Tech Updates
that can help product manufacturers achieve
greater productivity or quality.
Specialized Rough Machining Is Key to Producing Near Net-Shape Forgings
The approach reduces waste and allows for more uniform property development throughout critical sections of the final part, according to AMFG. FAIRFIELD, N.J.—As manufacturers search for greater efficiency and durability from forged components, All Metals & Forge...
High-speed Friction Stir Welding Reported to Provide Stronger, More Reliable Welds Than Traditional Methods
Mazak MegaStir will highlight the benefits of the process by pairing its FSW technology with a Mazak VC-Ez 16 CNC Turning Center at an upcoming event. FLORENCE, Ky.—The benefits of high-speed friction stir welding (FSW) will be on display when Mazak MegaStir...
Dry Docking Milestone Shines Light on Electrostatic Coating Method
PPG’s electrostatic application of marine hull coatings is reported to improve efficiency and reduce waste. AMSTERDAM—Coatings manufacturer PPG reported that it recently performed the 100th dry docking using electrostatic application for marine hull coatings. The...
Companies Collaborate on Cobot Integration
MILWAUKEE—Regal Rexnord Corporation reported that it joined forces with automation company ABB Robotics to simplify integration of its GoFa™ collaborative robots (cobots) into 7th Axis Cobot Transfer Units (CTUs) from Regal Rexnord’s linear motion brand, Thomson....
‘Ultrafast’ Laser Platform Suited for Precision Manufacturing Across Range of Applications, Company Says
Lumentum’s new platform is designed for high-throughput, precision micromachining in mass production lines for printed circuit boards, solar cells, and consumer electronics. SAN JOSE, Calif.—An “ultrafast” laser platform introduced by Lumentum Holdings Inc., is...
Surprisingly Diverse Innovations Led to Dramatically Cheaper Solar Panels
New research can identify opportunities to drive down the cost of renewable energy systems, batteries, and many other technologies. Adam Zewe | MIT News CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—The cost of solar panels has dropped by more than 99 percent since the 1970s, enabling widespread...
6-Axis Motion Platform and Alignment System Offers High-Performance Direct Drive Mechanics
PI’s new platform supports optimization of high-throughput processes in fields from photonics integrated circuits to optics, metrology, and micro-assembly. AUBURN, Mass.—A new 6-axis motion platform and alignment system introduced by PI (Physik Instrumente) is...
3D Measurement Technology Reported to Boost Precision, Efficiency of Sheet Metal Stamping
FARO’s technology simplifies and accelerates quality assurance and inspection procedures, the company said. LAKE MARY, Fla.—Sheet metal stamping is a highly exacting process, where even the smallest deviation can cause costly delays, scrap, or safety concerns. FARO®...
General Motors, LG Energy Solution Working to Pioneer LMR Battery Cell Technology
DETROIT—General Motors (GM) will work with LG Energy Solution to achieve what GM described as a new battery technology breakthrough—commercialization of lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. Through...
Humanoid Robot Combines Advanced Locomotion, Sensor Fusion, AI-Based Spatial Intelligence
Hexagon’s new robot is expected to help improve safety and drive autonomy across the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors. STOCKHOLM—A new humanoid robot introduced by measurement technology company Hexagon is designed specifically to meet real-world...
Flex Collaborating with MIT to Advance Future of Manufacturing with AI, Automation
AUSTIN, Texas—Flex recently announced a strategic collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on its new Initiative for New Manufacturing (INM)— a bold, Institute-wide effort to reimagine industrial production, drive innovation through advanced...
Manufacturer Launches Next-Generation Magnesium Production Technology
Magrathea’s technology enables U.S. companies to secure a reliable supply of critical minerals amid shifting trade policies and export controls, the company said. SAN FRANCISCO—A next-generation magnesium chloride electrolyzer introduced by Magrathea uses electricity...
System Lets Robots Identify an Object’s Properties Through Handling
With a novel simulation method, robots can guess the weight, softness, and other physical properties of an object just by picking it up. Adam Zewe | MIT News CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—A human clearing junk out of an attic can often guess the contents of a box simply by picking...
Ninety-Five Percent of Manufacturers Reported to Be Investing in AI to Navigate Uncertainty, Accelerate Smart Manufacturing
A global report, conducted in association with Rockwell Automation and Sapio Research, reveals how the convergence of people and technology is transforming operations and strengthening industrial resilience. MILWAUKEE—Rockwell Automation, Inc., a company dedicated to...
Precision Measurement Systems Are Suited for Cleanroom and High-Tech Manufacturing Environments
Two new systems from BOLD Laser Automation are reported to provide fast, accurate, and repeatable non-contact measurements. BEDFORD, N.H.—Two precision measurement systems recently introduced by Bold Laser Automation, Inc., are reported to be engineered to provide...