Stylets are flexible metal wires often as miniscule as 0.010” (0.254mm) in diameter. Cannulas are hollow, exceedingly narrow tubes with inner diameters of approximately 0.013” (0.3302mm). Cannulas are frequently used to house needles or stylets for IVs and syringes.

Assembling such constructions brings several challenges, precision first and foremost. The wire insertion process requires accuracy of ± 21 µm, angular tolerance of 1.5°, and robot movements with ± 5 µm accuracy. From a quality control standpoint, stylets must not touch the inner wall of the cannula, which could damage the stylet. Variability is also a concern, as stylets differ in key attributes such as wire bends, angles, and lengths. Considering this, any machine solution must be exceptionally flexible.

Automation NTH solved these challenges by utilizing a Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm 4 (SCARA 4) axis robot, along with two tabletop-mounted servo motors permitting independent motion. The configuration allows the machine to tilt the syringe, holding the cannula in the Theta X and Theta Y directions to handle angle variability in the stylets. To accommodate for stylet variability, the machine utilizes vision to guide the robot into position, then aligns the cannula with the stylet for insertion.

Automation NTH’s Vision Guided Robotic Wire Insertion machine incorporates a robotic gripper, which picks a cannula from a nest and threads it into the syringe body, fixing it into place. A corresponding robotic arm then picks a stylet from the nest and moves it to an approach position, presenting it to inspection cameras that record and measure offsets.

The system thus employs a delicate feedback loop between the robot, camera, and servo motors. The cameras record and measure, while the robots adjust the stylets and cannulas as needed based on this information. The process is then repeated until the stylet is lined up within ± 21 µm, achieving this incredibly tight tolerance via a “progress until perfection” setup.

“This Vision Guided Robotic Wire Insertion machine demonstrates Automation NTH’s ability to create innovative solutions for complex, high precision assembly applications,” said Peter Sarvey, Head of Sales at Automation NTH.

About Automation NTH

Founded in 1999 and headquartered outside of Nashville, TN with a facility in San Diego, CA, Automation NTH is a trusted partner in automation for manufacturers. Our expertise transforms your manufacturing operations from manual processes to semi-automated and fully automated production. Whether scaling up from individual work cells or introducing fully integrated production lines, we deliver solutions that drive cost savings, enhance efficiency, and minimize risks. With a strong focus on robotics and controls, we ensure timely delivery of projects with strict adherence to budget. Our innovative approaches improve production capacity, product quality, and enable operator autonomy. Our services include: Custom Automation, Equipment Optimization, and Automation Consulting. Let us turn Automation into your Competitive Advantage!

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• Investment by ABB Drive Products to develop next generation products for circularity and resource-efficient future
• Companies will develop design architecture for drive manufacturing by optimizing testing and assembly processes in Molg’s robotic Microfactories
• Collaboration started in 2024, with ABB Robotics participation in Molg’s seed round of funding

ABB Motion’s Drive Products division has invested, through ABB Motion Ventures, in Virginia-based circular manufacturing company Molg to optimize manufacturing design and reusability of ABB drives. The collaboration will leverage Molg’s design expertise and US-based robotic Microfactories to streamline the assembly and testing processes within ABB’s manufacturing operations, while simultaneously increasing drives’ circularity and resource efficiency.

ABB and Molg’s relationship began in 2023 when the company was recognized as a winner of the ABB Accelerating Circularity Startup Challenge. ABB Drive Products and Molg have subsequently delivered a successful proof of concept in drives assembly in robotics-based Molg Microfactories and this fresh investment will enable the next phase of their partnership.

A central aspect of ABB Drive Products’ choice to invest in Molg is the firm’s circularity credentials. ABB is committed to achieving a full life cycle circular approach for 80 percent of its products by 2030 and Molg’s robotic Microfactories will help to improve the efficiency of manufacturing configured-to-order drives by streamlining the assembly and testing processes with automation. The investment strengthens ABB’s position as a key enabler of circular economy by re-using, re-purposing, and recycling components. ABB Robotics & Automation Ventures participated in Molg’s seed round of funding in October 2024 to help scale the start-up’s production capacity and tackle e-waste with robotics and design.

This strategic partnership follows ABB’s recent $100 million campus project in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and further enables its ‘local for local’ strategy – using locally-sourced materials for in-country manufacturing to service local customers. This is also a vital part of ABB’s circularity-based approach, not only minimizing waste and manufacturing-related carbon emissions, but providing crucial in-market support for companies across the supply chain.

