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Ooznest, a UK-based supplier known for RepRap 3D printer components, has launched the Ooznest OX, a high-quality CNC router kit designed for hobbyists.

Building on its origins in 3D printing at Cambridge, Ooznest is expanding into the wider maker community with the Ooznest OX. This new CNC machine allows users to create functional parts from materials such as wood, plastic, and aluminum.

The Ooznest OX is a comprehensive kit aimed at the hobbyist CNC market. It employs the widely favored V-Slot extrusion system, providing the machine with exceptionally smooth and precise linear motion. The machine features NEMA23 stepper motors driving all axes, with GT3 belt motion on the X and Y axes, and an ACME lead screw system for the Z axis. It uses the CNC xPro for motion control and includes cable carriers to ensure safe operation.

The fully assembled Ooznest OX is available now at different price points and sizes to meet various needs. Options include a 500x750mm model priced at £969 and a 1500x1500mm model for £1202.50. For more adventurous makers, a mechanical kit version starts at £570, offering a base platform to customize with different electronics and motors.

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Entering 2024, let’s delve into key events showcasing the latest trends and technologies in CNC machines.

This article explores trade exhibitions, where experts, manufacturers, and enthusiasts convene to share and experience cutting-edge CNC machining advancements.

From bustling exhibitions in Germany to innovative showcases in the USA, these events shape the future landscape of CNC machines. Each exhibition offers professionals an opportunity to explore the latest technologies, forge crucial connections, and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of CNC machining.

We’ll delve into these events, illustrating how they drive progress and foster community engagement. They serve as compasses guiding the trajectory of CNC machine evolution.

The surge in online research popularity has revolutionized exploration and learning about products. Unlike traditional trade shows, platforms like Qviro offer round-the-clock accessibility, empowering users to gather information and make decisions at their own pace, unrestricted by event schedules.

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show: IMTS 2024 showcases cutting-edge technologies such as smart manufacturing and 3D printing. IMTS+ supplements the trade show with streaming presentations, digital content, articles, and technical papers, fostering innovation and shaping the future of manufacturing.

Date: September 9, 2024 – September 14, 2024

Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

JIMTOF – Japan International Machine Tool Fair: JIMTOF 2024 in Japan highlights the latest manufacturing innovations. Exhibitors unveil advanced machine tools and automation solutions, making it a global nexus for industry leaders to unveil new products, exchange ideas, and foster international collaborations, reflecting the dynamic progress in machine tools and manufacturing.

Date: November 5, 2024 – November 10, 2024

Location: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan

CIMT – China International Machine Tool Show: China International Machine Tool Show (CIMT) sets a global standard akin to EMO and IMTS. The exhibition features numerous new products, hosts forums, and draws professional visitors, contributing significantly to advancing machinery manufacturing technology and maintaining a pivotal role in the global machine tool industry.

Date: April 12, 2024 – April 17, 2024

MACH: MACH 2024 serves as a vital platform for UK manufacturing, fostering idea exchange, innovative workflows, and industry collaboration. It addresses challenges such as energy costs, labor shortages, and sustainability, offering industry leaders and professionals an avenue to convene, exchange ideas, and enhance manufacturing practices.

Date: April 15, 2024 – April 19, 2024

Location: NEC Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

METAV: METAV attracts 500 exhibitors and 26,000 visitors globally, showcasing innovations in machine tools, manufacturing systems, and related technologies. Attendees can participate in on-site demonstrations and workshops at the METAV Forum, exploring various industry topics.

Date: February 20, 2024 – February 23, 2024

Location: Messe Düsseldorf Düsseldorf, Germany

FABTECH: FABTECH 2024 stands as North America’s premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. With over 1,500 top suppliers, attendees can explore new solutions, enhance productivity, and stay abreast of the latest technology trends.

Date: October 15, 2024 – October 17, 2024

Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, USA

MTA Vietnam: MTA Vietnam 2024 offers a valuable platform for exhibitors and visitors alike, featuring talk shows and seminars aimed at modern production businesses. With participants from 17 countries/regions, it presents ample opportunities for networking, partnership building, and goal alignment.

Date: July 2, 2024 – July 5, 2024

Location: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Global Industrie: Global Industrie Paris 2024, held at Paris Nord Villepinte, serves as a dynamic meeting point for the industrial ecosystem, with a focus on cutting-edge robotics technologies.

Date: March 25, 2024 – March 28, 2024

Location: Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France

MECSPE: MECSPE, hosted at BolognaFiere, showcases the latest in manufacturing innovations and sustainability efforts, offering valuable insights for industry professionals.

