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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMBCN3D Announces Investment and Relocation as Omega I60 Marks One YearBCN3D, a Spanish manufacturer of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, has secured a new investment round intended to strengthen its position in the light industrial segment of additive manufacturing. The funding coincides with the relocation to a new production facility in a European technology hub. This site, now fully operational, is configured for increased throughput and refined quality control measures. The timing of the investment aligns with the first anniversary of BCN3Ds Omega I60, an industrial FFF printer introduced in 2023 and used for producing large-scale prototypes, tooling, and end-use components.Executives say the capital injection supports a strategic pivot toward scaled, efficient manufacturing. According to CEO Xavi M. Faneca, This move enables a focused effort on light industrial applications, addressing evolving customer requirements for greater reliability and expanded throughput. The European facility, now fully operational, is configured for advanced quality control and capacity expansion. Backing has reportedly come from established industrial investors who see potential in increasing the availability of systems that can fill the gap between laboratory prototyping and heavy-duty production lines.The BCN3D Omega I60. Photo via BCN3D.Introduced a year ago by the Barcelona-based equipment provider, The Omega I60 operates at speeds of up to 150 mm/s and includes a heated chamber and automated humidity controls for materials. It has been integrated into workflows at organizations that previously found traditional injection molding dies time-consuming or expensive to produce. Wisconsin Precision Casting, a U.S.-based investment casting foundry, integrated the Omega I60 into its operations to produce plastic patterns for low-quantity batches. The printers ability to produce multiple parts simultaneously at speeds up to 150 mm/s has significantly reduced production times and costs. Similarly, Camper, a global footwear brand, has utilized the Omega I60 to accelerate prototype development, enabling rapid in-house iterations and improving both the quality and lead time of new designs.The system was displayed at Formnext 2024, which took place last month in Frankfurt, demonstrating its capabilities to attendees who sought systems that bridge the gap between concept modeling and short-run manufacturing. BCN3D plans to continue refining both hardware and materials portfolios. Future adjustments may include further development of high-strength filaments or process automation features.Recent Large-Format FFF IntroductionsIn 2024, BigRep, a German company specializing in large-format FFF equipment, unveiled its VIIO 250 printer at RAPID + TCT. The VIIO 250 features a 250-liter build volume and integrated automation capabilities. According to reported specifications, it supports unattended operation and uses engineering-grade and fiber-reinforced materials, making it suitable for industries such as automotive that require consistent output and minimal operator intervention.Elsewhere, Raise3d, a 3D printer manufacturer focused on improving speed and precision, launched the Pro3 HS line and its Hyper Core filament series. The Pro3 HS printers employ motion control systems to maintain accurate deposition of fiber-rich filaments designed for enhanced thermal conductivity. This refinement in filament composition aims to improve interlayer bonding and mechanical integrity, ultimately supporting better Z-directional strength and surface finish.New BigRep VIIO 250. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the BCN3D Omega I60. Photo via BCN3D.0 Comments 0 Shares 27 ViewsPlease log in to like, share and comment!
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMUrsa Majors New 3D Printed Solid Rocket Motor Completes Successful Flight TestA long-range solid rocket motor (SRM) developed by rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major and Virginia-based Raytheon Technologies has completed successful missile flight testing for the US Army. The motor has so far been flown twice with Raytheon at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Ursa Majors Lynx 3D printing technology was used to manufacture the SRM. This, in combination with Raytheons digital engineering capabilities, enabled the partners to accelerate development times and cut production costs.Daniel Jablonsky, Ursa Majors CEO, explained that the firm has utilized additive manufacturing to achieve unprecedented timelines, with nearly 300 SRM static test fires completed in 2024 alone. For this latest project, the team went from concept and design to firing and flight in under four months, which Jablonsky called lightning fast. He added that 3D printing has facilitated the production of agile solid rocket motor solutions with the design flexibility needed to expand the capabilities of the US military.In the US, demand for SRMs is coupled with a shortage of domestic suppliers. Supply chain challenges are impacting the US Department of Defense (DoD)s efforts to restock inventories and support ongoing war efforts in Ukraine and Israel. The Pentagons annual budget request for missile and munitions procurement, as well as related research and development, increased from $9 billion in 2015 to $30.6 billion in 2024.Jablonsky noted that Ursa Majors technology will scale SRM manufacturing at the pace and volume the country requires and at a price the country can afford.Testing an Ursa Major SRM. Photo via Ursa Major.3D printed SRM completes successful flight testRTX Ventures, Raytheons venture capital division, first invested in Ursa Major in 2023 to expand its SRM production capabilities and address the US militarys need for affordable precision-guided missiles.Ursa Majors Lynx technology combines metal 3D printing with product-agnostic tooling to fabricate multiple SRMs simultaneously in the same production line. Conventional SRM production processes are difficult to re-tool, expensive to ramp up, and dependent on large workforces. Lynx streamlines this process, introducing flexible and scalable manufacturing capabilities that unlock higher-volume SRM production at a fraction of the price.Raytheon and Ursa Major claim that the additive manufacturing-based approach will deliver a new generation of smart munitions for the US Army. These new weapon systems will reportedly be significantly more affordable than currently fielded, conventionally manufactured munitions.The successful US Army test demonstrates the long-range missile delivery capabilities of the companies 3D printed SRMs. Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, stated that these motors will allow the US and its allies to strike farther and faster than anything our adversaries have in their arsenals. He added that the SRMs provide affordable precision fires, while increasing range, safety, and magazine depth.Looking ahead, the next phase of the program will see Ursa Major and Raytheon improve the manufacturing process, with an additional flight test planned for 2025 and qualification in 2026.In a separate project, Ursa Major received $12.5 million from the US Navy and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to scale the production of 3D printed SRMs. Through the prototype project agreement, the company is designing, manufacturing, and testing a new SRM prototype for critical missiles. This followed the news that the company is 3D printing the Navys Mk 104 dual rocket motor, which powers the SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles.US Navy SM-6 missile. Photo via the US Navy.3D printing missile systemsUrsa Major and Raytheon are not the only companies 3D printing missile systems for the US DoD. Earlier this year, Italian rocket and missile manufacturer Avio announced plans to triple its production of SRMs over the next 4-5 years to address growing US demand.While the role of additive manufacturing in this initiative hasnt been confirmed, the company actively uses 3D printing to produce propulsion systems. The firm possesses Velo3D Sapphire 3D printers to fabricate high-strength, corrosion, and temperature-resistance parts in nickel-based alloy materials. Avio previously partnered with Raytheon to build a domestic industrial base for critical SRMs. It is now building a US-based production facility to strengthen supply chains and diversify sourcing options.Elsewhere, US Defense firm Lockheed Martin is 3D printing key components of its new Mako hypersonic missile. Metal additive manufacturing technology is being used to fabricate the jet-fired missiles guidance section and fins, unlocking significant time and cost savings. The guidance section is 3D printed ten times faster than conventional methods while being just 1/10th of the cost.Work on Mako started in 2017, with the missile now at readiness level six plus, meaning it is ready for production. Weighing 1,300 pounds, it has been externally fit-checked on F-35, F/A-18, F-16, F-15, and P-8 aircraft, with internal fit-checking completed on the F-22 and F-35C fighters. Its solid rocket motor (SRM) can accelerate Mako to Mach 5.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on X, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows an Ursa Major SRM being tested. Photo via Ursa Major.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMFaster and ethical bone repair testing: Swanseas breakthroughResearchers at Swansea University have developed a novel approach to testing biomaterials for bone regeneration, offering both speed and ethical refinement.Published in Bioactive Materials journal, and led by Dr. Zhidao Xia, a team from Swanseas Medical School and Faculty of Science and Engineering has introduced a murine tibial periosteal ossification model that eliminates the need for traditional methods involving fractures or critical sized defects.In doing so, they significantly reduce animal suffering while enabling biomaterial evaluation in as little as 14 days, with cortical bone remodeling completed by 28 days.Dr. Xia explained, Our invention bridges the gap between synthetic substitutes and donor bone. Weve shown that its possible to create a material that is safe, effective, and scalable to meet global demand. This could end the reliance on donor bone and tackle the ethical and supply issues in bone grafting.Alongside Swansea, several institutions worldwide contributed to this project. These include the likes of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Xiangyang Central Hospital from China, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Rochester from USA, McGill University from Canada, Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis, The Open University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Sheffield from UK.A murine animal model for rapid assessment of osteogenesis. Image via Swansea University.Periosteal model improves bone repair testingCentral to the models success is its focus on the tibial periosteum, where osteogenic cells naturally drive bone repair. Implanting biomaterial scaffolds between the tibia and surrounding muscle tissue has yielded notable results, including trabecular bone growth within two weeks.By the fourth week, this bone remodels into a new cortical layer. These findings, measured through micro computed tomography and histological analysis, revealed an exceptional eightfold increase in tibial thickness compared to control groups.One of the materials tested in this model is a hydroxyapatite aragonite (HAA) scaffold, a blend of hydroxyapatite widely used in bone grafts and calcium carbonate, which enhances biodegradation and supports bone growth.The scaffold gradually breaks down over six to twelve months, creating space for new bone tissue to grow. Researchers also experimented with zoledronate, a clinical bisphosphonate, finding that its addition significantly increased cortical bone formation, demonstrating its potential in enhancing biomaterial performance.Unlike ectopic methods where bone is generated in unnatural locations, this approach maintains the materials direct contact with both bone and muscle. This proximity replicates the complex environments typically encountered in orthopaedic applications, making the findings highly relevant for clinical scenarios.Validation of the model across species including rats and minipigs confirmed consistent outcomes. The HAA scaffold not only facilitated bone regeneration but also degraded fully within six months, according to the researchers.Ethical refinements and future directionsA notable advantage of the model lies in its streamlined testing process. Eliminating the need for large bone defects or fractures significantly reduces the invasiveness and duration of experiments.While the technique is particularly suited for early stage screening of biomaterials, larger animal trials and traditional fracture models are still required for regulatory approval and testing in complex defect scenarios.Further investigations aim to clarify the role of specific cells such as periosteal stem cells in the observed rapid bone formation. Improvements to micro computed tomography software are also needed to better analyze biomaterial performance, as current tools lack precision for evaluating these interactions.Despite these challenges, the research highlights calcium carbonates pivotal role in accelerating bone growth. Its faster dissolution compared to hydroxyapatite enables bone cells to infiltrate the scaffold more efficiently, although the exact mechanisms warrant additional study.Importantly, this model aligns with ethical research principles by significantly reducing animal suffering. The absence of induced fractures or large bone defects minimizes harm, offering a refined and humane method for early-stage biomaterial screening.While traditional fracture models and large animal trials remain essential for regulatory approval, this approach could streamline preclinical testing and reduce the number of animals required.The size and quality of the newly-formed bone calluses was compared through 3D analysis of the micro CT scanning data. Image via Swansea University.Alternative bone regeneration methodsGlobally, research groups have explored alternative approaches, each offering unique advantages in tackling the challenges of bone repair.Two years ago, researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Connecticut developed 3D printed calcium phosphate graphene (CaPG) scaffolds for future bone regeneration applications.Tested in vitro and in vivo, the scaffolds demonstrated osteogenic potential by supporting stem cell differentiation and regenerating bone in animal models. Using a Direct Ink Writing method, the CaPG scaffolds were found to biodegrade and resorb in vivo, promoting tissue regeneration without adverse effects on vital organs.Published in Nature, this study highlights CaPGs potential as a cost-effective, customizable, and resorbable alternative to traditional bone grafts.Back in 2017, researchers from Tianjin University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the University of Hong Kong developed a 3D printable hydrogel-nanoclay composite designed to support bone cell growth.Published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, this material addresses bone defects caused by trauma, deformities, or tumor removal. In tests, the material promoted bone regeneration in tibia defects of live rats, significantly outperforming placebo treatments over eight weeks.Offering structural support and nutrition, the scaffold mimicked the extracellular matrix and had a potential to offer precision and individualized repair of load-bearing bone defects.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows a murine animal model for rapid assessment of osteogenesis. Image via Swansea University.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMShapeways Acquires Thangs to Establish New Creator Ecosystem3D printing service provider Shapeways has acquired a majority stake in the 3D file-sharing platform Thangs, taking the reins from the sites developer Physna, Inc. This acquisition represents the second phase of Shapeways management teams strategy to revive the company after its Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in July 2024.Following Shapeways bankruptcy, the firms Eindhoven-based team and two co-founders acquired its defunct assets and restarted operations in Europe as Manuevo BV. Earlier this month, it was revealed that Manuevo purchased the Shapeways brand, website, and Eindhoven production facility, tailoring operations to professional and industrial applications.However, Shapeways bankruptcy resulted in the loss of marketplace and user data, as trustees could not transfer user-owned intellectual property. The Thangs acquisition seeks to resolve this gap in the firms infrastructure, offering a new solution the company believes exceeds Shapeways prior capabilities.The team behind Thangs really love their creators and community and they take good care of them: which is exactly in line with the original spirit of Shapeways, commented Shapeways CEO, Marleen Vogelaar. Equally importantly their 3D search technology powered by Physna protects the IP of their creators which is incredibly important to me and the rest of the management team.A range of components 3D printed by Shapeways. Photo via Shapeways. Shapeways acquires ThangsThrough the acquisition, Thangs will be renamed Thangs 3D Inc. and become a subsidiary of Shapeways. Featuring Physnas IP protection technology, the new combination will reportedly create a seamless ecosystem that spans the full 3D creation value chain.Hosting over 24 million 3D printable models, Thangs features a range of membership options that enable users to monetize their designs. By leveraging Shapeways digital manufacturing engine, designers can now sell physical products directly to customers through a new print-on-demand approach. Shapeways claims this will introduce new revenue streams to the global Thangs community. According to Vogelaar, the company is working to create the Print to Shapeways button for Thangs, expanding possibilities for those in the 3D design marketplace.Post-acquisition, Thangs will serve as the consumer-facing brand for creators and makers, while Shapeways continues to prioritize business customers. Shapeways digital manufacturing engine will power both brands.Paul Powers, CEO and Co-founder of Physna, notes The synergy between Shapeways and Thangs was clear from the start. He stated that, while focusing primarily on its B2B and government products, Physna remains invested in Thangs and will continue to support the design community and Shapeways. I believe the strong synergies between the two will drive growth and create value for both communities, Powers added.Dan Pham, Head of Community Relations at Thangs, called the acquisition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to empower our community of designers to grow their thriving businesses. He called additive manufacturing space an incredibly exciting frontier, with Thangs posed to provide designers with even more tools to help them succeed.Thangs home page. Image via Thangs.3D printing software acquisitions Earlier this month, US-based 3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems agreed to sell its Geomagic reverse-engineering software portfolio to Hexagons Manufacturing Intelligence Division.Worth $123 million, the deal forms part of 3D Systems strategic review to prioritize software it deems central to accelerate the adoption of its 3D printing technologies. The firm will now concentrate resources on its 3D Sprint, 3DXpert, and the Oqton Industrial Manufacturing Operating System, with Oqton said to be central to 3D Systems software strategy. 3D Systems called Hexagon, a Stockholm-based firm specializing in metrology, simulation, and design, an ideal strategic owner for Geomagic. It expects Hexagon to build a more complete scan-to-CAD workflow with its new asset.Elsewhere, industrial manufacturing firm Siemens agreed to acquire 3D design and simulation software developer Altair Engineering Inc. for approximately $10 billion. Siemens CEO Roland Busch stated that combining Altairs computational and artificial intelligence technology with Siemens Xcelerator platform will create the worlds most complete AI-powered design and simulation portfolio.In a similar move, US-based chip design software provider Synopsys sealed a $35 billion deal for engineering simulation software developer Ansys in January 2024. Synopsys hopes this acquisition will expand its customer base and market position through the silicone-to-system product sets. Ansys process simulation technology is used throughout industrial additive manufacturing to optimize 3D printing designs. Previously, 3D printing software developer Materialise integrated these process simulation capabilities with its Magics build preparation tool.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on X, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a Shapeways sign from inside its New York warehouse. Photo via Gizmodo.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMATO Suite Leads the Way at Formnext 2024Formnext 2024s additive manufacturing exhibition in Frankfurt offered a look at approaches to metal powder production and recovery. Among the participants was 3D Lab, a Warsaw-based developer of metal powder processing systems, introducing its ATO Suite to attendees. The company introduced the ATO Suite as a comprehensive system capable of producing high-quality spherical metal powders from various feedstocks, including manufacturing scrap. This capability is crucial for companies aiming to reduce manufacturing costs and enhance material innovation. The integrated and modular design of the suite allows researchers and manufacturers to customize powders, facilitating experimentation with novel alloys that can lead to significant advancements in additive manufacturing.The 3D Lab booth at Formnext 2024, demonstrating the ATO Suites potential in advancing metal powder processing workflows. Photo via 3D Lab.Jakub Rozpendowski, CEO of 3D Lab, emphasized the industrys need for innovative solutions. The interest we saw at our stand reflects the industrys need for solutions that go beyond the conventional, Rozpendowski stated. Innovating materials isnt just importantits critical to staying competitive in todays market. The ATO Suite addresses this need by offering unmatched flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency.Formnext 2024 also saw the introduction of new technologies within the ATO Suite. The ATO Wipe, an ultrasonic feedstock cleaning system, ensures the purity of wires and rods used in atomization, thereby enhancing powder quality and minimizing contamination risks. Additionally, the ATO Remote Control, a tablet-based monitoring and operation system, allows for real-time management of multiple ATO atomizers, optimizing productivity and reducing the need for manual intervention. These advancements complement existing components like the ATO Cast and Induction Melting System and the ATO Sieve, creating a unified solution for metal powder production and processing.The ATO Cast, part of the ATO Suite, designed for efficient induction melting and high-quality powder atomization. Photo via 3D Lab.The focus on sustainability and efficiency at 3D Labs exhibit mirrors broader industry trends. Jakub Rozpendowski noted, This years exhibition demonstrated that while the market is shifting, the need for innovation and sustainability remains constant. The ATO Suite is our answer to these challenges, enabling users to take control of their processes and redefine whats possible in additive manufacturing.Sustainability and Efficiency as Industry PillarsIn an era where resource optimization is essential, the ATO Suite supports a closed-loop manufacturing process by recovering and reusing 3D printing scraps, low-quality powders, and other production remnants. This approach reduces waste and lowers operational costs, providing a strategic advantage for businesses operating under tight economic conditions.PowderMonkeys, a brand of Launhardt GmbH specializing in polymer powders for powder bed fusion processes, introduced two new materials at Formnext designed to improve performance and sustainability in 3D printing. Established in 2021, PowderMonkeys supplies both desktop and industrial-scale systems with materials compatible with selective laser sintering and high-speed sintering platforms. Their new offerings, Monkey SiPA12 and Monkey RePA12 50-8 GB, enhance mechanical strength and thermal stability while reducing waste.Similarly, Stratasys unveiled SAF ReLife, a powder recycling solution that can convert waste PA12 powder into 3D printed parts, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of 3D printing processes. SAF ReLife repurposes waste material from powder bed fusion methods such as high-speed sintering and selective laser sintering, allowing for the production of high-quality parts with improved surface finishes. According to a Life Cycle Assessment led by Fraunhofer IPA, using SAF ReLife can cut the carbon footprint of 3D printing by up to 89% when powered by renewable energy sources.What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the 3D Lab booth at Formnext 2024. Photo via 3D Lab.