Germany — In a research project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), ATS Elektronik, the Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Machine Tools at Leibniz University in Hanover and Fauser are developing new functions for the Manufacturing Execution System of the future. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Germany — Polyamide 66 has been widely used for transmission oil pans in cars. But polyamide 6 offers some advantages over its brother. It fulfills the key requirements regarding thermal and oil resistance, toughness and surface quality and is much cheaper than any comparable polyamide 66.

Germany — Through its Venture Capital unit, speciality chemical company Evonik has acquired a minority stake in Chinese company Union Tech. The Shanghai-based company is active in the field of stereolithography 3D printing.

Germany — Bavarian contract manufacturer BAM is going all in with digital processes in an effort to further reduce costs and project times in contract manufacturing. With the support of Open Mind, the company has used Hypermill Automation Center to streamline and markedly speed up CAM programming.

Germany — Formnext is to enable the world of additive manufacturing and the next generation of industrial production to finally come together again in Frankfurt on 16 to 19 November 2021. To account for developments in the ongoing pandemic, the trade fair is now offering exhibitors flexible planning and reservation options, including an early-bird discount that will be valid until 16 April.

No, additive manufacturing will not replace mass production processes any time soon. However, as a supporting technology, it can improve mould-making processes drastically, upgrading manufacturing efficiency.

While solid carbide tools represent the traditional tool choice for small diameters, today's indexable tools present several advantages over one-piece solid tools. The manufacturer Iscar offers various indexable insert options for these applications.

Germany - Be it hybrid parts, infusion technology or gear knobs – at Lefo Formenbau, the latest machines of GF Machining Solutions erode complex injection moulds for manufacturing everyday objects. GFMS technology convinced Lefo to be the right solution provider for their needs.

The decision was long anticipated. Now there is clarity. In view of the continuing problems associated with the pandemic, Moulding Expo 2021 will not take place.

Austria — Like in most industries, standardisation can enable substantial time and cost savings in the hot runner sector as well. With the FH hot runner mould, Meusburger offers a standard solution consisting of a complete mould base including a hot runner system.