Tech Updates
that can help product manufacturers achieve
greater productivity or quality.
Digital Weld Inspection Seen as Key to Modernizing Manufacturing Process for Nuclear Submarine
Gecko Robotics will use advanced weld inspection and data capabilities to help the U.S. Navy speed the manufacturing process for the Columbia-class nuclear submarine program. PITTSBURGH—Gecko Robotics is working to help modernize the manufacturing process for the $132...
Swiss-Style Machines Decrease Overall Cycle Time for High-Volume Machining of High-Quality Parts
Versatile part processing improves labor utilization. The following article was contributed by Wauseon Machine’s Jodi Richardson and Jeff Geis. High-volume machining of complex precision parts poses many challenges. Standard CNC lathe and milling operations can result...
Technology Integrator SAIC to Support U.S. Navy’s Hypersonics Advanced Concepts, Strategic Missions
The company will provide research, development, test, and evaluation for Strategic Systems Programs and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane RESTON, Va.—Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) reported that it was awarded a $63 million contract from the U.S....
Point-of-Need Manufacturing Challenge Demonstrates Technologies for Cold Weather Combat Effectiveness
WASHINGTON—Technologies that will enable service members to remain combat-effective in extreme temperatures were showcased by The Office of the Secretary of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program (ManTech) during a technology demonstration in December at the Cold...
Collaborative Robot Reported to Lift Heavier Loads, Work at Higher Speeds
A 30 kg payload is said to make Universal Robots’ new cobot suitable for material handling and palletizing of heavy products across industries. TOKYO—Collaborative robot (cobot) manufacturer Universal Robots (UR) reported that it will expand its product portfolio with...
Army to Deploy AI, Robotics for Enhanced Mobility and Protection
The U.S. Army will collaborate with the National Advanced Mobility Consortium and eight entities to enhance decision-making efficiency for troops in battlefield operations. DETROIT—The National Advanced Mobility Consortium (NAMC) reported that its team has been chosen...
West Coast Startup Eyes Transformative Potential of Merging Robotics, Artificial Intelligence
On the strength of a $32 million Series B investment, Machina Labs is seeking to ‘revolutionize AI-driven manufacturing.’ LOS ANGELES—An innovative West Coast startup is combining AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced composite and metal products. The...
Robotics Company Working to Elevate Manufacturing Quality with AI-Powered Defect Detection
UnitX raised a $5 million investment from SE Ventures that will help the company expand its geographic reach. SAN JOSE, Calif.—A Silicon Valley robotics company is pioneering next-generation AI vision systems that improve manufacturing yield and quality by automating...
GE Research Selects Voxeljet as Partner to Develop, Commercialize Large 3D Sand Printer
The new manufacturing technology will produce metallic, near net-shape (NNS) components that reduce production time and costs for the wind and hydro energy sectors. FRIEDBERG, Germany—GE Research recently selected Voxeljet (stylized as voxeljet) as its partner for a...
Supplier Agreement Leads to First Use of 3D Printing Technology for Digitally Applied Optical Coatings
PITTSBURGH—PPG reported that it secured an exclusive supplier agreement with Flō-Optics for the application of PPG HI-GARD® scratch-resistant coatings, using Flō’s proprietary digital printing technology. Flō-Optics is a developer of digital manufacturing technology...
New Platform Reported to Unlock Future Of Distributed Manufacturing
Using a global 3D printer network, the Digital Source platform from Markforged enables licensing and printing of manufacturer-certified parts at the point of need. WALTHAM, Mass.—A new on-demand parts platform from Markforged is built to enable licensing and...
Kennametal Rolls Out First 8-Flute End Mill
The new end mill requires no stops for tool changes, the company said. PITTSBURGH—Kennametal Inc. recently expanded its line of HARVI™ Solid Carbide End Mills with a new 8-flute design option that requires zero stops for tool changes, the company said in a release....
Nexa3D Adds Metal 3D Printing Capabilities Through Collaboration with Headmade Materials
Nexa3D can bring expertise and experience in ‘ultrafast serial production’ to the ColdMetalFusion ecosystem, the company said. VENTURA, Calif.—The polymer 3D printer manufacturer Nexa3D is moving into the sintering-based metal additive manufacturing space, the company...
New Software Application Launched for Users of Additive Manufacturing 2.0 Production Technology
Live Monitor™, an Industry 4.0 application for users of select Desktop Metal printers and ancillary equipment, is said to enable users to monitor and use real-time data from their equipment to improve efficiency. BOSTON—Desktop Metal, Inc., a provider of additive...
New System Enables Remote Management of Industrial Robots
By allowing users to troubleshoot robots from remote locations, the system can improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), the developer said. SEATTLE—A record 517,385 new industrial robots were installed worldwide in 2021, according to a release from Olis Robotics...