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMBMW Installs Six Laempe 3D Printers for New Car ProductionCore manufacturer Laempe Mssner Sinto has delivered six sand 3D printers to German car manufacturer BMWs foundry in Landshut, Germany.The fully automated, high-volume binder jet 3D printing production line is optimized for manufacturing sand cores. Developed in partnership with BMW and R.Scheuchl GmbH, the solution streamlines the fabrication process to meet manufacturing standards.According to Laempe, BMW is already using the new 3D printers to produce molds for components in its latest six-cylinder vehicles. The additive manufacturing solution eliminates the need for manual steps, offering fully automated 3D measurement and core removal.Following the sale to BMW, Laempe has commercialized its binder jetting production lines, making them available to other manufacturers and foundries. The company claims it is future-proofing itself for the changing requirements of its customers and is the only manufacturer to offer everything from a single source.Laempe sand 3D printers. Photo via Laempe.BMW adopts Laempes sand 3D printersLaempe unveiled its sand binder jet 3D printer technology during last years GIFA foundry trade show in Dsseldorf. The systems boast bidirectional fabrication and high 3D printing speeds, with the company calling them the most efficient core sand printers in the world.The automated 3D printers are designed specifically for sand casting and utilize established industry standards. Aimed at foundries, they are developed at the Laempe technology site in Schopfheim (Baden-Wrttemberg) and produced in Barleben (Saxony-Anhalt).The binder jetting technology is designed to address the entire value chain. The systems integrate key processes, including raw material storage, molding material preparation, 3D printing, packing, cleaning, and component measurement.Notably, Laempes 3D printing line features an open design, enabling customers to work with any raw material suppliers of their choice. The 3D printers are also modular, allowing them to be integrated into existing automated production lines.The companys technology features hybrid core production capabilities, offering the choice between classic shot cores, 3D printed cores, or a combination of both. Additionally, Laempe provides its proprietary Laempe Printing Wizard Software, which optimizes slicing, scaling, and morphing of 3D print jobs.Inside Laempes sand core manufacturing system. Photo via Laempe.According to Laempe, the development of its core 3D printers was funded by a mid-double-digit million euro investment. This financing was split between a collaboration with BMW Group and Laempes own capital. The company claims it worked with BMW to overcome uncertainties, challenges, and tight schedules when developing its technology.The German car manufacturer has reportedly been impressed with the high speed and bidirectional printing capabilities of Laempes technology. The fully automated sand-casting production line is said to meet the firms high-volume production demands.Through the INACORE joint venture with R.Scheuchl, Laempe also offers a flexible pay per part option. Bavarian-based R.Scheuch added a Laempe printer to its workflow three years ago and supplies customers with shot and 3D printed cores.Measuring a sand core produced using Laempe technology. Photo via Laempe.3D printing enhances vehicle production linesThe automotive industry is increasingly adopting 3D printers, with many car makers leveraging the technology to produce prototypes, tooling, and even end-use parts. During the AMUK Members Forum held in October 2024, Jaguar Land Rovers Luke Fox explained that 3D printing accelerates the production of functional prototypes for its test cars.The company possesses 20 industrial 3D printers across six additive manufacturing technologies. These include HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), EOS systems, SLA, FDM, and PolyJet 3D printers. In the past, JLR has 3D printed limited runs of end-use parts. The 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 incorporated over a dozen 3D printed car components. Legacy parts are also produced using additive manufacturing. They include replacement seat handles for the 1999 Land Rover Discovery 2.However, the vast majority of JLRs additive manufacturing efforts go towards functional prototyping. Here, additive manufacturing significantly speeds up the testing process, allowing design changes to be made and assessed quicker than with traditional manufacturing methods.The production line at JLRs car manufacturing plant in Nitra, Slovakia. Photo via JLR.Ford Motor Company also leverages additive manufacturing. Earlier this year, It used Formlabs SLA and SLS 3D printers to prototype several components for its Electric Explorer SUV. It 3D printed parts ranging from mirrors, handles, charging ports, and dashboard elements. This reportedly allowed the workshop team to take more design risks and quickly prototype new design iterations in hours rather than days.Elsewhere, British automotive manufacturer McLarens W1 hybrid hypercar incorporates critical suspension components produced with titanium 3D printing. Uprights and wishbones of the W1s advanced suspension system were produced using additive manufacturing to achieve significant weight savings. This follows the car makers adoption of Divergent Technologies 3D printing-based Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The partnership seeks to improve vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the inside of Laempes sand core manufacturing system. Photo via Laempe.0 Comments 0 Shares 5 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM2024 3D Printing Industry Awards Winners AnnouncedIts time to find out who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.This year, we celebrate the most innovative 3D printing applications, the leading 3D printing startups, and more established companies, such as the 3D printing industry company of the year.The awards endeavor to represent the rich diversity across the industry; this years winners, honorable mentions, and nominees span the market from desktop to industrial. We are always seeking ways to improve, so please get in touch with any suggestions.Winners of the 3D Printing Industry Awards are selected by readers and also the 3DPI Expert Committee. Would you like to join the committee to select the winners for 2025 and shape the future of the 3DPI Awards? Apply here.Winners of the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards3D Designer of the YearWinner: Divergent 3DHonorable Mention: Andreas Vlahinos Optimized Heat Exchanger3D Scanning or Metrology CompanyWinner: Shining3DHonorable Mention: ArtecAcademic, research team, or projectWinner: Singapore Centre for 3D PrintingHonorable Mention: ADAPT Center, Colorado School of MinesIn the year that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this an important milestone and the recognition of our role in developing, promoting and pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing, said Prof. Paulo Jorge Brtolo, Executive Director, Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP). Together with a large number of industrial partners we are shaping the future of additive manufacturing, developing faster, more reliable, and smart additive manufacturing systems and using additive manufacturing as a platform to develop novel materials with improved and controlled properties for aerospace and defense, biomedical engineering, building and construction, electronics, and marine & offshore applications, added Prof. Brtolo.Aerospace, Space, or Defense ApplicationWinner: NASA JPL with REM Surface Engineering, PBF-LB/Ti-6Al-4V Crush Lattices for Mars Sample Return MissionHonorable Mention: Sintavia AM for the Next-Generation of Hypersonic PropulsionDr. Ryan T Watkins, PhD, Research Scientist, Materials Development & Additive Manufacturing at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, said, Doing something new is always hard. Doing something new on a flagship NASA mission is even harder. The team has done a great job making this 3D printed crushable lattice a reality, ranging from the development of UnitcellHub, a new opensource lattice design software tool, to the development of a novel chemical etching postprocess with our partner REM Surface Finishing to enable ultra-low density crushables. In many ways, this work exemplifies our work in the 3D printing industry, and NASA as a whole, using it to create light, high performance structures in ways that were never before possible.Justin Michaud, CEO at REM Surface Engineering, said, For REM, being a part of winning this award is a validation and celebration of the work that we have been doing in the metal AM industry for the past ~15 years. So much of what we do, supporting AM applications with our surface finishing technology, is highly confidential, and, as a result, we often dont get to share or discuss the advancements and capabilities that we help to enable. As a company, we often say that we are the folks to come to with the hard challenges, and Dr. Watkins certainly did! From targeting wall thicknesses of ~100 m to executing >80% as printed mass reductions with tolerances of <0.5%, this work certainly pushed REM to increase our capabilities. But, NASA JPL is one of our longest-running and most consistent customers, and were proud of the trust we have gained and the partner-like relationship we share with them. So, to be a part of winning this award in support of NASA JPLs crush lattice project is exceptionally rewarding.The concept of lattice structures was envisioned since the very beginning of the 3D printing revolution. Unfortunately, their complexity has slowed their adoption. My hope is that this work emboldens others to push into this emerging design domain to do things in ways that weve never done them before, added Dr. Watkins.REM Surface Engineerings Justin Michaud continued, The work that Dr. Watkins has led and that we have supported in developing lightweight crush lattices has potentially broad applications across a range of industries. Protecting the Mars Samples is obviously a very challenging application, but the potential to apply these concepts to aerospace, automotive, and other applications is significant. For REM specifically, the increased process control that this work drove within has already led to several of new capability enhancements and associated work in areas such as complex heat exchanger applications. There arent many technologies that can controllably remove loose and partially sintered powder from complex, multi-domain internal surface applications, but much of the work we did with JPL on these crush lattices has led to and aided in our ability to address the inherent cleanliness issues of these printed components. In general, working with JPL and other NASA branches has been a huge benefit to both REM and the metal AM industry as they fund the research that is needed to push these advanced manufacturing capabilities forward.Community Advocate of the YearWinner: Duann Scott, Director 3MF ConsortiumHonorable Mention: Teula Bradshaw, Sanjay Mortimer FoundationDuann Scott, Director of the 3MF Consortium and winner of the 2024 3DPI Awards Community Advocate of the Year said, As the additive manufacturing industry grows through its painful adolescence and matures into becoming a productive part of the broader manufacturing ecosystem, contributing more than just naive enthusiasm and good looks, it is critical that the software we use to create the designs help direct this brash upstart to really start paying its way in society. That the information/data we feed the machines have all of the nutrient rich data required for healthy and sustained growth into manufacturing adulthood.I am thankful for the opportunity through the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, 3MF Consortium and MIT AMX to help build the community of people capable of nurturing this growth, the positive affects it will have on our society for generations, and the recognition from 3DPI with this award that reflects more on the people I have worked with and learned from along the way, than anything I have done to help them, added Duann Scott, Director 3MF Consortium.Teula Bradshaw, CEO Sanjay Mortimer Foundation, said, We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the 3D Printing Industry Awards. For the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation (SMF), this high ranking by readers and experts serves as a powerful validation of our mission: to empower young neurodiverse engineers and makers to realise their potential and thrive in industries like 3D printing.This acknowledgment reflects not only the passion we pour into our work but also the industrys shared belief in the unique contributions neurodiverse individuals bring. By supporting them, we aim to ensure that no talent slips through the cracks and that these brilliant minds can access opportunities to innovate and grow.This recognition amplifies our mission and demonstrates that the 3D printing community values inclusivity and diverse perspectives. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which encourages us to continue fostering creativity, confidence, and empowerment in future innovators.Bradshaw added, The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation believes that neurodiverse minds are uniquely suited to the ever-evolving world of 3D printing. Their ability to think differently, challenge conventions, and explore creative solutions aligns perfectly with an industry that thrives on innovation and rapid change.By providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities, we aim to build a pipeline of talented individuals whose unique perspectives can drive the next wave of breakthroughs in 3D printing. These young engineers and makers not only bring fresh ideas to the table but also represent a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce within the industry.This honourable mention by the 3D Printing Industry Awards reinforces our belief in this mission, and we are excited to see how the individuals we support will shape the future of additive manufacturing.Company of the year (Enterprise)Winner: AutodeskHonorable Mention: Nikon SLM SolutionsAlexander Freund, Director Product Management, Fusion Manufacturing at Autodesk said, Being selected as Company of the Year (Enterprise) for 2024 is a tremendous honor for us, especially given the strength of the nominees. It reaffirms our belief that our approachcreating an affordable, easy-to-use, yet incredibly powerful mass-market platform like Fusionis truly driving Additive Manufacturing toward becoming a mainstream technology.Company of the year (Personal)Winner: Bambu LabHonorable Mention: Prusa ResearchDesktop FFF 3D Printer of the YearWinner: Bambu Lab A1 & AMSHonorable Mention: Prusa Research XLDesktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the YearWinner: Formlabs Form 4Honorable Mention: Elegoo Saturn 4 UltraDvid Lakatos CPO at Formlabs said, Form 4 is a massive leap in our mission to enable anyone to bring their ideas to life. We invested years of development into creating Form 4 to usher in a new era of resin 3D printing, with blazing fast speeds and unprecedented reliability. Were honored the expert committee and readers at the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards recognized Form 4s impact by naming it the Desktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the Year.The Formlabs CPO added, We made 3D printing affordable and accessible, and Form 4 has accelerated 3D printing activity and adoption. The printers high speeds and reliability have caught the attention of customers at top brands including NASA, Ford, and Microsoft, and we expect this fast printer to continue to expand 3D printing applications across new industries and use cases. 3D printing has historically never had the speeds and reliability to outpace injection molding, and Form 4 is the first 3D printer that enables innovators, manufacturers, and product designers to reimagine products with flexible design and fast print times at an affordable price.Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Metals)Winner: Meltio M600Honorable Mention: EOS M290Lukas Hoppe, Meltios Research & Development Director, said, We thank the entire audience and the 3DPI AM family for the award given this year 2024 to Meltio and its new and most powerful industrial metal 3D printer, Meltio M600. This recognition is a support to all the innovation effort of all the teams that are part of Meltio. The design brief for the new Meltio M600 was to imagine what the perfect 3D printer for the machine shop would look like. The vast majority of metal 3D printed parts require post-processing which is carried out in the machine shop and since our ambition is to push the large-scale adoption of metal additive manufacturing we have a very clear vision that the modern machine shop is the ideal point of entry. Manufacturing faces many challenges globally, from long lead times and stock-keeping costs caused by long and fragile supply chains to an ever-growing pressure to lower costs and reduce emissions.3D Printing has huge potential to address these issues as it helps reduce lead times, and manufacturing dependencies by printing parts in-house, reduces warehouse inventory as the raw material can be transformed into the final part on demand, and reduces costs by applying material only where it is needed.Meltios R&D Director added, The Meltio M600 for us was really the next logical step on our continuous journey towards mass adoption of Wire-Laser DED, the process all Meltio systems are based on. We began this work in earnest in 2019 when we started to leave the prototyping space with the launch of the Meltio M450. After learning from and improving the technology for three years, the time was finally ripe for us to work on the next system. Our goal with the Meltio M600 was to strike the right balance between machine size, cost, and productivity while being uncompromising on quality, reliability, and ease of use. To achieve this, we did not just create a scaled up M450, instead, we developed every single part of the machine from scratch to take the technology to the next level, based on the learnings of having manufactured and installed over 400 Laser Meltio DED systems around the world from 2019.Enterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers)Winner: EOS FORMIGA P 110 FDRHonorable Mention: Axtra3D Lumia X1Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer, Axtra3D said, Receiving an honorable mention for Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Polymers) is a proud recognition of the dedication, innovation, and commitment weve invested in advancing additive manufacturing with our Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) technology.At Axtra3D, our mission has always been to enable photopolymerization-based production without compromises, delivering a seamless balance of print throughput, surface quality, accuracy, resolution, and part size. By merging the best attributes of laser-based SLA and projector-based DLP into one cohesive system, we have set a new standard for production 3D Printing.This recognition is a testament to the transformative value our Lumia X1 brings to customers, helping them push the boundaries of whats possible with additive manufacturing. It inspires us to continue driving innovation and empowering manufacturers to surpass the limitations of conventional SLA and DLP technologies.Axtra3Ds CSO added, Our mission is to enable a future where manufacturing is smarter, faster, and more sustainable. By integrating cutting-edge technology with the business elements that matter most to our customers, we aim to not only advance the industry but also equip our customers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. We are proud to help shape the future of 3D printing, creating pathways for innovation and business success.Innovation of the yearWinner: MIT 3D Printed Glass BricksHonorable Mention: xolo Volumetric 3D printingStephan Khr, Chief Commercial Officer at xolo GmbH, said, This recognition highlights the growing excitement around using 3D printing for advanced applications like fabricating lenses and optical elements in seconds. Its validation from the 3D printing community that our Xolography technology is addressing real market needs and creating new possibilities. This acknowledgment inspires us to collaborate with even more innovators eager to push boundaries.Continuing xolos CCO added, Xolography is one of the very few technologies that can truly scale 3D printing. Its layer-free approach enables fast and precise production of isotropic structures, making it uniquely suited for large-scale manufacturing in applications like optics, bioprinting, and beyond. As we refine and expand our capabilities, we aim to close the gap between prototyping and mass production, unlocking groundbreaking potential across industries.Material Company of the YearWinner: Metal Powder WorksHonorable Mention: 6K AdditiveJohn Barnes, CEO, Metal Powder Works said, This was a true David and Goliath story from the outset. My Co-Founder Chris Aldridge and I set out to re-think what feedstocks needed to be for metal AM, and consistency was at the top. We only started producing powder for customers in 2022 and now to be nominated in the same group as last years winner BASF, and this years nominees is incredible! This is truly a testament to our team, who have worked so hard to bring the DirectPowder systems online and offer 16 metal powders that are the most consistent, the highest quality, price competitive, and emit less CO2.The Metal Powder Works CEO added, AM needs more production of more powders and our technology accomplishes this with a very high efficiency and low powder size distribution. Starting with premium bar stock, our innovative technology converts these alloys for customers and will be the ONLY dedicated domestic source for the full range of copper and bronze alloys.Medical Dental or Healthcare ApplicationWinner: Strykers Infinity Total Ankle SystemHonorable Mention: Lithoz & Profactor INKplant First Ceramic Jaw ImplantMobility or Energy ApplicationWinner: General Motors Cadillac Celestiq EV with 100+ 3D Printed ComponentsHonorable Mention: Oak Ridge National Lab & DoE Hydropower Generation with Rapid RUNNERSBrennon White, Technical Specialist Advanced Manufacturing, General Motors, said, Its incredibly special for our team to win this award given the time and effort weve put into expanding our technical expertise in additive manufacturing. With more than 100 3D printed parts in the production vehicle, the CELESTIQ demonstrates GMs broadest use of additive manufacturing which is extremely unique.GMs White added, The investment GM has made in additive manufacturing is a clear indicator of the companys confidence in this technology and its potential. We definitely see significant opportunity for the use of this technology in additional programs in the future.Software tool or company of the yearWinner: Orca SlicerHonorable Mention: nTopLi Jiang (aka Softfever) founder and maintainer of the OrcaSlicer project, Noisyfox, main contributor, and Ioannis Giannakas(aka igiannakas), main contributor, told us more about what winning the 3DPI Award means, Its truly a blast! Winning this award means a great deal to our open-source community and me personally. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all contributors who have played their part in making Orca Slicer what it is today. This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in the 3D printing industry, as well as our mission to provide accessible and high-quality software that meets the diverse needs of the community, from new users to the geeks.The Orca Slicer team continued, Were super excited about pushing the boundaries in 3D printing! We plan to keep innovating and making Orca Slicer even better, so it can help everyonefrom beginners to expertscreate amazing things. Whether its for off-the-shelf printers or DIY printers, we want to make sure Orca Slicer makes 3D printing more accessible and fun for all users.Start-up of the YearWinner: Hyphen InnovationsHonorable Mention: 3D SparkSustainability in Additive ManufacturingWinner: 6K AdditiveHonorable Mention: WASP & United NationsValue-added Reseller of the YearWinner: MatterHackersHonorable Mention: Solid Print3DLars Brubaker, CEO of MatterHackers said, Winning the Value-added Reseller of the Year award is an incredible honor for all of us at MatterHackers. It is a testament to our teams dedication to providing exceptional service, innovative solutions, and comprehensive support to our customers. This award reflects our commitment to empowering makers, educators, and businesses by making 3D printing accessible and practical for everyone. We are deeply grateful to the community for their support and recognition, as it validates our efforts to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the 3D printing community. This award inspires us to continue contributing positively to the industrys growth and development.Brubaker added, At MatterHackers, we envision our work as a catalyst for innovation and creativity in the 3D printing space. We are committed to expanding the reach and potential of 3D printing by providing cutting-edge products, educational resources, and unparalleled support. We are particularly proud to be expanding our business by offering print services and maintenance packages/repair, which ensure that our customers can rely on their 3D printing equipment to perform optimally. These services allow us to support a broader range of applications and industries, ensuring that 3D printing remains a viable and efficient solution for complex challenges. Our goal is to continue driving advancements in technology that will enable new applications across various industries, from healthcare and education to aerospace and manufacturing. By fostering a community of makers and innovators, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of creators to push the boundaries of whats possible with 3D printing.3D Printing Industry Award CategoryWinner3D Designer of the YearDivergent 3D3D Scanning or Metrology CompanyShining3DAcademic, research team, or projectSingapore Centre for 3D PrintingAerospace, Space or Defense ApplicationNASA JPL with REM Surface EngineeringCommunity Advocate of the YearDuann Scott, Director 3MF ConsortiumCompany of the year (Enterprise)AutodeskCompany of the year (Personal)Bambu LabDesktop FFF 3D Printer of the YearBambu Lab A1 & AMSDesktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the YearFormlabs Form 4Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Metals)Meltio M600Enterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers)EOS FORMIGA P 110 FDRInnovation of the yearMIT 3D Printed Glass BricksMaterial Company of the YearMetal Powder WorksMedical Dental or Healthcare ApplicationStrykers Infinity Total Ankle SystemMobility or Energy ApplicationGeneral Motors Cadillac Celestiq EVSoftware tool or company of the yearOrca SlicerStart-up of the YearHyphen InnovationsSustainability in Additive Manufacturing6K AdditiveValue-added Reseller of the YearMatterHackersFollow the link for a full list and description of all 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards nominees.