Pennsylvania-based firm Kennametal Inc. has clinched the celebrated 2023 R&D 100 Award for its funky wanting additively manufactured toolholder designed particularly for machining giant engine and transmission housings. The toolholder, crafted using Kennametal’s KENionicTM expertise, is 50% lighter than conventional tooling, consequently slashing machining time by roughly 50%.
You’ll be able to see the sinewy toolholder in all its topologically optimized glory within the picture beneath.

The toolholder demonstrates Kennametal’s prowess in supplies science, precision machining, bionics-inspired design, and additive manufacturing.
“That is an excellent instance of our industry-leading experience in supplies science, precision machining, bionics-inspired design and additive manufacturing that fuels Kennametal’s innovation,” stated Dr. Carlonda Reilly, Vice President and Chief Know-how Officer.
“We welcome alternatives to leverage our core capabilities to repeatedly innovate for our prospects and are thrilled our KENionic™ expertise has been acknowledged with this award.”
Engineered to craft precision elements for transportation purposes, KENionic expertise represents a brand new echelon of additively manufactured instruments, characterised by designs emulating the supreme effectivity of natural variations present in nature. The instrument’s LPBF metal cutter physique, distinguished by its light-weight nature, not solely simplifies tooling modifications but in addition augments operational agility with fast acceleration and deceleration. The instrument’s additive manufacturing configuration facilitates the incorporation of a number of channels for pinpoint coolant supply, enhancing its effectivity.
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