the time it takes to get to market. You can use it from prototyping to problem-solving. Prototyping the initial design, to problem-solving the final manufacturing.”

3D printing can speed up the iterative process, helping move a new innovation from concept design (light grey, 3D printed part, far left) to finished part made with traditional manufacturing (pink part, far right).There’s constant competition in the market, even for a brand with such a storied history as Slugger. Steel and the innovation team are continuously iterating and pitching new ideas, and the Form 3 helps them get those ideas through to the next stage even faster.

“I’ll have an idea, design it, and send it to the printer in 30 minutes, then bring it to the next meeting. 3D printed visual aids are worth their weight in gold,” said Steel. “Oftentimes, when looking at 3D renderings, we lack scale. Printing parts helps when attempting to reference how something compares in size along with being able to test ergonomics and fitment into existing products.”

3D printing improves the team’s understanding of the product development process and can help eliminate any crossed wires down the road. That team cohesion enables Steel and other designers to keep their workflow streamlined and productivity high.

Though integral for prototyping, Steel also uses the Form 3 for other applications, such as creating silicone molds and other types of manufacturing aids. The diverse material library enables a wide range of possible workflows and allows Steel to gain greater control over different processes.

“The Form 3 also allows us to leverage the breadth of materials available for other processes, like forming mold positives in silicone to back pour in urethane, silicone, or an epoxy,” said Steel.

The molds are used to create final-stage prototypes that include all the eventual types of material, like urethane or epoxy, that will be used in the final, traditional manufacturing process.

Formlabs
formlabs.com

Make Parts Fast

The convergence of software, cloud computing, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) technologies has given manufacturers the ability to cost-effectively supply millions, thousands, or dozens of a given workpiece — and even batch sizes down to one. It’s no wonder that worldwide, batch sizes have in fact shrunk ‚ catering to increased demand for customized products ‚ and additive manufacturing has played a role in this trend. To be clear, this has vaulted additive manufacturing into a realm far beyond its hobbyist and rapid-prototyping origins.

So today, manufacturing relies on additive manufacturing as well as traditional machining and injection molding incorporating software and other digital tools for top flexibility and efficiency. Even legacy machine-tool equipment has become increasingly retrofitted to accept instructions in digital formats to execute the production of workpieces. Injection molding is less digitized than the machine-tool industry, but software-centric approaches have made inroads here as well. Interestingly, digitally driven additive manufacturing is the perfect solution for the rapid production of injection-molding fixtures and jigs. This is just one example of cross-pollination between the various branches of digital manufacturing.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only hastened adoption of digital-manufacturing approaches in the U.S. Consider how many manufacturers relying on Chinese production facilities saw their supply chains negatively affected by shipping and transportation slowdowns in 2020 only to see more challenges in 2021 and 2022 caused by rolling regional manufacturing shutdowns arising from stern governmental attempts at completely containing the COVID virus. For some companies with digital-manufacturing capabilities, rerouting the production of key parts to other regions of the world can be triggered with a click of a button. Those with connected-enterprise capabilities integrating transportation and logistics are most nimble of all.

For the 2023 Design World Trends issue, the editors asked industry experts to comment on these digital-manufacturing developments. Here’s what the sources had to say.

Meet the expertsJames Gallant | Director of operations • ISL Products International Ltd.
Robert Luchars | V.P. of business development • ECM PCB Stator Technology
Kelly Walden | V.P. of manufacturing • Bishop-Wisecarver Corp.
Chris Gottlieb | Director — Drives and controls • Kollmorgen
Jeff Maina | Senior applications engineer • PBC Linear
Andy Zaske | V.P. of sales and marketing • Tolomatic
Nathan Andaya | Director — Techline strategic business unit • LINAK U.S.

Digital manufacturing adoption accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to increase as supply-chain and labor-shortage issues persist. Image: Getty Images.Gallant: We’ve added minor 3D printing to our suite of design services — more specifically, to help streamline customers’ R&D processes. We manufacture dc motors and gearmotors for the motion control world, and 3D printing helps us provide accessories such as mounting brackets, gears, motor holders, and enclosures. This way, accessories are correctly sized to fit our motor solutions so the customer can get started on their prototyping that much quicker. Once a design concept is finalized, we can then turn over the design to our injection-molding experts for mass production.

Luchars: We use software to scale hardware solutions that can be manufactured anywhere in the world. To accomplish this, ECM pairs PCB Stator printed circuit boards with our PrintStator cloud-based CAD/CAM optimization platform. This fundamentally changes the way motors are devised and manufactured, as the latter lets our partners provide exact performance and dimensional specs on procured PCB Stator designs. These designs are automatically generated into a Gerber file that can be used to immediately print the stator worldwide. The result offers unmatched flexibility, time-to-market, and scalability in a digital manufacturing model.

Walden: We are both a consumer and supplier. We use additive manufacturing as a cost-effective approach to rapid prototyping. We also look for opportunities to leverage this technology where it makes sense to replace traditionally machined parts. This provides opportunities for design customization with low batch sizes. We also supply materials and subassemblies to AM equipment manufacturers, and our technology is well-suited to some of these harsh environments.

Gottlieb: MBrain — our powerful no-code, paperless smart manufacturing platform — is appropriate in the field of digital manufacturing. MBrain’s no-code platform allows for building-block type of workflows and staff work instructions for high-mix manufacturers to reduce build errors, kitting time, and staff onboarding and training time. MBrain can potentially replace a customer’s MES system and tie into most organizations’ ERP systems and IoT/Automation/SCADA systems agnostically.

Luchars: We’re currently beta testing our CAD/CAM optimization platform with plans for a full SaaS release in 2023. Thus far, we’ve taken customer specs for various electric motor applications. From there our in-house engineers and beta partners have used the cloud-based CAD/CAM platform to prototype and produce design solutions. Many of our clients have their own manufacturing facilities and arrangements. For those who don’t, we’ve created partnerships to leverage existing PCB house infrastructure around the world. The resulting motors offer premium weight and performance efficiencies and are produced with less raw materials than conventional machines. Altogether, our innovation and SaaS business model converges software with cloud computing and vertical integration to offer a scalable digital manufacturing solution for next-generation electric motors.

Andaya: We’re currently using additive manufacturing in our design process. We have a series of manufacturing robots and cobots to assist with our automated manufacturing.

Luchars: For motion control and automation, we’ve explored a number of robotic actuators with various input and output encoders for high-resolution positioning. Our design flexibly allows for custom integration of the encoder within the motor housing, which maintains a thin form factor. In addition to the feedback and control mechanism of the machine, we can further customize the motor design to optimize its inertia and dynamic response.

Maina: Our 3D Platform brand builds 3D printers using PBC Linear mechatronics (SIMO Series linear actuators). One of their main functions is the 3D printing of engineered prototype components to effectively get products and system designs to market faster. 3D printers are also instrumental in producing low-volume custom product storage trays for our automation brands, Applied Cobotics and Cobot Feeder.

PBC Linear uses 3D printers to produce low-volume custom product storage trays for its Applied Cobotics automation line.Luchars: Our technology and design software platform have enabled the creation of electric motors with performance and form-factor characteristics impossible in the past. So, innovators can leverage unlimited design flexibility to create a perfect fit versus a best-fit motor — and engineers can design a motor around their system rather than designing their system around a motor. The applications for these technology benefits extend to HVAC equipment, e-mobility, consumer electronics, household appliances, robotics, medical devices, aerospace, defense, unmanned vehicles‚ and more.

Zaske: Due to the forces and precision requirements of most of Tolomatic’s actuators, we haven’t been able to make use of 3D printing in a significant fashion for making parts. However, we have been buying and installing more capable and flexible machining centers to reduce to time between changeovers. We have also found that 3D-printed parts can be very effective in prototyping and making fixtures and tooling for manufacturing assembly.

Luchars: All the prototypes we design are custom, so we can implement any washdown or sealing design elements on a case-by-case basis, depending on the application requirements. We don’t normally have the entire system available to test the motor, so the system-specific tests are conducted by the customer … but we try to do as much testing as possible before the customer receives the prototypes to ensure the motor design will absolutely meet customer needs.

Read other articles in the Design World Trends series at designworldonline.com/trends.

Make Parts Fast

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) presented its prestigious DINO (Distinguished INnovator Operator) Award for additive manufacturing expertise and service to ten deserving individuals. These new DINOs received their awards at the 35th annual AMUG Conference during a ceremony that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the DINO Award.

DINO Awards were presented to (from left) Bogdan Filipkowski, Matthew Mitchell, Dave Rittmeyer, Rob Hassold, Colton Rooney, Danny Levy, Heather Natal, Tim Bell, Alex Roschli, and Roger Nielsen.AMUG representatives presented the DINO Awards in recognition of tenure in the additive manufacturing industry, years of service, contributions to the industry, and active support of the users group.

“This award recognizes not only experience but also character and passion. Following a lengthy nomination and review process, the committee selected ten deserving individuals from over 1,800 attendees of the AMUG Conference,” said Gary Rabinovitz, DINO Selection Committee Chair and Director at Large.

The newly named DINOs are:

Tim Bell, MELD Manufacturing Corporation
Bogdan Filipkowski, Custom Prototypes Inc.
Rob Hassold, Cimquest, Inc.
Danny Levy, Influit Energy
Matthew Mitchell, Yazaki North America
Heather Natal, GoEngineer
Roger Nielsen, In’Tech Industries
Dave Rittmeyer, Mathews International
Colton Rooney, EMI Corp.
Alex Roschli, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

The new DINOs’ efforts have played varied roles in making the AMUG Conference a positive experience for those seeking insights, information, and connections. Over many years, they have supported AMUG by being team members on the AMUG Board and AMUG committees (Bell, Levy, Mitchell, Natal, Rooney, and Roschli), by supporting education through scholarships (Hassold and Nielson), and by demonstrating how to achieve results through additive manufacturing (Filipkowski and Rittmeyer).

Receiving a DINO is not the endgame for those that demonstrate the passion and dedication that the DINO Selection Committee seeks. Instead, it is a momentous milestone in years-long support of the community.

DINOs from 1998 to 2023 assembled at the 2023 AMUG Conference.“This was the 25th anniversary of the DINO Award, and we had representation at AMUG 2023 for DINO classes back to 1998, with 40 percent of all DINOs attending the conference,” said Rabinovitz.

Rabinovitz also noted that many DINOs in attendance continue to be active in the AMUG community through volunteer roles on the board and committees.

AMUG’s guiding principle is “For Users. By Users.” The newly named DINOs and all that came before them put this philosophy into action.

Over its 35-year history, AMUG has awarded only 187 DINOs. Nominations for 2024 DINO candidates will be accepted beginning October 1, 2023.

AMUG
amug.com

Make Parts Fast

To be more flexible in the surface finishing of additively manufactured components for prototypes and small series, Oerlikon Balzers, a technology brand of the Oerlikon Group, has purchased two M1 Basic systems from AM Solutions for its laboratory in Liechtenstein. The all-around solution ensures high-quality surfaces before and after the coating process with a result that can be reproduced anytime.

The M1 Basic finishing system from AM Solutions offers flexibility and a wide range of surface treatment options. Image courtesy of Oerlikon.Oerlikon Balzers is a global provider of highly wear-resistant coatings that significantly improve the performance and service life of precision components, cutting, and forming tools. The R&D department in Balzers, where thin-film coatings and future innovations are developed, has decided to equip its laboratory with a system for the surface treatment — before and after coating — of conventional and additively manufactured components. Balzers’ industrial PVD coatings are then applied to the components and tested for abrasion and wear in the laboratory. The choice fell on two M1 Basic systems from AM Solutions.

Especially in R&D, numerous tests are required to ensure process reliability and robustness. Plus, Oerlikon’s production sites often have special customer requests and needs. It was therefore decided that the R&D and Production Technologies department in Balzers also provides in-house surface finishing capabilities, such as the new M1 Basic systems, which help shorten project timelines.

A decisive advantage of the M1 Basic used in Oerlikon’s Lab is that it can be flexibly integrated into processes. It is extraordinarily compact and has an integrated process water circuit that allows it to be used independently of a fixed location.

“The M1 Basic is a system that offers a wide range of surface treatment options and is also absolutely flexible. For example, the work area can be divided into different segments so that different processes can run on the machine at the same time,” said Simon Kresser, project engineer for mechanical pre- & post-treatment at Oerlikon.

This allows different sample parts to be processed in one step. It is also possible to process components with different abrasives. For example, the surface can first be scrubbed and smoothed during a roughening step with aggressive media and is then finished to a high gloss with a fine polishing media.

The M1 Basic is also particularly user-friendly and suitable for individual parts and small batches. It has an intelligent controller and can be used as required, thanks to the integrated software solution. To limit noise disturbance in the laboratory, the M1 Basic works with a maximum of 78 decibels, only about as loud as a car.

Oerlikon
oerlikon.com

AM Solutions
solutions-for-am.com

Make Parts Fast

At its 35th annual conference, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) bestowed its prestigious President’s Award to Mark Wynn, Senior Technical Specialist for Yazaki North America.

Mark Wynn, Senior Technical Specialist for Yazaki North America, is the eleventh person to receive AMUG’s President’s Award.“Mark Wynn’s perseverance, dedication, passion, professionalism, and selflessness were apparent in each of the AMUG roles he filled. And the result of those qualities was excellence in his work,” said Mark Abshire, AMUG President.

The President’s Award recognizes the exemplary vision, leadership, and tireless years of service for the advancement of AMUG. Over its entire history, AMUG has presented only eleven President’s Awards.

“I am extremely honored to have received the President’s Award. I am also truly humbled by the recognition,” said Wynn. “There have only been ten previous recipients in AMUG’s history, and they are among the people I admire and respect the most in the additive manufacturing industry. Just to be mentioned in their company is truly amazing.”

Mark Wynn’s first AMUG Conference was in 1995, and his AMUG volunteerism reaches back to 2000. He served many roles over the years, including AMUGexpo team lead, Deputy Vice President, AMUG Board of Directors member, and Expo Committee Chair. In 2015, Wynn received another esteemed AMUG award, the DINO (Distinguished Innovator Operator).

“The measure of his leadership is the legacy he leaves behind. Mark has blazed a trail that guides present and future generations to succeed,” said Abshire. “Mark’s professionalism imparted order, structure, and efficiency into the operations he oversaw. Moreover, he did so without making it about him. Instead, it was always about the team, about AMUG, and about those AMUG serves.”

Bob Wood, AMUG Expo Committee Chair, concurred with Abshire. Wood served on Wynn’s Expo Committee for four years and succeeded him as committee chair. In prior years, Wood was on the customer side of Wynn’s work.

“The 2023 AMUGexpo was by far the smoothest in terms of operations and logistics. And that is 100 percent due to what Mark Wynn had put into place in the prior years,” said Wood. “Mark always worked hard and diligently to do the best job possible. And throughout his work, he showed a commitment to and care for both AMUG and its exhibitors.”

“Everything I have done for AMUG has been a team effort. I have worked beside many incredible people: AMUG Board members, expo team members, the Red Oak team, and all the AMUG volunteers. I share this award with all of them,” said Wynn. “For all the years of hard work for AMUG, I have gotten back much more than I have given, and I am sincerely grateful for the experience. I would also like to thank Yazaki for all the support of AMUG. That support came from everyone from executive management to my management and to my awesome coworkers who covered the day-to-day workload when I was at the conference or planning for it.”

Mark Wynn (front left) receives the President’s Award from Mark Abshire, AMUG President. In honor of Wynn, past AMUG presidents gathered on the stage.“I’ve had the good fortune to work with Mark Wynn in two capacities — as a customer and teammate. In both, I witnessed a strong dedication to quality — his standards are higher than most — coupled with patience to find solutions that work for both parties,” said Abshire. “Bottom line, Mark Wynn is a pleasure to be around.”

Past recipients of the President’s Award are Thomas A. Sorovetz (2000), Patti Brown (2006), Guy E. Bourdeau (2007), Robert Zubrickie (2010), Timothy Gornet (2013), Gary Rabinovitz (2014), Mark Abshire (2016), Elizabeth Goode (2019), Terry Hoppe (2021), and Vince Anewenter (2021).

AMUG
amug.com

Make Parts Fast

3DPRINTUK announced its ambitious goal to become the first fully certified, carbon-neutral 3D printing bureau by the end of 2023. The company also shared that it aims to be the first 3D printing service to offset 100% of its plastic output.

Achieving certified carbon-zero is no easy task, but as a plastic parts manufacturer, the company wants to tackle the problem head-on. With a pragmatic and committed approach to fully sustainable, certified operations, 3DPRINTUK intends to lead the way and plot a route that others will hopefully follow.

3DPRINTUK released a net-zero roadmap to achieve carbon-neutral and sustainable operations by the end of 2023.3DPRINTUK takes climate change and its impacts seriously, which is the driving force behind its net zero roadmap. The company has set a bold target of achieving carbon-zero certification through a combined approach of carbon-reduction and carbon-offsetting projects.

“As a manufacturer of plastic parts, we cannot hide from the environmental impact of plastic on the environment,” said Nick Allen, CEO of 3DPRINTUK. “However, we also believe that plastic materials continue to offer benefits and do have a part to play in a sustainable economy. This can be seen in the way that plastics can replace some metals making parts and components that are lighter in weight. For transport industries, for example, these are essential applications for reducing fuel consumption. With that said, the bad name that ‘plastics’ get in general does have some validity, owing to consumerism and a throw-away culture. Single-use plastics, unnecessary packaging, and the like contribute to the increasing problem of plastic pollution, especially in the form of microplastics. For us, in 2023, it is about adopting a strategy seeking to do the ‘right thing’ while regulation catches up. That is why we have developed our roadmap.”

3DPRINTUK’s net zero roadmap works within existing standards and protocols, specifically using the GHG Protocol2 as the framework for its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory and emission statement report. The report will not only cover Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, but it will also account for the carbon footprint of the company’s entire operations, from raw materials all the way down the value chain to its dispatch consumables. Once the report is complete, it will be verified by a third-party company to ensure it meets all five principles of the GHG protocol.

“We want to separate ourselves from the culture of greenwashing by certifying what we are saying. Adhering to GHG protocols means that we can ensure that our emissions are accurately measured, reported, and properly addressed,” said Allen.

In addition, 3DPRINTUK is partnering with CleanHub to tackle its plastic footprint and support impoverished communities. 3D-printed plastics can significantly impact the environment, and 3DPRINTUK is committed to addressing this issue as part of its sustainability goals. CleanHub specializes in the collection and safe processing of non-recyclable plastic. Through this partnership, 3DPRINTUK will work to offset its plastic consumption and output and develop internal processes with more sustainable solutions.

“CleanHub’s innovative approach involves partnering with waste collection organizations in impoverished areas of the world to safely collect and process plastic waste whilst also contributing to the development of the local communities,” said Allen. “Our partnership with CleanHub will facilitate the safe collection and processing of 25 tons of ocean-bound plastic by the end of 2023. Achieving carbon neutrality is not only the key to avoiding the worst consequences of climate change, we also believe it brings benefits to communities and society as a whole. This includes less environmental pollution, improvements to health, boosting sustainable economic growth, and the creation of green jobs.”

In a further initiative, 3DPRINTUK’s team is actively engaged in extensive research and development to discover new materials that can be added to its portfolio with lower carbon emissions than its current offering. The company is committed to investing significant resources to make swift progress.

Finally, being accountable and obtaining official certification for its operations is important for 3DPRINTUK. The company takes great pride in announcing that after achieving our ISO 9001:2015 certification, it is now embarking on a new journey to establish an Environmental Management System (EMS) and obtain ISO 14001 certification.

Obtaining ISO 14001 certification demonstrates 3DPRINTUK’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility to its customers, employees, and stakeholders. It provides the company with a framework for managing environmental risks and opportunities, ensuring legal compliance, and improving environmental performance.

By implementing an EMS, 3DPRINTUK will be able to identify, measure and manage the environmental aspects and impacts of its business operations. This will allow the company to continuously improve its environmental performance, reduce its carbon footprint, and minimize waste throughout its supply chain.

3DPRINTUK
3dprint-uk.co.uk

Make Parts Fast

Jabil teamed up with KAV Sports on made-to-order, personalized bicycle helmets that deliver a better fit for superior comfort and protection using custom-engineered materials and additive manufacturing. Recognized by Time Magazine as one of the “best inventions of 2022,” the KAV Portola helmet is made from custom nylon carbon-fiber material engineered by Jabil to meet exacting standards for performance and aesthetics.

“To fulfill our mission of saving lives, we needed to produce a better-fitting helmet that people would want to wear,” said Whitman Kwok, founder and CEO of KAV Sports. “For consumers to experience the benefits of customization, we had to overcome limitations in materials and manufacturing. Jabil knocked it out of the park by engineering a custom material that met stringent criteria and could be manufactured using 3D printing to create something really unique and special for the helmet industry.”

Jabil teamed with KAV Sports on a custom carbon-fiber material, available in different colors, to produce tailor-made, 3D-printed bike helmets.Innovating the perfect fit
Traditional bike helmets are made from injection-molded, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam and come in one to three sizes, which fall short of accommodating various head sizes and shapes. Moreover, typical helmets have limitations in stability, durability, and comfort.