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 4 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMRAHN Enters 3D Printing Market as Specialized Photopolymer ProviderRAHN, a Switzerland-based specialist in radiation curing technologies that has operated for over forty years, is entering the 3D printing market as a provider of raw materials for photopolymer manufacturing. This move comes as additive manufacturing continues to find applications in industries that demand precise components and stable material properties. By supplying photopolymer formulations designed for ultraviolet (UV) additive processes, including stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), and multi-jet modeling (MJM), RAHN aims to apply established knowledge in radiation curing to emerging manufacturing settings.A scientist handling RAHN photopolymer resin, highlighting the materials high viscosity and suitability for UV-curable 3D printing processes. Photo via RAHN.Photopolymers, which remain liquid until exposure to ultraviolet light causes them to solidify, serve as a core element of many high-resolution 3D printing systems. RAHNs expertise lies in fine-tuning formulations composed of monomers, oligomers, photoinitiators, and additives. Each component plays a role in determining a resins properties: monomers and oligomers influence structure and mechanical strength, photoinitiators trigger curing reactions under controlled UV wavelengths, and additives can alter flexibility, color, or even flame resistance. Such nuance is essential for producing customized parts demanded by sectors like healthcare, dentistry, aerospace, automotive, and prototyping. RAHNs laboratories, equipped with SLA, DLP, and LCD 3D printers, allow direct testing of these formulations. This iterative approach aims to improve dimensional accuracy, mechanical performance, and efficiency in material use.Environmental considerations also inform RAHNs approach. The company reports developing eco-friendly photopolymers formulated with renewable or recycled resources that can be biodegradable, recyclable, or compostable. RAHNs public engagement, including webinars and technical guidance, suggests an attempt to foster a more informed conversation about the intersection of advanced materials, process optimization, and environmental responsibility in additive manufacturing.A lattice cube created with RAHN photopolymer resin demonstrates precision and clarity in 3D printing. Photo via RAHN.Photopolymer Material DevelopmentSupernova, an industrial 3D printing company, has introduced a new production platform for high-viscosity photopolymers. This platform includes a 3D printer, a post-processing cell, and software designed to handle proprietary resins formulated as Viscogels. These high-viscosity materials are offered in categories such as rigid composites, ductile formulations, rubber variants, and silicone-like resins. Intended mechanical properties reportedly compare to conventional injection molding materials, with loadings of ceramics and metals for strength and durability. According to reports, these formulations exhibit reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by incorporating higher oligomer content that lowers porosity and limits uncured monomers. Their high viscosity enables the inclusion of larger amounts of solid additives and other custom components.Another development comes from polySpectra, which released a resin called COR Zero that can be used with affordable DLP and LCD printers. This material offers mechanical strength, heat resistance, and chemical durability that resemble attributes found in industrial production environments. COR Zero is formulated to address brittleness and thermal instability often associated with photopolymer resins. The approach involves producing parts with tensile strength and impact resistance that allow for end-use components rather than limiting the material to prototyping applications. The resin can be stored in accessible conditions and processed with common household equipment, enabling small-scale and home-based production of durable parts without reliance on large industrial installations.3D printed part made from COR Zero. Photo via polySpectra.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows scientist handling RAHN photopolymer resin. Photo via RAHN.0 Comments 0 Shares 7 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMAMAZEMET Introduces Advanced Powder2Powder Atomization System at Formnext 2024AMAZEMET, a Warsaw-based company, unveiled its innovative Powder2Powder (P2P) atomization system at Formnext 2024. This new system offers a versatile solution for recycling metal powders and producing custom pre-alloy powders directly from existing powder feedstock, marking a significant advancement in sustainable metal powder production for the 3D printing industry.The Powder2Powder system integrates plasma processing with ultrasonic atomization, transforming irregular or oversized particles into highly spherical, satellite-free powders optimized for various 3D printing techniques such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Unlike conventional plasma spheroidization methods, the P2P technology allows powder size to remain independent of the initial feedstock. This capability makes it the only technology currently capable of directly atomizing pulverized titanium (Ti) feedstock, setting a new benchmark in powder processing, according to the company.Atomization of TiMo alloy using Powder2Powder technology: a) feedstock material, b) atomized TiMo alloy, c) particle size distribution, d) sphericity. Photo via AMAZEMET.Extensive trials with over 200 m oversized and irregular Ti alloy powders demonstrated the systems exceptional performance. Operating at a frequency of 40 kHz, the P2P system consistently achieved a powder morphology with an aspect ratio (D50) exceeding 0.95 and a precise particle size distribution (PSD), producing powders with D90 below 80 m and yielding particles under 63 m at or above 80%. Approximately 97% of the resulting powder meets the stringent requirements for additive manufacturing processes.Beyond recycling, the P2P system excels in processing blends of elemental powders to create pre-alloyed materials with precise chemical compositions. This feature is invaluable for both research and industrial applications, allowing for the rapid development of new alloys without the need for extensive preprocessing, electrode casting, or wire drawing. Tests with Ti and 10% wt. Mo elemental powders confirmed the formation of homogeneous alloy powders, demonstrating the systems versatility and efficiency.ukasz rodowski, inventor and CEO of AMAZEMET, stated, The Powder2Powder system goes beyond recycling. It gives manufacturers the ability to customize powder compositions, improve powder sphericity, and optimize particle size distribution, solving critical issues in the additive manufacturing industry. We showcased how it enhances the efficiency and sustainability of powder-based manufacturing at Formnext 2024.AMAZEMET branding showcasing its focus on metal additive manufacturing. Photo via AMAZEMET.Industry Advances in 3D Printing MaterialsAt the same event, PowderMonkeys, a brand of Launhardt GmbH specializing in polymer powders for powder bed fusion (PBF) processes, introduced two advanced materials: Monkey SiPA12 and Monkey RePA12 50-8 GB. Established in 2021, PowderMonkeys supplies materials compatible with selective laser sintering (SLS) and high-speed sintering (HSS) platforms. Monkey SiPA12 is engineered for Sintratec machines, offering high mechanical strength and reduced waste, while Monkey RePA12 50-8 GB incorporates glass beads to enhance tensile strength and thermal stability, providing a glossy finish ideal for applications requiring both mechanical resilience and aesthetic quality.Stratasys, a leading 3D printer manufacturer, also presented SAF ReLife, a solution that repurposes waste PA12 powder into 3D printed parts. Supported by a Life Cycle Assessment from Fraunhofer IPA, SAF ReLife reduces the carbon footprint of 3D printing by up to 89%. This platform leverages Stratasys H350 powder bed fusion 3D printer to produce functional parts from reclaimed powder, enhancing material efficiency and supporting the circular economy by converting waste into high-quality products.Stratasys at Formnext 2024. Photo via Stratasys.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows atomization of TiMo alloy using Powder2Powder technology. Image via AMAZEMET.0 Comments 0 Shares 6 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printed Aerospike Engine Tested on MIRA II SpaceplaneGerman aerospace start-up POLARIS Spaceplanes has completed successful roll and flight tests of its aerospike-powered MIRA II demonstrator. The five-meter-long prototype features POLARIS 3D printed AS-1 linear aerospike rocket engine. MIRA II serves as a stepping stone to the companys full-sized AURORA spaceplane, which is set to begin flight operations in 2028.MIRA II was developed after the original MIRA demonstrator crashed during its first flight attempt in May 2024. The new system has since completed a three-second engine burn on the runway, before successfully conducting an in-flight test over the Baltic Sea.The unmanned demonstrator took off from Peenemnde Airport using its four turbine-powered jet engines. Upon reaching the ignition point, MIRA II completed a three-second burn of its 1 kN LOX/kerosene AS-1 aerospike engine, achieving 4 m/s acceleration and 900 newtons of thrust.This represented the first-ever in-flight test of a linear aerospike engine, marking a significant milestone for the Bremen-based startup.A digital rendering of POLARIS Spaceplanes future aerospike-powered vehicle. Image via POLARIS Spaceplanes.3D printing powers POLARIS aerospike spaceplanesUnlike conventional rocket engines with bell-shaped nozzles, Aerospike engines use a wedge-like spike to shape exhaust gases. This innovative design eliminates the need for a fixed nozzle, reducing weight, enhancing efficiency, and enabling continuous thrust adjustments at varying altitudes.These novel engines generate extreme in-flight temperatures, requiring large numbers of complex and intricate cooling ducts. This complexity has led aerospike developers, like POLARIS Spaceplanes, to leverage additive manufacturing in their design and production.Last year, the company received two 3D printed AS-1 aerospike engines from German additive manufacturing firm AM Global. While these initial engines were used for ground-based testing, AM Global also 3D printed two lighter flight-test engines for the MIRA demonstrators.During the three-second in-flight burn, the MIRA IIs engine operated at a reduced chamber pressure to achieve fuel-rich combustion. This reportedly allowed POLARIS engineers to collect performance data while exposing the engine components to minimal stress. The MIRA IIs onboard camera identified a small leak in the LOX tank bay which caused an access hatch to be lost during the three-second engine burn. Despite this, the company reported that the demonstrator touched down safely to conclude a successful test flight.Looking ahead, POLARIS will further test and validate the in-flight operational capabilities of the 3D printed aerospike engine through an intensive flight test program.POLARIS will also work to activate the demonstrators twin, MIRA III, to create redundancy and improve testing flexibility. As testing progresses, the company will gradually increase engine chamber pressure to optimize combustion efficiency and thrust.Learnings from additional MIRA testing will inform the companys next spaceplane demonstrator, NOVA. This test aircraft will reportedly measure between seven and eight meters in length and serve as the final step before the full-sized AURORA vehicle.POLARIS Spaceplanes MIRA II demonstrator. Photo via POLARIS Spaceplanes.3D printing aerospike enginesAerospike engines have been thought to offer notable advantages over conventional rocket engines since the 1950s. In more recent years, developments in metal additive manufatcring technology have unlocked the design freedom needed to more efficiently fabricate these advanced propulsion systems.In 2017, Monash University, Amaero (an offshoot of Monash), Next Aero and Woodside Energy collaborated to manufacture and test Project X, a 3D printed aerospike engine. This engine was designed and manufactured in just four months.Hasteloy X, a high-strength nickel-based superalloy, was additively manufactured using selective laser melting (SLM) on an EOS M280 3D metal printer. According to project leader Graham Bell, 3D printing allowed the team to achieve unique design features such as the nozzle geometry and embedded cooling network. Additive manufacturing allowed the team to create and 3D print complex designs which could be tested, tweaked and re-printed in days instead of the months required for conventional production methods.Two years later, the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS and the Institute of Aerospace Engineering (ILR) at TU Dresden collaborated to advance aerospike engine design using 3D printing. The team produced a 3D printed aerospike engine with 500 newtons of thrust. However, during testing, it encountered issues with the cooling system and fuel injection.In 2022, engineering design software specialist Hyperganic manufactured what was said to be the worlds largest 3D-printed aerospike engine. The Munich-based firm generated hundreds of viable designs, one of which was 3D printed on an EOS M 400-4 system in Inconel 718 with zero support structures. An AI algorithm was then used to automatically reengineer the part to be 3D printed using CuCrZr on a larger AMCM M 4K 3D printer.3D printed Aerospike Engine by AMCM and Hyperganic. Photo by Michael Petch.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a digital rendering of POLARIS Spaceplanes future aerospike-powered vehicle. Image via POLARIS Spaceplanes.0 Comments 0 Shares 31 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMAirtech and KraussMaffei Advance Large-Format 3D Printing with Dahltram Resins IntegrationAirtech Advanced Materials Group, a leader in high-performance materials for additive manufacturing, has qualified its Dahltram Resins for use with KraussMaffei Technologies GmbHs powerPrint Large-Format Additive Manufacturing platforms. This partnership represents a significant advancement in large-scale 3D printing for industrial applications, enabling more precise and reliable production processes.KraussMaffei Technologies, renowned for its expertise in injection molding and extrusion, has been at the forefront of large-format additive manufacturing. The companys Additive division specializes in extrusion-based 3D printing technology, with the powerPrint system being a key component. This gantry-based platform is designed for industrial-scale production, offering high precision and consistency in part manufacturing. Recently, KraussMaffei has expanded its offerings to include industrial robot-based systems and standalone extrusion solutions, further solidifying its position in the additive manufacturing sector.KraussMaffei powerPrint system interior setup for large-scale additive manufacturing. Photo via Airtech Advanced Materials Group.We are excited to collaborate with KraussMaffei to bring our Dahltram Resins to their powerPrint platform globally, said Gregory Haye, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Airtech Advanced Materials Group. Their high-throughput extruder combined with a controlled, heated environment will enable users to achieve highly accurate and uniform prints with both low and high temperature resins, unmatched by other systems on the market.Dahltram Resins are known for their exceptional performance and reliability in various 3D printing applications. Extensive testing and validation have confirmed their compatibility with the powerPrint system, ensuring that manufacturers can achieve high-quality results. Airtechs resin range offers significant production flexibility and holds multiple end-use material approvals, making it suitable for diverse industrial applications. Mechanical and thermal testing of printed specimens guarantees that end-users receive the quality expected from Dahltram Resins.With Airtech, we have found a valuable partner who truly understands how their materials are utilized by end users, stated Rolf Mack, Vice President Additive Manufacturing at KraussMaffei. Their comprehensive approach ensures a thoroughly tested material solution for our powerPrint system, providing excellent print and end-part quality along with deep insights into material applications. This partnership elevates the solutions we offer to our customers, setting a new standard in additive manufacturing.Airtechs Logo. Image via Airtech Advanced Materials Group.Advancements in Resin 3D Printing TechnologyConcepts 3D Systems Inc., a resin 3D printing specialist, has introduced the Athena II Smart mSLA Resin 3D Printer. This device employs a 16K LCD display with a 1419-micron resolution and a print volume of 212118235 mm. A system of sensors continuously monitors and adjusts parameters in real time, aiming to maintain high accuracy in fields such as dental prosthetics, jewelry design, and engineering prototypes. Safety measures include integrated air filtration systems, while connectivity options support remote monitoring and efficient workflow management.Tangible Engineering, a German company focused on advanced 3D printing solutions, has unveiled the Solidator 8K Resin 3D Printer. Equipped with a 43-micron XY resolution and a 330185400 mm build volume, this system supports a range of 25 materials designed for various industrial uses. Applications include automotive and railway components fabricated from flame-retardant resins, electronics manufacturing aided by ESD materials, and jewelry production facilitated by materials suitable for precision casting. A software suite integrated with the system is intended to improve workflow efficiency and dimensional accuracy. Examples of functional connectors fabricated using the Solidator 8K Resin 3D Printer. Photo via Tangible Engineering.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows Airtechs Logo. Image via Airtech Advanced Materials Group.0 Comments 0 Shares 32 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMYoav Stern Removed From Nano Dimension Board Amid Shareholder BattleNano Dimensions shareholders have voted to remove Yoav Stern from the companys Board of Directors. The decision to replace Stern, who remains CEO, was taken at Nano Dimensions 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). Incumbent Director Michael X. Garrett was also removed. During the meeting, Ofir Baharav and Robert Pons, nominated by activist shareholder Murchinson Ltd., were elected to the Board.Murchinson, which owns approximately 7.1% of Nano Dimensions outstanding shares, achieved this victory as it jostles for control over the Israeli electronics 3D printing firm. In a press release, Murchinson claims shareholders have sent a strong message by rejecting Stern and Garrett.This follows the Israeli District Courts decision on November 21 to validate the results of Nano Dimensions Extraordinary General Meeting in March 2023. As a result, Murchinson-backed Kenneth Traub and Dr. Joshua Rosensweig could also be installed on the Nano Dimension Board.The addition of four Murchinson nominees could spell trouble for Nano Dimensions acquisition of Desktop Metal and its all-cash deal for Markforged. Before the 2024 AGM, Murchinson published a letter to shareholders calling the offers for Desktop Metal and Markforged overpriced and misguided. In a press release, it added that there is an opportunity for the reconstructed Board to carefully and critically examine the merits and success of past and present acquisitions.In an official Nano Dimension statement, the Chairman of the Board, Yoav Nissan-Cohen, thanked Mr. Yoav Stern and General Michael Garrett for their service as Directors on our Board as well as their expertise and guidance in developing our strategy and positioning Nano for the future. He added: We welcome Ofir Baharav and Robert Pons to Nanos Board and look forward to working with them to build long-term value for all Nano shareholders.Nano Dimensions CEO Yoav Stern (right) on stage with Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif (middle) and Nikon SLMs CCO Charlie Grace (left) at RAPID + TCT 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.What happened at Nano Dimensions 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders?Murchinson has made several bold claims regarding Nano Dimensions 2024 Annual General Meeting, which it has called a turning point in Nanos history.According to Murchinson, Baharav and Pons were elected with the support of a significant majority of shareholders. However, the exact level of support for the new Board members has not been officially disclosed.Murchinson also stated that the 2024 AGM was the third general meeting at which a majority of voting shareholders removed Mr. Stern from the Board. The investment firm expressed its hope that Nano Dimensions CEO would finally adhere to the will of the shareholders and urges him to cease seeking ways to circumvent or delay their decision.Murchinson commented that the Stern-led Board had previously engaged in a plethora of obstructionist, costly legal manoeuvres and novel interpretation of the law and of the Companys own Articles of Association. It has now called on the Board to refrain from any further such actions and instead engage in a constructive dialogue with its shareholders, reaffirming its intention to defend shareholders rights and agency in court.During the 2024 AGM, shareholders voted on Murchinsons proposal to de-classify the Board, which would remove staggered elections and see all directors stand for reelection in the same year. Murchinson claims approximately 67% reportedly voted in favour of this proposal, falling short of the 70% needed to enact the change.Despite this, the activist shareholder commented that the result reflects a clear message from shareholders, which should prompt the Board to proactively seek its de-classification at the next general meeting. It called the classified Board an anti-shareholder measure associated with a lower return to shareholders and poor corporate governance due to diminished accountability.The meeting also saw shareholders vote to approve Nano Dimensions proposed compensation for all non-executive directors. However, approximately 75% of eligible votes were cast against the proposed compensation package for Yoav Stern, which Murchinson called outrageous.Nano Dimension offices in Munich. Photo by Michael Petch.Nano Dimensions shareholder battle continuesNano Dimensions feud with Murchinson is nothing new. Last February, tensions were ignited when the global investment firm issued an open letter to its fellow shareholders. This criticised the stewardship of Stern, pointing to poor capital allocation and unfortunate corporate governance. It argued that Stern possesses a dubious history as a capital allocator, and argued that the CEOs hand-picked Board could not be trusted with the approximately $1 billion in cash on the Companys balance sheet.Murchinson argued that Nano Dimensions share value had been lagging behind its only self-reported peer Stratasys by 27% over the past two years. Ultimately, the letter outlined Murchinsons plans to change the Nano Dimension Board and deploy the funds in an alternative manner.The Murchinson letter was followed in March 2023 by Nano Dimensions Special General Meeting of Shareholders. Both companies published contradictory statements regarding the meetings outcome.Murchinson claimed that all four of its proposals received overwhelming support, including the removal of then-serving Directors Yoav Stern, Yoav Nissan-Cohen, Oded Gera and Igal Rotem. All except Rotem, who resigned in October 2023, remained in place during the most recent AGM. Nano Dimension directly disputed Murchinsons claims. While the proposals received at least a 92% share of the votes, Nano argued that the percentage of outstanding Nano ordinary shares present was less than 13%, excluding shares owned by Murchinson and Anson.In November 2024, the Israeli District Court agreed with Murchinsons version of events, validating the results of the March 2023 meeting. It upheld all four of Murchinsons proposals.In addition to the removal of four Directors, these proposals included an amendment which would allow shareholders to fill vacancies on the Board, an amendment allowing shareholders to remove directors at any general meeting with a simple majority, and the immediate addition of Kenneth Traub and Dr. Joshua Rosensweig to the Board.The courts decision could have further implications for the makeup of the Nano Dimension Board. Murchinson highlighted that the 2023 AGM saw 52.1% and 52.3% of shareholders vote to remove incumbent Directors Ron Kleinfeld and Christopher Moran, respectively. At the time, they were not replaced as the 70% threshold was still in place. However, given the courts approval to remove this, Murchinson asserts that these individuals are no longer Board members.Additionally, one of the amendments proposed at the March 2023 meeting stipulated that the term of any director appointed by the Board would expire at the annual meeting following their appointment. Under this rule, the terms of incumbent Directors Eitan Ben-Eliahu and Georgette Mosbacher, appointed in April 2024 and June 2024, respectively, would have ended at the 2024 AGM.