With scalable lens and camera options, the AVX550 is a versatile asset for quality control
Introducing one of the most versatile multi-sensor, large format platforms on the market: The AVX550 Multi-Sensor Vision System. Equipped with dual optical systems and touch-probe capability, the AVX550 can measure parts with a diverse range of feature sizes and geometries. It can be equipped with two cameras and lenses to be used sequentially in the same program along with touch probe options. For accuracy, durability and stability, including under demanding requirements, the AVX system features a granite base and bridge design.
We are pleased to offer our customers a powerful, easy-to-use multi-sensor measurement system which streamlines and optimizes the QC process,” said Mark Arenal, General Manager, Starrett Metrology Division. “Using a single system, production parts can be examined on the shop floor or in the QC lab on macro and micro levels as one comprehensive process.”
The AVX550 features dual optical systems that work in tandem to measure a broad range of features. The primary zoom lens enables small intricate features to be inspected with high precision and resolution of up to 2 microns. A secondary large field-of-view camera is equipped with a telecentric lens that can simultaneously inspect large areas of a part, or an entire part itself. A broad range of zoom options also means that measurement configurations can be custom tailored to meet specific application requirements, and eliminates the need to change lenses or re-calibrate the system. Throughput is further enhanced with fast platform travel speeds and dual collimated profile lights which are essential to the effectiveness of the dual optical systems.
Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor makes user interaction easy and intuitive. Auto part recognition enables creating a part measurement program that comprises the desired features of a part for inspection, which can automatically be saved in the system or to a network. Programmable light output options can be built into the program as defined steps, including being called up as the part recognition program initiates. For fast, accurate and repeatable results, once the program is created, placing that part within the camera’s field-of-view allows for the saved program to initiate and run the inspection. Features such as a “Superimage” function allows piecing together multiple camera frames in order to view a large part as one single image. A Renishaw Touch Probe may also be utilized for quick acquisition of discreet points along a part’s profile and 3-D geometry mapping.
There are several options for lens configurations. For inspection of small, intricate areas, a powerful 12:1 zoom optics lens is equipped with a 26x to 310x magnification range for precise resolution. The fixed magnification telecentric lens comes with magnification options of 0.14x, 0.3x, 0.5x, 0.8x, 1.0x 2.0x and 4.0x. Systems can be configured in a larger measurement range on the X, Y, and Z axes, and can also be equipped with Q-axis rotary positioners for increased capability.
https://www.starrett.com/
Toray Advanced Composites announces that it has completed a long-term supply agreement with Joby Aviation for the composite material used for its aircraft. The California-based aircraft company will use Toray’s carbon fiber composite materials to bring fast, affordable, and zero-emissions aerial ridesharing to global communities.
Electric aircraft require proven materials that have high-strength and are very lightweight. Carbon fiber composite materials provide the strength-to-weight ratio needed for electric aerospace applications in order to maximize the range and speed of the aircraft. Every aspect of Joby’s aircraft is being optimized for maximum utilization for urban transport and high-quality carbon fiber materials are a key component of achieving their goals. Joby selected Toray Advanced Composite materials due to their proven heritage of meeting mechanical and safety requirements in aerospace and high-performance automotive applications.
JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO, Joby Aviation, said: “Toray’s prepreg carbon fiber systems provide unparalleled specific strength and toughness, which have enabled Joby to develop aircraft with unprecedented capabilities. We are incredibly proud to be working with Toray as we certify this aircraft, and look forward to building a long-lasting partnership.”
Joby will operate an affordable, quiet, and clean transportation service, using the revolutionary all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft it has spent the last decade developing. With a range of up to 150 miles and a top speed of 200 mph, the vehicle and the service has the potential to make a significant difference to the lives of travelers. Carbon fiber materials are used throughout the vehicle structure, propulsion systems, and interior components.
