ABB VortexMaster, SwirlMaster Flowmeters Receive FieldComm Group Ethernet-APL Certification

FieldComm Group (FCG), based in in Austin, Texas, has successfully approved physical layer conformity of ABB’s first vortex flowmeter (VortexMaster FSV400) and swirl flowmeter (SwirlMaster FSS400) with APL communication interfaces, following a comprehensive series of tests. Ethernet-APL (IEEE 802.3gc or 10Base-TL1) is a new member of the family of Ethernet standards, providing full Ethernet and TCP/IP connectivity in hazardous environments at 10Mbit/s for field instruments over fieldbus Type A cables, such as those installed in many process plants around the world. FieldComm Group and ABB are founding members of the APL project, working on technology development, standardization, and product testing and certification since 2015 along with other companies and organizations.

“Product certification is a significant cornerstone for assuring superior product quality and interoperability in industrial communication networks,” said Paul Sereiko, director of marketing and product strategy at FCG.

“For ABB, this certificate is an important milestone on our journey towards a fully digitalized instrumentation and network-centric architecture,” said Tilo Merlin, Platform Manager for Instrumentation and Head of APL Development Program, ABB Measurement & Analytics. “Getting this certificate means we can be quick in rolling out APL technology to other instruments based on the same platform. More specifically, pressure and temperature instrumentation is expected in 2025.”

For more information, visit www.abb.com or www.fieldcommgroup.org.

Finboot Appoints Garcia Partnerships Lead

• Carles Garcia will forge new partnerships and relationships to grow Finboot’s client base
• Carles is based out of Finboot’s Barcelona office, well-positioned to develop partnerships with European capital-intensive businesses
• His appointment re-affirms Finboot’s determination to roll-out its technology amongst the hard to decarbonise industries to accelerate the journey to net-zero

Finboot announced the appointment of Carles Garcia as its new Partnerships Lead based out of its Barcelona office. 

This strategic hire underscores Finboot's commitment to expanding its innovative green supply chain management solutions across Europe, particularly within capital-intensive industries striving for decarbonization.  Carles Garcia will play a pivotal role in developing and nurturing partnerships in Europe, driving the adoption of Finboot’s low code/no code platform, MARCO Track & Trace. This platform is designed to trace carbon emissions, enable mass balancing and minimize supply chain risks through high-integrity data secured by blockchain technology.

Key clients benefiting from Finboot's solutions include industry leaders such as SABIC, Repsol, Cepsa and Gestamp.

Juan Miguel Perez, CEO and Co-Founder, Finboot says, “Industries like steel, oil and gas produce around 30 per cent of global emissions and use about 37 per cent of global energy. To reach net-zero by 2050, these industries need to significantly cut their carbon footprint. Our MARCO Track & Trace solution simplifies managing sustainability in supply chains and makes it easy to comply with in-coming regulations. 

“Carles' appointment strengthens our mission to help industries achieve their sustainability goals. His expertise in sustainability and digital technology is key as we tackle supply chain risks and expand partnerships in Europe.

“Europe is leading in the field of sustainability introducing leading edge regulations, like the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), coming into force in December, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit biodiversity loss.

“We have recently appointed a strategic Partnerships and Alliances Adviser in the United States – Sunitha Ray – to strengthen our global reach.”

Carles Garcia added, “I am really pleased to have joined Finboot’s stellar team to increase and deepen its partnerships and help move heavy industry to a more sustainable and circular model.

“I will add value to Finboot’s partnership ecosystem by leveraging our innovative platform – MARCO – to bring benefits to our partners and their customers by accelerating progress towards their sustainability goals.  For example, a supply chain provider can connect their systems to our platform to seamlessly obtain a certified traceability along the supply chain, and in addition easily create a Digital Product Passport or a compliance certification. Other kinds of companies such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) consultancies and IT integrators can benefit from our platform too.

“I love to connect things - bridging the gap between business and technology.  It is clear to me the value Finboot's platform deliver for the world.  It helps companies achieve their sustainability goals by leveraging new technology.     

“I love and value nature.  My values align with Finboot’s values and I'm very happy to be joining such a motivated and focused team.”

