BAE installs fourth Stratasys 3D printer

BAE Systems has added a fourth Stratasys F900 3D printer to its manufacturing site in Salmesbury.

Alongside the existing three machines, the latest F900 will run around the clock as an integral part of BAE’s transformative ‘Factory of the Future’ initiative, a cutting-edge facility in Lancashire which brings together the latest advances in technology and manufacturing to work seamlessly with human operators in a first-of-its-kind, fully connected way.
Today, Stratasys industrial-grade FDM additive manufacturing is used across aircraft ground equipment operations for a wide range of applications spanning space models and design verification prototypes, manufacturing tools such as jigs and fixtures, and end-use parts. According to BAE Systems, the use of additive manufacturing across these applications is making production more flexible, faster and helping to reduce costs.
For further information www.stratasys.com

3D-printed bike helmets now a reality

3D-printing specialist EOS has been supporting London-based HEXR with its technology and providing expert consultancy since 2015.

With the introduction of the HEXR fitting app, the company is now offering a complete scan-to-product solution for high-quality, safe, 3D-printed cycling helmets. An app-based head scan allows customers worldwide to begin the bespoke cycling helmet creation process at home. The helmet is then 3D printed with EOS technology in a 100% plant-based polyamide material. A black dye is added before final inspection for structural integrity and finish quality.
For further information www.eos.info

LVD plans technology event series

Following the postponement of EuroBLECH 2020, LVD has made plans for a series of virtual events and in-person technology days to be held from September through to November 2020.

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The idea is to launch and showcase new laser cutting, bending and punch-press machines for the sheet metalworking market. EuroBLECH, the world’s largest sheet metalworking exhibition, has been postponed to March 2021 in light of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Dates and additional details for the LVD technology events will be announced in early August.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Landmark for JLR engine production

A landmark has been passed by the Jaguar Land Rover Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton.

More than 1.5 million Ingenium powertrains, which are used in all of JLR’s vehicles other than the electric I-PACE, have been produced at the factory. The Ingenium family supports the company’s long-term commitment to reduce vehicle emissions and improve fuel economy across its product range.
JLR has committed to advancing the electrification of its vehicle line-up and establishing a concept hydrogen fuel cell powertrain solution, using the government’s recently announced £735m investment in advanced propulsion. The Engine Manufacturing Centre also houses the assembly of electric drive units (EDUs), offering full flexibility between new petrol/diesel engines and EDUs for customers who want to make the switch from conventional to electrified vehicles.
For further information www.jaguarlandrover.com

More tool life with threading adaptor

Tooling expert Walter GB has introduced its new AB735 synchronous threading adaptor that is designed to minimise the axial forces that occur during tapping and threading – caused by the rotation of the machine spindle and its feed travel. The new adaptor is said to reduce tool wear and, in particular, thread flank wear, while reducing the chance of tool breakages.

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In addition to extending tool life, the lean, short design of the adaptor, which can be used in all standard ER collet chucks, makes it ideal for use in tight spaces, such as in turn-mill centres.
According to Walter the AB735 synchronous threading adaptor is more cost-effective than comparable systems. Notably, the AB735 features quick-change exchangeable front pieces to enable different thread sizes and tool diameters (ER16 to ER32) to be used with the same collet – and tools with and without internal coolant supply – thus contributing to overall tool cost savings.
The low maintenance requirements and high level of process reliability of the adaptor also have a very positive effect, chiefly by reducing the risk of breaking the threading tool. Walter says the quick-change system is particularly suited to applications in the series production of threads and/or applications where the machine’s synchronisation results in a high tool wear rate.
For further information www.walter-tools.com