Two important sessions at MD&M West 2022 will provide attendees at the Anaheim Convention Center with a look at not just the current state of additive manufacturing, but at the potential technology provides for the next generation of operation—and of workers. A session on Tues., April 12 at 3 p.m. PST entitled “How Additive Manufacturing Will Democratize Manufacturing” will focus on how digital manufacturing, with additive manufacturing at the core, will allow better products to be launched faster.
The panel of experts will discuss some of the advantages of additive manufacturing and their role in product development, the barriers to adoption of additive manufacturing and how that is expected to change in the coming years, and how attendees can effectively embrace additive manufacturing technologies.
Another session, a panel discussion entitled “The Promises of Additive Manufacturing for Production” will take place Wed., April 13, starting at 8:30 a.m. PST. The panel will look at how various additive manufacturing technologies have grown in recent years and some of the challenges of personnel, materials and production manufacturing still to be faced.
A full summary of MD&M West educational sessions can be found here.
Supply Chain Issues on the Agenda at MD&M West
Every manufacturer has dealt with supply chain constraints for the past two years. Tarriffs, the global pandemic and international conflict all have contributed to the disruption. A look at the impact of the supply chain relationship and their future will be discussed at a panel entitled “Supply Chain Resiliencies – Understanding Risks and Developing Mitigation Strategies” on Wed., April 13 starting at 10:30 PST.
Among the topics to be discussed are types of operational resilience and potential risk points within supply chains; the key areas of concern such as risk management, security and business continuity; and some insights on how to advance and stabilize operational risk.
Innovation Back on Display at MD&M West Show Floor
Among the innovative products available for review at the 2022 MD&M West Show are:
Altech: The CP Series of DIN Rail terminal blocks feature push-in technology for tool-less wiring of solid wires and flexible wires with ferrules. The CP Series features the industry’s thinnest terminal block: a mere 3.5 mm wide. By increasing wiring density over wider blocks, applications that are space-constrained become more viable.
Other key capabilities of the CP Series include stainless steel push-in springs—no special tool needed for pushbutton release of wires. A wide range of blocks are available to accommodate many designs and applications. These include blocks that are single level, feed-through, double level and multiple level. Block uses include grounding, sensor and actuator.
Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication: Eagle has increased bending capabilities with a new CNC Tube Bending machine which gives additional capacity as well as increased CNC tube bending through .625 diameter in a variety of wall thicknesses, with minimal radius and wall thinning requirements. The machine assures consistent bending and precision dimensions. Considerations for bending stainless steel tubing include the bend radius, yield strength, material thickness, and whether the material is welded or seamless.
Precision bent components are ideal for uses in surgical devices, heat exchangers, instrumentation and handling equipment. With 40 years of experience, Eagle has the ability to bend tubes in multiple directions and angles without excessive distortion, wrinkling or fracturing. The medical device industry demands quality and precision. This is mirrored by Eagle’s commitment to quality reflected by their ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality management certifications.
Emerson: The GSX-E1 provides an ultrasonic welding solution for low-force delicate applications across the medical industry. The GSX’s advanced electro-mechanical actuation system, coupled with its ergonomic user interface, gives customers the tools to achieve optimum weld results such as welder-welder repeatability (measured in microns) and zero production rejects, which ultimately saves customers time and money.
The GSX platform continues to expand its capabilities by giving customers the peace of mind that their production processes are aligned with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. The new GSX software release offers enhanced FDA 21 CFR Part 11 capability, improved welder security, data traceability and best-in-class data retention of up to 200,000 parts per production batch.