The multi-tools allow you to complete various tasks with only one hand and can be customized according to your needs, including multi-pliers, multi-hammers, multi-knives, etc.

In the past, many machine manufacturers had dedicated CAM systems and it was difficult to import CAD data and work with different machine tools.

For Milling and turning machines this changed quite a few years ago with systems able to drive almost any type model or make of milling and turning and EDM machine. In the early days of CAD/CAM there was a significant difference between tha capability of systems but as software and the computers themselves developed it could be assumed that most systems where quite effective. Now the difference between them is in how well they handle complex tasks such as 5 axis cutting, multi spindle machines and special techniques such as trochoidal milling which can all have a significant effect on the speed, accuracy and quality of the finished part.

In the same way, interfaces with CAD systems have also improved with dwg 2D interfaces and STEP, IGES, VDA for 3D and Parasolid for complete model transfer. Some of these can be set up so that as the model changes, the design change runs right through to the manufacturing processes so that they are always aligned. It is not a perfect solution, which is why in the automotive industry, for example, Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers need to have the native CAD system that the OEM is using so that they can have the updated and latest model data and it is down to them to transfer it, as necessary, to their manufacturing processes within their own organisation.

In sheet metal there are still dedicated CAM systems with some machines, which will only program that machine. This has arisen because unlike milling and turning machinery, which essentially all use the same technology, there are many different combination machines and processes which are niche, so have not warrented special attention. There are a few systems such a the Lantek system that do drive all these different applications, but it is quite common to see multiple CAM systems within one sheet metal manufacturer's factories.  For sheet metal, there is also the added complication of unfolding the model parts, nesting parts from many different suppliers in one sheet of material and sorting those parts after cutting ready for further downstream processes such as bending, welding and painting. The short manufacturing cycle times for each part add to the complication as the manufacturer may be working with hundreds or even thousands of parts at any one time, all of which may be unique.

This is a very unusual scenario for milling and turning operations where cycle times are usually much longer and switching between different parts is generally significantly more complex. Here, the solution is automation with techniques such as robot load and unload anf flexible systems for fixture handling or auto lathes with multiple axes. For these, the preparation times are much longer to get the fixturing right and to program or set up the automation.

In both cases, as soon as processes get complex or high volume, effective handling of CAD models is essential as is managing the quotation, customer relationship, invoicing, delivery and MRP aspects of a business.

This is where open systems are now essential, enabling all these tasks and aspects of the business to talk to one another even at multiple or remote locations. Not only does it simplify manufacture, minimise errors and save time but, it also greatly reduces administrative effort, gives much more information about customer relationships and increases transparency about the performance of machinery, processes and profitability.

Taking this to the next level, information could be shared between suppliers, manufacturers and customers, bringing together the complete supply chain. With the emphasis on sustainability and carbon emmissions this move is inevitable and has got to be a good thing, strengthening supply chains and making them loyal and much more resilent.

These changes are what Industry 4.0 is about. There are many more aspects to this, such as machine maintenace, delivery methods, stock control etc which I have not mentioned, but the principle behind all of it is that the systems need to be able to communicate  with one another. and share real time or as close as possible to real time data. Using systems that cannot share data in this way will become a thing of the past in a few short years.

On January 18, 2017, the US Access Board released a comprehensive update to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to reflect the ever-changing and universal nature of modern technology. The update to Section 508 was a monumental step towards greater accessibility in the United States. The revised Section 508 now requires compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards applied to the function of the technology rather than to the types of products, such as computers, mobiles or tablets. Why update the Section 508 standards? Revised Sections 508 and 255 now both require compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards applied to the function of the technology rather than to the types of products, such as computers, mobiles or tablets. The main purpose of the update is to harmonize the standards between different sectors and governments in the United States, while affirming the global accessibility standards. The revised section 508 came into force on March 21, 2017. 

The compliance date is January 18, 2018.Who does section 508 apply to? As a federal anti-discrimination law, Section 508 applies to federal departments and agencies. While Last Database  Section 508 technically only applies to federal organizations, it is extended to other types of organizations through state laws, institutional laws, and grant requirements. For example, many states have enacted their own “mini 508” laws that enforce the following requirements. In addition, universities (including private universities) that receive funding through grants may also be required to comply with Section 508.

Section 508 applies to federal departments and agencies, state governments through small 508s, public websites, organizations with 508 institutional requirements or grants that require Section 508 compliance -The structure Revised Section 508 and Section 255 appear in the Code of Federal Regulation and the Federal Register as schedules. Section 508 and Section 255 are divided into Schedules A and B, respectively. Annexes A and B have two chapters, application and scope, which correspond to how the law is to be applied. Appendix C is known as the Common Section, which combines the overlapping areas of the two sections: functional performance, hardware, software, supporting documentation, and referenced standards. Code of Federal Regulations Annex A Section 508. Chapters include Application E1, Scope E2.