“We are very pleased to have finalized this important supply agreement with Joby Aviation, a pioneer in the development of the eVTOL,” says Mr. Toshiyuki Kondo, CEO, Toray Advanced Composites. “As children, we dreamed of being able to fly to a destination in a fraction of the time it would take to drive. That is no longer a fantasy. The electric air taxi is becoming a reality and we at Toray are perfectly positioned to meet the industry’s needs today and in the future. It’s a very exciting time.”
Joby Aviation has spent more than a decade developing its aircraft and plans to bring it into commercial operation as early as 2023. By combining years of development with a world-class team and now a leading carbon fiber composite supplier, Joby is well-positioned to deliver on the promise of aerial ridesharing.
https://www.toraytac.com/
Mars Food, in partnership with global packaging company Amcor, will bring the first food-safe, mono-material microwavable rice pouch to market beginning in 2021. The breakthrough packaging technology will make the pouches for Mars Food’s household brands such as Ben’s Original® and Seeds of Change® recyclable where infrastructure exists.
Mars Food, in partnership with global packaging company Amcor, will bring the first food-safe, mono-material microwavable rice pouch to market in 2021
• Breakthrough packaging technology will make the pouches for Mars Food’s household brands such as Ben’s Original® and Seeds of Change® recyclable where infrastructure exists
• The companies are in the final stages of development of the new pouch and the first packs will launch in limited European markets by mid-year 2021
Mars Food today announced it will begin to use recyclable mono-polypropylene plastic (PP) for its microwavable rice pouches in 2021. The project will bring to market the industry’s first food-safe, mono-material microwavable rice pouch. Launching with an initial pilot in the first half of 2021, the business has ambitions to further scale the technology across its portfolio beginning at the back half of the year.
The use of high performing mono-PP material will allow Mars Food to retain the shape, shelf life, functionality and high safety standards needed for its brands’ packaging, while ensuring pouches can be mechanically and chemically recycled where infrastructure exists, and designed for future recycling where it doesn’t yet.
The breakthrough is a result of a three-year partnership between Mars Food and Amcor. The companies share a vision to support a circular economy where packaging doesn’t become waste. The progress is part of Mars’ Sustainable Packaging Plan, which outlines the business’ commitment and plans to achieve 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging by 2025. The project will also move Amcor closer to achieving its pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025. Fiona Dawson, Global President, Mars Food, Multisales and Global Customers: “We’re committed to finding more sustainable solutions for our packaging that are food safe without compromising quality. This is a huge step for us towards our 2025 commitment of 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging.
“We believe in tackling the world’s sustainability challenges together, and through this partnership with Amcor, we will pilot, learn and then scale the volume of recyclable mono-polypropylene pouches across our portfolio.”
Amcor have led the packaging development through their material science and packaging sustainability expertise. This upcoming launch builds on Amcor’s recent AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable breakthrough. This will be its first application for microwaveable food and the first in a stand-up pouch format. “Our R&D team has invested their passion and expertise to develop a unique innovation roadmap of more sustainable solutions for plastic, paper and aluminium packaging. Thanks to that foresight and leadership in innovation, we are excited to announce yet another industry first in recycle-ready packaging,” said Michael Zacka, President Amcor Flexibles EMEA.
Mars Food accelerated the development of the new material through rigorous testing and conducted significant scale up tests in its production facilities in the UK, challenging what was previously considered possible throughout the production process. Working in collaboration with Amcor, it then ensured the material development met all its functional requirements while protecting product quality and safety.
“Launching our recyclable retort material in a stand-up pouch format that meets stringent food safety standards is a challenge, and Mars Food took this journey together with us. It will be a win when their brands deliver this innovation to consumers,” said Mr. Zacka.
https://www.amcor.com
The shift from fossil-based to renewable bio-plastics requires new efficient methods. New technology developed at VTT enables the use of pectin-containing agricultural waste, such as citrus peel and sugar beet pulp, as raw material for bio-based PEF-plastics for replacing fossil-based PET. The carbon footprint of plastic bottles can be lowered by 50% when replacing their raw material of PET with PEF polymers, which also provides a better shelf life for food.
