2025 Buyer’s Guide: Metal Forming & Fabricating Product Releases
Explore the latest cutting systems, metal forming equipment, software and other tools and systems to overcome labor challenges, as well as what’s new regarding robots, cobots and automation. The post 2025 Buyer’s Guide: Metal Forming & Fabricating Product Releases appeared first on Fabricating & Metalworking.
Free CAD Viewer with Enhanced User Experience
JETCAM International (Monaco), a leading provider of advanced manufacturing software, offers an update to its free CAD Viewer, offering users an enhanced experience with several new features. The updated CAD Viewer is a free tool that allows viewing of all major 2D CAD files on a PC.
The new release focuses on improving usability and providing users with more control over their files. Key enhancements include:
- Folder and File Count Display: The selected folder and the number of files within that folder are now displayed at the top of the screen. This provides users with a clear overview of the directory they are working in.
- Window Position and Size Memory: The CAD Viewer will now remember the size and position of the window, especially if located on a screen left of the main screen. This is useful for users who often use multiple monitors or have a preferred viewing configuration.
- Improved Handling of Temporary Files: If a CAD file is opened from an application such as email, which copies the file to a temporary location, the CAD Viewer will now automatically copy this file to c:\temp and open it from that location. This ensures the file is accessible and prevents issues with opening files from temporary locations that are sometimes inaccessible to the user.
- New Right-Click Option on Thumbnails: A new right-click option on thumbnails now allows users to open the file directly in File Explorer. This enables users to perform other file management functions like opening in a different app, copying or deleting.
The JETCAM CAD Viewer is a lightweight tool that requires little memory or hard disk space. It is designed to be installed alongside existing CAD/CAM software to provide a fast, one-click viewing of CAD files. The viewer is provided free, ‘as is’ and without warranty and can be installed on an unlimited number of computers.
Martin Bailey, managing director of JETCAM, said; “The CAD Viewer is an essential install for anyone that regularly needs to view common CAD files. It installs within seconds, needs no configuration, and is extremely quick to use and navigate. This update makes it even more useful and user-friendly.”
The JETCAM CAD Viewer does not require any CAD packages to be installed to display thumbnail images. It is compatible with Windows 10 or above, and requires 52MB of hard disk space, and XGA graphics (1024-x-768) or above.
New Partnership for Automotive Digital Paint Technology
Axalta Coating Systems (Glen Mills, PA) a leading global coatings company, and Dürr Systems Inc. (Southfield, MI), a leading mechanical and plant engineering firm, have entered into a partnership to provide a digital paint solution, combining Axalta’s NextJet
technology with Dürr’s robotics integration.
Digital paint, also referred to as overspray-free application, is an advanced paint application that allows for precise paint placement. Under the terms of the agreement, Dürr will serve as the robotics integrator for Axalta NextJet for light vehicle OEMs.
“The maskless application of paint for two-tone and graphics takes collaboration,” said Hadi Awada, president, global mobility coatings, Axalta. “Through our partnership with Dürr, we can better serve OEM customers, building on Axalta’s coatings know-how and Dürr’s robotics integration. Together we are driving the future of digital paint technology.”
Dr. Lars Friedrich, CEO, Dürr Systems AG, added “We are excited to collaborate with Axalta on the next generation of digital paint. As a pioneer in the field of overspray-free application, Dürr understands the requirements that OEMs demand for individual designs on their vehicles. This agreement will enable our joint technology to come faster to market and meet the needs of our customers.”
This partnership leverages the digital paint expertise Axalta and Dürr have each cultivated over recent years. In 2023, Axalta and Xaar announced their digital paint partnership that brought their unique capabilities together to offer solutions to light vehicle OEMs. Xaar will continue to be an integral part of the digital paint solutions that Axalta and Dürr will offer to the OEM market.
Demonstrations with Axalta NextJet on Dürr robotics have already begun at Dürr’s test center in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany. OEMs can reach out to their Dürr or Axalta representative for more information.
More than 500 new Press Brake Tooling Items Added to Roster
Mate Precision Technologies (Anoka, MN), a global leader in metal forming and metalworking solutions, has added more than 500 new items across its American Precision Style, Wila TRUMPF Style and European Precision Style press brake tooling lines. The new additions include a complete selection of AMADA Fixed Height Style profiles and are designed to increase the efficiency of press brake operations for unique bending applications.