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Nano Dimensions offices in Munich. Photo by Michael Petch.0 Comments 0 Shares 33 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMRenishaw Advances Cost-Effective 3D Printing of Platinum RhodiumRenishaw, a leading engineering technology company, has partnered with Cookson Industrial, a UK-based specialist in precious metal additive manufacturing (AM), to reduce the costs associated with 3D printing platinum-rhodium. This collaboration leverages Renishaws RenAM 500S Flex AM system, enabling Cookson Industrial to produce high-temperature corrosion-resistant components with improved material efficiency. The advancement is particularly significant for industries such as glass fibre manufacturing, where the viability of using platinum rhodium in additive manufacturing has been enhanced.Cookson Industrial, a division of Cooksongold and a subsidiary of HM Precious Metals, brings over three decades of expertise in designing and producing precious metal alloys. Faced with platinum rhodium prices averaging 80,000 per kilo, minimizing material waste was essential to make production economically feasible. To address this challenge, Cookson Industrial selected Renishaws RenAM 500S Flex, a laser powder bed fusion system designed for research and development in additive manufacturing.RenAM 500S Flex installed at Cookson Industrial. Photo via Renishaw.Renishaws AM engineering team collaborated closely with Cookson Industrial to adapt the RenAM 500S Flex for platinum rhodium production. While the standard system achieves powder waste levels as low as 1.5%, custom modifications were necessary to reduce waste to below 0.5%. Achieving near-zero wastage of platinum rhodium powder was a top priority, stated Jason Morgan, Senior Applications Engineer at Renishaw. We worked with Cooksons engineers to identify and eliminate potential powder traps within the system, followed by rapid testing and redesigns to minimize waste without compromising performance.The customization process involved modifying internal system components to prevent powder accumulation. This included removing overflow bellows and optimizing the rear overflow vent. Additional measures encompassed chamber redesigns and the creation of specialized casings and covers. These modifications resulted in a 95% reduction in powder waste, allowing Cookson Industrial to recover nearly all platinum rhodium powder. This substantial decrease in material loss translates to significant cost savings and enhances the commercial viability of large-scale production.Nikesh Patel, Head of Cookson Industrial, commented, Renishaws technology and expertise were crucial to this R&D success, enabling us to produce platinum rhodium parts on a commercial scale. Minimizing powder loss not only reduces our production costs but also makes large-scale manufacturing feasible, saving millions over the machines lifetime.Renishaws team. Photo via Renishaw.Precious Metals in Industrial AM and Metal Powder ProductionCooksongold recently launched Cookson Industrial, a division dedicated to integrating precious metals into industrial AM sectors such as aerospace and healthcare. Its facility in Birmingham includes multiple EOS Precious M systems and a RenAM 500S Flex, enabling the production of gas-atomized precious metal powders in small batches up to 15kg. A 750,000 grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) supports the development of specialized precious metal alloys at the University of Birmingham, with a focus on extreme environments.3D Lab, a Warsaw-based service bureau, is introducing the ATO Suite at Formnext 2024. This modular set of equipment manages metal powder production from feedstock preparation to final refinement. The ATO Lab Plus, ATO Noble, and related systems enable custom powder production, reuse of scrap materials, and control over particle size distribution. The equipment occupies a small footprint and includes vacuum casting and ultrasonic sieving options. Such configurations can support the handling of high-value materials by improving powder quality and minimizing contamination.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the RenAM 500S Flex installed at Cookson Industrial. Photo via Renishaw.0 Comments 0 Shares 36 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printing Industry Awards Mobility or Energy Application of the Year nominees Baker Hughes and OqtonBaker Hughes and Oqton are nominated for Mobility or Energy Application of the Year in this years 3DPI Awards.Baker Hughes uses additive manufacturing for product performance, supply chain efficiency, and sustainability. The global energy technology company strives to drive and lead the transition to clean and sustainable energy. As part of this technology-driven approach, Baker Hughes has adopted Oqtons software solutions.The Oqton platform has five key modules: Order Management, Digital Warehouse, Engineering, Manufacturing Execution Solution (MES), and Monitoring, offering end-to-end traceability and efficiency in additive workflows. By leveraging AI and machine learning, the solution detects anomalies during production, ensuring consistent quality.3DPI asked Faisal Iqbal, Senior Digital Product Manager, Global Additive Manufacturing Team at Baker Hughes and Roy Sterenthal, VP, Engineer Software, Oqton about the technologys transformative potential for the energy sector, enabling innovative designs, customized components, and on-demand manufacturing that reduces supply chain dependencies.Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.3DPI: Can you describe your application?Roy Sterenthal, VP, Engineer Software, Oqton: Oqton has commercialized a software solution to support on-demand additive-based manufacturing for regulated markets. The solution was developed together with Baker Hughes and according to our joint vision to enable decentralized manufacturing processes across locations and suppliers.The solution includes five integrated modules:Order Management: A complete set of configurable workflows for order entry and approval processes, including a customer portal for managing the communications and requests.Digital Warehouse: Ability to store pre-certify and certified parts, including the full definition of how they need to be manufactured and inspected. Building catalogs per customer and managing inventories.Engineering: All-in-one software solution for supporting DoE and Production engineering challenges for preparing and certifying parts for production.MES: Manufacturing Execution Solution for production order planning, workflow execution, dashboard and reports, and a full traceability of the entire additive based workflow and all actions.Monitoring: Realtime read of In-situ data from printers is used for operational cost optimization, to record the complete manufacturing process, and to analyze the process quality and repeatability.The solution uses AI/ML to identify anomalies and quality concerns during the build process.3DPI: What are the key benefits of your technology in terms of performance, efficiency, or durability compared to conventionally manufactured components?Faisal Iqbal, Senior Digital Product Manager, Global Additive Manufacturing Team, Baker Hughes: Baker Hughes provides technology-based solutions that solves some of the extremely challenging problems the energy industry faces in delivering to the worlds demand safely, cleanly, and efficiently.Baker Hughes is striving to lead the energy transition and providing advanced technological solutions, such as carbon capture, emissions abatement, and the use of digital in optimizing customers operations.Additive manufacturing is one of such technologies where the company sees opportunities to increase the value of its product and services portfolio to the customers, through improved product performance, increased supply chain efficiency, and a positive impact on overall sustainability.3DPI: What inspired your team to integrate additive manufacturing into your application, and how does it transform traditional manufacturing methods in the mobility or energy sector?Faisal Iqbal, Baker Hughes: Additive manufacturing offers opportunities for a freedom of designs that can truly improve product functions, which the end-user can realize in terms of increased efficiencies and reliability. Additionally, additive technologies are well-suited for customizing products to meet the operating and environmental conditions under which products in the energy sector must operate.With additive as an alternate fabrication method, the supply chain sees increased resiliency in a highly dynamic world, in terms of short lead time and producing near the point of use.3DPI: How have you addressed challenges related to the scalability of your additive manufacturing process, especially when dealing with large or complex components?Faisal Iqbal, Baker Hughes: Scalability requires repeatable working process. Being able to accurately repeat a complete workflow to ensure quality, certification and reliable parts manufacturing is a challenge that our solution was design to address.One of the ways these challenges can be addressed is through the effective use of digital and data.Repeatability requires monitoring every aspect and parameter of all actions. Traceability is key for a reliable process. The solution we commercialized includes a digital recording and approval of every action, and collection of all physical data available throughout each action.3DPI: What are the long-term implications of your work for the future of mobility or energy, and how might it influence the adoption of additive manufacturing in these sectors?Faisal Iqbal, Baker Hughes: The main objective is to enable the industrial scale use of additive manufacturing to unlock the full potential that the technology offers. A reliable and just-in-time supply chain of the additive manufacturing portfolio will impact the energy generation efficiency.Additive manufacturing can help the industry transform from on-hand inventory to on-demand. This disrupts conventional business models with a shortened cycle time. Pre-qualified digital representations and manufacturing recipes of a component can reside in a digital inventory setup, and called upon in a single request, which triggers production close to a point of use, and eliminates a longer traditional supply chain route.This additively manufactured part would not only replace a physical component but can be a customized product tailored to maximize the efficiency on its operations.One foundational task needed to realize such a transformative state is to build a digital infrastructure that connects energy operators (i.e., end-users), OEMs, and suppliers. Baker Hughes and Oqton are working together to set a foundational digital ecosystem in the industry.3DPI: What advances or emerging industrial 3D printing technology trends do you anticipate will further enhance your application or open new possibilities for innovation?Faisal Iqbal, Baker Hughes: The technology is in its early development stage, and its a very complex process. One trend that has the potential to impact the adoption with a quick win is to rely on the digital front to reduce the technical entry barrier and help to warrant the stability which of the production matching the confidence of more mature manufacturing process, will reduce the overall industrialization cost.Open systems and industry data standards will allow work and data exchange among the companies while securely protecting their intellectual properties and trade secrets that will also help streamline industry supply chain challenges. With automation driving business operations more autonomously, we will see increased opportunities to create more innovative product designs that are highly efficient in use and friendlier to the environment.Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 50 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3DPI Awards 2024: Aerospace, Space & Defense Application of the Year nominee AM CraftNominated in the Aerospace, Space & Defense Application category, AM Craft offers fully designed, certified, and on-demand replacement parts, ensuring airworthiness and addressing a critical need in a market plagued by long lead times and dwindling spares.Scott Sevcik, VP Strategy & Business Development at AM Craft, highlights the companys transformative approach to solving supply chain challenges in the aviation aftermarket with additive manufacturing.By employing proven technologies like Stratasys FDM 3D printing with ULTEM 9085 materials and achieving rigorous certifications, including EASA Part 21G Production Organization Approval, AM Craft ensures reliability and repeatability for aerospace applications. The companys model, built on collaboration with industry leaders, research institutions, and customers, enables decentralized, scalable production through digital warehousing, reducing lead times and keeping aircraft operational. This innovative approach is redefining supply chain efficiency and resilience in the aviation industry.Cup and pen holder added to Embraer E190 cockpits printed in grey ULTEM. Photo via AM Craft. Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.3DPI: Can you describe your application and how it differs from existing approaches in the market?Scott Sevcik: The aviation aftermarket is a perfect fit for the supply chain benefits offered by additive manufacturing. Replacement parts are often needed in low volumes, but could be needed anywhere around the world. However, this market is barely considered additive manufacturing until now. AM companies have either offered equipment for a customer to manufacture with themselves, or general purpose service buureaus have offered build-to-print services. Neither of those approaches fit how the aviation aftermarket buys. They want to buy a fully designed and airworthiness certified part. Thats what AM Craft offers that is new to the market. If a customer has parts they are struggling to procure traditionally, we can design, certify, and produce a new part to fulfill that requirement.3DPI: What specific problem does your application solve, and what makes it a groundbreaking solution in the 3D printing space?Scott Sevcik: Aviation supply chains have been struggling since before the pandemic, but that took the problems to an extreme. Commercial aircraft fly for 30 years or more, and parts are constantly breaking and needing replacement. At this point, many of those parts have exhausted spares supplies and getting new parts can take 8-10 months, if at all. In some cases the priginal supplier no longer exists and the design data is gone. In other cases, the OEM is too busy with new projects and cant devote resources to long tail support issues. We are able to address both of these issues through end-to-end service. We create a new, printable part that now exists forever in a digital warehouse and can be produced on demand in aviation hubs around the world.3DPI: Can you elaborate on the specific additive manufacturing techniques and materials you employed in your project and why they were chosen over traditional manufacturing methods?Scott Sevcik: We are primarily using Stratasys FDM with several different colors of ULTEM 9085 material. This is a combination that has been well-proven to be suitable for aircraft cabin interior applications, especially at low volume. This is largely because ULTEM 9085 was originally developed for cabin interior applications with injection molding. Where more appropriate, well also use SLS technology. Were also exploring other material options for use in future applications.3DPI: What measures have you implemented to ensure the reliability, consistency, and quality control of your AM components, especially given the rigorous demands of aerospace, space, or defense applications?Scott Sevcik: We have secured an EASA Part 21G Production Organization Approval. To accomplish this, we needed to develop and document very rigorous processes and have them audited by an airworthiness authority. Weve subsequently been audited by multiple aerospace OEMs to ensure that we have the rigor and quality control in place to meet all industry requirements. Going beyond that, weve secured multiple EU grants for testing materials and processes extensively. We use the data from this testing as a foundation for repeatability in our processes.Replacement overhead panel for Finnair A320. Photo via AM Craft. 3DPI: How does your innovation address the industrys current pain points, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, production lead times, or material performance limitations?Scott Sevcik: The pain point we address most directly is long lead times for replacement parts. While we leverage our AM expertise to serve OEM customers on serial production business as well, addressing hard to procure or problem parts in the aftermarket is where we bring unique value to a very extreme pain point. This year, weve seen customers react in an extremely positive manner to our ability to address this challenge.3DPI: What role does collaboration play in your work, whether with research institutions, government agencies, or industry partners, and how have these collaborations contributed to your success?Scott Sevcik: Collaboration is central to our model. Weve worked closely with the University of Latvia in our research and testing efforts. Weve worked closely with our equipment providers, such as Stratasys who has elected to become an investor in AM Craft. We work with partner manufacturing companies like Paradigm 3D and alphacam to enable our customers to leverage more capacity closer to the point of need. And we collaborate directly with customers, like Singapore Airlines Engineering company to accelerate the number and variety of printable replacement parts in our digital catalog.Replacement armcap for economy seating in a European commercial fleet. Photo via AM Craft. Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the Riga Manufacturing facility with multiple F900 systems. Photo via AM Craft. Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 49 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMZeda Inc. Puts $20 Million Worth of Assets Up for Sale in New Online Auction3D printing assets from industrial manufacturing service provider Zeda, Inc. are up for sale in an online auction. With a replacement value of $20 million, the assets come from the companys 75,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Springdale, Ohio.The sale includes four Velo3D Sapphire metal 3D printers, four AddUp FormUp 350 LPBF machines, and a GE Additive Arcam EBM Q10plus Electron Beam Melting System. Industrial CNC technology from Makino, DMG Mori, Tsugami, and Mitsubishi are also being auctioned, as well as machinery from Zoller, Behringer Saws, and Hexagon. In all, 22 items are up for sale, with models dating from 2019 to 2023.Zeda was born from a rebranding of PrinterPrezz Inc. and its subsidiary Vertex Manufacturing in March 2023. The combination sought to offer expertise in regulated industries, including 3D printed medical devices and space, defense, and aerospace components. Zedas name reportedly represents the companys Z to A approach, meaning its offering begins with the client and ends with a product.Zeda appeared to be performing well last year. After raising $52 million in Series B funding in March 2023, the company invested $20 million in new equipment for its Springdale facility the following June. The full implications of this asset auction have yet to be confirmed. However, given the extent of the sale and Zedas lack of updates since February 2024, it suggests a worrying outlook for the company.3D Printing Industry has contacted Zeda, Inc. for comment.The online-only auction, delivered by the New Mill Capital auction house, will begin on January 15. Bidding will close at 13:00 ET on January 22, 2025. Full details on the listings can be viewed here.Zeda, Incs FormUp 350 3D printers which are up for auction. Photo via New Mill Capital.Zeda Inc. to sell $20 million of assetsThe auction listing describes the assets as Very Low Hour Equipment, indicating the machinery has seen minimal use and remains in excellent condition. This raises questions about the level of business activity at Zedas Springdale facility since its opening, potentially reflecting the underutilization of its advanced manufacturing capabilities.One of Zeda, Inc.s Velo3D Saphhire XC 3D printers which is up for sale. Photo via New Mill Capital.Zedas asset auction follows a wave of positive announcements from the company last year. In March 2023, Zeda raised $52 million in a Series B funding round, bringing its total financing to $68 million. At the time, CEO Shri Shetty commented that the firm was witnessing exponential growth within its served market.The proceeds of the Series B round were used to finance Zedas Cincinnati-based, advanced manufacturing digital foundry. In June, the companys Springdale manufacturing facility added $20 million of equipment. This followed the acquisition of eight FormUp 350 3D printers from AddUp in March, four of which are now being sold.Zedas last public announcement came in February 2024 with the news it had acquired the Orthopaedic Implant Company (OIC), a firm specializing in value-based medical implants. This strategic move sought to strengthen Zedas position within the medical device market and was billed as a significant leap forward at the time.While Zeda may not be a familiar name to many in the 3D printing industry, the companys CTO and Co-Founder, Greg Morris, holds a significant pedigree. As Co-founder of Morris Technologies (MTI), he introduced the first DMLS printer to the USA in 2003. MTI was acquired by GE in 2012 as the global engineering firm sought to bolster its additive manufacturing capabilities.Earlier this year, Morris received the AMUG 2024 Innovators Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have driven industry advancements and made novel contributions to the additive manufacturing sector. Previous recipients include Chuck Hull, Scott Crump, Carl Deckard, Fried Vancraen, Gideon Levy, Hans Langer, Andy Christensen, and Diana Kalisz.Inside Zeda, Inc.s manufacturing facility. Photo via Zeda, Inc.3D printing asset auctionsZeda, Inc.s auction reflects a broader trend of asset sales within the 3D printing industry. A survey on 3D printing trends from the start of 2024 saw 3D printing experts identify business consolidations and reductions in stocks and fixed assets as being driven by industry challenges.In February 2024, concerns about the future of engineering materials firm Uniformity Labs emerged when $10 million worth of its metal 3D printing assets were put up for auction. These assets included a ALD Vacuum Technologies Viga 35 Vacuum Gas Atomizer system priced at $3.5 million, SLM Solutions 280HL Dual 700W LPBF 3D printer, an SLM 125M 3D printer, an EOS M290 LPBF system, a Desktop Metal P1 Production binder jet 3D printer, and a Desktop Metal Shop system.Uniformity Labs asset auction ultimately spelled the end for the company, which ceased operations soon after.Elsewhere, February also saw 3D printing service provider Shapeways auction off $5 million of its hardware from industrial 3D printer manufacturer Desktop Metal. The assets featured metal additive manufacturing equipment Shapeways had been using its 3D printing service bureau offering. This included Desktop Metal P1 Production System 3D printers, Shop System binder jet 3D printers, BMD 3D printers, powder stations, powder blenders, sintering furnaces, and drying ovens.The news of this auction followed the firms poor financial performance since its $605 million SPAC deal with Galileo Acquisition Corp (GLEO) in 2021. This deal valued Shapeways at $410 million and generated $195 million in net proceeds. Following this, the company projected rapid annual growth of 95% between FY 2021 and FY 2022. It also anticipated a pre-tax earnings target of $107 million by 2025 and $250 million in revenue in 2024.In reality, however, Shapeways couldnt live up to the hype. By Q3 2023, the company had generated just $8.4 million in revenue and $3.4 million in gross profit. Net loss came to -$19.4 million, up 198.5% YoY. Following this, the firm announced several cost-cutting measures, including a 15% workforce reduction. By July 2024, Shapeways bankruptcy was confirmed. Shapeways re-launched as Manuevo BV in August 2024 after the Eindhoven-based team and two co-founders acquired the firms defunct assets.