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.

The various technologies of generative manufacturing have been heralded as the next industrial revolution. Andy Middleton, Stratasys general manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, talks about the recent merger with Objet and how he can help toolmakers.

The technology is being used increasingly in die and mould.

In the past, blow-moulding companies have largely avoided prototyping due to the high cost and long lead times of the process. Stratasys explains the steps needed to use its pair of technologies to eliminate these concerns.

Fakuma 2017, the 25th edition of the international trade fair for plastics processing, ended yet again with a rise in numbers of exhibitors and visitors. The trade show celebrated the 25th anniversary of Fakuma.

3D printing is applied in a very broad range of areas: Medical products, jewelery, prototyping, small-batch production. One company that seems to cater to all these branches is Formlabs. At Formnext 2017, the US-based company presented their complete range of products, from special printing materials and a new SLS printer to an automated cell.

Germany – Using a Stratasys Fortus 3D Production System, France-based Volvo Trucks has reduced turnaround times of certain assembly line manufacturing tools from 36 days to two days while reducing tooling costs.

Cost pressure and fierce global competition are nothing new to toolmakers. Still, the industry is constantly changing and 2018 comes with other problems than those of 2008. What does 2018 have in store for tooling and moulding?

UK - Renishaw's Head of Communications Chris Pockett puts it in a nutshell: "We are always restless, always investing in the future." The precision engineering company has been experiencing serious growth over the last few years and on 21 July revealed some of its innovative products which will make their European trade show debut at EMO 2015 in Milan.