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Robot revolution exhibit

In May, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) premiered the Robot Revolution national touring exhibit, which explores how robots will change how we play, live, and work together.

The exhibit displays robots from global robotics companies and universities, including products from Schunk.

Within the Skills area of the exhibit, the Schunk LWA Powerball arm with the attached Schunk three-finger hand allows guests to watch advanced gripping systems with seven degrees of freedom grip various objects. Additionally, guests can see a Schunk five-finger hand mimicking a human hand with nine motors, 20 joints, and elastic fingertips. Schunk grippers are also in the exhibit.

“We are extremely excited to support MSI with its important mission to show the world the importance of robotics, its infinite possibilities, and to get the younger generation eager and interested in robotics,” says Jesse Hayes, automation group manager at Schunk.

MSI’s Robot Revolution exhibit development team of advisors includes Dr. Henrik I. Christensen, KUKA Chair of Robotics at the College of Computing of Georgia Institute of Technology and executive director of the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines; and Dr. Dennis Hong, professor and founding director of Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory (RoMeLa) of the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA.

“We believe it is vital to inspire the next generation of engineers and tech entrepreneurs so that we can continue to see technology change the world,” says Jim Lecinski, head of the Chicago office of Google, an exhibit supporter. This exhibit will run at MSI through Jan. 3, 2016. www.msichicago.org; www.schunk.com

Ceratizit acquires Klenk

Ceratizit S.A. has acquired the German manufacturer of solid carbide cutting tools, Klenk GmbH & Co. KG. The purchase further advances Ceratizit’s growth in the aerospace, automotive, and medical technology industries.

“It is our aim to be perceived as a global premium player for all cutting tools,” explains Thierry Wolter, Ceratizit Group executive board member. “Klenk is highly specialized in the aerospace sector. With this acquisition, we are investing in new know-how for a worldwide growth market.”

At the same time, Klenk will profit form the global sales network of the Ceratizit Group and its strong presence on the world market. The Klenk brand name will be kept. www.ceratizit.com; www.klenk-tool.de

GE Aviation breaks ground on $50 million expansion in New Hampshire

GE Aviation has begun construction on a 55,000ft2 expansion to its Hooksett, New Hampshire facility to increase capacity driven by a record backlog in its commercial engines business. The nearly $50 million investment in Hooksett will occur throughout the next decade.

GE employs more than 1,100 across New Hampshire, with 740 at its Hooksett facility that manufactures rotating parts for military and commercial jet engines. www.geaviation.com

MTConnect Student Challenge seeks entries

The submission period is open for the MTConnect Student Challenge, a competition for student ideas and applications using MTConnect.

For the Idea Creation competition, students interview manufacturers to identify their challenges, describe potential solutions, and create a conceptual mockup for a solution. The prizes are $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and three $1,000 prizes for runners up. Submissions are open through Sept. 18, 2015.

For the Application Development competition, students must develop an application that demonstrates innovation and the use of manufacturing intelligence breakthroughs. Prizes for this competition are $10,000 for first place, $7,500 for second place, and $5,000 for third place. The submission period ends Jan. 31, 2016.

The competition is open to college students. Those studying IT, software, mechanical, or electrical engineering are especially encouraged to apply.

“Manufacturers in all industries are looking to leverage the opportunities offered by big data and the Industrial Internet of Things,” says Douglas K. Woods, president of the MTConnect Institute and president of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. “We feel that students have the kind of creative thinking and ideas that are critical to advancing our industry, and we look forward to finding the next visionaries who can generate new approaches to digital manufacturing.”

Idea winners will be announced Oct. 15, 2015; Application winners will be announced April 20, 2016, at the [MC]2 Conference in Dallas. www.mtconnect.org; https://goo.gl/eC6iTi; https://goo.gl/CLPJ9q

Cincinnati gold partner program

Cincinnati Inc.’s Gold Partner Program is a voluntary, cooperative initiative that brings the machine maker’s metal fabrication equipment together with third-party software to optimize performance.

The program provides metal fabrication customers with expanded options for software solutions that have been validated and tested to work with Cincinnati products. When purchased with new Cincinnati products, Gold Partner solutions can integrate existing brands of CNC equipment, providing an upgrade of the shop floor and facilitating efficient, productive operations.

Designed to foster cooperative partnerships between Cincinnati Inc. and third-party suppliers, the collaborative program starts with CAD/CAM software providers SigmaTEK Systems LLC and Metamation Inc. Cincinnati Inc. plans to extend the program to include select vendors of automation solutions and other suppliers.

“Collaboration is the name of the game as we enter the new era of direct digital manufacturing,” says Mark Watson, senior product specialist. “Gone are the days of closely guarded, proprietary tech solutions. Customers now demand the latest tech solutions to drive all of their CNC equipment – not only their latest purchase.” www.e-ci.com; www.sigmanest.com; http://metamotion.com

Meeting supply chain challenges

Tri-Mack Plastics Mfg. Corp. recently hired 36 employees and opened an advanced composites center (APC) in Bristol, Rhode Island.

The APC processes thermoplastic composites – unidirectional and woven carbon and glass fibers in a high-temperature polymer matrix – offering strong, lightweight alternatives to traditional materials. The continuous fiber reinforced composites offer 10x the mechanical properties of injection molded plastics and are up to 70% lighter than metals. www.trimack.com

Zenith hosts cub scouts

In June, about 150 Cub Scouts visited the Zenith Aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri, where the 7- to 10-year-olds were able to get a good look at what goes into building and flying small airplanes.

Scouts from Jefferson City, Missouri, spent three days touring the factory; watching huge machines make big parts and tiny holes; and learning about manufacturing, assembly, and what makes an airplane fly.

“It was a learning experience that was perfectly disguised as fun,” said Zenith President Sebastien Heintz. “They absorbed all kinds of knowledge. They even pulled some rivets, and they never once realized they were in the middle of an educational experience. I’m pretty sure there are some future designers and builders in that group.” www.zenith.aero

DISCOVER 2015 technology and education event

DISCOVER 2015, Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5 in Florence, Kentucky, will spotlight Mazak technologies and trends that will change how part manufacturers operate, including unconventional ways to drive operational efficiency via additive manufacturing and CNC technology. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which combines data storage, controls, software, and automation connectivity between machines and external data sources to improve manufacturing productivity and reduce operating costs, will also be featured.

Integrex i-400AM, the hybrid multi-tasking machine, will make its North American debut, and attendees will experience how it integrates laser cladding with 5-axis milling and turning capabilities.

Mazatrol SmoothX CNC will be displayed so attendees can see how it shortens machining cycle times.

In addition to tours of the iSMART factory, which uses advanced manufacturing cells and digital data sharing, participants can see more than 30 Mazak machine tools demonstrate real-world cutting. A series of seminars will cover metalworking tools, trends, and techniques.

Mazak’s manufacturing plant and spindle rebuild operations were recently ISO 9001:2008 recertified. The recertification process requires annual follow-up visits and a complete audit by an external, impartial expert every three years to verify that Mazak has implemented an effective quality management system and continues to satisfy all of the requirements set forth by the program.

Registration is open for DISCOVER 2015. To attend the event, register at www.mazakusa.com/discover2015.