Category Archives: Steel

Haizol adds 3D Printing to its range of manufacturing services

LONDON, 6-Jun-2022 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Haizol launch a new capability to add to their vast array of services, now offering 3D printing to customers worldwide. They have partnered with some of the best manufacturers in China for additive manufacturing to deliver custom prototypes and end-use production parts for buyers worldwide.

Haizol’s 3D printing services have access to a huge network of factories with the best 3D printing machines in the industry. An online service focused on FDM, SLS, MJF and SLA, manufacturing custom projects from prototype to full scale production. With over 40 metals and plastics available, the platform can cater to all kinds of projects.

Haizol bring highly qualified facilities to the hands of buyers worldwide, with certified manufacturing including ISO9001, ISO13485, & AS9100.

Simply upload a CAD file for an instant quote, and receive manufacturability advice, with fast lead times. All uploads are secure and confidential.

Haizol’s manufacturing processes include Prototyping, Molding, Stamping, CNC Machining, Casting, Fabrication and more. Such comprehensive manufacturing capabilities allow Haizol to meet the needs of many industries across a wide range of product categories, including Automotive Parts & Equipment, Aerospace, Electrical Equipment, Electronics, Design & Engineering, Fabricated Metals, Medical Supply & Equipment, Machinery & Tools, Packaging, Toys, as well as general consumer goods.

Since its inception in 2015, Haizol has enthusiastically awarded multiple rounds of committed financial investment from the world’s top establishment and financial institutes such as Haier, Woofoo Capital, Eastern Bell Capital, Stala Capital and Hongtai Capital Holdings. Their clients include MicroPort, Roche, Siemens, Haier, Zeiss, Whirlpool, Rocker, and Hybrid Racing.

For more information or to learn more, head over to their website at www.haizolglobal.com.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Haizol celebrate Chinese New Year by offering their customers lower prices on their part manufacturing

SHANGHAI, 2022-Feb-3 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — OEM manufacturing platform Haizol are a Chinese sourcing platform and in-house manufacturer of metal and plastic custom parts and products. Based in Shanghai, they are currently celebrating the Chinese New Year, the year of the tiger.

Haizol’s platform has over 600,000 manufacturing partners in China, providing on-demand manufacturing to more than 100 countries around the world. Haizol offer their customers direct access to the best specialized engineers and factories across China enabling small and medium sized enterprises to streamline and lower the cost of their supply chain by outsourcing their production efficiently and at high quality.

To celebrate the turn of a new year, Haizol are offering reduced prices on their on-demand manufacturing services, bringing increased savings to their customers. Whether it is a prototype, or full scale production, customers can receive low cost quotations with fast lead times. Covering both components and whole products, as well as reverse engineering, Haizol provide tailor made services

As of today, Haizol has achieved five rounds of financial and industrial investments, including Haier Financial Capital, Fortune Capital under Tsinghua Holdings, ZD Capital and Hong Tai Ji. From 2015 Haizol has grown into a leading domestic manufacturing supply chain and production services.

It is a great time to check out their capabilities and make savings on your manufacturing projects.

Digital Manufacturing platform Haizol expands with a new office in Suzhou, China

LONDON, 9-Jan-2022 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Haizol are growing from strength to strength in the manufacturing industry. From inception in 2015, they have opened offices throughout China year on year. Haizol now have a presence in 12 cities across China, making them the go to platform for connecting with manufacturers for custom OEM parts and products. Currently Haizol are in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Wuxi, Dongguan, Foshan, Huizhou, Suzhou, Changzhou, and Hangzhou. Last month they opened a new office in Suzhou, with an opening ceremony attended by government officials.

Haizol assists small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises in the procurement of resources, meeting output quotas, and manufacturing of traditional parts and components. Their one-stop sourcing solutions platform offers buyers a complete service from start to finish. From your requirements, they locate the best suppliers, then take care of the whole process from the initial order, to quality and inspection, and shipment.

Haizol’s connections span throughout China, having partnered with the best factories that specialize in CNC Machining, Injection Molding, Casting, Stamping, Fabrication, and Mold Making. Haizol also manufacturing products, from a simple CAD design, they can produce the product from prototype to full scale production. Haizol are experts in reverse engineering, whereby products are broken down into the separate parts in order to re-build and re-brand them.

Haizol’s instant quoting technology and extensive network of suppliers has revolutionized the custom manufacturing industry. Providing customers with quotes in under a minute, they get on demand access to high quality low cost manufacturing. For startups or large companies, 2D or 3D drawings can be securely uploaded to receive a dynamic quotation.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Haizol on improving supply chain flexibility

LONDON, 29-Apr-2021 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Supply chains worldwide have experienced some level of turbulence in the last 18 month. The pandemic continues to cause disruption, as well as other events such as the obstruction of the Suez Canal in March.

The countless obstacles encountered have been coupled by innovative development and novel means of working in all phases of the supply chain. Digital manufacturing, as a solution to mitigate supply chain risk, is being increasingly implemented by companies globally.

Many companies are looking at ways to improve their supply chain flexibility, here is what we recommend to increase agility.

1. Expect the unexpected
Being prepared for unforeseen situations will stand you in good stead should they occur. It is not uncommon for things to not go to plan. To combat this, planning is key, you know your business better than anyone else, and it will ensure your supply chain will continue working smoothly.

In order to plan ahead effectively, it is important to communicate often and in detail with suppliers. We need to adopt a proactive approach to supply chain, and consider likely future trends and market direction to make preparations for them. As the market and businesses alike are fluctuating at speed, interruptions are also going to keep happening, and likely more often.

2. Stock a little more than you need
Whilst being lean, reducing waste, and being as productive as possible is the aim, one should be conscious to not be too lean. It is beneficial to stock a little more than you need, to account for any eventuality. Having that extra material can still be lean, customers know they can repeat orders rapidly, they can rely on Haizol to produce at speed, and have adaptations to the design put in place which can reduce lifecycle cost.