The AMADA Fixed Height Style profiles from Mate reduce setup times and are well-suited for bending operations with small production lots and a wide variety of projects. Mate’s fixed height profiles provide a consistent height for all punch profiles to eliminate the need for multiple setups to account for uneven heights. The new Mate profiles also eliminate the need to make the frequent adjustments to the safety beam required when using standard press brake tooling with uneven heights.
Mate has also expanded its range of punch and die profiles for its Wila TRUMPF Style and patented American Precision Style with Maglock press brake tooling. Using rotating supports to bend up to 40° without marking, the new Wila TRUMPF Style version of CleanBend is now available in eight sizes. Variable openings range between 8 mm-to-78 mm, with one option that includes an adjustable variable opening between 40 mm-to-100 mm.
Mate has also added new accessories to its press brake line including heavy duty radius holders and radius inserts, as well as punch adapters and extenders.
The Optimum Compact Automated Bending Solution
AMADA AMERICA, INC.’s (Buena Park, CA) EGB 6013 ARce is a fully integrated robotic bending
system with a 6-axis bending robot with a traveling axis, automatic gripper changer, and automatic tool changer. Each stage of the bending process, including tool loading, gripper exchange, and robotic bending are all performed at fast speeds to maintain high levels of unmanned machine productivity.
Mounted on a rail in front of the EGB press brake, the 6-axis bending robot can traverse along the length of the press brake to facilitate multi-stage bending. The enhanced motion capabilities allow this robot to easily perform acute and obtuse bends.
The system’s Automatic Tool Changer is equipped with 27 different types of tools, saves space, and achieves 24/7 production. Punches can be reverse mounted to increase bending flexibility. A Two-Stage Conveyor allows this system to achieve 24/7 production. Various unloading stacking methods can be selected according to the parts shape.
The system’s AMNC4ie control supports operators of all skill levels and accepts voice commands to request and change bend information. The Automatic Capture function saves process data for offline
programming to reduce the time spent at the control. Facial recognition provides quick access to the
operator’s customized control interface. Additionally, a portable HMI table displays bend information to improve operator workability.
The EGB 6013 ARce consists of an eco-friendly electric drive system. Two-sheet detection prevents the robot from taking multiple workpieces to ensure stable processing. Part stations are mobile to support easily loading of workpieces. Vertical loading is also possible for multiple parts that cannot fit on a pallet.
New 2D Laser Machine Enables Efficient and Sustainable Production
Prima Power’s (Arlington Heights, IL) Platino Linear® is a 2D laser machine that sets a new standard in compactness, efficiency, and affordability, catering specifically to small to medium-sized businesses and dynamic production operations. The machine’s Adaptive Cut feature ensures optimal cutting quality across various metal types and thicknesses because it adjusts focus and beam diameter for different materials automatically. This adaptive laser head capability allows for versatile and precise processing, crucial in producing a wide range of metal components. Its high speed and acceleration, supported by its lightweight yet rigid aluminum carriage. The compact machine design occupies 22% less space than others in its category, and maintenance-free linear drive system contributes to reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency.
Features like Smart Cut and Gas Mixer Cut optimize operations, reducing cycle times by up to 30% and enhancing cutting quality. ECO-TOUCH Cut reduces gas consumption by up to 40%, contributing to sustainability. These are just some of the highlights of the Platino Linear. The machine offers efficient, sustainable, and advanced production at a competitive price, ideal for any business seeking quality and cost-effectiveness.
Electronic Pump H-Frame Presses Available in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Palmgren’s (Naperville, IL) Electronic Pump H-Frame Press is recognized as a premier solution to any application from fabrication shops to prototype labs. The presses are commonly used for metal fabrication processes such as stamping, bending, and forming metal sheets, tubes or rods as well as assembly operations. They are effective in assembly operations for pressing bearings, gears or components into place. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, they feature a pressure gauge for direct pressure readings, an easily adjustable table for quick height changes between applications and holes in side frames to allow for insertion of long material. The presses electronic operation and single acting cylinder design result in increased performance and enhanced operations. The Electronic H-Frame line is sold in 10-ton, 25-ton and 50-ton models.
New Low Profile Magnetic Drill
Blair Equipment Co. (Swartz Creek, MI) a leader in high-performance tools for professional fabricators, custom auto body and metalworkers, announces the launch of the BFD-KX+ Right Angle Magnetic Drill.
