Who are the top automotive suppliers in Germany and which are the largest worldwide? Definition, examples, trends and industry knowledge — simply explained and at a glance!

A new software for Trumpf 3D printers manages almost without support structures, as the Ditzingen-based company will demonstrate at EMO Hannover 2023.

Aim 3D's new material qualification study on the Exam 510 system reveals promising advancements in 3D printing using Ultem 9085 resin pellets. With potential cost savings up to a factor of seven and increased build speeds, the technology aims to disrupt traditional filament-based 3D printing, particularly in high-performance sectors like aerospace.

Semantic interoperability is considered key for the implementation of Industry 4.0. Standardized and secure communication from the field device to the cloud is no longer a vision, but a reality that can be implemented with the help of OPC UA. In this article you will learn what this open communication standard is all about.

The companies Strack Norma and Desoi agree on a closer cooperation at the beginning of the 4th quarter of the year 2023. The focus of the closer sales cooperation is, among other things, joint training for the designer as well as coordinated marketing and sales campaigns.

In a rapidly evolving global landscape impacted by events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and rising protectionism, understanding the dynamics of the tooling industry is more crucial than ever for companies. The World of Tooling 2022 study by the WBA Tooling Academy Aachen provides a comprehensive analysis of international tooling markets, spotlighting key players and emerging trends.

Steel Buy, an online platform that facilitates the buying and selling of metals, has reported a £1 million turnover since its launch earlier this year. The platform has facilitated more than 300 transactions, enabling companies in the UK to trade mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.

Tool and mould making in China is benefiting from the positive development of its customer industries. Here we provide an overview of the most important players in the market.

EMO Hannover returns after a four-year break, attracting a large number of international visitors. With a focus on automation, digitalisation and sustainable manufacturing, the event draws participation from 45 countries and emphasises emerging technologies such as collaborative robots.

The 34th edition of BI-MU, a key event in the manufacturing and technology sector, will take place from 9 to 12 October at Fieramilano Rho. Organised by Efim-Ente Fiere Italiane Macchine and promoted by Ucimu-Sistemi per Produrre, the exhibition will feature eight thematic areas ranging from robotics and AI to additive manufacturing and cybersecurity.

The 28th Fakuma international trade fair will be opening its doors in Friedrichshafen, Germany, from 17 to 21 October 2023. The trade fair highlight for injection moulding, extrusion technology, thermoforming and 3D printing will focus on several future-oriented topics.

Formnext's ninth international Start-up Challenge recognises five emerging companies for their groundbreaking work in additive manufacturing. Hailing from four different countries, these winners showcase innovations ranging from medical applications, material recycling and new 3D printing technologies for various industries.

The companies Strack Norma and Desoi agree on a closer cooperation at the beginning of the 4th quarter of the year 2023. The focus of the closer sales cooperation is, among other things, joint training for the designer as well as coordinated marketing and sales campaigns.

Strack Norma will present its innovations in the field of injection moulding and die casting tools at the Fakuma International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing from October 17 to 21 in Friedrichshafen. In doing so, the Lüdenscheid-based company is continuing its path towards Industry 4.0 and is expanding its digital offering to include mould location and a new variant of flow monitoring.

Mencom's 21.21 rectangular connectors are ideal for modern industrial applications due to their resistance to environmental factors and compact design. Their new size 21.21 metal hood with angled M25 cable entry is designed to reduce stress on the locking lever and is available in four versions tailored for various environments and requirements.

Component supplier Strack Norma presents Tool-Strack, a new locating system for tools that offers precise localisation indoors or outdoors by combining different locating technologies.

Germany-based digital manufacturing company Replique, which focuses on creating simple and sustainable industrial processes, has used industry-leading HP Multi Jet Fusion technology to transform the way wheelchairs are designed and manufactured, making production more efficient, cost-effective and personalised for the end user.

3D printing company Eplus 3D has introduced a new addition to its large platform printing technology, the EP-M1550. The system features a 16-laser configuration and claims to have the largest build platform available for Metal Powder Bed Fusion (MPBF) technology, improving the economics of large format part production.

Aim 3D's new material qualification study on the Exam 510 system reveals promising advancements in 3D printing using Ultem 9085 resin pellets. With potential cost savings up to a factor of seven and increased build speeds, the technology aims to disrupt traditional filament-based 3D printing, particularly in high-performance sectors like aerospace.

