The updates are designed to further simplify selection and ordering.
Thomson Inc. has enhanced its popular online ball screw selection tool to include online configurability options, expert guidance, and faster performance.
Design engineers using the tool will now have access to more capabilities and expert guidance in configuring end machining, end fixity, thread lengths, nuts, and related assembly preferences. An interactive reference table is updated, providing one-click access to information on the safety factors for each available option. A real-time diagram displays the status of their assembly, and built-in prompts guide them through optimal design sequences.
“We know how important it is for design engineers to be able to size and select linear motion components as quickly, easily and accurately as possible. Building on iterative user feedback and the latest advancements in user interface design, we have made numerous changes in our user interface to enable designers to get to their optimal configuration as quickly and effortlessly as possible,” said Denise Goldman, global product line manager of ball screws and screw jacks at Thomson.
The following are some of the new ball screw configuration capabilities that design engineers can now perform online with the upgraded Thomson tool:
Faster processing and data loading capabilities accelerate operations and enable design engineers to download a CAD diagram of their configuration more quickly.
Discuss the best ways to recruit and retain employees.
About the presentation In the ever-changing landscape of workforce development, companies need to implement best practices in their attraction and retention strategies to become an employer of choice. We’ll discuss all the generations comprising the current workforce and how we need to leverage their key characteristics, implement new learning, develop programs aligning with the way different generations learn, and rethink policies with the goal not only attract, but also retain these generations.
Meet your presenter Denise Ball is a workforce development specialist for Tooling U-SME. She served as a practitioner of best-in-class learning and development techniques for the manufacturing industry for more than 25 years. Her extensive background in workforce development includes hands-on experience in manufacturing as she assisted her family in running a small machine shop for several years. For the past 10 years, she’s guided the implementation of workforce education and skills training into corporations across the globe to help develop their employees with success, as well as facilitated workshops on best practices and various webinars. She resides in Ohio.
About the company Tooling U-SME delivers versatile, competency-based learning and development solutions to the manufacturing community. Tooling U-SME partners with customers to build high performers who help their companies drive quality, profitability, productivity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Working directly with hundreds of high schools, communities, technical colleges, and universities, Tooling U-SME is able to help prepare the next-generation workforce by providing industry-driven curriculum.
The companies will also be presenting alongside each other at IMTS 2022.
Desktop Metal has expanded its relationship with CNC software innovator SolidCAM, creator of iMachining toolpath technology.
SolidCAM, founded in 1984, has offered Desktop Metal products in Germany since 2021. Now, it will offer Desktop Metal solutions for direct printing of metal to customers in the United States, where SolidCAM has technology centers at its US headquarters in Newton, Pennsylvania, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, as well as the United Kingdom, Israel, and India.
New CNC + AM Center of Excellence showrooms are being completed in Pennsylvania, Germany, and the UK to demonstrate how Desktop Metal’s AM 2.0 solutions complement traditional subtractive machining technology and workflows. Additional facilities are slated for completion in California, Israel, and India.
“The Desktop Metal team is delighted to announce an expansion of our relationship with SolidCAM, a brand that is long trusted by machinists worldwide,” said Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “This expanded partnership means that more CNC professionals will learn how easy it is to 3D print and sinter complex designs on our Studio System and Shop System metal AM offerings, freeing up capacity on CNC equipment, as well as machinist’s time. Additive manufacturing technology is truly complementary to machining, and we’re eager to deliver that message to the market in partnership with SolidCAM.”
“Our Schramberg Technology Center has already added a Desktop Metal Studio System to its current CNC machines, and we’re in the process of adding more Studio System and Shop System printers to our facilities worldwide so we can demonstrate how this additive manufacturing technology is complementary to CNC machining equipment,” said Dr. Emil Somekh, founder and CEO of SolidCAM. “The growing impact of additive manufacturing has been well documented. During the COVID-19 epidemic, 3D printing played a critical role in repairing vulnerabilities in supply chains, especially in the medical sector, and we think it can help improve the throughput of supply chains that remain challenged today.”
SolidCAM will be showcasing Desktop Metal equipment and solutions at IMTS 2022 (booth 134502). Desktop Metal will be showcasing its metal, polymer, and digital metal casting Additive Manufacturing 2.0 solutions at IMTS 2022 (booth 433103 and booth 432212) as well.
How to choose the right metrology system.
About the presentation There are a multitude of considerations when choosing the right metrology system, such as an optical comparator or a multi-sensor vision system. Following some straight-forward guidelines for selecting a system will serve machinists and quality control (QC) inspectors well. It’ll also help avoid making costly procurement mistakes. Primary factors include examining budget, application requirements such as accuracy and speed, facility environment, QC data collection objectivity vs subjectivity, and user skill. It’s also important to review the capabilities of the metrology system's software suite and how its features complement the user's application requirements. Automation solutions should also be a consideration, as automation is increasingly being deployed to improve productivity and throughput, such as capturing discrete points on a part's profile to be built into the inspection process as programmable steps.
Meet your presenter Greg Maisch has been with The L.S. Starrett Co. for six years. He is an engineering manager and has an education in mechanical engineering. Prior to that, Maisch was an enlisted Marine.
About the company The L.S. Starrett Co., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of industrial, professional, and consumer products worldwide. The vast portfolio of more than 5,000 products can be grouped in the categories of precision measuring tools, saws, metrology equipment, precision ground stock, granite, job-site and shop tools. Starrett markets its products through distributors to companies in the metalworking automotive, aviation, marine, and farm industries, as well as do-it-yourselfers and tradesmen.
Sphinx Tools’ offering primarily consists of precision solid round tools (micro tools) and surgical cutting tools.
Sandvik has signed and completed an agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests in the Switzerland-based Sphinx Tools Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary P. Rieger Werkzeugfabrik AG. Sphinx Tools’ customers are mainly within the automotive, aerospace, and medical segments. The company will be reported within Sandvik Coromant, a division within Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions.
“With the acquisition of Sphinx Tools we continue to execute on our shift to growth strategy. Strengthening our position in round tools is one strategic priority for our machining solutions business and with this acquisition we will expand our product portfolio in the high growth area of micro tools,” says Stefan Widing, CEO and President of Sandvik.
Sphinx Tools enhances Sandvik Coromant’s product offering within solid round tools and is an established player in the adjacent surgical cutting tools market. The company is present in Europe with three production sites in Switzerland and has global distribution.
“The acquisition of Sphinx Tools fits very well with our strategy to strengthen our position in round tools. With Sphinx Tools we will have the opportunity to take a global leading position in micro tools, a premium niche of round tools, expand our product portfolio and enter an adjacent area of surgical tools. We are very pleased to welcome Sphinx Tools to the Group.” says Nadine Crauwels, President of Sandvik Machining Solutions.
Sphinx Tools was founded in 1994, has around 115 employees and is based in Switzerland. In 2021, the company generated revenues of approximately 292 MSEK. The EBITA margin is neutral to Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions. Impact on Sandvik’s earnings per share will be limited, yet slightly positive. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.