“Our investment in Molg means we are part of an innovation ecosystem which develops new solutions for product circularity,” said Tuomo Hoysniemi, ABB Drive Products Division President. “This investment to develop our drives portfolio through recycling and reusing of components is aligned with our aims to increase circularity within our portfolio. What’s more, Molg’s Microfactories are especially suited to the ABB Drive Products’ customizable product range and will give us and increased ability to meet unique customer and market future requirements, while at the same time preserving valuable resources.”

“Winning ABB’s Accelerating Circularity Startup Challenge was great recognition for us, and we are even more excited to continue our collaboration with ABB Drive Products within circularity and automation,” said Rob Lawson-Shanks, CEO & Co-Founder of Molg. “We are thrilled to work with ABB Drive Products to design more circular products and create circular manufacturing processes for electronics to enhance supply chain resilience and ensure valuable materials are kept in circulation.” 

The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed.

About ABB

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com

ABB Motion Ventures is the venture capital unit of ABB Motion. ABB through its business-led venture capital investment framework, ABB Ventures, looks for breakthrough technology companies aligned with ABB’s goal to write the future of industrial electrification and automation. Since its formation in 2009, ABB Ventures has deployed around $500 million into startups spanning a range of sectors including robotics, industrial IoT, AI/machine learning, energy transition, cybersecurity, electric mobility, smart buildings, and distributed energy. For more information, visit www.abb.com/ventures

About Molg

Molg tackles the growing e-waste problem by making manufacturing circular. The company’s robotic microfactory can autonomously disassemble complex electronic products like laptops and servers, helping keep valuable components and materials within supply chains and out of landfills. Molg partners with leading electronics manufacturers to design the next generation of products with reuse in mind, ensuring that one product’s end is another’s beginning. To learn more, visit molg.ai.

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The powRgrip system uses a taper-to-taper, press-fit collet holding design that creates a vibration-damping gap to interrupt the strength and severity of vibration waves. Three components make up the powRgrip system: holders, collets and press-fit assembly mounting units. Toolsetting is accomplished in no more than 10 seconds without heat or hydraulics used in other tool-clamping systems. REGO-FIX’s powRgrip technology allows tools to be used immediately after the clamping cycle concludes without the limitations and tool-life compromises of other systems.

REGO-FIX offers powRgrip systems that accommodate cutters up to 40mm (1.500”) in diameter and ensures total indicated runout (T.I.R.) of under 3 microns (0.0001”) for tool lengths up to 3 x diameter.

“Reducing cycle times, improving part accuracy and maintaining process repeatability is top of mind for all manufacturers,” says Jeff Schemel REGO-FIX’s General Manager, USA. “From aerospace to medical and all industries in between the powRgrip system helps companies efficiently manufacture each part to exact tolerances and with extraordinary surface finishes.”

About REGO-FIX

With U.S. headquarters in Whitestown, Indiana, REGO-FIX, inventor of the original ER collet system, is a world leader in the manufacture of Swiss precision tooling.

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A decisive step toward sustainability, efficiency, and industrialization

Large-format 3D printing technology is transforming the nautical sector by offering competitive advantages such as highly customizable designs, efficient material usage, and a significant reduction in environmental impact.

This boat is a tangible example of how advanced 3D printing processes can accelerate production times, minimize material waste, and enable the creation of high-quality floating structures and boats tailored to the growing demands of a global market.

Notably, this project was conceived with a long-term vision, meticulously analyzing every step of the process to lay the groundwork for future industrialization of such boats. From material selection to the optimization of printing times, assembly, and testing, every aspect has been carefully refined to identify the key elements needed to scale production efficiently, sustainably, and economically. This strategic approach is crucial for turning this technology into a widely applicable solution in the nautical sector.

A promising future for the nautical industry

This achievement not only demonstrates the feasibility of robotic large-format 3D printing but also establishes the foundation for a new era in the manufacturing of boats and nautical components.

V2 Group and Caracol AM are committed to the continuous improvement of this manufacturing approach to broaden its applications in this sector, including transitioning toward the industrialization of the process. This will pave the way for a more scalable, sustainable, and accessible production model within the sector.

The collaboration between these two European companies strengthens their leadership in nautical and naval innovation, positioning 3D printing as a key solution to tackle the future challenges of the industry. With a clear focus on industrialization, the potential of this technology to transform nautical production is virtually limitless.

