As the manufacturing industry sets about the fourth industrial revolution, you need look no further than smart factories to see a physical representation of this concept. These factories present a new way of manufacturing in which everything is connected. Machine learning and AI (artificial intelligence) systems work together with man and machine to efficiently manage…
Advanced Manufacturing
The automotive industry has always been on the forefront of technological developments and tends to be the first adopter of new technology. Even if these new technologies are only used initially on their concept vehicles or in high-performance racing vehicles. The massive manufacturing advances being made across the board point to a future of significant…
Advanced Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is a process that creates solid objects from a computer-generated design. The digital model is divided into different layers and an actual product is built layer-by-layer until the final, desired output is obtained. An example of a process which uses these manufacturing principles is 3D printing, which is gaining popularity around the world.…
Advanced Manufacturing
Collaboration is one of the most important factors that can determine the success of a business in today’s hyper-competitive global market. Ideas and professional expertise from around the world can be used together to solve highly complex problems in the engineering field. Collaborative software such as Fusion 360 has been designed to make this process…
Advanced Manufacturing
Modern manufacturing has been characterized by the rise of the machines. Gradually, robots have replaced human workers on assembly lines, carrying out repetitive tasks that are easy to replicate. For example, on vehicle production lines a robotic arm can hold a car door in place, while another bolts it to the frame. The automation of…
Advanced Manufacturing
Evolution is a powerful thing. It’s the driving force behind life as we know it. With the technology available to us today, it was only a matter of time before the power of evolution was harnessed to shape the material world too. Generative design is an automated, iterative approach to design that uses the power…
Advanced Manufacturing
Virtual Reality (VR), and its close relatives – Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR), have seen significant advances over the past few years. Oculus Rift and PlayStation have brought VR to the gaming community, but the possibilities extend much further than just creating immersive video game experiences. To clear up any confusion, VR is…
Advanced Manufacturing
When you think of artificial intelligence (AI), chances are that a vision of supremely intelligent computers and robots taking over the world and enslaving the human race spring to mind. We’ve been conditioned by sci-fi books and movies to fear the worst.The reality is far different – mundane even. AI is basically the operation of…
Advanced Manufacturing
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining involves using technical equipment to automatically machine materials into products, parts or prototypes. It is a form of subtractive manufacturing that has become a popular method in making precision parts for the aerospace, automotive, power and other technical industries. The materials used are typically metal, wood, plastics and composites, which…
Advanced Manufacturing
The process of designing and manufacturing products is no longer confined to the real world. Technological advances in computing and visualization devices mean that it is now possible to use virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) to help design teams create products that would have been inconceivable not so long ago.…
Advanced Manufacturing
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is used to design and manufacture products. It can enhance repetitive processes such as drilling holes or cutting layers. The manufacturing process automatically converts design drawings into machine-friendly codes. This allows the machine to read the design and then manufacture the product according to the design specifications. How does it work and…
Advanced Manufacturing
Although there are dozens of CAM systems available, choosing one is not as difficult as many believe. It comes down to choosing the best one for your application. This paper is meant to help give you the tools to help pick the best one for you. Consider the packaging CAM software is available in three…
Advanced Manufacturing
One of the most important things to consider when you’re looking to create a mold is surface finish. No matter what material or method is being used to create your mold, whether you’re machining or using an EDM system or another form of mold making, the surface finish of your mold will always affect the…
Advanced Manufacturing
Many different manufacturing processes are used to actually manufacture tooling for mold making. Most mold making involves CNC machining, or subtractive processing of the material. Other operations besides milling are used, including 3D printing and EDM operations. Moldmakers today are under pressure to create their mold tooling faster than ever before. Although EDM manufacturing is…
Advanced Manufacturing
Traditionally, 5-axis mills were built and marketed for the domain of aerospace and power generation manufacturers. However, the adoption of 5-axis machining centers has increased for moldmakers in recent years. It is the purpose of this article to provide some information if shopping for a 5-axis mill for moldmaking. Advantages There are many advantages to…
Advanced Manufacturing