Date: March 6, 2024 – March 8, 2024

Location: BolognaFiere, Bologna, Italy

BI-MU: BI-MU, held at fieramilano, Milan, serves as a prominent international exhibition for the machine tool industry, facilitating networking and business opportunities.

Date: October 9, 2024 – October 12, 2024

Location: fieramilano, Milan, Italy

In conclusion, 2024 features significant global trade exhibitions for CNC machining, spanning various countries and showcasing the forefront of technological advancements. These events not only showcase innovations but also serve as platforms for industry networking and collaboration, driving the future trajectory of CNC machining worldwide. As we anticipate 2025, the industry’s continual growth promises an exciting future for CNC machining on a global scale.

In a bid to bolster its sustainability efforts, Amazon has disclosed its investment in CMC Machinery, a firm pioneering technology aimed at crafting tailor-made boxes, thereby obviating the necessity for disposable plastic packaging.

The Climate Pledge Fund, an initiative dedicated to backing enterprises that can hasten Amazon’s progress towards fulfilling The Climate Pledge commitment, spearheaded this investment. The pledge, endorsed by over 200 global businesses, seeks to expedite the transition to a carbon-neutral economy. The fund, valued at $2 billion, targets companies crafting solutions conducive to achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Kara Hurst, Amazon’s Vice President overseeing Global Sustainability, expressed enthusiasm for investing in innovative technologies via The Climate Pledge Fund. Hurst emphasized Amazon’s ongoing quest to identify groundbreaking ventures capable of propelling the shift towards a low-carbon future.

CMC Machinery’s groundbreaking technology specializes in crafting bespoke boxes precisely tailored to accommodate the dimensions of each item in an order. This innovation ensures accurately sized packaging, eliminating the necessity for disposable plastic padding while still ensuring the safe transit of goods.

By the close of 2022, Amazon anticipates a 24% reduction in the cubic volume of each box on average, facilitated by CMC Machinery’s technology. Furthermore, the company foresees a significant decline in the usage of plastic air pillows, estimating a reduction of approximately 1 billion units by the end of 2022.

Francesco Ponti, CEO and Strategic Business Development Director of CMC Machinery, lauded the investment as a testament to the enduring partnership between Amazon and CMC Machinery. Ponti underscored the shared commitment towards minimizing the environmental footprint associated with e-commerce packaging, expressing pride in their technology’s role in advancing The Climate Pledge’s objectives and fostering a transition towards a carbon-neutral future.

The future of metalworking in 2024 promises to be shaped by digitalization, smart factories, and the emergence of the industrial metaverse. Hakan Aydogdu, General Manager of Tezmaksan Robot Technologies, sheds light on the transformative trends in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of adopting user-friendly and adaptable technologies to stay competitive in the evolving metalworking industry.

According to Deloitte’s recent report on the US manufacturing industry, the sector’s annual construction spending reached $201 billion in July 2023, marking a 70% year-over-year increase and laying the groundwork for further growth in 2024. This growth is propelled by various factors, including the demand for lightweight and durable materials like aluminum and titanium in industries such as aerospace and automotive, where energy efficiency is paramount. Additionally, manufacturers are investing in electrification and decarbonization to align with global sustainability goals.

Technological advancements play a crucial role in driving manufacturing growth, with a focus on innovation, research, and product development to explore new markets and attract new customers. But what technologies will drive the metal fabrication industry forward in the coming year? Let’s explore some key trends and technologies that manufacturers should embrace to maintain competitiveness.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) In 2024, AI and ML will revolutionize the metalworking landscape, enabling the creation of intricate components and facilitating data-driven decision-making. AI-powered design tools streamline the product development process, while ML algorithms analyze vast datasets to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Smart Factories and Interconnected Technologies Smart factories, powered by advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing, will play a pivotal role in the metalworking industry in 2024. These interconnected factories optimize production processes, enable predictive maintenance, and foster real-time communication between devices, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Digital Twins and the Industrial Metaverse Digital twins, virtual replicas of real-world objects and systems, are revolutionizing manufacturing by creating immersive 3D environments for simulating equipment and processes. In 2024, manufacturers will leverage digital twins and the industrial metaverse to enhance collaboration, improve decision-making, and create larger virtual environments that replicate real machines, factories, and cities.

Digitalized CNC Machining Digitalized CNC machining is another key trend for 2024, with machines becoming more automated and interconnected to increase efficiency. IoT sensors, data analysis, and AI tools like ChatGPT are integrated into control systems, enabling predictive maintenance and enhancing productivity on the shop floor.

