MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
PR Newswire | May 25, 2023
UltiMaker, a global leader in 3D printing, today announces the launch of Method XL, the ultimate 3D printing solution for engineering applications, offering precision printing with industrial-grade materials without compromising on part size. The UltiMaker® Method™ XL 3D printer is designed to deliver the accuracy and performance of industrial production alongside the flexibility and affordability of a desktop 3D printer.
The latest printer release from UltiMaker's professional offering bridges the gap between desktop and industrial 3D printers by delivering a perfect fusion of accessibility and performance. With a spacious 305 mm x 305 mm x 320 mm build volume and a dimensional accuracy of ± 0.2 mm1, it allows customers to tackle ambitious projects—from functional prototyping to end-use parts.
Method XL is engineered to create large, complex parts that are durable using industrial-grade materials like ABS-R and ABS Carbon Fiber. The heated chamber, which can reach up to 100°C, is designed to enable optimal results when printing with ABS, one of the most popular and challenging materials to successfully print on a desktop 3D printer due to its tendency to warp and deform. New to the Method series is Method XL's heated build plate, a bonus for customers who want an extra layer of security to avoid warping and layer adhesion issues. Both the heated build plate and the temperature-controlled heated build chamber combine to create a stable environment for printing accurate and strong parts of any size.
"UltiMaker's mission is to grow the adoption of 3D printing in manufacturing. We saw that there was a lack of production-level industrial capabilities in more accessible and easy-to-use 3D printers," said Nadav Goshen, CEO at UltiMaker. "With Method XL, we believe we are bringing customers the best 3D printing solution in the market for engineering applications. Method XL is the only 3D printer in its price class with a heated chamber and heated build plate to print large and accurate parts with injection molding plastics like ABS. With the ability to print larger parts, customers can achieve greater output and efficiency, making Method XL an excellent choice for those looking to take their 3D printing to the next level."
With its expansive build volume, high dimensional accuracy, heated build chamber and heated build plate, Method XL can print production plastics at a fraction of the cost of industrial machines and with the ease of desktop 3D printers. Combined with RapidRinse™, a fast-dissolving water-soluble support material, Method XL makes printing with ABS an even simpler and smoother process. RapidRinse enables one of the fastest support removals for complex FDM parts, resulting in a more refined surface finish. For a seamless CAD file to printed part workflow, Method XL syncs directly with CloudPrint™ software, allowing customers to easily upload, monitor, and track their print jobs from their web browser.
Method XL expands the arena of possibilities, with compatibility with a wide range of industrial-grade materials through its open materials platform and the LABS Experimental Extruder. Materials currently available through the LABS program include Jabil SEBS, a soft material with flexible, rubber-like properties; Polymaker PolyMax™ PC, a polycarbonate material that combines strength, toughness, and heat resistance, and LEHVOSS PAHT 9891, a carbon fiber-reinforced nylon able to withstand high temperatures. Method XL also offers an external moisture-controlled material case, ensuring peak performance from professional-grade materials. The printer comes equipped with a HEPA filter and an activated carbon filter for safer 3D printing indoors.
About UltiMaker
UltiMaker is a global leader in 3D printing, focused on shaping the future of manufacturing and product development. With a wide range of cutting-edge 3D printing solutions, including the popular S and Method series, and an extensive portfolio of 3D printing materials, UltiMaker is paving the way for innovation across industries. As part of its dedication to advancing education, UltiMaker also offers the MakerBot sub-brand and Sketch series, providing one of the most comprehensive 3D printing ecosystems for classroom learning. With a focus on reliability, precision, and innovation, UltiMaker is empowering customers to push the boundaries of what's possible. Learn more at www.ultimaker.com.
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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
Prweb | May 30, 2023
Quintus Technologies will supply a high pressure fluid cell press to France’s LAUAK Group, a Tier 1 supplier to the aerospace industry. The press will be installed at the LAUAK Aerostructures factory in Grandola, Portugal, in September 2023.
Reaffirming its continued commitment to productivity enhancement, LAUAK selected the Quintus model QFC 0.7x1.8-800 press with high pressure technology to bolster its manufacturing efficiency.
