Editor’s Corner
SME’s WESTEC 2015 is a gold mine for the manufacturing industry. From SME’s Technology Interchange with NASA to Legacy Effects’ Jason Lopes presentation titled 3D Printing for Hollywood, SME presents it all. If you cannot find it at WESTEC, it may not exist. After exploring WESTEC, here are just a few highlights:
WESTEC
Los Angeles Convention Center
Los Angeles, California USA
Sept. 15-17, 2015
Ambrell is a leading manufacturer of RF induction heating systems with the company asserting to be the first manufacturer to produce a 100 ft. long induction heating solution. The work piece below is passing through the inductor or work coil.
A flexible coil is demonstrated for irregularly shaped work pieces.
Concept Laser had on display a “bracket” on board the Airbus A350 XWB. Together with his two project partners, Frank Herzog, founder and CEO of the specialist for 3D metal printing, has been nominated as a candidate for the German Future Prize 2015 for the first additively manufactured titanium “bracket”. It is a “bionic” holding and connecting element, which is regarded as an important contribution to the lightweight construction of aircraft.
This cross-industry development is revolutionizing the way structural aircraft components are made and “lightweight construction” is implemented in civil aircraft. This component was previously a milled part made of aluminum (Al) and is now a printed part made of titanium (Ti) with a weight reduction of approx. 30%. Source: Concept Laser
Epilog Laser had on display the company’s Fusion M2 Engraving and Cutting System. The Fusion M2 is a dual-source laser system that allows users to perform both metal marking applications and CO2 laser applications from the same system and in the same job. A camera feature is optional.
ESMO, a full service provider of customized automated solutions, featured a fully automated 3D laser inspection and handling system. ESMO is seeking to expand its US presence.
FARO had on display the company’s Faro Edge ScanArm, a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The ScanArm can scan multiple materials including reflective and glossy surfaces.
Fowler showcased the Fowler zCat among other scanning and measuring systems. Fowler claims the zCat is the world’s first portable direct computer controlled (DCC) CMM. AMazing will feature the zCat in the coming days!
GROB had on display the company’s G350 universal machining center with capability to invert the work piece for enhanced access.
Work piece inverted!
Jason Lopes of Legacy Effects, presented a fascinating and fact-filled keynote presentation about Legacy Effects and the influence of additive manufacturing/3D printing in the film industry titled “3D Printing for Hollywood”.
Interesting to note that in 2006, Legacy Effects additively manufactured prototypes for Iron Man using SLA technology!
On display was Mastercam‘s Cad/Cam Software Top Alcohol Funny Car. Driver: Sean Bellemeur Career Best MPH: 259 mph
MK Products, specialists in welding products and custom manufacturing, had on display the ultimate work environment, the Emperor, as a floor prop. We will take five Emperor Work Environments please!
MK Products manufactures the Cobra Welding Systems and Orbital Welding equipment. Shown below is the ‘Python’ welding gun.
SCHUNK, manufacturer of clamping and gripping tools, had on display the company’s line of TENDO Platinum Series Hydraulic Expansion Toolholders. The toolholders are made from tool steel, thru hardened and can hold 3 microns or less of radial runout. The TENDO series is manufactured in Morrisville, North Carolina.
Socal Machine Tools featured the multi-function compact Takamaz XL-100 machine. The machine exhibits a small foot print and live tooling capability.
Stratasys Ltd. had on display an inspection fixture for production and assembly. The fixture housing (yellow) was additively manufactured from Vero (photopolymer) using a Connex3 system. Also, on display was an FAA approved duct for Airbus additively manufactured from ULTEM 9085.
SW North America, Inc. has on display a new mid-range horizontal machining center, BA 322, targeted for 4 or 5 axis machining. The compact machining center is well-suited for small medical components. The BA 322 will be on display at EMO, Milan Italy Oct. 5-10, 2015 and available in the US in early 2016.
Sample part machined using the BA 322 machining center.
United Surface Solutions featured their new flagship CPC6000 for finishing, surface refinement and deburring parts up to 24 inches. The CPC6000 exhibits a reduced footprint.
Verisurf Software, inc. has on display a Master3DGage powered by Verisurf software for rapid in-process inspection (manual portable arm).
Verisurf Software, inc. also displayed a CMM Master based on the Renishaw Equator™ platform for high production shop floor inspection (stationary programmable).
About WESTEC
For nearly 50 years, WESTEC, produced by SME, has been the West Coast’s premier manufacturing event, attracting a broad cross-section of industry decision-makers in Southern California. The event brings together thousands of attendees, exhibitors and industry experts to evaluate and compare cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, advanced technologies, new products and applications. The three-day event influences buying decisions and showcases growth industries, such as aerospace, defense, industrial machinery, medical and more. For more information, please visit westeconline.com.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skills needed for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.
(Top photo)-courtesy of SW North America Inc.
Source: AMazing
