AI-curated news for your industry

Variloom, based in Palo Alto, California, has developed a 3D printing-to-shape system and accompanying recyclable soft materials, enabling brands to design and produce customized, recyclable fabrics within days rather than months. The technology aims to reduce material waste, lower excess inventory, and lessen reliance on offshore manufacturing. The company's risk lead, Bethany Meuleners, discusses in an interview the technology's principles, collaboration progress, and industry application prospects.

JetZero signed a letter of intent with the U.S. Export-Import Bank on Monday, planning to seek up to $3 billion in financing for its $4.7 billion manufacturing campus in Greensboro, North Carolina. The letter of intent is part of EXIM's "Make More in America" initiative, aimed at evaluating construction funding options. The campus spans 8 million square feet, is expected to create 14,500 jobs, and will produce the Z4 all-body aircraft. Construction was previously delayed due to a state budget impasse, but Governor Josh Stein signed a budget on July 7 that includes $133.9 million in earmarked funds, and the company says construction plans remain on track.

Steel Dynamics reported strong second-quarter results, with record steel shipments of 3.7 million tons, net sales up 33% year-over-year to $6.1 billion, and net income nearly doubling to $534.1 million. However, the aluminum business incurred a $33 million loss due to startup costs, partially offsetting growth in the steel segment.

Alcoa lowered its 2026 alumina production guidance by 200,000 to 300,000 metric tons to 9.5 million to 9.6 million metric tons, due to operational instability at the Pinjarra refinery in Western Australia in late March and natural gas supply disruptions caused by Cyclone Narelle.

AI in manufacturing has shifted from edge experiments to the core of corporate strategy. The Infosys Manufacturing Tech Index: AI Pulse shows that 75% of manufacturers have integrated AI into their strategic backbone, with median spending per project between $2 million and $2.5 million. However, only about one-fifth of AI initiatives fully achieve their stated business objectives, while another third generate only partial value. Cybersecurity is both the most widely applied scenario (nearly 60% deployment rate) and the biggest barrier to scaling (23% view it as the primary obstacle). Leaders turn intelligence into sustained impact through three initiatives: capital discipline, governance infrastructure, and workforce readiness.

3M and Microsoft jointly announced a strategic collaboration on Wednesday to advance AI data center infrastructure and enterprise technology transformation. Microsoft Azure will deploy 3M's expanded beam fiber optic connector system in its data centers, while 3M will leverage Microsoft's AI and digital platforms to streamline processes and enhance decision-making efficiency. The two parties will also conduct joint R&D around Microsoft's data centers and device markets.

The latest AMT report shows that new orders for US metalworking machines in May fell 1.8% month-over-month to $583.4 million, but surged 47.8% year-over-year; cutting tool shipments during the same period declined 7.4% month-over-month and rose 15.2% year-over-year. Industry insiders point out that a shortage of tungsten carbide raw materials has driven up tool costs, while geopolitical tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted supply chains.

Taiwan's Lite-On Technology announced it will invest up to $919 million in McKinney, Texas, to build a manufacturing and R&D campus producing electronic components such as power management systems, serving customers in the AI infrastructure and energy markets. The campus is expected to create over 600 jobs, achieve full operations by 2030, and receive state incentive funding.

A report released by Rockwell Automation on Tuesday indicates that although 93% of surveyed manufacturers have deployed Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in at least one plant, only 23% have achieved full-site integration. Integration is considered the most important factor in procurement decisions by 44% of respondents, while AI and cybersecurity pressures drive system upgrades. The report also highlights successful cases from Kumi North America and Moldtech and provides a seven-step recommendation for scaling.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on July 9, alleging that 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and Corteva's subsidiary EIDP knowingly sold products containing PFAS for decades despite knowing the risks, polluting the state's natural resources and violating consumer protection laws. The state seeks undisclosed damages, including $5,000 per violation for false advertising or deceptive business practices, and demands that the companies surrender illegal profits.