“The forming press is undoubtedly at the heart of sheet metal production,” says Mikel Charritton, LAUAK Group Managing Director. “Especially in the context of the current aerospace ramp-up, in particular the A320, A350, and B737 programs, LAUAK’s capital equipment investments are strongly influenced by the imperatives of competitiveness. This press significantly increases and secures our production capacity.”
Quintus’s proprietary hydroforming process requires only one rigid tool half, an innovation that not only generates significant tool cost savings but also eliminates several forming operations, intermediate heat treatments, and operator dependencies.
The Quintus press will operate at a high forming pressure of 800 bar (11,600 psi) over a work area of 700 mm x 1800 mm (27.6 x 73 inches) in the Grandola facility.
“Moving to a new, more powerful press will reduce manual rework times, thus improving our competitiveness, especially given the current challenges recruiting personnel experienced in sheet metal forming,” Mr. Charritton observes.
The equipment purchase was also influenced by LAUAK’s previous experience with the press manufacturer. “We own a three-meter Quintus Flexform press in France, and we are very satisfied with it,” he adds.
LAUAK is complementing its press investment with the Quintus® Care Program, a rigorous agreement that ensures flawless press operation and equipment maintenance. The program provides for application support, high availability of spare and wear parts, and guaranteed and prioritized technical support. It also includes annual press inspections, training, and recertification of LAUAK personnel to maintain and elevate their skills.
“We are pleased that LAUAK has chosen to reinforce its cooperation with Quintus since the purchase of its first fluid cell press,” comments Jan Söderström, CEO of Quintus Technologies. “We appreciate the opportunity to once again work with them to help strengthen their competitiveness.”
About Quintus Technologies
Quintus Technologies is the global leader in high pressure technology. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in three principal areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; and high pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus has delivered over 1,900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing. The company is headquartered in Västerås, Sweden, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.quintustechnologies.com
About LAUAK Group
From its origins supplying sheet metal components to Dassault Aviation in 1975, the LAUAK Group has grown to become a major manufacturer of primary parts, sub-assemblies, assemblies for aerostructures and aero engines for the global aeronautics industry. A Tier 1 supplier to Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer, and Dassault and a Tier 2 supplier to Spirit, Liebherr, and Safran, LAUAK is active in technology niches such as cold and hot sheet metal forming, welding, surface treatments, NDT, assembly, and piping. A tailored fleet of equipment extends its manufacturing capabilities to all types of materials, from aluminum alloys to hard metals, including stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium. LAUAK factories are located in France, Portugal, Canada, Mexico, and India. To find out more, go to http://www.groupe-lauak.com/en
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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
Prweb | May 29, 2023
ARCH Global Holdings LLC Company announced the acquisition of VR Wesson, a manufacturer of standard and special inserts, tool holders, and milling cutters located in Cape Coral, Florida. The company will join ARCH Cutting Tools, a division of ARCH and industry-leading, American manufacturer of solid round and indexable metal removal tooling.
ARCH Cutting Tools is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and serves the medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, agriculture, and general industrial markets. ARCH Cutting Tools has facilities across the Eastern United States and is dedicated to engineering high-performance standard and custom tools that increase efficiencies for end-users. VR Wesson will be consolidated into ARCH Cutting Tools – Orchard Park and will expand the company’s existing insert offering via ARCH Specials, as well as our North American Carbide and Ultra-Dex legacy brands.
“ARCH Cutting Tools is proud to announce the acquisition of VR Wesson, whose advanced manufacturing technologies and key accounts will be consolidated into our Orchard Park, New York facility,” said Robert Gralke, President of ARCH Cutting Tools – Orchard Park. “We are particularly excited to bring laser PCD finishing capabilities under our roof, which will increase our team’s efficiencies and expand our product offering to key industries, including automotive and medical.”
About ARCH Cutting Tools
ARCH® Cutting Tools Corp., an ARCH Global Holdings LLC Company (ARCH) based in metro Detroit, is an industry-leading, American manufacturer of solid round and indexable metal removal tooling. As a mid-sized, full-service company, ARCH Cutting Tools leverages the collective capabilities of its facilities to engineer a wide array of high-performance standard and custom tooling. ARCH Cutting Tools combines the expertise of leading American manufacturing professionals and expanding technologies to serve the medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, agriculture, and general industrial markets.
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