United States/ Europe – Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies' innovation combines CNC and additive technologies. The hybrid kit can be integrated into any CNC machine for metal deposition (via laser cladding), finishing and inspection of parts on a single machine.

The development follows two recent introductions of machine tools with capabilities for both additive manufacturing and milling operations.

Weeks before international exhibition and conference on the next generation of manufacturing technologies Formnext take place, organiser Mesago already reported record numbers. The event mirrors the rising interest in additive manufacturing.

Quality Assurance – Sigma Labs has developed and released its Print Rite 3D Inspect In-Process Quality Assurance software Version 3.0.

With the “Supersonic 3D Deposition” technology, “SPEE3D” has developed a 3D printing technology that accelerates air up to supersonic speed, depositing metal powders onto a substrate. This technology is said to offer 3D metal printing at production speed.

Production might run perfectly smooth, but when manufacturers face urgent special orders, in-house ressources often reach their limit quickly. Stephen Dyson, Product Manager at Proto Labs, explains, why and how outsourcing can support quick delivery capabilities.

Like in many other companies, the idea of implementing 3D printing into the production process was first met with scepticism at Pankl Racing System. However, the company was able to save a considerable amount of money in less then a year after buying the first 3D printer.

Israel – Cimatron has released Cimatron E 12, the latest version of its integrated CAD/CAM software.

UK – Johnson Matthey announced the opening of a new ceramic 3D-printing facility in the UK to boost the development and understanding of processes on materials involved in this technology.

Components – Germany-based Strack Norma says it will showcase at Fakuma a 3D-printed, collapsible core – the first one ever, the company claims. For this patent-pending collapsible core, the standard parts expert notes that an optimised cooling system that shortens cycle times and improves part quality is achieved with an additive-manufacturing process.