Page 9 - MetalForming Magazine October 2022 - FABTECH

News Fronts
Agreements
Macrodyne, AEM to Commercialize Gas-Oscillation Forming Technology
Hydraulic press manufacturer Macrodyne Technologies Inc., Concord, Ontario, Canada, has signed a global licensing agreement with AEM Power Systems, Windsor, Ontario, an R&D, engineering design and custom manufacturer of unique industrial heat-transfer systems and gas-oscillation forming systems for superplastic forming tools.
The agreement allows for the use and sale of AEM’s patent- ed gas-oscillation forming technology within the global aero- space sector. The development of the gas-oscillation forming
Andritz/Schuler Acquires Sovema Group,
Supplier of Battery-Cell Manufacturing Technology
process will allow manufacturers to superplastic-form metallic sheets (aluminum, titanium and other aerospace alloys) into more geometrically complex shapes, with higher quality and at speeds unachievable in the past, say company officials.
“The supersonic oscillation of the gas pressure during form- ing is the key to the process,” explains Macrodyne director of business development Jeff Walsh. “This technological step- change has the potential to become the new standard for superplastic forming, making conventional SPF obsolete.”
Automation Alley, World Economic Forum Launch U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
Schuler, member of inter- national technology group Andritz, has acquired the Italian Sovema Group, a supplier of battery-cell man- ufacturing solutions for the automotive industry and other sectors. Together with Sovema, Schuler will devel- op the capabilities needed to equip gigafactories for the mass production of lithi- um-ion batteries.
Based in Villafranca di Verona, Italy, and with addi-
tional sites in the United States and China, Sovema builds machines for pilot and laboratory projects, and glob- ally supplies automated turnkey plants for the mass production of lead-acid batteries.
In addition to battery-case production, Schuler also sup- plies production lines to manufacture laminations for electric motors and fuel cells, and electrolyzers for the hydrogen industry.
Automation Alley, in part- nership with the World Eco- nomic Forum, has launched the U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, created with support from the Michigan Economic Development Cor- poration and Oakland Coun- ty, MI. The U.S. Centre will engage the national manu- facturing ecosystem to accel- erate the transition toward advanced manufacturing through a series of local, national and international projects and activities.
“We are thrilled to wel- come the U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing to Michigan, where our century- long auto manufacturing her- itage, innovative businesses and hardworking people con- tinue to shape and drive the future of manufacturing in the United States and
around the world,” says Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Francisco Betti, head of the Platform for Shaping the Future of Advanced Manu- facturing Value Chains at the World Economic Forum, added: “The new Centre will help manufacturing compa- nies—including small and medium-sized enterprises— anticipate supply-chain dis- ruptions, build resilience and capitalize on the new oppor- tunities brought by the 4th Industrial Revolution.”
Cynthia Hutchison, Automation Alley’s vice presi- dent, will lead the U.S. Cen- tre, as it joins a network of 15 Centres spanning four continents and becomes the first in the world focused on advanced manufacturing.
Solar Atmospheres Acquires Vac-Met, Inc.
Solar Atmospheres, Inc. has acquired Vac-Met, Inc., a com- mercial vacuum heat treater with locations in Warren and Fras- er, MI. The addition of Vac-Met increases Solar Atmospheres’ number of commercial vacuum heat treating and brazing facili- ties to five plants across the United States.
Joseph White will continue to head day-to-day operations of Vac-Met’s nine vacuum furnaces, and will report to Robert Hill, president of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA.
Facilities
Coe Ships Feed Line to TRA Snow & Sun
Coe Press Equipment recently shipped a 24-in. coil processing line to TRA Snow & Sun, American Fork, UT, a manufacturer of snow guards, solar tile mountings, roof-ventilation products and flashing. The line includes a Series 4 servo roll feed, a Series 350 24-in. power straightener and a 24-in. coil reel with 8000-lb. capacity. It can process steel coils to 24 in. wide and 40,000- psi yield strength, in sheet thicknesses from 0.035 to 0.187 in., with a maximum line speed of 396 ft./min. and a feed accuracy of ±0.003 in.
Included is the SyncMaster Touch integrated controller, which allows operators to manage feed and straightener functions, setups, and diagnostic reviews, all from a single user-friendly touchscreen.
6 MetalForming/October 2022 www.metalformingmagazine.com