The new magnetic drill is designed to provide maximum drilling capability while maintaining a compact form factor. It enables operators to perform accurate and efficient drilling in areas that were previously hard to reach, without compromising on performance or durability.
Key features and benefits include:
- Right Angle-Low Profile Design: At just 6-15/32” tall, this drill is ideal for confined spaces where standard drills cannot operate.
- High-Torque Motor: A powerful motor that ensures consistent drilling performance, even on tough materials.
- Cutting Tools: The drill uses Karbon X+ annular cutters, which are the “Secret Sauce” to effortlessly drilling holes.
- Magnetic Base: The strong magnetic base provides secure adhesion for steady drilling operations, increasing precision and safety.
- Versatile Operation: Capable of handling a range of hole sizes and materials, from steel to other metals.
Bimetal Band Saw Blades for Structural Cutting
The L.S. Starrett Co. (Athol, MA), a leading global manufacturer of saw blades, precision measuring tools and gauges, metrology systems and more, offers TENNAX-PRO Bimetal Band Saw Blades designed to cut challenging tubes, pipes, profiles and structural shapes in both single pieces and bundles. Providing lower noise and vibration as well as improved cutting performance, the blades outlast and outperform competitive blades, making up to 25% more cuts per blade.
TENNAX-PRO Band Saw Blades feature high-speed M-42 steel teeth with a special tooth geometry/profile that optimizes the tip profile for tube, pipe and other structural cuts, dissipating stress during cutting for greater resistance to wear and tooth breakage. The band saw blades are designed with an exclusive tooth-setting process which minimizes pinching when cutting structural and bundled materials.
These blades are ideal for cutting a wide range of materials including carbon steel, carbon steel alloys, stainless steel, and non-ferrous materials. In addition to pipes, tubes, structural and bundled materials, TENNAX-PRO applications include small solids. The blades are available in widths of 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, and 2-5/8″.
New Easy-to-use Tracker Hardware Solution
Wintriss Controls Group’s (Acton, MA) “Tracker” hardware solution for its ShopFloorConnect® OEE and Production Tracking Software is a new, cost-effective device designed to simplify and maximize data collection, while minimizing operator involvement. For capturing and tracking process parameters, customers can choose from several pre-programmed digital inputs such as run/idle and counting, and analog inputs including temperature, pressure, voltage and electrical current. Run/idle or count data is especially helpful for metal forming and fabricating operations. Inputs are viewable in different formats, depending on operator preference.
The tracker device automatically collects data without requiring job information or a downtime reason to be manually entered by the operator. For example, a fabricator installed Trackers on four air compressors using the run/idle digital inputs to get a signal when each compressor is running, and an analog input connected to a pressure transducer to measure air pressure. The duty cycle and pressure information provided by the Trackers through ShopFloorConnect supply the user with the data needed for modifying air usage to balance the load on the four compressors.
Robotic Metal Additive Manufacturing Cell Relied on KUKA Robot and Controller
Featuring a robot and controller system from KUKA Robotics (Shelby Township, MI), the latest innovation in robotic metal additive manufacturing systems from One-Off Robotics made its debut at IMTS 2024. The system is poised to revolutionize the production capabilities of the defense, aerospace, research and specialized production sectors. With improved speed, precision and flexibility, the system addresses not only the current needs of the market but also lays the groundwork for future advancements.
A KR IONTEC robot from KUKA paired with the company’s KR C5 micro robot controller worked in the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) cell. The robot used Fronius WAAM end effectors with an average deposition rate of 4 kg/hour. The cell prints with steel, titanium and aluminum alloys and enhances production efficiency, reduces waste and maximizes the structural integrity of manufactured components. During the show, the 8’-x-10’-x-8’ cell printed a small rocket nozzle, a large pipe structure with a flat face and a complex combustion/exhaust component, all from mild steel material.
Waterjet’s Advanced Pressure Controls Machine Delicate Materials
The Hypertherm Associates’ (Hanover, NH) OMAX MicroMAX® Precision JetMachining Center provides ultra-precision abrasive waterjet machining with ±0.0001″ (±2.5 micron) linear position accuracy. A standard Tilt-A-Jet taper-eliminating abrasive jet cutting head and OMAX 7/15 Mini MAXJET 5 Nozzle acquires finer precision cutting capability with a 0.007″ orifice and a 0.015″ mixing tube combination. Accuracy is further enhanced by the machine’s stiff construction and vibration isolation of the cutting table and gantries. The MicroMAX is equipped with advanced pressure controls for machining delicate materials, and Rapid Water Level Control delivers clean, safe and quiet submerged cutting, with most work completed below 80 dBA.