While KAV wanted a novel material that was as light as EPS, the company sought superior performance in temperatures ranging from -15° C to over 60° C. KAV engineers evaluated more than 20 off-the-shelf materials, all of which failed to meet the company’s criteria for absorbing high-velocity impacts or providing sufficient stability under extreme environmental conditions.

KAV enlisted the help of Jabil to create a custom material that was stiff and strong yet flexible enough to accommodate both high and low temperatures. In addition to providing excellent energy absorption, the material needed to increase layer-to-layer adhesion for consistent performance and improved look and feel. A team of additive manufacturing engineers, chemists, materials scientists, and production experts at Jabil’s Materials Innovation Center in Minnesota created a completely new and customized material in just nine months that met all of KAV’s expectations.

Prioritizing polymer science
To achieve that milestone, Jabil applied comprehensive innovations in materials formulation, compound development, materials systems integration, and ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification.

“We take a polymer science approach to developing additive materials,” said Matt Torosian, director of product management for additive manufacturing at Jabil. “Jabil engineers materials that work with additive manufacturing processes in a repeatable manner to meet customer requirements and manufacture top-quality products.”

Jabil and KAV developed and tested nearly 30 iterations of custom polymer formulations and compounds before creating the proprietary nylon carbon-fiber composite that embodied all the necessary properties. Jabil’s extensive expertise and experience in materials processing, testing, and scaling proved instrumental in formulating the polymer, compounding the final filament, and attaining ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification.

KAV then completed the necessary validation testing to achieve certification in accordance with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). When KAV launched the Portola helmet featuring the new material in April 2022, the company asserted that the product not only met but exceeded U.S. CPSC safety standards for impact resistance by more than 25%.

Improving customer experiences
KAV’s custom material is available in grey, black, and white. A simple custom-fitting process paired with 3D printing enables the two-to-three-week delivery of made-to-order helmets. Production of these unique, energy-absorbing structures would not be possible with traditional manufacturing. Additive manufacturing also allows KAV Sports to reduce production costs and unnecessary waste.

With its highly productive collaboration with Jabil, KAV plans to expand its product portfolio and market reach by leveraging Jabil’s additive manufacturing prowess, global additive manufacturing capacity, and extensive supply chain capabilities.

“We have big ambitions,” said David Stoutamire, CTO and co-founder of KAV. “There’s no reason we can’t bring mass customization and a bespoke experience for protective gear across sports.”

Jabil
jabil.com

Make Parts Fast

Additive manufacturing (AM) has opened new possibilities for complex geometries and mass customization of parts at commercially viable costs. Renishaw will showcase additive solutions, from the initial stages of creating the near-net shape to quality verification processes, at the company’s RAPID booth (#4036) in Chicago on May 2-4, 2023. The show is billed as North America’s largest and most influential additive manufacturing event.

Renishaw’s exhibit highlights how manufacturers benefit from using AM in the production process and showcase its range of additive manufacturing systems, including the RenAM 500Q and 500S. Both systems feature high-power 500-W lasers, which have precise and accurate capabilities to help minimize build time. Visitors can also find out more about the RenAM 500Q Flex, which is suited to manufacturers who must regularly swap build materials, such as research and development, pre-production, or bureau environments. All of the systems feature the same industry-leading optical, chamber, and gas-flow designs to ensure users can produce high-quality parts using any machine.

Renishaw’s RenAM is a metal 3D printer with high-power 500-W lasers for precision, accuracy, and minimizing build time.“Our exhibits demonstrate how we enable the factory of the future today with innovative manufacturing technologies and expertise that deliver on manufacturing precision, productivity, and practicality,” said Denis Zayia, president of Renishaw USA. “Renishaw is about to celebrate a significant milestone of supporting our customers for 50 years. As a world-class manufacturer ourselves, we have faced the same manufacturing challenges as many of our customers. In those 50 years, we have been able to overcome these by implementing innovative strategies and products developed in-house. Our consultative approach with customers allows us to share those experiences and offer them new perspectives.”

Renishaw Additive Manufacturing Solutions
renishaw.com/en/additive-manufacturing-solutions

Make Parts Fast

The AMUG Conference is unlike any other event. The enthusiasm for additive manufacturing is contagious, and the knowledge among members is unmatchable. AMUG as an organization truly lives up to its mission, and the annual conference reflects its dedication to the people of this unique industry. Here are some highlights from the 2023 AMUG Conference.

The 2023 AMUG Conference took place March 19-23, 2023, at the Hilton Chicago.AMUG members agree that AM isn’t here to take over or magically solve all manufacturing problems. It’s an innovative solution for creating parts, next to machining and injection molding, that has advantages and drawbacks and lends itself well to specific applications.

Lightweight components with complex geometries are AM’s bread-and-butter. Aerospace, defense, and medical are still the top sectors willing to adopt 3D printing and gain the most value. But collaboration across industries is where innovation really takes off.

Wednesday’s keynote speakers, Rob Ducey, technical supervisor at LAIKA Studios, and Nicholas Jacobson, MDes, clinical research faculty at CU Anschutz Medical Campus, showed how an unlikely pair of AM-enthusiasts could swap stories and solve problems together. Their “Collaboration Between an Animator, an Architect, and a Surgeon” discussion demonstrated the vast use cases for 3D printing and how leveraging the right technology can save lives.

Keynote speakers Rob Ducey (left) and Nicholas Jacobson (right) shared their collaboration story, which spawned from a previous AMUG Conference, and how their innovations have evolved.In industry, most manufacturers’ current challenges are volume and scale. 3D printing has been traditionally used for prototyping and low-volume production, but there’s a push to integrate AM into higher-volume applications. However, experts caution against viewing AM as the holy grail or buying 3D printers without thinking it through. As Diana Kalisz, vice president of materials for 3D Systems, explained during Thursday’s morning session, there must be a reason and value for 3D printing.

“One of the biggest challenges to moving 3D printing into manufacturing is that you’ve got to have a champion on the customer side willing to stick their neck out and who knows what they need,” said Kalisz.

Customers often approach AM experts with a list of unnecessary attributes and desires that prompts engineers to go back to the drawing board and understand the problem better.

“Many people have no idea how hard it is to make anything,” said Kalisz.

Yet customers propel the industry every time they speak up about their problems and hint at desired solutions. AM experts who learn from customers build technology around what matters most. Customers keep the conversation going and are encouraged to share more so that the industry and technology can continuously advance.

“Don’t hide your problems,” said Kalisz. “We need to get more knowledge out there so the technology and industry can improve.”

Kalisz gave the audience a glimpse of her upbringing and divulged her adventurous engineering journey. She even talked about working with Chuck Hall, who invented 3D printing in 1983. Then, a few AMUG members took the mic and expressed gratitude for Kalisz’s influence and leadership in their lives. After the audience wiped tears and scheduled reminders to send thank-you notes to mentors and treasured colleagues, Kalisz received the esteemed Innovators Award. AMUG bestows this award on individuals who have contributed innovations that have advanced the AM industry.

Todd Grimm (left) interviewed Diana Kalisz of 3D Systems (right) on her extensive engineering journey, then presented Kalisz with the 2023 Innovators Award.Other prestigious awards included the President’s Award, which Mark Abshire presented to Mark Wynn of Yazaki North America to honor Wynn’s AMUG leadership and service, and the coveted Distinguished INnovator Operator (DINO) Awards, which recognize AMUG members for their contributions and years of service in the AM industry.

Scholarships were awarded to recognize individuals who demonstrated passion and vision for additive manufacturing education and advancement. Dr. Les Kalman, assistant professor in restorative dentistry at Western University in Ontario, Canada, was awarded the Randy Stevens Scholarship for AM educators. Brent Griffith, P.E., is pursuing a Master of Engineering in additive manufacturing and design at Penn State University and was awarded the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for AM students.

“Both of our scholarship winners exemplified a passion for additive manufacturing that was triggered many years ago but has not waned. Beyond that, the committee recognized their visions of changing how things are done coupled with diligence to make the changes a reality,” said Rajeev Kulkarni, chair of the AMUG Scholarship Committee.

Let’s not forget the inspirational Technical Competition chaired by Bonnie Meyer. Contestants displayed their projects Monday night during the AMUGexpo and openly discussed their methods and mishaps. Last year’s winners took the stage on Wednesday morning to discuss their experience and inspire others to enter the friendly competition.

This year, Ben Loerko of the University of Dayton Research Institute won the Advanced Concepts award, and Daniel Goncalves and Jung Kyu Im of Custom Prototypes took home the Advanced Finishing award. Though DINOs selected the two winners, all AMUG members got to choose their favorite innovation for the Members Choice award. On Thursday, last year’s winners, Daniel Goncalves Jung Kyu Im, spoke about their successful project, then Ben Loerko received the 2023 award.

The AMUG Technical Competition showcases innovations that spark new ideas and help propel the industry forward.But all business and acknowledgments aside, I can tell you firsthand that AMUG sure knows how to throw a party.

Celebrations started Sunday at the New Member Welcome event, when AMUG leaders gave first-timers an overview of what to expect, such as additive weight gain from the networking meals. Afterward, attendees flooded the AMUGexpo floor, catching up with old friends and making new ones. During the week, breaks between educational sessions were filled with delicious food, infectious laughter, and enlightening conversations.

On Tuesday evening, they bussed attendees to an undisclosed location for dinner and libations, which ended up being the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. On Wednesday evening, they hosted a steampunk-themed casino night where AMUG leaders dressed in 19th-century-inspired waistcoats and glasses.

Along with the fun and new friendships, this was an event to remember and an excellent education that will pay dividends in members’ lives and move the industry forward.

The 2023 AMUG Conference took place March 19-23, 2023, at the Hilton Chicago. Next year’s conference will return to Chicago on March 10-14, 2023. Registration opens on October 1, 2023. Note that the event is not open to the public. Registrants must directly own industrial additive manufacturing equipment and use it for professional applications.

AMUG
amug.com

Make Parts Fast

3D Systems announced its collaboration with TE Connectivity to develop an additive manufacturing solution to produce electrical connectors meeting stringent UL regulatory requirements. The solution comprising 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Modular, Figure 4 material, 3D Sprint software, and services was designed to meet TE Connectivity’s unique requirements for material performance and high tolerance, reliable printing.

TE Connectivity and 3D Systems used the Figure 4 Modular printer and created a new photopolymer material that underwent long-term thermal aging for electrical and mechanical relative thermal index (RTI) certification. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.The foundation of the solution is a newly developed photopolymer 3D Systems engineered specifically to meet TE Connectivity’s requirements. In addition to a world-class flammability rating at 0.4-mm thickness, it is the first known printable photopolymer to complete a UL-recognized long-term thermal aging (RTI) study. This material and an optimized print process enable the reliability and accuracy required for TE Connectivity’s products.

Using 3D Systems’ Figure 4 technology, the combination of new material properties, speed, and accuracy allows the production of rugged industrial products for the first time, targeted at appliances, cellular, and data-center applications. Additive manufacturing provides TE Connectivity freedom of design to create complex geometries that would be difficult to create using injection molding. It increases flexibility for low volume, quick-turn production runs, and tooling avoidance, allowing TE’s customers to meet demand more efficiently.

3D Systems’ Application Innovation Group (AIG) collaborated with TE Connectivity’s team to develop a production workflow from design to a finished connector. The program included the development and UL certification of a new Figure 4 material. UL regulatory approval has been obtained, including UL94 V0 flame rating at 0.4 mm, Glow Wire Ignition (GWI) of 800° C, Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 V (equivalent to a PLC of 0), and Relative Temperature Index (RTI) for long-term electrical and mechanical use of 150° C and 130° C, respectively.

“As 3D printing technology evolves, we’re seeing more opportunities to manufacture products for customers who need a low volume of parts in a short timeframe,” said Philip Gilchrist, VP and segment chief technology officer for communications solutions at TE Connectivity. “Our work with 3D Systems enables us to provide our customers with functional parts in just weeks instead of months.”

“The collaboration with TE Connectivity provided the understanding and requirements of the unique application being addressed and enabled the development of the solution,” said Reji Puthenveetil, executive vice president of industrial solutions at 3D Systems. “Our materials scientists and print process experts worked very closely with the TE team to formulate a material that, when used in conjunction with our Figure 4 technology, delivered on the high quality, high-reliability standards their customers have come to expect.”

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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Formlabs recently announced its newest material, TPU 90A Powder, a tough elastomer powder for its Fuse Series printers. This new material enables strong, functional, skin-safe parts with high tear strength and elongation.

TPU 90A Powder enables durable, skin-safe parts at a low cost for various industries, including healthcare, consumer goods, manufacturing, and engineering. Image courtesy of Formlabs.The strength and flexibility of TPU 90A Powder allow for the production of fully functional parts in-house, providing complete design freedom and a seamless workflow on the Fuse Series SLS 3D printing ecosystem. By leveraging this material, engineers and manufacturers can bridge the gap between manufacturing stages, produce fully functional prototypes, manufacturing aids, and end-use parts and take complete control of their supply chain. Additionally, the material is ideal for creating soft-touch components for grippers, padding, and cushions.

This high-performance material is also validated for skin contact, making it ideal for medical applications such as prosthetics, orthotics, and other patient-specific devices requiring custom designs. Its softness and flexibility ensure optimal comfort and performance, improving outcomes in patient care and streamlining the medical device manufacturing process.

Formlabs’ growing library of SLS materials enables its customers to create parts with various properties, including stiffness, softness, ductility, and thermal stability. TPU 90A Powder offers flexibility and robustness along with the accuracy and design freedom enabled by the SLS printing process, with industry-leading features including:

High tear strength and elongation at break 110-310% for strong and functional TPU parts
Low cost per part for low volume production of 3D printed, flexible parts
Skin safe, ideal for printing medical appliances and wearable accessories
Lower waste and higher efficiency, with a refresh rate of 20%

Formlabs’ TPU 90A Powder is now available for order and was on display at the Formlabs booth at AMUG 2023 (booth D14).

Formlabs
formlabs.com

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The prospect of an economic downturn makes companies more cautious about overextending themselves as they face potential revenue declines. However, while CFOs are rethinking capital expenditure, demand for parts continues to rise. In response, Essentium just announced a new service that offers the benefits of high-speed extrusion (HSE) printing and access to its entire ecosystem without increasing capital expenditure.

The new Essentium Parts On-Demand (EPOD) is an in-house production service that offers manufacturers access to Essentium’s engineering expertise and open AM ecosystem of solutions for fast and cost-effective production of parts at scale.

Essentium Parts On Demand (EPOD) aims to boost speed, scale, and cost-efficiency for parts production. Image courtesy of Essentium.With EPOD, customers can use Essentium’s engineering-grade filaments and employ EPOD’s “polymer-to-part” services to make parts from custom filaments formulated and made in-house.

Early customers of EPOD services are already experiencing benefits. One oil and gas industry customer used HSE printing capability and capacity to print PEEK parts. Another aviation technical operations industry customer utilized the polymer-to-part solution to produce more than 100 housings made of a custom material with flame-resistant properties.

The EPOD service operates nine HSE 3D printers and plans to expand to more than 15 by the end of 2024.

Joe Anguiano has been appointed as the sales director of EPOD to drive growth and customer satisfaction. Before his current role, Anguiano held senior sales positions within the AM industry.

“Ongoing economic and geopolitical turmoil is taking its toll on manufacturers, who have been forced to delay capital expenditure and seek alternative means to procure parts,” said Anguiano. “EPOD services will allow manufacturers to use the HSE platform, including high-performance materials, to produce parts at the right economics without capital investment. Educating new users on AM will also be critical to help them make the leap from prototyping to industrial-scale production. It’s a win-win for manufacturers and the AM industry.”

Essentium
essentium.com

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3D Systems recently announced VSP Connect, a centralized, cloud-based surgical planning portal that integrates automated workflows and artificial intelligence (AI). As the latest addition to the company’s VSP surgical planning solutions, VSP Connect gives device manufacturers and surgeons real-time patient case visualization and improved collaboration capabilities.

Surgeons can use VSP Connect to view patient-specific 3D models, comment on implant and guide placement, and streamline preoperative planning. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.VSP Connect is powered by Enhatch, with whom the company entered a partnership in 2022 to scale personalized medical device delivery. The solution incorporates Enhatch’s AI and automation technologies with 3D Systems’ FDA-cleared workflows for patient-specific solutions.

“VSP Connect is the missing link in surgical planning, bridging the gap between patient care and cutting-edge technology,” said Michael Phipps, CTO/president, Enhatch. “With Enhatch’s advanced AI and automation capabilities, the portal gives surgeons the opportunity to reduce planning times and perform more patient-specific surgeries.”

The VSP surgical planning solutions combine digital workflows with additive manufacturing printers and materials to deliver comprehensive patient-matched solutions. VSP Connect enhances these capabilities through automated workflows that strengthen communication between all stakeholders (device representatives, case managers, patient-specific device designers, and surgeons) while facilitating compliance with industry regulations and internal accuracy protocols.

With the help of AI, VSP Connect offers pre-populated designs that are tailored to both individual surgeon preferences as well as to standard types of products. The secure, cloud-based portal aggregates disparate processes to provide a single interface with 24/7 access to case status and the ability to send notes or alerts. The end-to-end experience streamlines the preoperative planning process, from surgical planning to producing and delivering patient-specific implants and instruments, resulting in reduced procedure times and improved patient outcomes.

“With VSP Connect, we are providing access to the healthcare industry’s most complete additive manufacturing ecosystem,” said Benjamin Johnson, vice president, portfolio and regulatory, healthcare, 3D Systems. “Combined with Enhatch technology, our unified approach makes it easier to deliver patient-specific implants and instrumentation in a more efficient, cost-effective manner.”

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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A recent survey reveals that manufacturing companies are taking a more strategic look at using 3D printing to produce final products. However, the lack of a skilled workforce and the expertise to integrate 3D printing with existing production processes may impact future adoption. Commissioned by Materialise and conducted by B2B International, the survey includes 327 manufacturers in the U.S., Germany, and Japan that use 3D printing (59%), consider doing so (31%), or dismiss the technology (9%).

A recent survey revealed that 3D printing is a leading trend impacting manufacturing and production. Though many companies are convinced of 3D printing’s business value, they struggle to onboard the technology and scale up production. Image courtesy of Materialise.“Yearslong supply chain disruptions have made companies reevaluate their offshore production strategies and prioritize local manufacturing closer to demand,” said Fried Vancraen, CEO of Materialise. “The severity of these disruptions has also prompted governments to invest in programs aimed at modernizing and nearshoring their production capacity. Digital manufacturing technologies like 3D printing can support these efforts by enabling more resilient supply chains and offering significant time and cost advantages. As companies increasingly turn to these technologies, the 3D printing industry will have to make additional efforts to address the challenges they encounter, including training and workforce development, identifying new business models, and easier-to-use software and hardware.”

In recent years, the 3D printing industry has focused on convincing companies of the unique benefits of 3D printing. This focus on “why” will shift to “how” as manufacturers are familiar with the benefits but lack the knowledge and expertise to adopt and scale up the technology successfully.

“Major manufacturing hubs, including the EU and United States, have announced plans to modernize and re-shore their production efforts,” said Vancraen. “Smart, digital technologies, like 3D printing, enable such a shift to decentralized manufacturing, with multiple smaller-scale production sites that sit closer to customers. But as companies struggle to onboard 3D printing and integrate the technology with existing production environments, the 3D printing industry will need to invest in training, the availability of more materials, ease of use, and cost reduction.”

Despite the challenges, 3D printing remains high on most companies’ priority lists. Companies that have adopted 3D printing will significantly increase their use of the technology over the next 12 months. Over the next five years, most expansion efforts will focus on in-house printing capabilities compared to outsourced 3D printing production.

Though usage may increase, the way manufacturers use 3D printing is not expected to change markedly. Seven out of ten businesses say how they currently use 3D printing is expected to stay the same in the next five years, including producing visual prototypes, personalized parts, and spare parts. However, with increased automation in the 3D printing workflow and access to qualified experts, companies seek to advance their manufacturing operations and create new business opportunities.

An infographic of the survey results is available here: https://www.materialise.com/en/news/press-releases/manufacturing-companies-3d-printing-struggle

Materialise
materialise.com

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More aerospace and defense facilities are paying attention to additive manufacturing (AM) for its speed and ability to create parts with complex geometries. The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, which supports all nuclear-powered Naval submarines and aircraft carriers, is particularly excited about AM’s precision and lightweight parts that streamline designs. So much so that a new AM facility is being built to support its submarine nuclear systems.

The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program embraces AM and will have a new facility to support its submarine programs.Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. (BPMI) has been the prime contractor for the program’s nuclear components and recently awarded Sintavia a contract to develop the dedicated facility. The new, vertically integrated facility will develop and additively manufacture advanced nuclear propulsion systems for the U.S. Navy’s in-production and in-development submarine programs, including the next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarine.

“Additive technology — both with respect to design and manufacturing — is well-known to be a superior method for supplying complex systems across the aerospace and defense industry,” said Brian Neff, Sintavia’s founder and CEO. “But a full adoption of the technology is not possible without investments in the materials, processes, and quality systems needed to additively produce these difficult systems successfully and repeatedly. As the U.S. Navy looks to develop advanced submarine platforms, it is imperative that additive technology plays a central role in that development.

The new Hollywood, Florida location is expected to come online in the second quarter of 2023.