About CARACOL

CARACOL was founded in 2017 in Milan, Italy, with the vision of pushing the limits of additive manufacturing in terms of scale, efficiency, and sustainability. The company accomplished this by developing an integrated technological platform, including both hardware and software, to produce advanced large-scale components. Through the integration of a patented extrusion head, the development of dedicated software – Eidos Manufacturing, and the use of robotic arms as movement support, Caracol offers additive manufacturing technology for advanced components for customers in industries such as aerospace, marine, energy, design, and architecture. Heron AM manufactures parts such as jigs and molds for aircraft components, finished parts for yacht and boat superstructures, or revolutionary projects to initiate virtuous circular economy processes for the energy or design sectors. Vipra AM is the latest launched LFAM system to produce large-scale metal applications in the most demanding industries such as aerospace, energy, construction and shipbuilding. Today, the company has opened the largest LFAM production center in Europe, a production facility in Austin (TX), USA opened in August 2023, and a commercial office in Dubai, has a core team of over 80 international professionals with highly specialized competences, in areas such as mechanical engineering, automation, computational design, design for additive, and advanced manufacturing processes.

About V2 GROUP

V2 Group is a Spanish company dedicated to manufacturing components and boats using 3D printing technologies. Born as a startup, it is currently in the midst of a funding round to raise capital that will enable it to scale its business to the next level.

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Andrew Thompson, Deputy Chief Engineer, Additive Manufacturing, at Northrop Grumman Space Systems, has been appointed chair of the RMAG. In this role, he will lead the group’s strategic direction, drive key initiatives, recruit new members, engage working groups, and organize meetings. He will also oversee the strategic-level roadmap, collaborating with America Makes to maintain data, align priorities, brief the Executive Committee on project call topics, and ensure the roadmap advances the Institute’s mission.

At Northrop Grumman, Thompson is responsible for the development and implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. He has extensive experience in designing, developing, and utilizing aerospace components and systems, as well as expertise in AM techniques for manufacturing these components. Thompson’s previous career roles have led to his knowledge of managing assembly integration, test operations, and additive processes. He has successfully led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that exceed requirements.

“Andrew’s expertise in additive manufacturing and his leadership within the industry make him an excellent choice to chair the Roadmap Advisory Group,” stated Brandon Ribic, Ph.D., America Makes Technology Director. “His strategic vision and commitment to collaboration will be instrumental in guiding the group’s efforts, ensuring that our roadmap remains aligned with the evolving needs of the AM ecosystem. We look forward to working with him to drive impactful advancements in the field.”

Executive Committee

Rick Russell has been named the chairperson of the America Makes Executive Committee. In this role, he will lead a distinguished group of industry experts across academia, government, workforce and economic development organizations, ensuring that the right strategies, policies, and advocacy efforts are in place to advance the Institute’s mission. This committee plays a critical role in guiding America Makes as it works to accelerate AM adoption and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness globally.

Committee members bring deep industry expertise and insights into the current and future state of AM, advising the Institute on technical priorities, membership value, ecosystem and partnership strategies, and workforce development initiatives.

Russell is a Principal ADDvisor® with The Barnes Global Advisors and specializes in Metal AM certification and qualification. His journey in AM began nearly 15 years ago as the Materials and Processes and Fracture Control Lead for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, where he helped develop pathways to certify critical AM hardware for human spaceflight applications. Later, as NASA Technical Fellow for Materials, he led the team that authored NASA-STD-6030 “Additive Manufacturing Requirements for Spaceflight Systems.” Russell also has a long history of engagement with America Makes, having previously served on the Roadmap Advisory Group (RMAG).

Alongside Russell’s leadership, Sandra DeVincent Wolf, Ph.D., will serve as Secretary of the Executive Committee. Dr. Wolf is the Executive Director of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Manufacturing Futures Institute, where she works to identify, connect, leverage, and accelerate manufacturing research at CMU. She is also the Executive Director of the CMU NextManufacturing Center, a hub for AM research. She leads the center’s activities, partnerships, and industry consortiums while also serving as Director of the metals AM laboratories.

Before joining CMU in 2015, Dr. Wolf spent 15 years in research, development, engineering, and management in advanced materials and manufacturing. She also has over a decade of experience in executive management within professional materials associations, where she led initiatives from conception through implementation and assessment.