3. Stay connected to the engineers on the ground
Technology has meant that we can acquire large amounts of data from machines, however having a close relationship to the actual machine operators and factory floor can prove invaluable. It is irreplaceable to be on the ground with the actual machine, to see what is happening, and help to solve the issue. Based on this, it is beneficial to ensure there is someone in manufacturing bases all the way through the supply chain. In this regard, relationships are crucial, supplier engineers are able to find problems that were not apparent to begin with, and they can report this information and adapt the plan when required.

4. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Ensuring you don’t rely solely on a single-source supply will help in building a more flexible supply chain. Having more options will mean less of a risk that material will be unobtainable. Keeping your options open means if stock does run short will your supplier you can source from another supplier with ease. Using a manufacturer like Haizol, who partner with over 200,000 factories across Asia, mean risk is mitigated.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Digital agility enables manufacturers to quickly pivot when faced with disruption

LONDON, 22-Feb-2021 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — We are moving more and more into an on-demand world, where the companies who embrace digitalization and agility thrive. We have witnessed that the companies surviving in this new era of manufacturing are the ones who go digital, be agile, and mitigate risk.

The recent pandemic has resulted in new ways of working, highlighting the importance of getting immediate access to products and services. As manufacturers navigate the new normal, realizing digital agility has never been more important.

Having a responsive supply chain proves essential. Once you take a product to market, it is key to safeguard the supply chain. With a constantly changing market, your supply chain should be able to rapidly respond to satisfy demand where that means making more of the same product, or shifting focus to another more in demand item.

When done correctly, automation paves the way to digital agility. Agility results in lower cost and errors, whilst increasing productivity and sales. Digital agility enables manufacturers to quickly pivot when faced with disruption.

When manufacturers get it right, automation provides a path towards digital agility, which ultimately leads to the reduction of cost and errors, while improving productivity and raising revenue. Digital agility is especially important amid COVID-19 disruptions, as it allows manufacturers to quickly pivot.

Digitalization and technology help companies embrace new market trends. Market opportunity is evident in industry, the capture this, companies and their manufacturing partners need to push the existing boundaries and strive to push themselves and digitalize their processes. As products and services are moving more and more on-demand, only those that embrace this will gain competitive advantage.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Haizol’s digital manufacturing platform in the light of COVID-19 supply chain disruption

LONDON, 9-Feb-2021 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — COVID-19 taught us numerous things when it comes to manufacturing. Throughout 2020, we saw countless industries and companies alike struggling to source materials, complete production, and get their product to the end user. When normal supply chains were disrupted, there was a challenge and difficulty sourcing alternative means to achieve supply chain stability during this time, and keep production going.

Despite the world having a magnitude of advanced manufacturing capabilities, these are difficult to find and access. What has become clearer than ever before, is that current supply chains and manufacturing processes are international, proficient, and well-organised, and at the same time, they are delicate and can struggle delivering transparency to its user when hit with unforeseen instability. This was demonstrated by the shortage of supplies in numerous industries, from medical, to automotive, to digital goods. Not only did raw material become a challenge to source, but key industrial component shortage led to issues with final assembly of goods.

The future of the manufacturing industry requires improved resilience, agility, and supply chain transparency in order to manage any future disruption more effectively. Breaking the existing mold, embracing new technology, and developing a digital supply network which is able to quickly respond and adapt to any situation thrown its way.

This industry requires visible and accessible manufacturing in a digital format. China, in particular, is a country which is at the forefront of this new vision. China boosts advanced manufacturing competences, resources, and has a transparent and accessible infrastructure. Agility and resilience is key, and digital manufacturing platforms, particularly ones that offer an online marketplace at the users fingertips of a multitude of capabilities, is key. This digital core allows high transparency, easy visibility, easy access, and agility when faced with disruption.

Having a digital marketplace which can be accessed at any point from anywhere for any kind of manufacturing requirement allows for a truly agile foundation of digital supply networks. A user can identify manufacturing resources and capabilities at the touch of a button from part designs, features, machine tools, capabilities and more. This essentially breaks down the barriers and reduces effort typically found when sourcing manufacturing resources and capabilities.

The future will see more complex and improved versions of this digital manufacturing marketplace, allowing a user to be able to search for diverse manufacturing resources and capabilities and multiple variables such as manufacturing capacity (such as machine tool / specification) and complex part design. A further development is likely to be a more inclusive service, allowing the user to source based on capability to manufacture components with specific requirements, such as 5-axis CNC turning with horsepower and x/y/z travel metrics with metal additive manufacturing as an option.

Manufacturing is an extensive and multifaceted sphere, therefore a comprehension platform with effective searchable options is something which needs to be continually adapted and upgraded. Haizol’s manufacturing platform provides users with over 200,000 suppliers in Asia with wide-ranging capabilities and the ability to filter based on a variety of criteria. In terms of supplier, the user can select based on manufacturing type, region, industry, factory size, employee number, annual turnover, certification, R&D capacity, and more. They also have the option to filter by product, choosing process, material, and region, to see examples of what factories have previously made, to guide their decision making.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

EWF along with its partners developed the first International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System

PORTO SALVO, Portugal, 28-Nov-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Additive Manufacturing is entering fast into the mainstream since most industries, if not all, are bound to benefit from its nearly endless possibilities of customization and on-demand production. It is already redefining many industries, and it has the potential to disrupt traditional business models and value chains, providing companies willing to fully embrace this technology with a significant competitive advantage. One of the reasons that its growth has not been as fast as anticipated is the lack of qualified professionals capable of dealing and operating in Additive Manufacturing. Essentially, the shift in existing job definitions and the emergence of new skill sets require continuous up/reskilling to meet the needs of an economy that is increasingly blurring the lines between the physical and digital world. That is why EWF has, along with its network of partners, developed the first International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System to support the fast adoption of this new market.