For more information, visit www.finboot.com.

Caracol Brings Large Format Additive Manufacturing to California with Partners DIVE, Filament Innovations

Caracol has joined forces with its partners Filament Innovations, leading U.S. company in pellet printers, and DIVE, company spearheading the use of AM in U.S., from design and engineering to production.

The three companies are coming together to deliver robotic LFAM to the North American market. Through both DIVE’s facility in New Jersey and Filament Innovation’s facility in Pennsylvania, companies looking to build large scale parts will be able to directly enjoy the capabilities of the range of Caracol’s Heron AM technology line, accessing a new way to develop and manufacture their advanced applications.

As Caracol continues building its global network of companies leveraging Heron AM for production, it is excited to be able to work with some of the leading brands in the world of 3D printing. Working alongside companies that share its approach to delivering solutions will enable the industrial players globally to leverage the benefits of manufacturing with large format 3D printing and effectively implement it as an industrial solution to integrate their production workflows.

For more information, visit https://caracol-am.com/.

Mastercam Appoints New Chief Revenue Officer

Mastercam announced the appointment of Nicolas Le Moigne to the position of Chief Revenue Officer, effective June 4. Nicolas, who previously served as Vice President of Sales at Mastercam, will now lead sales, marketing, customer success, and commercial strategy teams to drive significant revenue growth and expand Mastercam's market presence.

Nicolas brings 24 years of experience in the CAD/CAM industry, spanning technical roles, sales, and management. Based in Brittany, France, he continues his journey with Mastercam, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and strategic vision to build on the company's success.

"I'm honored to have been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer at such a pivotal time for Mastercam," said Le Moigne. "I look forward to working with our talented team to tackle daily challenges, implement forward-thinking strategies, and deliver exceptional value to our customers. As a leader in the CNC industry, it is also crucial for Mastercam to inspire the next generation of machinists, programmers, and engineers."

Susan Brandt, President of Mastercam, comments, "Nicolas' exceptional leadership skills and extensive CAD/CAM experience are invaluable assets for Mastercam's growth in the manufacturing industry. This strategic move will enhance our market leadership and propel Mastercam to new heights of success and innovation."

For more information, visit www.mastercam.com.

Zoller Open House Builds Momentum for IMTS 2024

The Zoller Inc. Open House and Technology Days drew manufacturing professionals from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to the company's headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI, to explore solutions to enhance efficiency.

This year's event June 12 and 13 featured customer success stories, expert talks and demos of Zoller presetting, measuring, inspection, heat-shrinking, balancing, tooling, automation and tool management solutions.

The event also offered a preview of the ZOLLER Inc. booth for the International Manufacturing Technology Show on Sept. 9-14 in Chicago. Open House attendees watched a sneak peek video of the coraMeasure LG automated tool measurement system that will make its North American debut at IMTS.

"Zoller's nearly 80-year history of pioneering solutions that drive manufacturing excellence is rooted in our dedication to our customers," said ZOLLER Inc. President Alexander Zoller. "Those who attended our Open House experienced first-hand our passion for supporting customers on their journey to greater efficiency. We look forward to continuing this journey at IMTS."

To emphasize the "Integrate. Success." theme of the Open House, customers shared powerful accounts of Zoller technology transforming their manufacturing processes.

Daniel Skwierczynski, director of operations at ERA Industries in Elk Grove Village, IL, presented on how an investment in Zoller TMS Tool Management Solutions connected the company's systems and improved organization.

ProCam Services owner Tom Bassett II detailed a two-year, $1 million sales increase his machine shop in Zeeland, MI, gained after incorporating the Zoller smile 420 presetting and measuring machine into operations.

The event further underscored the importance of partnerships Zoller Inc. has cultivated to expand the application of its technology, as well as prepare young people for careers in manufacturing.

Russell Riddiford, president of ANCA's North American operations with headquarters in Wixom, MI, discussed the ANCA Integrated Manufacturing System (AIMS), a collaboration between the CNC grinding machine builder and Zoller to connect, automate and create all steps in the production of cutting tools.

A panel discussion with education partners from Washtenaw County, MI, highlighted Zoller apprenticeships, internships and other initiatives to train and mentor the next generation.