CubeBOX: A Versatile Solution for Smart Factories CubeBOX, a compact robot cell designed for continuous operation, addresses the industry’s demand for efficiency and flexibility. Its user-friendly software eliminates the need for complex programming, while its lean design and compatibility with various CNC machines make it a versatile solution for manufacturers with diverse needs.

In conclusion, manufacturers must embrace digitalization and interconnected technologies to stay competitive in 2024’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. By adopting AI, embracing smart factories, leveraging digital twins, and investing in digitalized CNC machining, manufacturers can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the future of metalworking.

Eplan, a leading provider of software and service solutions, has revamped its data portal, which hosts an extensive array of components sourced from numerous manufacturers.

Digital Transformation in Electrical Design Electrical design plays a crucial role in illustrating the intricate connections among various electrical components in a simplified graphical format, aiding technicians in constructing equipment on the workshop floor. Eplan, a specialized design software tailored for electrical design, enables designers to craft digital blueprints for technicians. Recently, Eplan rolled out updates to its software, incorporating new manufacturers and expanding the dataset related to existing components, thereby enhancing the software’s versatility.

Eplan Design Solutions The Eplan platform comprises a suite of applications designed for creating hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, as well as for preplanning and 3D modeling of electrical cabinets. Unlike standalone CAD software, Eplan collaborates with top-tier manufacturers, enabling designers to select components from an extensive library. These components can seamlessly integrate into designs, with each component’s metadata being stored within the project. This streamlined workflow minimizes the time spent by designers searching for component manuals or wiring diagrams.

Moreover, Eplan offers compatibility with various other software solutions. It can seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP), product lifecycle management (PLM), and product data management (PDM) systems. This integration facilitates the seamless sharing of data with business management systems, allowing designers and engineers to track their designs throughout the manufacturing process until final customer acceptance.

Eplan isn’t confined solely to electrical CAD software; it also offers packages for designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Designers using the Eplan Fluid application can leverage the data portal, enabling the rapid creation of schematics through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.

Standardization and Documentation Standardizing designs is crucial for saving time and costs for equipment builders. Eplan supports standardization and template-based approaches, as well as manual creation of electrical schematics. By partnering with manufacturers and incorporating metadata into projects, Eplan automatically generates comprehensive documentation as designers work. This includes the automatic completion of bills of materials, encompassing part numbers and quantities.

Eplan Data Portal Update With Eplan harnessing actual component data from industry partners, its repository of available components continues to expand. In its latest update, Eplan has introduced two new manufacturers—Federal Signal and Gefran—along with data for various components such as lights, signal devices, switches and pushbuttons, amplifiers, controllers, fluid power accessories, contactors, PLCs, and protection devices.

Furthermore, Eplan diligently updates its library to reflect any changes or obsolescence in component catalogs. In the recent January update alone, data sets from ABB, Balluff, Endress+Hauser, Eaton, and IFM underwent updates, totaling 541 updates from 19 manufacturers.

Eplan also ensures that its library accurately reflects when components become obsolete, sparing designers the need to scour the internet for documents or manuals. In the January update, 1,562 data sets were removed from the Eplan system. By providing this updated library, designs and documents exported from Eplan remain up-to-date.

Proto Labs has committed €4 million to enhance its European infrastructure, marking its most significant investment since the establishment of its UK division in 2005.

This substantial investment will fund the acquisition of state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and facility upgrades, primarily centered in Telford, UK, but extending to other European locations. The decision to invest comes as Proto Labs strategically positions itself to meet the current and anticipated demand for its advanced manufacturing services across Europe.

In June and July of 2017, Proto Labs, a leading provider of digital manufacturing services encompassing 3D printing, CNC machining, and injection molding, finalized large-scale acquisitions of Haas CNC machines and ARBURG injection molding machines. The Haas machines will be configured for either mold making or component machining, bolstering services experiencing rapid growth. With these new additions, Proto Labs UK now boasts an inventory of 130 CNC machining and 57 injection molding machines.

Lee Ball, General Manager of Proto Labs UK, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing fast and reliable service to customers across diverse industries, emphasizing the importance of quick turnaround in product development. Ball stated, “Our continuous investment enables us to meet the evolving needs of our extensive customer base.”

The demand for molded parts is steadily increasing across various sectors, prompting Proto Labs to invest in new technology to accommodate projected growth. Similarly, Proto Labs’ industrial 3D printing service, operating from two sites in Germany, is witnessing heightened demand.

