Decent year for tooling specialist

Cutting tool manufacturer Mapal was able to increase its group turnover in the 2023
financial year. At €588m, this represents an increase of 5.5% year-on-year. Dr Jochen Kress,
president of the Mapal Group, considers this a validation: “The fact that we were able to
achieve our planned growth despite considerable economic fluctuations over the course of
the year makes us optimistic that we have charted the correct course”.
The company expects turnover to stagnate overall in 2024. “The economy grew slower than
expected in the first half of the year,” says Kress. “However, there are more signs that the
second half will be more positive, which is reflected in our forecasts. We are now
concentrating on remaining in line with these despite the economic challenges.”
More information www.mapal.com

Record submissions for ADIPEC Conference

The ADIPEC 2024 Technical Conference has received a record 5977 submissions, a 16%
increase over last year, with major submission growth seen in categories such as AI/digital
transformation and energy transition/decarbonisation. There is also an increased level of
submissions from African and Arab states.


The Technical Conference is a key part of ADIPEC, the world’s largest energy event, which
takes place in Abu Dhabi on 4-7 November 2024. This year, the conference will feature 159
sessions across 12 categories, for which energy experts and engineers from around the
world submit their work for consideration as a presentation. The ADIPEC Technical
Conference is renowned for bringing together the brightest minds and technical experts
from across the energy value chain.
More information www.adipec.com

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanners

Hexagon’s first handheld 3D scanning devices enable engineers and manufacturing
personnel to scan what they need in a wide range of environments, inside and outside
factory walls. Two new portable devices, the AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan are for
measuring parts in a broad spread of inspection environments that include applications in
automotive, rail, industrial equipment and general manufacturing, as well as heritage and
restoration projects.
“Today, manufacturing and engineering teams recognise the value of up-to-date 3D scans
throughout the product lifecycle,” says Pirmin Bitzi, general manager for portable measuring
devices at Hexagon. “Almost anyone might need to perform a metrology-grade scan of a
part regardless of their location. Our first handheld 3D scanners enable customers to
digitalise parts without worrying about fixturing or environmental conditions, and
MarvelScan’s integrated photogrammetry system aligns to reference targets without the
need for stickering. Wireless and ergonomic, the scanners provide a seamless, instant
scanning experience from the shop floor to the shipyard.”
AtlaScan Max and MarvelScan users can adapt workflows on the fly using ergonomic,
thumb-operated controls that streamline 3D scanning processes in confined spaces and
rugged or outdoor environments. Eliminating the need to access a control PC during
measurement, this multi-mode scanning enables the efficient measurement of different
feature types and surfaces. For example, users can scan open surfaces in Standard mode,
then quickly switch to Fine mode using the on-device controls for higher resolution on
intricate features. Crucially, the data collected under these different modes are
automatically combined into a single, workable point cloud.
The new devices also eliminate the need to fixture parts prior to measurement, which
contributes to significant time savings and allows greater measurement flexibility.
More information www.hexagon.com

Expanded robot compatibility with Hexagon

Flexxbotics, which delivers work cell digitalisation for robot-driven manufacturing, is
announcing robotic machine tending in-line inspection connectivity compatible with the full
line-up of Hexagon solutions. Now, companies can enable robot-driven manufacturing with
Flexxbotics using Hexagon to achieve precision quality with six sigma consistency and faster
cycle times. Flexxbotics says its capabilities enable higher yields and greater throughput on
complex parts for increased profit per part. 
 
With Flexxbotics, robots receive closed-loop feedback based on automated inspection
results enabling real-time adjustments to CNC machine programs for autonomous process
control. With in-line inspection, Flexxbotics orchestrates the fleets of robots in the smart
factory to achieve continuous unattended operations.
 
Hexagon offers a wide range of CMMs, laser scanners, laser tool setters, infrared probing
systems, radio wave probing systems and production probe systems. Flexxbotics
compatibility includes Hexagon’s PC-DMIS CMM for bridge and gantry CMMs, the Tempo
robotic-enabled CMM system, NC measuring software, the full Q-DAS product line for SPS,
and Intelligent Machine Control (IMC).
 
“We believe in-line inspection technologies make autonomy in the smart factory possible,
providing the closed-loop co-ordination necessary for autonomous process control,” says
Tyler Modelski, CTO and co-founder of Flexxbotics. “That’s why we’ve focused on making
inspection equipment interoperable with CNC machines and the production robots which
control and co-ordinate robot-driven manufacturing.”
 
Flexxbotics’ SaaS/hybrid architecture runs both online and offline so that production
continues with or without internet access. Moreover, Flexxbotics works with existing
business systems such as CADCAM, DNC, SCADA/HMI, IIoT, MES, ERP, PLM and others for
comprehensive process integration.
More information www.flexxbotics.com

Sustainability at ASG

ASG Group, the Stockport-based aerospace conglomerate, is making significant strides in decarbonising aerospace manufacturing. With a long-term vision for sustainability, the company is spearheading initiatives across its subsidiaries, including ASG Produmax in Bradford, Bromborough-based ASG AMF and ASG King & Fowler in Liverpool. Group managing director Simon Weston says: “From partnering with local councils to investing in renewable energy and innovative processes, we are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact and leading the industry towards a sustainable future.”

More information www.asg-group.co