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What is a Plasma Cutter? And, Why Your Business May Need One

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A plasma cutter is a tool that uses a directed stream of hot plasma to cut through various types of conductive metals like steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and more.

Plasma cutters work by creating an electrical arc between a negatively charged electrode in the tip of the torch and the positively charged workpiece.

This arc ionizes gas passing through it, creating a channel of superhot plasma that can melt and cut through metal. [Read more…] about What is a Plasma Cutter? And, Why Your Business May Need One

Painting Perfection with Electric Paint Sprayers: A Comprehensive Guide for Construction Professionals

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DIYers looking for faster results with less mess can benefit from using an electric paint sprayer, such as the ones offered by SPRAYIT, as these devices offer quick results with little learning curve.

They are affordable, efficient, and simple tо operate, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts!

When using an electric paint sprayer, hold your gun approximately 12 inches away and spray іn long consistent movements while always moving perpendicular tо the surface being painted; this will help minimize overspray and ensure a smooth, even finish. [Read more…] about Painting Perfection with Electric Paint Sprayers: A Comprehensive Guide for Construction Professionals

Sheet Metal Fabrication: Crafting Precision with Expert Finishing Services

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Sheet metal fabrication, a testament to the ingenuity of human engineering, stands as a cornerstone in the world of manufacturing.

This versatile and widely-used process involves the meticulous manipulation of metal sheets, transforming them into the building blocks of countless industries.

From the automotive sector’s precision-engineered components to the artistry of architectural elements that grace our cities, and even the humblest household appliances that make our lives easier, sheet metal plays an indispensable role in shaping our modern world. [Read more…] about Sheet Metal Fabrication: Crafting Precision with Expert Finishing Services

Robots vs CNCs: What’s better for working metal?

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By David Alatorre, CTO, Rivelin Robotics

The use of metal additive manufacturing has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, allowing for the creation of complex and intricate parts in a faster and more cost-effective manner.

However, essential post processing of these parts introduces time and financial constraints to the overall cost-per-part that can negate the benefits of additive manufacturing altogether. Support removal is the critical first step of post processing metal additive manufacturing parts, and it is a challenging one.

Today, supports are still essential for part fidelity during the manufacturing process, but they must be removed to achieve the required finished product with the intended shape, features and tolerances. [Read more…] about Robots vs CNCs: What’s better for working metal?

Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

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Machina Labs has completed an investment by Lockheed Martin Ventures (LMV), the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company.

Machina Labs combines AI and robotics to rapidly manufacture advanced sheet metal products. This latest funding brings the total raised by Machina Labs to $21.8 million.

The investment will be used to accelerate company growth to meet customer demand, and to expand R&D into additional processes and metallurgical offerings. [Read more…] about Lockheed Martin Ventures invests in on-demand manufacturing startup Machina Labs

Rivelin Robotics launches software-oriented robotic system at Formnext

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Rivelin Robotics has launched a new software-oriented robotic system it calls “NetShape Robots” at Formnext 2022, the company’s first trade show.

Rivelin says it is “decompressing after a very intense week” at the Frankfurt show.

The startup says “the response was – and continues to be – immense” from the industry, from potential investors and, most importantly, from Rivelin’s existing and potentially new customers. [Read more…] about Rivelin Robotics launches software-oriented robotic system at Formnext

PickNik Robotics and CisLunar Industries to develop metal processing facility in space

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PickNik Robotics, a robotics software and engineering services company, has agreed a collaboration with CisLunar Industries, a space technology company working on in-space metal processing.

The companies will explore how PickNik’s MoveIt Space software for robotic arms can help CisLunar with the precision feeding of metal materials into their in-space metal-processing system, Modular Space Foundry.

Workflows will include the dismantling, manipulation, transport, and transfer of simulated or actual metal debris into pieces of appropriate size and shape to be fed into the in-space metal processing system. The purpose is to support the processing and removal of space debris. [Read more…] about PickNik Robotics and CisLunar Industries to develop metal processing facility in space

How Robots Are Used in Industrial Settings

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Having the right tools allows businesses operating in industrial settings to stay productive. Whether you run a car manufacturing plant or you work in the Australian steel distribution industry, using robotics is probably something you are used to. Robotic devices have been used in industrial businesses for many years.

Most businesses use these machines because they are both reliable and extremely efficient. Are you curious about how robots are used in industrial settings? If so, here is some useful information. [Read more…] about How Robots Are Used in Industrial Settings

Faccin Group opens new USA headquarters in Texas

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Faccin USA, a Faccin Group company, a global manufacturer of metal bending machines, is expanding its footprint within the US market with the opening of its new headquarters in Addison, Texas.

The expansion is focused on increasing and facilitating customer service and spare parts delivery.

The new facilities, located at 4270 Kellway Circle in Addison, Texas, mark the group’s continued global growth and development. [Read more…] about Faccin Group opens new USA headquarters in Texas

New soft robot morphs from a ground to air vehicle using liquid metal

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Imagine a small autonomous vehicle that could drive over land, stop, and flatten itself into a quadcopter. The rotors start spinning, and the vehicle flies away.

Looking at it more closely, what do you think you would see? What mechanisms have caused it to morph from a land vehicle into a flying quadcopter? You might imagine gears and belts, perhaps a series of tiny servo motors that pulled all its pieces into place.

If this mechanism was designed by a team at Virginia Tech led by Michael Bartlett, assistant professor in mechanical engineering, you would see a new approach for shape changing at the material level. [Read more…] about New soft robot morphs from a ground to air vehicle using liquid metal