22 minute read
PRODUCT NEWS: Selection of new products
from AMT DEC 2021
by AMTIL
Markforged: Expanding the possibilities for 3D printing
Markforged has unveiled the new FX20 production-ready 3D printer, as well as its ULTEM 9085 filament, increasing the potential applications for 3D printing in demanding industries like aerospace and automotive.
The new hardware prints the flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic material with ULTEM 9085 filament in combination with Markforged’s proprietary Continuous Fiber Reinforcement printing technology for high-strength, heat-resistant, and higherperformance parts that can meet the needs of the most demanding industries such as aerospace, defence, automotive, and oil & gas. The FX20 is precision-designed and sensor-driven to deliver accuracy, quality and reliability to fabricate parts directly with the click of a button. Markforged’s biggest, fastest and smartest printer, the FX20 pairs size and throughput to make larger parts at incredible speeds. This new technology, alongside high-temperature printing capabilities, elevates the Digital Forge platform from accessible industrial-strength composite manufacturing to robust production applications. The FX20 has a heated build chamber capable of maintaining a temperature up to 200 degrees Celsius and the capacity for parts up to 525mm by 400mm by 400mm in size. The FX20 is up to eight times faster than the default settings on Markforged’s existing composite printers and prints nearly five times larger builds than its next largest printer, the X7. Bringing together ULTEM 9085 filament with Markforged’s proprietary Continuous Fiber Reinforcement technology will help manufacturers move from augmenting manufacturing operations with composite 3D printing to replacing entire segments of the supply chain by bringing strong, accurate parts that solve demanding, end-use applications right where needed. Vestas Wind Systems, a global leader in sustainable energy solutions, plans to use the FX20 with existing Markforged composite materials and the new ULTEM 9085 filament with continuous fiber reinforcement to print stronger, higher volume parts. “The Digital Forge has given Vestas a powerful platform to circumvent expensive, multi-step, and time-consuming conventional manufacturing methodology,” says Jeremy Haight, Principal Engineer at Vestas. “When you factor in design iterations, these conventional parts are obsolete in a year or two. With the FX20 and ULTEM 9085 [filament], we will be able to design and manufacture larger, stronger parts, press a button and take that part right off the print bed to use it immediately with the confidence that it is very durable and robust.” Printing the ULTEM 9085 filament with Continuous Fiber Reinforcement expands the advantages manufacturers can realise through additive technology. Adding the FX20 to the Digital Forge platform addresses a broader set of needs and applications. The FX20 and ULTEM 9085 filament are expected to ship worldwide in the first half of 2022. www.markforged.com
Hypertherm: Revolutionary single-piece cartridge consumable for new plasma systems
Hypertherm has announced three new air plasma systems called Powermax SYNC. This next generation of Powermax65/85/105 systems feature built-in intelligence and a revolutionary single-piece cartridge consumable.
Powermax SYNC and its SmartSYNC torch replaces the traditional five-piece consumable stack-up with a single colour-coded cartridge. Technology embedded in each cartridge automatically sets the correct amperage, air pressure, and operating mode and lets operators know when a new cartridge is needed. Additionally, controls on the SmartSYNC torch allow operators to adjust the amperage and change the cartridge without returning to the power supply. The cartridge is manufactured as a single piece so everything within it is perfectly aligned and optimised. As a result, the Hypertherm cartridge for Powermax systems will last up to twice as long and deliver cleaner cuts versus traditional consumables. The cartridge can even track data, like starts and arc-on time, to identify trends and make a user’s operation more efficient. “The Powermax SYNC series delivers incredible ease of use, a lower operating cost, and better performance than any other air plasma before it,” said Erik Brine, General Manager of Hypertherm’s Powermax team. “We are excited to introduce what is truly a groundbreaking new product to the fabrication industry. This simplified operation serves to help fabricators address many of the toughest challenges they face today by eliminating operator errors, downtime, troubleshooting, waste, and training time, while offering the same industry leading reliability all Powermax systems are known for.” In keeping with Hypertherm’s commitment to offer technology updates to owners of its older plasma systems, Hypertherm engineers have developed an adapter for Duramax and Duramax Lock torches. This will enable owners of the Powermax45 XP and Powermax65/85/105 to enjoy some benefits of the cartridge consumable platform, such as faster change-outs, easier ordering and inventory tracking, longer life, and improved cut quality.