Daniel Cohn, Managing Director of Proto Labs’ 3D printing business in Feldkirchen, Germany, noted the surge in order intake driven by customers from diverse industries, recognizing the cost-effective prototyping opportunities offered by 3D printing technology, particularly for parts with complex geometries.

The company’s recent capacity expansion aligns with its overall business growth in Europe, with manufacturing, engineering, sales, and administrative functions experiencing annual growth rates exceeding 20% since 2015.

Lee Ball emphasized the need for additional space within the next 18 to 24 months to accommodate anticipated growth, both in office space and manufacturing capacity. Similar expansion plans are underway for Proto Labs’ German facilities in Eschenlohe and Feldkirchen to support expected growth.

Eplan, a leading provider of software and service solutions, has recently rolled out an update to its data portal, enriching it with an extensive array of components from various manufacturers.

Digitizing Electrical Design Electrical design entails illustrating the interconnection of diverse electrical components in a visually comprehensible manner, facilitating technicians in constructing equipment on the workshop floor. Eplan specializes in designing software tailored specifically for electrical design, empowering designers to create digital blueprints for technicians. In its latest software update, Eplan has introduced enhancements, incorporating new manufacturers and augmenting data related to existing components, thereby broadening the utility of the software.

Eplan Design Solutions The Eplan platform encompasses a suite of applications designed for crafting hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, as well as for preplanning and 3D modeling of electrical cabinets. Unlike standalone CAD software, Eplan collaborates with top-tier manufacturers, enabling designers to select components from an extensive library. These components can be seamlessly integrated into designs, with each component’s metadata stored within the project. This streamlined workflow minimizes the time designers spend searching for component manuals or wiring diagrams.

Moreover, Eplan offers compatibility with various software systems, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), product lifecycle management (PLM), and product data management (PDM) systems. By establishing connections and sharing data with business management systems, designers and engineers can monitor their designs throughout the manufacturing process until final customer acceptance.

Eplan transcends its role as merely an electrical CAD software—its offerings extend to designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Similar to Eplan Electrical, users of the Eplan Fluid application can leverage the data portal, facilitating the rapid and accurate creation of schematics through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface.

Embracing Standardization and Documentation Standardizing designs proves to be a cost-effective measure for equipment builders. Eplan supports standardization and template-based approaches, as well as manual creation of electrical schematics. Through its partnerships with manufacturers and incorporation of metadata in projects, Eplan ensures that project documentation is generated concurrently with the design process. Automatic completion of bill of materials, inclusive of part numbers and quantities, streamlines the documentation process.

Eplan Data Portal Update Eplan’s data portal continually expands its catalog of available components by leveraging actual component data from industry partners. In the latest update, Eplan has integrated two new manufacturers, Federal Signal and Gefran, offering data for an array of components such as lights, signal devices, switches and pushbuttons, amplifiers, controllers, fluid power accessories, contactors, PLCs, and protection devices.

Furthermore, Eplan diligently updates its library to reflect changes in component catalogs, including updates and obsolescence. The January update witnessed 541 updates from 19 manufacturers, while 1,562 data sets were removed to reflect component obsolescence. By providing an updated library, Eplan ensures that designs and documents exported from the platform remain current and relevant.

Verisurf Software Inc. has rolled out an innovative sales platform offering customers access to both new and pre-owned Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) equipped with Verisurf software. All machines undergo calibration and certification processes and come bundled with the Verisurf CMM Programming and Inspection Suite software.

Terry Wear, Director of CMM Integration at Verisurf Software Inc., emphasizes the company’s commitment to tailoring measurement and inspection solutions to meet customer needs. He notes, “While our preference is to deliver new machines featuring the latest technology, in cases where budget constraints or specific applications necessitate pre-owned equipment, there is a wealth of high-quality CMMs available. Software plays a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of any CMM.”

Whether new or pre-owned, all CMMs are compatible with Verisurf software. Verisurf distinguishes itself as the sole metrology software constructed on a comprehensive 3D CAD/CAM platform, complete with intelligent model-based definition (MBD). This approach ensures data integrity and allows users to seamlessly execute metrology workflows within a CAD environment, maintaining model-based digital continuity. Verisurf software supports a variety of CAD file formats, and the Verisurf Device Interface (VDI), featuring a virtual CMM display, interacts with and manages all programmable and portable CMMs for universal compatibility. The software’s modular design, user-friendly CMM programming, and integrated productivity tools empower users to swiftly formulate measurement routines with efficient and repeatable workflows, enhancing quality process control.