John Wilczynski, Executive Director of America Makes, expressed his enthusiasm for Russell and Dr. Wolf’s appointments, stating, “Rick and Sandra are both highly respected leaders in the additive community, and we are excited to have them in these key roles. Rick’s extensive experience in AM certification and qualification, along with his strong grasp of industry needs, will be crucial in guiding the Executive Committee, while Sandra’s leadership in manufacturing research and her ability to foster collaboration will further enhance our strategic initiatives. They undoubtedly will help drive the Institute’s mission forward and strengthen the Institute’s overall impact.”

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The hardware-free and patented cam lock design of the NEW 500 Series from Guill means no time is wasted unbolting and re-securing fasteners for disassembly and re-assembly. Only half of a rotation of the cam nut is required to loosen and automatically extract the deflector from the head body, which is another time saver. Also, with no undercuts on the deflector, there are no material hang-ups when extracting the deflector, allowing for faster and easier cleaning and changeover.

The NEW 500 Series also features the latest Center-Stage concentricity adjustment system that significantly reduces pressure on the tooling, allowing easier and more precise concentricity adjustments without loosening the face bolts. Easy-Out inserts for the adjusting bolts also allow simple replacement of locked or damaged adjusting bolts, which further saves on repair and downtime.

Another innovative feature of this new rubber/silicone crosshead is a cast aluminum liquid-fed cooling sleeve that allows the user to switch out the cooling jacket in the event of a line obstruction, again reducing downtime compared to traditional integrated cooling systems.

The NEW 500 Series crosshead with MAGS gum space adjustment is a drop-in replacement on most existing NRM lines, however this crosshead design can also be adapted to fit any extruder design or line layout.

The addition of a newly designed flow inlet channel reduces the shear and heat that is generated as the materials are being processed. This leads to lower head pressures allowing the material to move through the head in a much more balanced and even flow.

All crossheads supplied by Guill are furnished with a tool kit for assembly and disassembly as well as a detailed operator’s instruction manual. The engineering team at Guill will gladly assist users in the implementation and operation of the NEW 500 series crosshead.

For a video of the NEW Guill 500 Series crosshead with MAGS gum space adjustment, please go to:

https://youtu.be/jeNovmMtcBs

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Developed with the expertise of over 40 years of leak testing leadership, the new fifth generation of Sentinel instruments is built with strategic, powerful advancements, designed to make leak testing even more accurate, user-friendly, and efficient on the modern manufacturing line.

“The Sentinel line of leak test instruments has become well-known and respected in the manufacturing industry for delivering the accuracy and repeatability manufacturers rely on to produce the best quality parts. This new, innovative Sentinel re-design is the next step in that evolution, providing the most efficient and effective way to leak test,” said Eric Kersting, General Manager, CTS. “It’s important to us to stay on top of manufacturers’ needs on the modern production floor and continue to enhance our instruments to make their jobs easier.”

The thoughtful engineering of the Sentinel IX5’s completely re-imagined design and user interface delivers new dimensions of leak test accuracy, flexibility, ease-of-use, and value. New features and capabilities include:

• All-new UX/UI: Simple, re-engineered touchscreen user interface, with simplified accessible menus, customizable screen view options, real-time visualized data, and more.
• Industry-first visual Test Sequence Creator: Easily tap, build, and visualize all steps in test sequences, preview and sequence a test before running it, and more.
  Broadest range of leak test methods: Choose from 9 different test methods and combine multiple methods on one instrument.
• Better, faster leak test performance: Improved resolution and accuracy for shorter cycle times, automatically adjust for changes in temperature and pressure, advanced pressure control, and more.
• Unmatched value: Flexible instrument can be used for every common air leak test method; with its enhanced I/O control, the instrument can replace a PLC to control test operations, and more.

“The Sentinel IX5 was designed with manufacturers in mind, delivering a streamlined user experience with enhanced precision, performance, and flexibility,” said Thomas Beischel, Director of Standard Product, CTS. “We embarked on intensive research with our users to make this new design simple and intuitive to use. With the Sentinel IX5, it’s now easier than ever to setup, operate, and improve your leak tests.”

About CTS

As an international leader in leak testing, Cincinnati Test Systems, Inc. (CTS) has delivered precision leak detection equipment, functional test systems and assembly verification testing to manufacturers across the globe for over 40 years. The Sentinel, I-series, C-series, Blackbelt-series, TracerMate, and LPC products are used for pressure and vacuum decay leak testing, flow testing and tracer gas testing in the medical device, automotive, consumer products, off-highway, oil and gas, and energy sectors.

