Metalex Vietnam opens this week

The 16th edition of Metalex Vietnam, a leading international exhibition for machine tools and metalworking technologies, takes place this week (4-6 October) at the SECC show venue in Ho Chi Minh City. The last event in 2022 attracted over 11,000 local and overseas visitors from more than 20 countries.

Metalex Vietnam will this year operate under the theme of ‘Creating the next giant manufacturers’, with the aim of accelerating Vietnam’s domestic manufacturing market. The event promises to offer a one-stop destination for world-class technology providers and local industrialists to exchange breakthrough ideas and business know-how. The advancements on show could lead to a burst of innovation, productivity improvements and a reconnected world. A full conference/technical program will complement the exhibition.
For further information www.metalexvietnam.com

High scan definition for large surface measurement

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division isreleasing a new modular 3D laser scanner for large surface inspection. Suitable for use with both its laser tracker and portable measuring arm devices,the new Absolute Scanner AS1-XL is built on the same SHINE technology as the company’s flagship Absolute Scanner AS1, allowing it to collect clean 3D data at high speeds, even from challenging surfaces. With a wider scan line, the new scanner is suitable for applications such as aerospace panels, marine propellers and large automotive castings.

The AS1-XL boasts an ultra-wide scan line of 600 mm at mid-range. Together with its 1.2 million points per second acquisition rate and 300 Hz frame rate, it can scan large surfaces quickly without losing inspection detail. The scanner also features an extended measurement stand-off distance of 700 mm, which paired with its 600 mm working range allows for hidden point measurement capability of up to 1 m.

“Since even before the launch of the AS1 we’ve wanted to deliver that same level of data collection quality and automation readiness in a device focused on large surface inspection,” says Daniel Moser, laser tracker product director at Hexagon. “We’ve seen with our previous generation of scanners that the appetite and applications for a dedicated large-scale scanning device are out there in the market. With the AS1-XL, we’ve been able to deliver on the promise of that large surface measurement concept in a far more satisfying way thanks to our new scanning technology, which is ten times faster than our previous generation offer, the LAS-XL.”
For further information www.hexagon.com

Creaform releases VXelements 11 scanning software

Creaformhas launched VXelements 11, which the company describes as an upgrade with an impressive array of new features and increased performance levels.The biggest change in VXelements 11 involves VXinspect, VXelements’ dimensional inspection module. VXinspect has been segmented into two distinct modules: VXinspecAnalysis and VXinspectQuality Control. Creaform says it has completely rethought and optimised both based on two distinguished phases of the manufacturing quality control process: VXinspect Analysis is an intuitive and user-friendly inspection software that streamlines designs and manufacturing dimensional root cause analyses, whileVXinspecQuality Control is a complete 3D inspection software for advanced quality control applications in subsequent production phases.

VXelements’ scan-to-CAD module for reverse engineering and additive manufacturing workflows, VXmodel, is now compatible with Fusion 360, acloud-based CAD software for product design and development. Fusion 360 has become part of the line-up of seamless integrations with other CAD solutions, including SolidWorks, Inventor and Solid Edge. Users can transfer CAD files directly from VXmodel to Fusion 360 for easier reverse engineering processes.

With the goal of improving flexibility and simplicity, Creaform has extended interoperability between VXscan-R, its digital twin environment software module,and new robot brands and models such as UR10, and FANUC CRX-25i and M-10iD/8L. VXscan-R also enables users to record trajectories directly from teach pendants with some collaborative robots.

In preparation for the new release, Creaform carried out extensive usability and ergonomics improvements to VXelements’ application modules, making the platform more intuitive to enhance the user experience by operators of all skill levels.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Mastercam acquires post-processor developer

Sandvik has acquired Canadian company, Postability,a bespoke software development firm developing NC post processors that will become part of Mastercam. The company launched in 2008 to focus exclusively on Mastercam post-processor services through partnership with North American and international reseller channels. Postability’s team largely comprises mechanical and mechatronics engineering graduates who work tirelessly to provide client with top levels of support and customer service.

“The addition of Postability’s post-processing technology makes industry-preferred solutions more accessible to Mastercam users around the world,” says Mastercam president and CEO Meghan West. “This acquisition enables us to support our customers by integrating best-in-class post-processing technology along with improved responsiveness and technical support.”

The purchase adds talent, technology and diversity to Mastercam’s ecosystem of solutions. Mastercam says that Postability’s solutions and support are best-in-class and will now be accessible globally through itsreseller channel. With the addition of Postability, Mastercam users will have the opportunity to acquire a broader range of post-processing technology with excellent support and responsiveness.

Jodi Spall, owner of Postability, states: “We are very excited to sign this agreement of acquisition with Mastercam and Sandvik. Joining the Mastercam team will enable us to bring our technology to more Mastercam users around the world.”

Mastercam has no plans to change relationships with any external vendors, customers or support solutions as a result of this purchase. The company says it continues to shape the future of manufacturing, and is committed to expanding the tools available in the Mastercam ecosystem through organic growth and acquisitions.
For further information www.mastercam.com

Okuma launching next-generation control at EMO

Okuma is launching a new CNC system, the OSP-P500, on stand B36 in hall 15 at the EMO exhibition in Hanoverthis week (18-23 September). The smart machine control, which Okuma manufactures in-house, combines productive and precise machining with ease-of-use, energy efficiency and safety features to protect against cyberattacks.

Initially, five-axis machining centres in Okuma’s MU-V series and the Multus series of multi-tasking turn-milling machines will feature the new control. NCMT, the sales agent for Okuma in the UK and Ireland, advises that this latest CNC system has twice the computing power of conventional machine controls, shortening cycle times by up to 15%. It is particularly well suited to high-speed machining applications that demand top-quality surface finishes.

Notably, the control features an on-machine digital twin to facilitate the high-precision simulation of machining processes, reducing set-up times and speeding production. By performing these simulations on the machine itself, production can start immediately afterwards. Alternatively, with the digital twin on a PC, it is possible to perform simulation offline while production is in progress on the machine.

Even inexperienced users benefit from the advantages of the control due to its user-friendly interface. A ‘Smart OSP Operation’ function simplifies programming on the shop floor by providing automatic guidance through all the necessary steps. People without any prior experience can learn how to machine a component in one day, reports Okuma.

Featuring a comprehensive security system, the control protects machine processes, programs and data from cyberattacks. Advanced identification of users and encryption of communication according to the OPC-UA standard prevents unauthorised access.

Thanks to the integration of Eco Suite Plus, the OSP-P500 also reduces power consumption. Smart features record and analyse every operating status as well as CO₂ emissions.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk