Wilson Tool adds new division

Wilson Tool Int’l, manufacturer of tooling systems for punch presses, press brakes, and punch and die components, has created Wilson Tool Additive, supplying companies with made-to-order bending tools and fabrication support parts in hours – not days or weeks.

The Bend3D line of additively manufactured bending tools match the quality of traditional steel press-brake tools used to bend sheet metal. They also work well as forming tools, air-bending tools, and mark-free bending solutions.

The Solv3D line of additively manufactured support parts can replace end-use parts that have traditionally been manufactured out of steel or plastic. They can replace items in a shop that often require an expensive mold to be created, can replace jigs or fixtures holding items together, and can be used as a prototype.

Eastman Kodak, Evolve Additive Solutions partner

In a technology partnership, Eastman Kodak will supply Evolve Additive Solutions with imaging systems, parts, and consumables based on the Kodak Nexpress digital electrophotographic platform. In addition, the companies plan to jointly develop equipment and materials for Evolve’s proprietary 3D printing – selective thermoplastic electrophotographic process (STEP). Kodak has also licensed relevant intellectual property (IP) to Evolve in support of the development effort.

Evolve will be using a Kodak-developed toner manufacturing process to make the part toners for the Evolve system. The electrophotographic technology comprises the hardware, materials, processes, workflow software, and services required to quickly print and finish high-quality parts cost effectively. Collaboration is expected to reach beyond materials and components to manufacturing, service, and support.

“Having worked closely with the talented staff of engineers working on the STEP technology for several years, we are confident Evolve will help change the way the organizations approach production of plastic parts for manufacturing,” says John O’Grady, president, Print Systems Division, Kodak.

Evolve’s STEP technology will sit alongside traditional manufacturing processes, augmenting an organization’s production capabilities for freedom of design and tool-less production. The first STEP system has shipped under an alpha development program and has been installed at a strategic partner location using resources from Kodak and Evolve.