"Bringing people together at events like our Open House sparks incredible synergy and brings into focus why Zoller is different," said Rita Conroy-Martin, Zoller Inc. director of marketing and customer experience. "Customers see the bigger picture and understand that Zoller goes beyond individual solutions to provide comprehensive systems for optimizing all processes related to cutting tools.

For more information, visit zoller.info/us.

Celebrating Women in Engineering Day at Sandvik Coromant

For Women in Engineering Day on June 23, Sandvik Coromant celebrated the achievements and contributions of its female engineers who continue to drive innovation and excellence in the industry. This day is a testament to the hard work, dedication and trailblazing spirit of women engineers around the world. At Sandvik Coromant, they are privileged to have several exceptional women leaders and engineers who inspire and lead by example.  

Helen Blomqvist, the current president of Sandvik Coromant, is a primary example of leadership and expertise in engineering. With an impressive engineering background, Helen has steered the company toward new heights of innovation and operational excellence. Her vision and strategic thinking have played a crucial role in positioning Sandvik Coromant as a global leader in the metal cutting industry.

Similarly, Veronica Messersmith, president of Sandvik Coromant Americas, exemplifies the spirit of engineering and leadership. With an engineering degree and extensive industry experience, Veronica has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and success across the Americas. “Being a woman in engineering means breaking barriers and challenging the status quo,” Veronica says. “It is about demonstrating that diversity drives innovation and that women can thrive and lead in traditionally male-dominated fields.”

Annika Langeen, the vice president of offer management and R&D at Sandvik Coromant, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. Her engineering background and innovative mindset have been pivotal in advancing research and development initiatives. Annika’s leadership has been key in developing cutting-edge solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

Jenevieve Yao, an R&D engineer at Sandvik Coromant, represents the next generation of female engineers making a difference. Her passion for research and development, coupled with her engineering acumen, has led to significant contributions in product innovation. Jenevieve shares, “Today’s engineering landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for women. As the field grows more inclusive, the unique perspectives and skills women bring not only enrich the profession but also drive innovative and meaningful contributions.”

Sandvik Coromant recently held an “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” event at the Global HQ in Sandviken, Sweden. Female engineers from Sandvik Coromant showcased their amazing work and achievements, inspiring young girls to pursue a career in engineering. The event featured a competition, and the winner got the exciting opportunity to attend the Women in Engineering convention in Stockholm alongside one of Sandvik Coromant’s female engineers. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to encourage young women to explore and excel in engineering fields.

Sandvik Coromant is committed to supporting women in STEM through various partnerships and collaborations. The power of community and mentorship is crucial to foster the next generation of female engineers. The collaboration with Female Lead Engineers (FLE) supports and promotes women pursuing engineering careers, providing a platform for female engineers to connect, share experiences and gain insights from industry leaders. Annika Langeen, who is the sponsor of the program, states, “Our partnership with Female Lead Engineers is vital in empowering women to pursue careers in engineering. It provides a robust support system and showcases the success of female engineers, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. It means a lot to me that Sandvik Coromant partners with such an impactful organization, as it aligns with our commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

Active involvement with Tillväxt Sverige supports initiatives aimed at recognizing and nurturing the future female leaders of the Swedish industry. Furthermore, Sandvik Coromant supports the Female Lead Engineer Awards, an initiative that celebrates outstanding female engineering students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential.

To further support the growth and development of female engineering students, Sandvik Coromant offers various scholarships and mentorship programs. The ongoing partnership with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) includes the establishment of the Sandvik Coromant Centre on-site. Each year, scholarships are awarded to deserving students in a special ceremony, recognizing their achievements and encouraging them to pursue their engineering dreams. In recognition of these efforts, Sandvik Coromant was honored with the Distinguished Partner award in May 2024 for outstanding support of female engineering students and future generations of manufacturing.

As we celebrate Women in Engineering Day, we acknowledge the incredible contributions of women engineers at Sandvik Coromant and around the world. Their dedication, innovation and leadership continue to shape the future of engineering, inspiring the next generation to reach new heights.

For more information, visit www.sandvik.coromant.com.

