PartMaker Inc., Rem Sales LLC and Kennametal Inc. have teamed up to offer a 2-day educational course titled “Swiss Machining Fundamentals” to be offered May 21-22. It will be held at Kennametal’s headquarters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, at the Kennametal Knowledge Center. The course is designed to develop specific competencies in process optimization and tool selection and application for micro-machining applications. The course covers the metalcutting processes of ID turning and OD turning for micro applications, while also detailing such areas as rotating tooling and quick-change tooling for micro-machines. The course is designed specifically to address the needs of process engineers, CNC programmers and tool engineers. Contact PartMaker at (215) 643-5077.
Cimatron Limited and Gibbs Systems, Inc. agreed to merge Gibbs into a newly established U.S. subsidiary of Cimatron. Bringing together the CimatronE integrated CAD/CAM suite for toolmaking and GibbsCAM CAD/CAM solution for production will allow the merged company to offer a powerful product for the industry. The combined product offering will strengthen Cimatron’s market position as well. Contact Cimatron at (972) 531-2121.
Mazak Corporation is expanding its Southwest Regional Technology Center, which opened in 1982 and continues to bring focused manufacturing technologies to the energy industries. The $2 million investment will create 40,000 square feet of floor space. The first floor will include capabilities for product and process development including the potential for more than a dozen multitasking and five-axis machines. Expanded sales and support offices will be on the second floor. Contact Mazak at www.mazakusa.com.
Mfg.com received $26 million in financing. The investment was led by Fidelity Ventures and Fidelity Asia Ventures, with an additional contribution by existing investor European Founders Fund. The funds will be used for Mfg.com’s global expansion, technology development, creation of new online services and potential acquisitions. Mfg.com also announced that Fidelity Ventures partner, Larry Cheng, joined its board of directors. Contact Mfg.com at www.mfg.com.
Haas Automation reports that 2007 was the most productive year in the company’s history, with CNC machine tool production exceeding 13,755 units, a 10-percent increase from 2006, and a 19-percent increase in revenues to more than $880 million. Haas products are distributed worldwide through a network of Haas Factory Outlets (HFOs). In 2007, Haas opened more than 30 new HFOs, and the company plans to open as many as 40 this year. Contact Haas at (800) 331-6746 or visit www.haasCNC.com.
Dr. Masahiko Mori, president of Mori Seiki, was recently elected a Fellow of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Representing years of service and dedication to the social, technological and educational aspects of manufacturing engineering, the fellowship was presented to Dr. Mori at an inauguration ceremony on November 12 in Chicago. Contact Mori Seiki at www.moriseiki.com.
EWS Tool Technologies of Germany purchased Command Tooling Systems, LLC. Command will continue to offer its current product lines. With the addition of EWS, Command will significantly expand its global presence along with its product lines, including a complete offering of driven and static tools. “This is a very exciting opportunity for Command and the U.S. machining industry,” says Robert Rubenstahl, CEO and president of Command/EWS. Contact Command Tooling Systems at (763) 576-6910 or visit www.commandtool.com.
Tooling U has created its new Government and Education Group (GEG) as part of the Business Development Division to serve the needs of educational institutions, government entities and industrial associations involved in workforce development, training and education in the manufacturing sector. The GEG will provide advice to educational institutions on how to build effective blended learning initiatives that foster improved workforce knowledge and effectiveness. In addition, it will offer the latest training programs for instructors and educators, and more. Contact Tooling U at (216) 706-6600 or visit www.toolingu.com.