Sintavia
sintavia.com

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For decades, components such as impellers, vanes, pumps, and housings have been manufactured using a labor-intensive, lost-wax investment casting process that requires 12 separate steps. This challenging, costly, and time-consuming process requires additional steps and tooling to create soluble or ceramic cores that form complex internal ports, passages, channels, and baffles.

However, manufacturers now use innovative 3D printing technology to produce monolithic ceramic shell molds with integrated internal cores that arrive at the foundry “ready for pouring.” These molds are designed to cast single, large parts, such as impellers, or can be used to create multiple smaller parts with a few minor additional steps.

Monolithic 3D-printed shells with multiple integrated cores can be used to produce a complex oil pump casting without tooling, soluble wax cores, or wax patterns. Image courtesy of DDM Systems.Compared to traditional investment casting, 3D printing technology can lower the cost of manufacturing components by more than 50% and decrease lead times for new or modified parts by a factor of ten. The more complex the part, the greater the cost and lead time reduction.

“The advantage of receiving the external shell along with the core in an integrated, monolithic, ready-to-pour mold is significant. With the new 3D printing technology, we can create some very complex internal part geometries that we probably could not create with the traditional process. Some geometries are too complex to make with a traditional die or any other method,” said Marc Riquelme, president of Signicast and OptiMIM.

Signicast is a provider of commercial investment castings based in Hartford, Wisconsin. With facilities across North America and Europe, Signicast serves sectors such as fluid technologies, defense, aerospace, medical, firearms, power tools, mining, and oilfield. OptiMIM is a metal injection molding manufacturer of complex precision components.

The core problem with complex internal geometriesThe challenge for investment casting is not creating the external shell but making internal cores, which are critical for functionality and can be very complex. In traditional investment casting, parts that require complex internal cavity configurations are typically created with soluble wax or ceramic cores.

DDM’s integrated, monolithic ceramic shells can be used to cast components such as impellers.Most applications use a soluble wax core. To create the core, soluble wax is injected into a metal mold to form the geometry of the internal passageways. The core is then ejected from the mold and cooled. The soluble core is placed precisely within the metal mold cavity for the entire component. The position of the soluble core within this mold is held by support points incorporated into the mold during the design process. The mold is then closed, and the pattern wax is injected into the cavity around the soluble core. Once the pattern wax is cooled, the part is ejected from the mold and inserted into a bath of mild muriatic acid to dissolve the soluble core.

When the passageways are particularly complex, pre-formed ceramic cores may be used instead. Like soluble cores, the ceramic cores must be positioned carefully inside the mold for the outer shell. However, they are not removed until after the metal has been cast.

Although soluble wax cores can be effective, they increase process costs and produce significant scrap. Immersion in muriatic acid also increases lead time and costs. Even when ceramic cores are used, a high yield is not guaranteed because cores are notorious for slipping or shifting out of position when the wax melts away.

Ready-to-pour ceramic moldsAlthough Signicast still uses cores for typical castings, the company now receives ready-to-pour ceramic shell molds for complex applications from Atlanta-based DDM Systems. Signicast then pours the shells using traditional investment casting methods.

DDM’s Digital Foundry technology can produce precision investment castings of complex engineered components without upfront investment in hard tooling, without patterns, and by using 3D-printed ceramic shell molds with integrated internal cores.

The first step is taking a CAD model of the casting to design and 3D print ceramic shell molds with integrated cores using a process called LAMP (Large Area Maskless Photopolymerization). The technology involves a ceramic resin cured with UV light to produce the shell molds layer by layer. In LAMP, the 3D “printer head” projects images in UV light onto the resin, causing it to solidify in patterns corresponding to slices of the shell.

The resulting ceramic structures can achieve the high level of detail expected of investment casting grade cores and molds. Once the ceramic shells are printed, they must undergo a thermal processing step using well-established techniques for firing ceramics. DDM possesses trade secrets related to ceramic formulation and firing.

Suman Das, founder and CEO of DDM Systems, stands next to the LAMP 3D printer that eliminates seven steps of the investment casting process, saving cost and lead time.According to Suman Das, founder and CEO of DDM Systems, LAMP significantly reduces costs by eliminating the first seven of 12 investment casting steps typically required to produce a traditional investment casting shell. These seven steps account for 90% of all scrap and approximately one-third or more of the total manufacturing cost of producing an investment casting, depending on the part’s complexity. This does not consider eliminating the extra process steps and tooling requirements to create soluble or ceramic cores, which only add to the staggering costs and long lead times.

With their approach, DDM can engineer, print, fire, and deliver monolithic shells with integrated cores in as little as 10 days. The printed ceramic shell is compatible with all air-melt foundry processes to produce fluid-handling parts in steel, aluminum, and nickel alloys.

“Because the Digital Foundry process can produce printed and fired shells with integrated cores that are ready to pour in two steps without any tooling, the overall lead time for castings can be one-fifth or less of the time taken by conventional methods,” said Das.

The integrated, monolithic ceramic shells can be used to cast a single, large item, such as a 10-in. diameter impeller, or multiple smaller parts using a slightly revised, hybrid investment casting approach. For multiple parts, the ready-to-pour printed and fired shells are attached to a wax sprue and coated in a slurry to provide an additional layer of ceramic that coats the wax sprue and shells. When it dries, it creates a continuous ceramic body ideal for investment casting.

This approach can also cost-effectively streamline the investment casting of rapid prototypes when traditional methods are not ideal. By eliminating much of the cost and lead time, manufacturers can cast a range of design variants to conduct qualification and “rainbow wheel” tests to optimize the design of various parts.

Signicast
signicast.com

OptiMIM
optimim.com

DDM Systems
ddmsys.com

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Horizon Microtechnologies specializes in template-based 3D microfabrication — a post-printing process that allows new areas of the industry to benefit from the power, flexibility, agility, and design freedom of micro-AM.

In recent years, micro-AM technologies have developed into cost-effective, relatively quick, and highly precise production technologies that can build to micron-level tolerances repeatedly. However, the materials that today’s micro-AM technologies can process are almost exclusively polymers. As such, manufacturers looking to embrace the power of micro-AM but requiring conductive or environmentally resistant micro parts have been left frustrated. Horizon Microtechnologies developed its template-based 3D microfabrication technology to bridge this gap.

Horizon’s technology is especially suited as a post-printing treatment for micro-AM-derived templates.“There is no doubt that AM and micro-AM have disrupted the ways in which various sectors produce end-use parts for an array of applications,” said Andreas Frölich, CEO at Horizon. “The dawn of ultra-precise micro-AM technologies recently opened up the advantages of AM for micro manufacturers, and by developing our microfabrication technology, we have extended the areas in which AM can have a positive influence. Using micro-AM can in many instances be cheaper and quicker than using conventional manufacturing processes, and stimulates design freedom and allows the production of parts and components with geometric complexity hitherto impossible.”

Horizon’s technology is a suite of processes that add material and functionality to a microstructure (the template). They work with a range of template materials and are nearly independent of the template’s shape. Hence, they are especially suited as a post-printing treatment for micro-AM-derived templates.

“You can add conductivity and environmental resistance to micro AM produced parts, and as such open the power of micro AM to manufacturers of electrodes and electrical connectors, 3D microfluidic devices, and MEMs and optics packaging,” said Frölich. “It is also possible to use the conductivity to eliminate the risk of static discharge. This is important in, for example, the automated assembly of optoelectronic components, such as bare laser diodes, where it is necessary to handle components which are small, mechanically delicate, static-discharge sensitive and which have several ‘no-touch’ areas. This calls for a component-specific gripper (end-effector) which combines several challenging features — tight mechanical tolerances and freely placeable internal channels for vacuum on one hand and sufficient conductivity to prevent any build-up of static electricity on the other hand. This is precisely what Horizon can offer via its template-based 3D microfabrication technology. Polymer micro-AM delivers tight mechanical tolerances and freely placeable internal channels, and Horizon’s proprietary post-printing process introduces the necessary conductivity.”

Horizon’s post-processing technology adds material and functionality to a microstructure (the template) regardless of the template’s shape.Horizon works with its customers as a product development partner. Considerations such as form, function, and material are all considered in consultation with the customer. The 3D microfabricated template determines the (almost) net shape of the final part, whereas post-processing steps achieve the final functionality.

The company’s post-processing technology can wholly or selectively coat micro-AM parts with a conductive layer. It can also homogeneously coat difficult areas, such as long narrow channels and undercuts. Microfabricated 3D templates can also be coated with metal oxides to make parts compatible with aggressive chemical environments and, in some cases, notably increase the resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stresses.

“Effectively, what we do at Horizon is open up the resolution, tolerances, and other attractive features of polymer micro-AM for applications where it is otherwise not appropriate due to the polymer’s material properties,” said Frölich. “Combining the unique geometries that micro-AM can produce, the tight tolerances that the process can attain, and the weight-saving possibilities that exist through its use with our proprietary post-build processes results in part functionality which polymer alone cannot achieve.”

Horizon Microtechnologies
3dmicrofabrication.com

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Stratasys recently introduced the J3 DentaJet 3D printer, an entry-level, multi-material printer that enables dental labs to produce extremely accurate mixed applications in a single tray simultaneously.

“This printer is a great value for smaller dental labs that have previously been limited to small, single-material, table-top 3D printers and are ready to level up their dental production to offer higher-quality digital dental products,” said Ronen Lebi, vice president of dental at Stratasys. “Adding a J3 DentaJet 3D printer can help labs produce best-in-class dental applications that require extreme accuracy at scale as demand is growing.”

The Stratasys J3 DentaJet 3D printer gives labs productivity boost for implantology, crowns and bridges, and orthodontics applications in a compact footprint.The J3 DentaJet 3D printer features biocompatible resins (clear, rigid, and flexible) and can create mixed parts for crown and bridge models, implantology (model, surgical guides, and gingiva masks), and orthodontic models, all in the same print job. Its large circular build tray and high-speed mode can help labs scale and boost output. PolyJet, Stratasys’ proprietary jetting technology, cures the printed parts during the print process, minimizing post-processing. As a result, lab personnel no longer need to handle uncured resin, improving workplace safety.

“We find PolyJet to be the best available technology for printing surgical guides, especially ones that require complex geometries such as stackable guides. Other technologies just can’t achieve the same level of precision and accuracy,” said Ankush Venkatesh, intrapreneur, additive manufacturing, Glidewell Dental. “The J3 DentaJet enabled us to access the most advanced printing technology, packaged in a small footprint with a large print capacity.”

The J3 DentaJet joins the J5 DentaJet and Origin One Dental as part of the Stratasys suite of dental-specific 3D printers that can all be operated and managed through GrabCAD Print, Stratasys’ intuitive software for streamlining print preparation workflow. The new printer will be shown at the LMT Lab Day Chicago, February 23-25, 2023 and the IDS global trade fair in Cologne, Germany, March 14-18, 2023. Stratasys is already accepting orders for the printer, which are expected to ship in March.

Stratasys
stratasys.com

Make Parts Fast

AMUG’s annual conference is fast approaching, and AM professionals are looking forward to this memorable experience. Attendees arrive to share knowledge, ideas, and laughs as they enjoy keynotes, panels, hands-on workshops, awards, friendly competitions, and fun-filled outings. The 2023 AMUG conference runs March 19-23 at the Hilton Chicago.

Make Parts Fast had the pleasure of interviewing two committee chairs to learn about some new and legacy agenda items that make AMUG the unique, can’t-miss event of the year.

The 2023 AMUG Conference is March 19-23 at the Hilton Chicago.

New drop-in workshopsFrom Monday, March 20, through Thursday, March 23, there are 75 total sessions scheduled across nine tracks, 62 of which are presentations or panels. There are also eight workshops sprinkled throughout the four days. The biggest day of the conference will be on Thursday, which has the most presentations and workshops. Ed Graham, track leader committee chair, shares updates on what’s new with workshops and tracks.

This year, AMUG’s adding something new. On Thursday, March 23, 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm, there are five hands-on, drop-in-style workshops where attendees can come and go as needed.Graham: There’s a “Foundry In a Box” workshop where people cast molten metal into sand-printed or plaster-cast molds. There’s a “Design With the End In Mind” support removal on metal DMLS printed parts. We’re doing an “Advanced Casting” with polyurethanes into printed rigid molds. We have a “Beyond Adhesives” hands-on workshop for assembling plastic parts. Extol comes with ultrasonic and vibration welders — all different techniques and technologies for joining plastic parts together.

This is fascinating stuff because by rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands on it, you start to appreciate what goes into it from many different aspects, maybe from the build aspect or the support removal and post-processing aspect. It gets you in the know by doing that hands-on.

And none of these are dedicated workshops. Maybe you want to weld the part quickly over here, then you want to go remove some metal supports from a metal part over here, then jump into the “Foundry In a Box” and cast a molten part. It’s really interactive and live.

New drop-in workshops encourage learning and fun.Drop-in workshops are first come, first serve.Graham: Each track will run its own workshops, which are kind of first come, first serve. Whatever you want to do, probably get to it first because there are no signups. But plenty of people will be in each session to help moderate and keep the session on track and moving.

The drop-in workshops are intentionally scheduled at the end of the week to lighten things up before closing the conference.Graham: It’s just a great time, and there’s lots of activity and excitement. Especially because the first few days of the conference might be heavy in presentations and panels, so by Thursday, it’s like, let’s roll up our sleeves and have some fun.

There are still dedicated workshops scheduled each day.Graham: Every day does have workshops. Monday has three, Tuesday has two, and Wednesday has one, but the heaviest load is on Thursday.

Aside from workshops, AMUG has nine tracks for presentations and panels. And last year’s medical track has evolved into the healthcare track.Graham: Another thing that’s new this year is we’ve always had a medical track, and this year we call it the healthcare track. We wanted to break it out a little bit more because there’s a lot of focus on dental in 3D printing. So, our healthcare track will have the typical medical sessions we’ve had in the past, but it’ll also have more dedicated ones focusing on dental applications.

New dedicated space for the technical competitionThe AMUG Technical Competition is a fun way to celebrate achievements and propel the AM industry forward. Knowing that the judges look for new, innovative parts and projects forces people to put on different hats and think outside the box. As far as Bonnie Meyer, technical competition chair, knows, there’s nothing else like it in the additive industry.

Shown here is the 2022 Advanced Finishing winning project.The competition has three categories: Advanced Finishing, Advanced Concepts, and Members Choice.Meyer: Advanced Finishing is really about artistry. You can print something, but it takes a skilled artist to do some painting or other finishing techniques to make these things come to life.

Advanced Concepts is more about the unique. I had a judge last year say they were looking for something that could be patented. Is there something new and different? Did somebody figure out a way to do something unique? Something we haven’t seen before?

We introduced a new award called the Members Choice a year ago. The attendees do that. We have an app for the event, and they vote on an entry through it. That’s their favorite. And there are no criteria. They can vote for whatever they want, whatever’s their favorite. There are no requirements that have to be met on that one. Last year we gave out our first Members Choice award.

The DINO awards recognize AMUG members with many years of experience.Some categories are judged by DINOs (Distinguished INnovator Operators).Meyer: We have a panel of judges for each category, and the judges are DINO recipients — people who have been part of AMUG for many years. They have a lot of technical experience in various areas and are typically experts in their field. We choose this panel of judges, who determine Advanced Finishing and Advanced Concepts, winners. Whereas the Members’ Choice is just by the members, and the judges have no extra votes.

This year, competitors have a dedicated space to give projects more visibility and foster more networking and conversation.Meyer: In past years, the competition tables were intermixed on the expo floor. People would come across them and think they’re booths or company displays. This year, we will have a dedicated space in Salon B where the parts will be on display longer, and people can come in and learn about them over more than a couple of hours at the beginning of the week.

Last year, I had a couple of entrants say that they had great conversations standing in the technical competition. Some people who entered years ago had a similar theme to their project, and they started talking about how they did it, different techniques, and how they made it possible. You can make some long-lasting connections. So, it’s more than winning. The top three winners in each category receive first, second, and third place, but there’s so much more to it than receiving that award.

Last year’s winners get an on-stage encore.Meyer: Every year, we have last year’s winners come back and present on the main stage in front of everybody and give an overview of what they did and how they did it.

A past participant said that entering this competition is a way to celebrate your team’s hard work and success over the past year. I’ve heard from many entrants that they learned so much just by entering the competition and can take the experience forward on other projects. Last year, an entrant told me that now that they’ve competed, they know what to do next year to up their game and win an award.

It’s a friendly competition, and the parts that are on display are all so impressive. There’s a range of projects and industries, and it’s just a really impressive group of projects to see. And it gets more technical than when you go to a trade show, where you see the marketing-selected parts. These amazing projects couldn’t be done any other way without additive manufacturing at this competition.

Advice for first-timersAMUG welcomes first-timers with open arms and plans special events to encourage networking and knowledge sharing. Here are some tips from Graham and Meyer on how to get the most out of the event.

Download the AMUG mobile app to plan out the week and make the most of each day.Download the mobile app, plan ahead, and divide and conquer.Graham: I highly recommend the mobile app. I would definitely spend time pre-conference to go through the agenda in the app and plan out your day as best as you can. If you try to do it on the fly, you’re going to miss something. Many companies will divide and conquer because there are certain sessions at certain times, and you have to pick and choose. The presentations are usually uploaded to the app, so you have access to many of the presentations afterward as well.

There’s always a lot of activity happening. People who have been there before probably understand that, so they’re probably used to the routine. But even if you were there before, things like the workshops on Thursday are brand new, so there’s more to look forward to.

But as a first-timer, definitely do your homework, see which sessions are really important to you, and plan it out in the app. The app makes it easy to set reminders and star things as priorities — there are many tools to help you.

Attend the first-timer event on Sunday, March 19, and network with DINOs.Meyer: DINO recipients are strongly encouraged to attend that first-time reception so that there’s a mix of first-timers with people who have been to many events. It’s a nice way to start making connections right away at the beginning of the week.

Graham: DINOs come to the first-timer event so that we can welcome you, explain what you’re in for, and network with everybody. They play music and probably have karaoke — it’s a blast. It’s really a lot of fun. So, you have a lot to look forward to.

The first-timer event is a great way to network with DINOs and other newcomers before the conference starts.Consider entering the Technical Competition and reap lasting rewards. The deadline is Wednesday, March 8, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.Meyer: I would love to see more entries, and I know people are working on projects. An early-career person shared with me that they used their project and experience to help get their next job, and they used what they learned and the process of creating that entry to further their career. So, the benefits are more than coming home with a physical award.

Get ready for a very different experience.Meyer: If this is your first time attending AMUG, it’s probably unlike most events you’ve been to because it’s not a trade show. It started with one technology and is now open to all professional additive technologies. And your users are really out there. It’s a unique atmosphere of networking, sharing, and learning. Even though everybody moves companies or roles, you still see and interact with many of the same people and share information. And they do a really nice job of trying to keep the sales pitches out and focus on educating people on topics related to additive manufacturing.

The AMUG Conference is an opportunity to have fun, learn, and elevate the AM industry.Graham: This is so unique and different because it’s all about networking —sharing knowledge and education — and not sales-driven. Even when you go to lunch, somebody stands there with a bowl with numbers in it, and you pick out of the bowl, and that’s your seat. They really encourage networking.

Plus, the keynotes are amazing and show you the bigger picture, even for a DINO like me. Every year, I see this industry going places you didn’t even think of before and used in areas you didn’t think were possible. I get blown away by these keynotes and what people do with this technology. It’s really, really cool.

AMUG
amug.com

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Fabrisonic, in collaboration with EWI and Luna Innovations, designed and built an instrumented PBF build plate called the SmartPlate. The SmartPlate has embedded sensors and extracts data for real-time or post-processing analysis.

The idea for this new platform started with a simple question: How can we measure the loads going through the build plate during an AM process?

This Fabrisonic SmartPlate has optical strain gauges and thermal sensors built into the metal. The printed geometry on top was built using PBF while simultaneously recording strain/time and temperature/time data.Customers encountering distortion of parts due to residual stress buildup, delaminated parts during printing, and bolts detaching from build plates needed a way to measure real-time stress during AM builds. They also needed to identify the track (stress layer) that led to distorted or unusable parts.

To solve these problems, the SmartPlate has optical strain gauges and thermal sensors built into the metal. The printed geometry on top was created using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) while simultaneously recording strain/time and temperature/time data.

To create a SmartPlate, Fabrisonic starts with a billet build plate and mills channels in locations where sensors are to be embedded. Sensors are placed in the milled cavities, and ultrasonic additive manufacturing is used to print solid metal over the sensor. The low-temperature process does not harm the sensors; thus, the metal has continuous, contiguous, and direct contact with the sensors. When the product is completed, the customer has a fully consolidated metal plate with integral sensors buried within it.

To test the concept, the team put the SmartPlate in EWI’s PBF machine and began a PBF build that included “highly problematic features.” The team found that the device picked up significantly more information from this initial build than the bulk stress state. Among some of the additional data that was uncovered were:

The resolution and scan rate was high enough to discern the scan strategy of each layer.
Defects appeared as large compressive strains that formed early in the build at localized points.
Slow delamination of a specific feature was seen in the data even though the recoater blade never hit the build.

The following video shows actual strain-time plots resolved in the X-Y plane (left) and the raw data along the length of the fiber (right).

These colorful strain-time histories easily communicate what is happening in the build. Further data analysis can provide a deep understanding of the quality of the build by:

Analyzing individual “pixels” for sudden vector changes and tell-tale signs of many build issues.
Comparing time histories of adjacent pixels to highlight problems in the build.

