Stratasys growth via accretive acquisition

Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the additive manufacturing materials business of Covestro AG. The acquisition will include: R&D facilities and activities; sales teams across Europe, the US and China; a portfolio of approximately 60 additive manufacturing materials; and an extensive IP portfolio comprised of hundreds of patents and patents pending. The purchase price is approximately €43m, plus additional inventory, less certain liabilities.

Covestro has been a key part of Stratasys’ third-party materials ecosystem, and the acquisition will benefit customers using multiple Stratasys 3D printing platforms, including its Origin P3, Neo stereolithography and H350 printers. Stratasys is already a distributor of Covestro’s Somos resins and they are already available for Neo and Origin One 3D printers.
For further information www.stratasys.com

Resource centre for machine builders

Machine builders and companies looking to bring new technologies to market are set to benefit from a new resource centre launched by PP Control & Automation (PP C&A). The UK strategic manufacturing outsourcing specialist has pooled all its expertise and knowledge into an easy-to-use online hub that will provide crucial insights into the benefits of outsourcing and how it can overcome common pain points.

Free of charge to access, the content will be a mix of downloadable documents, podcasts and videos that will address key strategic outsourcing questions through a combination of guides, customer case studies and thought leadership pieces. There will also be specific white papers on UL standards, production and engineering topics, and industry analysis and trends.
For further information www.ppcanda.com

Apex becomes Renishaw partner

Edinburgh-based CMM support and equipment supplier, Apex Metrology, is the latest partner of Renishaw’s Channel Partner Programme, which aims to enhance levels of local customer service and product support. This partnership agreement sees Apex Metrology become a ‘Premium Partner’, supporting the installation and integration of Renishaw’s CMM product range, including the UCC range of retrofit solutions and providing access to the portfolio of gauging, styli and fixturing products. Apex Metrology is the first company from Scotland to join the programme.
For further information www.renishaw.com

Drilling steel just got faster

Sandvik Coromant has launched an upgraded assortment of its CoroDrill 860 solid-carbide drill to offer customers improved productivity in drilling steel. The advanced -PM geometry delivers high-performance drilling in ISO P steels while significantly improving tool life, reports the company.

CoroDrill 860 with -PM geometry features a new grade, with an improved multi-layer PVD coating. The results include enhanced wear resistance, better tool life, an overall increase in productivity and, subsequently, reduced cost-per-component. The drill is suited to applications in the automotive, general engineering, toolmaking and power-generation industries.

Coming in standard stocked diameters from 3 to 16 mm, tailor-made tools are also available to customise the drill to specific user requirements. To receive quotations and place orders for customised drill options, simply visit the Sandvik Coromant website.

To further extend tool life and to support a more sustainable machining strategy, the CoroDrill 860-PM is suitable for the Sandvik Coromant tool reconditioning programme. Furthermore, following end of life, the tool can enter the company’s recycling scheme.

James Thorpe, global product manager at Sandvik Coromant, says: “We’re always upgrading our offer and understand that improved productivity, along with achieving lower cost per component, are two major requirements of customers. The introduction of this next-generation solid-carbide drill with an improved PVD coating will enable customers to improve process security, productivity, quality and cost.”
For further information www.sandvik.coromant.com

Smart VMI solutions from TFC

At the recent Farnborough International Airshow, TFC set out its latest solutions for smart VMI (vendor managed inventory), which introduce real-time automation into VMI supply chain management. This customisable portfolio of solutions leverages partner company Inventor-e’s real-time automated technology to complement TFC’s decades of experience delivering VMI solutions, ultimately giving manufacturers better visibility and control over their supply chains.

Smart technology, such as iVendSecure, allows manufacturers to manage and control high-value assets, such as cutting tools and tool holders, by keeping them safe in restricted lockers. Real-time monitoring provides a clear overview of asset whereabouts, where intelligent reporting of collected data can help companies to improve traceability and compliance.

Brian Vince, group quality manager at TFC, says: “For businesses in the manufacturing industry, where compliance and control is essential, Smart VMI is the natural evolution of VMI. It can offer a whole host of extra benefits, including automated stock replenishment, alongside increased traceability of tools, components and high-value assets.”

Chris Billinge, business development director at TFC, adds: “UK manufacturers seem to be busier than ever. The ongoing unpredictability of demand has caused many manufacturers to rethink their supply chains as they look to maximise capacity, productivity and efficiency in their production processes. VMI puts supply chain management into the hands of an experienced partner who has the expertise, local knowledge and global connections to streamline and simplify the process.”

TFC also showcased its ARaymond and Smalley product solutions at Farnborough, such as the ARaymond VDA low-push connector and the Smalley Revolox self-locking retaining ring alongside a range of other connector, ring and spring solutions.
For further information https://tfc.eu.com/