“In the near future, you may buy orange juice in bottles that are made out of orange peel. VTT’s novel technology provides a circular approach to using food waste streams for high-performance food packaging material, and at the same time reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” shares Professor of Practice Holger Pöhler from VTT”.
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and other polyesters are being widely used in food packaging, plastic bottles and textiles. The annual production of PET products is estimated at 30 million tonnes. Replacing fossil-based PET with plant-based PEF (polyethylene furanoate) polymers can lower the carbon footprint of the products by 50%.
Moreover, the barrier properties of PEF plastics are better than PETs, meaning that the food products have a longer shelf life. PEF is a fully recyclable and renewable high-performance plastic. Therefore, it opens up possibilities for the industries to reduce waste and to have positive impact on the environment.
VTT’s technology has significant advantages for making bio-based PEF plastics. The technology uses a stable intermediate for the production of FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid), one of the monomers of PEF, which enables a highly efficient process. In addition, utilising pectin-containing waste streams opens up new possibilities for the circular economy of plastics.
VTT’s unique scale-up infrastructure from laboratory to pilot scale ensures that this new technology will be brought to a technology readiness level that will allow polymer manufacturers’ easy transition to full scale.
https://www.vttresearch.com/
A new case design provides increased protection for the proven Gemco 1999 Semelex Safetimeter. The portable, multi-purpose, diagnostic system for press room automation and operator safety device analysis is now even easier to handle and transfer between locations.
The new 1999SEMC Semelex II Safetimeter test set is field-proven to accurately measure press stop time and safety distance to verify the equipment is in compliance with U.S. federal and state requirements. The device is designed for harsh industrial environments. It is portable, lightweight, battery-operated, easy to use, and incorporates new and improved features.
Manufacturers that work with stamping presses or other machinery equipped with light curtains, palm-buttons, E-stop buttons, or safety mats need to know where to position their personnel, in order to keep them safe from potential accidents that may occur as a result of contact with the moving machinery. The versatile 1999SEMC Semelex II Safetimeter can quickly calculate stopping time on machines with reciprocating or rotary motion and determine the minimum safe distance. Gemco’s Semelex Safetimeter is capable of measuring elapsed time and stop time (Ts) from 1-9999 milliseconds. It also calculates the minimum safety distance (Ds) based on the formulas created by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
For more than two decades, the Gemco 1999 Safetimeter series has been recognized by its yellow steel case. The new version has been updated with an even stronger case made from a highly visible yellow plastic resin. The case is lightweight, waterproof (IP67), crushproof, dustproof, and has a die-cut foam insert for the auto-hand and position/velocity transducer. These tough cases are designed with an automatic purge valve, that equalizes air pressure, a watertight silicone O-ring lid, over-molded rubber handles, and stainless-steel hardware.
The Gemco 1999 Safetimeter series is designed for harsh industrial environments and is portable, lightweight, and easy to use. The stability and trustworthiness of Gemco Semelex I
Agilyx Corporation (AGLX), a pioneer in the advanced recycling of post-use plastics, and A.Eon Holdings Pty Ltd, a market leader in the development of sustainable energy solutions, announced today the initiation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate the construction of a 50 ton per day commercial scale plastics to energy facility utilizing Agilyx technology. This announcement is further progress of Agilyx’s target of 260 tons per day of projects in development by year end 2020.
The planned facility will be located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and will convert mixed waste plastic to Agilyx Synthetic Crude Oil (“ASCO”) through Agilyx proprietary advanced plastics recycling technology. The output ASCO would be used by A.Eon to generate electricity for the Victorian State Government’s redeveloped Footscray Hospital project, local industry, as well as to supply peak energy demand. This initial 50 ton per day focus is a starting point, with an option for additional commercial scale facilities to be developed in Australia by A.Eon.
“We are delighted to be working with A.Eon on this truly impactful project,” said Tim Stedman, CEO of Agilyx. “Having an already proven track record in the U.S. converting mixed waste plastics to ASCO, we are looking forward to replicating this for A.Eon in Australia.”