www.hypertherm.com
Mazak launches new QTE Series turning centres equipped with SmoothEz CNC
Yamazaki Mazak’s new QTE Series of high-speed, high-accuracy CNC turning centres are equipped with SmoothEz, the latest generation of MAZATROL CNC, which allows for easy set-up, programming and operation.
MAZATROL SmoothEz CNC combines three easy features – Ez Machining, Ez Operation and Ez Setup – to deliver outstanding productivity, accuracy and, in turn, profitability. Ez Machining offers machine users high-speed, high-accuracy machining with thermal compensation control, delivered by Mazak’s Thermal Shield, to maximise accuracy by automatically compensating for temperature changes in the machining area. Ez Operation includes QUICK MAZATROL for fast conversational programming, with a 38cm touch screen and intuitive operating system that can be customised according to the operator’s preference. By integrating Mazak’s Smooth CAM Ai and Mazatrol Twins, a virtual copy of the machine can be replicated in the office for enhanced set-up. Collective management of machine data is synchronised between the factory and office with Smooth Project Manager to conveniently manage data required to execute machining programs – including tool data, workholding, system coordination, parameters and workpiece 3D models. Additionally, Smooth CAM Ai can dramatically reduce programming time with Solid MAZATROL to automatically generate a program from a 3D model using Ai deep learning to determine the optimal process from past programs. The simple and compact QTE Series, which is manufactured in Mazak’s Singapore factory, is designed to fit into even the smallest machine shop, but with no compromise on power. The QTE Series is equipped with a powerful 5,000rpm built-in spindle motor that is capable of ultra-high-speed acceleration and deceleration delivering high-efficiency, highaccuracy machining. Since there is no loss of power through mechanical transmission, the built-in-motor delivers more power during cutting, while vibration is minimised during high-speed operation to ensure exceptional surface finishes and maximum tool life. Two turret selections are available with a 12-position drum turret as standard and an eight-position turret as an option. Each utilise a 25mm turning tool shank size. The QTE Series also comes equipped with an NC tailstock – providing support for the workpiece during the machining process – to improve accuracy and workpiece finish. The tailstock is controlled by servo motor and ball screw, a method that is much superior to manual carriage movement or hydraulic / pneumatic positioning. The QTE has a tool eye as an option for automatic tool measurement and in-cycle tool breakage. This helps the machine to further enhance productivity and profitability by reducing tool set-up time. The QTE is also equipped with a number of environmentally friendly and cost-saving measures, including automatically turning off the machine worklight and backlight if no operator is present, and the option of automatic chip conveyor stop when the machine is not operating. www.johnhart.com.au
The Surftest SJ-210 is a user-friendly surface roughness measurement instrument designed as a handheld tool that can be carried with you and used on-site
Easy to use
• 2.4-inch colour graphic LCD with backlight • Simple key layout
The Surftest SJ-210 can be operated easily using the keys on the front of the unit and under the sliding cover.
Highly functional
• Advanced data storage capabilities • Optional memory card • Password protection • Multilingual support • Stylus alarm
An alarm warns you when the cumulative measurement distance exceeds a preset limit.
Contact MTI Qualos today to learn more about the SJ-210 Series.
Extensive analysis and display features
• Complies with many industry standards
The Surftest SJ-210 complies with the following standards: JIS (JIS-
B0601- 2001, JIS-B0601-1994, JIS
B0601-1982), VDA, ISO-1997, and
ANSI. • Displays assessed profiles and graphical data
In addition to calculation results, the
Surftest SJ-210 can display sectional calculation results and assessed profiles, load curves, and amplitude distribution curves.