Fabrisonic continues to evolve the concept of the SmartPlate by adding various sensors, including thermocouples and vibration sensors. The team recently upgraded an EOS M290 for further investigations for quality monitoring.

Fabrisonic
fabrisonic.com

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3D Systems’ ProJet MJP 2500W Plus is specifically designed to produce complex, high-quality, pure wax 3D-printed jewelry patterns with speed and precision for use in the lost wax casting process. Engineered specifically to meet the unique requirements of the jewelry industry, the ProJet MJP 2500W Plus can produce high-resolution 100% wax casting patterns in hours. Additionally, the new high-resolution printing mode enables smooth pure wax casting patterns that require less finishing to reduce precious metal waste. This enables the quick and cost-effective creation, iteration, and production of all jewelry styles, including the most complex geometries.

The new ProJet MJP 2500W Plus creates high-resolution 100% wax casting patterns in hours for custom and high-volume jewelry manufacturing.Manual polishing can significantly strain resources — both talent and materials — which can negatively impact profitability. To overcome this challenge, the ProJet MJP 2500W Plus 3D printer includes a new ZHD print mode which delivers up to 2x improvement in vertical resolution without an increase in wax material consumption. The resulting high-quality surface finish reduces the need for manual polishing of final parts, thereby minimizing gold loss, which can positively impact profitability. Additionally, with a reduced need for polishing, customers can produce increasingly complex designs for which polishing is not practical.

Meeting both demand and high-quality standards requires fast design iteration, customization, and high-volume production batches. The ProJet MJP 2500W Plus is engineered to help customers increase throughput, realize faster time to parts-in-hand, and have more flexibility in planning builds. When used as part of 3D Systems’ comprehensive MultiJet Printing solution for jewelry casting, comprising the ProJet MJP 2500W Plus, VisiJet wax materials, and 3D Sprint software, customers can quickly and consistently generate micro-detail, precision, 100% wax sacrificial casting patterns for high-capacity jewelry production.

The ProJet MJP 2500W Plus 3D prints in VisiJet 100% wax materials to print true-to-CAD and fine feature definition jewelry patterns with exact, razor-sharp edges and extremely crisp details. VisiJet wax melts like standard casting waxes with zero ash content for defect-free castings. It is durable for handling and casting fine features, and high contrast colors allow for easy fine detail visualization. Additionally, 3D Systems’ advanced 3D Sprint software capabilities allow users to streamline their file-to-pattern workflow.

“Producing jewelry requires the ability to bring complex, creative designs to life,” said Scott Anderson, vice president, segment leader, 3D Systems. “The global jewelry additive manufacturing market is estimated at over $2 billion and is growing quickly due to the increased productivity, quality, flexibility, and design freedom enabled by this technology. Today, we’re excited to announce the ProJet MJP 2500W Plus, with increased resolution and productivity that is unmatched in the industry. This innovation allows our customers to deliver exceptional design styles, while reducing pattern production time and operational costs, meeting the demands of a mass-customization environment. Coupled with the reliable and repeatable direct casting of our 100% wax solution, users will be able to achieve cost-effective, high-quality casting patterns with quick turnaround and high throughput.”

The ProJet MJP 2500W Plus is currently available for purchase and immediate shipping.

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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nano3Dprint has entered into a collaboration with the Billi Research Lab, whose objective is to improve patient quality of life by developing breakthrough technologies and solutions to address unmet clinical needs. The Billi Research Lab is supported by the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children (LuskinOIC).

The collaboration will enable Dr. Fabrizio Billi and his team to utilize nano3print’s 3D printing technologies to build integrated microcontroller systems for sensor-embedded devices that will benefit children served by LuskinOIC. Some devices currently under development include scoliosis braces, smart casts, and Ponseti braces, which are used to treat clubfoot.

“We’re looking forward to utilizing nano3Dprint’s B3300 Dual-Dispensing 3D Printer to further our research and development of wearables, fusion sensors, and smart textiles. Current additive technologies are not versatile enough to allow us to build the complex, multifunctional devices required to provide modern and truly disruptive healthcare,” said Dr. Fabrizio Billi, Director of the Musculoskeletal Devices and Technologies Development Group.

The Billi Research Lab’s smart cast project will, among other things, deliver real-time details about the fracture healing process, providing early warning of compartment syndrome, a dangerous condition in which swelling inside the cast limits blood flow to the limb, thereby causing tissue necrosis.

Dr. Billi and his team intend to use nano3Dprint’s B3300 Dual-Dispensing 3D Printer for research and development of wearables, fusion sensors, and smart textiles.nano3Dprint’s B3300 will be used to 3D print the smart cast’s electronic package, including sensors printed directly on supports easily embeddable in the cast structure. The 3D printed circuits and sensors will allow complete integration and intelligent distribution of battery and wiring, eliminating the need for external wiring and obtrusive components. Moreover, the embedded circuit will allow for the connection of a multitude of sensors where necessary.

Dr. Billi added that a similar system could be made for the Ponseti brace with an electronics bar that attaches to or replaces the bar that connects the shoes. Similar electronics could be integrated into the “ribs” of an advanced scoliosis brace.

Dr. Billi and his team also hope to 3D print sensors directly on living tissues like bone, cartilage, tendons, and skin in a process already in progress that has shown promise.

“Monitoring mechanical and physiological parameters directly on the tissue would allow our team to significantly advance our understanding of health status and tissue response to treatment,” said Dr. Billi. “More importantly, they will be able to obtain the necessary biofeedback to move from developing therapeutic devices to developing theranostic devices.”

Ramsey Stevens, nano3Dprint’s CEO, said that the collaboration supports the company’s goals of advancing medicine through new technologies.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Dr. Billi as he pioneers new medical devices to enhance patient care. One of our primary objectives is to improve research and development via multi-material 3D printing that ultimately leads to improvements across many sectors,” said Stevens.

nano3Dprint
nano3dprint.com

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Protolabs has launched Design for Manufacturability analysis for 3D printed parts, offering peace of mind to manufacturers across Europe.

It is a significant advancement to the 3D printing offering as it provides added assurance that a part is suitable for manufacturing before committing to production, all entirely online in a matter of seconds.

Protolabs have been supporting customers using the process for CNC and injection molding offerings, and the development brings those benefits of speed and reassurance to the 3D Printing service.

“Additive manufacturing is a brilliant technology, allowing engineers to produce complex parts that were previously too difficult to achieve,” said Andrea Landoni, Protolabs EMEA’s 3D Printing product manager. “Whilst the technology offers great flexibility, there are a few limitations that engineers must be aware of, and the Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis provides that guidance in seconds. The system will instantly highlight all the issues to the user, whether they are critical, such as parts that are too large to be produced, or non-critical, like dimensions that are close to certain thresholds like wall thickness and may not form completely.

“We understand the importance of speed, but ensuring that parts are correct, high quality, and delivered rapidly is critical. Instant analysis means you can have all the advantages of additive manufacturing with even more certainty without sacrificing speed.”

Design for Manufacturability processes eliminate lost time incidents for most common issues, preventing engineers from proceeding with their order only to discover there has been an issue hours later. While the vast majority of problems are solved, there are circumstances where the user may still require further support.

“Protolabs understand that specific projects require technical consultancy to solve complex issues. In these circumstances, our Application Engineers are still on hand to overcome these challenges and accelerate the process,” said Landoni.

“The Design for Manufacturability analysis supports our Application Engineers by reducing the number of projects they need to get involved in, allowing them to interact with more customers who require their support even faster. “

For more information, please visit www.protolabs.co.uk or follow @protolabs_emea on Twitter.

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Accumold recently announced a further investment in its micro additive manufacturing (AM) capability, having just finalized the purchase of a second Fabrica 2.0 machine from Nano Dimension. The continued integration of precision micro AM at Accumold complements the micro molding services that the company already provides and which it has been innovating for over 30 years.

Micro AM appeals to an array of Accumold’s customers who, up until now, have not been able to cost-effectively or efficiently fulfill design intent using traditional manufacturing processes. In addition, being agnostic to part complexity, and therefore allowing the manufacture of hollow structures, holes, complicated interior details, and atypical shapes, micro AM is promoting innovation as an enabling technology.

3D micro printing is a versatile technology appropriate for prototyping, small batches, and potentially even mass manufacturing.“We have invested in micro AM, more specifically the Fabrica 2.0 machine from Nano Dimension, not as a replacement technology, but something complimentary to our existing technology portfolio,” said Aaron Johnson, vice president of marketing and customer strategy at Accumold. “It will make the prototype stage of the product development process that much more flexible and quicker for our customers. In time, it will move towards small- to medium-sized production runs and also promote creative geometric complexity and mass customization. The continued investment in micro AM is another step in our disruptive journey, a journey we have been on for decades and which we will continue on for decades to come as we lead the quest for the smallest features on the most innovative products possible.”

While the Fabrica 2.0 can cater to volume applications (multiple thousands of small parts and components fitting easily in the machine’s 50x50x100 mm build envelope), the introduction of an AM solution for micro manufacturers also means that OEMs are able to reduce the reliance on economies of scale, as the technology makes full production runs measured in thousands as inexpensive as producing one. Micro AM technology makes low- to medium-volume production runs possible that have previously been uneconomical due to the high tooling and setup costs associated with traditional manufacturing alternatives.

“In general terms, success through the use of the Fabrica 2.0 is measured in microns and hours. Micron-level detail can be achieved without the need to fabricate tools, and this means that you can have intricate and geometrically complex prototypes in a matter of hours,” said Johnson. “There is a limit to the ability to create complicated parts using traditional micro tooling. With increased complexity comes increased cost, but not when using the Fabrica 2.0 micro AM technology. The absence of the requirement for a physical tool lifts the lid for design engineers to think out of the box and attain design goals previously unimaginable. This design freedom coupled with the inherent manufacturing agility that is a core characteristic of AM require a root and branch re-assessment of all aspects of the product development process, a disruption that is a spur to the stimulation of future product successes and enhanced market share and profitability. Through the use of the Fabrica 2.0, you can also optimize workflow, the technology producing less scrap and fewer tools than conventional manufacturing processes. It also promotes the reduction of iterative process, assembly, and inventory. This means that significant operational cost benefits are now attainable at the micro manufacturing level for our customers.”

Accumold has been a Beta customer of Nano Dimension’s Fabrica 2.0 system since May 2021. Following the performance of the system and how it has helped the company meet customer needs, Accumold decided to purchase the Beta system and an additional Fabrica system to further leverage the technology’s 3D micro-printing capabilities. As a versatile technology appropriate for prototyping, small batches, and potentially even mass manufacturing, it is now stimulating innovation in the micro-manufacturing sector and truly changing the economics of manufacturing.

Accumold
accu-mold.com

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The vision of using metal additive manufacturing (AM) for distributed manufacturing — 3D printing the same industrial product within specification at geographically dispersed locations — is a compelling one.

While conventional manufacturing technology has delivered in-country products on a global basis for decades, that has often involved dedicated, high-cost production assets and personnel lacking flexibility. Plus, supply-chain issues with procurement and production lag times inherent to technologies such as casting can further add to costs and delayed delivery of conventionally manufactured products.

Velo3D set out to prove that metal additive manufacturing is a viable solution for globally distributed manufacturing.Metal AM promises to provide on-site legacy part replacement in weeks rather than months. It can be more efficient and environmentally friendly to start with the powdered alloy feedstock used to manufacture metal AM products rather than sourcing end-conditioned materials and shaping them with traditional forming methods. Moreover, the geometric freedom AM technology promises creates opportunities to reimagine legacy designs. Multiple parts can be consolidated into single-piece, highly complex components that are optimized for performance rather than manufacturability. Alloys that are difficult to work with using conventional manufacturing methods can be 3D printed more efficiently, ensuring higher part quality delivered using less material. With faster turnaround times than many current manufacturing technologies, metal AM can offer supply chain agility and scalable, on-demand delivery.

An ambitious end-goal

The ideal solution is a single, digital print file that produces the same result on different AM machines in different locations anywhere in the world. This enables scalable production that gives manufacturers the confidence that they can produce the same parts within specification now and at any point in the future on any like machine without requiring additional development. Yet while metal 3D-printed parts are already proving their worth in the air, space, ocean, underground, and power plants, no metal laser powder-bed fusion (LPBF) provider has been able to demonstrate repeatable AM distributed manufacturing on a global scale.

Until now.

Following the successful production and field-service deployment of a metal AM oil and gas part with a major North American oil and gas company in 2021, IMI Critical and Velo3D worked together to expand this work to a distributed manufacturing project. The goal of the project was to prove that Velo3D Sapphire printers could solve the production scalability and readiness problem that many AM platforms struggle with — producing the same parts within specification across different printers, using the same print file, without any further development efforts. If successful, it will give IMI Critical the confidence to scale production accordingly to reliably produce the same parts across any Sapphire printer in the world using the same print file.

IMI Critical and Velo3D worked together to scale the distributed manufacturing of choke valves across different Sapphire printers.The new project was based on the very same choke valve, a high-pressure flow-control device used in water-injection wells to prevent issues with erosion, noise, and vibration. The component is a 3D-printed upgrade to a part originally manufactured through conventional means, such as machining and brazing. The AM redesign enhances the effectiveness of IMI Critical’s proprietary Drag technology, which manages destructive fluid flow velocities through control valves. The parts were manufactured in accordance to the highest criticality — AMSL Level 3 per API20S — standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Time has passed — can we make it again?

A decade of experience with ever-advancing AM technologies, and the success of their earlier work with Velo3D, gave IMI Critical the confidence to pursue the distributed manufacturing project.

“This one-year wait between finalizing the new valve design, and then deciding to print more of it at different locations, simulates the kind of fear that everyone in a global manufacturing company has,” said Steve Freitas, director of new product development at IMI Critical. “Time has passed, and you need to produce the same design in quantity again, but how can you be sure it’s going to be within specification without additional development and certification efforts?”

Here’s how they did it.

The existing Velo3D print file from the 2021 project, which includes the entire instruction set for 3D printing it, was pulled from IMI Critical’s PLM system and securely sent to six manufacturing sites across three continents — four in the U.S., one in Asia, and one in Europe.

The CMs involved were Stratasys Direct Manufacturing (Austin, Texas), Duncan Machine Products (Duncan, Oklahoma), Knust-Godwin (Katy, Texas), Avaco (South Korea), and Schoeller Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment (SBO, Austria). The sixth print run was performed at Velo3D headquarters in California.

Tight control every step of the way

Here’s how the project was carried out:

At each CM site, the Velo3D Sapphire system went through a series of calibration checks to ensure predictable and consistent print outcomes.
The locked “Golden Print File” was loaded into each Velo3D Sapphire system; its set of laser instructions could not be altered at the CM site. This was the original Print file, with no alterations, from 2021, that was created using feature-based parameters assigned by Flow, Velo3D’s print-preparation software.
Each build contained two parts and was 3D printed on site. Both the calibration processes and print execution quality were monitored by Assure, which is embedded in every Sapphire system.
Build reports were automatically generated by Assure, which collects data from more than 800 sensors that monitor the build, ensuring that each build at every CM’s machine was executed consistently and within the process-control limits. In the case of IMI/CCI’s choke valve, the data collected from Assure conforms to requirements prescribed by API20S, and integrated seamlessly within the OEM’s quality system.
During after-build de-powdering, excess powder was removed from the parts in each build.
The parts were then stress relieved and removed from the build plate during post-processing. Additional heat treatments and machining were conducted at each location.
Quality control included dimensional inspection, mechanical testing, and flow testing of each valve.
Last was dimensional inspection of the final part.

The results are in

Following the completion of the steps outlined above, collation of data for the 12 printed parts, two parts from each of the six production locations, has now been completed with these results: Mechanical testing and flow testing — along with destructive and non-destructive evaluation of the material coupons — demonstrates that all of the parts, both metallurgically and functionally, met IMI’s design and performance specifications.

Velo3D testing data showed that the static mechanical properties for the printed choke valves were consistent and at or above IMI Critical’s specifications.“We now have the confidence, whether it’s two weeks from now or two years from now, to print that same print file at any of these suppliers in the future,” said Zach Walton, director of technical business development at Velo3D. “With the Digital Product Definition, spelled out in API20S as a collection of data required to reproduce the additively manufactured component, unchanged from the 2021 project, this demonstrated the ability to not have to requalify or redevelop — which is a big win for the O&G as well as other industries trying to deploy distributed manufacturing.”

These results are a bellwether for AM across multiple industries, an important benchmark in demonstrating that distributed manufacturing using advanced metal LPBF technology is achievable in the real world.

Opening up the world for AM in any industry

“Now that we’re scaling up our retrofit business around the world, we recognize the value of having an end-to-end AM solution that allows for scaled production without compromising quality and repeatability,” said Freitas. “We find the Velo3D approach to be very attractive in that regard. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time because we have qualified build recipes and print file instructions that are locked. It also saves costs due to not having to repeat qualification. This maintains IP for the print instruction file, which is increasingly important as we deploy globally.”

The company has already moved on to other projects using the Velo3D network of CMs, 3D printing parts such as a 12-inch gas-letdown valve for an offshore facility, and a 10-inch boiler feed-pump valve for supercritical power plants.

“We now have a more scalable supply chain for our global customers,” said Freitas. “Velo3D’s technology can print our legacy designs without having to requalify on new machines, allowing us to ramp production up and down as needed. That’s very effective for us, given our huge library of reference parts. We can also innovate more extensively as we update legacy designs. And we can now print really large parts, up to 24-inch diameter, with the new, larger Sapphire XC system. We’re very excited about the work that’s going on here and the way forward.”

Velo3D’s Walton pointed out that the implications of the global project with IMI Critical extend far beyond the oil and gas industry.

“Whether you are working in space, defense, power, or any other industrial environment,” said Walton, “if you want to reproduce either an individual spare part, or a larger number of optimized, high-performance components, you may have similar future scalability problems that AM — and a worldwide network of CMs — can now successfully solve.”

Velo3D
velo3d.com

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3D Systems and Stewart-Haas Racing have entered a technical partnership built for victory. The championship-winning NASCAR team has relied on 3D Systems’ ProX 800 stereolithography and Figure 4 Standalone 3D printers to dramatically improve speed and performance in its race cars. With the help of 3D Systems and this three-year technical partnership, Stewart-Haas Racing can rapidly create durable parts, including design and prototyping, with faster iteration and production. This approach will enable the team to win not only on race days but win the innovation race.

3D Systems’ solutions enable rapid design, testing, and production of critical components to increase speed, improve performance.For a NASCAR team, perfecting automotive components designed to increase speed and performance is vital for success. Stewart-Haas Racing uses the ProX 800 to rapidly design and produce large aerodynamic components with a smooth surface finish and precise dimensional accuracy for wind tunnel testing. Stewart-Haas Racing relies on 3D Systems’ Figure 4 Standalone for the direct production of TV camera, pit gun, and pit cart components along with other prototype parts. Oqton’s Geomagic Wrap 3D scanning and imaging software is also integral to its manufacturing workflow. It collects scan data from the car components, processes it, and creates digital design files for shape deviation comparison. Additionally, 3D Systems’ 3D Sprint software is used to prepare and optimize the CAD data and manage the additive manufacturing process on both 3D printers.

“At Stewart-Haas Racing, it is important that we have a technical partner like 3D Systems to provide the tools we need to develop components that ultimately increase the speed of our race cars,” said Reneau Van Landingham, production manager, Stewart-Haas Racing. “The Pro X 800 and the Figure 4 printers enable us to print very large and very small, accurate, smooth-surface finish parts as quickly as possible. The speed in which we can design the component, print it, and test it in the wind tunnel is our most valuable resource to making our cars faster at the racetrack. The materials that are available for these machines enable us to print a range of prototype parts and track capable parts for our cars. I am confident that this technical partnership between 3D Systems and Stewart-Haas Racing will enable both companies to win in the additive manufacturing space and on the racetrack.”

Stewart-Haas Racing and 3D Systems will first appear together in the season-opening NASCAR Xfinity Series race February 18 at Daytona (Florida) International Speedway with the 3D Systems logo on the No. 00 Ford Mustang driven by Cole Custer.

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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Los Angeles-based 3DEO announced the launch of 316L stainless steel — a fully austenitic, non-magnetic stainless steel (equivalent to UNS S31603) that maintains excellent performance at room and moderately elevated temperatures and excellent ductility and mechanical performance. This weldable material is extremely corrosion resistant, making it ideal for applications that experience harsh environments. The new material is available to customers across all industries, especially in medical, industrial, marine, and food processing.

316L stainless steel is a weldable material that is extremely corrosion resistant, making it ideal for applications that experience harsh environments. Image courtesy of 3DEO.“Our talented team of material scientists have been hard at work testing and validating 316L on our technology, and we are thrilled with the results,” said Matt Petros, CEO and co-founder of 3DEO. “With material properties that meet the MPIF Standard 35 standards, introducing 316L to our customers will allow them to take advantage of the benefits, time-savings, and cost-efficiencies of 3D printing using a biocompatible, corrosion-resistant material like 316L for their high-demand applications.”

316L is commonly used in applications such as laboratory equipment, impellers and pumps, engine parts, food processing equipment, jewelry, kitchen appliances, surgical instruments, marine, chemical and petrochemical processing, and more.

