Batch Processing in Control X
In previous Metrology Minutes, we have gone through Control X basic inspection processes and techniques but what about when we need to inspect more than one of the same parts or assemblies, utilizing the same inspection program (inspection plan)? That’s where Batch Processing in Control X comes in very handy. Completely unmanned, Control X can open successive files (scans or point clouds) in a folder or you can select from various files contained in several folders to inspect them all against the same nominal CAD model and inspection plan. Batch Processing Menu Use the Add Files or Add Folders tab to select the scans or point clouds, to be selected for inspection. The Target Result allows you to select the specific Results file you wish to use if more than one exists in the Control X inspection program. The Output option allows you to save the model, print the report as well as export the report. If Print or Export is selected, the file formats then become active for selection. You may then select the Output Destination for the individual, serialized reports. You may then select a file naming convention for the inspection files that get automatically generated by either using the MEAsured [...]
Cimquest Opens Newly Remodeled Butler PA Office
We have recently upgraded and remodeled our Butler, PA office. The renovated office will hold training sessions for Mastercam software; and, on occasion, may be used to hold various 3D printer seminars and other industry information sessions. The new office boasts 1800 square feet - including a training room, conference room, 3D printer showroom, and four office workstations. The training facility will be a huge asset to Cimquest’s Central and Western PA-based customers. Of the newly renovated office space, Training Manager, Shawn Spinneweber says, “We have seen a large growth in our training program over the past few years. Having this additional office space will be very useful…giving our local customers more options to attend Mastercam training in-person, or coming to the Butler office to remote into another class at one of our 4 other locations.” The 2 to 4-day classes are held several times each month. Plans are also in the works to house and show 3D printers. “3D printers are complementary to CNC machining and manufacturing. Today 3D printers have a short learning curve and allow you to solve many different issues that traditional methods can not. In addition, metal 3D printing is reaching the level of affordability and function to [...]
MakerBot X Platform Simplifies the ABS 3D Printing Workflow
New MakerBot RapidRinse™ fast-dissolving support and ABS-R materials aim to make 3D printing industrial applications with ABS just as easy as printing with PLA MakerBot introduced a new game-changing solution that significantly simplifies 3D printing with ABS polymer material by effectively streamlining workflow steps and reducing the need for more equipment and additional costs. Developed for high performance on the MakerBot METHOD X® and METHOD X Carbon Fiber 3D printers, the new MakerBot RapidRinse™ and ABS-R materials are suited to print a range of industrial applications to specification, from manufacturing tools to production parts. RapidRinse is a new and unique patent-pending, fast-dissolving support material designed to eliminate cumbersome and costly post-processing procedures. RapidRinse easily dissolves in warm tap water and does not require caustic chemicals, typical for some soluble support materials. RapidRinse can dissolve significantly quicker than other high-temperature soluble support materials under the same conditions. Without the need for solvents, engineers no longer need to purchase additional post-processing equipment. RapidRinse’s water-soluble properties are intended to make it an easier and safer support material to work with, leaving behind minimal residue. ABS is one of the most in-demand, yet difficult, materials to successfully print on a desktop 3D printer due to its propensity [...]
Easy to Start 3D Printing with the Shop System
Anyone can start metal 3D printing with The Shop System™ The Desktop Metal Shop System™ requires minimal training, making it easy for almost anyone to quickly produce high-quality metal parts. Typical installation of the complete system can be completed in 5 days or less. An easy-to-use, turnkey solution, the Shop System can produce tens to hundreds of parts per day, reducing the need for more highly-skilled machinists, and freeing up your existing machining capacity to take on other jobs. With fewer people entering the industry, machinist jobs are fast becoming among the hardest to fill. The Shop System offers younger workers the chance to work hands-on with cutting-edge technology that is transforming the world of manufacturing. Machine shops around the world have already discovered how the Shop System helps offset their labor costs - what can it do for you? Machine Shops around the globe have already discovered the benefits of the Shop System - See what it can do for you. More Info on the Shop System
Mastercam for Injection Mold Making
What is injection molding? Injection mold making is the go-to method for mass-producing plastic parts. The process is streamlined to maximize cost savings and part production. First, pelletized material is placed into a heated container to turn molten. It is mixed with a helical screw to maintain a smooth consistency and to speed up the heating process. The liquid is then pumped – or injected – with a plunger into a premade mold, which shapes the material into the desired form as it cools and hardens. Sometimes another component is inserted into the mold cavity as the material cools in a process called insert molding. This adds another level of complexity to the mold. Most often, injection molding is done with thermoplastics, a plastic made of polymer resins designed to soften or liquefy when heated. Less commonly, thermosetting polymer, metals, and glasses are used. What are the benefits of injection mold making? Injection mold making is the best way to mass-produce plastic products and is the predominant method of doing so in the U.S. Thermoplastics are incredibly versatile and cost-effective. They make everything from common household items like cups and combs to highly specialized automotive components. Injection molding is most efficient for high [...]
New Formlabs Form 3 Plus 3D Printer
Today we are going to take a look at the new Formlabs Form 3+ and the Build Platform 2. The best-selling professional SLA 3D printer just got better with game-changing print speed, surface quality, and reliability. We will break down the Form 3+ improvements into two segments - Hardware & Software, both of which significantly improve print speed. Hardware Updates With an improved thermal system, enhanced LPU stability, and an optimized laser your print times and surface quality will see improvements. On the PLUS, the Thermal system is closer to the resin tank, minimizing the time it takes to warm up the resin. That means on a cold or hot day, the PLUS will heat up fast and consistently. Another new hardware upgrade will assist with better early layer print times. The new LPU unit and build plate have a much better fit. This means that less energy needs to be used to cure the first couple of layers of the print. This can reduce your print times by 5-15 minutes. With an enhanced LPU the printer can now have light touch supports. These light-touch supports will provide less damage when removing the print from supports by hand. Also, with an increased laser [...]