Production

After a successful pilot year of its 3D printer loan scheme, where Renishaw loaned 30 local schools a 3D printer for three months, the company has continued the project for a second year. In total, 21 primary schools and nine secondary schools in South Wales were loaned a 3D printer in the last academic year, covering four local authorities around the Renishaw Miskin site in South Wales.

Manufacturers are continually looking for ways to improve efficiency and output, not just to increase profits but also to streamline operations and lower costs. Many new and emerging technologies have helped make optimisation possible, mainly through automation and a wealth of insights. By Kayla Matthews

Here, Hakko has offered Tech Tips examining some of the most frequently asked questions regarding soldering and de-soldering, fielded regularly by our technical support team. For more than 60 years, Hakko has designed a wide range of soldering and de-soldering solutions that make quick and easy work of different applications, which improve performance, reduce costs and improve work-in-progress. 

Industrial gas turbines rely on specialised coatings to deliver continued performance and reliability. Renewing these protection systems is an important part of the routine maintenance schedule and the quality of the new coatings is dependent on attention to detail and the expertise of the refurbishment team. With a high level understanding of the processes, it is possible for operators to assess this expertise and select the most suitable suppli...

Sometimes cured UV adhesives have a tacky or sticky surface, even after being exposed to the correct amount of UV light, due to a phenomenon called oxygen inhibition. However, with a full understanding of the process, manufacturers can achieve tack free cures. Here Matt Baseley, Senior Technical Salesperson of adhesives specialist Intertronics, has explained how to avoid a tacky surface after curing.

The variety of technologies compromising Industry 4.0 are now numerous, but it is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), advanced industrial robotics (AIR), and 3D printing that are the driving forces behind the fourth industrial revolution, which is reorganising manufacturing and supply chains. Quocirca’s Louella Fernandes explains.

Due to increasing miniaturisation and packing density on assemblies Plasmatreat has recorded a higher demand for Openair-Plasma in combination with conformal coatings in electronic manufacturing. Plasma application as pre-treatment to conformal coating of assemblies and components ensures that the process window for conformal coating is widened, guaranteeing long-lasting connections and functionality.

There has never been greater opportunity for creative freedom as there is today. With access to powerful software and hardware, professionals in creative industries today are able to put all of their efforts into bringing their vision to life – without being held back by technology.  By Pawel Jaruga, 3D Artist, Poland

  There are many industrial processes which require fast mixing of liquids, pastes and powders, and where the uniformity and homogeneity of these mixes is vital.  These include adhesives, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, sealants, LED phosphors, nanoparticles, dental materials and more.

The market for industrial-use elastomers is defined by extremes. Whether chemical compatibility, plasma resistance, high and low temperatures, or other characteristics, engineers demand the highest possible performance. By Dr Thomas Reger, Senior Scientist at Greene, Tweed