This new qualification system relies on EWF’s expertise in the development of advanced harmonized qualifications that are broadly used and recognized. These qualifications, as with all other developed by EWF, are a result of the cooperative work between the federation and experts representing both industry and education (e.g. training centres, universities, and research organisations), that agreed on the technical and pedagogical structure of the qualifications needed for current and future professionals in metal additive manufacturing. The collaboration with organizations supported by several European projects, ensures that a crucial fast track adoption of this first European/International Qualification System for Additive Manufacturing personnel is made possible.

EWF currently offers Qualifications in Metal AM, three at the Operator level and three at Engineering level. And they have been gathering momentum, with the International harmonised qualifications for professionals in additive manufacturing already recognized in 33 European countries. The first countries offering these qualifications are Italy, Germany, France, UK and Spain, and the first course for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) operator started this year in Italy, with the first diplomas already awarded.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Getting The Most Cash At The Scrap Yard

Houston, TX, USA, 2019-Aug-16 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — You are probably looking for a scrap yard nearby and got to this page, please click the below link if you searched for a scrap yard near me and need a nearby recycling company. Local scrap yards

Scrap Yards Nearby

Scrap yards are local metal recycling centers, they purchase metals including iron, stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum & lead.

They will also buy electronics, appliances or cars to dismantle them and sell the steel mill or larger scrap brokers. If you would like to learn how metal is recycled view our article How scrap metal is recycled to learn more.

The metal that scrap yards generate will get melted and reused, that being the case they are a must for our environment.

Here are some tips that will help you to get the most cash from your metal when recycling:

1. Research.

Knowledge is power, and this is the case even at the scrap yard.

Whatever kind of metal you are going to sell will need to be graded by the scrap yard.

As an example, insulated copper wire or any other copper will be (#1 or #2) depending on a combination of the gauge of copper, insulation type, copper coatings including tin, silver & shellac.

If you have scraps such as plate, sheet or any other for it will depend on if the copper is painted or has other metals attached to it.

#1 copper that has no insulation or coating will always be worth more than #2 copper, that’s why you need to know what you have before you call or go to the scrap yard.

2. More is better.

Bringing larger amounts of weight to the scrap yard will give you more negotiating power.

So figure you have a huge amount of aluminum, the scrap yard is going to really want your business more than they would from someone bringing in a small pick up load.

Local recycling centers make their profit by the ton working on any where from $50 to $400 depending on how much they have to invest in the metal.

By gathering a large amount of weight you maybe able to get $100 more on a ton of your scrap then if it was 500 lbs. and 4 trips to the yard not to mention you save on fuel, also keep in mind that when at a yard there is a 50/50 chance of getting a flat so unless you have $500-$600 or more worth of scrap metal its just not worth it.

3. Separate Your Scrap Metal.

Prior to going to the scrap yard, separate all your metal.

By doing this you will get better scrap metal prices which is an important key to getting the most money for your scrap.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

How is scrap metal recycled

  • Metal Recycling How Scrap Metal Is Recycled
  • Scrap metal recycling is one of the largest industries in the Country
  • For the original post please visit How Scrap Metal Is Recycled

Dallas, TX, USA, 2019-Aug-01 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Metal Recycling is the process of reusing old scrap metal to manufacture or fabricate another item, this can be done over and over again with the same metal that was once used in a bridge 100 years ago can be the same metal that is now used in the car your driving today.

Video courtesy of The Discovery Channel

 

Types Of Scrap Metal:

There are many different types of scrap metal you will encounter in the metal recycling process.

Typical metals include iron, aluminum, brass, copper & stainless steel, of these scrap metals copper is the most sought after and is part of scrap metals classified as non ferrous, non ferrous meaning no iron or minimal iron present and non magnetic “Iron is magnetic”, non ferrous metals include copper, brass and aluminum.

Where these metals can be found:

  • Iron can be found in most anything including cars, heavy machinery, structural steel & more.
  • Aluminum can be found in Aircraft frames and parts, automobile engines, heads and transmissions, commercial window frames and window frames.
  • Brass can be found in water meters, ammunitions, fixtures, faucets and plumbing supplies.
  • Copper can be found in washing machines, automobiles “engine harness, alternators & starters, electrical equipment, electric motors and transformers.
  • Stainless steel can be found in the food and restaurant industry prep stations, chemical plants for storage of chemicals and many other products.

The Scrap Yard:

Once the metal is gathered it will find it’s way to the local metal recycling center “Scrap yard” where the metal will be unloaded usually using a crane with a magnet or hydraulic grapple attachment, smaller pieces of scrap metal can be unloaded by hand. It will then be separated and then shredded, torched or made into smaller pieces by any other means necessary.

The scrap will then be separated into different piles and non ferrous metals will be further separated into various categories.

The Steel Mill:

When ready the scrap metal will be loaded onto trucks that will haul it off to it’s final destination, “the steel mill” or aluminum foundry etc. where the metal will be recycled and melted into new iron/steel plates, blocks, beams etc. the metal is melted by high voltage electrodes, flux and other chemicals maybe added to purify/clean the metal, pressurized air may also introduced to help achieve high carbon steel which is much stronger than cast iron.
Other metals maybe introduced in very small amounts as well such as nickel, chrome or molybdenum to make an even stronger high strength steel such as chrome moly steel or 4140 steel.

Via EPR Network
More Industrial press releases

SLM-XL project: Printing large-scaled parts with Laser Powder Bed Fusion process

LISBON, 31-May-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Additive manufacturing technologies are increasingly used, as they allow the manufacturing of parts with geometries not achievable by traditional processes, leading to increasingly more efficient parts for the intended applications, but mostly for smaller build envelopes and rapid prototyping. In the case of Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology, the SLM-XL project has taken the parts size shortcoming head-on and it has managed to produce large stainless steel parts of over one meter compliant with the 316L specification (image 1). To achieve this milestone, the project included the development of a prototype machine for larger parts using LPBF technology with a new, breakthrough technology, tiled laser melting, that is paving the way for the seamless production of small to large parts for the most demanding usage scenarios. Printing large-scaled parts with laser powder bed fusion process provides a fast and efficient way to create low volume parts of any length and height, allowing flexibility in design and overcoming disadvantages of traditional manufacturing technologies.