“An exciting start to a great partnership,” said Andrew Lawson, A.Eon’s Managing Director. “A.Eon is pleased to be working with Agilyx. We look forward to seeing this project come to fruition, which will see up to 20,000 tons of waste plastic diverted from landfill and converted into more than 60,000 megawatt-hours of electricity per year.”
https://www.agilyx.com/
PrinterPrezz is a trailblazer in combining polymer and metal 3D printing, nanotechnologies and surgical expertise to design and manufacture next generation medical devices.
“Solvay works with companies across the additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem to offer production-ready high-performance 3D printing solutions to the healthcare industry,” said Christophe Schramm, AM Business Manager for Solvay Specialty Polymers global business unit. “This partnership will allow us to combine our expertise in materials with PrinterPrezz’s unique offering for qualification of medical devices to accelerate the adoption of 3D printed implants and medical devices using Solvay’s latest AM powder technology for SLS.”
Solvay has over 30 years of experience supplying high-performance polymers to the healthcare industry. The company’s Solviva® biomaterials provide optimal performance and meet the requirements for prolonged or permanent exposure to bodily fluids and tissue in the human body. Solvay is leveraging this experience to jointly optimize materials, processing, design and testing for the manufacturing of high-performance 3D printed medical devices.
In addition to the collaboration, Solvay’s venture capital fund, Solvay Ventures, participated in PrinterPrezz’s recent $16 million equity financing round. The funding will support collaborative development efforts in specialized materials for medical equipment. “By partnering together, Solvay and PrinterPrezz will accelerate the advancement of 3D printed medical devices, providing better patient outcomes through breakthrough technology as a part of our efforts to create sustainable shared value for all,” said Thomas Canova, head of Solvay Ventures.
“3D printing is evolving rapidly and is revolutionizing and the development of advanced health care applications from concept to manufacturing,” said Shri Shetty, CEO of PrinterPrezz. “The range of services offered by PrinterPrezz which includes engineering, clinical and regulatory guidance as well as access to 3D simulation software and state-of-the-art 3D printers provides Solvay a gateway for the development and optimization of their high-performance polymeric AM powders to advance the manufacturing of next generation implants and medical devices.”
https://www.solvay.com/
www.printerprezz.com
Origin’s resin-based Programmable Photopolymerizations (P3) technology expands Stratasys leadership in the fast-growing market for 3D-printed mass production parts
This News Brought you by Design Concept Global.
Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) announced it signed an agreement to acquire 3D printing start-up Origin Inc. in a transaction for total consideration of up to $100 million, including cash and stock. The merger enables Stratasys to expand its leadership through innovation in the fast-growing mass production parts segment with a next-generation photopolymer platform. Subject to various approvals and other closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close in January 2021.
Origin’s 3D printers are particularly well-suited to mass production of end-use parts, which is the fastest growing segment of the 3D printing industry and a strategic priority for Stratasys.
Stratasys expects Origin’s proprietary Programmable PhotoPolymerization (P3) technology to be an important growth engine for the company, adding up to $200 million incremental annual revenue within five years. The acquisition will help fortify Stratasys’ leadership position in polymers and production applications of 3D printing in industries such as dental, medical, tooling, and select industrial, defense, and consumer goods segments.
Under the terms of the agreement, the total consideration for the transaction is comprised of $60 million paid on closing ($6 million of which is subject to the founders’ retention over 3 years) and $40 million that is subject to performance-based earnouts over 3 years. The acquisition will be paid using a combination of stock of approximately $45 million and cash of approximately $55 million at closing and throughout the earnout period. Approximately $32 million of the cash expenditure will be at closing. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Stratasys’ growth rate and be slightly dilutive to non-GAAP earnings per share in 2021, and accretive to Stratasys’ non-GAAP earnings per share by 2023. The Origin team will join Stratasys and lead the development of its technology and product platform, with a full global launch via the Stratasys go-to-market organization towards mid-2021.