Formnext's ninth international Start-up Challenge recognises five emerging companies for their groundbreaking work in additive manufacturing. Hailing from four different countries, these winners showcase innovations ranging from medical applications, material recycling and new 3D printing technologies for various industries.

Dohlen & Krott Werkzeugbau in Baesweiler elevates its production of complex injection moulded parts to new levels of speed and precision with the Versa 645 linear machining centre from Fehlmann. After a rigorous benchmarking process, the company opted for the Swiss-made machine, citing its unmatched precision, energy efficiency, and compact footprint.

Tooling 2000, a leader in automotive tooling based in Birmingham, takes a bold step into the future with a 1.8 million pound investment in cutting-edge machinery and additional staff. The move aims to meet growing demand for complex components and expand into new sectors like renewable energy.

West End Precision, which serves sectors like automotive and aerospace, has been investing in newer, faster machines to keep up with surging demand. The latest acquisition, a Nakamura WT150IIF, enhances production efficiency and reduces downtime, while also featuring energy-efficient technology aimed at reducing power consumption and CO2 emissions.

Machine tools like milling and turning centres must minimise processing time and maximise output, all while producing high-quality finished parts to tight tolerances. Bearings are central to this premise. Visitors to Booth C42 in Hall 7 at EMO Hannover 2023 (18-23 September) will find the perfect platform for exploring NSK’s latest bearing solutions.

Measuring the value of automation is crucial to the long-term success of any automation initiative. Decisions based on gut instinct are not particularly effective in this regard. Only through a data-driven approach can automation leaders identify where automation graves have been created and where automation can be effectively deployed to deliver the best business benefits.

Maintaining a consistent temperature within a mould is critical for both robust manufacturing processes and high quality components. At the upcoming Fakuma, Sigma Engineering will be demonstrating the design of cooling systems using its Sigmasoft software. A case study with /H&B/ Electronic illustrates a cooling channel created using metal 3D printing technology.

Module Works and Cetim have partnered to integrate Self-Driving CAM technology into Cetim's Techni Quote software, aiming to simplify and accelerate cost estimation in milling operations. The collaboration seeks to automate workflows and make estimates more accurate by utilizing toolpath data.

Software company CG Tech is set to showcase Vericut 9.4 at stand N112 during the Advanced Engineering exhibition, which takes place on November 1-2 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK.

Mold-Masters is committed to aiding its customers in achieving their sustainability objectives through a multifaceted approach. The focus is on four key areas: the use of Hot Runners over Cold Runners and Product Lightweighting helps in reducing plastic consumption.

Hasco introduces new Z 9410/... hexagon socket pipe plugs, available in either brass with an integrated FKM O-ring or in a high-temperature stainless steel version. Designed for sealing cooling holes in injection moulding tools, these plugs are compatible with hot or cold water and heat transfer oil, capable of withstanding various temperature ranges.

As of now, each manifold system from Ewikon undergoes an automated thermal simulation during the design phase at no additional cost or time to the designer. Additionally, the company's smart Control assistance system offers an integrated solution for efficient process monitoring in networked injection moulding production. The system, set to be showcased at Fakuma, will include support for Euromap 63 and 77 along with a further optimised user interface.

Under the motto “Digitalisation meets standardisation”, Hasco will present at Fakuma and the subsequent trade shows a number of interesting new and further developments from the fields of Mould Base and Hot Runner.

Cutting tool manufacturer BIG Kaiser introduces its new Hydraulic Chuck Ultra Precision, targeting machine shops requiring high-precision milling. Distributed by Industrial Tooling Corporation in the UK, the chuck promises runout of less than 1 micron at 4XD and offers an extended lifespan compared to traditional shrink-fit holders.

Tool supplier Big Daishowa expands its line of power chucks with the Mega 12DS, a tool designed for high-performance trochoidal milling. Featuring enhanced rigidity and high clamping force, the Mega 12DS is compatible with a variety of end mills and aims to enable stable, high-speed machining.

Unilap, originally founded as South Yorkshire Saw & Tool Co, has diversified its product lines and industries served over the past 50 years. In 2022, the company made significant technology investments, acquiring three new Vollmer machines to enhance productivity and automate processes.

When grooving components radially, axially or internally to micron precision on a sliding-head lathe, or when carrying out longitudinal turning or parting-off, production output may be raised following the introduction of a redesigned insert clamping method by cutting tool manufacturer, Horn.