“As our customers aim to innovate and gain a competitive edge with their next-generation and new-to-market products, we have seen strong demand for 316L,” continued Petros. “Introducing this to our customers will continue to enable engineers to develop premium products for a wide variety of demanding applications in partnership with 3DEO.”

3DEO helps customers with complex metal components at every stage of the product life cycle, from early ideation and prototyping to manufacturing at scale. And because prototypes are manufactured using the same machines and technologies as longer production runs, with 3DEO, customers can seamlessly progress from prototype to production without requiring lengthy or costly design changes or requalifications to launch products.

Joining 17-4PH stainless steel, 316L marks the company’s latest expansion in the materials division, with a growing list of new materials currently undergoing testing and set to release in 2023. Among those metals in development is pure copper, launching in Q2.

3DEO
3deo.co

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Quickparts, a global leader in on-demand industrial production services, has partnered with Materialise, a global leader in 3D printing solutions, to leverage their CO-AM platform to manage its distributed manufacturing flows. The platform will support Quickparts’ traditional and additive manufacturing (AM) capacities and connect to existing production systems.

“Adopting CO-AM within Quickparts’ manufacturing operations will enable us to streamline our distributed global production facilities and modernize our capabilities with efficiency so we are able to achieve the fastest lead times in the industry,” said Ziad Abou, CEO of Quickparts. “Once CO-AM is integrated, we can process orders faster, which allows us to improve our cost structure through fleet optimization and machine utilization. It gives us, and our customers, traceability to every part along the manufacturing process so we can realize the highest quality standard with all of our parts.”

Quickparts runs seven global design and production centers across North America and Europe. Their distributed manufacturing network required a software solution capable of connecting all sites and of integrating traditional and AM technologies. Quickparts began the CO-AM implementation at their U.S. locations in Seattle and Lawrenceburg at the end of last year and will extend the platform to additional locations in the second quarter of 2023.

Quickparts will use CO-AM to streamline their order-to-cash operations, automate processes and securely manage production across distribution manufacturing sites. This will allow Quickparts to collect and access production data, monitor and improve workflows, and achieve an efficiency level that will help save their customers time and money.

Quickparts customers from the aerospace, automotive, consumer, medical and energy industries are increasingly turning to Additive Manufacturing for product innovation and to solve supply chain challenges while expecting consistent quality at short lead times. The CO-AM platform integration will help Quickparts successfully scale their AM operations with an open ecosystem that connects to a wide range of technologies and integrates with their existing production infrastructures.

“The open architecture of CO-AM enables manufacturers to work with their preferred tools, giving them the flexibility to build a process that is tailored to their business,” said Bart Van der Schueren, CTO of Materialise. “We look forward to our collaboration with Quickparts to create and grow their software solution for high-quality, on-demand manufacturing through CO-AM.”

Materialisewww.materialise.com

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IperionX was announced as the winner of the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Grand Challenge contract. As a result, IperionX will be eligible to produce titanium metal powders from scrap materials and rejuvenate used or out-of-specification titanium powder for the AFRL. The Grand Challenge is a competitive challenge program hosted by the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Security Innovation Network.

The AFRL Grand Challenge involved selecting the most commercially promising technology for producing titanium metal powders from scrap titanium and rejuvenating out-of-spec titanium powders for use in additive manufacturing.Winning this Grand Challenge, against a field of leading titanium industry participants, is an important validation of IperionX’s patented technologies to produce circular, low-carbon, and lower-cost titanium metal from 100% recycled titanium scrap or out-of-specification titanium powder feedstocks.

The U.S. Air Force and U.S. Department of Defense are accelerating the use of additive manufacturing to reduce long lead cycle times and to produce large volumes of complex parts for advanced weapons systems.

Only 20%-40% of titanium powder used in additive manufacturing ends up in fabricated parts. Titanium metal powders are typically reused only a limited number of times before the quality is compromised by elevated contaminant levels or inferior powder morphology. Out-of-specification titanium powders increase the probability of defects and jeopardize the structural integrity of additively manufactured components.

Titanium metal produced by the current “Kroll Process” is high carbon, energy intensive, and expensive. Leading companies across the defense, automotive, consumer electronics, and luxury goods sectors want to source low-carbon, low-cost titanium from traceable recycled sources. IperionX’s patented technologies offer a pathway to significantly lower cost, and lower carbon, titanium metal powders for titanium components in these industries.

Additive manufacturing is critical for the U.S. Air Force to manufacture novel and complex geometry titanium alloy parts, including for aerospace and hypersonic missile applications.The patented technologies were developed by Dr. Zak Fang, an American Professor of Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Utah, and uniquely position IperionX to upcycle a wide variety of low-grade, high-oxygen content titanium scrap, which has historically been downcycled to lower-value markets. IperionX is able to achieve greater yields of nearly 100% from low-grade scrap without the need for blending the scrap with high-grade primary metal.

Winning the Grand Challenge also complements IperionX’s project with Materials Resources to qualify titanium alloy powders for the U.S. Navy and test titanium flight critical metal replacement components for the U.S. Department of Defense.

The winner of the Grand Challenge is eligible for a contract award of up to $500,000 across four phases, with IperionX successfully completing Phase 1, and will complete Phases 2 – 4 as part of routine production operations at its Titanium Pilot Facility in Utah.

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Nexa3D announced the commercial availability of its highest throughput additive production system, the QLS 820. Previously announced at last year’s IMTS Trade Show, the QLS 820 is designed for high-volume production of thermoplastic components. With an impressive print speed of up to 8 lph and up to 20% packing density, it provides the highest throughput in its class.

At the core of the Nexa3D QLS 820 is the patented Quantum Laser Sintering (QLS) print engine consisting of four CO2 lasers with 100 W power each enabling ultrafast print speeds.The QLS 820 represents a new class of powder bed technology that combines ultrafast printing with open materials and a cloud-based software platform to deliver production volumes that are orders of magnitude greater than other powder-bed solutions on the market.

“My hat is off to our entire team of determined innovators, passionate engineers, and experienced marketers for bringing to market an industry-leading thermoplastic production platform that fully delivers on our ultrafast brand promise,” said Avi Reichental, co-founder, and CEO, Nexa3D.

At the core of the QLS 820 is the patented Quantum Laser Sintering (QLS) print engine consisting of four CO2 lasers with 100 W power, each enabling ultrafast print speeds. The QLS 820 features an exchangeable build station that operators can use for continuous production during the cooldown process, eliminating production bottlenecks and increasing throughput and overall asset utilization.

The QLS 820 delivers a polymer-based production alternative to traditional injection molding without design constraints, costly tooling investments, and extended lead times. The platform works with standard materials such as PA11 and PA12 — direct replacements for injection molding grade materials, and is also compatible with higher-temperature materials, such as PA6, at processing temperatures up to 240° C.

The first two units have now been shipped to Quickparts and JawsTec, both high-utilization users and providers of on-demand manufacturing services looking to improve the economics of additive production with higher yields and optimal machine performance.

“We pride ourselves on offering quick turn manufacturing services to our customers and look forward to introducing an even faster and more efficient production of higher volume thermoplastic components with the QLS 820,” said Ziad Abou, chief executive officer, Quickparts.

Nexa3D
nexa3d.com

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3D Systems announced rms Company, one of the largest contract manufacturers of high-quality, tight-tolerance medical devices in the world, has added the DMP Flex 350 Dual to its production workflow. rms has more than 30 3D Systems’ DMP 3D printers in its additive manufacturing facility enabling the company to provide a complete Powder to Package capability to medical device OEMs. Powder to Package encompasses the entire manufacturing and post-processing workflow required to go from a digital file to a sterilized and packaged final product ready for the surgical suite. With the addition of the DMP Flex 350 Dual, rms believes they will be able to expand the types of implants they produce and accelerate throughput — helping to address the evolving application needs of the industry.

rms Company, one of the largest U.S.-based medical device manufacturers, adds DMP Flex 350 Dual to its fleet of more than 30 3D Systems printers. Image courtesy of 3D Systems.Over the course of four years, 3D Systems has helped rms expand its portfolio of direct metal printers from one machine to more than 30 — backed by a process that ensures repeatability across machines and supply chains — enabling true scaled production. As a result, rms has been able to cement its reputation for additively manufacturing high-quality titanium implants. With the addition of the DMP Flex 350 Dual, which enables up to 50% productivity increases, rms will be able to increase throughput for smaller implants, including those intended for spinal applications. They believe the same productivity increases will also open new opportunities in the production of large joint and extremity implants while allowing flexibility for existing projects.

“The increase in efficiency we get from the DMP Flex 350 Dual system creates new opportunities for larger and taller parts which were economically challenging with a single laser system,” said Ryan Kircher, senior additive manufacturing engineer, rms Company. “Another key reason rms Company decided to invest in a DMP Flex 350 Dual is that it is engineered in a way that allows us to produce the high precision, high-quality products we expect from our current installation of DMP systems without changing the processing parameters we validated when we initially developed our AM capabilities. This will allow us to explore not only new products but also reduce production times and costs on the products we are already making today.”

“The rms additive division owes a large part of our success to our customers,” said Troy Olson, director of operations, additive manufacturing division, rms Company. “Over the past several years, our customers have come to expect a continual flow of high-quality, additively manufactured medical devices. Our Powder to Package solution provides a complete end-to-end value proposition that allows us to control the entire manufacturing and packaging process flow. A key element of our process flow is the reliability and performance we get from our stable of 30-plus 3D Systems’ DMP ProX 320 and DMP Flex 350 machines. Uptime on these machines is crucial for us to maintain our customer commitments. Our printers operate on a 24/7 production cadence, which leaves little room for downtime. 3D Systems has taken these first-in-class single laser platforms and have expanded on that technology with the DMP Flex 350 Dual. During our validation process, the DMP Flex 350 Dual showed no measurable differences in mechanical properties or dimensional accuracy. We are excited to add this new capability to our existing printing operation. As we continue to scale our additive manufacturing business, the 3D Systems DMP Flex 350 Dual will be at the forefront of our growth strategy.”

The DMP Flex 350 Dual is the most recent addition to 3D Systems’ Direct Metal Printing (DMP) portfolio. This dual-laser configuration maintains the benefits of the single-laser configuration including flexible application use and quick-swap build modules, and a central server to manage print jobs, materials, settings, and maintenance for 24/7 productivity. Additionally, the company’s unique vacuum chamber significantly reduces argon gas consumption while delivering best-in-class oxygen purity (< 25 ppm). The printer also includes Oqton’s 3DXpert — the all-in-one software for industrial additive manufacturing that enables efficient preparation, optimization, lattice generation, and 3D printing of high-quality parts by streamlining the workflow from design to printing.

“Our Application Innovation Group worked alongside the rms team to develop, characterize and validate the DMP Flex 350 Dual as a seamless solution within their production environment,” said Jeph Ruppert, director, application innovation group, 3D Systems. “Our Direct Metal Printing (DMP) platform is recognized as an industry-leading technology for its ability to produce exceptionally high feature resolution parts of high chemical purity which makes it ideal for medical devices. Our collective application and technology expertise combined with the unparalleled capabilities of the DMP Flex 350 Dual is helping drive innovation for rms. They’ve established themselves as a world-class medical device manufacturer, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”

“Our collaboration with rms has spanned several years, and during that time rms has grown at a rate and scale that is truly impressive,” said Menno Ellis, executive vice president, healthcare solutions, 3D Systems. “They have not only delivered excellent solutions to the medical device community but have also grown their in-house additive knowledge, helping guide the industry to a more mature and robust position. Today, rms is expanding upon its capabilities and capacity with the addition of the DMP Flex 350 Dual. I look forward to seeing how this will enhance the breadth of applications they will be able to address for their customers, and the impact it will have for growth.”

3D Systems
3dsystems.com

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Essentium announced the appointment of Edna Garcia as Chief Financial Officer and Will Chiang as Chief Operations Officer. The executives will lead the commercial and operational success of the organization and oversight of new key strategic initiatives to fuel the continued growth and value of AM.

Essentium’s new CFO Edna Garcia“Edna and Will are seasoned executives with an exemplary track record of driving operational and financial performance. Their experience, discipline, and performance-driven leadership will be instrumental in executing our strategy and driving long-term value for our customers. I look forward to working with them to achieve our next wave of accelerated growth in the AM industry,” said Blake Teipel, Ph.D., CEO, Essentium.

As CFO, Edna will lead Essentium’s global finance organization and financial activities to accelerate growth and execute the company’s strategic plan of enabling an open AM ecosystem. Prior to joining Essentium, Edna was Vice President, Controller at Onnit. She has also held senior financial roles at B2B Legal Management and PepsiCo.

Essentium’s new COO, Will ChiangAs COO, Will Chiang will be responsible for building frictionless global operations to deliver a seamless experience to Essentium’s customers. He will lead operations, IT, legal, and supply chain functions. Will joined Essentium in 2017 and was previously Vice President of Global Supply Chain. Before that, he held several senior positions at Jabil, Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Mophie, and Foxlink.

Essentium
essentium.com

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Meltio and Phillips Corporation have worked together to install for the first time on a U.S. Navy ship a metal 3D printing solution for the onboard manufacture of spare parts and repairs. The Phillips Additive Hybrid powered by Haas took the laser metal deposition technology of Meltio and integrated it with the world-renowned Haas CNC vertical machining centers control mill onboard the USS Bataan ship.

This will be the first Naval Sea Systems Command sponsored hybrid system permanently installed on a U.S. Navy ship and will permit the capability to additive manufacture steel components locally. Image courtesy of Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Darren Newell.This new project represents a further step towards demonstrating an industrially useful application in the marine sector thanks to the accessible wire-laser metal 3D printing technology developed by Meltio. Meltio collaborates with Haas on other hybrid system projects in other industries and in different countries. The Hybrid system provides subtractive and additive manufacturing. The U.S. Navy is using a combination of these in this particular project for the USS Bataan ship.

The equipment, installed under a joint effort between the Commander, the Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Technology Office, includes the Phillips Additive Hybrid system, which integrates a Meltio wire-laser metal deposition head on a Haas TM-1 computer numerical control mill. The Haas TM-1 platform has been proven to operate reliably in an afloat environment aboard several aircraft carriers. Integrating the Meltio deposition head with the Haas TM-1 provides both an additive and subtractive manufacturing capability within the same system — increasing efficiency and reducing waste when compared with typical machining.

The U.S. Navy advanced efforts to improve self-sufficiency for deployed ships and their crews and reduce supply chain lead times by leveraging additive manufacturing (AM) by permanently installing the first metal 3D printer aboard a ship. Thanks to additive manufacturing — commonly known as 3D printing — the engineers will join different materials to make parts from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing and formative manufacturing methodologies.

Whether creating a quality-of-life item or a sophisticated machine part, AM facilitates production at the point of need when time and operational availability matter.

“The introduction of additive manufacturing (AM) into naval operations supports readiness and self-sufficiency,” said Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

“These printers have the ability to help the Navy overcome both obsolescence issues for ships and systems that have service lives measured in decades and directly contribute to enhanced operational availability of our systems and ships,” said NAVSEA Chief Engineer Rear Adm. Jason Lloyd.

The Phillips Additive Hybrid system integrates a Meltio wire-laser metal deposition head on a Haas TM-1 computer numerical control mill. Image courtesy of Phillips Corporation.The Phillips Additive Hybrid system prints 316L stainless steel, a prevalent material in U.S. Navy ship systems. While stainless steel additive manufacturing onboard naval ships is new, it also represents an advancement in providing sailors with industrial-level manufacturing capabilities to print individual parts for systems that previously have not been readily available without procuring the entire system at a significantly greater cost.

The Meltio’s Engine 3D printing benefits are twofold — it maximizes operational availability and reduces the demand on traditional and Navy-specific supply chains. Additionally, NAVSEA engineers installed a second 3D printer to produce polymer (plastic) components onboard Bataan. This printer enables the ship’s crew to print any of the NAVSEA-developed 300+ AM Technical Data Packages that define the required design configuration and procedures to manufacture a part and ensure it performs properly.

Meltio
meltio3d.com

Phillips
phillipscorp.com

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Toyota’s facilities in Poland have been using Zortrax 3D printers for years, investing more than 100 thousand PLN into additive manufacturing equipment. Zortrax M300 Plus is a part of their 3D printing lab. Due to the printer’s reliability and low maintenance costs, it is used for manufacturing tools, optimizing workflow at assembly lines. More and more percentage of such factory tools are now being 3D printed in LPD technology.

“3D printing is not that much about manufacturing time, as it is not the fastest technology on the market, but it surely is the most flexible. We do not have to store spare parts, because we can 3D print them on demand. We can optimize our projects freely since 3D printers materialize nearly all geometries imaginable. We can start a 3D printing process whenever such a need occurs. We don’t have to wait until our tooling department, or an outsourcer, has the capacity to take care of our orders. 3D printing shortens waiting time for needed tooling from weeks to days, or sometimes even hours,” says Łukasz Kondek, the engineer responsible for 3D printing in Toyota.

The parts 3D printed at the Toyota plant fall into four categories: positioning jigs, assembly jigs, assembly tools and covers. The components 3D printed on Zortrax M300 Plus are often combined with parts, which are made using other manufacturing technologies. One of the gauges used at Toyota has a 3D printed body and pins that contact metal surfaces, which were made of nylon on CNC machine tools to increase durability. This way, Toyota engineers have managed to significantly extend the life of these instruments. Early prototypes were used for more than six months before they wore out. And when that happened, it took just 7 hours to print new ones.

“One of the key benefits of implementing Zortrax 3D printers in manufacturing & industry is their tried and true, stable construction and ease of maintenance. That means that global manufacturers like Toyota can rely on them while printing equipment critical to keeping the assembly line running. Reliability is essential, as even short delays can generate losses that far exceed the value of the printers themselves. Therefore, what we offer large industrial customers is the assurance that our 3D printers will perform as they should every time.” – says Michał Siemaszko, Head of Research and Development at Zortrax.

Before Toyota started using 3D printers, assembly line jigs were manufactured by a separate department equipped mainly with CNC machines. Therefore, engineers had to design these tools with the constraints imposed by traditional manufacturing technologies. 3D printers, such as Zortrax M300 Plus solved this problem, significantly reduced costs, and shortened lead times. The entire investment in 3D printing equipment used at Toyota’s factories in Poland paid for itself in one year.

Zortrax
Zortrax.com

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Wolfspeed announced the promotion of Elif Balkas to Chief Technology Officer, succeeding the late Dr. John Palmour, a co-founder of Wolfspeed.

“Since her start with Wolfspeed in 2006, Elif has been instrumental in our technology and production development, and she was the clear choice to help steer Wolfspeed as we continue to lead the transition from silicon to Silicon Carbide,” said Wolfspeed CEO Gregg Lowe. “One of John’s greatest legacies is the talent he nurtured and developed on the Wolfspeed team, and we are confident Elif will continue to drive innovation in Silicon Carbide with passion, ingenuity, and leadership.”

In her role as Vice President of Research and Development in Wolfspeed’s Materials organization, Balkas shaped the company’s technical strategy on wide bandgap materials and drove its development execution to maintain Wolfspeed’s position as a leader in Silicon Carbide for Power and RF device applications. She has overseen multiple significant technology milestones during her tenure at the company, including the development of 150 mm and 200 mm boule growth systems and processes, the dramatic reduction in crystal defect levels that saw higher device yields, and advancements in wafer processing.

“I’m excited to continue building upon the legacy that John created and unlock new innovations and applications for Silicon Carbide,” said Balkas. “It’s an exciting time of growth at Wolfspeed, and I look forward to the new challenge of finding greater efficiencies as we continue to expand the reach of our technology.”

Balkas brings more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to Wolfspeed, she served in a variety of leadership positions in R&D and operations, focusing on developing Silicon Carbide crystal growth and GaN technologies that are scalable for manufacturing purposes and that enable more efficient and powerful electronic systems. She received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from North Carolina State University and is a co-founder of the Wolfspeed Women’s Initiative, an employee resource group focused on encouraging, developing and supporting women who lead the way in innovation.

Wolfspeed
wolfspeed.com

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Jabil Inc., offers a forecast of five important additive manufacturing trends that will continue to accelerate innovations in the new year.

According to a recent report from Grand View Research, the additive manufacturing market is projected to reach $76B by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20.8% over the forecasted period. Aggressive market expansion is attributed in part to increased adoption of additive manufacturing in industrial applications as well as sustained momentum in incumbent industry segments, including automotive, healthcare and aerospace & defense.

An additive manufacturing pioneer and manufacturing powerhouse, Jabil continually has supported market growth through its innovations in materials, processes and machines. Highly innovative engineered materials complement Jabil’s world-class manufacturing solutions, which are backed by rigorous quality standards and production capabilities. “As serial production becomes more viable and mainstream, we need to take a holistic view of the end-to-end part production ecosystem,” said Jesse Sumstad, senior product manager, Jabil Additive. “All the factors that impact success—from design for additive and the use of engineered materials to post-processing methods and cost of labor—must be part of the overall decision-making process.”