The project experiment has produced samples on the customized LPBF machine with relative densities above 99%, with the best result at 99,655%. This is a positive indicator towards the ultimate goal of zero-defect manufacturing in producing large components with LPBF. The SLM-XL projectwas led by an equipment manufacturer (Adira Metal Forming Solutions) with the collaboration of research organizations (Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculdade de Ciência e Tecnologia, INEGI – Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering) and one end user (MCG – Manuel Conceição Graça).

There is a growing market demand for this type of machines and this specific prototype includes a unique TLM (Tiled Laser Melting) printing process technology developed by Adira. By being able to produce larger parts, the project has brought the broad utilization of Laser Powder Bed Fusion into the mainstream, with clear benefits in efficient resources utilization, cost effectiveness for customized smaller production runs and overall flexibility on the production. The project’s outcomes included a methodology for selection of parameters to fabricate large metal parts in stainless steel 316L, as well as contributing for the development of the final prototype machine.

Empowering industry with large parts production capabilities

Laser powder bed fusion is one of the metal additive manufacturing technologies available. It is a layer by layer process in which a defined powder thickness is melted by the laser allowing the manufacture of functional complex-shaped objects, with high structural integrity for low volume and affordable costs in different materials. Being able to deliver parts produced through this technology is not a novelty, and has already been used, among other, for biomedical devices. But ensuring the production of larger parts, retaining the expected features of materials made from traditional subtractive manufacturing, has proven elusive so far. The consortium tested the ultimate ability to reach the highest possible density for a larger part, which in turn would reveal the type of potential applications.

By showing the capability of producing large build envelopes of 316L stainless steel samples, the project has paved the way for other materials to follow in the near future. To achieve the results of 99% plus density in all the part, it was required to adjust the parameters at the outer zones, and a methodology to perform this adjustment has also been proposed as an outcome of this project.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

The SLM-XL – 3D project consortium was tasked with the production of 316L stainless steel materials with a prototype SLM machine developed by ADIRA

The SLM-XL – 3D project puts together leading research and industrial organizations to develop a prototype capable of coping with the most demanding real-life scenarios

LISBOA, 9-May-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Utilization of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology has been confined to the production of small parts with up to 99,9% relative density and with clear economic benefits, yet the difficulty to increase parts size while keeping its mechanical and other properties have prevented its utilization for large scale parts production. This is the challenge addressed by the SLM-XL project lead by an equipment manufacturer (Adira Metal Forming Solutions) with the collaboration of research organizations (Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade Nova de Lisboa – Faculdade de Ciência e Tecnologia) and end user (MCG – Manuel Conceição Graça). The consortium was tasked with the production of 316L stainless steel materials with a prototype SLM machine developed by ADIRA, and the project’s outcomes included a methodology for selection of parameters to fabricate large metal parts in stainless steel 316L, as well as contributing for the development of the final prototype machine.

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF9 also known as selective Laser Melting (SLM) or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), is a layer by layer process in which a defined powder thickness is melted by the laser allowing the manufacture of functional complex shaped components, with high structural integrity for low volume and affordable costs in different materials. Printing large-scaled parts with selective laser melting process provides a fast and efficient way to create low volume parts of any length and height allowing flexibility in design and overcoming disadvantages of traditional manufacturing technologies as eg. casting where modifying casting molds when the component design is changing is time consuming and cost-intensive. Especially in case of prototyping, additive manufacturing enhances the flexibility of manufacturers in design iterations.

The challenges are due to the microstructure and mechanical properties of additive manufactured parts, which can show anisotropy and position-depending properties. For large-scaled LPBF machines the position depending changes in microstructure and mechanical properties are more pronounced as compared to LPBF machines with reduced build volume. There is a market demand for this type of machines and as such several manufacturers are commercializing equipment with increased build envelopes.

Adira is addressing this market and has moved from design to prototype. The machine, used to produce the samples for the SLM-XL project, has been displayed in several exhibitions and is gaining market recognition, including being awarded on the Product Innovation category by COTEC-ANI in 2017, due to its unique TLM (Tiled Laser Melting) printing process technology.

Bringing the machine design into real-world usage scenarios

The present investigation has focused on the influence of an enlarged build envelope on porosity, and mechanical properties of 316 L stainless steel samples.

There is still significant lack of knowledge and understanding about the correlations between process parameters and mechanical properties and for high-power LPBF systems with increased build rates. As a result of extended laser powers of up to 1 kW the solidification conditions significantly affect the resulting microstructure in terms of size of dendrites and grains. Consequently, the SLM-XL project focused on the investigation and correlation of process parameters (e.g., laser power, scan speed, layer orientation, hatch distance, vector length, etc.) on the density of the samples (Archimedes, imaging technique), microstructure (scanning electron microscopy) and resultant mechanical properties (hardness, tensile and compression tests) for 316 L stainless steel parts with different geometrical characteristics and produced in different areas of the powder bed.

The results show that to assure 99% plus density in all the building envelop of a system with 1 m3 of volume, the user needs to adjust parameters as the outer zones are reached. A methodology to perform this adjustment is proposed.

