Laser Design Inc., the leading supplier of 3D laser scanners for over 25 years, announced that Schneider Electric recently installed a Zeiss METROTOM CT scanning system in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility. The CT scanner captures all surfaces, both external and internal, of complex free-form parts and assemblies without harming the object. Adding such an advanced non-destructive scanning system to Schneider’s arsenal of 3D imaging capabilities will improve the robustness of their products, including single parts, assemblies, and molds. CT scanning allows Schneider engineers to look inside complex assemblies to insure their fit and function, while reducing their time to market. 

Hypertherm, a manufacturer of advanced metal cutting systems, is expanding its line of Centricut brand performance consumables for Kaliburn Spirit and ProLine plasma cutting systems. The consumables, designed for stainless steel cutting while using air as the plasma gas, last an average of 20 % longer than OEM original consumables. This longer life is due in part to better cooling resulting from Hypertherm’s patented CoolFlow nozzle technology.