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Evolve Additive Solutions Announces New CEO 

Evolve Additive Solutions, provider of industrial 3D printing solutions, welcomes a new era in its leadership by appointing Jeff Blank as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following a successful two-year term served by former CEO and industry veteran Joe Allison.  

Under Joe's leadership, Evolve achieved significant product advancements and early commercial growth. Joe joined Evolve as CEO in early 2022 and guided the company through numerous, pivotal milestones including the appointment of Jeff Blank as the company’s President and COO, chartering him with delivery of hardware, software, and materials products. Evolve celebrates these achievements as Joe transitions to become Chairman of its Board of Directors.

Jeff brings a wealth of experience to his new role, beginning with a strong product development background in 2D printing, compounded by notable success as an engineering and operations executive in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing space. This, combined with the significant positive impact Jeff has made during his existing tenure at Evolve, ensures continuity in strong leadership and a seamless transition to CEO.

“I joined Evolve two years ago because I believe in the combination of our technology and people – and their unique abilities to address critical gaps in scaling additive manufacturing for production,” said Jeff Blank. “Evolve, and our STEP Technology, are at the beginning of an incredible journey to deliver immense value in manufacturing. My vision is that soon we will see STEP on factory floors right alongside injection molding machines.”

The Evolve organization looks forward to the future under Jeff's leadership and remains committed to advancing its solutions for manufacturing.

Blank is an industry veteran with experience in both 2D and 3D printing spanning over three decades. He has a diverse engineering and business background with a Master’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and MBA from the University of Portland. After spending nearly twenty years delivering 2D printers for Tektronix and Xerox Corporation, Jeff joined 3D Systems to lead all engineering and product delivery organizations and initiatives worldwide. After that and just prior to joining Evolve, he served as COO for NanoVox / Vadient Optics. Jeff specializes in architecting and developing reliable and transformative products and solutions and scaling them from concept to commercial success.

For more information, visit www.evolveadditive.com.

Ipri-Brown Begins Term as ASME’s 143rd President, New Members and Nominees to the Board of Governors Announced

Susan Ipri-Brown has begun her term as the 143rd president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society announced during its annual meeting June 4. Ipri-Brown is a Fellow of ASME, has served on the ASME Board of Governors, and has been an active member of the Society for 34 years, including her years as a student member.

Ipri-Brown is a strategic partnership specialist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), which also serves as the Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office for Manufacturing USA. Prior to joining OAM, she served as the associate dean for educational outreach, as founding director of the ExploreHope Academic Outreach Office, and as an associate professor of engineering instruction at Hope College in Holland, MI. She also served as associate director of the STEM Education Partnerships at Northwestern University, where she directed teacher professional development programs, grant writing, and new program development.    

At ASME, Ipri-Brown has held numerous positions of leadership, including serving on the ASME Board of Governors and the Executive Committee, and as a member of the Public Affairs and Outreach Council.  She served as vice president of the Committee on Government Relations and was named an ASME Federal Fellow and served at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where she fostered strategic partnerships to support technology-based economic development initiatives. She also held the position of vice president of ASME’s Global Outreach and was a member of the Society’s Council on Education.

Ipri-Brown actively encourages the next generation of engineers through STEM programs for area Scout councils along with devoting time as a coach and judge for FIRST robotics programs. Within her work and community, she is a long-time advocate of programs that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the engineering profession.

Ipri-Brown earned her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. She is a recipient of the ASME Dedicated Service Award.

In addition, the ASME Board of Governors welcomed the following four individuals who were elected by the ASME membership to a three-year term that ends June 2027:

Nicole Kaufman Dyess, an ASME member, currently works as an independent consultant who helps her clients bring emerging energy technologies to market. Her 24-year career includes strategic program management and product development leadership positions at for-profit, non-profit, and government organizations.

An active ASME volunteer since her undergraduate studies, Dyess recently completed her service as ASME’s senior vice president for student and early career programs. She earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from NC State University and a master’s in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

William P. King, Ph.D., an ASME Fellow, is a professor and the Ralph A. Andersen Endowed Chair in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He holds courtesy appointments in the Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering. His work focuses on advanced manufacturing, microsystems and nanotechnology, heat transfer, and materials. He is the co-founder of three companies. His most recent company, Fast Radius, was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Lighthouse Factory, one of the world's best digital factories. King was the founding chief technology officer at MxD, one of the first Manufacturing USA Institutes.