The microstructure analysis indicates a preferential elongation of the grains in certain directions which leads to anisotropy of the mechanical properties relative to the direction of build. The mechanical tests resulted in hardness, elongation, tensile strength characteristic of 316L full hardened stainless steel.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Prometheus project to bridge the existing gap between niche and mainstream applications for high power ultra-short pulse laser surface processing

PORTO SALVO, 4-Apr-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Prometheus’ project will bridge the existing gap between niche and mainstream applications for high power ultra-short pulse laser surface processing. This advanced technology enables the production of materials with advanced properties such as non-stick, low wear/friction, oleophobic or hydrophobic, but through this unique project will deliver a broad range of surface functionalities onto metals, polymers and ceramics by way of high throughput, high spatial resolution Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) surface processing. It is expected to deliver unprecedented surface texturing speeds of up to 5 m2/min and enable high resolution features down to 1 μm to be produced with minimal heat impact on work pieces. This ambitious project represents a pan-European EU consortium of world leading organizations, from industrial and research partners to four manufacturers – Maier, Johnson and Johnson, Fiat Chrysler Automobile group and Arcelik – that will be able to assess the project’s outputs against current industrial processes. Wrapping up the thee-year project, and through breakthrough developments in laser sources, optics, process setup, control and monitoring, the consortium will deliver an integrated laser processing demonstrator system to showcase its capabilities according to the established goals.

Beyond the expected improvement on accuracy, the Prometheus project qualitative objectives include better resources utilization from raw materials to energy and waste. It is also expected a quantum leap on the speed of materials’ processing, as mentioned, by reaching 2-5 m2/min, while also minimizing heat impact on sensitive materials. The project aims to achieve improved flexibility and allow for a simpler product customization – all of this at a fraction of existing solutions’ cost. The case studies being developed include a dishwasher, a tumble dryer, a cylinder piston liner, and high strength aluminium pressing for automotive.

The unique ability of this technology to deliver precise periodic arrays of surface features at an unprecedented processing rate will contribute to its entrance into mainstream manufacturing processes, from its current usage in niche ultra-high value applications. The DLIP (Direct Laser Interference Patterning) technology enables the full utilisation of the high-power laser systems delivering profound productivity gains versus current technologies. Also, by being digital by default, the system enables rapid reconfiguration to deliver customised surface functionalities and patterns on a component by component basis.

Keeping Europe at the core of innovation and environmental leadership

This unique project will bring to light a high potential high power ultra-short pulse laser processing system. Prometheus will address some of the key European 2020 societal challenges, both by ensuring that European companies and research organizations stay at the leading edge of the new
manufacturing technologies and by creating new jobs opportunities. At the same time, the project will minimize environmental impacts.

Prometheus will also contribute to support the goal of increasing investment in innovation up to 3% of the EU’s GDP. The new approaches to surface engineering made possible by this technology will have an impact on the increase in R&D spending, both in photonic component development
necessary to control the increased power densities and in widespread application development.

The exceptionally high processing rate enables cost-effective processing to price-sensitive industrial sectors such as the consortium partners, spanning automotive, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), white goods and consumer durables. The effect will also be felt on the overall value chain, given the expected technology transfer and training across manufacturing sectors, as it becomes mainstream.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Europe seeks to retain its leading position in industrial competitiveness with new project on Additive Manufacturing skills

PORTO SALVO, 25-Mar-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Technology is evolving at a much faster pace than the development of the workers’ skills to use it. Most of the current initiatives and projects that focus on skills shortages are developing skills for existing needs and shortages, meaning that industry is already demanding personnel with those competences. Looking at a bigger picture, it means that there is no strategical approach to skills in Additive Manufacturing and that the current methodology to answer to skills needs is based on reaction instead of prediction and planning. Adding to this, the time between identification of the skills needs and shortages and the capability of deploying qualification/training modules to address them is not aligned with the industry requirements, since in most cases it takes about 1-2 years to create the required professional profile/qualification or competence unit/training module and to have it deployed.

The Wohlers Report 2018 on 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing states that the overall additive manufacturing industry grew 21% in 2017 as the industry expanded by more than €1 thousand million. According to Ernst & Young, the demand for AM and related services has increased in the last years and is expected that in 2020 the market volume reaches €10 thousand million.

As Europe seeks to retain its leading position in industrial competitiveness, there is an urgent need to establish a platform for Additive Manufacturing (AM) skills at European, National and Regional levels.

To meet this challenge the project Sector Skills Strategy in Additive Manufacturing (SAM) started in January 2019. The initiative will tackle the current European need for developing an effective system to identify and anticipate the right skills for the Additive Manufacturing (AM) sector demands in response to the increasing labour market needs, thus, contributing for the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth of the AM sector

To address the challenges described above the SAM project intends to:

  • Build a sector skills strategy in AM;
  • Assess and anticipate skills (gaps and shortages) in AM;
  • Support with data the AM European Qualification System and foster wideness of its scope;
  • (Re) design professional profiles according to the industry requirements;
  • Develop specific relevant qualifications to be delivered for the AM Sector;
  • Increase the attractiveness of the sector to young people, whilst promoting gender balance;
  • Strengthen education-research-industry partnerships and encourage creativity “in companies and relevant educational and scientific institutions”;
  • Track students, trainees and job seekers and promote match making between job offer and search.

SAM will promote the AM sector by engaging with different target groups, namely, existing workforce, students from the primary school, vocational education and training and higher education, by putting in place an awareness campaign, stimulating the creativity of the partnership as well as of the audience.

Project partners

SAM project consortium is composed of 16 partners of which EWF is the coordinator. It encompasses industrial representatives from the AM sector, organisations involved in the fields of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and/or Higher Education (HE), and umbrella organisations. The consortium is strongly committed with the aim of supporting the growth, innovation, and competitiveness of the AM sector, since all partners have expertise in manufacturing technology and/or in the provision of education, and all of them are recognised players in the field. This ambitious project has a duration of 48 months and ends on 31st December 2022.

