“Hopefully, the 27th time’s the charm.”
– the late, great Grant Imahara
1. 3D-Printed Fuel Injectors
We all know one of the key features of additive manufacturing is its power to enable manufacturers to produce parts with complex geometries – especially complex internal geometries. Apply this ability and take it a step further with the appropriate computer-aided design and engineering software, and one can make, for example, an internal combustion engine fuel injector for advanced aerospace with more complex and calculated plumbing. As you’ll see in the article, such complex plumbing for a not-so-simple fuel injector can produce some stunning results for performance, efficiency, and emissions.
2. Verizon’s Robotics Division
Do you have a smartphone? Does it tell you you’re connected to a 5G network? Well, if your Android or iPhone DOES say you’re on a 5G network (because you’re reading this outside, I guess. If you’re in your home or office, you should be on Wi-Fi), congratulations! Your device is LYING TO YOU! If you’re reading this (you are, aren’t you? Or is this a simulation?), then you most likely work in the manufacturing industry, and you know the 5G wireless network standard isn’t for consumers. It’s for industry. This isn’t new, but what is new is Verizon’s robotics division helping to develop their 5G infrastructure.
3. More Evidence: Boston Additive is the New Swiss Machining
Boston’s back in the news with their advancements in micro-additive, further proving my point. Here’s a short and sweet interview with some mind-blowing high-resolution photos. Enjoy!
4. Robo-Farming Tractors Show Up to the GFOS
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an exciting annual event for gearheads around the world, consisting of some light competition, including a hill-climb time trial up some rich English dude’s driveway and a short, forest rally stage. While lap times are logged and records may be broken, I say “light competition” since the event is really meant to be received as an exhibition of new, old, and overall special automobile and motorcycle tech. This year, however, some industrial automation came to play!
5. A New Additive NSN
Over at the AMT Tech Trends podcast, Ben and I have had a handful of conversations on U.S. military adoption of additive tech. Well, here’s some more news! A manufacturer and supplier of additive nylon has been awarded with National Stock Numbers. This is a big deal for those of us with an interest in “mil-spec” tech!
To access Tech Trends, log in to or register for an MTInsight account at https://www.mtinsight.org/