King is active in ASME’s Heat Transfer Division, Manufacturing Engineering Division, and Microelectromechanical Engineering Division. He has published 280 journal articles and holds 21 patents. His awards include the PECASE award from the White House, the Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award from ASME, and the Ennor Award from ASME. He is an ASME Fellow, as well as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society, IEEE, SME International (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), and the National Academy of Inventors. He received a B.S. degree from University of Dayton and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University, all in mechanical engineering.

Lester K. Su, Ph.D., an ASME member, is a lecturer in the mechanical engineering department at Stanford University. His areas of expertise are experimental fluid mechanics, thermal sciences, and turbulent flows.

Su previously served as a faculty member in mechanical engineering at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and the University of Wisconsin. At JHU, he received a National Science Foundation CAREER award, won a Diversity Recognition Award from the university, and received teaching awards from the JHU Alumni Association, school of engineering, and student government association. He also served as an ASME Congressional Fellow in 2000-2001 in the office of Rep. Vernon Ehlers, where he worked on issues including STEM education and funding for basic research in engineering and the sciences.

As an active volunteer with ASME for over 20 years, Su was the senior vice president of the Public Affairs and Outreach Sector and a member of the Philanthropy Committee. Previously, he chaired the Committee on Government Relations and the Federal Fellows selection committee, was an alternate to the Nominating Committee, and was the faculty advisor for the JHU Student Section. While at JHU, he founded an outreach program to introduce middle school girls to engineering that was awarded three ASME Diversity Action Grants.

Su earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from the University of Chicago and did his graduate work at the University of Michigan, where he earned Master of Science degrees in mathematics and engineering and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. He also did post-doctoral work at the University of Texas and Stanford University.

Janis P. Terpenny, Ph.D., an ASME Fellow, is a program director at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) where she directs the Manufacturing Systems Integration (MSI) program and works with other related programs focused on integrated digital environments for manufacturing and design. She is also a professor at George Mason University in systems engineering and operations research and in mechanical engineering. Her research focuses on smart integrated manufacturing systems, engineering design, and design education. She has previously served as dean of engineering at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, department head of industrial and manufacturing engineering at Penn State, department chair of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering at Iowa State, professor of mechanical engineering and engineering education at Virginia Tech, and assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She previously worked for NSF in the Division of Undergraduate Education and in industry for General Electric (GE), including a two-year rotational management program.

Terpenny has been actively involved with ASME for more than 20 years. She has chaired the Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Group (IMTG) and served on the Fellows Review Committee. She founded and for 10 years chaired/co-chaired the Broadening Participation Committee (BPart) for the Design Engineering Division. She served as the first associate editor focused on design education for the Journal of Mechanical Design (JMD) for six years and has organized sessions and presented papers at IDETC and MSEC for many years. In addition to ASME, she is fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and has been actively engaged in other professional organizations, serving on boards, as associate editor of several journals, and is an innovator and champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied mathematics from Virginia Commonwealth University, and Master of Science. and Ph.D. degrees in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Tech.

The Nominating Committee, under the leadership of ASME Fellow Oscar Barton, Jr., Ph.D., P.E., selected the following four nominees for future member-at-large positions on the Board of Governors. The nominees’ names will appear on the ballot in September 2024 and, if elected by the ASME membership, they will serve on the Board for a three-year term beginning June 2025. The Governor-Nominees are:

Carlos Alberto Beatty Jr., an ASME member, is a seasoned leader with expertise in the technology, energy/utility, and automotive industries, recently having served as a Strategy & Operations Director for Product and Technology at Expedia Group, and as a Chief of Staff for Brand Protection at Amazon. His roles emphasized strategic planning, operational efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration, leading to productivity and governance improvements.

