Tech Updates
that can help product manufacturers achieve
greater productivity or quality.
Nortech Systems Adds New Interconnect Technology to Fiber Optic Capabilities
The company also invested recently in a clean room dedicated to advancing fiber optic technology R&D. MINNEAPOLIS—Nortech Systems Incorporated recently expanded its fiber optic technology capabilities with the addition of Expanded Beam Xtreme (EBX™) technology,...
Medical Device Coating Technology Helps Surgeons Navigate Tortuous Vascular Pathways
Surmodics’ low-friction coatings are reported to further enhance distal access for neurovascular applications. EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.—Surmodics, Inc. recently introduced what the company called its “most advanced hydrophilic medical device coating technology.” The global...
Collaborative Robot’s AI-Powered Computer Vision System Enables Real-Time Adjustments in Material Removal Operations
Kane Robotics’ GRIT Vision System is customizable for robotic applications from weld grinding to polishing of aerospace parts. AUSTIN, Texas—Kane Robotics is harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) with visual sensors that replicate the...
Scientists 3D Print Self-Heating Microfluidic Devices
The one-step fabrication process rapidly produces miniature chemical reactors that could be used to detect diseases or analyze substances. Adam Zewe | MIT News MIT researchers have used 3D printing to produce self-heating microfluidic devices, demonstrating a...
3D Printed Surgical Guides Are Tailored to Patients, Improving Surgery for Craniomaxillofacial Tumors
At a hospital in the UK, personalized 3D printing is transforming reconstructive operations and significantly reducing surgery time. MINNEAPOLIS & REHOVOT, Israel—Polymer 3D printing specialist Stratasys Ltd., reported that the University Hospital Birmingham in...
The Long-Term Trends Shaping Additive Manufacturing
By Sona Dadhania, senior technology analyst, IDTechEx BOSTON—Ten years ago, the 3D printing landscape was in the midst of its first big boom. With the 2009 expiration of a key Stratasys patent that covered thermoplastic filament extrusion technology, desktop filament...
Technology Enables Single-Print Fabrication of Complex Multi-Functional Systems, Robots
Inkbit’s new technology offers a way to manufacture multi-material systems without assembly of subcomponents. MEDFORD, Mass.—Traditional manufacturing methods can struggle to fabricate systems that mirror the intricate structures and varied material properties found...
New 3D Printer Reported to Unlock Demanding Applications with Improved Accuracy, Uptime
Stratasys’s FDM printer is said to expand the range of production capabilities for manufacturers in industries like aerospace, military, and automotive. EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., and REHOVOT, Israel—A new 3D printer from Stratasys is reported to provide higher part quality...
New Partnership Builds on Effort to Optimize Manufacturing Processes
Aiming for quick optimization and cycle time reduction, the partnership teams Realtime Robotics’ Optimization-as-a-Service with HLS Engineering Group’s expertise in mechanical engineering and automation. BOSTON—Realtime Robotics recently partnered with HLS Engineering...
Optimization Service Reported to Help Manufacturers Boost Productivity, Reduce Cycle Time
The new service from Realtime Robotics is said to optimize robot paths and interlocks without interrupting or impacting existing processes. BOSTON—Achieving more productivity from automation can help manufacturers, including major automotive OEMs and tier suppliers,...
Digital Sheet Metal Forming Machine Reported to Shape Parts Without Custom Tooling
Desktop Metal’s patented technology is said to provide manufacturers a competitive way to form sheet metal parts quickly for automotive, appliance, and aerospace applications. BOSTON—Additive manufacturing technology firm Desktop Metal made the first commercial...
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...