Auto-Form Engineering, a supplier of software solutions for the sheet metal forming industry, has unveiled its latest software version Auto-Form Plus R7. This release brings tangible benefits and enables users to reach the next level of process simulation, the company says.

CAD/CAM - In the early 2000s, Ohio-based Atlantic Tool & Die (ATD) found that their CAD/CAM software was not able to cope with the company's increasingly challenging design demands. The new solution they chose, Visi CAD/CAM by Vero Software, was able to fulfill this complex range of tool and die needs.

Germany - Increasing cost pressures and fiercer competition are driving toolmakers to embrace new concepts such as Tooling 4.0 and to industrialise their operations to reduce idle and lead times by limiting the number of variations in tool components and processes.

Netherlands/Germany – GKN Sinter Metals has announced it has begun series production of additively manufactured precision automotive parts at its plant in Radevormwald, Germany.

Germany – Phoenix Contact founded a new member of the Group of companies, Protiq, based in Blomberg. The focus of the new company is additive manufacturing, using 3D printing.

CNC Software has released the latest version of its machining software, Mastercam 2017. It features 3D machining enhancements, Multiaxis improvements and so much more, the company says. Also, there is a new Mastercam 2017 package for Solidworks.

Latest innovations from within and outside Europe.

Fifteen years, for many industries, is only the blink of an eye and unlikely to be a time of vast change; however for the mould-making and plastics processing industries, 15 years is chock full of developments and advancements.

Regardless of rapid developments in materials technologies, die and mould makers still rely heavily on tool steel. Rolf Krusenbaum, sales director for plastic mould steels at Deutsche Edelstahlwerke, notes that another type of steel has been expanding its market footprint.

France - French multinational, Schneider Electric, is epitomising the ‘Factory of the Future’ concept and has incorporated 3D printing technology across its manufacturing operations. This has seen the company slash the cost of producing injection mould inserts used for prototyping designs by up to 90%.