29 06, 2015

Aluminum-Based Prints Offer New Form Of Wall Decor

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 29th, 2015|

Aluminum is used for many things: manufacturing, packaging, even preserving foods in the form of aluminum foil. And while it’s been used as an art medium in a number of ways — including 3D printing — printing images on aluminum is a relatively recent development. A company called Aluminyze has sought to make this more commercially accessible, and the results are impressive. From GeekDad:

When Aluminyze offered to send some samples of their aluminum prints, I was a bit skeptical. Too many times, print samples are too small to get a feel for the quality, and only use heavy HDR or over-contrast to blast the senses and cover up any deficiencies in the process or materials. It was refreshing, then, when they told me to pick two sample photos myself and they’d send me both large and small prints of them.

For both prints, hanging was a breeze with the attached float mount that brings the print away from the wall. Aluminyze infuses the photo into the aluminum and then applies a UV resistant coating, providing a waterproof, fade and scratch resistant piece of art that, unlike paper that can get damp, wrinkle, tear, and fade, can be cleaned with regular glass cleaner and safely hung in direct sunlight. At $35 for an 8″x10″, on up to over $600 for a gigantic 40″x60″, aluminum prints are comparable to both framed prints and gallery wrap canvas, yet last longer. Aluminyze also offers a variety of sizes, shapes, and mounts for your photos on their website.

Click on through to see detailed reviews of Aluminyze’s qualities. But the short answer is that the company is delivering high-quality prints on a unique surface that’s protected from the usual wear and tear you’ll see with paper.

18 06, 2015

Inside the Machines: EMMEGI Satellite XT

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

Emmegi Satellite XT allows for efficient work-piece machining advantages in pendulum mode including multiple set-ups. The work space of our longbed machining center can be divided into two areas, granting us the ability to load and unload on one side while machining on the other side. This expedited machining process saves our customers time and money, while delivering Taber’s definitive level of quality.

18 06, 2015

Inside the Machines: Haas VF 7 and Zeiss CMM4

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

The Haas VF-7 is a rugged, large-sized VMC that yields full reliability and accuracy in a large-framed machine. The VF-7 has a 40-taper cartridge spindle driven by a 30 hp vector Dual-Drive (Y-Delta) drive. The VF-7 produces either 75 ft-lb of torque at a low 1400 rpm, or 250 ft-lb at 450 rpm with the optional 2-speed gearbox — and will also run up to 8,100 rpm in 1.2 seconds for finishing aluminum.

Courtesy of Haas Automation: www.haas.co.uk

Through highly accurate scanning technologies, our Zeiss CMM has the ability to capture a fully defined 3D measurement for any of our extruded and fabricated profiles. Having this capability allows us to verify process capability and ensure that our customers receive the highest levels of quality.

18 06, 2015

A Closer Look: Taber’s Extrusion Capabilities

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

Joe Gibson, Vice President of Business Development at Taber, gives us a closer look at Taber’s broad extrusion capabilities. Small to large, narrow to wide, solid, multi-hollow, complex, and simple – Taber’s extrusion range can meet virtually any size and specification range. Taber also offers a wide array of aluminum alloys. Taber has recently expanded their fabrication abilities by adding two multi-axis vertical machining centers, as well as a coordinate measuring machine, to their fabrication floor. Joe also gives us an in-depth exploration of these new machines and how they increase Taber’s machining capabilities.

18 06, 2015

Our Capabilities: The Breakdown

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

Nobody in the extrusion industry is more diverse than Taber. Here’s why: We begin by designing custom aluminum profiles to meet your extrusion needs. We then offer an extrusion range of less than 1 lb. per foot to over 140 lbs. per foot with intricate multi-hollow capability up to 29 inches, solid capability up to 32 inches, and a full range of aluminum alloys with custom chemistries available. Along the way, we uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, service, and value. We are committed to going above and beyond to exceed your extrusion expectations. Taber. Broadest capabilities in the aluminum industry.

18 06, 2015

More Than Just an Extruder

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

It starts with a dream. A dream to fly higher, to go faster, to build stronger. At Taber, we want to make your dreams become reality. First, we define the dream. Our broad capabilities allow for incredible detail and a wide array of options, and we offer design assistance to define the right custom aluminum shape. After selecting one of our many available aluminum alloys, the dream comes to life through our award-winning aluminum extrusion process. But we don’t stop there. Our in-house aluminum fabrication and value added services complete the process with available aluminum machining, welding, finishing, and testing. And our custom supply chain solutions allow us to design the processing and delivery that’s right for you. At Taber, we’re proud to be set apart as more than just an extruder. We’re your full-service partner. If you can dream it, we can shape it.

18 06, 2015

Taber Extrusions Value Added Services

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00June 18th, 2015|

At Taber, we go beyond aluminum extrusion with our many value added services, including: Operation of our own aluminum alloy cast house, vertical and horizontal machining, precision cutting and sawing, welding, aluminum ultrasonic testing, finishing services, and custom supply chain solutions to meet your unique processing and delivery needs. Your aluminum extrusion project doesn’t stop at extrusion, so neither do we. We are committed to adding value to each and every Taber experience through service, capabilities, and quality. Taber. Where added value comes standard.