List of partners:

  • EWF – EUROPEAN FEDERATION FOR WELDING, JOINING AND CUTTING
  • CECIMO – CECIMO – EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF THE MACHINE TOOL INDUSTRIES
  • FUNDACIÓN IDONIAL
  • EPMA – THE EUROPEAN POWDER METALLURGY ASSOCIATION
  • MATERIALISE
  • GRANTA DESIGN
  • RENISHAW
  • LORTEK
  • MTC – MANUFACTURING TECNHOLOGY CENTRE
  • FUNDACIÓN AITIIP –
  • ISQ – INSTITUTO DE SOLDADURA E QUALIDADE
  • LMS – LABORATORY FOR MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS & AUTOMATION
  • UBRUN – BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON
  • ECOLE CENTRALE DE NANTES
  • LZH LASER AKADEMIE GMBH
  • POLIMI – POLITECNICO DI MILANO

SAM project is funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ (Sector Skills Alliances in VET – Blueprint).

SOURCE: EuropaWire

DIGIWELD to develop an open and innovative digital learning system (SIMTRANET) and education materials in welding technology

PORTO SALVO, 22-Jan-2019 — /EPR Industrial News/ — Embracing the learning challenges of the new digital era is the main goal of the DIGIWELD project, which aims at providing digital tools for education and innovative practices for students from Vocational Education and Training Schools, as well as for welders who want to keep abreast of the new skills and competences required for new welding technologies.

This project comes at a critical juncture, with the pace of change for businesses and the global economy accelerating and new digital and manufacturing technologies reshaping entire industries, a challenge to existing workforce qualifications, who have to adapt or risk obsolescence. To address these new requirements, broader access to education and training for skills development is fundamental, coupled with new, flexible learning options. Together, they are reshaping both traditional education and Vocational and Educational Training. A workforce able to cope with the new manufacturing and digital technologies becomes a driving force to competitiveness, since improved workforce skills triggers innovation and growth, move production up the value chain and are fundamental to shape the future labour market.

Online learning platforms are one key asset to provide broad education to all those looking to improve their skills or gain new ones, and that is the unique position of DIGIWELD project, whose aim is to develop an open and innovative digital learning system (SIMTRANET) and education materials in welding technology. The benefits of this digital learning tool include reduced time and cost for industrial partners, a flexible learning tool for those looking to improve their existing skills, a better fit to the new generation of welding apprentices who are, by definition, digital natives, a set of new technologies and teaching methods for trainers and teachers and, finally, an improved education and training process, one that focuses both on apprentices need and employer’s requirements.

The project’s key deliverables over the course of its two-year duration include the development of:

• Curricula for training welders using simulators and updating EU Guidelines for the European/International Welder IAB – 089r5 – 14
• Digital tool to be inserted in simulators as modules dedicated to the training of apprentices (16-20 years old)
• Training 24 trainers and involving min 60 apprentices in the welding profession

Once fully developed, it is expected that new project will provide a unique insight to propose the transfer of innovation to the other 27 countries of the EWF network. As a result, it is expected that at least 5 new training courses will be provided to the market.

Closing the gap between traditional and Vocational Education and Training

The shift to a knowledge-based economy implies a workforce with higher skillsets. CEDEFOP – European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training – forecasts that the proportion of jobs in the EU requiring tertiary level qualifications will increase from 29% in 2010 to 34% in 2020. This comes in a context in which European education and training systems continue to fall short in providing the right skills for employability and are not working adequately with business or employers to bring the learning experience closer to the reality of the working environment. These skills mismatches are a growing concern for European industry’s competitiveness.

Welding is one such case, in that it is both highly technical on its execution and increasingly digital, but the number of Initial Vocational Education and Training apprentices, in spite of efforts to lure more young students, still fails to meet the expected business and industry requirements to ensure long-term needs. And work-based learning (e.g. apprenticeships in a real company environment) has not been as widely accepted by students and companies as expected, which means new and more enticing ways to use WBL need to be developed. Given the diversity of applications in industry, even students undergoing formal welding qualifications need to follow other study programmes to be qualified in specific procedures and then to pass an additional exam to be certified by a national/international body.

These unique circumstances and environment were the driving force behind the creation of DIGIWELD project, whose consortium represents a strategic partnership between international education and training entities with the main goal to offer an adequate platform for acquiring and developing basic skills and key competences for apprentices, as well as for teachers/trainers in the field of welding and digital learning based on simulators.

On the first part of the project, the 6 partners will develop the new system and training courses and seminars will be offered to the labour market. Once developed and approved by the EWF members, the curricula will become part of the Guideline and ItalyRomaniaPortugal and Spain will become the core implementers of the new Guideline inside the 31 countries of EWF, with apprentices using the new training courses to become qualified welders at least in 3 countries. As a growing number of courses start being requested by the labour market, partners will continue their work dedicated to the improvement of the system. Once fully tested and implemented, it is expected that the system will become widely available to the remaining 27 countries of EWF and help the technical schools to build the training system for their apprentices.

Project partners

The DIGIWELD project brings together six organizations from RomaniaBelgiumSpain and Italy. The consortium partners include ASR – Asociatia de Sudura din RomaniaEWF – European Federation for Welding, Joining and CuttingCESOL – Asociacion Espanola de Soldadura y Tecnologias de UnionIIS Progress s.r.l. – Istituto Italiano della SaldaturaColegiul Tehnic “Domnul Tudor”; and ATS – Augmented Training Services, S.L.

The project’s associated partners include the General Directorate of TrainingUniversity of CracoviaPronanomant AssociationAstra Rail S.A.ISIM TimisoaraGoierri ScolaUniversity of CadizMasa HuelvaMinistry of education of the Junta de AndalusiaSalesian educational community of Huelva; and lastly, the Directorate General for Social Assistance and Child Protection.

DIGIWELD project has received funding from the European Union’s Erasmus+ (Strategic Partnerships for vocational education and training).