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Zeda, Inc.s manufacturing facility. Photo via Zeda, Inc.0 Comments 0 Shares 39 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMBambu Lab discounts and a new Christmas Ornament MakerShenzhen-based 3D printer manufacturer Bambu Lab has launched the Christmas Ornament Maker, a creative tool designed to bring a personalized touch to holiday decorations.Released on November 28, 2024, as part of theMakerlab platform, the tool enables 3D printing enthusiasts to craft unique, vibrant 2D ornaments that reflect their style and creativity. Available exclusively during the festive period, the ornament maker offers a straightforward way to design decorations that stand out. Alongside this release, Bambu Lab has also announced Year-End Discounts on its range of 3D printers and accessories, adding extra cheer to the holiday season.Ornament Maker features and 3D printer discountsThe ornament maker allows users to select between two styles, Cutout and Solid, with the flexibility to switch between them at any point. It also provides extensive customization options, including text additions with a variety of predefined fonts, stickers and emojis from a comprehensive library of Christmas-themed graphics, and the ability to upload custom SVG files for a more personalized design.Users can further enhance their ornaments by deciding on the number of rings, creating a dynamic, rotating effect. With support for multicolor designs, the tool ensures a polished, festive look for every creation. More details are available on the Makerlab platform.In conjunction with the release of the ornament maker, Bambu Lab has introduced significant year-end discounts on its 3D printers and accessories, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to expand their setups. It is important to note that this promotional period runs from December 3, 2024, to January 4, 2025, and includes substantial price reductions across various products.Cutout and Solid Style Christmas ornaments. Photo via Bambu Lab.Originally priced at $299, the A1 Mini is available for $199, offering a savings of $100 along with a $20 coupon. For those seeking additional features, the A1 Mini Combo is priced at $349, a reduction of $110 plus the $20 coupon.Special holiday bundles are also part of the promotion, with the A1 Mini Holiday Bundle, including four premium filament rolls, available for $239. The A1 Mini Combo Holiday Bundle, also featuring four premium filament rolls, is priced at $385.For larger models, the A1 is reduced to $339, offering $60 in savings, while the A1 Combo is priced at $489, reflecting a $70 discount. The X1C is available at $1,099, with $100 in savings, and its combo version, the X1C Combo, is priced at $1,299, offering a $150 reduction. Similarly, the P1S is available for $599, with a $100 discount, while the P1S Combo is priced at $799, saving customers $150. The P1P sees the most significant price drop, now available at $499, reflecting a $200 reduction.In addition to the hardware discounts, Bambu Lab is offering up to 30% off on filaments, consumables, and accessories. These store-wide savings make it an ideal time for 3D printing enthusiasts to stock up on essential supplies while enjoying substantial cost reductions.Access to the Christmas Ornament Maker app is now available.3D printing industry embracing the holiday spiritThe holiday season has long inspired creativity in the 3D printing community, with companies tapping into this enthusiasm by hosting challenges and providing tools that encourage personalization and innovation. For instance, 3D design software company Vectary partnered with MyMiniFactory to host a festive challenge of 3D designs for Christmas decorations.Participants used Vectarys browser-based 3D design platform to submit their creations, competing for prizes such as a MakeX M-Jewelry 3D printer valued at over $3,500. A bonus category encouraged creators to share YouTube tutorials that highlighted their workflow. To foster creativity, Vectary provided templates and video guides, making the holiday-inspired event an engaging and accessible experience for all participants.Back in 2014, online 3D printing service provider i.materialise hosted its annual Christmas Challenge, inviting participants to design 3D printed ornaments for the holiday season.Designs were required to be made for polyamide and fit within 10 x 10 x 10 cm. Winners received a print of their design, a 50 i.materialise printing voucher, an Autodesk Premium Membership, and an Instructables Pro Membership. The contest encouraged creativity, suggesting themes ranging from traditional Christmas motifs to unique interpretations.Vote now in the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Cutout and Solid Style Christmas ornaments. Photo via Bambu Lab.0 Comments 0 Shares 36 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMAnzu Partners to buy voxeljet in new asset dealBinder jet 3D printer manufacturer voxeljet has agreed to sell its entire business to Anzu Partners LLC in an asset deal valued at approximately 20 million. The agreement includes the transfer of liabilities and a 1.7 million cash payment. Expected to close in March 2025, the sale seeks to secure voxeljets financial future and achieve sustainable profitability.The Anzu Partners purchase agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including foreign investment clearance in Germany and approval at voxeljets General Meeting. The companys management and supervisory boards have indicated that they will encourage shareholders to approve the transaction. If approved, the deal will see Anzu acquire voxeljets core operating business, including its manufacturing facilities, 3D printing technology, customer contracts, and leadership team.The new agreement includes a 45-day go-shop period before the General Meeting. During this window, expiring on January 12, 2025, voxeljet will actively initiate, solicit and consider alternate acquisition proposals from third parties. A superior offer could see voxeljet terminate the deal with Anzu Partners to pursue a more favorable agreement.Anzu Partners reportedly harbour a strong commitment to voxeljets existing customers, suppliers and employees. The firms Managing Partner, Whitney Haring-Smith, will chair the future businesss Board of Directors while voxeljet CEO Rudolf Franz will stay on to lead the new enterprise.In a LinkedIn post, Franz stated that he is truly excited about the future of voxeljet and the opportunities this new chapter will bring for our company and everyone involved.He added in an official press release that The combination of voxeljets world-class talent and extraordinary franchises with Anzus technology network, access to talent, ambitious vision and shared commitment to investing in the next generation of breakthroughs will help ensure our continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.Sign at voxeljet HQ. Photo via voxeljetAnzu Partners to acquire voxeljetAnzu Partners, a venture capital and private equity firm with extensive expertise in the industrial technology sector, manages assets of approximately $1 billion. It recently participated in 6Ks $82 million Series E funding round, building on its support for the earlier $51 million Series C round in 2021.The agreed purchase price is based on a 20,033,000 valuation of voxeljet. This will be paid through the assumption of the 3D printer manufacturers liabilities and approximately 1.7 million in cash. Simultaneously with the transactions resolution, shareholders will decide on the liquidation of voxeljet, which is set to occur following the sales closure.Morrison & Foerster LLP and Hogan Lovells International LLP are serving as Anzu and voxeljets legal counsel, respectively. BNP Paribas acted as voxeljets financial advisor.This sales agreement follows the news earlier this year that voxeljet withdrew from the NASDAQ Stock Exchange and terminated its registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company decided to end its financial reporting obligations with the SEC to reduce expenses and strengthen its financial position. voxeljet now trades on the over-the-counter (OTC) markets under the ticker VJTTY.Before this, the firm initiated a formal review to evaluate strategic alternatives for the company in October 2023, which included possible mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. voxeljets Q3 2023 financial results suggested that economic motivations were behind this decision. The company reported an operating loss of -2.8 million, up 12% from -2.5 million in Q2 2022. At the time, voxeljet attributed this increased loss to high administrative expenses.Two of voxeljets VX1000 3D printers. Image via voxeljet. 3D printing mergers and acquisitionsAdditive manufacturing market consolidation has become a prominent talking point within the industry, driven by heightened mergers and acquisitions activity.Israeli electronics 3D printer manufacturer Nano Dimension is leading the M&A push. Earlier this year, the company announced its Desktop Metal acquisition in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $183 million, or $5.50 per share. Yoav Stern, Nano Dimensions CEO, stated that this combination will result in the creation of a larger, more diversified global innovative company set to generate long-term value creation for shareholders, and achieve profitable growth.The new 3D printing company will reportedly feature a strong financial profile, with join revenue of $246M, 28% of which is recurring revenue. Desktop Metals CEO Ric Fulop commented that the deal ended the companys two-and-a-half-year search for a buyer amid concerning sales performance and a weakening financial outlook. In a call with investors, Fulop emphasized that failing to complete this deal could lead to a fatal prognosis for Desktop Metal.Nano Dimensions 2024 acquisition spree continued in September with the agreement to purchase leading FDM 3D printing company Markforged in a $115 million all-cash transaction. The deal will see Nano acquire all outstanding shares of Markforged at $5.00 per share. This represented a 71.8% premium over Markforgeds volume-weighted average price (VWAP) as of September 24, 2024. With the inclusion of both Markforged and Desktop Metal, the combined companys revenue based on fiscal year 2023 figures is projected to reach $340 million.In other mergers and acquisitions news, industrial manufacturing firm Siemens is set to acquire Altair Engineering Inc. in a deal worth approximately $10 billion. This move seeks to strengthen Siemens position as a leading technology firm and software provider. Siemens CEO Roland Busch believes that combining Altairs computational and artificial intelligence expertise with Siemens Xcelerator platform will create the worlds most complete AI-powered design and simulation portfolio.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a sign at voxeljet HQ. Photo via voxeljet0 Comments 0 Shares 36 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMMaterialise Enhances Customization in 3D Printing Through New Collaborations and Software UpgradesMaterialise, a global leader in 3D printing software and services, has introduced significant software updates and forged key partnerships to enhance customization in 3D printing operations. Announced recently, these enhancements enable users to develop tailored workflows within Magics software, safeguard intellectual property of component designs, and produce high-performance geometries. Additionally, Materialise has partnered with HP, a prominent technology company, to mitigate CO emissions by utilizing carbon-reduced PA 12 materials.3D printing is evolving from a focus on technology innovation to becoming an essential tool in industrial applications, said Udo Eberlein, Vice President of Materialise Software. The next phase is about empowering users to adapt this technology to their specific manufacturing needs. With our latest updates, were providing the tools and flexibility to help them meet these unique requirements. This Power to the People approach underscores our commitment to enabling manufacturers to achieve precise, impactful results in their production workflows.Additive manufacturing is increasingly integrated into production lines for mass customization and end-use production across sectors such as MedTech, aerospace, and consumer goods. To support optimization efforts, Materialise has released the Software Development Kit (SDK) for Magics, its premier software for data and build preparation. This release allows manufacturers to create custom workflows using Python and C++ scripts, optimizing parameters like quality and printing time to meet specific production requirements.Import implicit design files seamlessly with Materialise Magics. Photo via Materialise.Weve seen tremendous potential for businesses to optimize their workflows with the Magics SDK, enabling enhanced manufacturing processes and substantial improvements in ROI, said Egwin Bovyn, Product Line Manager for Magics 3D Print Suite. At Materialise, weve customized our SDK to optimize data and build preparation in our own manufacturing operations. By sharing our algorithms via Python code, we enable the automation of data and build preparation at scale. These advanced automation tools empower manufacturing service providers by ensuring our technology meets their individual needs.Sustainability Initiatives Reduce CO Emissions in ManufacturingSustainability remains a core focus for Materialise. The company has transitioned to renewable electricity across its production sites, reducing over 4,000 tonnes of CO annually. Collaborations with suppliers like HP are pivotal in further lowering the environmental impact of 3D printing materials. Earlier this year, Materialise began using carbon-reduced PA 12 for Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) processes, with plans to extend this to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) PA 12 by early 2025, potentially reducing their carbon footprint by over 700 tonnes each year.In 2023, Materialise launched its CO-AM platform, a cloud-based software solution designed to manage and optimize the entire additive manufacturing process. This platform offers tools for planning, scheduling, and monitoring production, reflecting the companys dedication to providing comprehensive solutions for industrial 3D printing operations. Additionally, anexpanded partnership with Siemens, a global technology powerhouse, aims to integrate additive manufacturing into digital factory environments, enhancing efficiency and scalability for industrial users.High-quality label placement in Materialise Magics. Photo via Materialise.New 3D Software Innovative SolutionsRoboze, a metal 3D printing company, launched SlizeR software in 2024 to boost AM efficiency and quality. SlizeR optimizes production workflows by reducing transition times from 3D models to R-code, enhancing print quality, and minimizing material waste. The software was introduced at Formnext 2024 and is designed to support Robozes manufacturing solutions.3iD, a Belgian 3D printing service provider, became the first to adopt AMIS Pro software for HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printers in early 2024. Developed by AMIS, a subsidiary of HYBRID Software, AMIS Pro facilitates batch preparation and optimizes print parameters. The software allows 3iD to achieve higher nesting densities and reduce cost-per-part, enhancing the efficiency of their MJF 3D printing processes.A batch of parts ready for 3D printing on AMIS Pro. Image via AMIS.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows High-quality label placement in Materialise Magics. Photo via Materialise.0 Comments 0 Shares 52 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMBuild Your Own Metal 3D Printer with the New Open-source reAM250 ProjectResearchers from the Technical University of Munichs (TUM) Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management have developed ReAM250, a new open-source metal 3D printer.The reAM250 project allows researchers and other organizations to build their own laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 3D printers. It hopes this will slash R&D costs and help streamline the development of process monitoring and control for metal additive manufacturing.The Software, CAD files, circuit diagrams, IO lists, and documentation required to build and operate the 3D printer are freely available on the reAM250 GitHub page. 3D design software firm Autodesk and laser beam deflection technology developer RAYLASE have joined the initiative. They provide the open-source software and critical laser controller hardware needed to build the metal LPBF system.The self-made 3D printer facilitates the integration of sensors, while open-source software provides full control over 3D printing process parameters. All resources have been licensed under a permissive BSD license. Therefore, industrial reuse is encouraged, even for proprietary commercial developments.David Wenzler, a Research Assistant at TUMs Additive Manufacturing Department, led the development of the reAM250 system. The team at TUM published the underlying research and specifications of this open-source metal 3D printer in the open-access Procedia CIRP journal.Featured image shows the ReAM250 open-source metal 3D printer. Image via Technical University of Munich.How to build your own LPBF 3D printerAccording to the TUM team, the adoption of industrial LPBF 3D printers has been stunted by part reproducibility challenges and costly quality assurance. Research in 3D printing process monitoring and control is needed to overcome these challenges.However, the restrictive high costs of commercial LPBF 3D printers and software mean many institutions must build their own systems. New researchers are often put off by this processs complexity and high implementation effort, while the lack of standardization inhibits the transferability of results.To overcome these barriers, TUM set out to create an easily adaptable and self-made open-source platform for LPBF 3D printing research. The resulting 3D printer, reAM250, reportedly offers high modularity as well as the easy integration and adaption of process monitoring systems.The 3D printers modular build chamber and z-axis provide a 250 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm build volume. Additionally, a shielding gas flow system and a vacuum pump allow users to create tailored process atmospheres. A non-contact powder recoater prevents collisions with 3D printer parts, while sensors can be integrated for in-axis and off-axis process monitoring. The DIY metal 3D printer features an open-source, open-architecture framework. This allows the integration of hardware from different manufacturers. The 3D printers hardware and architecture can be constructed using off-the-shelf components, reducing R&D requirements and costs.Key components of the ReAM250 3D printer. Image via Autodesk.The reAM250 features an AFX-1000 laser from nLight, which offers laser beam-shaping capabilities. This programable high-power fiber laser can switch between seven single-mode Gaussian and multi-mode ring laser beam geometries. These novel donut-shaped profiles improve melt pool stability and reduce soot and spatter to improve material quality and production yields.RAYLASE offers its P-ICE 3 scan controller card and AM-MODULE-III beam deflection unit through the open-source project. These integrate into the reAM250 system to optimize laser control and address beam deflection synchronization issues. When using the RAYLASE scanner system at a working distance of 541 mm, the 3D printer achieves a spot diameter of approximately 130 m in single mode and 240 m when using ring-shaped profiles.RAYLASE AM-MODULE-III (left) and SP-ICE 3 scan controller card. Image via Autodesk.Autodesks open-source softwareOn the software side, the reAM250 is controlled by the Autodesk Machine Control Framework (AMCF). This open-source software can be downloaded for free on the reAM250 GitHub page. It allows users to integrate third-party hardware, facilitating the 3D printers open-architecture compatibility.AMCF controls the 3D printing process and communicates with hardware through smaller control systems. These smaller systems manage specific hardware components, including a programmable logic controller (PLC), the scan controller card, and sensors. A dedicated PLC software, based on B&R Industrial Automations Automation Studio, is also provided. This connects and operates all actuators and sensors within the 3D printer.Autodesks proprietary data preparation, toolpath and CAM platforms are compatible with the reAM250. The companys offering spans in-CAD design, parametric support structure generation, slicing, toolpath processing, predictive metal process simulation, and power optimization.The reAM250s open-source AMCF software stack can connect the Autodesk Ecosystem (including Autodesk Netfabb and Autodesk Fusion) with the RAYLASE Scan Controller API. It transfers process settings from the design software (CAD) to the scan controller cards and its connected laser deflection units. This complies with the 3MF open industry standard and reportedly ensures smooth data transfer without any loss.ReAM250 CAD file in Autodesk Fusion. Image via Autodesk.Developments in open-source 3D printingOpen-source thinking remains quite novel in the metal additive manufacturing space. However, this philosophy was central to many desktop FDM 3D printing pioneers. Dr. Adrian Bowyers open-source-driven RepRap project inspired many of these 3D printing players, including Prusa Research, Aleph Objects with its open-source LulzBot 3D printer, UltiMaker, and MakerBot. 3D printing software platforms like Marlin Firmware, Slic3r, and Cura also foster an open-source philosophy, driven by Dr. Bowyers early initiatives.The RepRap and wider desktop 3D printing community strongly believe that the free collaboration, development and DIY ethos of open-source was critical to the growth of desktop 3D printing technology. They also view open source as vital to democratizing 3D printing, making the technology accessible to everyone.Some of these early open-source players have had mixed fortunes. Bre Pettis drew extensive criticism after transitioning MakerBot to closed-source hardware. The company has since merged with Ultimaker, which faced backlash in 2017 after patenting the Active Bed Leveling technology inside the UltiMaker 3 series. Elsewhere, Aleph Objects was acquired by Fargo Additive Manufacturing Equipment (FAME 3D) in 2019,Despite this, open source remains a firm pillar of desktop 3D printing. Prusa, now a leading 3D printer manufacturer, continues to advocate for open-source 3D printing. The company has repeatedly asserted that it will always remain open source and never patent its technology.LDO Motors, a Chinese electric motor manufacturer, is a prominent producer of DIY 3D printers. The companys Voron kits allow consumers to build their own high-speed, high-quality open-source 3D printers.Earlier this year, LDO released its Millennium Mill Milo v1.5 open-source CNC mill kit from Millennium Machines. This system can be constructed using sourceable and 3D printable components. Links to materials, parts, 3D printing files, tool libraries, and assembly instructions are available for free on the projects GitHub page.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the ReAM250 open-source metal 3D printer. Image via Technical University of Munich.0 Comments 0 Shares 52 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMFarsoon unveils Flight HT601P-4: Advancing large-scale polymer 3D printingFarsoon Technologies, a leader in industrial-grade 3D printing systems, has introduced the Flight HT601P-4, a large-format polymer powder bed fusion (PBF) system featuring four 300-watt fiber lasers. Announced shortly after its showcase at Formnext 2024, the Flight HT601P-4 is designed to enhance industrial-scale additive manufacturing by combining high-speed production with advanced automation to maximize yield and reduce costs per part.The new system offers a substantial build volume of 600 600 600 mm (216 liters), enabling the efficient production of large components or high-volume batches. Fiber lasers in the Flight HT601P-4 achieve scanning speeds of up to 20 meters per second, significantly boosting productivity and operational efficiency. Its interchangeable build cartridge design supports continuous production workflows, minimizing downtime and maximizing throughput. Additionally, the compact footprint allows for optimized factory layouts, enhancing production yield within limited floor spaces.Farsoons latest innovation, the HT601P-4, integrates advanced automation and high-speed production for industrial additive manufacturing. Photo via Farsoon Technologies.Farsoons latest model incorporates several advanced features to maintain consistent, high-quality outputs throughout the build process. An innovative powder supply method ensures efficient and uniform recoating, while an advanced control card optimizes process control for stable laser power distribution and superior beam quality. Users can select between Efficiency Mode, which utilizes overlapping laser areas to enhance productivity, and Quality Mode, which employs single-laser scanning for applications requiring precise detailing and industry certifications.The optical cooling system within the Flight HT601P-4 maintains optimal operating temperatures for critical components, ensuring consistent part properties and surface quality across the build cylinder. Capable of handling chamber temperatures up to 220C, the system is suitable for processing high-performance materials such as PA6, PBT, PA11, PA12, and TPU. Farsoons patented multi-zone temperature control and infrared thermal monitoring ensure uniform heat distribution and real-time thermal stability adjustments, providing reliable and consistent results across the entire build surface.The powder management system streamlines workflows with efficient recycling, sieving, and support for continuous production. Photo via Farsoon Technologies.Designed for seamless integration into large-scale production environments, the Flight HT601P-4 offers a streamlined workflow. Its advanced Powder Management System supports powder recycling, mixing, and sieving, allowing multiple Flight HT601P-4 machines to operate simultaneously. Smart production line integration centralizes systems for powder handling, build cylinder transfer, part cooling, and breakout, enabling fully automated and highly efficient manufacturing processes.Embracing an open parameter strategy, Farsoon empowers users to fine-tune material processing for unique applications. This flexibility supports innovation in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, unlocking new possibilities in polymer additive manufacturing.A high-quality polymer component produced with cutting-edge precision and consistency, showcasing the machines capabilities. Photo via Farsoon Technologies.Research on Powder Spreadability and Market Growth in Metal 3D PrintingA recent study published in Particuology by researchers from the University of Leeds, University of Greenwich, and Cormica Limited evaluated how powder spreadability impacts PBF 3D printing. The review highlights the influence of powder properties, environmental conditions, and spreading systems on final part characteristics. The researchers emphasize the need for standardized characterization methods to improve powder spreadability and quality control in PBF processes.Market intelligence firm CONTEXT reported a 45% growth in Chinese metal 3D printer shipments in the first quarter of 2024, contrasting with a decline in global industrial polymer 3D printer shipments. The report notes that while Chinese vendors experienced strong domestic demand, Western vendors faced challenges due to low capital expenditure and high inflation. The shift toward entry-level 3D printers continued, with professional users recognizing the capabilities of lower-priced models.Top and side profiles of powder spread layers with different spreader geometries. Image via Particuology.