Boeing, Georgia Tech open research center

Boeing and the Georgia Institute of Technology are opening an advanced research center to tackle some of the toughest technical challenges in manufacturing.

The Boeing Manufacturing Development Center (BMDC) at the school’s 19,000ft² Atlanta, Georgia, Delta Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility will enable Boeing researchers and Georgia Tech engineering students to work on manufacturing automation systems.

“This advanced center will let Georgia Tech students collaborate with Boeing engineers to help drive the development of innovative factory automation solutions in aerospace,” says Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief technology officer and senior vice president of engineering, test, and technology.

“Georgia Tech’s long and productive relationship with Boeing includes immersive educational support for our students, collaborative research, and development of aerospace innovations,” adds Steve Cross, Georgia Tech executive vice president for research.

One of the first research projects at the BMDC will focus on using industrial robotics for machining and fabrication applications.

For more than 25 years, Boeing has supported a variety of manufacturing research activities at Georgia Tech, including active flow control for aircraft wing tips. www.boeing.com; www.gatech.edu

John J. Tracy joins 3D Systems’ board

3D Systems, Rock Hill, South Carolina, has added Dr. John J. Tracy to the company’s board of directors. Tracy has more than 37 years of aerospace experience, most recently as chief technology officer and senior vice president of engineering, operations, and technology at Boeing from 2006 until 2016. Tracy’s leadership in technology, operations, quality, and engineering includes positions at Hercules Aerospace, McDonnell Douglas, and Boeing’s Phantom Works. He brings specialized expertise in aircraft manufacturing, structure, and materials.

“The addition of Dr. Tracy to our Board reinforces our commitment to enhance management and the board in line with our customer-centric strategy,” says Vyomesh Joshi, 3D Systems’ president and CEO. www.3dsystems.com

Emuge, Open Mind formalize partnership

Rotary tools manufacturer Emuge Corp. of W. Boylston, Massachusetts, has partnered with Open Mind Technologies AG, a Wessling, Germany-based developer of CAM/CAD software solutions and the hyperMILL CAM system.

“Emuge and Open Mind have enjoyed a long, successful synergy, developing and providing cutting-edge machining solutions for manufacturers throughout the world. This formally reinforces our commitment with Open Mind,” says Emuge Corp. President Bob Hellinger.

“We are looking forward to further leverage our resources and expertise to jointly develop the most advanced machining strategies for today’s manufacturers,” says Alan Levine, managing director of Open Mind Technologies USA Inc.

Both companies will share technical data and best practices on machining applications and programs, participate in joint seminars, and collaborate to develop and promote advanced, high-productivity machining solutions for North American manufacturing professionals. www.emuge.com; www.openmind-tech.com

BLM Group USA opens new headquarters, tech center

Global tube and sheet metal processing equipment manufacturer BLM Group USA has opened its new headquarters at 46850 Cartier Dr., Novi, Michigan.

The 75,000ft² facility features a 35,000ft² showroom, a machine setup and tooling area, multiple training rooms, and an expanded parts department with an upgraded inventory tracking and order fulfillment system.

BLM Group USA president and COO Dr. Jeffrey Ahrstrom says, “The showroom alone is as large as our previous building. We’re excited to be able to provide a more comprehensive presentation of our product line and to demo more products under one roof.” www.blmgroup.com

Hardide Coatings Nadcap accredited

Advanced surface coating technology provider Hardide Coatings Ltd. has gained Nadcap accreditation for coatings. The quality and process excellence accreditation audited by the Performance Review Institute allows Hardide to provide its advanced tungsten carbide-based coatings to aerospace prime contractors or their supply chains worldwide. (See related story, page 78.)

Hardide Coatings developed Hardide-A as a replacement for hard chrome plating, shortly to be banned under EU REACH regulations, and an alternative to high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying, cadmium plating, and other coating processes. The coating is approved by Airbus as an alternative to hard chrome plating.

Hardide Coatings has manufacturing facilities in Virginia and in Oxfordshire, U.K.

In March 2017, Hardide Coatings was awarded approved supplier status to Airbus Group. www.hardide.com