M.T.I. Qualos Pty. Ltd. 1300 135 539
or email sales@mtiqualos.com.au
www.mtiqualos.com.au
LAPP: Electromagnetic interference protection with SKINTOP BRUSH range
Electromagnetic interference can be harmful to data transmission and can inhibit factory automation and Industry 4.0 processes aimed at providing quick and accurate transfer of information.
According to LAPP, to create electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compliant data transmission cables, the data and control signals should be locked in a Faraday cage. By forming a continuous covering or mesh of a conductive material, a Faraday cage blocks electromagnetic fields from reaching inside its shielded area. As a global leader in cables, connectors and Industry 4.0 enabling technologies, LAPP designs a range of EMC-compliant connection options for interference-free data transfer performance. LAPP Australia, which has direct access to more than 20,000 products from the global LAPP range, is introducing its latest SKINTOP BRUSH series of cable glands, designed to be installed safely, quickly and easily and to offer optimum EMC protection. “The SKINTOP MS-M BRUSH, for example, has a 360-degree brass brush, which provides low-resistance contact between the shielding braid and the gland, without causing any damage to the shielding braid,” explains Simon Pullinger, General Manager of LAPP Australia. “From the point of view of EMC, the design of cable glands, cables and connectors must be such that the connection between the cable shield and the earth potential has a low resistance. Ideally, the cable shield, together with the cable gland and the metallic enclosure wall, establishes a closed connection. “LAPP’s SKINTOP BRUSH series is especially suitable for flexible cable diameters. The products can be installed quickly and easily while at the same time providing a high clamping range for copper shielding braids.” Advantages of LAPP’s SKINTOP BRUSH series include: • Thousands of ring-shaped brush hairs reliably protect data streams from induced interference signals from outside. • A large, variable clamping range makes assembly and disassembly easier and faster. • The cable is centred, fixed, strain-relieved, and hermetically sealed in one step. Earlier cable technologies used a shielding braid that is twisted into a pig’s tail, and only fixed at one point in the enclosure by a few fine wires. In the worst cases, this generates a high impedance over a short distance, making it less suitable for an EMC-compliant solution. A further hurdle is posed by painted or powder-coated enclosures, which make a direct connection to the metal enclosure wall difficult. “To present a solution to these issues, LAPP’s EMC cable glands ensure that the copper shielding braid at the transition into the enclosure is applied to the earth potential all around and without gaps,” explains Pullinger. “In this way, the cables and wires are connected in an EMC-compliant manner and can safely keep out interfering signals from the outside.” LAPP’s SKINTOP BRUSH series has been specifically designed to provide the perfect Faraday cage environment, and protect cables against any outside electromagnetic interference. The range includes: • SKINTOP MS-M BRUSH, which provides reliable EMC protection even after dismantling and reinstallation, as the shielding braid is not damaged by the brass brush. • SKINTOP BRUSH ADD-ON, an innovative EMC extension that is the world’s first patented, active EMC locknut. It cuts into the enclosure and at the same time offers an optimal, lowimpedance 360-degree shield contact. • SKINTOP BRUSH ADD-ON 24, an EMC protection supplement ideally suited to cable bushing systems. It features a visible, large-area shield contact, optimum, low resistance 360-degree shield contact, and simple dismantling.
www.lappaustralia.com.au
Sullair is offering a complimentary air audit service that promises to assist companies in running their operations more efficiently.