Below are five additive manufacturing predictions from Jabil’s Sumstad that forecast expansion and diversification as the additive manufacturing continues to mature:

Sustainable materials are having a moment. Increased demand for environmentally friendly materials is growing rapidly as companies seek more sustainable solutions to reduce raw materials, waste and carbon footprints. Moreover, regulatory pressures to recycle and repurpose plastic waste for 3D printing applications continues to gather momentum, especially in Europe where plastic waste pollution is being tackled on multiple levels. Equally important, the trend for bio-based and bio-compatible materials used in packaging and other traditional manufacturing applications is transitioning to the additive market. Interest in Jabil’s low-carbon PK 5000 and formaldehyde-free PA 0600 is growing alongside circular economy initiatives.
Additive manufacturing processes need to be eco-friendly too. While a lot of focus is on the development of sustainable, recyclable materials, expect to see this broaden to encompass demands for more eco-friendly processes and 3D printing platforms. Technical feasibility and research into more sustainable processes and machine platforms need to be addressed over the next 12-to-18 months as part of all-encompassing circular economy initiatives.
The industrialization of AM continues. Over the past year, additive manufacturing has seen an uptick in volume serial production of final parts. While prototyping and tooling still rank high on the list of AM applications, it’s clear that the production of end-use parts is growing, along with the availability of rigorous manufacturing processes and Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ensure the highest levels of part reliability, resiliency and robustness. Future expansion is forecasted, especially for applications where Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) is being utilized to design parts. Additionally, as the costs of additive manufacturing continue to come down, the ability to compete with injection molding increases, resulting in more viable uses for AM to manufacture end-use parts.
Applications are propelling pellet printers forward. Interest in pellet printers is growing alongside the availability of pellet-based materials for making large parts based on the favorable economics of this type of 3D printing. Continued expansion in this area is on the horizon, particularly for applications involving large-scale castings and patterns.
Customized materials nearing a heyday: The push is on for customized materials as companies recognize opportunities to achieve extra ductility, flexibility and agility with materials tailored for specific applications. In particular, growing interest in polyketone-based materials is being driven by the need for high degrees of impact strength while being resistant to most fuels and fuel additives. As a result, this type of engineered material is ideally suited for fuel-tank applications.

Jabil
www.jabil.com

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CoreTechnologie (CT) is now cooperating with Meteor Inkjet Ltd. of the UK, the leading supplier of electronics, software, tools and services for industrial 3D inkjet printing. The cooperation partners will ensure integration of their software environments and jointly realize innovative tools specifically designed for binder and material jet applications. The precision and multi-material capability of inkjet printing as well as new possibilities for automating additive manufacturing are the focus of the collaboration.

CoreTechnologie is the developer of 4D_Additive, a software suite for a seamless additive manufacturing process offering functions for model repair, geometry analysis and optimization, support, lattice and surface texture generation as well as nesting and slicing. Combined with Meteor’s world-leading printhead drive electronics and Met3D Digital Front End, it provides printer manufacturers with a straightforward path from design to production of inkjet printing systems for additive manufacturing.

The implementation of inkjet technology for the application of binders or materials requires a close integration of the hardware and software of industrial printing systems and innovative tools for additive manufacturing, as well as the reading capabilities for all common CAD formats and the provision of the optimized 3D data in a special format for inkjet printers. This prerequisite is targeted by the new cooperation of the two specialists.

“As a result of our collaboration with Meteor, binder and material jet systems with Meteor hardware and software can be easily integrated into the industry-standard workflow provided by 4D_Additive, enabling the processing of precise native CAD models of all major systems and formats,” says Rémi Goupil, CT product manager for 4D_Additive software. Meteor managing director Clive Ayling comments, “Our collaboration with CT not only provides a clear development path for 3D printing system OEMs, but will also lead to important sustainability benefits for the industry, such as real-time optimization of 3D sand casting prints with precise density control, reducing material waste and curing time.”

CoreTechnologie
www.coretechnologie.com/products/4d-additive

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Fabrisonic announced its move to a larger, state-of-the-art facility in Lewis Center, Ohio. Fabrisonic has been incubated by EWI at their facility in Columbus, on the campus of The Ohio State University, since 2011. Business growth has driven the need for additional space to expand and make room for more people, machines, and expanded parts production. The new 30,000 square-foot facility is located at 7719 Graphics Way, Suite A, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

“The across-town move does not adversely impact Fabrisonic employees, allowing the company to maintain access to its current talent pool and attract new employees to accommodate growth,” said Mark Norfolk, Fabrisonic president and CEO. “Although it’s time for us to spread our wings and move out of mom and dad’s basement, we’re staying close to our Buckeye engineering roots.”

Fabrisonic also upgraded its entire IT infrastructure to a higher security platform that meets government-sensitive data requirements.

Fabrisonic
fabrisonic.com

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Meltio announced its new Meltio Engine Software Partners ecosystem to ensure a set of guaranteed and reliable software solutions for Meltio Engine CNC Integration and Meltio Engine Robot Integration. Comprised of the key software players in the additive manufacturing (AM) market, the ecosystem complements its Meltio Horizon to deliver the most end-to-end additive manufacturing software solution set.

The 12 most innovative worldwide software companies in AM that have joined Meltio Engine’s Software Partner ecosystem for hybrid and robotic platforms are: SKM DCAM by SKM Informatik; AdaOne by Adaxis; AiSync by AiBuild; Esprit by Hexagon; Fusion 360 by Autodesk; Aplus+Mastercam by Camufacturing and Mastercam; Hypermill by OpenMind; SiemensNX by Siemens; Hy5CAM by 1ATechnologies; RobotStudio 3D Printing PowerPack by ABB; and SprutCAM X by SprutCam.

Meltio provides an open platform for hardware (any robot or CNC) and software that allows the use of any software to manufacture metal parts and meet the growing demand of industrial applications in the market with hybrid and robotic additive manufacturing processes.

Since it is important to ensure a great user experience, Meltio has created a process for technically validating each solution, avoiding extra work between the final customer and every software provider — for example, defining post-processors or ensuring the specific software can get the most out of the Meltio Engine as the possibility to use two materials in the same part (Dual-Wire). Meltio’s engineers have studied the technical requirements for developing the slicing strategies for the majority of the parts that the industry requires. They have defined nine levels of complexity, including example geometries that represent help customers as well as developers understand the diversity of parts.

Meltio Engine Software Partners ecosystem provides software solutions for Meltio Engine CNC Integration and Meltio Engine Robot Integration.This new software ecosystem offers the market tools to address a variety of parts and industries through advanced slicing features such as fixed tool orientation, revolved surfaces, features on non-planar surfaces, simple surface coating, radial cladding, 360 features, variable layer deposition, controlled area repair, and non-controlled area repair.

With the addition of this software platform available to its industrial customers, Meltio takes another step forward in its commitment to improving the ease of use of its wire laser metal 3D printing technology in software and hardware. Meltio’s end-user value is based on offering freedom of choice and healthy competition in a new market.

Meltio
meltio3d.com

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Formlabs introduced the Automation Ecosystem to enable new levels of 3D printing productivity with Form Auto for back-to-back throughput, Fleet Control for advanced fleet management, and the High Volume Resin System for high-capacity printing. The Automation Ecosystem reduces the amount of operator labor and minimizes idle printer time with 24/7 printing so users can efficiently produce end-use parts, prototypes, and customizable products at a lower cost-per-part. The Automation Ecosystem is debuting at CES 2023, where attendees can check out firsthand the new system’s ability to produce back-to-back prints non-stop without an operator.

Formlabs made 3D printing affordable and accessible, enabling leading companies in dental, manufacturing, consumer products, automotive, aerospace, medical, product design and other industries to innovate new product designs, test prototypes, manufacture purpose-built tools, and customize products. The Automation Ecosystem will usher in a new wave of innovation by enabling expansion from one Form 3+ or Form 3B+ 3D printer to a scalable fleet of 3D printers easily.

As users scale their 3D printing production from one to multiple printers, the Automation Ecosystem makes the transition easy without adding management complexity. With the ability to manage multi-user, multi-material printer fleets, the Automation Ecosystem enables continuous production so users can send multiple prints to run overnight and into the weekend. Together with Formlabs 3D printers, the Ecosystem provides a three-time increase in productivity while saving up to 80% on labor, lowering cost per part by 30%, and reducing packaging waste up to 90%. Formlabs Automation Ecosystem includes:

● Form Auto: Form Auto enables automated 24/7 printing with automatic part removal so users can level up production and reduce labor. When parts are complete, Form Auto seamlessly removes finished parts from the Build Platform 2 using the patented Quick Release Technology, and starts the next print in the queue as soon as possible. The hardware extension works with Form 3 or Form 3+ 3D printers.
● Fleet Control: Fleet Control simplifies advanced 3D printer fleet management, optimizing workflows to maximize fleet productivity. It’s a suite of new features within Formlabs’ Dashboard and PreForm software that includes centralized queue management and automatic printer assignment to optimize production, performance and printer efficiency with Form 3+, Form 3B+, Form 3L, and Form 3BL printer fleets.
● High Volume Resin System: The High Volume Resin System increases resin capacity to five liters, five times the standard cartridge size, enabling users to create more parts with fewer interruptions for cartridge replacements. This system streamlines workflows, with consistent resin dispensing with a Resin Pump while reducing downtime and user intervention to change cartridges, as well as packaging waste. This is compatible with the Form 3+, Form 3B+. Form 3L and Form 3BL.

Formlabs Chief Product Officer Dávid Lakatos said: “The Formlabs Automation Ecosystem is a seamless solution for ramping up production with 3D printer fleets, staying true to the ease of use of all Formlabs products, so anyone can make anything. These solutions will enable companies such as dental labs, service bureaus, and internal job shops to ramp up production without increasing labor requirements, or expensive capital investment, making 3D printing for production more cost-effective. Formlabs users have recently achieved a major milestone, with more than 100 million parts printed on our 3D printers, and by adding this ecosystem, Formlabs is increasing the capacity so users can deliver further 3D printing innovation.”

Visit Formlabs at CES 2023 (booth #54217) to see the Form Auto, Fleet Control, and High Volume Resin System.

Formlabs
formlabs.com

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As additive manufacturing technologies evolve, Make Parts Fast covers all the latest trends and advancements. Here’s a recap of the five most-read articles in 2022.

What to look for in service providers to aerospace industryProviding prototyping and production services for demanding industries, such as aerospace and defense, requires a bit more capability and attention to detail from service providers than with the usual customer. Such industries require that parts be 100% right, with zero defects, the first time, every time. Read more >>
Injection molding basics: What are parting lines?When creating a part for injection molding, an important step is to consider where you will put the “parting line” in the design of the mold. The parting line indicates the direction of the line of draw for the mold, or the point where you can separate the two halves of the mold to release the part without damage. Usually, the parting line is down the middle of the part, but this varies due to part geometry. The parting line determines the direction to draft features for easy removal from the mold. Read more >>

Photo courtesy of Protolabs.3. Tips on working with copper in additive manufacturingCopper is viewed as a material that will accelerate future aerospace production. For example, the privately funded company Ursa Major delivered a copper-based 3D-printed rocket engine combustion chamber from its additive manufacturing lab in Youngstown, Ohio. A challenge, however, is that the existing supply chain for high temperature metal alloy components is limited. However, development continues. Read more >>

Ultimaker releases Ultimaker Cura 5.0Ultimaker has launched the beta for Ultimaker Cura 5.0, the latest version of its free, open source, slicing software. Ultimaker Cura handles applications in design, architecture, engineering and metal 3D printing. Read more >>
Trends in additive manufacturing in 2022Additive manufacturing continues to evolve. Here’s a look at how Wayne Davey, Global Head of Sales and Go-to-Market for 3D Printing Solutions, HP Inc., sees the latest developments in this industry. Read more >>

HP Metal Jet 3D Printing enables the production of personalized products at scale, such as Cobra who created a 3D putter, ushering in a new era for the golf industry and sporting equipment industry at large.Make Parts Fast

In competitive mold-making and injection-molding markets, where tight pricing and narrow profit margins are the norm, end quality is the one thing that distinguishes a manufacturer from others. Molds have to be perfect, and the correct-specification parts made from them must be delivered on time and with no production delays.

It always sounds simple, but truly understanding all sources of underlying part variation is not. Managing variation, however, will always save time and money and boost customer confidence. F. & G. Hachtel in Aalen, Germany, uses Computed Tomography (CT) analysis to predict, measure, and control variation, distortions, and metallurgical faults. The software is used for in-process and final part inspection and production automation.

Lessons to pass along

Hachtel operates a multi-service bureau for injection molding, mold-making, CT, and additive manufacturing. The injection-molding branch specializes in complicated processes and multi-component parts and materials. Here, tooling automation is important because the assembling tools put together the part directly as it leaves the mold. Customers are primarily in appliances, electronics, and automotive. Exacting part qualification is demanded — and achieved with the help of CT software analysis.

Other manufacturers facing similar customer demands and challenges may benefit from a supplier situation Hachtel encountered that allowed it to fully test its inspection solutions.

Taming of the spring

Recently, Hachtel received a large batch of defective tooling springs. Its inspection system, which relies on software from Volume Graphics, identified the problem immediately. Because of the software’s ability to automate inspection, it was decided that rather than reject the entire shipment, it would be better — and a test — to use the software’s adaptive measurement template function to identify and save any good parts that might remain in the production lot.

This screenshot shows the adaptive measurement software and tooling spring. Image courtesy of Volume Graphics.Adaptive measurement templates track the shape of distorted parts against a nominal CAD model, mesh, or ideal part profile derived from a CT scan. With adaptive measurement templates, a measurement plan can be created for even strongly deformed parts using these data sets or imported data via a product manufacturing information (PMI) file. Measurement points are placed at the optimal positions on the actual part and perfectly follow the distorted shape, allowing for analysis and then acceptance or rejection.

The springs are inlays for an injection molding process and receive a plastic tip on one end. Because Hachtel gets hundreds of thousands of these springs, its tool-production process is highly automated by necessity. A positioning system places each spring individually on a transfer plate from which a handling arm takes a set of springs and loads them into the molding tool. These steps are critical moments in the process — if a spring falls out of the handling or transfer plate, the machine halts, and production stops. In the best case, this event requires only a little human interaction to replace the spring. In the worst case, the mold requires cleaning because the plastic was pushed out of the designated shape and nest.

Shown here is the spring overlayed with the nominal CAD model and measurement features. Image courtesy of F. & G. Hachtel.To reduce the rate of potentially expensive, periodic downtimes, Hachtel decided to control all the springs upon arrival and to use inspection as a decision aid for whether the springs get rejected or if they will work and can be processed. Receiving a shipment of mostly deformed springs put the CT inspection software and related handling functions to a “stress test,” one the company felt it could benefit from if further studied.

Normal CT inspection typically uses a classic 3D design with defined dimensions as a basis for comparison. However, even routine springs rarely match the original CAD model perfectly, and spring shapes can fluctuate between individual batches. This made the first setup transfer of measurement templates from the CAD model, and even from proper pre-existing springs, difficult and time-consuming to manage.

Yet, the necessary pre-alignment was easy to automate, and all samples were pre-aligned per a macro. The transfer of the measurement template initially needed an individual inspection of each sample and a refitting of several geometry elements. Hachtel tried to use localized coordinate measuring machines (CMM) early on to help with correct fitting, but this increased the complexity of the template process and helped only a little with deformed parts. Some springs were too distorted to allow for an easy fit.

Shown here is the spring with measurement features. Image courtesy of F. & G. Hachtel.However, with the fully automated adaptive measurement template, Hachtel could ignore a pre-alignment step and didn’t have to perform any re-fitting of geometry elements. Indeed, after the application of the measurement template, the team could take target features and geometries and create a “registration” of accurate part shapes. Now the registration — based on a saved datum system that included the distortion of the parts — was covered within the transfer. This allowed for slimmer and less complex measurement templates.

Time and resource savings

The entire non-automated CT inspection process per spring was previously a two-minute preparation stage. The pre-alignment calculation took another three minutes. The copying of the measurement template took only 15 seconds, and the manual re-fit of the elements took another five minutes. The classic approach meant 10 minutes per part, of which the second half was manual work with unnecessary labor costs.

This is the handling system used to single out the springs and transfer them into the loading system. Image courtesy of F. & G. Hachtel.Using the automated adaptive measurement template, the process still consists of two minutes of preparation. The transfer of the template takes about five minutes per part. This absolutely saves about three minutes per sample. The benefit, however, exceeds this three-minute time savings because the process runs automatically and doesn’t require further attention or adjustments. So, for tooling and production shops, this methodology effectively allows for the entire automation of measurement tasks, some of which previously needed to be performed manually.

This image shows the open tool with inserted springs. Image courtesy of F. & G. Hachtel.In the case of the large quantity of distorted springs shipped to Hachtel, some springs were saved and filled a production need. The system proved itself not only for routine production inspection but, in this situation, very efficiently for unexpected crisis moments.

Automated CT inspection saves time and resources and preserves customer satisfaction. Furthermore, it provides unmatchable insight into sources of variation and metallurgical quality.

This article was contributed by Kamil David Szepanski, Head of Technological Development and Product Development CT&AM, F. & G. Hachtel.

F. & G. Hachtel
fg-hachtel.com

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3DPRINTUK passed Stage 2 of the ISO 9001:2015 standard audit with zero findings after completing Stage 1 earlier in the year. This means that 3DPRINTUK operates at the highest levels for quality assurance and validation of 3D printed parts for its clients on a daily basis, in full compliance with the ISO 9001 standard.

“This accreditation does not change anything in our day-to-day operations at 3DPRINTUK because quality has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Nick Allen, CEO of 3DPRINTUK. “But it does mean that our customers have an important guarantee about the quality of their parts. From 2023 ALL orders will be officially processed against the ISO 9001:2015 standard — even though that has been happening in practice for a long time already.”

ISO 9001:2015 is an international standard and a key benchmark for managing quality. It puts customer satisfaction at the core of operations, drives continuous improvement and affords end-to-end manufacturing traceability.

3DPRINTUK supplies 3D-printed parts for low-volume, on-demand batch production to the highest quality standards for a wide range of industrial sectors. Accreditation of the ISO 9001 standard is being awarded to 3DPRINTUK by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Looking ahead to 2023, 3DPRINTUK will continue with its plans to further grow its service offering in a number of ways. Following a recent customer survey feedback, watch out for new additions and product launches early in the new year.

3DPRINTUK
3dprint-uk.co.uk

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At the end of every year, some of the finest minds at Materialise come together to identify the 3D Printing Trends for the coming year. For 2023 those minds have identified 4 trends that hold the key to breaking down the barriers that are still associated with adopting the technology as part of an industrial manufacturing process.

1. Distributed manufacturing, done smart

Traditionally, manufacturing has always centered on a single location — usually a factory overseas.

This system worked well… until it didn’t.

In the last few years, we’ve seen the Corona crisis cripple factories and disrupt supply chains. We’ve seen the rise of geo-political tensions and increased environmental concerns. All of this has made manufacturing companies rethink this centralized production model.

With smart, digital technologies like 3D printing, manufacturers can make the shift to operating through multiple smaller-scale production sites that sit closer to their customers.

However, many of distributed manufacturing’s recent success stories have come from quick thinking in the face of a short-term need, like turning to existing, local 3D printing lines to produce emergency medical supplies during the Corona crisis. 3D printing was used reactively — a temporary replacement.

These solutions did, however, spark new conversations about the future of manufacturing. We can see that many companies are ready to adopt a more strategic approach. They will need to carefully consider which applications provide the most value in terms of supply chain efficiency or environmental sustainability.

This requires a change in mindset: a shift away from short-term solutions and towards using 3DP for the sustainable production of certified end-use parts.

CNH, an agricultural machinery company, is a good example of this. During the pandemic, CNH relied on 3D printing to produce a vital part that they couldn’t source due to Covid-related shipping restrictions. Now, the company is taking a more strategic look at how 3D printing can help manage its supply chains more cost-efficiently.

The potential is real. Even in the highly regulated and certified medical industry, hospitals are increasingly turning to 3D printing to produce medical models and personalized implants at the point of care, closer to the patient: the medical equivalent of a decentralized industrial production model.

In the end, smart Distributed Manufacturing, enabled by 3D printing and when done strategically, can be a successful strategy in its own right, rather than an ad hoc response to problems with global supply chains.

2. The cost of 3D printing must come down

The story of 3D printing is a story of added value. 3D printing enables design optimizations that provide performance, weight saving, time, and supply chain benefits that are impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

In many cases, these benefits create cost advantages that impact the overall end-to-end manufacturing cost, from design to delivery. In fact, a recent survey shows that “the ability to reduce the overall manufacturing cost” is cited as the most important benefit of 3D printing.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the 3D printing process itself is cost-efficient. And Increasing material and energy prices have only driven up costs even more.

Several factors determine the cost of 3D printing parts, including the materials required, production time per part, and the type of printer. There are two important ways to reduce this:

The first is by working more efficiently to increase production capacity. Software plays a major role in this, by making it possible to optimize the build. We can also tune the printing process to make it more efficient and repeatable.
The second is using tools that improve quality. Quality comes at a cost. Looking at certified manufacturing in the medical or aeronautics industry, for example, we see that up to 70% of the production cost is in quality control.

3D printing continues to transform the factory floor as companies increasingly turn to the technology for large-scale production. But to accelerate this adoption, our industry will have to make extra efforts to reduce the cost of 3D printing.