With over 14 years as a member of ASME, he was a part of the Student and Early Career Development Sector supporting student leadership training both as an organizer and trainer, participated as an Early Career Leadership Intern Program to Serve Engineering (ECLIPSE) intern for the ASME Volunteer Orientation and Leadership (VOLT) Academy, and served as a member and Chair of the Nominating Committee.

As a Board Member for the Center of Alumni Relations and Advancement (CARA) at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Carlos focuses on governance and supporting institutional goals. He is also the co-founder of Resumation, a free online resume-building tool. Carlos earned an MBA from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Nelia Mazula, PMP, MBA, an ASME member, started her career as an engineer for a multi-billion-dollar natural gas project across both Mozambique and South Africa. She is an account manager for Siemens and has over 20 years of experience in the engineering and engineering software industries. She was an early employee for two software start-ups purchased by Siemens and has held numerous global leadership positions. She was the managing founder of an herbal tea retail manufacturer that distributed to over 20 H-E-B grocery stores.

Mazula was the FY22 President of the Federation of Houston Professional Women and the FY18 Society of Women Engineers (SWE) - Houston Area chapter. She is a lifetime member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and SWE for which she has held numerous leadership roles. She is currently a Senator for SWE. She is on the advisory board for the School of Engineering Construction and Petroleum Technology for Houston Community College. She has several technical certificates and over 15 published technical papers on digital strategies and engineering. During her work in Mozambique, she was recognized by the Minister of Natural Resources for her research work on natural gas condensate. Mazula received several awards and recognition for her work in software, energy, and DEI in STEM. She is a three-time awardee for top performance at Siemens. Mazula has five software patents for which she is featured in the National Inventor’s Museum as a Woman of Change.

Mazula volunteered for ASME on the verification and validation committee and has been active in the ASME Petroleum Division and currently sits on its executive committee. She was honored by the Houston Business Journal for the Women Who Mean Business Award for her non-profit work focused on diversity in STEM.

Mazula is a certified professional project manager, earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Arizona State University and an international MBA from Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD).

Parisa Saboori, Ph.D., an ASME Fellow, is a Distinguished Lasallian Educator. She serves as the Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering at Manhattan College, where her expertise significantly enhances the educational landscape for both students and the broader academic community.

Saboori's research focuses on biomedical applications, with a particular emphasis on advancing the understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in various contexts. Her investigations span from shaken baby syndrome to sports-related injuries and the safety of infants in car seats. Saboori has also made substantial strides in women's sports research, conducting studies on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female athletes. She has designed a knee brace that effectively mitigates ACL and leg injuries in women's sports.

Saboori’s ASME involvement includes membership in the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) Steering Committee, Committee on Organization and Rules, Space Exploration, and Habitats Technology Group. She is treasurer of the Bioengineering Division and a mentor for the Volunteer Leadership Pathway – Mentor Program. She served as a leadership Communications & Outreach Specialist for the Bioengineering Division and was a member of the Engineering Science Segment. Saboori was chair and co-chair for the Musculoskeletal and Sports Biomechanics track of IMECE and was an ECLIPSE intern in 2020. She was the recipient of the 2023 ASME Outstanding Student Section Advisor Award.

Saboori cofounded the Mechanical Engineering Women's (MEW) group at Manhattan College. This initiative complements the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and serves as a vital platform for addressing the social and professional challenges that female-identified individuals often encounter in the male-dominated field of mechanical engineering. Driven by her commitment to diversity and inclusivity, she actively promotes positive change in the academic and professional society.

Saboori earned a Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from The City University of New York.

Scott Smith, Ph.D., an ASME Fellow, is the Section Head for Precision Manufacturing and Manufacturing Innovation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was a professor of mechanical engineering at University of North Carolina, Charlotte from 1997 – 2019, and he was chair of the department from 2009 – 2019. He was assistant director for technology at the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office from 2012 - 2013. He was on the mechanical engineering faculty at the University of Florida from 1987 – 1997. He was the founder and co-owner of Manufacturing Laboratories, Inc., and has been a consultant to numerous industrial partners.

Smith also is a Fellow of SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers), and CIRP (The International Academy for Production Engineering), and a Corporate Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He was chair of the Manufacturing Engineering Division of ASME, and president of the North American Manufacturing Research Institute of SME. He is co-author of the books Machining Dynamics: Frequency Response to Improved Productivity and Mechanical Vibrations: Modeling and Measurement and holds 14 patents.