By assessing their current mechanical setup Sullair can see where energy is being lost – and offer custom solutions that aim to bring down operational costs – something which is undoubtedly front of mind for Australian businesses following an extremely difficult two years. It poses the question to the customer ‘Are you pumping money into thin air?’ and asks them to consider an air audit by way of solution for unnecessary overheads during a time of unprecedented budgetary pressure. The service, which is generally free of charge (additional costs may occasionally apply depending on your system requirements and/or location), is available no matter where you are in the country and is run by trained Sullair technicians. Aside from the obvious cost benefits, it also promises to give customers a greater understanding of their set-up moving forward. Shael Esler, National Service Business Manager for Sullair Australia, explains how the air auditing process works: “There could be a number of factors at play in causing valuable energy loss including air leakages, the condition of different machinery being operated in tandem, or even the energy level at which a machine runs during the day, versus at night. We look at the hours the machines are running, the equipment they have on site, the hours the equipment runs. We then collect data from that audit and help our customers to forward-plan based on the results. It really has a positive impact on customers building their budgets and almost always helps reduce energy bills.” The Sullair air audit service is a flexible offering that can work for both large and small setups across a number of industries. Key benefits include: • Helping customers to improve the efficiency of their system, saving them money, time and energy. • Helping customers gain a better understanding of their system and its needs, aiding them in making smarter equipment choices moving forward, meaning more productivity and efficiency.
www.sullair.com.au
TCL Hofmann – Tackling supply chain uncertainty with 3D printing innovations
TCL Hofmann has been appointed as a Stratasys Platinum Partner in Australia and New Zealand as it seeks to help Australian enterprises continue their digital manufacturing transformation journeys.
TCL Hofmann joined the Stratasys channel network in 2019 and has supplied leading-edge 3D printing technologies to manufacturing companies and organisations to help them upscale their businesses and optimise results. With strong teams in Melbourne and Sydney, and sister company TCL Hunt in New Zealand’s major cities, TCL Hofmann’s success has developed from the broad supply of quality products to a range of industries through to the highest levels of service and advisory, pre and post-sale support, and servicing. COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the manufacturing industry, testing the resilience and flexibility of manufacturers across the globe as they deal with high levels of uncertainty in production scheduling, raw material sourcing and workforce dependency. TCL Hofmann has demonstrated its ability in delivering a strong customer service experience, and its appointment as a Stratasys Platinum Partner comes at a time when more and more Australian enterprises are embracing 3D printing. Organisations such as Cobalt Design, the Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) motorracing team and Bendigo Tech School have successfully adopted Stratasys technologies. Award-winning product development group Cobalt increased its industrial design and prototyping agility by bringing two Stratasys F-series 3D printers in-house, for look-and-feel conceptualisation, mock-up development, form-fit-function tests and customer presentation purposes. While working with clients to overcome technical requirements, engineers at Cobalt leveraged the F170 and F270 3D printers to visualise geometries of clients’ requests using real thermoplastics such as ABS, TPU, and carbon-fibre infused plastics. Coupled with a Technology Adoption and Innovation Program sponsored by the Victorian Government and customer support and post-sale application consultation from TCL Hofmann, Cobalt delivers high-quality prototypes and impeccable designs to its clients. While engineering companies gain prototyping and design capabilities with 3D printers, manufacturers find high-performance 3D printing materials helpful in replacing tools that have malfunctioned or are difficult to obtain. An example such as the supercars champion WAU demonstrates that FDM 3D printers can produce high-strength fixtures and end-use vehicle parts that are tailor-made to endure the extreme demands of motor-racing. “3D printing technology is essential in the way we build and manufacture development parts for our supercars, so our entire team is excited to have the right tools at hand to be able to chase the ultimate glory,” said WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart. Working with a partner that can offer industry knowledge, innovative solution and a local footprint in the manufacturing world has brought extensive benefits to both Cobalt and WAU. However, as well as catering to these organisations’ imminent needs, 3D printing also demonstrates significant potential in preparation for future challenges and new roles. Innovation hubs such as Bendigo Tech School are inspiring the next generation of engineering and advanced manufacturing workers with cutting-edge 3D printing technology. The Stratasys J55 Prime is a full-colour, high-fidelity professional 3D printer, with tactile, functional and sensory capabilities that allows Bendigo Tech School to enhance its innovative prototyping and entrepreneurship programs with expert application knowledge from TCL Hofmann. Bendigo Tech School uses advanced STEM knowledge and skills to empower Victorian school students to develop the skills and capabilities they need for jobs of the future. The J55 is a resourceful tool that inspires students, teachers and staff to create original designs and acquire problem-solving skills through 3D printing. Bendigo Tech School is thrilled to partner with TCL Hofmann to bring its full range of 3D printing technology closer to local educators and student initiatives, thereby nurturing the next generation to follow careers in STEM-related industries. www.tclhofmann.com.au
Aluminium cutters bring extra dimension
Dormer Pramet has launched a new range of solid carbide end mills for aluminium and non-ferrous materials. The additions within its Dormer S6 assortment include three and four-flutes cutters, along with several smaller diameters to its existing two-flutes offering.
