The German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) and Messe Erfurt want to meld, step-by-step, their exhibitions, which are Metav and Rapid-Tech and Fab-Con 3D, journalist Walter Frick reports.

Utilising Stratasys’ PolyJet technology, Unilever 3D prints injection mould tools to create prototype parts in final material. It reportedly slashed lead times for prototype parts by 40%

Hermle offers an alternative process to laser sintering in the shape of the MPA technology. This involves a form of thermal injection, in which powder particles are accelerated to very high speeds using a carrier gas and directed onto the substrate with a nozzle.

Belgium – The combination of a laser scanner and co-ordinate measuring machine has proved to be the answer to the challenge a UK-based diecasting company was facing in bringing its products to market faster and reducing development costs.

Like most European manufacturers, Portuguese mould makers are unable to compete on price alone. Those who take advantage of the latest technology, such as a combination of EDM technology and high-speed machining, will have an edge up on the competition.

The medium-sized Knarr Group, located in Helmbrechts, Germany, is a tool and mould-maker that manufactures and supplies all standard parts through to complete mould bases according to customer requirements. In addition to the company’s highly motivated employees, its modern machine tools and its CAM system provide the basis for the company’s steadily growing business success.

They know it’s corny, but Terry Smith and his partner Steve Browning, owners of Hightown Engineering, like their company motto: “If spindles aren’t turning, we’re not earning." Smith says it keeps them focused every day on what’s most important. That is what they have done for 12 years now: kept spindles turning.

Missler Software and Haas Automation Europe have worked closely together on 5-axis machining.

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

A trio of companies reports on the benefits of highly automated 3D computed tomography in component qualification and tool error correction for light metal and plastic injection moulding.