ENGtechnica

Tag: IndustrialTech

  • MPW Merges with K-Tig to Expand Manufacturing Tech

    MPW Merges with K-Tig to Expand Manufacturing Tech

    Metal Powder Works and K-Tig Merge in A$10Mill Deal

    SEWICKLEY, PA, Feb 28, 2025 – Metal Powder Works (MPW) has merged with K-Tig Advanced Welding Systems that will see the two companies operate under the Metal Powder Works name. With both companies owning their own IP and holding several patents between them, the merger highlights their unique advanced manufacturing solutions for industry.

    Metal Powder Works was established in 2017 to create an efficient and affordable method for producing metal powder. The DirectPowder process marks the first significant change in metal powder production in over 50 years. Since its market launch in 2022, this pioneering technology has successfully produced consistent, high-yield metal powders. These include aluminum and conductive copper, particularly suited for defense applications.

    Similar to MPW’s technological advantages, K-Tig’s welding system takes advantage of automation to provide accuracy, speed and cost-savings for a wide array of customers, including those in defense markets. K-Tig was born out Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO). Coincidentally, MPW CEO John Barnes was the program director for CSIRO’s high-performance metals from 2011 to 2015, supporting the commercialization of many advanced manufacturing solutions, including the early evolution of K-Tig’s technology.

    MPW Merges with K-Tig in A$10Mill Deal

    The coincidence of the alignment of the two companies is not lost on Barnes who noted, “Our motto when I was at CSIRO was “ore to more” and this new MPW is definitely more. This merger just makes sense when considering the demand for unique manufacturing solutions. Whether it be an expanded portfolio of metal alloys offered by MPW, or automated welding solutions provided by K-Tig, the advanced manufacturing industry is looking for these types of products to stay competitive in the global market.”

    Source: Metal Powder Works Ltd.

    About Metal Powder Works Ltd.

    Metal Powder Works (MPW), founded in 2017 by aerospace and defense industry veterans John E. Barnes and Chris Aldridge, is headquartered in Sewickley, PA. The company specializes in producing metal powders for advanced manufacturing applications through its patented DirectPowder process. MPW serves industries such as aerospace, defense, and additive manufacturing, offering materials including aluminum, copper, bronze, titanium, and zirconium alloys. In 2025, MPW raised A$10 million and merged with an Australian advanced manufacturing company, indicating its growth and commitment to expanding its capabilities. MPW’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it as a key player in the metal powder manufacturing sector.

    About K-Tig Advanced Welding Systems

    K-TIG Limited, established in 2009, is an Australian company headquartered in Mile End, South Australia, specializing in advanced Keyhole Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding technology. Their welding systems enhance productivity by enabling full-penetration, single-pass welds on materials up to 16 mm thick, operating at speeds twice that of traditional plasma welding. Serving industries such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, nuclear, and maritime, K-TIG’s technology is trusted by customers in over 20 countries. In the fiscal year ending June 2022, the company reported revenues of $3.7 million. K-TIG’s systems are designed for versatility, seamlessly integrating with various welding automation equipment, and are particularly effective with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel, nickel, and titanium alloys. This positions K-TIG as a transformative force in the welding industry, delivering high-quality results with increased efficiency.

  • KYOCERA AVX Launches SpiCAT SpiSCAP for Supercapacitors

    KYOCERA AVX Launches SpiCAT SpiSCAP for Supercapacitors

    FOUNTAIN INN, SC, Feb 10, 2025 – KYOCERA AVX has released a new version of its SpiCAT online simulation software dedicated to supercapacitors.

    SpiCAT online simulation software makes it easy for engineers to identify the unique characteristics of a wide variety of KYOCERA AVX components, including multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), polymer, tantalum, and niobium capacitors, multilayer varistors (MLVs), negative-temperature-coefficient (NTC) thermistors, and – now –  supercapacitors.

    Supercapacitors are electrochemical double layer capacitors that strike a beneficial balance between the capabilities of electronic or dielectric capacitors (such as ceramic, tantalum, film, and aluminium electrolytic capacitors) and batteries – namely excellent pulse power handling characteristics resulting from the combination of high capacitance and low ESR. These large-energy-storage devices can function on their own or be used alongside primary or secondary batteries. They help to increase backup time, enhance battery lifespan, and deliver quick power bursts. Their applications include power backup, energy hold-up, energy harvesting, peak power support, pulse power and battery applications in various sectors such as industrial, energy, telecommunications, automotive, transportation, and medical industries.

    The new SpiCAT SpiSCAP online simulation software for KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors makes it easy for engineers to evaluate and select SCC and SCM Series supercapacitors optimized for their applications’ discharge requirements. Based on criteria including:

    • Initial and end-of-life capacitance values, the latter of which is defined as exhibiting 70% of rated capacitance and 200% ESR
    • Initial and final voltage
    • Constant current, constant power, or constant resistance modes
    • Power (W)
    • Duration time

    Users can identify recommended supercapacitor solutions ranging from single cells and modules to series and parallel combinations of parts and enjoy one-click access to detailed information about the proposed solutions, including physical and electrical characteristics, input values, part number explanations, and even interactive voltage and current vs. time graphs.

    KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors, including SCC and SCM Series supercapacitors and supercapacitor modules, provide engineers with a number of practical advantages, such as:

    • Capacitance values extending from 0.47F to 3,000F, depending on the series
    • High pulse power and large energy storage capabilities
    • Low ESR and low leakage current ratings
    • Reliable performance and long lifetimes when designed-in
    • Support for series and parallel configurations capable of achieving custom working voltage and capacitance ratings
    • Faster charge/discharge cycles, better performance over a wider range of rated operating temperatures (-40°C to +65°C at rated voltage or +85°C with appropriate derating), and superior cycle life compared to batteries
    • The ability to extend primary and secondary battery lifetimes by a minimum of 2x on average
    • The option of bent leads, custom wiring, connectors, and solder/weld terminals
    • Rugged designs, including high-reliability, moisture-resistant models and automotive-grade options qualified to AEC-Q200
    • Competitive pricing
    • Favorable lead-times
    • Manufacturing ownership and supply chain confidence
    • Highly experienced engineering and technical support services

    These unique characteristics also enable broad application suitability. KYOCERA AVX supercapacitors are ideal for emergency memory and power backup, battery supplement, peak power assist, and pulse power applications in

    • Automation, robotics, and smart metering equipment
    • Engine and motor starters
    • Uninterruptible power supplies
    • Wind turbines
    • Mobile communications (GSM), radio (GPRS), telemetry, wireless alarm, emergency lighting, and hybrid systems
    • Handheld controllers and scanners
    • Electronic locks
    • Wearables

    “Supercapacitors, like our SCC and SCM Series, provide a number of unique advantages over both electric and dielectric capacitors and batteries and help engineers in the industrial, energy, automotive, transportation, telecommunications, commercial building, and consumer electronics markets overcome common power challenges. So, we’re very excited to release the new SpiCAT SpiSCAP online simulation software to help them evaluate and select supercapacitor solutions optimized for their unique application demands,” said Jiri Machanicek, product manager, KYOCERA AVX Components – Europe.

    About KYOCERA AVX

    KYOCERA AVX, established in 1972, is a global manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, including capacitors, inductors, resistors, filters, sensors, controls, connectors, and antennas. Serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, industrial, and military, the company is dedicated to accelerating technological innovation and building a better future. Headquarters in Fountain Inn, SC, KYOCERA AVX operates research, development, and manufacturing facilities across more than 15 countries. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation, the company benefits from shared resources and technical expertise. In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Kyocera Corporation reported consolidated sales revenue of approximately $13.3 billion.

    Source: KYOCERA AVX

  • Darren Beckett Joins Velo3D as Chief Technology Officer

    Darren Beckett Joins Velo3D as Chief Technology Officer

    FREMONT, CA, Jan 30, 2025 – Velo3D, Inc. announced Darren Beckett as its new chief technology officer.

    With more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership, innovation and organizational transformation, including two decades at Intel Corp., Beckett will oversee the development and implementation of all internal and external technology initiatives across the company.

    Image: Velo3D

    “We are excited to have Darren join the company as his proven track record of building and leading next generation technology teams to create innovative solutions aligns perfectly with Velo3D’s mission to accelerate our leadership position in additive manufacturing,” said Arun Jeldi, CEO of Velo3D. “His ability to blend technical expertise with strategic leadership will be instrumental in executing our new corporate vision and driving our next phase of growth.”

    Image: Orgio.com

    Prior to rejoining Velo3D, Beckett was the VP of engineering at Woodruff Scientific as well as the chief technology officer at Sigma Additive Solutions where he played a pivotal role in facilitating in the development of their Additive Manufacturing quality control IP portfolio. Prior to Sigma, Beckett spent more than 20 years at Intel in various technical and engineering leadership roles focused on 3D manufacturing and next generation technology development.

    “I am thrilled to join Velo3D and contribute to its vision of enabling customers to utilize additive manufacturing to rapidly scale the production of their most complex parts,” said Darren Beckett. “I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here as the company expands its leadership position in 3D printing technology.”

    As chief technology officer, Beckett will be responsible for leading the Velo3D Research and Development and Informational Technology organizations as well as oversee the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies.

    About Velo3D

    Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Fremont, CA, Velo3D is a leading technology company specializing in fully integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. The company offers advanced 3D printing systems, including the Sapphire family of printers, along with Flow pre-print software and Assure quality assurance software, enabling the production of complex, mission-critical components. Velo3D serves industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, and automotive, with clients including SpaceX, Honeywell, and Lam Research. As of January 2025, the company employs approximately 240 people. In the trailing twelve months ending June 30, 2024, Velo3D reported revenues of $46 million.

    Source: Velo3D