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Leading Industrial Contractor and Fabricator Wins ABC National Safety Excellence Award

M. Davis and Sons, Inc. has been awarded the National Safety Excellence Award, which is the industry’s leading safety laurel that honors both merit shop general and specialty contractors.

Long Beach, CA, 2018-Mar-30 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware Chapter announced the winners of the prestigious Excellence in Construction award during its 28th annual celebration held in Long Beach, California.

The award was received by the construction and fabrication company M. Davis and Sons received amidst resounding applause.

M. Davis and Sons. Inc. is the leader in construction and fabrication of corporate plants and facilities for Fortune 500 Companies. Their expertise in mechanical, electrical, fabrication, instrumentation, and power distribution equipment create efficient processes for their customers.

Receiving the award has been termed as a milestone for the company as the Excellence in Construction awards program is the industry’s leading competition that honors both general and specialty contractors for innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.

Held on March 26, 2018, the ceremony of the ABC’s 28th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards had guests from every corner of the industry.

Talking to them, the 2018 ABC National Chair George R. Nash. Jr., Director of Preconstruction at Branch & Associates in Herndon, VA said,

“I am continually inspired by the amazing talent these ABC members and their employees display every day in the communities they build. It is an honor to recognize their commitment to world-class safety, superior craftsmanship, and cutting-edge innovation. The scope of this year’s Excellence in Construction award-winning projects, from a science museum and luxury apartment buildings to a polyethylene facility and sports stadiums, proves that if it can be built, the merit shop can be built it, on time and on budget.”

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) organizes Excellence in Construction Awards every year and selects winners based on the several criteria such as experience modification rating, OSHA report information, commitment to safe work practices, policy and leadership, and safety vision.

Via EPR Network
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M. Davis & Sons Provides High-Tech Solutions with Messer Plasma Cutting Equipment

Wilmington, DE, 2018-Feb-21 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Peggy Del Fabbro, CEO of M. Davis & Sons, announced that it has acquired a Messer Cutting Systems Evolution® Plasma Cutting Table. The revolutionary new equipment enables M. Davis and Sons fabrication specialists to produce an enhanced level of smooth edge quality, precision hole cutting, and it keeps the surrounding work area smoke free.

“We are excited to offer the new equipment to advance the customer’s project schedule,” said John Bonk, M. Davis and Sons’ Vice-President of Operations.

The new state-of-the-art plasma cutting equipment by Messer Cutting Systems is software controlled and allows M. Davis & Sons to provide a larger volume of plate cutting in-house to accommodate client needs. The plasma cutting table allows materials to be cut run in measurements from 1.5” for carbon steel to 1-inch for stainless steel and to achieve high-quality edges. Metal plates are aligned to the torch via a camera for extreme accuracy.

One of the most innovative features of the equipment is its smoke-free design. It’s equipped with exhaust dampers that open and close as the welding torch moves for a safer work environment. The Messer Slagger component automatically cleans the machine base with pusher blades for cleaning performed in just minutes for minimal downtime.

The plasma cutting equipment represents the next evolution for steel fabrication and industrial construction. An innovative approach to construction and fabrication enables the company to work faster and produce the highest quality results while providing significant time savings for any project.

The company recently sent two of its fabrication specialists to Wisconsin to receive specialized training and instruction on the equipment’s operation. Additional operators are being trained as part of an ongoing in-house program.

The acquisition of the Messer Cutting Systems Evolution® Plasma Cutting Table by M. Davis & Sons provides the company’s clients in multiple industries with an enhanced level of quality, precision and options for modular process skid fabrication and assembly, steel fabrication, industrial construction and welding.

Via EPR Network
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Machine time on LSPT’s laser peening equipment at ZAL will be available to manufacturers seeking metal fatigue enhancement

Dublin, OH, Aug-01-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — LSP Technologies (LSPT) is now filling its schedule for laser peening application development in Europe. This landmark opportunity coincides with the impending delivery of LSPT’s Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System to the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research (ZAL Zentrum für Angewandte Luftfahrtforschung) in Hamburg, Germany. Beginning in 2018, LSPT is making the Procudo® System available to European manufacturers for laser peening research and application development.

Key features of the Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System:

• Production-quality system engineered for high-volume laser peening
• Diode-pumped, pulsed YLF laser delivers high beam quality for consistent processing
• Fastest (20 Hz) and most powerful (200 W) pulsed laser peening equipment available in the world
• Real-time diagnostics and selectable beam parameters for comprehensive process control

“This is the first opportunity for many European manufacturers to access an industrial laser peening system for application and product development research,” said David Lahrman, VP of Business Development for LSPT. “We’re introducing a superior fatigue enhancement solution to the European market, and we’re excited to form new partnerships in pursuit of stronger, more reliable components.”

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a powerful metal improvement process that produces a 10X fatigue life enhancement over shot peening. LSP utilizes a high-energy pulsed laser to generate controlled stress waves that impart compressive residual stresses up to 12 mm beneath the material surface. Laser peening has been proven to significantly extend the service life of metal parts by providing enhanced resistance to common failure mechanisms:

• Fatigue Cracking
• Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Foreign Object Damage
• Fretting Fatigue
• Creep Deformation
• Erosion

Laser peening improves the performance and reliability of metal components, adding value to critical parts across a broad range of industries:

• Aviation and Aerospace – Engine components, turbine blades, bulkheads, wing attachments, landing gear, helicopter components
• Automotive – Axles, drive shafts, valve stems, connecting rods, pistons, impellers
• Medical – Orthopedic implants, replacement joints, spinal fixation devices
• Power Generation – Land-based turbine blades and components, nuclear containment vessels, wind turbine gears
• Manufacturing – Metal forming dies, machine tools

LSP Technologies’ newest laser peening facility will reside in the heart of the Hamburg Aviation Cluster at the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research. The ZAL TechCenter is one of the largest and most advanced aeronautical research facilities in the world, offering an innovative research space for collaborative development of emerging technologies.

