THIS WEEK IN MACHINERY: 3D Printing Fiber Composites, A Flexible Shaft Machine, Waterjet and More

EnvisionTEC Industrial 3D Printer

The SLCOM 1 industrial composite 3D printer. (Image courtesy of Michael Molitch-Hou.)
EnvisionTEC recently announced the launch of the SLCOM 1 industrial composite 3D printer, which employs a new patent pending process known as Selective Lamination Composite Object Manufacturing.

“We are proud to introduce the first disruptive industrial-scale, composites 3D printer. This represents a paradigm shift for manufacturing, especially where demanding mechanical and environmental properties can only be delivered from woven composites”, said Al Siblani, CEO of EnvisionTEC.

SLCOM technology allows for the building of composite parts using layer-by-layer laminated thermoplastic composite fabric sheets from a roll. As the first 3D printer employing this technology, the SLCOM 1 will be capable of building objects up to 24” x 30” with a 24” height.

The SLCOM 1 can process a range of custom made thermoplastic reinforced unidirectional or multidirectional woven fibers. Some of the composite matrix materials the SLCOM 1 can process include:

  • Woven glass fiber
  • Woven carbon fiber
  • Woven aramid fibers reinforced with Nylon 6, Nylon 11, Nylon 12, Peek, Pekk, Polycarbonate and others

This allows for customization in delivering 3D printed parts suitable for use in aerospace, automotive, consumer products, sporting goods and potential applications in the medical space. The composites can be tailored for exceptional toughness, environmental resistance, vibration dampening, low flammability characteristics, high wear resistance and high strength to weight ratio.

For more information, visit the EnvisionTEC website.


EXAIR Back Blow Air Nozzle

The EXAIR 1 NPT back blow air nozzle. (Image courtesy of EXAIR.)
EXAIR has launched the 1 NPT Back Blow Air Nozzle to blow debris and liquids from pipe or hose inside diameters, axle housings, bores, holes, internal threads and other internal part features found in hydraulic cylinders, gear boxes, differential housings and more.

An array of holes provides a forceful 360° airflow to clear out coolant, chips and light oils from machining processes. This nozzle prevents blowing chips further into a part, tube or pipe and eliminates any safety hazard created by blowing debris out the far end of a pipe or tube.

The Model 1008SS Back Blow Air Nozzle is the company’s largest back blow nozzle yet. It will fit inside openings as small as 2-in. and is effective on diameters up to 16 inches, so it can handle small and large diameters. It is constructed of type 316 stainless steel to provide durability and superior resistance to corrosion.

Installation is simplified and a secure fit is assured with 4.7mm flats milled on the body. Since airflow is directed back toward the operator, personal protective equipment is recommended. Extension pipes of 12, 36 and 72-in. are stocked to provide necessary reach for longer tube and pipe clean out. A 1/4 NPT model for 7/8 to 4-in. diameters is also available.

The Back Blow Air Nozzle meets OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.95(a) and 29 CFR 1910.242(b) for noise and outlet pressure. It is also CE compliant.

For more information, visit EXAIR website.


Jet Edge Waterjet System

The Mid Rail Gantry waterjet. (Image courtesy of Jet Edge.)
Jet Edge has introduced its latest generation of Mid Rail Gantry waterjet systems.  Designed for heavy duty 24/7 use in industrial environments, the waterjet is capable of operating up to four abrasivejet or water-only waterjet cutting heads for increased productivity.

The system holds a +/- 0.001" linear positional accuracy (over 12") per axis and +/- 0.001" repeatability (bi-directional). Moving elements are supported on THK linear ways, precision ball screws are directly coupled to servomotors and critical motion components are protected with metal covers, brushes, labyrinth passages, lip seals and high-volume low-pressure filtered air. 

The system separates the motion system from the waterjet cutting table, eliminating vibration and ensuring maximum part quality.  Motion is controlled with Jet Edge’s signature Aquavision Di industrial PC controller. The controller’s customized front end guides the user through the process from job set-up to production. Single parts, mirroring, rotation, plate alignment and part arrays (optional) are at the operator’s fingertips.

Available in sizes ranging from 5'x5' (1500 mm x 1500 mm) to 24'x13' (7300 mm x 3900 mm), the Mid Rail Gantry comes standard with one abrasivejet cutting head, but can be equipped with up to four cutting heads.  An optional mirroring package allows waterjet operators to cut large parts twice as fast.

The Mid Rail Gantry is powered with a Jet Edge UHP waterjet pump.  Jet Edge manufactures a wide range of waterjet pumps–36,000 psi, 60,000 psi and 75,000 psi models are available from 30-280 hp.

For full specifications, visit the Jet Edge website.


Suhner Shaft Machine

The Rotomax flexible shaft machine. (Image courtesy of Suhner.)
Suhner has introduced the Rotomax flexible shaft machine, a unit with interchangeable hand pieces that allow a user to perform a variety of machining operations with a single machine. The Suhner Rotomax functions as an angle grinder, straight grinder, drum polisher, belt sander, tube polisher or die grinder by changing the hand piece.

This machine has applications in industrial steel fabrication, polishing operations, sheetmetal assembly, food processing and foodservice equipment builds, appliance manufacturing, various stainless steel fabrications—including medical—and more.

The Suhner Rotomax offers users a range of power from 2.0-4.7HP and features electronically-controlled speeds ranging from 500-15,000 RPM in increments of 100 RPM at the touch of a button. The combination of an industrial grade motor and solid-state electronic control ensure constant speed and torque during any application. With no gearing, the Rotomax operates very quietly. Other features include soft start, integrated braking and an LED-displayed speed gauge.

The Rotomax is offered as a hanging model, for the user wishing to keep the power flex shaft above the work; on the basic stand, which can be mounted wherever the user desires; or on a specially-designed stable trolley (STM) for portability around the work shop or production line.

For more information, visit the Suhner website.


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