  Annex C is the common section between section 508 and section 255. These chapters include C3 Functional performance C4 Hardware C5 Software C6 Support Documentation C7 Referenced standards.  Annex b is section 255 and includes application C1 and scope C2.Main changes and issues compared to the original 508There are four key changes to the new Chapter 508:Wide application of WCAG 2.0New "Safe Harbor" provision for legacy ICTsFunctional performance criteria (FPC)ICT with closed functionality Wide application of WCAG 2.0Covered web and non-web content must meet WCAG 2.0 Level A and Level AA pass criteria. Wide application of WCAG 2.0, Minimum Pass Criteria: Level A and Level AA.  The requirements apply to the following: Web content: online educational material, Covered non-web content: educational material, Software user interface: learning management system. To understand the specific WCAG 2.0 standard that coordinates with the function, you must first find the parent provision under Appendix A or B, Chapter E2 or C2.Under the provision, you will find where to go in the Code of Federal Regulation and then learn which WCAG compliance applies.

which wage 2.0 requirement should I reference?  Chapter 1: Enforcement and Administration Ask First Am I a Federal Agency?  Yes / No next Do I meet the definitions in this section?  Yes / No, if you answered yes, go to chapter 2: Scooping Indicates that you need to look for more technical requirements.  Then go to the referenced chapter to find the URL and / or postal address and contact details for this standard.  To read the citation, E207.2, know that E corresponds to section 508, a C would indicate section 255. 

The 2 means the chapter number, 7 is the section in the chapter and point 2 is the subsection in the chapter.  This citation would therefore allow you to append a, section 508, scope chapter, software section, WCAG Compliance subsection. New "Safe Harbor" provision for legacy ICTsThe "Safe Harbor" provision states that any information and communication technology (ICT) that meets the standards of Section 508 of 2000 is protected until a change or modification of the user interface therein. be brought. If a change occurs, such as the contrast of a document, then the new ICT must conform to the new 508 standards. Functional performance criteria (FPC)To align with European Union standards, Functional Performance Criteria (FPC) have been added. The FPC deals with cognitive accessibility, but should only be used when chapter 4 or 5, hardware or software, does not cover function.

ICT with closed functionalityWhen a product has closed functionality, it means that certain assistive technologies are not allowed because they lack a “user agent”. To tackle this barrier, additional measures need to be added to make content accessible on such devices.The closed functionality provision is found under 402 of Section 508. It outlines what must be compliant and what the exceptions are.Why use WCAG 2.0 for the revised section 508?WCAG 2.0 has been included in the revised Section 508 to help universalize and standardize accessibility initiatives in the United States.Lawmakers have found that old section 508 does not align with international standards. Lawmakers saw the impact and influence it had in Canada and the European Union, and realized that it could have a positive impact in the United States as well.

One thing that differs from our neighboring countries, however, is the wide application of WCAG to both web and non-web content, ultimately helping to create stricter and more comprehensive legislation. Additionally, WCAG 2.0 helped fill in the gaps in Section 508, such as low contrast text, site navigation, fixed-size text, and meaningful sequence. Unlike WCAG 2.0, the old version of section 508 was ambiguous and untestable. What does a 508 Refresh mean for businesses and people with disabilities? As many of us know in the accessible electronic information technology (EIT) world, the law is often much older than the technology it is supposed to regulate.

As a result, people with disabilities who prevent them from using many conventional websites, apps, and other online services have been waiting for years for federal and state regulations to require organizations to make their digital content accessible. At the same time, public and private entities are eagerly awaiting more direct government guidance regarding web accessibility. As a handful of lawsuits have revealed, the ambiguity surrounding what content should be accessible has caused a lot of tension between users with disabilities and some organizations like digital video providers and universities.

In addition, businesses will benefit from more comprehensive language and language that indicates gaps that need to be addressed (such as screen reader compatibility of web pages and captioning of videos) to properly comply with the Law. accessibility. Closed Captioning and Audio Description Requirements under Section 508 Update The Section 508 update assigns WCAG 2.0 passing criteria to each existing section of the 508 standards. These standards modernize the requirements for closed captioning and audio description as follows:

Hello,

I have some questions regarding the moving plateforms :
- Is using regular seal for piston (O-ring type or others) enough to prevent powder falling into the gap with the walls ? I found no info about that.
- Is there any advantage to use rectangular plateforms, instead of circular ones ? I noticed many machines use these.

I thank you for you attention.