Smith’s awards include the ASME/SME Merchant Manufacturing Medal, the ASME Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award, the ASME Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award, the NAMRI/SME Wu Research Implementation Award, the SME Education Award, a Federal Laboratory Consortium Technology Transfer Impact Award, two R&D 100 Awards, and the NAMRI/SME Lifetime Service Award.

Within ASME, he was chair of the Tennessee Tech University Student Section, chair of the Gator Section, associate editor of the Journal of Engineering for Industry, chair of the Manufacturing Engineering Division, and member at large for the Committee on Division Operations and Training. He served on the Blackall, Ennor, and Shaw Award Committees, and he chairs the Merchant Medal Committee.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida.

For more information, visit https://www.asme.org/about-asme/governance.

US Cutting Tool Orders Totaled $214.7 Million in April 2024, Raising Year-to-Date Total Nearly 5% Over 2023

Shipments of cutting tools, measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report compiled in a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI), reached $214.7 million in April 2024. Orders increased 1.1% over March 2024 and grew by 13% over April 2023. Year-to-date shipments totaled $846.1 million, nearly 5% above shipments made in the first four months of 2023.

“While April 2024 shipping numbers do show an increase from those of 2023, caution continues due to many uncertainties ahead for the remainder of 2024,” said Steve Boyer, president of USCTI. “Uneven growth and turbulence have continued to impact cutting tool orders through the first quarter of 2024, and there have been some downgrades in expected needs from the aerospace sector, leading to stagnation in new orders.”

Costikyan Jarvis, president of Jarvis Cutting Tools, expanded on Boyer’s analysis, saying, “The industrial sector of the economy continues to move sideways. While the value of cutting tool shipments is up about 5% over last year, the flatter growth rate in units shows that inflationary pressures are still present.”

Looking forward, Jarvis said: “There are two big ‘ifs’ that could result in improved demand during the second half of the year. The first is that the overall production remains consistent. The second is if Boeing can start ramping up production of the 737 to the FAA limit of 38 per month. If those two things can happen, the cutting tool industry might be positioned for growth in both revenue and volumes.”

The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels.

Historical data for the Cutting Tool Market Report is available dating back to January 2012. This collaboration of AMT and USCTI is the first step in the two associations working together to promote and support U.S.-based manufacturers of cutting tool technology.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.org.

Verisurf Software, OptiPro Systems Announce Metrology Reseller Agreement

Verisurf Software, Inc. and OptiPro Systems, LLC, announced the signing of a reseller agreement. Under the agreement, OptiPro will help introduce and sell powerful Verisurf metrology solutions throughout the state of New York.

Based in the greater Rochester (NY) area, OptiPro combines the roles of providing specialized precision machining solutions, machine tool sales, distribution of Mastercam software, and now, as a reseller of Verisurf software. This diverse range of expertise helps OptiPro better understand customers' needs and deliver practical metrology solutions, setting them apart in the market.

Verisurf software is built on top of the Mastercam platform; this affords Mastercam customers greater efficiency and productivity. While Verisurf software works with virtually all brands of intelligent CAD software, Mastercam users can access the complete Verisurf toolset directly from the Mastercam menu bar.

“We are excited to have OptiPro on board. As the demand for practical metrology solutions continues to rise, OptiPro's ability to effectively represent the power of Verisurf software is invaluable. Whether it is for inspection and reporting, reverse engineering, or tool building, OptiPro is well-equipped to meet diverse customer needs,” expressed Steve Bertrand, Channel Development Manager at Verisurf Software, Inc.

Verisurf stands out as a comprehensive metrology solution, offering full-featured 3D CAD/CAM with intelligent Model-Based Definition (MBD). This unique feature ensures data integrity and allows users to seamlessly perform metrology workflows in a CAD environment while maintaining model-based digital continuity. Verisurf software is compatible with all CAD file formats, and the Verisurf Device Interface (VDI), with its virtual CMM display, communicates with and operates all programmable and portable CMMs for universal compatibility.