CTS is part of the TASI Test and Automation’s Product Integrity organization, along with innomatec, Sciemetric, and Sierra-CP Engineering. The Product Integrity organization provides Industry 4.0 leak test, data management and analytics solutions that help manufacturers worldwide improve quality and productivity. CTS has sales and support offices in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, India, and China.

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The End Former operates entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid. This not only enhances the machine’s cleanliness by preventing leaks but also contributes to substantial cost savings over time. Electricity is generally cheaper than hydraulic fluid, making the Electric End Former an economically attractive choice for manufacturers.

One of the standout features of the Electric End Former is its quiet operation. By reducing noise levels, the machine helps create a quieter factory environment, which can improve the overall experience for employees and reduce noise-related health issues. The new End Former is also designed with a smaller footprint, offering greater flexibility in manufacturing setups without compromising on power. With its ability to handle tubing up to 2 inches in diameter and exert forces around 15 to 20 tons, the machine outperforms many competitors in its class.

As a fully electric solution, the End Former aligns with Wauseon Machine’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. The transition to electric-powered systems reduces environmental impact and helps manufacturers meet sustainability goals. This End Former is a versatile solution that caters to a broad range of industries and applications, from small businesses to large-scale general manufacturers. Its design and capabilities are ideal for engineers and manufacturing professionals looking for advanced automation solutions.

With a history of delivering reliable automation and assembly equipment, Wauseon Machine’s new product further strengthens its position as a leader in the manufacturing industry. By offering a cleaner, quieter, and cost-effective alternative, the Electric End Former sets a new standard in end-forming technology.

About Wauseon Machine

Wauseon Machine is your single-source partner for automation solutions, tube forming technologies, precision machining, and fabrication. WM started as a small contract machine shop in 1983 and is proud to be celebrating its 40th year in business. WM has five separate focus plants located in Wauseon, Ohio , Delta, Ohio and Greenville, South Carolina. By combining our advanced knowledge and engineering expertise with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies, we are able to craft the right solution for your unique needs.

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The new facility will provide 28,000 square feet dedicated primarily to machine and systems integration for the customized, precision-engineered solutions for which the company has become known. Norwalt’s engineers design, construct, validate and install premium production equipment whose functionalities include – but are by no means limited to – packaging and product assembly, post-mold automation, modular automation cells and robotics systems. Norwalt has experienced exponential growth in recent years, prioritizing additional space to continue meeting expedited equipment delivery timeframes.

“We always love to hear when a company that expanded here from another market has found so much success that they continue to invest in our community and create more jobs,” said Ron Christaldi, chair of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and Shumaker Partner/President and CEO of Shumaker Advisors Florida. “Norwalt has been an excellent addition to the Tampa area’s manufacturing sector, and the Tampa Bay EDC team looks forward to continuing to support the company’s growth here.”

Norwalt serves customers in a wide array of sectors, from medical devices and food & beverage applications to personal care and household items. While the 2023 Tampa facility was largely earmarked for food, beverage, and medical device and diagnostics projects – two niches requiring pristine, tight-tolerance plastics components and products manufacturing, per Norwalt’s core engineering skillsets – this newest space will likely see parity in projects for the various sectors Norwalt services.

“With the company continuing its encouraging growth pattern and the initial Tampa facility proving to be a wise decision both economically and geographically, this new, larger Tampa-area site was an easy decision to make,” said Keith Harman, Director of Business Development for Norwalt. “In an ever-evolving manufacturing environment, demand continues to surge for automation and line integration machinery that minimizes downtime, maximizes efficiency, and tackles otherwise labor-intensive tasks.”

About Norwalt Automation Group

For more than five decades, Norwalt has specialized in custom-built automation and line integration machinery for complex manufacturing applications. The company’s engineers design, construct, validate and install premium production equipment for a wide array of sectors, including medical devices, life sciences, food & beverage, personal care, and household items. Norwalt produces machinery meeting a broad range of functionalities – from packaging and product assembly and post-mold automation to modular automation cells and robotics systems. Many customers rely on Norwalt’s vision system experience enabling them to incorporate highly technical vision systems, both stand alone and integrated, to ensure accuracy in a wide range of applications.

Often, Norwalt’s unique-to-customer solutions comprise intricate, low- to high-volume machinery and robotics designed from proof of concept, many of whose capabilities have never been attempted let alone realized. Always, its equipment provides maximum efficiency and minimal downtime backed by the company’s unsurpassed, engineering-centric customer service and support.

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