The S6 assortment is particularly suited to precision and highspeed machining of aluminium and its alloys. All geometries provide high-quality surface finish, making the range suitable for airframe assembly, automotive and die & mould applications, particularly for prototyping. All three-flute designs (S650, S614 and S654) offer smooth cutting action and reduced stress on the spindle. A four-flute option (S662) includes various corner radius designs, reinforcing the end teeth for a stronger performance. A differential pitch option is available on select cutters, reducing vibration, maximising productivity and tool life, while a positive rake angle enables a smooth cutting action, reducing the risk of work-hardening. The S654 cutter features a neck recess to help avoid contact with the wall in shoulder operations and an NRA profile to break swarf into manageable smaller pieces, reducing spindle load and increasing metal removal rates.
www.dormerpramet.com
RMIT University has announced an exciting opportunity for workers to get involved in an Advanced Apprenticeship program supported by the Federal Government.
Digital disruption is reshaping the way we live, work and learn and we are seeing rapid changes in the skills landscape. The COVID-19 crisis has further exposed vulnerabilities and critical skills shortages across a range of sectors and has highlighted the need for rapid responses to ensure economic recovery. However, the pandemic also demonstrated that Australians are skilled up for Industry 4.0 and are equipped to thrive in a digitally-enabled world. RMIT has limited places for existing workers to undertake the Associate Degree Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing) fully funded by a Federal Government grant (at no cost to the student or employer). The program will begin in March 2022 with a cohort of students, and will run over three years part time. Organisations can nominate more than one employee to participate in the program if they are employed in a relevant role and are willing to commit to the three-year program while remaining in employment with your organisation. The Associate Degree in Digital Technologies (Advanced Manufacturing) program covers emerging digital manufacturing technologies that will deliver the essential skills and knowledge required by Industry. This program directly aligns with initiatives by the Federal Government to incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies into Australia’s manufacturing sector, using transformative technologies to connect the physical world with the digital world. In this qualification, students will be trained with emerging technologies including Industry 4.0, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), additive manufacturing, digital twinning, Supply Chain 4.0, Mindsphere, Smart Manufacturing, robotics, mechatronics, automation & process control, software applications and cyber-security for industrial networks. The program is an advanced apprenticeship to teach students high-level specialist knowledge and skills to prepare them for industry jobs of the future or upskill. Alternatively, students can exit after three semesters over one-and-a-half years with a diploma qualification. www.rmit.edu.au
Cloud power – Kinetic ERP for Manufacturers
Epicor has released the latest version of Epicor Kinetic, its cloud-based ERP platform for manufacturers. The new updates follow the company’s aim to build best-in-class Industry Cloud solutions to give manufacturers even more power to streamline operations and boost profitability.
