MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation Selects Desktop Metal's X-Series Binder Jet 3D Printers for Advanced Nuclear Energy Solutions

Desktop Metal | March 16, 2022

Desktop Metal, Inc., a global leader in additive manufacturing technologies for mass production, announced that Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a leading developer of Micro Modular Reactor (MMR®) systems for the production of safe, commercially competitive, clean, and reliable nuclear energy, has purchased two 3D printers from Desktop Metal's recently updated X-Series line of binder jetting systems, with two additional machines planned for this year.

The InnoventXTM, X25ProTM, and X160ProTM binder jet 3D printing systems for metal and ceramic powders from Desktop Metal can 3D print advanced materials such as silicon carbide (SiC), a technical ceramic with exceptional environmental stability that is frequently used in aerospace, armor, plasma shield, and high-temperature applications.

USNC converts very pure, crystalline, nuclear-grade SiC into shapes and forms capable of properly encasing a nuclear fuel particle, allowing the company's Fully Ceramic Micro-encapsulated (FCM®) fuel invention. The technique, which is described in full in a case study issued on March 9, is a critical component of USNC's novel fuel design for use in a new generation of advanced reactors.

“Binder jetting is a low-cost, high-yield, reliable process for our complex serial production, and an internationally recognized technology leader in nuclear fuels. He previously led multiple research and development efforts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He added, “The advanced material capability of the X-Series machines is fundamental to our innovative approach to fuel design.”

Dr. Kurt A. Terrani, executive vice president of USNC’s Core Division

With reproducible open parameters and performance across a range of machines, the X-Series line was designed to scale applications from research and development to large production. USNC has developed its next-generation nuclear fuel matrix on the small-format InnoventX system currently installed at the company's Salt Lake City, Utah, facility. The matrix will be scaled up on the bigger X25Pro and X160Pro systems.

“Driving mass adoption of additive manufacturing requires scalable systems capable of printing high-performance materials that enable the most innovative applications,” said Ric Fulop, Co-founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “We’re proud to support the mission of USNC with flexible binder jetting technology that takes customers all the way to production and helps play a role in solving global-scale problems with additive manufacturing solutions.”

The X-Series - Binder Jet 3D Printing for Metals and Ceramics
This unique approach to binder jetting is made possible by Triple ACT advanced compaction technology for dispensing, distributing, and compacting powders throughout the binder jet printing process. This open materials design allows X-Series printers to process metals, ceramics, and other materials with high density and repeatability producing functional, precise parts and tools in a wide range of build regions. The full process of 3D printing silicon carbide is done at low temperatures. With traditional technologies or laser-based 3D printing procedures, USNC can generate complicated and unique shapes in a material.

Spotlight

The production of electric vehicles and EV batteries is accelerating globally and becoming increasingly competitive. The main challenges for manufacturers are time-to-market, high throughput targets, and reduced production costs while ensuring quality and optimal performance.

Spotlight

The production of electric vehicles and EV batteries is accelerating globally and becoming increasingly competitive. The main challenges for manufacturers are time-to-market, high throughput targets, and reduced production costs while ensuring quality and optimal performance.

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MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Arendai and AiQ robotics Announce New Partnership to Provide a Single-Point Solution of Heterogenous Orchestration and Robotics

Newswire | May 29, 2023

The partnership will enable the companies to expand their services into the rapidly growing industry 4.0. By combining Arendai's cutting-edge solution, Harmony, with mobile robotics from AiQ robotics, the partnership will develop advanced and intelligent solutions for a diverse range of use cases, giving a significant competitive advantage in the market. "We are excited to announce our new partnership with leading robotics company, AiQ robotics," said Walter Buga, CEO of Arendai. "We believe that the combination of simulation, AI and robotics has the potential to revolutionize operations for many verticals, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this innovation." In the field of robotics solutions and automation, nearly every application is characterized by individual and unique conditions. A strength of the new partnership is the ability to provide a joint customizable, flexible, and interoperable solution to any use-case. The partnership between Arendai and AiQ robotics is expected to have a significant impact on logistics and smart manufacturing. "I am convinced that AiQ robotics' products and extensive experience, completed by Arendai's Harmony software integration capabilities, gives a great and innovative boost to the autonomous intralogistics market," said Przemysław Degórski, Founder of AiQ robotics. "Customers will be able to take advantage of a complete robotic integration solution. Our target is to deliver an easily deployed system for production and warehousing good transportation." The companies aim to leverage their expertise in artificial intelligence in the optimization of intralogistics processes and in collaboration with human intelligence. Arendai and AiQ robotics will have a joint exhibit at the MODERNLOG fair in Poznan, Poland, from May 30-June 2. The partners will demonstrate the integration of Arendai's software orchestration solution and a mobile robot from AiQ robotics with game-changing navigation capabilities, including the use of QR codes and SLAM. About Arendai Arendai Inc. is a pioneer in the delivery of innovative software management solutions for the orchestration of logistics centers and the intralogistics operations of smart factories. By applying simulation, digital twin, and AI, Arendai delivers optimal orchestration of heterogeneous AMRs and robotics solutions. Arendai has excellent, engaged ecosystem partners with a focus on solving real customer problems and producing an attractive ROI. About AiQ robotics AiQ robotics company was founded on the basis of extensive experience gained in the robotics and automation market in the field of measurements, electric motors, motor accessories, controllers, control, complete solutions and commissioning. Customers can take advantage of ready-made products, as well as robotics and automation components enabling the construction of highly sophisticated and innovative projects.

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Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Enters into a Distribution Agreement with Eco Battery

Prnewswire | April 24, 2023

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Barcodes Group’s New Autonomous Mobile Robotics Platform with Easy Integration Plugins

Barcodes, Inc. | March 09, 2023

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