“Our customers are looking for additive manufacturing solutions that enable use of industrial-grade resins for mass production parts with process and quality control,” said Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif. “We believe Origin’s software-driven Origin One system is the best in the industry by combining high throughput with incredible accuracy. When combined with Origin’s extensive materials ecosystem and our industry-leading go-to-market capabilities, we believe we will be able to capture a wide range of in-demand production applications on a global scale. Together with our intended entry into powder bed fusion technology, the acquisition of Origin reflects another step in fulfilling our objective to lead in polymer additive manufacturing by offering comprehensive, best-in-class technologies and solutions to create a fully digital additive value chain, designed for Industry 4.0 integration.”
According to an internal Stratasys market analysis, manufacturing applications show the most potential for significant growth in the 3D printing industry, reaching approximately $25 billion by 2025. Stratasys anticipates that production-oriented resin-based solutions can address a significant part of the total market for polymer additive manufacturing. In fact, it is estimated that resin polymer-based additive systems will grow at a 20% annual rate from 2020 to 2025.
Origin’s P3 technology, an advancement on Digital Light Processing (DLP) principles, cures liquid photopolymer resin with light. The company’s first manufacturing-grade 3D printer, Origin One, precisely controls light, heat, and force, among other parameters, via Origin’s closed-loop feedback software. This new technology enables customers to build parts with industry-leading accuracy, consistency, size and detail, while using a wide range of commercial-grade, durable resins.
Origin works with a network of material partners such as Henkel, BASF and DSM to develop resins for its system. “We partnered and developed materials with Origin before Origin One was launched because we believed in their technology and vision for the future of photopolymers in additive manufacturing,” said François Minec, Managing Director at BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH. “Now, as part of Stratasys, we’re confident that together we can take on the broader manufacturing ecosystem.”
Origin One systems have been successfully deployed across a variety of industries, including shoe manufacturer ECCO. “We’re pleased to continue our cooperation with the Origin team as an exclusive partner within the area of the footwear industry categorized as Direct Injection Production, now also by leveraging Stratasys’ global infrastructure,” said Jakob Møller Hansen, Vice President Research & Development, ECCO.
The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated Origin’s technology fit for production applications, including hundreds of thousands of clinically validated nasopharyngeal swabs, thousands of PPE face shields, and ventilator splitters for hospitals.
“We founded Origin to create a whole new additive manufacturing platform that enables mass production of end-use parts with incredible accuracy, consistency, and throughput along with a wide range of available materials,” said Origin CEO and co-founder Christopher Prucha. “Stratasys is the best company for us to join to achieve our vision, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to significantly expand market reach and enable us to bring our P3 technology to a larger audience.”
www.stratasys.com/
The Model TSF twin-screw feeder from Best Process Solutions (BPS) is designed for precise batching and weighing applications. The feeder’s dual-helix design combines fast, high-volume filling with accurate dribble flow at the end of the cycle. Its compact design is ideal when limited space prohibits multiple individual screw units.
Two helixes—1½” and 4” in diameter—are mounted on an 18”x22” hopper. They are rated at 17 cu. ft. and 283 cu. ft. per hour, respectively, at maximum RPM with 100%-efficient conveyable product and no slippage.
TSF is ideal for batching to weigh-hoppers; low loss-in-weight scale-monitored flow; low loss-of-weight batch applications with scales; drum and pail packout lines; and recipe-type batching by multiple computer-controlled units. Many options are available.
Graham Engineering Corporation has expanded its commitment to the medical device industry by appointing Larry Alpert to the new position of Medical Extrusion Technology Manager. In this role, Mr. Alpert will be a member of the Sales, Service & Process Technology teams responsible for technical and customer support, including product development and system testing. “Larry brings extensive knowledge of the extrusion sector of the medical device industry,” said Michael Duff, Vice President, Sales, and Service. “That combined with his strong leadership capabilities makes him a valuable resource for our customers in the tubing and related markets.” Larry Alpert comes to Graham Engineering Corporation after serving as President of Med1Extrusion, LLC, where he assisted clients in all operations from component development to facilities design. He has more than 40 years of experience in the plastics extrusion industry, including Adam Spence, Corp., Command Medical, Flourtek, Putnam Plastics, and Boston Scientific.
