INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Stratasys to test 3D prints on the moon

Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, will provide 3D-printed materials for an upcoming lunar mission to test their performance on the surface of the moon. The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1), which focuses on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space. The Stratasys experiments are sponsored by Northrop Grumman.

In this moon mission, Stratasys will provide 3D-printed samples that will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure 3D-printed by Stratasys. Three materials will be the focus of two different experiments. The first assesses the performance of a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten. The second passive experiment will see how 3D-printed materials perform in space.

For further information www.stratasys.com

QualiSense provides QA for magnet production

Augmented AI pioneer, QualiSense, is entering into a new deal with Johnson Electric to supply quality inspection systems for dozens of new manufacturing lines. The lines will produce millions of magnets per day: key components in electric motors for use by leading automotive OEMs.

Each production line includes multiple cameras, which will inspect two magnets per second. Johnson Electric selected QualiSense software because of its augmented AI technology, which allows fast and swift deployment thanks to knowledge transfer between different lines. Also, it has an ability to deal with complex surfaces and non-recurring defects present on the magnets.

The agreement is an extension of QualiSense’s continued partnership with Johnson Electric. Earlier this year, the two companies entered into a five-year deal to become the preferred software vendor for inspection and quality control using augmented AI technology.

“This agreement is a reflection of our successful collaboration with QualiSense, whose technology gives the highest level of performance and precision, ensuring no defect goes undetected,” says Austin Wang, senior vice president at Johnson Electric. “QualiSense’s Augmented AI allows us to deploy new production lines quickly that reflect our quality requirements and commitment to customers. For the Johnson Electric team, the technology allows us to save time and make quick model changes whenever needed.”

Erez Tsur, CEO and co-founder of QualiSense, adds: “The speed at which QualiSense’s technology is able to inspect millions of parts is one of the key reasons why companies like Johnson Electric choose us as their preferred software partner. On top of this, we’re committed to ensuring that we offer the highest level of reliability, which is essential for any business supplying to tier one OEMs.”

For further information www.qualisense.ai

MecWash optimises component cleaning at HSP

Hydraulic System Products (HSP) contacted MecWash to upgrade its component cleaning to meet increasing demand and the strict cleanliness requirements of clients. With high standards required from customers in the OEM construction industry, the quality of the wash and dry process was essential to the success of the business.

Alan Atkinson, sales manager at MecWash, says: “We carried out extensive research at HSP to understand the application and the contaminants involved in their hydraulic products. Delivering precision engineered parts manufactured to the highest specifications requires rigorous cleaning of the components.”

The MecWash MWX300 was selected as the most effective machine for HSP’s application, with full ultrasonic cleaning functionality. Ultrasonic wash and rinse capabilities transmit high-frequency sound waves through the wash solution, which destabilises the contamination and facilitates fast and economical cleaning with high process quality.

“The processes that follow include a flood and spray rinse, hot air dry, vacuum dry and ambient air cooling, providing an extremely thorough cleaning and drying process, and a fantastic finish,” says Atkinson.

Stephen Westwood, general manager at HSP, adds: “We considered several manufacturers, but through trials and proving out of the MecWash MWX300’s capabilities, we were impressed with the machine’s excellent cleaning results. This improvement has enabled us to meet or exceed our OEM client’s stringent cleanliness standards. We are delighted with our new machine and value its ability to clean and achieve our customers stringent cleanliness standards.”

For further information www.mecwash.com

Extreme surface finishing for e-mobility sector

Precision and process reliability have characterised automotive engineering for many decades. With the establishment of e-mobility, however, these demands are increasing once again, because many e-motor components require surface finish in the micron range so that no loud running noises occur on gear components.

In this context, the technology of Emag is drawing the attention of many production engineers. Among other things, Emag develops high-performance solutions for gear grinding that offer short chip-to-chip times, intelligent axis concepts, thermal and mechanical stability, and a high degree of user-friendliness.

The company’s solutions for the field of gear profile grinding include the G250 and G160. The G160 is for components up to module three and with a maximum OD of 160 mm (250 mm G250). In this field of application, Emag says it is the fastest machine on the market, made possible by two parallel workpiece tables that move alternately at high speed to the grinding wheel. Thus, while one component is undergoing machining, the internal loading robot inserts a blank into the other spindle or unloads the finished component beforehand.

Notably, the G160 does not have a tangential axis, but instead the existing Y and Z axes generate a ‘virtual’ tangential axis through simultaneous movement. As a result, the distance between the A axis and the tool contact point is very small, which in turn prevents so-called ‘ghost frequencies’ on the part surface.

The possibilities this approach opens up for e-mobility are shown, for example, by an ‘intermediate shaft’ with 21 teeth and a normal module, where manufacturers using the G1160 can achieve a floor-to-floor time of only 33 seconds (including entanglement compensation and proportional dressing time) and a grinding time of just 25 seconds.

For further information www.emag.com

Anca opens Technology Centre in Korea

Anca, a specialist in precision grinding solutions, is opening a new state-of-the-art Technology Centre in Korea. The company has offered local sales and service to customers across diverse industries for more than 30 years in the Korean market, so the opening the new facility is a significant milestone for Anca as it expands its presence in the Asian market.  

Jake Farragher, general manager of Anca Asia, says: “Anca’s newest technology centre is a commitment to customers in Korea. This investment in our global infrastructure enables our team to deliver premium sales and service support to this important and growing market. We understand the importance of offering customers local support and, at our new facility, we can showcase the capability of our flexible grinding machines, software and automation solutions.” 

He adds: “Thanks to our long-standing partnership in with SH International in Korea we have a legacy of innovation with customers in the market and our local team at the new Anca office are poised to facilitate the success of Anca customers into the future.” 

For 50 years Anca has committed to providing cutting-edge grinding solutions worldwide. Anca Korea, located near Seoul, is equipped with the latest technologies, such as the company’s Ultra technology with nanometre resolution control. The demonstration facility provides the Ultra experience with Anca’s MX and FX Ultra machines, as well as automation solutions with Anca’s Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS). In addition, the facility includes support and training services. 

To celebrate the opening, Anca hosted a grand opening event on 5 March attended by key stakeholders and customers, industry partners and local dignitaries. 

For further information www.anca.com