precision writing
From SimCity to Universe in a Shoebox—the growth of digital twins and what they mean to small- and medium-sized manufacturers Video game developer Maxis released its hit product SimCity in 1989. In it, players constructed digital replicas of streets, buildings,…
Three recent laser marking advancements have hit the market to improve operations There’s no shortage of ways to identify machined and fabricated metal components. Bag and tag. Adhesive labels. Electrochemical etching. Rubber stamps and an ink pad. For those with…
Kip Hanson of Manufacturing Engineering speaks with David Leigh, CTO at 3D Systems and a pioneer of 3D printing. KIP HANSON, ME: I see that you’re relatively new to 3D Systems but have many years in the additive manufacturing and rapid…
Guayente Sanmartin of HP talks with Contributing Editor Kip Hanson Kip Hanson, ME: Given the constant change in the 3D printing technology, at least some of which has been driven by HP, when will it become a “mature” industry, thereby coaxing…
Marie, Capital magazine recently named you as one of Germany’s “Young Elite—Top 40 under 40.” Were you surprised, and how did it make you feel? I was indeed surprised and proud to receive this honor after just one year as…
New York manufacturing team develops a low-cost emergency ventilator in three weeks In times of need, manufacturing is driven by a philosophy John Lennon said best, “There are no problems, only solutions.” Today, manufacturers have pivoted to produce the critical…
Maybe your company specializes in aerospace or medical components, and you need to produce complex geometries in metals too tough to cut via conventional machining methods. Or maybe you work in or own a tool and cutter shop, and are…
For those of you who’ve poured your hearts and hundreds of hours into a batch of precision parts, stacked them lovingly on a pallet and wrapped it all in plastic, cardboard and metal banding before placing it into the back…
As strong as steel but half the weight, titanium is a favorite among aircraft builders. Part 1 of a 3-part series on the history of titanium, its many uses, and how to machine this important metal. Part 2, to run…
Understanding how cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and tool paths can tame the difficult-to-cut metal. Part 2 of a 3-part series on the history of titanium. Part 1, in the March 2016 issue of AM&D, covered the history of the…