The Rheinmetall Automotive AG was not spared the impact of the corona pandemic and the global crisis in the automotive industry. A report for the first half of 2020 indicates a triple-digit million sales decline for the company.

According to the "Aircraft Actuators Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2020 - 2025)" report, the aircraft actuators market is expected to register a CAGR of more than 5 % during the forecast period 2020 - 2025. Increase in orders and procurement of aircraft, both for commercial and military purposes, is the main driver for the market.

Voxeljet AG recently announced another sale of its VX4000 sand 3D printer, as one of the largest binder-jet systems for industrial 3D printing, to one of the largest foundries in western India.

Amag Austria Metall AG is acquiring a 70 % share of the German company Aircraft Philipp Gruppe headquartered in Übersee / Chiemsee. ACP amounts 50 years of experience in the manufacture of assembly-ready metal parts for the aviation and aerospace industry.

One year ago the motto for 2019 was: "Sales up, profits down. For two years in a row, growth had slowed down. But compared to the current situation and the findings from the first half of 2020, times were rather rosy.

While German foundries were already struggling with a downturn, the corona crisis has further shaken the industry. The challenge now is to provide assistance and make concrete recommendations for action.

The ongoing corona pandemic is dominating the world and is not stopping at the foundry industry. We have surveyed the industry and identified current and upcoming challenges facing foundrymen, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers.

After years of continuous growth, the global economy has recently begun to shrink. Especially the automotive industry as the most important customer of the foundry industry is affected by this.

Creaform, a global specialist in portable and automated 3D measurement solutions, unveiled the latest generation of the MetraSCAN 3D scanner. The optical CMM scanner has been specifically designed to perform metrology-grade 3D measurements and inspections — right on the production floor.

Through the targeted use of simulation software in the product development process, significant potential for improvement and savings can be realized - even before the component is manufactured. In this way, the actual component is optimized in advance in terms of process capability and cost structure.

Kemper has developed a new filter system that enables metalworking companies to optimize their protective welding equipment for their employees. According to the company, the WallMaster filter system offers a cost-efficient entry into integral welding fume extraction.

Norican Global A/S, a metallic parts enhancement company, has taken a minority shareholding in South Africa-based DataProphet, a global specialist in Artificial Intelligence for manufacturing. Norican CEO Anders Wilhjelm will take a seat on DataProphet’s board.

Preparations are in full swing for EUROGUSS 2022, to be held at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from January 18 to 20. The registration stage for exhibitors is already in progress, and businesses can still benefit from an early booking discount until October 31, 2020. In addition, the "Forum Gießerei-Industrie" will launch in November 2020, offering businesses in the sector quick tips and assistance in finding their way out of the current crisis.

In a recent survey of Optomec’s 100+ customer installations using its 3D metal printers specifically for gas turbine component repair, Optomec has calculated that over 10 Million turbine blades have been refurbished.

As of December 1, Thoralf Hanschel will become Head of the Engine and Foundry Business Unit at Volkswagen Group Components. He succeeds Herbert Steiner in this function, who was appointed to the Board of Management of SEAT with responsibility for Production and Logistics effective November 1.

In the context of the strategic reorientation, Kurtz Ersa GmbH was looking for a supplement to the existing business areas. For this purpose the company cooperates with Laser Melting Innovations GmbH & Co. KG, a spin-off from the cradle of metallic 3D printing of the Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing.