Contract manufacturing network for AM

EOS, a supplier for responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology, has launched its new contract manufacturing network. The network connects end customers with established additive manufacturing (AM) production partners, so they can create high-quality parts in a fast and reliable way. Initially the network will be set up in the EMEA region with seven partners, namely FKM, Erpro, Volum-e, Pankl, Materialise, Oerlikon, and Hasenauer & Hesser. It will be expanded globally, with more partners joining over the coming months.
For further information www.eos.info

Showcasing innovation for automotive sector

On 9 November, Seco Tools and selected partners will host an automotive and general engineering ITI (inspiration through innovation) hybrid live event. Machining demonstration sessions as well as expert presentations will introduce the latest solutions for automotive manufacturing and general engineering. Hosted physically in the new innovation hub in Erkrath near Düsseldorf, Germany, the German automotive ITI programme will stream live online. In addition, an English stream will be available sharing highlights and interviews from the live German event.
For further information www.bit.ly/3zM1PIA

Automated post-processing cell for AM

Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, will show additive manufacturing solutions for every stage of the product value chain at Formnext (15-18 November, Frankfurt, Germany). From Hall 12.1, stand D121, the company will display its P3 Automated Production Cell, a system that automates the movement of parts between multiple 3D printers and post-processing equipment for cleaning, drying and curing. The goal is to reduce the labour resources required as 3D printing scales up on the factory floor. Stratasys will also show its support for innovation in urban mobility with a new vehicle category.
For further information www.stratasys.com

GKN Aerospace buys AM specialist

GKN Aerospace has acquired a pioneering Swedish additive manufacturing (AM) system business as part of its Engines business’s journey to transform its supply chain and offer more sustainable and advanced material solutions to customers. Permanova Lasersystem AB, based in Gothenburg, is a specialist in advanced laser technology and cell integration, and a current supplier of laser welding and laser metal deposition systems to GKN Aerospace. The move is also a milestone in the company’s sustainability journey, with AM reducing material and energy usage by up to 80% compared with traditional manufacturing.
For further information www.gknaerospace.com

Five-axis machines provide growth opportunities

Speed, power and precision are qualities coveted by Justin and Maryann Schaller, both in terms of the family-owned Schaller Group and in their other shared passion of hydroplane racing. And the speed, power and precision of Starrag’s STC 800 X five-axis machining centres are playing a key role in both their business and their sport.

The brother and sister duo are executives of the Schaller Group, a third-generation Michigan-based precision metal-forming and assembly company that manufactures parts for the aerospace, military, automotive and medical industries.

The Starrag STC 800 X was chosen not only because it is suited to machining complex aluminium workpieces, but also because its precision capabilities, axis configuration and ability to five-axis mill with the use of a rotary table and a 30,000 rpm, 120 kW tilting spindle will enable Schaller to expand into other industry sectors.

With an A-axis range of -100/+60°, no angle heads are necessary for machining complex parts. The rotary table allows economical machining by using a tombstone set-up or multiple parts and fixtures on the same table. Additionally, with two STCs integrated into a manufacturing system, Schaller has high levels of flexibility in production.

“These are the perfect machines for growth,” says business development specialist Maryann Schaller. “We started in the aerospace industry in the 1980s; it’s a great growth market, but we also know the importance of diversifying.”

Schaller selected Starrag machines because they can be utilised in any industry that requires high precision, complex parts including racing vehicles, satellites or electrical vehicles.

“Starrag’s capabilities allows Schaller to meet those diverse needs,” she says.
For further information www.starrag.com