This is an exciting development where Trumpf has acquired Lantek, but Lantek will still operate independently. and in partnership with Trumpf.

The objective of both companies is to have open systems for CNC programming of almost any make, model and type of cutting machine combined with the complete management of a sheet metal manufacturing facility.

Machine tool manufacturers now understand that the market is demanding open systems so that they can have connectivity and which can move towards a smart factory. Previously, there were many stand alone CAM systems that could not share data and were machine specific. Now companies want to choose which machine and technology is best for their application (laser, punching, oxy-cut waterjet etc). In addition, they want to use the information about the machine and factory floor performance to help them manage their whole factory better. The areas included are sales, service, quality, manufacturing execution, etc. and also links to their customers and suppliers.

By involving customers and suppliers as part of the structure of their own business, the benefits are potentially huge as it helps to increase quality and reliability of supply, reduces costs of materials and secures orders for the future through a loyal customer base.

The industry has moved on a long way from simply reacting to orders and trying to get them out as quickly as possible. Systems like the one Lantek offers have the potential of completely transforming a manufacturers business and with an open system, any manufacturer can begin the process of transforming its business irrespective of the setup and the machinery it has.

For Trumpf, they will be able to have this technology to offer with their machines, integrate it with whatever other machinery or processes the customer may have and accelerate the development of a smart factory which in turn will benefit the industry as a whole.

With a solution to the Covid crisis on the horizon, hopefully we can get past the terrible events of 2020.
The fallout in economic terms has yet to be fully quantified but the crisis has highlighted how companies need to be more resilient and flexible.

There has been a move for reshoring in many countries and supply chain resilience is a big driver for this. The potential of something like the pandemic happening again has made a lot of companies think hard about how they can have more security in their supply chains, so will probably want to think about multiple sourcing locally, in house manufacture and reducing the shipping of vital parts from the other side of the world.

Other factors will be flexibility for workers. Many companies have made a permenant shift to homeworking. Where this is not possible, automation is being considered. With record low interest rates and machinery suppliers wishing to make up for a bad year now is the time to take the plunge.

It makes much more sense to automate expensive equipment to maximise production and up time in any case.
Even for companies that make short runs of parts it can be effective. I have seen some really successful installations at companies like Martin Baker where Horizontal machining centres are fed from a pallet handling system giving them about 90%+ up time. Other systems from companies like 3R are within the reach of most manufacturers.

Industry 4.0 is coming into its own now to meet the demands of flexibility. Not only does this improve maintenance and repair of equipment with in depth machine health monitoring, but it also gives much more reliable and fast feedback on the state and costs of production. 

In addition, it gives companies the opportunity to integrate with both customers and suppliers. Not only will this increase efficiency but it will also greatly increase customer loyalty. 

Companies that don't have this will find that it is very difficult to break into key accounts. This model has been used in automotive for many years with old technology. Now with Industry 4.0 it can spread to a much wider range of applications.

Here is a link to a Mckinsey report from 2020 on the subject.

This is a technique where the poeder is added layer by layer and each layer is fused together with a binding agent (glue) to form the part. As with other AM systems, the part gets built up inside a cube of powder so that it is supported by the surrounding powder as it is buit.

Once finished, the powder is removed and the part is a finished shape.

This can be used with both metal and other materials. Depending on the application, such as sand casting moulds and cores the part is ready for use.

For metal applications the part needs to be sintered to make it structurally sound. Other heat treatments include infusing the binding agent with a metal binder such as bronze.

Esprit CAM has been working with CETIM in Fance to develop CAM applications for the technology. You can read about it here.

For a more general overview of the technology there is a nice piece you can read here.

I have known MSS in Rugby UK for years  and have always been impressed with the Nitrogen generation cubes they have developed over the years.

In the early days they just sat on a pallet, but since then they have become much more sophisticated and the plug and play generators they make now are really impressive.

The economics and convenience of nitrogen generation as opposed to bulk delivery seems to me to be a no brainer especially if you can lease the kit and spresd the cost while using it.

Now they have agreed a tie up with Bystronic in the USA.

You can read it here

Laser cleaning robots are being used in the assembly line for the F35 Lightning.
This process replaces hand cleaning of paint to allow bonding of nutplates. Previously with the hand process the results were not consistent so the bonding sometimes failed. The laser cleaning gives a much better result so that bonding is now reliable.

You can read more here 

We all know that Covid-19 has decimated the exhibitions calendar, with the cancellations of MACH, IMTS and many others. This has resulted in many companies and organisations producing webinars, and online press conferences.

After a great deal of work in the back office, we will shortly be able to publish webinars, and even offer reminders to interested participants. Look our for the announcement coming in the next couple of weeks!