Fotec Research and Technology Transfer at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt has succeeded in making the reworking of additively manufactured components more economical with the help of a process known as ‘Hirtising’.

Simulation in CAM has evolved from a visual aid to a core pillar of safe, efficient manufacturing. This personal deep dive traces its transformation — from the early days of 5-axis backplotting to today’s real-time collision avoidance and GPU-accelerated material removal. What has been achieved, what challenges remain, and what lies ahead?

CAD/CAM company Open Mind is expanding its team in Sweden. Lennie Gustafsson, an experienced application engineer, is joining the team at the Open Mind Technologies Scandinavia subsidiary in Hässleholm.

Germany’s machine tool industry is still waiting for recovery. While export orders show modest growth, domestic demand continues to shrink, weighed down by US tariffs and investor caution. A turnaround is not expected before 2026.

Despite growing awareness, only 9.5 percent of global plastics in 2022 came from recycled materials, a new study reveals — highlighting stark regional differences and a surge in plastic incineration as pollution continues to escalate.

Fresh perspectives and forward thinking: At the fifth VDWF Practical Forum on Plastics Technology, experts came together online to explore the future of injection moulding — from sustainable solutions and digitalisation to the power of collaboration and automation.

HCL Software introduces CAM Works for 3D Experience Solidworks, enhancing cloud-based collaboration and CNC programming flexibility. With Machine Aware Programming and expanded simulation capabilities, the latest release helps identify issues earlier in the process, improving productivity and part quality.

In high-precision industries like automotive manufacturing, even the smallest defect can cause costly disruptions. Vivaldi Digital Solutions, in partnership with IDS Imaging, has implemented a real-time AI inspection system at a Czech production site that sets a new standard in accuracy, efficiency and traceability.

Industry leaders in manufacturing will gather in Limassol, Cyprus, for the Ency World Conference 2025. The event will spotlight advancements in CAD/CAM technology, technical masterclasses, networking opportunities and insights into Ency X, the latest innovation designed to enhance efficiency and collaboration in production.

CNC machining is gaining importance in rapid prototyping by enabling precise, fast, and material-accurate component production — helping to shorten development cycles across various industries.