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.

Creaform says its Handy Scan 3D metrology-grade laser scanner can now be used to record physical attributes of aircraft dents and blends on Boeing commercial airplanes.

CRP Technology collaborated with Leonardo Helicopter Division on the construction of a wind tunnel model using 3D-printing technology.

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%.

Mid June saw Stratasys announce extending its partnership with Boom Supersonic for a further seven years.

US – Milacron Holdings, industrial technology company serving the plastics processing industry, has announced that its DME product brand, specialising in mould components, moulding supplies and industrial supplies, has partnered with Linear AMS (a Moog Company) to offer metal 3D printed conformal cooling products.