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the he HT601P-4. Photo via Farsoon Technologies.0 Comments 0 Shares 56 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printing Industry Awards Start-up of the Year nominee 3D ArchitechData center cooling and hydrogen production for clean energy are just two applications for the technology developed by 3D Printing Industry Start-up of the Year nominee 3D Architech. This start-up is focused on metal manufacturing based on proprietary gel-based 3D printing technology, enabling scalable production of metal components with exceptionally fine, micron-scale features. This innovation allows for intricate designs and optimized structures that enhance device performance across various industries.Kai Narita, CEO and founder of 3D Architech told 3DPI more about the company.3DA micro-architected nickel lattice for water electrolyzer. Photo via 3D Architech.3DPI: What problem are you solving, and why is it important?Kai Narita: We tackle high electricity costs in data center cooling and inefficiencies in hydrogen electrolyzer output. Cooling consumes up to 40% of data center electricity, creating significant financial and environmental burdens, while hydrogen costs need to drop by 80% for global carbon-neutral adoption. Our gel-based metal additive manufacturing and micro-architected designs achieve up to 60% cooling energy savings and boost electrolyzer output by 30%, delivering substantial cost savings and advancing sustainability goals.3DPI: Who is your target market?Kai Narita: Our target market includes data center hyperscalers, AI chip manufacturers, cooling device manufacturers, and water electrolyzer producers. These sectors demand high-efficiency cooling and energy solutions. Were establishing strategic partnerships in Japan and the U.S. to scale globally.3DPI: Who are the founders and core team members, and what is their experience in this industry?Kai Narita: Our team comprises 15 members, including 8 PhDs from Caltech, Harvard, and MIT, bringing deep expertise in micro-architectures and materials science.3DPI: What technical challenges have you encountered so far, and how did you overcome them?Kai Narita: Achieving 10-micron precision for complex cooling needs was challenging. We developed proprietary gel-based metal 3D printing technology, enabling custom designs with 10-micron features with affordable LCD/DLP 3D printers. This breakthrough allows rapid, cost-effective prototyping and production.3DA copper lattice sheet for cooling. Photo via 3D Architech.3DPI: Who do you consider to be the competition in this market? How does your proposition meet underserved needs or outperform?Kai Narita: Our competition includes cold plate manufacturers and micro-additive technologies for data center cooling, and filter makers in the electrolyzer component market for hydrogen production. With 10-micron resolution and micro-architected design, we deliver unmatched precision and efficiency in both sectors.3DPI: What milestones have you achieved, and what are your next major goals?Kai Narita: We completed our pilot productions, validated device performance, and secured PoC requests from top companies. Our next goals are to expand production and scale distribution. We are building partnerships with chemical companies and metal producers and are open to partnerships with lithography-based 3D printing companies (e.g., LCD, SLA, DLP).3DPI: Is there anything else you would like to add?Kai Narita: We are based in Boston, USA, and Sendai, Japan, both prominent hubs for additive manufacturing and metallurgy, bridging academia and industry to enhance innovation and collaboration.Read more about nominees for the 2024 3D Printing Industry Start-up of the Year, including FIDENTIS and Hyphen Innovations, and dont forget to vote.Subscribe to the3D Printing Industry newsletterto keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us onTwitter, like ourFacebookpage, and subscribe to the3D Printing Industry Youtubechannel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows 3DA micro-architected nickel lattice for water electrolyzer. Photo via 3D Architech.0 Comments 0 Shares 60 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMEulers New AI Tool reduces cost of 3D printing defect detectionIceland-based startup Euler offers AI-powered defect detection software for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. The company, which recently launched from stealth mode, has integrated its process monitoring tool within Fusion, Autodesks cloud-native CAD/CAM 3D design software.Available as an Autodesk Fusion App, Eulers Software as a Service (SaaS) tool leverages existing 3D printer camera data and AI algorithms to achieve automated, live 3D printing analysis without expensive monitoring equipment. It can detect common process defects, predict and mitigate 3D printing failures, filter data into actionable insights, and make system-to-system comparisons for industrial-scale applications.Using Fusions versioned, granular data management, the Euler App connects real-time sensor data from 3D printers with detailed design files, feeding the information back into the design software. This creates an integrated process chain spanning CAD design, preparation and post-processing, supporting rapid iteration for industrial manufacturing applications.Eulers AI tool in Autodesk Fusion. Image via Autodesk.Autodesk integrates Eulers AI softwareEulers Autodesk App identifies and analyses common powder-based 3D printing defects like spatter, recoated issues, burn marks, smoke, warpage, and poor powder distribution. It can anticipate process failures during 3D printing, automatically triggering in-situ mitigation actions to prevent issues with the final part.The tool also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to translate complex, raw data into actionable insights that can be monitored and reported to ensure consistent and reliable production. This allows those without specialized expertise to more effectively supervise the 3D printing process, lowering the barrier of entry to high-quality additive manufacturing. Users can also upload images of powder bed layers for Euler to analyze, increasing accessibility and removing the need for expensive equipment.Additionally, Eulers system-to-system comparisons enable manufacturers to analyze and standardize the performance of multiple 3D printers, ensuring consistent quality at an industrial scale.Eulers defect detection interface. Image via Autodesk.Over the past few months, Autodesk has been beta-testing Eulers offering on a Renishaw RenAM 500Q four-laser LPBF 3D printer at its Boston Technology Center. According to Autodesk, the direct onboarding process of the tool is straightforward. The team claimed it seamlessly connected the 3D printer to the Euler Cloud platform.Autodesks Machine operators reportedly found that Eulers automatic AI insights offer incredible value for its 3D print jobs. For instance, the tool identified a periodic fluctuation of 3D printing spatters during testing. This revealed a 3D printer hardware defect which could have gone undetected and resulted in insufficient part quality.According to Autodesk, Eulers integration of process monitoring and data bridges the communication gap between design and manufacturing teams. It reportedly fosters a shared understanding of process capabilities and limitations, ensuring designs are practical and manufacturable.Periodic defects in a print job analyzed by Euler. Image via Autodesk.live process monitoring for 3D printing Live monitoring and quality assurance tools are vital for ensuring 3D printed parts meet the required quality for demanding applications like aviation, aerospace and defense. Therefore, Euler adds to a growing number of companies offering live defect-detection capabilities.Chicago-based 3D printing quality assurance software developer Phase3D is a key player in this space. The firm recently launched Fringe Qualification, a new tool for Fringe, its metal 3D printing in-situ inspection platform. This new offering allows users to certify and control the quality of metal parts as they are being 3D printed on LPBF systems. It provides simultaneous and automated layer-by-layer inspection across multiple 3D printers to ensure high quality during high-volume production.Phase3D Fringe platform uses structural light to measure a height map of each material layer before and after melting. This creates live visualizations of 3D printing anomalies, allowing engineers to make informed decisions about build cancellation. Earlier this year, the company commercialized its True Layer Thickness toolkit. This measures, in microns, the quantity of metal powder distributed across a 3D printers build platform. As such, the 3D printing inspection tool allows users to guarantee an even material distribution of each layer, preventing issues during metal additive manufacturing.Phase3Ds Fringe structured light in-situ monitoring technology. Photo via Phase3D.Similarly, Californian metal 3D printer manufacturer Velo3D offers its Assure Quality Assurance and Control System. This is compatible with the companys Sapphire 3D printers and provides live monitoring of the LPBF 3D printing process. Defects are automatically detected as they occur, with quality control and build report summaries generated for each print job. Multi-sensor, physics-based detection algorithms are also used to trace quality during production, streamlining the part validation process.Elsewhere, Ceramics 3D printer manufacturer 3DCeram recently introduced CERIA, its AI tool to enhance ceramic 3D printing. Designed to support the entire additive manufacturing workflow, the platform features CERIA Live, which provides continuous monitoring and adjustments during 3D printing, ensuring an uninterrupted production flow is maintained.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Eulers AI tool in Autodesk Fusion. Image via Autodesk.0 Comments 0 Shares 52 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMSiemens Expands Additive Manufacturing Portfolio on Xcelerator MarketplaceSiemens, a global leader in industrial automation and digitalization, has significantly broadened its additive manufacturing (AM) offerings through the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace. Unveiled at Formnext 2024 under the theme Lets advance Manufacturing, these enhancements demonstrate Siemens commitment to integrating AM into traditional manufacturing processes via a robust ecosystem of partners, digital tools, and automated solutions.LEAM Technologies, a pioneer in large format additive manufacturing (LFAM), presented its advanced light-based welding technology. Partnering with CEAD, an expert in LFAM and a long-term Siemens collaborator, LEAM uses light to heat materials, achieving exceptional mechanical strength in difficult-to-print substances. This innovation is particularly relevant for the aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. The inclusion of a real-time temperature monitoring system allows precise control during the manufacturing process, enhancing product quality and reducing waste. This solution is now available on the Siemens Xcelerator Marketplace.VLM Robotics, known for constructing XXL manufacturing machines, unveiled its new CALYPSO modela fully automated, autonomous mobile robotic solution integrating Siemens Sinumerik One, Sinumerik CNC Robotics, and Simove technologies. Alongside its GEMINI machine designed for hybrid additive manufacturing, VLM Robotics systems can perform printing, welding, inspection, and milling tasks on large components. By utilizing digital threadscomprehensive digital representations of all data throughout a products lifecyclethe company ensures seamless integration and transparency from development to disposal, meeting stringent precision and quality standards.At Formnext, VLM Robotics presented a fully automated autonomous mobile robot solution based on Sinumerik One, Sinumerik CNC Robotics, and Simove. Photo via Siemens.Promoting Circular Economy Through Additive ManufacturingAdditive manufacturing plays a crucial role in advancing a circular economy by enabling the creation of products that are reusable, recyclable, or safely returned to the environment. Siemens leverages industrial AI and the industrial metaverse to optimize product designs and automate workflows, reducing environmental impact from the design phase onward.Toolcraft, a company specializing in precision components, utilizes Siemens solutions to improve its design and engineering processes by 30% for new products and 85% for design modifications. This efficiency not only speeds up production but also contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices by minimizing resource consumption and waste.Haddy, an innovator in furniture production, employs advanced 3D printing and robotics to create high-quality, sustainable products at commercial scale. By establishing a global network of local microfactories equipped with hybrid Flexbot systems from CEAD and recycling units, Haddy shortens supply chains and reduces waste. The companys use of renewable, recyclable materials, along with RFID chips for material tracing and recycling, underscores its commitment to minimizing environmental impact.Stratasys, a leading provider of 3D printing technology, has joined the AM I Navigator initiative, marking a significant expansion of the program. This initiative offers a structured approach for companies to evaluate their current state and plan steps toward industrialized additive manufacturing. With Stratasys expertise, the AM I Navigator aims to refine its framework and provide concrete application examples, facilitating effective adoption of AM technologies across various industries.Haddy is building a global network of local microfactories equipped with hybrid Flexbot systems and recycling units that shorten the supply chain and help the environment by reducing waste. Photo via Siemens.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows VLM Robotics fully automated autonomous mobile robot solution. Photo via Siemens.0 Comments 0 Shares 43 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMUniversity of Cyprus leads EU-Backed initiative to develop superior materials for aerospace applicationsWith the funding from the European Union, the University of Cyprus (UCY) is spearheading the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Competence Centre (AM2C3).Although the funding amount is undisclosed, this initiative brings together expertise from Cyprus, Norway, Switzerland, and Spain.Partners in the project include Norways Foundation of Industrial and Technical Research (SINTEF), the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), and Spains IMDEA Materials Institute with Dr. Mara Teresa Prez-Prado, head of the Sustainable Metallurgy Research Group, will work closely with UCY researchers leading IMDEAs contributions.Together, these organizations will develop advanced methodologies and characterisation techniques for Al-MMCs, which are known for their strength-to-weight ratios and suitability for high-value aerospace applications.IMDEA Materials team. Photo via IMDEA Materials.A hub for advanced materialsBy creating a hub for innovation, this project aims to address growing aerospace industry demands for low-volume, high-performance material solutions.In doing so, Dr. Prez-Prados team will focus on transferring knowledge, providing specialized training, and refining processing and characterisation techniques. Staff exchanges between the institutions will further enhance collaboration while ensuring access to novel equipment for R&D.In addition, plans for the competence centre go beyond immediate research. Intellectual property frameworks and a sustainable collaboration ecosystem are key components of the projects vision, ensuring the benefits endure long after the three-year funding period.Excitement surrounding the initiative was highlighted by Dr. Prez-Prado, who noted its potential to strengthen IMDEA Materials network in advanced manufacturing technologies. She highlighted that this initiative also aligns with efforts to decentralize aerospace production and explore novel material designs, positioning additive manufacturing as a transformative force in the sector.Drawing on international expertise and emphasizing sustainable metallurgy, AM2C3 seeks to address key challenges in aerospace materials development. The initiative aims to facilitate long-term progress while supporting a strong global research network.AM2C3 brings global expertise to Cyprus, advancing additive manufacturing and Al-MMC innovation for aerospace applications. Image via IMDEA Materials.Aluminum materials for aerospace applicationsThe EU-funded initiative is part of a broader global push to innovate aluminum-based materials for aerospace applications.Notable developments include Nikon SLM Solutions and Honeywell Aerospace partnering to develop a new parameter set for 3D printing aluminum F357. Known for its high strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability, the alloy delivers enhanced mechanical properties compared to conventional die-casting methods.Trials with SLMs quad-laser SLM 500 3D printer focused on optimizing layer thickness and producing robust parts that meet aerospace industry standards. By enabling lightweight, complex structures and reducing manufacturing times and costs, this partnership aimed for widespread adoption in aerospace and automotive applications.In November 2020, scientists from Russian National University of Science and Technology (NUST) MISIS developed a nanocarbon additive derived from oil waste to enhance aluminum powder for 3D printing aerospace composites. By integrating the additive, researchers achieved a 1.5-fold increase in hardness and significantly reduced porosity, addressing critical safety concerns for aviation and space applications.Employing advanced techniques such as chemical deposition and infrared heat treatment, the team synthesized carbon nanofibers that improve material uniformity and density. These enhancements ensure more consistent temperature gradients during printing, resulting in structurally reliable aluminum components capable of withstanding high-stress aerospace environments.Vote now in the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows IMDEA Materials team. Photo via IMDEA Materials.0 Comments 0 Shares 44 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMLockheed Martin Opens New 16,000-square-foot Additive Manufacturing Facility in TexasUS Defense firm Lockheed Martin has opened a new 16,000-square-foot additive manufacturing facility. It will be located at the companys Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) site in Grand Prairie, Texas, which produces the precision-guided M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).The new location includes large-format laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 3D printers from Nikon SLM Solutions, reportedly some of the largest multi-laser systems in Texas. The facility also features heat treatment and inspection equipment to support the rapid production and deployment of metal 3D printed parts.By expanding additive manufacturing in one of its existing machining hubs, Lockheed Martin hopes to support its customers immediate and future product needs and drive the growth of 3D printing in aerospace and defense. Additive manufacturing reportedly allows the company to increase capacity and agility with its supply chain partners, creating a more robust and localized US industrial base.Additionally, the new facility supports the companys 1LMX digital transformation initiative. Announced in 2022, 1LMX sees Lockheed Martin leverage digital technologies, including AI and process automation, to optimize production and supply chain operations in response to global security threats.We continue to invest in AM technology to provide value for our customers in a way that empowers our engineers to innovate and rapidly integrate new product designs and capabilities to the production floor, commented Tom Carrubba, vice president of production operations at Lockheed Martin MFC. This allows us to create affordable and modular designs that can simplify both high and low-volume production processes.Nikon SLM Solutions 3D printers at Lockheed Martins additive manufacturing facility. Photo via Lockheed Martin.Lockheed Martin expands 3D printing capabilitiesThrough 1LMX, Lockheed Martin plans to establish an integrated digital thread throughout its product lifecycle to meet stringent customer requirements. According to Hector Sandoval, a Lockheed Martin fellow, the company is implementing 3D printing in the early stages of product design as a technical risk reduction tool.Sandoval highlighted additional advantages of additive manufacturing, including improved product performance and lower development and lead times. The 3D printers at the new facility are reportedly being used to produce intricate near-finished parts with lightweight structures. This reduces post-processing operations, cutting lead times and materials waste in the process.Additive manufacturing also allows Lockheed Martin to fabricate parts that cannot be produced using conventional manufacturing techniques. One example includes a hydraulic manifold traditionally machined from a large aluminum block. The design freedom afforded by additive manufacturing allowed the firm to unlock more complex geometries. This translated to more direct and better-flowing pathways between hydraulic connections, improving performance and saving weight.Lockheed Martin fellow Brian Kaplun stated that 3D printing allows Lockheed Martin to rapidly iterate and manufacture all of our products, resulting in savings and design freedom for all of our customers. He added, AM lives in the digital world and this allows us to support our customers in a far more nimble and responsive fashion than if we were using traditional design and manufacturing methods.Lockheed Martins 3D printed manifold (right) compared to the conventionally manufactured counterpart (left). Image via Lockheed Martin.Additive manufacturing at Lockheed MartinAdditive manufacturing is nothing new at Lockheed Martin. In 2022, the missile manufacturer joined then-President Joe Bidens AM Forward program. The voluntary agreement, which includes the likes of GE Aviation, Honeywell, Raytheon and Siemens Energy, seeks to promote 3D printing adoption to secure domestic supply chains and revitalize US manufacturing.Through the agreement, Lockheed Martin committed to conducting additive manufacturing research, advancing 3D printing development standards, and supporting workforce development and college programs.Building on the Forward AM initiative, Lockheed Martin and 3D printing service provider Sintavia partnered to expand research into metal additive manufacturing. The collaboration explored technology opportunities and identified where 3D printing offers value as an alternative to castings and forgings to enhance supply chain resilience.Earlier this year, Lockheed Martin announced it is 3D printing key components for its new Mako hypersonic missile. Metal additive manufacturing is being used to produce the jet-fired missiles guidance section and fins, reportedly unlocking substantial time and cost savings.According to Lockheed Martin, the 3D printed components are produced 10 times faster than conventional methods and at just 1/10th of the cost. Work on Mako began in 2017. The missile is now at readiness level six plus, meaning it is ready for production. Lockheed says Mako is fast and it is ready now.Elsewhere, the company has leveraged additive manufacturing to 3D print F-35 simulator cockpits, hypersonic ramjet engines, and GMLRS components. For the latter, Lockheed leveraged a model-based engineering approach to redesign a GMLRS antenna assembly test unit with fewer parts. This reportedly enabled cost savings and reduced production times by months.Looking ahead, the firm acknowledged that it has identified significant AM opportunities for its existing production programs. It may replace conventional manufacturing with 3D printing to save costs and time, fabricate large-scale structures, consolidate parts, and further secure supply chains to gain advantages over near-peer threats.An additively produced Mako guidance section under inspection. Photo via Lockheed Martin.3D printing missiles in the USLockheed Martins additive manufacturing expansion reflects a broader trend of adoption in North America to bolster the supply of critical defense components. The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has invested significant capital in 3D printing to restock US inventories and support Ukraine and Israels ongoing war efforts. The Pentagons annual budget requests for missiles, munitions procurement, and related research and development, increased from $9 billion in 2015 to $30.6 billion in 2024.To meet this demand, Italian rocket and missile manufacturer Avio recently expanded the production of missile solid rocket motors (SRMs). The company produces 3D printed missile propulsion systems and possesses Velo3D Sapphire 3D printers. It currently fabricates between 200 and 300 rockets annually at its Colleferro facility. Expansion efforts will reportedly increase this capacity threefold in the next 4-5 years.This move follows news in July that Avio partnered with Raytheon Technologies (RTX) to build a US industrial base for critical SRMs. The Virginia-based missile submitted 1,441 3D printing-related international patent family (IFP) applications between 2001 and 2020, second only to General Electric (GE).Elsewhere, it was announced in September 2024 that rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major will receive $12.5 million from the US Navy and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to scale SRM production. Ursa Major will use the funding to mature the Lynx manufacturing process, which it uses to 3D print solid rocket motor components.This follows the announcement earlier this year that the company is 3D printing the Navys Mk 104 dual rocket motor, which powers the SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles. The company hopes to alleviate the DoDs procurement challenges by accelerating the production of key missile components on American soil.