News you can use

Dates and Schedule for HaasTec Open House
HaasTec, scheduled for March 10-12, 2011, from 10am to 4pm daily, will include machine demos, factory tours, a catered lunch, and more.

Visitors to HaasTec will see the latest Haas CNC technology up close, with 20 machines cutting metal, including the new generation ST and DS turning centers, with Y-axis and dual-spindle capabilities. There will be guided factory tours – both above and on the production floor – to see how Haas machines are built. Representatives from major tooling, workholding, and CAD/CAM manufacturers will be on hand to share their insight and show their products.

Registration for HaasTec is free, and available online at www.HaasCNC.com/openday. All guests who register by March 1, 2011, will receive a limited-edition Haas cap at the open house. haascnc.com

Seco Acquires American Companies NCI and DTC
NC Industries (NCI) is a producer of solid carbide endmills under the Niagara Cutters and Arch Micro Tools brands, and is among the largest producers in the U.S. of these products. Diamond Tool Coating (DTC) is a producer of wear resistant diamond coatings. NCI and DTC customers include companies in the aircraft and power generation industries, as well as the general engineering industry. NCI and DTC have combined annual sales of around $37M and 170 employees. The largest production unit is located in Reynoldsville, PA. Sherwood Bollier will remain president of NCI and DTC after the acquisition, and both companies will continue as separate entities in order to ensure continuity in operations. Andreas Fritz, managing director of Jabro, will be board chairman for the companies. secotools.com/us

Online Seminar Schedule Announced for Makino
The first half of the Makino 2011 online seminar schedule is now available. These online seminars offer a simple and accessible way to learn about the latest in innovative process solutions as well as new machining technologies from Makino.

Since its inception, the Makino online seminar series has broadcast more than 125 events with thousands of attendees. These seminars offer diversified content including 5-axis machining, aerospace, automation, die mold, EDM, micro-machining, tool management, and software solutions. Each online seminar consists of a high-quality video presentation followed by a live Q&A session with the speaker. Registration is required to attend, but all seminars are presented free of charge. A full schedule is available at makino.com/events. 

Philadelphia University and MAG-IAS Establish Composites Institute
Philadelphia University and MAG-IAS are establishing the Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute for research and development of new textile-based composites that could h ave wide application in industry, including the aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.

The new research institute will be funded in part by $1.1 million from MAG, whose chairman and chief executive officer is Dr. Eng. Mo I. Meidar, a Philadelphia University alumnus and member of the University’s Board of Trustees.  MAG, headquartered in New York, NY, is the world’s leading developer of automation technologies for producing composite structures, as well as one of the largest global suppliers of machine tools and manufacturing automation systems for the durable goods industry.

In addition to the Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute, the funding will also support a new B.S. in Engineering program with a concentration in composites, one of the only such programs in the country.  The first courses in composites will be offered in fall 2011. mag-ias.com; philau.edu

Boeing Celebrates Final Assembly of 1,000th 767
Final assembly started January 10, 2011 on the 1,000th Boeing 767 airplane. Workers marked the milestone with a celebration at the Everett, WA, factory. “This milestone is a credit to every employee who had a hand in building 767s over the past 30 years,” says Kim Pastega, vice president and general manager of the 767 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It is a testament to engineering a high-quality product that continues to improve through the years.”

The 1,000th airplane is scheduled for delivery next month. ANA, a long-time Boeing customer, has taken delivery of 89 767s since placing its first order in 1979.  

Boeing will use the 767 as the platform for its NewGen Tanker if it wins the U.S. Air Force KC-X Tanker competition. That contract award is currently scheduled for early this year. boeing.com