As manufacturers contend with an array of challenges including operational efficiency, supply chain disruption, workforce complexities, and changing customer expectations for digital connectedness, the need for flexible, insights-driven industry productivity solutions has never been greater. In fact, according to the latest Epicor Industry Insights Report 2021, 94% of business leaders surveyed stated the cloud is critical to future-proofing their business, and 82% said COVID-19 had accelerated their cloud migration plans. The latest release of Epicor Kinetic addresses these challenges head-on, and is built to deliver a variety of capabilities that bring the back-office into the hands of frontline business users – including expanded cloud options for large manufacturers, new features to improve insight and productivity, and an enhanced user experience. Epicor Kinetic now offers a new Epicor Cloud Enterprise Services package for large manufacturers that contend with uniquely complex bills of materials (BOMs) and Material Resource Planning (MRP) requirements. With the new services package, large manufacturers gain greater control and flexibility to manage multiple plants and facilities worldwide on a scalable and secure cloud platform. The solution also delivers state-of-the-art computing power, customisable cloud infrastructure, and access to premium support expertise to accelerate sophisticated global manufacturing processes. An array of newly integrated, industryfocused modules and upgrades are available in the latest release, delivering greater capability for quoting, estimating, and eCommerce. Features include:
• Integration of Epicor CPQ (the
new name for KBMax): Epicor CPQ delivers an impactful visual buying experience on the web to easily handle complex product rules, automatically sync bill of operations and materials, and speed up time to quote through to production. Epicor CPQ is also available with Epicor Commerce
Connect, the eCommerce solution built for Epicor Kinetic users. • SecturaSOFT: Epicor Kinetic connects to the SecturaFAB estimating and quoting tool for metal fabrication manufacturers, delivering graphical representation and nesting logic that significantly speeds the quote generation process. Customers benefit from optimised runtimes, welding costs, complex cutting operations, and more.
• Amazon and eBay Connection:
Epicor EDI, a B2B integration module, connects Epicor Kinetic to Amazon and eBay, enabling users who enter large numbers of orders to automate order entry processing.
The integrations also provide realtime inventory visibility and expedited fulfillment. With a variety of user experience upgrades across the platform, the latest release provides a more personalised experience to improve engagement and productivity. From customisations to enhanced low/ no-code configurations within the Epicor Application Studio tool, every upgrade can be adopted at a customer’s own pace to minimise business disruption. This upgrade is complemented with more than 56 new hands-on trainings that are seamlessly integrated into the platform.
www.epicor.com/australia
WIDIA – M1600 face milling for various set-ups
WIDIA has announced the release of the M1600 face mill for roughing to semi-finishing operations in steel, stainless steel, cast iron and nodular iron materials.
With 16 cutting edges and a smart insert design, the M1600 performs in various machining conditions including low-power machines, unstable, non-rigid set ups, long overhangs, weak machines or weak fixture conditions. “Face milling is one of the most common machining operations, so we designed a versatile and cost-effective solution that delivers substantial improvements in metal removal rates in steel and cast iron for our customers,” said Anna Kim, Indexable Milling Global Portfolio Manager at WIDIA. “The M1600 represents a turnkey solution for general engineering, energy and automotive customers who want to reduce their face milling tooling inventory and increase their machining outputs.” The 16-edged, precision-ground insert with a positive geometry enables low cutting forces and low power consumption resulting in higher tool life and an excellent cost per edge. The M1600 has one universal insert geometry in three versatile grades: WP35CM, WK15CM and WU20PM. The WP35CM grade targets all types of steels, while the WK15CM grade is designed for cast iron materials and performs best in dry applications but can also be used in wet conditions. The universal WU20PM grade can be used for the machining of steel, stainless steel and high-temperature alloys in both dry and wet applications. The ‘smart’ insert design features a seating surface below the cutting edge that promotes smooth chip flow and reduces cutting forces on the tool. The insert also has a curved cutting edge and is axially positive resulting in reduced power consumption. These key design features coupled with 16 cutting edges make M1600 an economical face milling option. M1600 face mills are available in six metric diameter ranges between 50mm and 160mm.
www.widia.com