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Nikon SLM Solutions 3D printers at Lockheed Martins additive manufacturing facility. Photo via Lockheed Martin.0 Comments 0 Shares 48 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMAUKUS to Develop Battle-winning Hypersonic Weapons in New ArrangementThe UK, Australian and US governments have agreed to accelerate hypersonic technology under the new AUKUS Hypersonic Flight Test and Experimentation (HyFliTE) Project Arrangement.The trilateral partnership is pursuing a new level of collaboration to facilitate faster development, testing and evaluation of hypersonic vehicles and technologies. These could include long-range, strike missiles capable of being launched from land, sea, or air.According to the UK Ministry of Defence, this work seeks to accelerate the partners battle-winning capabilities, bolster security and defend against evolving international threats. Existing research, including test flights of hypersonic defense vehicles, will be incorporated into the arrangement. This will reportedly allow AUKUS to develop at a pace that no one nation could do alone.While it has not been confirmed whether additive manufacturing will play a role, the UK and US actively leverage 3D printing to bolster their defense capabilities. BAE Systems is 3D printing key components of the UKs Tempest next-generation fighter jet. Elsewhere, the US Department of Defense has funded the development of 3D printed solid rocket motors and hypersonic ramjet engines.This landmark arrangement with our US and Australian partners demonstrates the commitment of AUKUS partners to staying at the forefront of battle-winning defence technology, commented UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP. By combining our expertise and resources with those of our closest allies, we are accelerating the development of crucial hypersonic capabilities.Healey added that advancing hypersonic technology is vital to giving the UK the edge over adversaries on the battlefield while maintaining peace and stability in an increasingly complex and dangerous world.John Healey MP. Photo via Lauren Hurley/No. 10 Downing Street.AUKUS accelerates hypersonic technologyThe UK expects HyFliTE to generate valuable procurement opportunities for UK suppliers, create high-skilled jobs and support economic growth. The arrangement will also unlock deeper collaboration across the three countries industrial bases, creating stronger supply chains by removing barriers in acquisition systems.AUKUS has announced that it will conduct up to six flight test campaigns by 2028 under the new arrangement, which has a total funding pool of US$252 million. These are expected to provide robust experimentation to accelerate the development of hypersonic concepts and critical technologies.The agreement will allow the UK, US and Australia to capitalize on their collective resources, testing facilities, and technical expertise. It follows the announcement earlier this year that the UK had launched its Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF).Headed by the MODs Team Hypersonics (UK), this initiative features over 90 organizations, ranging from universities to global weapons manufacturers. The suppliers, which span the AUKUS nations and European allies, can bid for up to 1 billion worth of projects. These seek to accelerate the development of the UKs first advanced hypersonic missiles, set to be built by 2030. The HTCDF was used to source industry support for the new AUKUS arrangement.Nearly half of the HTCDF partners are small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), most of which are UK-based. This enables the MOD to exploit UK talent, support local industries, and build a strong domestic supply chain. Several leading suppliers have experience using 3D printing for defense and aerospace applications, including BAE Systems, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Skyrora. Therefore, additive manufacturing could be key in developing the UKs new hypersonic technologies.Digital render of a hypersonic missile. Image via the Ministry of Defence.3D printing hypersonic weaponsThe US has been particularly active in developing 3D printed hypersonic technologies. In May 2024, the DoD awarded aerospace firm Aerojet Rocketdyne a $22 million contract to produce a 3D printed hypersonic propulsion system prototype. The L3Harris Technologies subsidiary is using the funds to develop the prototype for the DoDs Growing Additive Manufacturing Maturity for Airbreathing Hypersonics (GAMMA-H) challenge.The GAMMA-H initiative has a $106.7 million budget and forms part of the Pentagons efforts to identify and develop new production methods for hypersonic weapons. It seeks to establish additive manufacturing processes that meet modern hypersonic airbreathing systems performance and environmental requirements.Another company awarded a GAMMA-H contract is additive manufacturing service provider Sintavia. This agreement, signed in June 2024, will see the firm validate the quality and operational processes needed to design and 3D print hypersonic propulsion components.Last year, the DoD collaborated with Lockheed Martin, metal 3D printer manufacturer Velo3D and aerospace part inspection company Vibrant to assess 3D printed hypersonic ramjet engines. The team manufactured and tested critical components to determine whether additive manufacturing can efficiently and reliably produce certified mission-ready propulsion systems.Elsewhere, Lockheed Martin recently announced that it is 3D printing key components of its new Mako hypersonic missile. Metal additive manufactring is being used to produce the jet-fired missiles guidance section and fins, unlocking substantial time and cost savings. According to Lockheed, the 3D printed guidance section is produced ten times faster and at 1/10th the cost of conventional manufacturing techniques.A report from The Telegraph indicated that the new hypersonic missiles could be produced in the UK, marking a significant departure from the companys usual US-centered approach. It has been suggested that the AUKUS alliance would enable this technology-sharing initiative.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a digital render of a hypersonic missile. Image via the UK Ministry of Defence.0 Comments 0 Shares 46 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printing Industry Awards 2024: CHITUBOX Dental, Medical, Dental, or Healthcare Application of the YearXinfu Xie, Co-founder, and Chief Product Officer at Chitubox, provides more detail on dental 3D printing workflows with CHITUBOX Dental, a cutting-edge pre-processing software tailored specifically for the dental industry. Supporting over 160 models of light-curing 3D printers, the software streamlines complex processes with one-click automation for common dental applications, significantly enhancing efficiency and precision. Designed to address critical challenges in cost, accessibility, and accuracy, CHITUBOX Dental enables clinics and factories to produce high-quality dental models using consumer-grade printers, reducing expenses while improving patient outcomes. Backed by years of expertise in light-curing technology and collaborations with dental professionals, Xie and his team are driving a new era of efficiency and precision in digital dentistry.Chitubox Dental. Image via ChituboxVote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.3DPI: Can you describe your application?Xie Xinfu: CHITUBOX Dental is a light-curing 3D printing pre-processing and workflow software designed specifically for the dental industry. We collaborate with printer manufacturers and currently support pre-processing for over 160 models of light-curing printers. The standout feature is the ability to achieve one-click automatic pre-processing in the most common dental application scenarios, which greatly improves work efficiency and reduces the difficulty of getting started.Whether its a factory or a clinic, users of CHITUBOX Dental will experience unprecedented convenience and efficiency.3DPI: How does your application address a specific unmet need in the medical, dental, or healthcare field, and what impact do you see it having on patient care or treatment outcomes?Xie Xinfu: This can be discussed in three aspects: effectiveness, efficiency, and economy. Firstly, in terms of effectiveness, this is the most fundamental point. From the software level, we need to provide enough tools to allow users to optimize printing precision. After all, the biggest impact on precision is from the printer and materials. Secondly, efficiency is key since users in the dental industry often have limited knowledge of 3D printing. The ability to quickly produce models is crucial. We have deeply optimized the software for ease of use, fault tolerance, and performance. Lastly, economy is a factor. Traditional dental-specific printers are relatively expensive. CHITUBOX Dental, through specific optimizations for the dental industry, allows users to achieve the same results with traditional consumer-grade printers as with professional machines, significantly reducing costs for clinics and factories.Additionally, the software includes a hollowing feature to reduce material usage per model. Increased printing precision can reduce or even eliminate the need for secondary adjustments after a patient wears a dental crown, improving the patients treatment experience. Efficiency and economy will ultimately benefit each patient by reducing their time and financial costs.Chitubox Dental Features. Image via Chitubox3DPI: Can you describe the most significant technical or engineering challenge you faced while developing your application and how you overcame it?Xie Xinfu: Before developing CHITUBOX Dental, we had already accumulated years of experience in the light-curing pre-processing field. Our CHITUBOX Basic and CHITUBOX Pro software have always had a high market share in the global light-curing 3D printing industry, and we have many loyal users in the dental field as well. However, we found that the dental industry has very high precision requirements. Optimizing precision is a complex issue involving materials and the performance of the printer itself. As the software acts as the link between materials and printer processes, it needs to ensure both print success and precision during the pre-processing stage. Thus, we had to delve into specific printing scenarios, abstract and extract parameters and functions that could optimize precision. In this process, we communicated and researched extensively with printer manufacturers, material suppliers, technicians, and doctors.3DPI: In what ways has your innovation streamlined or improved the efficiency of medical procedures, manufacturing, or patient recovery times?Xie Xinfu: CHITUBOX Dental targets the most commonly used printer scenarios in dentistry, extracting model features to achieve automatic orientation, hollowing, filling, hole punching, and layout operations. Moreover, the software systematically improves processing efficiency, capable of completing the processing of 16 dental models, including orientation, hollowing, filling, hole punching, layout, and slicing, in just 45 seconds. Traditional software often requires 5-10 minutes to process 16 models. For factories, this single step saves 2080 hours per year. When combined with lightweight processing, it saves 2500 kg of material annually. We believe these efficiency gains ultimately benefit every patient.3DPI: What role does collaboration with healthcare professionals or research institutions play in your development process, and how have these partnerships influenced your innovation?Xie Xinfu: Through communication with professional dental practitioners, we gained a deeper understanding of the real pain points that need to be addressed in the 3D printing process. By exchanging ideas with them, we were able to develop better solutions for many issues. Of course, there are still several pain points in this process, and we will continue to communicate and gradually solve each one.3DPI: Can you discuss any case studies or patient outcomes that highlight the real-world benefits of your technology?Xie Xinfu: Some of our partner printer manufacturers have embedded material process packages into our software for end use by doctors. The doctors were able to complete the pre-processing of the models with just a few mouse clicks and achieved good results. Such cases are common in our daily communications with users.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 63 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printing Industry Awards 2024: 3D Systems, Medical, Dental, or Healthcare Application of the YearAhead of this years 3DPI Awards, Stijn Hanssen Director of Application Development for Dental at 3D Systems, told us more about developing the industrys first monolithic jetted denture solution, transforming how dentures are fabricated and delivered. This innovation combines multiple materials in a single print, mimicking the properties of natural teeth and gums to create durable, aesthetically superior, and comfortable prosthetics. Leveraging 3D Systems MultiJet printing technology, comprehensive workflow solutions, and decades of expertise in dental materials, this solution streamlines production for high-volume dental labs, reducing complexity, cost, and patient wait times. Collaborations with dental professionals have been integral to refining this technology, resulting in a product that enhances patient outcomes with precise fits, shorter workflows, and exceptional long-term comfort.3D Systems Dental Director of Application Development, Stijn Hanssen, at LMT Lab Day 2024. Photo via 3D Systems.Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.3DPI: Can you describe your application?Stijn Hanssen: 3D Systems jetted denture solution is a first-to-market solution for monolithic dentures that utilizes multiple materials to deliver a durable, long-wear, aesthetically beautiful prosthetic to the patient.3DPI: How does your application address a specific unmet need in the medical, dental, or healthcare field, and what impact do you see it having on patient care or treatment outcomes?Stijn Hanssen: When these materials are used as part of 3D Systems complete workflow solution comprising materials, MultiJet printing technology, software, and services, high-volume dental laboratories can efficiently deliver a multi-material one-piece denture with properties that mimic teeth and gums in a single print.3D Systems showcased its new monolithic denture product line LMT Lab Day 2024. Photo via 3D Systems.3DPI: Can you describe the most significant technical or engineering challenge you faced while developing your application and how you overcame it?Stijn Hanssen: This product required the development of a full solution comprising materials, hardware and software. Additionally, it required enabling multiple materials with different properties to be 3D-printed simultaneously. To develop such a solution to produce a medical device for long-term use by a patient is a huge challenge. Throughout the entire process, it was important for our team to remain focused on the final application and outcome. As a result, making design and research decisions with the application in mind was of paramount importance to reach our final goal.3DPI: In what ways has your innovation streamlined or improved the efficiency of medical procedures, manufacturing, or patient recovery times?Stijn Hanssen: Our multi-material, monolithic jetted denture solution reduces complexity and cost for single-print denture fabrication, providing fast delivery times and shorter workflows. This allows users to create more precise designs, leading to better fit and function for their patients, as well as enabling fast and easy replacement prints if the patient loses or damages their dentures.3DPI: What role does collaboration with healthcare professionals or research institutions play in your development process, and how have these partnerships influenced your innovation?Stijn Hanssen: After producing our first proof-of-concept, it was most critical to discuss this with dental professionals to get their feedback and input on the requirement. As a company, we have many decades of experience in making dental materials and almost 10 years in 3D printing of these materials. We learned that developing good user requirements is key to developing a successful product. Therefore, its imperative that we consult many dental professionals throughout the process and consolidate their feedback on different iterations to develop a comprehensive set of requirements.3DPI: Can you discuss any case studies or patient outcomes that highlight the real-world benefits of your technology?Stijn Hanssen: We have multiple patients using the jetted dentures for more than six months and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. What we hear most from patients is the comfort and fit of these dentures is an improvement over their previous dentures. The digital workflow can have many advantages and using this highly accurate and reliable production process provides this best-in-class quality denture.Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.Featured image shows 3D Systems jetted, monolithic dentures utilizes multiple materials to deliver a durable, long-wear, aesthetically beautiful prosthetic to the patient. Photo via 3D Systems.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 58 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3DPI Awards 2024: Frontier Bios Lab Grown Lung TissueEric Bennett, CEO of Frontier Bio, told us more about 3D printing in regenerative medicine and the development of lab-grown human tissues, aiming to ultimately eliminate the organ transplant waitlist. Frontier Bios groundbreaking applications, such as their brain on a chip technology, provide humane and highly relevant alternatives to animal studies in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, with future potential for drug discovery in conditions like Alzheimers and Dementia.Their advances in vascular tissue engineering promise biologically derived grafts that outperform synthetic alternatives, improving outcomes in cardiac and peripheral artery procedures. By integrating 3D bioprinting and cellular self-assembly, Frontier Bio has overcome significant challenges in replicating complex structures like alveoli. Frontier Bios Lab Grown Lung Tissue is nominated for the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards, Medical, Dental, or Healthcare Application of the year.3D printed bioreactor containing a cell-seeded scaffold that evolves into a blood vessel, used as a model to evaluate the effects of medical devices on human vessels. Photo by Frontier Bio.3DPI: Can you describe your application?Eric Bennett: Frontier Bio develops lab-grown human tissues aiming to ultimately replace damaged organs and eliminate the organ transplant waitlist. In the near term, we offer our tissues and engineering services to research entities seeking alternatives to animal studies. Our brain on a chip technology, for instance, replaces animal models in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, providing more relevant human data and offering significant ethical advantages. This technology has potential future applications in disease modeling and drug discovery for conditions like Alzheimers and Dementia.Frontier Bios brain-on-a-chip replicates the blood-brain barrier (BBB), crucial in studying neurological disease and conditions. Photo by Frontier Bio.3DPI: How does your application address a specific unmet need in the medical, dental, or healthcare field, and what impact do you see it having on patient care or treatment outcomes?Eric Bennett: Our innovations address critical gaps in medical research and treatment, particularly through our developments in vascular applications. We envision our living grafts to be used for cardiac bypass, peripheral artery disease, and other application areas. Our engineered blood vessels aim to reduce the reliance on less durable synthetic grafts, potentially improving patient outcomes with more natural, functional alternatives. Similarly, our lung and brain models provide platforms for more effective drug testing and disease study, accelerating the development of treatments with direct relevance to human health. In the longer term, we envision creating full-size lungs for patients that need a lung transplant.3DPI: Can you describe the most significant technical or engineering challenge you faced while developing your application and how you overcame it?Eric Bennett: One of the most significant challenges was the creation of alveoli structures, which are intricate and difficult to replicate with conventional techniques. We tackled this by integrating 3D bioprinting with cellular self-assembly, guiding stem cells to form complex structures naturally. This approach, which some would refer to as a form of 4D printing, has allowed us to overcome limitations in current printing technologies and achieve breakthroughs in tissue engineering. But its not just about creating the shape and positioning cells. Weve successfully engineered our human lung models to produce natural substances, such as surfactant and mucus.Progression from 3D bioprinted stem cells (left image) to autonomously maturing and branching into alveolar air sacs (middle and right images), showcasing the capabilities of 4D bioprinting. Photo by Frontier Bio.3DPI: In what ways has your innovation streamlined or improved the efficiency of medical procedures, manufacturing, or patient recovery times?Eric Bennett: We have developed a new manufacturing technique for blood vessels that could significantly enhance patient recovery times and long-term treatment outcomes. Traditional synthetic grafts often have high failure rates; our biologically derived vessels promise better integration and functionality, potentially transforming the prognosis for patients requiring vascular interventions.3DPI: What role does collaboration with healthcare professionals or research institutions play in your development process, and how have these partnerships influenced your innovation?Eric Bennett: Collaboration is crucial for our growth and innovation. From the outset, Frontier Bio has engaged with leading institutions like Mayo Clinic, who have been both a customer and a collaborator, supported by the National Science Foundations SBIR program. These collaborations enrich our development, ensuring our solutions are attuned to real-world medical needs and can swiftly transition from concept to clinical application.3DPI: Can you discuss any case studies or patient outcomes that highlight the real-world benefits of your technology?Eric Bennett: While our technologies have yet to be used in human patients, one case study in neural tissue modeling for TBI research underscores the potential near-term applications. Traditional TBI studies often rely on animal models, raising ethical concerns and questions about applicability to human biology. Our human cell-based models provide a more relevant and humane alternative, paving the way for more effective treatments and therapies.3DPI: Is there anything else you would like to add?Eric Bennett: We are immensely grateful for the support from our investors, collaborators, and community, who help propel our mission forward. We look forward to a future where our technologies minimize the need for animal studies and make the organ transplant waitlist obsolete, enhancing patient care and medical research globally.The Flux-1 by Frontier Bio is a custom-designed precision 3D bioprinter, pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine. Photo by Frontier Bio.Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.Featured image shows 3D printed bioreactor containing a cell-seeded scaffold that evolves into a blood vessel, used as a model to evaluate the effects of medical devices on human vessels. Photo by Frontier Bio.