OMAX’s abrasive waterjet systems are backed by three decades of advanced waterjet engineering expertise and multiple machine technology, data management and convenience tools.
Modern Options, Smaller Footprint
As newer tube laser machines are being introduced to the market, the focus has been on increasing cutting capability for thicker walls and heavier tubes. Along with these new machines come a slew of new features and options that optimize machine performance, adding automated features and improving on quality of life for operators. Many of these features are simply not possible to add to older machines designed for smaller tubes retroactively, and there remains an unmet need in the industry for more options.
Machine manufacturers must not overlook the needs of smaller fabricating operations – for example, the furniture industry – and add modern options to machines with a smaller footprint. BLM GROUP (Novi, Mi) considered this when developing the LTX – a tube laser that is particularly advantageous for metal fabricators who are looking for advanced performance and capabilities in a smaller, more accessible machine.
Modern features that automatically scan tubes for abnormalities, like twist and bow (Active Scan), and weld seams (Active Weld), then automatically adjust cutting parameters to compensate are key features that completely eliminate the trial-and-error process and significantly reduce overall scrap. The optional threaded insert unit is another life-changing feature that eliminates the necessity for drilling and rivet insertion downstream and opens up new possibilities for weld-free assemblies. Granting metal fabricators more flexibility by including modern features to legacy machine sizes will be a driving factor for more companies to enter the tube laser world.
Waterjet Tackles Intricate Jobs Effortlessly
Flex Machine Tools (Wapakoneta, OH) an American manufacturer and leading provider of machine tool solutions worldwide for metal fabrication operations and more, offers the FLX-Series FLX-1365 waterjet. It is designed to tackle intricate jobs effortlessly with a user-friendly design that prioritizes workflow, increases productivity, and delivers exceptional cutting power.
Engineered for both precision and speed, the FLX-1365 is equipped with a maximum traverse speed of 1,800 in/min, acceleration of 0.3G, and taper less cutting requiring no secondary finish. Delivering exceptional results, 5-axis cutting results in effortless bevels and cutting up to ±70° for complex designs. Engineered and built in the USA, FlexJet waterjets are reliable for the most demanding cutting applications. The company can customize waterjet solutions to match application requirements, and provides stellar service and 24/7 remote response. Flex service technicians are located throughout North America.
https://flexmachinetools.com/waterjet/flx-series/
New Laser Cutting Machine Combines High Speed and High Power
The Fiber PRIME S Laser Cutting Machine from Machitech (Saint-Marc-des-Carrieres, Québec, Canada) sets a new standard in advanced cutting technology by combining high-speed 4G acceleration with high-power performance (12 kW-to-60 kW) for cutting mild steel up to 4” thick. Fabricators and manufacturers can count on a laser cutting machine that delivers 24/7 reliable and efficient operation, provides rapid processing high-end performance for a wide range of heavy-duty applications, and comes with readily available customer service and support.
The Fiber PRIME S includes an exclusive Precitec Cutting Head. Built for high power applications, the Precitec Head provides integrated gas mixing and focused compensation. The Fiber PRIME S also features the optional Machitech Bevel Head, enabling the creation of complex bevel cuts, including V, X, Y, and K, with custom angles in a single operation. Bevel Heads are ideal for industries requiring intricate edge preparation or for replacing current plasma tables with 5-axis capabilities.
Fiber PRIME S integrates an intelligent, intuitive and easy-to-use large screen CNC controller. Features include tested parameters for all cutting processes such as bevel, remote monitoring, and intelligent path nesting. This is due in large part because of Lantek Expert Cut Nesting Software, which combines advanced nesting and optimized cutting paths with the machine’s high-speed precision. Lantek automation and parameter software management enhances efficiency while ensuring smooth and accurate cutting.
For high-speed precision and reliable heavy-duty performance, the machine’s innovative modular frame isolates the bed from the motion platform, resulting in high dynamic motion with high load bearing. The design incorporates shuttle tables for continuous operation. A hydraulic system operation provides smooth and powerful lifting with exchange capabilities that ensure stability and reliability even under heavy loads.
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