The software’s modular design, ease of CMM programming, and built-in productivity tools let users quickly create measurement routines using efficient and repeatable workflows for quality process control. With Verisurf’s open platform compatibility, a single measurement routine can be run using virtually any CMM, including portable arms, fixed CNC CMMs, scanners, trackers, and more. Users can quickly shift from inspection to reverse engineering to tool building, efficiently capturing data and performing analysis.

“At OptiPro, we combine our passion for manufacturing with excellent sales, service, and support to deliver practical customer solutions. Verisurf thinks the way we do, and that is a fit for our customers. We are looking forward to a long and productive relationship,” said Brian Silvestri, Metrology Sales Engineer at OptiPro Systems, LLC.

For more information, visit https://www.verisurf.com or https://www.optipro.com.

April 2024 Manufacturing Technology Orders Slow Decline, Remain Above Historical Average

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, reached $317.9 million in April 2024. This is a 25.6% decrease from March 2024 but only 5.4% behind orders in April 2023. Orders in 2024 totaled $1.43 billion through April, 16.2% behind orders placed in the first four months of 2023.

Machinery orders have been steadily declining since hitting a peak in the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the USMTO data. Although 2024 has had the weakest start to the year since 2020, orders through April are nearly 5% above the average order volume through the first four months of a year since USMTO began tracking orders in 1998.

Contract machine shops, the largest customer of manufacturing technology, decreased orders significantly in April compared to March 2024 – but by less than the overall market. Still, contract machine shops experienced the slowest start to the year since the first few months of 2020, when COVID shutdowns caused orders to crater.

After two strong years of orders, the automotive industry has begun to pare back investment in manufacturing technology. Consumer demand for electric vehicles has not met expectations despite significant investment from major automakers. Additionally, demand for internal combustion engines has lagged behind expectations as inflation persists and heightened interest rates give pause to consumers looking to purchase and finance a new vehicle.

The aerospace industry has continued its elevated level of investment into 2024. Order activity from this sector is particularly strong in the Southeast region, leading it to the strongest growth of any region. Driven by a pool of talented workers, aerospace companies have been opening and expanding manufacturing operations in the Southeast over the last several years, particularly in North Carolina.

In the longer-term trend, the decline in orders appears to be stabilizing. At AMT’s Spring Economic Webinar, Oxford Economics revised their forecast to predict 2024 will end flat or slightly down compared to 2023, anticipating a pickup in order activity through the remainder of the year. Through April, new orders of durable goods were nearly flat compared to the beginning of 2023, and industrial production fell 7.6% from its post-COVID peak. Oxford Economics further predicted that industrial production had reached its lowest point of the current business cycle in most advanced economies.

On average, orders in the second half of a year exceed the first by nearly 10%. Should industrial production and new orders pick up through the remainder of 2024, manufacturers will begin to need additional capacity right around the time the doors to IMTS 2024 open in Chicago.

For more information, visit www.amtonline.com.

Element Celebrates Opening of New Connected Technologies Laboratory in Surrey

Element Materials Technology (Element) hosted the grand opening of its new $10m Connected Technologies Center of Excellence in Surrey, Guildford.

In attendance were Element customers, suppliers, technical experts, and special guests including Lord Jamie Lindsay, Chair of UKAS; Jonathan Lord, MP for Woking; and representatives from the Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Visitors joined together for an official ribbon cutting, an exclusive tour of the site, plus demonstrations from Element’s experts.

Element Surrey Hills is a purpose-built location fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure. The 25,000 sq. ft facility has been constructed to support the latest advancements in consumer electronics, medical devices, and wireless industries in Europe and beyond, by creating more capacity for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), radio and wireless testing, and introducing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing to Element’s service portfolio in Europe.

Element Surrey Hills joins the organization’s existing 44 Connected Technologies and Mobility facilities in the UK, U.S., Germany, South Korea, and Japan, and its team of over 1,200 technology experts. Element’s Connected Technologies and Mobility services span mobile and cellular devices, consumer electronics, the Internet of Things (IoT), telecommunications regulatory services, medical devices, automotive, and more.

For more information, visit https://www.element.com/.