Self-Driving Vehicles and Related Technologies Across all transportation-reliant industries, we see more experimentation with self-driving vehicles and related technologies. Focused on lessening their reliance on human drivers in the midst of a significant truck driver shortage and leveraging the capabilities of modern technology, these companies are leading a charge that one day could give autonomous vehicles a real presence on the world’s highways and byways. Those vehicles won’t be limited to passenger automobiles. Also making their way into the autonomous realm are trucks, buses, and yard and shuttle trucks. In my opinion, these autonomous vehicles which operate in controlled environments,…
Creaform has added the ACADEMIA 50 3D scanner to its ACADEMIA educational solution suite. This professional-grade, portable 3D scanner is a solution for teachers looking to show students the benefit of handheld 3D scanners and their use in real-life applications, such as reverse engineering, industrial design and quality control. Easy to set up and use by teachers and students of all levels, ACADEMIA 50 uses structured white light technology to scan objects made of any material, surface type or color, according to the company. Its technical specifications highlight its performance levels, with an accuracy of up to 0.250 mm (0.010…
A new report from Deloitte and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) suggests smart factory initiatives could potentially ignite stalled labor productivity growth, predicting a threefold improvement in labor productivity over the next decade. In the spring of 2019, Deloitte and MAPI surveyed more than 600 executives at manufacturing companies with headquarters in the United States and a global factory footprint to help quantify the impact of smart factories on key business metrics including manufacturing productivity. Data analysis, economic forecast modeling and executive interviews with manufacturers conclude that smart factory initiatives could be the key to manufacturing competitiveness.…
With the new release of ANSYS Autonomy, part of ANSYS 2019 R3, ANSYS enables engineers to develop safer autonomous vehicles (AVs) through advanced closed-loop scenario simulation; automated driving and control software development; functional safety analysis; and sensor, camera, lidar and radar simulation. “In ANSYS 2019 R3, ANSYS Autonomy integrates ANSYS flagship products into a comprehensive virtual testing and development environment for AVs,” says Eric Bantegnie, vice president and general manager, systems business unit at ANSYS. ANSYS 2019 R3 extends the ANSYS SCADE family of products with the launch of ANSYS SCADE Vision. ANSYS SCADE Vision reduces the cost of AV…
Stratasys Ltd. has entered into an agreement with Xaar plc to purchase shares of Xaar 3D Ltd. that will increase Stratasys’ stake in Xaar 3D from 15% to 45%, with Xaar plc, through its fully owned subsidiary, Xaar 3D Holdings, having the remaining 55%. In addition, the agreement includes an option for Stratasys to acquire the remaining shares of Xaar 3D. The transaction is subject to Xaar plc shareholder approval. The strategic investment by Stratasys is intended to enable Xaar 3D to accelerate the development of its additive manufacturing solutions based on high-speed sintering (HSS) technology. These solutions are designed…
Nano Dimension Ltd. has developed 3D printed capacitors with the company’s DragonFly additive manufacturing system. These capacitors are embedded in the body of the additively manufactured printed circuit boards (PCBs), saving space and eliminating the need for assembly, the company reports. This type of additive manufacturing of electronics validates the manufacturing applicability of built-in capacitors in PCBs printed with the DragonFly system. Nano Dimension’s testing with capacitors of different 3D dimensions have shown consistent results with statistically validated data. The repeatability results show less than 1% variance. The technology uses the same dielectric and metal traces as in the additively…
Smart International, an authorized global brand licensee of 3D printing for Kodak, announces that KODAK 3D Printing will be expanding its range of materials to include Acrylic and Nylon 6/66/12, as well as launching a new accessory line to enable users of the KODAK Portrait 3D printer to expand on the materials it can print with. Acrylic, a new filament designed by KODAK 3D Printing, combines polycarbonate properties that offer rigidity and are light conductive, while also being easy to print. It is suited to optical applications as the material conducts light, allowing for the 3D printing of interesting prototypes…
Optomec announced it delivered a LENS Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere System to Navajo Technical University (NTU) for education, research and workforce development in advanced metal additive manufacturing. NTU purchased the directed energy deposition machine with a National Science Foundation grant for use in its new Center for Advanced Manufacturing, expected to open in 2020. “We are creating a state-of-the-art lab with leading-edge technology that spans the whole metal additive manufacturing ecosystem right here on the Navajo Nation, giving our students access to critical skills for the future,” says H. Scott Halliday, director of NTU’s Center for Digital Technology and visionary behind…
FANUC has chosen the material removal simulation software from ModuleWorks to provide accurate workpiece simulation on its CNC controls. ModuleWorks material removal simulation is multi-axis, multi-purpose simulation technology that increases shop floor productivity by enabling operators to verify NC programs and detect collisions between the workpiece and the tool shaft/holder directly on the control prior to machining. The ModuleWorks simulation technology also comes with a range of advanced analytical tools for NC-program optimization. “We are very pleased to be working together with a technology leader in the CNC industry on such a vital aspect of digitalization,” says Mark Foti, head…
FATHOM's Application & Engineering Team created this design guideline for 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies—get answers for commonly asked questions specific to designing for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Stereolithography (SLA), and PolyJet (PJ). The easy-to-use chart includes wall thickness, hole diameter, clearance for assemblies, escape holes, minimum detail, pin diameter, Z & XY accuracy, and standard layer thickness. FATHOM’s Application & Engineering Team is always adding to this chart, so check back often for any updates. Fused deposition modeling Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is ideal when you need to build concept…
A new report from Future Market Insights (FMI) investigates the collaborative robots market and provides critical insights for the forecast period of 2019-2029. As per the findings of the report, the global collaborative robots market is anticipated to experience substantial growth over the forecast period due to multiple driving factors such as, growing adoption of automation in end-use industry and reduction in labor cost coupled with high precision work and high regional demand for collaborative robots. Estimated to exhibit an impressive CAGR of ~26% during the period 2019-2029, growing automotive and electronic and semiconductors industry, incessant technological advancements, and enhanced…
Mobile Industrial Robots, a market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), has opened its largest office in North America to accommodate continued growth across the continent. The new two-building, 7376 sq. ft. office in Holbrook, N.Y., replaces the Danish company’s first international office, opened in the same city in 2016. It also includes MiR’s first showroom outside of the company’s headquarters in Odense, designed to showcase its wide range of mobile robots and the various applications that can help users optimize workflow, increase productivity and reduce costs. With the new facility, the company expects to add at least seven new…