Checking In

Jet Edge Awarded U.S. Patent
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued Jet Edge Inc. a patent for a high pressure fluid sealing mechanism. Jet Edge’s proprietary high-pressure fluid sealing mechanism, designed by Michael Wheeler, R&D engineer, improves waterjet seal life by providing robust metal-on-metal sealing without the use of conventional plastic seals. This technology uses two convex curved surfaces in single line contact with one another to seal ultra-high pressure fluid at static pressures up to 130,000psi.

“Jet Edge’s revolutionary metal-on-metal sealing technology marks a tremendous breakthrough in waterjet technology,” says Jude Lague, president, Jet Edge. “With it, we are able to offer one of the longest seal lives in the industry, which translates into higher productivity and lower maintenance costs for our customers.” www.jetedge.com

Jergens Passes QSLM Audit
Jergens Inc. has passed its Quality Suppliers List for Manufacturers (QSLM) audit, conducted on January 9, 2013. The audit maintains the company’s approval as a supplier of quick-release pins to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and all other federal entities that use the locking pins.

The criteria for passing the audit are similar to ISO9001:2008 standards but with more emphasis on certification and traceability to raw material physical and chemical properties. www.jergensinc.com

Constellium Joins Forces
Constellium, a leader in the design and manufacturing of aluminium technologies, participates in the launch of the M2P Technological Research Institute (M2P IRT), through the metal Economic Interest Group (EIG), of which it is a founding member. This partnership is fully in line with the innovation strategy of Constellium, aimed at addressing the major industrial challenges of the future.

The M2P IRT provides a unique platform for the transfer of technology from university to industry, oriented towards the aerospace market.

The presence of two major French manufacturers, who are among the founding members of the M2P IRT, will set a special focus on the manufacturing industry, consistent with Constellium’s areas of expertise: development of metal assemblies and life cycle analysis. www.constellium.com

Gov. Scott Presents Ambassador Award
Florida Gov. Rick Scott awarded the founder of Coastal Steel the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award during a press event held at the company’s facility in Cocoa, FL.

The governor held the event to highlight his proposal to eliminate taxes on new manufacturing equipment.

“I am thoroughly impressed with the facility and with the work done here at Coastal Steel,” Scott said. “By investing in their employees and taking risks in developing industries, Coastal Steel has brought innovative work to Florida and created 100 jobs for Florida families.”

Representatives from Hurco also attended the event to talk about new equipment to be delivered to Coastal Steel.

“We are honored that a company like Coastal Steel continues to invest in Hurco technology,” said Phil Fassnacht, director of marketing, Hurco. www.hurco.com; www.coastalsteel.com

Signs Point Toward a Positive Future
The president and chairman of DMG / Mori Seiki say the company will open several new facilities around the world, thanks to a booming machine tool industry.

Speaking at the company open house in Pfronten, Germany, Dr. Masahiko Mori, president, Mori Seiki Co. Ltd., and Dr. Rüdiger Kapitza, chairman of the board, Gildemeister AG, said they expect industry sales to increase by 7.3% ($5.8 billion) in the United States, 11.7% ($27.7 billion) in China, and 7.6% globally.

According to Dr. Mori, the company plans to capitalize on the booming industry. It will open 20 new service centers across North America during the next five years, as well as several new plants worldwide.

Within a year, facilities will open in Tianjin, China (Q4, 2013), Ulyanovsk, Russia (Q1, 2014), and Wernau, Germany (Q2, 2014). The company will add a 2,775m² expansion to its facility in Shanghai, China.

DMG / Mori Seiki introduced six new machine tools during the weeklong event, including the NLX 2500 SY, CTX BETA 2000, and the Dixi 210.

Dr. Kapitza said the company would release 20 more machine tools before the year-ends, with 16 of them coming at EMO 2013. www.dmgmoriseikiusa.com