3. From Process Automation to Workflow Automation

3D printing is a digital manufacturing technology, but it still requires a considerable amount of human intervention. And these skilled workers are increasingly hard to find. In fact, a recent survey by Materialise indicated that recruiting a workforce with the necessary expertise is the top challenge for companies that are already using or considering 3D printing.

At the same time, scaling up industrial 3D printing production into the thousands or millions requires a repeatable and consistent printing process.

These two challenges increase the need for automation.

In recent years, software has allowed us to automate various stages of the 3D printing process: from preparing and fixing files to generating support structures, optimizing the stacking of objects into a build, or even post-processing. But these are all individual processes.

In 3D printing, these different processes follow one another, coming together to create a complete digital manufacturing process. The promise of large-scale, industrial 3D printing requires us to automate each process but also the flow between them. This is what we call workflow automation.

We see the same requirement in the medical industry, where workflow automation is needed to address the dramatic increase of customized 3D-printed solutions.

The good news is that the ability to meet this need is growing, thanks to the creation of software platforms that allow manufacturers to define their own unique 3D printing process. Several companies, including Materialise, now offer these solutions to customers, allowing them to automate not just the individual 3D printing processes but the entire 3D printing workflow, from order intake to delivery and everything in between.

4. Data security and data integrity become top of mind

We already talked about the important trend of distributed manufacturing. Systemic shocks, including the Corona-crisis, supply chain issues, geo-political tensions, and growing sustainability concerns, have revealed vulnerabilities in the traditional, centralized production model. Smart, digital production technologies, like 3D printing, enable a shift towards multiple smaller-scale manufacturing sites closer to customers. A clear sign that the factory of the future will not be a single, central location.

This new digital, distributed production environment revolves around one key asset — data. And that data needs to be secured, preventing a rogue supplier from stealing a design and printing it on his own 3D printer. Of course, data security is important in any form of manufacturing, whether traditional or smart. In both cases, companies share their unique designs with contractors and suppliers, and they want to know that their design data remains secure.

But with 3D printing, there’s more to it than that. Manufacturers that plan to scale up the production of a 3D printed part into the thousands or millions need to optimize and fine-tune their unique printing process to make it efficient, reliable, and repeatable across multiple production sites. A smart production process ensures that all 3D-printed components have the same quality, no matter where they are produced. Creating such a process is complex and time-consuming, but it allows companies to leap ahead of the competition. That’s why, in addition to data security, data integrity is becoming top of mind for companies that embrace digital manufacturing.

Materialise
www.materialise.com

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Markforged announced that the Markforged materials manufacturing facility located in Billerica, MA is International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 certified with TUV Rheinland of North America after meeting
rigorous quality management and quality assurance standards. This achievement underscores Markforged’s commitment to continuous improvement, reliability, and the success of its customers.

The certification further cements Markforged’s credibility and trust as a premier additive manufacturing partner by streamlining the supplier audit process. Achieving this certification unlocks more business-critical and production applications for Markforged, as many regulated industries, such as aerospace, require vendors to abide by the processes and controls reflected within ISO 9001:2015. This recent certification, along with the company’s
existing ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for information security management, highlights Markforged’s ability to support enterprises of all sizes.

ISO 9001:2015 is a Quality Management Systems (QMS) standard published in September 2015 by the International Organization for Standardization. The standard ensures an organization demonstrates its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet and enhance customer satisfaction and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Markforged
www.markforged.com

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GE announced that Alexander Schmitz has been appointed as CEO of GE Additive, effective January 16, 2023. Based in Munich, Germany, Schmitz will report to GE Additive’s current chief executive, Riccardo Procacci, who takes on an expanded leadership role at GE Aerospace.

GE Additive appoints Alexander Schmitz as CEO.Schmitz brings extensive experience in operations, product development, manufacturing, and leading global teams. He was most recently CEO of FlexLink and previously held senior leadership and engineering positions during a 20-year career at Bosch. A mechanical engineer, Schmitz is a graduate of Aachen University in Germany.

“I’m thrilled to be joining GE Additive as it starts its next phase of growth and transformation. I look forward to meeting the team and our customers in the new year,” said Schmitz.

GE Additive will be part of a portfolio of four independent businesses within GE Aerospace, led by Procacci, all characterized by strong brand identity and direct access to the market: GE Additive, Avio Aero, Dowty Propellers, and Unison Industries.

“GE Additive continues to be a strategic business for GE Aerospace,” said Procacci. “I look forward to working with Alexander and continuing to work with the GE Additive leadership team and our customers as they deploy additive, at scale, across their businesses and industries.”

GE Additive
ge.com/additive

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Essentium, Inc., announced that the 101st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), Maine Air National Guard is using the Essentium High-Speed Extrusion (HSE) 3D Printing Platform and Essentium PCTG for printed flight control repair training aids to help maintain proficiency for traditional guardsmen. To create training aids resembling genuine parts, the 101st ARW chose Essentium’s 3D Printing Platform for its speed, accuracy, and low-cost materials. The fully trained guardsmen help increase the lifespan of aircraft parts, reduce instances of downed aircraft, and eliminate safety of flight issues.

Using the Essentium HSE 180 ST 3D Printer, engineers at the 101st ARW created a training aid for the outboard aileron balance tab in one weekend. This part is a critical flight control component with aircraft attachment points that frequently wear out. To repair them, guardsmen machine new holes, install bushings, inspect for accuracies, and install them to return the outboard aileron balance tab to original factory specs. However, access to spare aileron balance tabs is limited and typically reserved for real-world repair needs. Combined with the challenges of retaining experienced professionals in aileron balance tabs, these parts are difficult to maintain.

An incorrect repair can permanently destroy an aircraft part, requiring a replacement. It can result in a downed aircraft if the part is not immediately available. In the worst-case scenario, if the part is not repaired correctly and becomes a safety-of-flight issue, it could lead to the loss of aircraft.

For an effective training aid, the part must maintain its dimension when aluminum components are pressed into it. The engineers at 101st ARW chose Essentium PCTG due to its low cost, excellent surface finish, and impact strength. By using the Essentium HSE 180 ST 3D Printer and Essentium PCTG, the 101st ARW now have rapid and repeatable access to these rare parts.

“For this application, we chose Essentium over other printers because it can print faster and more accurately with external dimensions. The material cost is also relatively less,” said Master Sgt. Jason Howes. “You can’t put a value on having proficiently trained guardsmen. The confidence they get from putting their hands on the product, understanding what the result will look like, and gaining muscle memory is simply invaluable.”

Using the scale model of the part created by the Essentium HSE, guardsmen can use technical data that applies to the component to repair it, the same way they would with the actual part.

Said Blake Teipel, Ph.D., CEO, Essentium, “This valuable tool has also caught the attention of other local military components, such as the Maine Army National Guard, who began requesting similar training aids for their rotary aircraft. We’re excited that the Essentium HSE is currently being used as a cross-functional force multiplier that can shape the future of readiness across the joint force.”

Essentium
essentium.com

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Mechnano has developed another Additive Manufacturing (AM) resin based on its MechT technology that uses the power of discrete Carbon Nanotubes (dCNTs). The new photopolymer —“Tough ESD”—delivers isotropic electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties to parts fabricated with VAT Photopolymerization processes, while also providing enhanced impact resistance. Mechnano is releasing Tough ESD as a white-label resin to interested partners.

Tough ESD builds on Mechnano’s industry disrupting Formula1 resin—the first static dissipative photopolymer in AM using dCNTs. While the original Formula1 is for electronics manufacturing processes that require rigidity, Tough ESD is the answer for parts that will undergo a higher level of abuse where breakage would occur with more rigid solutions.

Tough ESD’s increased impact resistance and elongation at break open the door to new applications for AM—parts that require not only ESD and toughness, but fine features and smooth surface finish, which are characteristics out of reach for current filament and laser sintering options. As these are addressed via expensive and time-consuming machining or mold tooling today, the ability to iterate, customize, and confirm design improvements in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost makes Tough ESD an excellent fit for many relevant applications including ESD tooling, assembly aids, enclosures, and nozzles.

Both Formula1 and Tough ESD allow for rapid customization, iteration, and fabrication of static dissipative parts without compromising mechanical performance and with zero concern for z-axis breakdown. Mechnano’s MechT-based resins enable accurate, repeatable, localized printing of ESD parts to help every industry creating or incorporating electronic components in their products to reduce costs and decrease time to market.

“Our latest innovation builds on our original effort, unleashing dCNT potential in AM materials to achieve extraordinary performance,” says Bryce Keeler, Mechnano’s president. “MechT-enhanced resins expand, improve, and add material properties for a wide array of applications.”

“Additive manufacturing hardware and software continue to advance, so we are excited to offer additional material solutions that are compatible and to expand the scope of AM applications,” Keeler added.

Tough ESD is the latest offering in what promises to be an ever-expanding line of additive manufacturing masterbatches and resins that leverage the power of MechT to provide material enhancements.

Mechnano
mechnano.com

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Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP) is now 8 years old! This marks one year since Kristin Mulherin has stepped up as the new President and Founder Nora Touré stepped into the Board Chairwoman role.

Wi3DP has grown incredibly since its founding in 2014 with the foundational mission to close the gender gap in additive manufacturing.

“With the explosive growth we’ve seen over the last few years, we’ve come to realize our focus should be on a much bigger mission: to support and promote an industry that is more reflective of the world in which it operates,” shares Kristin Mulherin, President of Women in 3D Printing. “DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) isn’t solely a women’s issue. Diversity drives the speed of innovation and advances the industry as a whole. Anyone who has worked in diverse teams will confirm this – diverse experiences introduce new perspectives. And when this is not only accepted but also encouraged, we see accelerated creativity and innovation. This applies to cultivating a healthy and productive work culture, improving business strategy, or finding new and creative applications for AM technology.”

As a result, Wi3DP embarked on a journey in 2022 to restructure its organization and build a strong foundation for growth for the years to come. As the industry celebrates its 8th anniversary this week, here are some Wi3DP reflections on this year’s progress for women and minority groups in additive manufacturing.

Highlights of the year:

Changes in the Board
This year, Women in 3D Printing saw a reshaping in its Board of Directors. Lisa Block, Chief Revenue Officer for Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, deepened her Wi3DP involvement. Already an invaluable part of the Wi3DP DEI team, Lisa has committed her expertise and guidance as a new Board Director. Welcome to the Board, Lisa!

Dana McCallum, VP of Sales at Mantle Inc., has transitioned from her Board Director role. One of the first Directors to join when the Board was first formed, Dana has grown with the organization and is now leading the newly formed Wi3DP Advisory Board.

Christina Perla, CEO of Makelab, is focusing fully on growing her company and has stepped down from her Board role. Christina’s incredible achievements with Wi3DP over the years include launching the first in-person regional conferences for Wi3DP via “A Conversation With…” and growing the Wi3DP New York City chapter as an ambassador. Wi3DP thanks Dana and Christina for their many contributions!

Restructured Women in 3D Printing international chapters
Over 5,000 delegates attended 121+ local and international events in 2022, including major happy hours at events such as RAPID + TCT, ICAM, and Formnext.

This was possible thanks to the restructuring of the Wi3DP organization. Now, there are 107 local chapters in 38 countries where Wi3DP networking events are hosted, while local panels are organized with local conferences and tradeshows.

These efforts are supported by 5 Board Members, 5 Regional Directors, 25 Area Managers, and 138 Ambassadors worldwide.

Introduced the Wi3DP Advisory Board
Over the last few years, Wi3DP has grown to a community of over 30,000 members on a global scale. The Advisory Board includes world-class additive manufacturing leaders from Mantle, ASTM, Velo3D, 3D Systems, Desktop Metal, MakerBot, Boeing, 3D-Squared, Fabric8Labs, and 3DPrint.com

“The Advisory Board will help guide and support the astounding Board of Directors of Women in 3D Printing as they continue to set and execute the strategy, vision, and growth of the organization,” said Dana McCallum, Advisory Board Lead, Wi3DP.

Strategic partnership with SME to Scale Marquee Programs
Women in 3D Printing started the year with the announcement of their strategic partnership with SME, which includes four main initiatives, co-production of:

– TIPE 3D Printing Virtual Conference – Jan 24-25, 2023
– Wi3DP showcase at RAPID+TCT 2023
– NextGen Mentorship pilot
– Special 2023 DfAM report provided by Wi3DP and SME

Robert Willig, CEO, SME said, “Combining SME’s 90 years of manufacturing experience, vast resources, and scope with Wi3DP’s passionate network and robust programs will accelerate their shared mission to develop technology, connection, inclusivity, and opportunities to introduce the next generation to the benefits of a career in AM. This is an important step in closing the skills gap.”

Diversity for Additive Manufacturing 2022 Edition is out
The Diversity for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) report from Wi3DP is now available for 2022! This downloadable resource takes a look at the definition, scope, and impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion in additive manufacturing. Drawing data from other AM industry reports and expounding upon areas that impact the 3D printing workforce, the Wi3DP DfAM report offers a dive into the people behind the technology. From layoffs to SPACs, from definitions to ROI, the 2022 edition offers an overview of current conditions in additive manufacturing.

Successful TIPE 3D Printing 2022 virtual conference
186 women-identified speakers took the virtual stage in 2022 to share their perspectives across various subjects in Technology, Industry, People, and Economics with 2,232 delegates joining live from across the globe. This 30-hour conference would not have been possible without the 51 sponsors, including the 5 platinum sponsors: SME, TRUMPF, MatterHackers, GE Additive, and Stratasys. Replays are available here.

Jobs in AM
Women in 3D Printing hosts a free Job Posting board (yes, you can scroll down and click submit a job posting for free!), which gets published across the mailing list every month. The nonprofit saw an increase in the number of companies posting their jobs, and more hiring managers and leaders directly reaching out to enquire about attracting a more diverse talent pool. More organizations have also reached out to ask how they can show support to their organization.

Sponsors growth
In 2022, with the strategic SME collaboration, Wi3DP has developed marquee programs even further, to help accelerate their Corporate Members’ goals to close the gender gap. Members include additive manufacturing leaders, such as 3D Systems, AMT (The Association of Manufacturing Technology), AON3D, ASTM International and Wohlers Associates, Beehive, Carbon, EOS, Fortify, Hekel, HP, Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, LEGO, Metrix, Nexa3D, PepsiCo, Seurat, Wurth Additive Group, Xact Metal, Xometry, and Yaskawa.

“Even though our community continues to grow, with now more than 30,000 people joining our events all over the world, we still have quite some work to do to fulfill our mission of 50% women representation in every layer of AM (pun intended) as stats seems to show some stagnation around 11% to 13% of women in AM, with a vast majority of them in sales and marketing vs. engineering roles.” shares Nora Toure, Board Chair and Founder of Women in 3D Printing, “I’d like to give a huge thanks to everyone who supported and engaged with Wi3DP in 2022, it has been an empowering journey for our team!”

Women in 3D Printing
womenin3dprinting.com

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Authentise, a developer of data-driven engineering and manufacturing workflow tools, released its rebranded workflow management suite for both additive and non-additive applications.

Flows is the product of a decade of experience building data-driven solutions for the world’s most agile operations at Boeing, Danfoss, and Ricoh, among others. Boeing’s time studies claimed that the system delivers up to 94% time savings and a 3x ROI within 8 months. Formerly known as the advanced Manufacturing Execution System (“aMES”), Flows incorporates many tools that stretch beyond the capabilities of a traditional Manufacturing Execution System, including real-time quoting, machine-data-driven status updates, material genealogy, supplier management and more. These features are already used to manage post-processing such as heat treatment, machining and more. With this release, Authentise is announcing general availability of FlowsAM for operations primarily centered around additive manufacturing, and Flows for those that are not.

“We have long sought to use our experience in the additive sector to fuel digital manufacturing as a whole,” says Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise. “Additive has key advantages that make it a fertile sandbox, such as more data, less legacy, and focus on lot size 1. That ability to manage agile operations is increasingly in demand as the world moves to address recent supply chain failures. That is why we’ve chosen this point to release Flows and FlowsAM.”

Keith Perrin, VP of Agile Manufacturing at Authentise and formerly an executive managing Hexagon Nexus, Autodesk Fusion360, and Siemens Teamcenter added: “Since I joined the team 8 months ago it’s become increasingly clear that Authentise has a ‘special sauce’ when it comes to handling production operations that require a high degree of flexibility. I know from experience that this is a big gap in the market, now more than ever. Authentise’s ability to integrate machine data, 3rd party software tools, and human operations, into a contextual process is critical to meeting that need. The success we’ve seen with some of the world’s most advanced agile engineering operations speak for themselves. I’m excited to bring this capability to other enterprises looking to deliver more flexible engineering, production and supply chains.”

Authentise
www.authentise.com

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SmarTech Analysis has published a new iteration of a market study, “Opportunities in Additive Manufacturing Software Markets 2023.” The study indicates that 3D printing software revenues will reach $6.2B in 2031 compared with $1.2B this year.

The additive manufacturing software market is evolving at a pace consistent with the printer segment of the last two years and is expected to grow faster than previously projected. The leading trend in the segment powering this expansion is the connecting of key elements of the AM software workflow, now well-defined after years of development, into end-to-end platforms.

This report focuses on the future of additive manufacturing software functions, which are centered around process simulation, intelligent design optimization, and additive manufacturing execution systems (MES). It also provides an analysis of the current state of the market showing how AM software is now growing well beyond the somewhat niche-like status it once occupied.

The report also includes a comprehensive market sizing and ten-year market forecast with breakouts by (1) software tool type, (2) adopting end-user industry, and (3) opportunities for software by additive technology segment for both polymer and metals.

From the report:
• There is an almost palpable sense of urgency to deliver on flexible, resilient, and digitally enabled manufacturing heading into 2023 and beyond. Software solutions for additive manufacturing are, therefore, more than ever, the key to ensuring the industry’s long-term success.

• Throughout 2021 and 2022, numerous entities have released various forms of end-to-end software platforms that seek to integrate key elements of the AM process into a single software environment. Companies such as Stratasys/GrabCAD, GE Additive, and 3D Systems all now offer some form of integrated end-to-end workflow platform.

SmarTech Analysis
www.smartechanalysis.com/reports/opportunities-in-additive-manufacturing-software-markets-2023/

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When it started offering ready-to-install 3D printed plastic and metal components to its customers, the job shop Klaus Stöcker metal processing initially used manual post-processing methods. Because of the rapidly growing demand and stricter requirements for process stability and consistency of the post-processing operation, the company took a new approach: It purchased the automated systems S1 for de-powdering and M1 for the effective surface smoothing and homogenization from AM Solutions 3D post-processing technology. Based on the results a second M1 system, representing a cost-efficient alternative to chemical smoothing, was recently commissioned at the job shop.

With around 40 employees, Klaus Stöcker metal processing, founded in 1990, offers a range of services in the field of machining. This includes turning, milling, sinking and wire EDM, face and circular grinding, assembly, and measuring with state-of-the-art machinery. The company also fabricates its own tooling, fixtures, gauges, and special machinery. It serves customers in the automotive, pharmaceutical, food, and machinery building industry. In 2016 Stöcker began offering 3D printed plastic and metal parts and since then has installed 16 printers. The company is producing components made from different types of plastic, including PA 6 and PA 12, but also materials reinforced with glass, carbon, and Kevlar fiber with the FDM/FFF and SLS printing methods. The stereolithographic system (SLA/PJM) is primarily used for printing optical components with different technical characteristics and in different colors. Selective laser melting (SLM) and atomic diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM) are used to make metal components from aluminum alloys, different types of stainless steel and various tool steels.

Automated post-processing
Stöcker quickly realized that as a job shop it can only be successful if it offers services within the entire process chain, not just the printing operation. The manager of additive manufacturing at Stöcker, Arnd Meller, explains, “On the one hand, this includes a comprehensive consultation with our customers to determine if a component can be made with additive manufacturing and, if yes, which design changes are required, and which printing technology and material is most suitable. On the other hand, post-processing is an important operation that allows us to supply ready-to-install components to our customers.”

For the post processing of 3D printed components the Klaus Stöcker metal processing company uses the S1 and M1 Basic from AM Solutions – 3D post processing technology. Important decision criteria for the purchase of these machines were the processing quality but also the equipment safety, the total cost of ownership (TCO), the easy operation and the expert advice and comprehensive experience in surface treatment of AM Solutions.In the beginning, the post-processing operation took place manually with tools that were available internally. For example, laser-sintered plastic parts were cleaned in a manual blast cabinet. However, the rapidly growing demand and stricter requirements for process stability and consistency of the post-processing operation could no longer be handled with conventional methods. Therefore, the company started looking for automated solutions. Important considerations were product quality, operational safety, the total cost of ownership (TCO), and ease of operation.

Arnd Meller continues, “In the end, it was the excellent expert advice and comprehensive experience in surface treatment that made us decide to purchase our post-processing equipment from AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology. In addition, I was really impressed by the manufacturing depth of AM Solutions/Rösler at their site in Untermerzbach.”

Initially, cleaning of the components with the S1 system was the only subject of the discussions. For the surface refinement of its 3D printed components, the company was pursuing different solutions, for example, chemical smoothing.

For post-processing of 3D-printed components made of plastic and metal, Klaus Stöcker Metallbearbeitung now relies on automated solutions from Rösler. These offer the service provider consistently good surface results – process-safe, user-friendly and cost-effective.Mass finishing – a cost-efficient alternative to chemical smoothing
However, during a visit at the Customer Experience Center of AM Solutions – 3D post-processing technology Meller was surprised to learn that the M1 Basic produces excellent results within relatively short cycle times. Surface smoothing and homogenization of plastic components, including lower surface roughness readings, are demanded by many customers.

