Xact Metal Launches New 3D Printing Moldmaking Initiative
A reprint from Moldmaking Technology. Xact Metal is reframing its metal additive technology as a valuable option in a mold builder’s toolbox through expansion of its moldmaking and material partnerships. Shown here is an Xact Metal printed automotive connector insert on a tool with the corresponding plastic injection molded final part. Source | JST Sales America, Inc., an Xact Metal customer. Xact Metal has announced the launch of its new initiative, “Breaking the Mold: The Xact Solution to Better Tooling.” This initiative aims to change the approach to metal 3D printing in the tooling industry by reframing the technology as a valuable option in a moldmaker’s toolbox. Available with less investment than traditional metal 3D options, Xact Metal says that its printers can generate profit for molding and tooling businesses alike, demonstrated by a growing portfolio of customer successes. More than 140 machines have been installed globally, and Xact Metal is confidently expanding into the tooling space through strategic material partnerships, fine-tuned printing parameters, and collaboration with software and polishing companies to provide a complete solution from design to final part. Xact Metal's 3D printers complement traditional manufacturing processes by offering cost-effective solutions for producing small inserts and complex geometries that [...]
An Overview of Nexa3D- CimCast
An Overview of Nexa3D- CimCast In our fourth episode of CimCast, we discuss one of Cimquest's vendors, Nexa3D.
Enhancing Mastercam with Verisurf’s Universal CMM
Enhancing Mastercam with Verisurf's Universal CMM Join Cimquest and Verisurf as we explore the ins and outs of CMMs or Coordinate Measuring Machines.
Introducing Freescan Trak Pro 2 – Metrology-grade Scanning of Large Objects
The Freescan Trak Pro2 is a portable optical coordinate measuring system, designed to scan and measure large objects, reaching an accuracy of 23 microns. Reliability of accuracy is achieved through acceptance testing conformance to the VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3 Standard. This testing was conducted in an ISO 17025 accredited Laboratory, assuring users of fast, reliable, and accurate part scans. With two (2), five MP, industrial-grade cameras using 25 crosses (50 blue laser lines) enabling extremely high-speed scanning (just over 3 million points/second) for a smooth scanning experience of very large objects, a car scan like the one below may be captured in just minutes, using just a handful of target markers for the Laser Tracker to monitor. Somewhat similar to the Freescan UE Pro, there are three (3) laser line mode options: 50 Crossing laser lines for high-speed ‘standard’ scanning 7 Parallel laser lines used for combining hi-res scanning with lower res. Single laser line scanning utilizing just one camera and a single laser line for accessing ‘deep’ or somewhat hidden regions where it is difficult for both cameras to ‘see’. As mentioned, large-field scanning using the Trak Pro2 is accomplished using very few targets and a Laser Tracker. Either the Tracker or [...]
Programming your CMM from Mastercam with Verisurf’s Universal CMM
Most modern-day CMM’s will ship with onboard CMM programming software that is powerful yet challenging to learn and use. Companies end up investing weeks and even months getting one or two users proficient with the software. But those individuals can get sick or take vacation at inopportune times or perhaps leave the company. What happens then? Is there a simple way to transition a Mastercam CNC Programmer into a CMM programmer? Verisurf’s Universal CMM (UCMM) enables a CMM programmer to develop inspection plans utilizing all of the same graphical tools used when CNC programming a part in Mastercam. The Verisurf User Interface ‘is’ the Mastercam User Interface and includes the Verisurf tools for creation and execution of inspection plans. The UCMM supports virtually all common CMM brands and models. Advanced GD&T evaluations and reporting are also included. Also supported are probe-changers, head indexers, probe ‘scanning’ and all joystick functionality. So users will not sacrifice power or capabilities by switching to the UCMM. Perhaps the most important attribute of the UCMM is that it doesn’t disable your existing CMM programming software. So, for example, if you have thousands of part inspection plans already created in your existing CMM programming software, those will all still [...]
UltiMaker Launches New Factor 4 3D Printer
UltiMaker Launches Factor 4, a New Standard in Industrial-Grade 3D Printing UltiMaker recently announced the release of the UltiMaker Factor 4 industrial-grade 3D printer, designed to take manufacturing to new levels of efficiency and reliability. Factor 4 is an end-to-end 3D printing solution for light industrial applications. The UltiMaker Factor 4 3D printer is engineered for the development and production of process-critical tools and components. With support for engineering materials, direct drive dual extrusion, onboard print quality reporting, temperature-controlled build volume, and other innovative features, it delivers high levels of predictability and minimal variance. Built on over a decade of dedication to openness and accessibility, the machine will support one of the widest material portfolios on the market for a variety of applications, including end-use parts, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and small batch manufacturing of auxiliary components and spares. Factor 4 offers a temperature-controlled build volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm and uniform bed heating, ensuring consistent performance across the entire build plate. Designed for manufacturing and industrial sectors, it launches with a new high-temperature print core that allows engineers to print up to 340°C, enabling a broader range of high-performance, temperature-resistant, and durable materials, such as the new UltiMaker PPS [...]