Companies looking to improve the fatigue strength and performance capabilities of their parts should contact LSP Technologies regarding access to the Hamburg laser peening facility. Highly trained technicians will work alongside OEM researchers to develop custom applications addressing specific material performance issues.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

LSP Technologies Procudo® Laser Peening System can deliver 20 pulses per second – the fastest laser peening system ever built

Dublin, Ohio, USA, Jun-14-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — LSP Technologies announces the sale of its state-of-the-art Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System to the ZAL Zentrum für Angewandte Luftfahrtforschung in Hamburg, Germany. The equipment is being delivered to the ZAL TechCenter in Hamburg during the 3rd quarter of 2017, and being used to study metal fatigue enhancement applications for the civil aviation industry.

“We are very excited to introduce the first production-quality commercial laser peening system into Europe,” said Dr. Jeff Dulaney, President and CEO of LSP Technologies, Inc. “Laser peening is becoming the aviation industry standard for increasing fatigue strength in titanium and steels, and LSPT’s Procudo® Laser Peening System is the most powerful and versatile machine available for component service life extension.”

Laser peening is a proven method for significantly increasing the fatigue life and fatigue strength of metals. The mechanical surface enhancement process utilizes a high-energy pulsed laser beam to impart compressive residual stresses up to twenty times deeper than shot peening. The compressive stresses introduced by laser peening add strength and robustness to metal parts by improving their resistance to damage, fatigue, crack initiation and crack propagation. Benefits of the process include: extended component service life, reduced maintenance and repair costs, improved part performance, and enhanced resistance to failure. The process has been employed for years by major aerospace OEMs including GE Aviation and Rolls Royce.

LSP Technologies’ Procudo® 200 Laser Peening System is the only commercially available laser designed exclusively for laser peening. It employs a diode-pumped, pulsed YLF laser that produces a flat-top beam for smooth energy distribution and consistent processing. The flexible system offers selectable laser parameters, along with custom controls and diagnostics developed from LSPT’s 20 years of laser peening experience. Engineered for high-volume production processing, the Procudo® Laser Peening System can deliver 20 pulses per second, making it the fastest laser peening system ever built.

The Hamburg Center of Applied Aeronautical Research was established in 2009 as a technological research and development hub for the Hamburg Aviation Network. It is a public-private partnership that not only includes collaboration from some of the aviation industry’s largest organizations, such as Lufthansa and Airbus, but also from suppliers, SME, universities, research institutions, start-ups and many more. The ZAL TechCenter opened in Hamburg in 2016, and the 95-million-euro facility immediately became one of the largest and most advanced aeronautical research facilities in the world.

LSP Technologies is the world’s premier laser peening services, technology and equipment provider. It is the only company in the world selling, installing, and integrating state-of-the-art laser peening systems into manufacturing and research facilities. The company has been providing laser peening production services for clients in the aviation and power generation industries for over twenty years, and has been awarded more than fifty patents for innovations in laser peening equipment and technology.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Balli Steel Reports European Steel Markets Cushioned From Price Correction By Weak Euro

Balli Steel, one of the world’s largest privately owned independent commodity traders, highlights that European steel markets have been cushioned from the effects of the recent downturn in global steel prices due to the weakening Euro. Balli Steel’s research shows that steel prices in US Dollars fell by approximately 20% between their peak in mid April and May 2010. However, the weakening of the Euro against the Dollar over the same period meant that the relative decline in steel prices was only 3.3% in the Eurozone.

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The weakening of the Euro against the dollar has enabled steel producers in Eurozone markets to continue exporting steel for a longer period of time as well as discouraging domestic consumers from importing steel from elsewhere.

However, Balli Steel pointed out that the real demand for steel across the European market remains sluggish. With government spending both directly and indirectly impacting on steel demand, the widespread budget cuts and austerity measures being taken in countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the UK has led to a significant reduction in demand.

Nasser Alaghband, CEO of Balli Steel commented: “The weakening Euro has acted as a lifeline to European steel producers, making them more competitive to importers whilst being able to fight off competition from overseas. This trend may continue for some time, however, with falling demand there is a real need for production to be checked if prices are to be maintained. We have already seen a number of producers idle their mills in recent weeks and we expect this to pick up momentum, especially as the traditional summer holiday season approaches.”

Via EPR Network
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Balli Steel Reports Surge In Production Leads To Dramatic Fall In Chinese Steel Prices

Balli Steel, one of the world’s largest privately owned independent commodity traders, has highlighted that a surge in Chinese steel production since the beginning of 2010 has led to the recent dramatic decline in steel prices from their peak in early April.

Figures from the World Steel Association show that approximately 158 million tonnes of steel were produced in China during the first quarter of the year. In addition, steel production peaked at 55.4 million tonnes in April 2010, a 27% increase on April 2009, representing the highest amount of crude steel that China has ever produced in a single month.

This dramatic surge in production has led to a corresponding decline in steel prices over the past six weeks. In January 2010, Chinese steel prices were approximately $500 per tonne, rising to a peak of $700 per tonne in early April. However, overproduction has led to prices falling back to $550 per tonne by mid-May.

As China is by far the single largest steel producer in the world, accounting for approximately 47% of global production in 2009, this overproduction of steel and the corresponding decline in prices have had a significant effect on the global market.

Balli Steel emphasised that what happens next to the area’s steel prices will be dependant on how quickly China can cut its production and estimates that the country needs to reduce its output to approximately 40-45 million tonnes per month by July in order to maintain stable pricing.

Gianpiero Repole, Business Development Director of Balli Steel comments: “The Chinese steel market remains a strong prospect for the medium and long term with the country’s growing economic dominance in the region ensuring that there will be an ongoing demand for steel. What we are currently experiencing is short term timing difficulties with sharply rising prices at the beginning of the year leading to a surge in production, ultimately resulting in over production and falling prices.

Via EPR Network
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