The latest release of Visi from Vero Software, Visi 2018 R1, provides a wide variety of new and enhanced items of functionality for both CAD and CAM. The Mould Tool module is based on the Assembly-Ng technology.

A software package for EDM has helped a UK-based mould-making shop drastically cut the time required for electrode design and production, and the company could soon be using more products from the program’s supplier.

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.

Users can now contact advisors via email, too.

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.

EDM Machining – Makino says its new wire EDM UP6 machine improves performance, increases productivity and can machine with better part accuracies.

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?

In 1947, Edwin H. Land produced the prototype of the first instant photo camera. Today, the name Polaroid is synonymous with instant cameras. But despite further innovations for “taking snaps”, the system also found many friends among renowned artists.

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.

Germany – Combining different processing steps in one machine is attractive for several reasons: it saves space, a component can be machined in a single setup, and higher accuracy can therefore be achieved. Hybrid machines, where additive manufacturing processes are incorporated in one machining centre, are currently in fashion. Renowned companies in the sector, ranging from DMG Mori and Hamuel to Hermle and Mazak, in the meantime offer suitable machines.