Germany — How can components — e.g. injection molds for filter housings — be machined with a precision of less than 1 µm and surfaces in the low single-digit nanometer range? At EMO 2021 in Milan, Hall 1 Booth C21, Kern Microtechnik will be demonstrating live how this is done.

Zeiss came up with a unique quality assurance process to manufacture 3D printed pistons for the high-performance engine of Porsche's 911 model – the GT2 RS. Numerous solutions were used by the company to analyse the quality of the powder, identify defects and examine the final quality of the components.

UK — At the forthcoming EMO exhibition, Chiron will present its Micro5 compact machining centre. The small machine promises high precision for small workpieces.

Ireland — With up to 30 % of its machined components manufactured from hard metals, Longford based N&E Precision acknowledged a requirement for EDM technology to complement its extensive CNC machine shop facilities. In September 2019, the subcontract manufacturer invested in its first Mitsubishi wire EDM machine and soon after in a second Mitsubishi machine from the Engineering Technology Group (ETG).

China - Prompted by rapid development of the additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy industries in China, the Formnext + PM South China trade show will debut in Shenzhen, China, in September 2020.

Germany — Cleaning expert Ecoclean will be presenting a complete program of solutions for every cleaning task at this year’s parts2clean trade fair in Stuttgart from 5 to 7 October 2021. The presentations also includes developments for automating and digitising the cleaning process as well as services tailored to customer requirements. .

Other company components include lifters and vacuum units.

As 3D printers become larger, faster, and more accurate, their manufacturers face the next challenge: How do we bring additive manufacturing into an industrial manufacturing chain?

UK — In order to boost supply chain capacity in the UK and help customers manage costs, Protolabs launched a new CNC Flexible Lead Time option.

Italy / Germany - The production of high-quality aluminium extrusion tools is an art unto itself. Through the introduction of of laser measurement and touch probes in its machining centres, an Italian toolmaker has significantly reduced machining time while at the same time improving accuracy.