PRODUCT REVIEWS
Additive manufacturing
Wayland Additive exhibited in Hall 12 at the Formnext event in Germany from 16-19 November 2021 , presenting its Calibur3 metal additive manufacturing ( AM ) technology . Its Calibur3 ( featuring the NeuBeam process ) AM technology moved from R & D to commercial availability early in 2021 , and the company has already sold it first machine to Exergy Solutions in Canada .
“ NeuBeam is an entirely new , groundbreaking powder bed fusion ( PBF ) process that offers the opportunity to 3D print metal parts that cannot be produced today , due to current metal AM process limitations . The potential for new applications is greatly increased , because NeuBeam offers the opportunity to use a much wider range of metal materials . NeuBeam also enables the production of large parts without having to worry about residual stress or gas
cross flow , and without having to pre-sinter the powder bed . The printable area of the first version of the Calibur3 system is 300 x 300 x 450mm ,“ the company told ISMR .
NeuBeam offers substantially reduced energy consumption and print times as well as a simplified powder removal process and significantly less post-processing . The ability to produce fully dense parts in a wide range of metal materials is crucial , and the process introduces a built-in , real-time inprocess monitoring control system .
“ The Calibur3 system , featuring the NeuBeam process , offers a true third way that sits between SLM and EBM systems . In addition , Calibur3 promotes innovationso that companies can now revisit applications
that were previously seen as troublesome or impossible and / or begin development projects with a clearer view of the process and more room to operate . NeuBeam is a metal AM process that saves both time and money from end-to-end , one that can benefit commercial objectives through true production partnerships ,“ commented Wayland Additive CEO , Will Richardson . n
Reach for the sky
Airpes has led the collaborative design of a grab for handling steel or aluminium coils in semi- and fully-automated electric overhead traveling ( EOT ) crane applications . The automation-ready grab , which will typically be utilised to lift 25- to 60-ton coils , is a standard product but can be adapted to suit end users ’ requirements . Currently , two 30-ton and two 25-ton grabs are in production , but others are under offer .
“ Compatible with any crane in the steel and aluminium sectors , it can be installed as a retrofit or part of a new-build . The system meets Crane Manufacturers Association of America ( CMAA ) duty classification D , E or F . In semi-automatic applications , some features assist the operator but allow more manual control . Fully-automated cranes , useful in demanding environments like metals , are programmed to repeat lifting processes without manual input ,“ said the company .
The automation-ready grab can be adapted to a rigid mast crane , a wire rope hoist and an existing crane in various capacities and duty cycles . A specific hook and lower block package can be retrofitted to the existing crane or built new . This contributes to stability , accuracy of positioning and anti-sway design .
An Airpes partner , added : “ We can land a coil not just in a fixed point like a storage rack or a de-coiler , but also on a truck or rail carriage . Safety is enhanced because it is now possible to completely process and ship a coil without touching it . By eliminating hand contact with coils , Customers have literally stopped injuries to hands and fingers that were costing millions .” n
New press concept
Triton is a hybrid creature from Greek mythology that combines the advantages of a human body with those of a sea creature . True to this model , Schuler has now developed a new press concept for mechanical lines with and without servo drives which , with modular design , enables individually adapted solutions .
“ All Triton presses are already Industry- 4.0-capable and therefore ready for digitisation ,” explained Frank Klingemann , Head of the Industry Division , Schuler . “ Schuler is the first press manufacturer to offer fully networked C-frame presses . As a result , we ’ ve now digitalised nearly all of our product range .”
However , operators who want to get ready for Industry 4.0 don ’ t necessarily have to replace their presses . “ We also offer lots of solutions that can be retrofitted to existing systems ,” added service manager , Torsten Petrick . “ They support production start-ups , ongoing operations and maintenance .”
Schuler presented a networked C-frame press at the Blechexpo trade fair in Stuttgart ( 26-29 October 2021 ). It also showcased its mechanical transfer presses , available with and without servo drives , as well as its hydraulic systems for the production of lightweight parts for the automotive industry ( whether hot stamping , hydroforming or fibre-reinforced plastics ) at the show . Aweba supplies the tools for many of these applications .
In 2019 , Schuler developed a camera-based die monitoring system for presses under the name Visual Die Protection ( VDP ). This system is part of the Digital Suite in which Schuler
has bundled its solutions for the networking of forming technology applications . VDP detects foreign objects and other potential hazards in real-time , and stops the system before any damage occurs . However , on the VDP Analyzer , Schuler presented a further development at Blechexpo which can also be used to investigate causes of error . n
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