31 03, 2015

The Next Best Thing To Aluminum 3D Printing

2015-06-18T15:33:03+00:00March 31st, 2015|

We recently showed you how aluminum-based 3D printing is bringing customized objects to space. For those of us that can’t afford a 3D printer but enjoy a bit of DIY craftsmanship, here’s the next best thing. The self-proclaimed King Of Random recently put together a how-to video offering a technique that involves styrofoam, aluminum cans, and sand. The result is something pretty close to a 3D printed object, though the process is a little more dangerous than uploading to a 3D printer. From Gizmodo:

If you’re looking for a fun, high-risk weekend project, look no further: Grant Thompson, the self-styled “King of Random”, has decided to shared his method for transforming styrofoam into metal. (Spoiler: don’t try this one around your kids.)

To start, you’ll need to cut a model of your soon-t0-be metal creation out of foam. Thompson suggests using foam board from the dollar store, but foam housing insulation or craft blocks will work just as well. Once assembled, attach a thick foam riser to the top of your model, and bury it in a 5-gallon bucket filled with sand.

Next you’ll have to fire up your homemade metal foundry (if you’ve never made one before, Thompson’s got you covered). Now melt down some aluminum cans and pour the molten metal over your buried foam cast, taking care not to splash anything on yourself. The foam, Thompson explains, will vaporize instantly as liquid aluminum rushes in to take its place. Within a few minutes, your sculpture should be cool enough to remove. Do so carefully, using pliers. You can then polish up your new creation and place it prominently on display.

Click here to go to the full article, including a complete video demonstration by the King of Random. Just remember to use gloves and pliers when you try this yourself.

24 03, 2015

Aluminum F-150 Maintains Insurance Rates From Previous Year

2017-01-26T23:37:28+00:00March 24th, 2015|

With any major change in a car’s design, one often overlooked aspect is the vehicle’s insurance costs. Design changes come with inherent risks simply because they’re new and have limited real world feedback, so it’s not unusual for new-model cars with significant hardware changes to have higher insurance costs.

However, data has shown that insurance rates for the aluminum-based Ford F-150 have NOT increased compared to the previous year. From Automotive News:

For now, motorists’ yearly insurance premiums for the 2015 aluminum-bodied F-150 are about the same as for the 2014 steel model — good news for Ford.

But premiums could change once insurance companies study accident repair data for the redesigned pickup.

To set rates for 2015 models, insurance companies use the latest data they have — from 2014 model claims. It could take about a year or more to get repair and other data useful to set rates for the 2015 model, insurers say.

“The cost to insure the F-150 may go up, or it may go down,” said Progressive Corp. spokesman Jeff Sibel. “We won’t have

[enough] data until we have claims experiences.”

Insurance premiums won’t make or break sales of Ford’s highly profitable full-size pickup. They are about 10 percent of an owner’s operating costs in the first five years of ownership, Consumer Reports says. Ford is confident that insurance premiums for the new pickup will be similar to those for the steel model, even though some parts costs are higher, aluminum repair techs require special training and special repair equipment is needed.

This is all subject to change over time as repair data comes in. However, it’s always better to have a good start, and it’s a testament to the integrity of the F-150’s design and manufacturing teams that the insurance companies haven’t raised rates yet.

22 03, 2015

3D Printed Aluminum Makes It Into Space

2015-06-18T15:33:03+00:00March 22nd, 2015|

3D printing is one of the most exciting advances in technology over the past few years. For life in space, 3D printers simply receive designs and print out necessary tools to help astronauts perform quick fixes. Until now, 3D printing in space has always used composite material. However, a UK company has announced the first space-qualified 3D printing material using aluminum. From 3DPrint.com:

Now Airbus Defence and Space in the UK says they’re producing their first space-qualified 3D printed components from aluminum. The parts are the result of a two-year-long research and development program undertaken by the UK National Space Technology Programme via Innovate UK and the UK Space Agency.

The UK team say these new 3D printed components cannot be manufactured using conventional manufacturing methods, and they include a structural bracket built using aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. The Airbus Group has started using ALM (additive layering manufacturing) for tooling and prototyping parts for test flights and for parts that will fly on commercial aircraft. The company says components produced with ALM are beginning to appear on the A350 XWB the jetliners in the A300 and A310 line.

Eurostar E3000 Copyright Airbus Defence and Space Ltd 2015 renderingThe first flight-qualified ALM part — a titanium alloy bracket from Airbus Defence and Space — is already flying aboard the Atlantic Bird 7 telecom satellite, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle “Atlante” features a 3D printed air intake.

The space-qualified part in question, made as a single piece via laser melting, weighs 35% less than the previous bracket. The part it replaces was made up of four separate pieces and included 44 rivets. In comparison, the additively-manufactured piece which replaces it is now 40% stiffer and no waste results from the process as would be were it created by conventional machining.

3D printing with aluminum opens the door to many manufacturing possibilities, from aerospace and beyond. 3D printing can also go to DIY makers too, and aluminum also creates many opportunities for start-ups, garage engineers, and artists for structurally sound items. If it works in space, it can certainly work on the ground!

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