With the M1 Basic, AM Solutions can offer a system that fulfills these demands quickly with absolutely repeatable results and with a high degree of process stability.

Meller concludes, “For many components, the mass finishing technology represents an excellent alternative to chemical smoothing. The smoothing process is significantly more cost-effective providing us with a considerable competitive advantage.”

The M1 Basic is a compact plug-and-play finishing system with integrated process controls that allows the surface grinding, smoothing and polishing of 3D printed plastic and metal components. Equipped with an integrated process water cleaning and recycling system and a 230 V connection, the M1 Basic can be integrated into practically any production environment as a stand-alone unit. It allows the finishing of entire workpiece batches or single components with dimensions of up 550 x 150 x 130 mm (L X W X H) and with different shapes. This system can be easily adapted to all kinds of finishing tasks. Work piece-specific programs can be stored in the equipment controls. The standard processing bowl can be divided into two separate chambers. This allows the simultaneous finishing of different workpieces with different finishing processes

The use of the M1 Basic in the AM department at Stöcker proved to be so successful that the company purchased a second machine for the surface finishing of metal.

AM Solutionswww.solutions-for-am.com

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To date, the flexibility of AM has been one of its greatest selling points, however, the inflexibility of post processing, particularly for series production applications, has been a barrier to industrialization. The reality is that many metal AM applications with huge potential do not reach compliance and often fail because of post processing solutions, or a lack thereof. Three companies, Rivelin Robotics, Surfineers, and TextureJet, have partnered to ease post processing procedures for metal AM parts.

Together Rivelin Robotics, TextureJet and Surfineers bring the expertise, technical excellence and flexibility to post processing that the AM industry has been demanding and can deliver a fully integrated solution for the post processing value chain. With this holistic approach, the companies combine their individual expertise to form a cohesive and effective package that customers benefit from in multiple ways: speed and agility, flexibility of solutions and the focus on what is most important: the highest quality finish of the components.

Rivelin Robotics is showcasing its NS-0 robot; a system that enables automated series post processing of metal AM components with repeatability and best-in-class quality. Furthermore, the team will showcase its no-programming approach to controlling its NetShape product line-up, reducing the barrier to entry for customers and increasing processing speed, reliability and repeatability even further.

Texture Jet brings its high precision surface texturing and finishing technologies. Additionally, this electrochemical jet machining (EJM) process is featured on the NS-0 robot from Rivelin in the form of the STAT machine tool, with which targeted complex surface textures and mirror polished surfaces are possible.

The Surfineers integrate the technologies from Rivelin and Texture Jet as well as any pre- and post-processes necessary to reach customer requirements effectively. These technical consultant experts bring the necessary project management and industrial implementation skills to approach the topic of metal AM post processing with a holistic and integrated view for the benefit of the customer.

Rivelin Robotics
www.rivelinrobotics.com

Texture Jet
www.texturejet.com

Surfineers
www.surfineers.com

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Horizon Microtechnologies recently launched its template-based 3D-microfabrication technology, which produces conductive micro additive manufacturing (micro-AM) derived parts with micrometer scale precision.

At the Formnext 2022 conference, the company demonstrated its technology alongside micro-AM technology innovator Boston Micro Fabrication. Part of the demonstration featured the company’s post-build processes which introduced the versatility of micro-AM to such applications as electrodes and electrical contact pins, ESD safe parts, 3D microfluidics, and MEMS and optics packaging.

Template-based 3D microfabrication can effectively be a mechanism to exploit the usefulness of polymer micro-AM produced 3D microstructures (the template) for unserved areas of industry by adding material and function to the microstructure, typically with a coating process. The key enabling technology is micro-AM, and today a number of commercially viable polymer-based micro-AM platforms exist that can achieve exacting tolerances, quickly, cost-effectively, and repeatably. However, these platforms are almost exclusively restricted to the production of parts in resin or plastics. Horizon Microtechnologies bridges the gap between micro-AM and parts with enhanced function through the use of proprietary post-build processes. This means that companies requiring the flexibility, innovation, and agility that is driven by AM for parts with conductive, ceramic, heat-resistant, or other polymer-incompatible functionalities now have a commercially viable solution available.

Horizon specialises in the production of micro-scale conductive parts and environmentally resistant parts. To introduce conductivity, once the part is produced on a polymer-AM platform, it is either wholly or selectively coated with a conductive layer. Horizon can even coat difficult areas homogeneously such as long narrow channel and undercuts. Obvious application areas include electrodes, electrical sensor heads, and ESD-safe components.

Microfabricated 3D templates can also be coated with metal-oxides to make parts compatible with aggressive chemical environments and in some cases can increase the resistance to high temperatures and mechanical stresses. This allows, for example, the fabrication of nozzles and 3D microfluidics for aggressive solvents and certain acids with the full design freedom of additive manufacturing. In some cases, it is also possible to make bulk ceramic or glass objects.

When looking at ESD-safe parts, Horizon can make parts with a controllably conductive surface coating and coat internal channels with multiple bends. This allows the company to make compact and high-performance end-effectors for vacuum pick-and-place devices which are at the same time conductive enough to prevent ESD-discharge. ESD safety also enables the use of Horizon produced parts under conditions requiring spark-freedom and explosion-protection.

In the area of microfluidics, the additive manufacturing approach lends itself well to prototyping and small batch production of complex, multi-level microfluidic chips, including chips with integrated filters and interfaces to external components. Using Horizon’s post-print processes, the surfaces in contact with the liquid can be coated to improve wetting behaviour, control surface energy, or even introduce electrically conductive areas.

Finally, while AM is not typically considered a mass-production technology, the reduction in the size of electronics and optics — and the accompanying shrinkage of packaging — has made it a viable production alternative for MEMS and optics housings for small to medium batch sizes. In addition to the precision offered by micro-AM, an intelligent use of Horizon’s post-processes can increase the functionality of the packaging, for example by reducing stray light in the infrared, or by having integrated electrical conductors.

Horizon Microtechnologies
www.3dmicrofabrication.com

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Meltio, a laser metal deposition technology manufacturer, presented two new innovations to increase the reliability of metal part manufacturing for creating accurate parts: the Meltio Horizon software and the Laser Calibration System.

Both technological solutions developed by Meltio’s engineering team represent a further step in the company’s strategy to eliminate the barriers that have prevented metal additive manufacturing from having a significant presence in many industrial sectors.

Meltio Horizon is proprietary toolpath generator software that ensures a fully tailored customer experience around its plug-and-play metal 3D printer, the Meltio M450, with its own unique features and custom-developed Meltio print and material profiles included. The software is tailored to use the laser wire metal deposition process with the Meltio M450. Up until now, Meltio users have been reliant on using 3rd party FFF slicers to prepare toolpaths for the Meltio M450.

In addition to traditional slicing parameters used in FFF software such as layer height, line width, print speed, and support materials, the software provides access to Meltio’s laser-wire process, and material-specific parameters such as laser power, dual wire, and hot wire settings.

With the software, all of the material-related settings are directly in the slicing software, allowing for full control and just a single profile. This also allows users to create more specialized printing profiles, with the power to directly control the laser and hot wire on a “per slicing feature” basis, rather than being set for the full part.

This slicer is currently only compatible with the Meltio M450 metal 3D printer. For Meltio Engines (CNC and Robot Integration), the company is currently working on developing its open software ecosystem partnerships that allow the generation of 5 Axis G-Codes.

Features of the Meltio Horizon:

– Easy to use: Only settings relevant to Meltio’s laser-wire metal 3D printing process are available. Specific settings are explained to make getting started with the printing process as smooth as possible

– Cost calculation: Easily configure your printing cost model and automatically calculate the cost per part in each project

– Future proof: Building a dedicated platform for toolpath generation specific to Meltio enables to expand the scope of our service in the future

– Tailor-made to laser-wire: Made to measure for Meltio’s wire-laser metal 3D printing process as well as it also comes with built-in profiles for the Meltio Materials

– Combined material profile: Previously split between printer and slicer – now all is in the slicer

– Custom gas profile: Configure your gas source and cost directly within Meltio Horizon. Flow rates are defined within each material

– Custom build plates / work spaces: Select the right substrate right from the slicer depending on the part size. Build plates can be defined by the user and stored as presets. The machine workspace adjusts automatically, notifying the user if a selected build plate is too small

– Automatic updates: Updates of the Meltio Horizon and new printing parameters are available directly through the slicer. New Meltio Materials and printing profiles will be released periodically

– 2D and 3D previews: To provide a good insight into the model to be printed, the Meltio Horizon provides both a 2D and a 3D preview of the toolpath. The 2D plan vision allows for easy inspection of the toolpath throughout the model

– Project files incorporated: The complete project file, consisting of the model file, workspace, build plate as well as gas and material profiles can be conveniently stored and shared.

Laser Calibration System
In addition, Meltio has launched a Laser Calibration System as an accessory (kit) to aid the reliability and ease of use of Meltio’s machines, ensuring a faster and more reliable print process to enhance user experience.

The Laser Calibration System allows Meltio users to calibrate Meltio’s multi-laser deposition head accurately and effortlessly on all three of its metal 3D printing solutions. The system consists of a laser alignment camera that has to be placed under the printhead as it allows for a clear view of the focus point of the lasers. The camera is controlled using a portable controller, which also comes included in the kit as well as a software specifically designed to filter the camera image and guide the user to focus each laser on the most optimal point.

The addition of this new kit is a major advance over the current state of general metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions. Manual laser alignment remains possible but will require a very experienced operator to match the consistency of the laser alignment kit.

Meltio’s multi-laser metal 3D printing technology is based on the use of six lasers pointing to a mutual point to melt the welding wire that is fed through the center of the deposition head. The lasers generate a high concentration of energy, called meltpool, that melts the metal feedstock. As a result, welds beads are stacked precisely on top of one another.

The alignment of each laser is critical so they hit the exact point where the energy is concentrated, the misalignment of the lasers leads to energy inefficiency and defects on the 3D printed parts. The camera makes the calibration process easy to follow.

Features of the Laser Calibration System:

– Accuracy: Calibrate Meltio’s multi-laser deposition head accurately and effortlessly

– Speed: Reduces calibration time by half

– Compatibility: Tailor-made software interface with portable tablet and its compatible with any Meltio system

– Packaging: Comes in a protective case that preserves maximum reliability of the accessory

– Ease of use: Simple to set up, and run. Also, the kit comes with all the necessary components you will need whether you are calibrating the Meltio M450 metal 3D printer or the Meltio Engine CNC or Robot Integration.

– Repeatability: It allows for the calibration of the lasers to be done in the exact same way every time, resulting in the same high-quality printjobs with every print.

– Traceability: The kit keeps a track of the calibration process, therefore, you can trace your steps back whenever it’s necessary.

Meltio
meltio3d.com

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Lockheed Martin Corporation and Sintavia, LLC, announced a collaboration to expand research of metal additive manufacturing (AM) opportunities as an alternative to castings and forgings. AM, also known as 3D printing, has the capability to improve efficiencies in existing castings and forgings supply chains, and provide parts with a higher level of detail and greater design opportunities.

Sintavia is an AM supplier to Lockheed Martin, supporting several programs in the manufacture and production of metal additive parts. The new collaboration will explore additional AM technology areas, including laser powder bed fusion, electron beam-directed energy deposition and friction stir AM.

This enhanced relationship builds on the White House initiative “AM Forward,” announced by President Joe Biden in May, a voluntary compact aimed at strengthening U.S. supply chains by supporting U.S.-based suppliers’ adoption and deployment of AM.

“Sintavia and Lockheed Martin are committed to improving the capability, agility and competitiveness of the defense industrial supply base,” said Brian Neff, Sintavia’s founder and CEO. “Our partnership with Lockheed Martin seeks to identify and streamline manufacturing inefficiencies, specifically in the production of flight critical structures.”

“Lockheed Martin’s collaboration with Sintavia demonstrates our dedication to the White House’s AM Forward campaign in reducing overall operating costs and strengthening our domestic supply chain, efforts that are in line with our 21st Century Security vision,” said David Tatro, vice president for Operations Process Transformation at Lockheed Martin.

Sintavia
www.sintavia.com

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3DOS is building what it labels the “world’s largest peer-to-peer blockchain manufacturing network,” allowing anyone to upload a design, receive royalties, and have it made anywhere in the world.

3DOS has raised pre-seed funding (Alchemist Accelerator, Stanford Blockchain founder, IOTEX, Athena Ventures, Frontures, IronKey Capital) prior to the StartEngine campaign. It will raise more through crowdfunding. The Silicon Valley company has gone through all the legal scrutiny, and compliances of a Reg CF company so anyone can invest safely.

The company says it is careful to protect its community from the issues plaguing many offshore unregulated crypto projects. Unfortunately, most blockchain project’s tokenomics were created by VCs, Hedge Funds, and insiders, designed to dump overhyped speculative “empty boxes” to retail.

The 3DOS team believes the future of blockchain is in trusting real teams that have gone through legal regulations and compliance. The future of blockchain technology is ethical, moral, legal and environmentally sustainable.

“Our goal is to build something real, that withstands the test of time, and gets back to the basic fundamentals of sound money and exchange of value in our society” John Dogru 3DOS Founder

The team is now looking to expand and tackle the on-demand manufacturing market which is expected to reach $112 billion by 2024 and is growing at almost 20% annually.

That means products are produced locally and closer to the buyer – and if a product is not purchased, it’s not made. This creates a huge opportunity for a more sustainable world – instant go-to-market for everyone – without waste, shipping, and a large carbon footprint.

As the world moves to localized production, this blockchain project is solving a major real world 12 trillion dollar manufacturing problem, and the team already has traction in over 120 countries.

With an ambitious growth plan, this all-star team aims to launch the new 3DOS decentralized manufacturing network where anyone can upload a design, and instantly receive royalties as it is 3D printed globally. This project has the potential to bring on the next billion users onto blockchain – backed by a top tier community.

In 2014, the founders invented 3DPrinterOS, an operating systems for 3D printers, and proved the concept on web 2.0. The vision was to reduce the latency from design to manufacturing, close to zero.

3DOS
www.3dos.io

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nano3Dprint announced the release of its upgraded A2200 3D Multi-material Electronics Printer. The improved A2200 has a sleeker design, a more compact materials dispensing print head, improved ink/paste dispensing mechanism and an improved built-in video system with better clarity and higher magnification. The A2200’s side-by-side precision filament extruder and enhanced materials dispensing system prints fused […]

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Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc., a leading developer of quality assurance software to the commercial 3D printing industry, announced today that it has joined the EOS Developer Network (EDN) by EOS, a leading supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology. This enables Sigma to provide software and analytics applications from EOS application programming […]

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Copper is viewed as a material that will accelerate future aerospace production. For example, the privately funded company Ursa Major delivered a copper-based 3D-printed rocket engine combustion chamber from its additive manufacturing lab in Youngstown, Ohio. A challenge, however, is that the existing supply chain for high temperature metal alloy components is limited. However, development […]

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During Formnext 2022, Shell International B.V. and GE Additive unveiled the results of a joint design and engineering project – an additively manufactured oxygen hydrogen micromixer. This complex, non-functional, demonstration part, was printed in nickel alloy 718 on a GE Additive Concept Laser M Line system, installed at Shell’s 3D Printing CoE and Workshop, part […]

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Aiming to improve the performance and productivity of metal additive manufacturing, Morf3D Inc. and Equispheres Inc. are collaborating to qualify Equispheres’ high-performance aluminum powders and to develop new applications which will result in further performance improvements based on current expectations. Headquartered in California, Morf3D specializes in the optimization of technology solutions for high volume additive […]

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Dyndrite and PostProcess Technologies announced a working relationship to deliver end-to-end CAD to Post Processing automation using the Dyndrite Application Development Toolkit (ADK). The companies aim to simplify the ability for customers to deliver lights-out-manufacturing “recipes” that optimize part post processing. “Dyndrite and PostProcess share a similar vision that production of AM parts will not […]

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Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Stratasys, a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, have applied Hexagon’s simulation technology to capture the behavior of Stratasys’ high-performance, ultra-lightweight Antero reinforced polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) materials and its additive manufacturing processes. These rigorously validated simulations offer Stratasys customers unique insight so they can lightweight components and introduce new sustainable aircraft […]

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The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) announced Diana Kalisz, Vice President, Materials for 3D Systems, as the recipient of its esteemed Innovators Award. AMUG bestows this award on those who have cultivated innovative ideas that have advanced the additive manufacturing industry. The Innovators Award will be presented at the 2023 AMUG Conference following Diana’s onstage […]

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6K Additive, a division of 6K, a leader in the sustainable production of engineered materials for additive manufacturing and lithium-ion batteries, and Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, one of the world’s leading centers for contract research in laser development and application, announced a collaboration to create a complete life cycle assessment (LCA) for additive […]

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3D Systems and ALM (a subsidiary of EOS) announced they have entered into a partnership to expand access to industry-leading 3D printing materials. ALM will add 3D Systems’ DuraForm PAx material to its portfolio, providing its customers access to a unique copolymer specifically designed for use with available Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technologies. As a […]

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Raise3D, a global provider of additive manufacturing solutions for SMEs and LSEs, announces a breakthrough in FFF professional 3D Printing, with the launch of a Hyper Speed Upgrade Kit (HUK3) for the Pro3 Series 3D printers, their flagship professional product. The gradual adoption of FFF 3D printing has shown that, regardless of its speed, it […]

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The 3MF Consortium, an organization dedicated to advancing a universal specification for 3D printing, today announced the appointment of Duann Scott as its new Executive Director. Scott supersedes Luis Baldez, who has served as Executive Director since 2020. Upon his appointment, Baldez spearheaded the evolution of 3MF from development to adoption. During his tenure, the […]

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Med-tech startup Axial3D announced the closing of a $15 million investment round led by a strategic investment of $10 million from Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions. This is Stratasys’ first investment in Axial3D. The two companies also will be providing a joint offering to make patient-specific 3D printing solutions for hospitals […]

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Hexagon and Raytheon Technologies have partnered to deliver a simulation tool that will enable evaluation and optimization of metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes through the prediction of thermal history and defects at the laser path and powder layer scale. Combining technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division and Raytheon Technologies’ Pratt and Whitney business, the new […]

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SPEE3D, makers of the world’s fastest metal 3D printers, announced that the British Army has requested their support throughout the U.S. Army Future Command’s Project Convergence 2022 as part of a concept assessment. SPEE3D is one of the first additive manufacturing companies to partner with the British Army. Together, they will showcase the WarpSPEE3D printer’s […]

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The second calendar quarter of 2022 saw continuing year-over-year growth for the additive manufacturing market, coming in 27% higher compared to the same period in 2021. However, the streak of six consecutive quarters of sequential growth ended due to the effects of inflation and global supply chain disruptions, which also led some firms to reduce […]

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Evonik is focusing on sustainability in 3D printing. The specialty chemicals company wants to align its INFINAM polyamide 12 (PA12) powders along improved overall eco-balances. In doing so, the group analyzes not only CO2 emissions but also other important sustainability factors of its own footprint, such as water consumption or land use. The current materials […]

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igus is launching a new laser sintering material for 3D printers. The powdered iglide i6-BLUE is easy to detect thanks to its blue coloring and complies with FDA and EU 10/2011 regulations. The new material thus increases the safety of machines and systems in the food and beverage industry. iglide i6-BLUE is in no way […]

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FLYING-CAM, a leader in design and manufacturing of unmanned helicopters and pioneer of professional drone filming services, celebrated its 30th anniversary with the World premiere of Discovery, its newest unmanned aircraft system. The Belgium-based company decided to turn to CRP Technology and its Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing process with composite polymers fiber-reinforced to complete […]

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Zortrax’s new resin 3D printing & post-processing system introduces innovative solutions that cater to the needs of professional resin 3D printing users. So far, resin 3D printing has often been associated with producing prototypes due to a relatively low resistance of models, whereas the target parts were supposed to be 3D printed with high-grade engineering […]

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NextMeasure, the metrology software company that puts the user experience first, has launched its free universal software platform. The platform is for analysis and inspection applications using measurement points and point-clouds from an array of input formats and associated CAD files. Fast, reliable and compatible with all sensors and portable devices, the solution is the […]

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Velo3D, Inc. announced that Hermeus, a company developing hypersonic aircraft for defense and commercial applications, has acquired an original Sapphire and a large-format Sapphire XC that is designed for high-volume production. The printers, both of which will be calibrated for Inconel 718, will be used to build parts for Hermeus’ Chimera engine and Quarterhorse aircraft. […]

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SmarTech Analysis has released a flagship data product, Polymer Parts Produced: AM Applications Market Analysis, which estimates the production volumes and resulting estimated market values of various polymer additively manufactured components. The study reconfirms the positive long-term outlook for leading polymer AM technologies moving into significant manufacturing roles across a multitude of industries over the […]

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Oqton, a software provider helping manufacturers increase innovation and efficiency by intelligently automating production, announced it is expanding the offerings it provides through the Altair Partner Alliance with the addition of 3DXpert and 3DXpert DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing). The all-in-one software for industrial additive manufacturing enables Altair’s customers to prepare, optimize, and 3D print […]

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