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.0 Comments 0 Shares 46 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMNew QIH 200 URC Hot Isostatic Press by Quintus TechnologiesHigh-pressure technology specialist Quintus Technologies has introduced the QIH 200 URC, a new Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) at Formnext 2024.This system is designed to enhance production workflows by consolidating multiple heat treatment processes into a single system.Offering enhanced productivity, it focuses on improving the ductility and fatigue resistance of high-performance materials, including components produced through 3D printing. Industries such as aerospace, medical, and energy stand to benefit significantly from this innovation, particularly in the densification of AM parts, says the company.As the industry leader in advanced Hot Isostatic Pressing technology for over 70 years, we have noted exceptional interest in new manufacturing approaches that improve quality, lower operational cost, and significantly reduce both lead times and environmental impact, says Johan Hjrne, who was recently appointed CEO of Quintus Technologies.He noted that the QIH 200 URC press reflects Quintus Technologies focus on materials science and materials processing research, aligning with their commitment to supporting customers goals for innovation, productivity, and sustainability.The new QIH 200 URC. Image via Quintus Technologies.Streamlined heat treatment for AMWidely regarded as a crucial technique for parts manufacturers, HIP has been instrumental in refining the properties of materials made using casting, powder metallurgy (PM), and additive methods. Until now, post-HIP heat treatment steps often required outsourcing, leading to delays and increased expenses.Quintus seeks to address these inefficiencies with its proprietary High Pressure Heat Treatment (HPHT) process. In the past, companies have relied on Quintus HIP systems for post-processing. Back in 2020, the company supplied its QIH 60 M URC to Italian post-processing company PRES-X.Focused on optimizing AM production lines, PRES-X serves clients in the aerospace and automotive sectors. This fan-driven HIP is equipped with a hot zone measuring 16.14 x 39.37 inches (410 x 1,000 mm) and operates at temperatures up to 1,400C. It can achieve a maximum pressure of 207 MPa and supports a workload weight capacity of 600 kg.A year before that, German 3D printing service provider FIT Additive Manufacturing Group (FIT AG) incorporated a HIP system from Quintus Technologies. This system is utilized to ensure that post-processed metal 3D printed parts meet stringent quality assurance standards.Carl Fruth, CEO of FIT AG, noted that the company spent five years analyzing the quality requirements of 250 international industrial clients, ultimately identifying HIP as a solution to numerous quality challenges. He highlighted that combining AM with HPHT yields impressive results and expressed confidence in the significant benefits this partnership would provide to their customers.These real-world applications of Quintuss HIP systems underline the demand for advanced post-processing solutions, a need the QIH 200 URC addresses with its advanced capabilities.The Quintus Hot Isostatic Press. Image via Quintus Technologies.Inside the novel Quintus QIH 200 URC HIP systemThe new QIH 200 URC streamlines operations, reduces energy usage, and minimizes production bottlenecks while ensuring superior product quality. Explained by Quintus, the system achieves this by combining stress-relief, HIP, high-temperature solution-annealing, high-pressure gas quenching, and ageing or precipitation hardening into a single furnace cycle.A key feature of the QIH 200 URC is the Uniform Rapid Cooling (URC) which ensures precise and repeatable performance for a variety of heating, densification, and cooling parameters. Digital connectivity and advanced control systems allow manufacturers to customize processes with unmatched precision, further expanding its versatility.With a hot zone measuring 34.6 inches (880 mm) in diameter and 84.6 inches (2.15 m) in height, the press offers an operating pressure of up to 207 MPa (30,000 psi) and temperatures as high as 2,552F (1,400C). These specifications enable maximum theoretical density, improving the mechanical properties of components across various manufacturing methods.Parts produced through electron beam melting (EBM), selective laser melting (SLM), casting, and powder metallurgy all benefit from significant enhancements in ductility and fatigue resistance.Operational support is provided through the Quintus Care program, designed to maximize system reliability and performance while maintaining predictable costs. This program grants participants access to Application Centers staffed by materials science experts who assist in resolving technical challenges and optimizing parameters such as heating and cooling rates for specific material properties.As manufacturers increasingly adopt advanced heat treatment methods, Quintus aims to address these demands with its new launch by offering a streamlined and efficient solution that enhances material properties and ensures manufacturing reliability.Vote now in the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the new QIH 200 URC. Image via Quintus Technologies.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.0 Comments 0 Shares 31 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMWASPs innovative sustainable 3D printing showcase at Formnext 2024Italian 3D printing company WASP has unveiled a range of sustainable technologies at this years Formnext tradeshow.These new developments aim to address environmental concerns and enhancing efficiency in architecture, manufacturing, and design. With over a decade of research, the companys latest developments prioritize material reuse, precision, and sustainable construction methods. Key highlights included a comprehensive recycling station for plastics, a dynamic multicolor extrusion system, large-scale 3D printing solutions, and developments in construction.3D printed column using geopolymer as a material. Photo via WASP.A focus on sustainabilityWASP has consistently focused on integrating environmental responsibility during 3D printing. This year, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) researchers constructed a 100 m low-carbon building prototype using a Crane WASP 3D printer at the 3D Printed Earth Forest Campus in Barcelona.Locally sourced soil and natural materials served as feedstock for the project, which aims to address the global housing shortage and reduce construction-related CO emissions. Designed with lightweight walls that regulate temperature and allow natural ventilation, the structure advances sustainable construction practices.Earlier contributions include the TECLA eco-friendly house, designed in partnership with Mario Cucinella Architects and constructed using recyclable materials. Developed as a prototype for sustainable housing in 2021, the structure utilized natural resources like local soil, layered into a self-supporting design.Synchronized 3D printers were employed to minimize energy consumption and human intervention. Construction of the dome-shaped buildings required 200 hours, 60 cubic feet of material, and just 6 kW of energy.At this years Formnext tradeshow, WASP showcased a computational column developed with Eindhoven University using 3D printed geopolymer modules, replacing clay to reduce energy usage and shrinkage. These modules also support plant growth and wildlife habitats, emphasizing environmental compatibility.Reducing CO emissions by up to 80%, these materials maintain chemical and mechanical durability even under extreme conditions. According to the company, geopolymers can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional cement in construction.In addition, WASPs efforts in environmental restoration featured prominently in WASPs collaboration with rrreefs. Coral reef modules were printed live using WASP 40100 Production systems and Liquid Deposition Modeling (LDM) technology, showcasing a commitment to marine ecosystem regeneration.Designed to support biodiversity and provide coastal protection, these modules reflect a dual focus on ecological restoration and community involvement.Coral reef 3D printing in alliance with rrreefs. Photo via WASP.New products at Formnext 2024According to the company, years of research culminated in RIGENERA, a system designed to create a circular process for reusing plastic materials. This recycling station transforms waste and defective parts into functional components through tools that enable collection, shredding, and reprinting.Collection bins, a chainsaw for breaking down large pieces, a plastic shredder producing granules, and a dehumidifier preparing materials for printing all contribute to this system. These tools integrate with an HDP Printer or Extruder mounted on a robotic arm, guided by the CEREBRO system, to deliver a complete solution for waste management.Addressing color precision in 3D printing, METAMORFOSI introduces dynamic multicolor pellet extrusion. This system offers real-time control over color positioning, hue, and quantity using an app that manages pigment dosing.By utilizing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black pigments, this approach achieves seamless blending and vibrant outputs for tailored applications. Integration with AiBuild slicing software enhances its suitability for complex designs and high-precision workflows.For large-scale printing, POWER WASP 45 HDP Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) 3D printer optimizes material usage and surface quality by employing a 45 printing angle.This unique approach minimizes support structure requirements, simplifies the production of complex geometries, and reduces issues like shrinkage and warping. Designed for applications in the marine and nautical sectors, the printer ensures reliable performance in demanding environments.WASP also launched the EXTRUDER HDP XXL, an extruder specifically developed for large-scale FGF applications. Equipped with High-Definition Pellet (HDP) technology, it enables direct printing with thermoplastic pellets and integrates seamlessly with robotic arms through the CEREBRO system.This extruder is also compatible with the RIGENERA extrusion system, allowing the use of 100% in-house recycled plastic shreds. Designed to process various plastic sizes, it incorporates a feature to remove metal impurities, making it suitable for demanding industrial tasks.With these developments, WASPs presence at Formnext 2024 showcased its focus to advancing sustainable practices and material efficiency in AM.Vote now in the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows coral reef 3D printing in alliance with rrreefs. Photo via WASP.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.0 Comments 0 Shares 52 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM[INTERVIEW] Introducing Renishaws New RenAM 500D 3D PrintersAccording to Renishaws Chris Dimery, two key barriers are limiting the adoption of additive manufacturing: high cost per part and expensive capital investments. At Formnext 2024 Dimery, Additive Manufacturing Business Manager for the EMEA region, explained how the companys new 3D printers address these critical challenges.During the Frankfurt-based trade show, the British engineering firm unveiled its RenAM 500D series, adding the 500D, 500D Flex and 500D Ultra to the RenAM portfolio of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems. These new industrial metal 3D printers incorporate two 500 W lasers into a 250 mm x 250 mm x 350 mm build volume.In a discussion with 3D Printing Industry, Dimery outlined how Renishaws new offerings balance productivity and upfront investment, addressing growing market demand for versatile and cost-effective metal 3D printers. He emphasized the value of Renishaws game-changing TEMPUS technology, which is available on the 500D Ultra model. Dimery explained how TEMPUS reduces cycle times by up to 70% by firing both lasers while the powder recoater is moving.Renishaws Formnext booth featured several real customer applications, including 3D printing use cases for the medical, automotive and energy sectors. It also showcased Team GBs track bike used in the 2024 Olympic Games, which features parts 3D printed on the companys RenAM 500Q four-laser metal 3D printer.The new RenAM 500D Ultra 3D printer from Renishaw at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.New additions to the RenAM seriesThe RenAM 500D adds to Renishaws 500 series of 3D printers which includes the single-laser 500S and quad-laser 500Q systems. The new system seeks to address the need for a more affordable metal 3D printer which retains good productivity, Dimery explained. Weve listened to the market and have tried to respond, he added. The aim is to lower barriers to adoption while maintaining competitive cost-per-part metrics, critical for industries looking to integrate additive manufacturing into production workflows.The 500D series retains the robust core features of its predecessors, such as advanced gas flow management, onboard powder recirculation options, and process monitoring tools. Another key feature is Renishaws proprietary optical module and galvanometer (Galvo). This control mechanism guarantees laser coverage of the entire build plate, meaning users dont have any limitations in terms of sections or quadrant within the build plate.Dimery expanded on how Renishaw differentiates from the competition. One key factor is the companys TEMPUS recoating technology, offered on the RenAM 500D Ultra model. The process allows the lasers to fire during recoater movements, saving up to nine seconds per build layer. This translates to three times faster production speeds compared to single laser systems.Dimery called TEMPUS a time-saving technology, and one of the Renishaws largest developments of recent years. He added that it eliminates non-productive time by maximizing the laser time of each layer in the build. Time savings are geometry-dependent. While typically cycle time savings are around 30%, certain well-matched geometries can save up to 70% with TEMPUS.According to Dimery, this increase in productivity translates to lower cost per part, promoting the adoption of Renishaws additive manufacturing technology over conventional production methods. He added that the individual part costs are competitive for a lot of industries. This adds to the RenAM 500Ds very competitive pricing for machine capacity and footprint size. Dimery explained that the new RenAM 500D Ultra offers 30% average time savings for around 15% higher investment costs.The print bed of Renishaws new RenAM 500D Ultra. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Lifting the lid on customer applicationsAt trade shows, companies often face limitations on the parts they can display due to customer confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). To address this, many produce demonstration parts which are showcased in place of the actual products.Renishaws booth, on the other hand, was brimming with real-world, customer applications. Dimery believes this serves as a testament to how successful Renishaw is. He added, Its great to see that a number of companies are willing to share with the public domain that they are partnered with Renishaw.One such partner is Mott Corporation, a filtration and flow control engineering specialist based in Farmington, Connecticut. Dimery outlined how Mott has used design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) to achieve performance benefits over parts produced with conventional production methods. Additionally, the firm recently purchased a RenAM 500S Flex 3D printer to reduce machine turnaround and setup times by over 50%.Another company present at the Renishaw booth was Bristol-based Domin, which showcased its 3D printed servo proportional hydraulic valves. The firm recently acquired a RenAM 500Q Ultra 3D printer, adding to its existing RenAM 500Q system purchased in 2023. Renishaws technology reportedly allows Domin to achieve complex geometries with internal features for automotive, aerospace and manufacturing applications.Domins 3D printed servo proportional hydraulic valves. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Domins approach combines additive manufacturing with high-speed motor control, modern electronics, big data, and connected technology. It hopes this will help reduce one gigatonne of hydraulics-related CO2 emissions by the end of the decade. Additionally, the Renishaw booth featured several 3D printed automotive components produced on the RenAM 500Q by the Basque engineering firm Madit.Dimery emphasized that Renishaws technology really comes into its own for medical and dental applications. Several patient-specific 3D printed craniomaxillofacial implants from KLS Martin were displayed at the booth, showcasing the ability to achieve production runs of components with thin walls.KLS Martins 3D printed craniomaxillofacial implants. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.The most popular application at the booth, however, was Team GBs gold medal-winning racing bike. Renishaw worked with British Cycling to 3D print over 1,000 parts for 32 Olympic track bikes using the RenAM 500Q. These components included aerodynamic cranks, dropouts, seat stay bridges, and seat posts. Notably, the cranks feature an internal lattice structure. Its weight and shape are optimized for true performance on the track. The design was also created with cost-effectiveness in mind. Being a part of that project was a really exciting opportunity for us, added Dimery. We collaborated to really push the boundaries in terms of design.Team GB 2024 Olympics track bike at the Renishaw Booth during Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Renishaw and the future of 3D printingLooking ahead, Dimery believes the future of 3D printing depends on the technologys ability to solve real-world challenges and deliver value. He highlighted two critical drivers of growth, the first being application-driven adoption. If you are producing a component that is more cost-effective using another manufacturing method, why print it? Dimery asked.Instead, the Additive Manufacturing Business Manager anticipates initial growth for applications which benefit the most from the design freedom offered by additive manufacturing. He pointed to orthopedic implants featuring internal lattices that cant be produced any other way as one such application.Another driver of growth, according to Dimery, will be the improving cost-efficiency and productivity gains of 3D printing. As the cost per part decreases due to reduced cycle times, additive manufacturing becomes more viable for a wider range of industries. Dimery believes this shift will lower barriers to adoption, allowing more companies to embrace the technology.He also emphasized the importance of education in driving market expansion. The knowledge of additive manufacturing is increasing as more people go through educational programs. This is critical for companies to feel confident in their investment decisions.Ultimately, Dimery shared a positive outlook for the 3D printing industry. He acknowledged it is difficult to predict what the future will bring. However, he believes there is one thing we can be certain of for the coming decade: The customer base is going to expect manufacturing costs to become cheaper. By reducing cycle times, boosting productivity and optimizing cost-per-part, Dimery believes Renishaw is well-positioned to address this demand.Renishaws 3D printed racing bike cranks at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the new RenAM 500D Ultra 3D printer from Renishaw at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.0 Comments 0 Shares 53 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM[INTERVIEW] Fabian Krauss on New EOS P3 NEXT 3D Printer at Formnext 2024At Formnext 2024, Munich-based 3D printer manufacturer EOS unveiled the P3 NEXT, its new industrial SLS 3D printer.Fitting the same 340 x 340 x 600mm build volume as its predecessor, the EOS P 396, into a smaller footprint, the new 3D printer features updated software, enhanced scanning algorithms, and accelerated recoated speeds. Consequently, the P3 NEXT reportedly offers a 50% productivity increase and over 90% machine availability, reducing manufacturing costs by 30%.During the Frankfurt-based trade show, I spoke with Fabian Krauss, Head of Growth Polymer Solutions at EOS, to learn more about the new system and its value for verticals like medical, aviation, and eyewear.He discussed how the P3 NEXT supports companies scaling to serial production, with some customers reaching hundreds of thousands and even million-part production runs. Its ability to enhance sustainability and slash the total cost of ownership (TCO) was also highlighted.Krauss shared his insights on key additive manufacturing trends and how EOS contends with the growing market share of low-cost, entry-level 3D printers. Additionally, EOS introduced two new SLS powder materials at Formnext, PA 2220 and ALM PA 950, which are both optimized for reusability.The new EOS P3 NEXT 3D printer at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Introducing the P3 NEXT at Formnext 2024 According to Krauss, the P3 NEXT was developed using feedback from existing customers and new companies looking to adopt additive manufacturing. According to Krauss, the company had been balancing high reliability and industry-leading quality with a less favourable TCO.The new system reportedly overcomes this by increasing productivity, increasing material efficiency, and driving down TCO. Krauss pointed to a 50% increase in productivity and an 80% material reuse rate up from 50% for the previous P3 3D printers. This is driven by accelerated heating, faster re-coating, and external cooling of parts, contributing to over 90% machine availability. The result? A 30% reduction in TCO for most applications.Krauss emphasized, We offer an option where users can access new applications, realize new business cases, and fuel growth because this industry has been stagnating a little.How does the P3 NEXT differentiate within the SLS 3D printer market? Krauss argued it is not always about offering the best surface finish, but providing the right quality at the right cost and reliability. He added that EOS products are designed to last for years, with the companys machines and processes able to provide the right quality from the very beginning.With validated 3D print modes for quick deployment and open systems for parameter tuning, users can prioritize either productivity or quality based on application needs. The P3 NEXTs open system is optimized for industrial users wanting to tweak 3D printing parameters to enhance productivity and improve part quality.EOS 3D printed surgical guides at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.EOS new sustainable 3D printing materialsKrauss showcased two new materials from the EOS and ALM brands. For the former, PA 2220 HighReuse, part of the PA 12 family, enables a 70:30 reuse ratio of old to new powder without sacrificing quality. According to Krauss, the white-colored material retains the same mechanics as the companys previous PA 12 offering while increasing isotropy and reducing TCO. This has been launched at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 with fully proven parameters.On the ALM side, PA 950 a black PA 12 material offers an 80% reusability rate. Krauss emphasized that the material unlocks zero-waste production for most print jobs. This plays straight into sustainability and lower TCO, offering customers the best cost per part.By launching it under the ALM brand, EOS has been able to introduce PA 950 to the market more quickly at TRL 3, with scope for additional certification to achieve TRL 5 in the future. Krauss also explained that additives can be mixed into this material to improve its mechanical properties. These include glass spheres, glass beads, glass fibers, carbon fibers, and flame retardant fillers.Both materials are fully validated and ready to run on EOS SLS 3D printers from launch. Its going to be interesting to see how the market adopts these materials, particularly the shift between homogeneous black, traditional white, and potential color applications, Krauss added.Eyewear frames 3D printed using EOS new PA 2220 HighReuse material. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Targeting regulated applicationsKrauss added the importance of being business case driven and application-driven. Specifically, EOS is targeting regulated markets, with aviation and medical customers set to be the biggest adopters of the new 3D printer.Compatibility with certified medical materials, including the companys PA 2201, makes the P3 NEXT especially well-suited to in-mouth applications. Krauss pointed to a customer scaling the production of 3D printed palatal expanders and sleep apnea devices. While the volume of parts can vary depending on the use case, this customer reportedly produces hundreds of thousands of in-mouth applications. Krauss highlighted another producing millions of 3D printed mascara brushes.He acknowledged that while injection molding still dominates the mass production of simple parts, EOS is complementing injection molding where it has difficulties. According to Krauss, the majority of 3D printing applications are in the thousands of parts, while prototyping remains a healthy business.However, EOS does not believe industry growth will come from prototyping, but rather production applications where additive provides value. Previously, 3D printing technology was acquired because companies didnt want to miss out on the hype. Now, Krauss noted that its the ROI and business case driving the growth, with some applications accounting for 5% of the overall business. These high growth production businesses want a system with full access to differentiate, to optimize, to scale, and to achieve maximum uptime.Other key target markets include aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) where EOS flame retardant materials offer significant value for aeroplane interiors. Krauss also called drone production a super high growth market, with both commercial and defense drones gaining a lot of traction. On the consumer side, eyewear was identified as a leading market, where EOS meets requirements for surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and sharp contours.Drone components 3D printed using EOS new ALM PA 950 Black material. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.EOS addresses market competition The 3D printing industry has seen the emergence of low-cost, entry-level FDM 3D printers that offer functions and capabilities suitable for certain purposes where advanced materials are not required. Driven by Chinese companies like Bambu Lab and Creality, these systems are cannibalizing the sales of industrial 3D printers, for particular applications. Market intelligence firm CONTEXT reported that entry-level 3D printer sales increased 65% YoY in Q2 2024. Bambu Lab experienced sales growth of 336% during the quarter. Conversely, shipments of industrial shipments fell by 25% YoY in Q2.Despite these figures, Krauss stressed that the growth of entry-level 3D printers is helping to increase the adoption of EOS industrial SLS systems. He explained that the time when we are competing against the likes of Bambu Labs is minimal, as most EOS applications cannot be served on affordable desktop 3D printers.While SLS 3D printers are beyond the reach of the market Bambu Lab has found the most success in, there have been a number of attempts to bring the powder based 3D printing process to a broader group. One notable example is the Formlabs Fuse 1 3D printer.Rather than viewing these systems as competition, EOS sees emergent low-cost 3D printers as critical to fostering innovation. Krauss explained that entry-level machines help companies adopt 3D printing by encouraging experimentation and design for additive manufacturing.We dont equip our sales teams to fight against these lower-entry systems. Instead, we try to build a bridge and reach out a hand, added Krauss. This strategy involves guiding users from hobbyist systems to industrial-grade solutions as their applications scale.When operating in the industrial space, application engineers and access to global experts are invaluable for users. Krauss has also observed a growing trend of companies beginning their additive manufacturing journey with powder bed polymer 3D printers. This facilitates a smoother transition to industrial production on EOS SLS systems. Its fantastic to see academia, labs, and smaller companies starting with powder-based systems, as the transition to scale is far simpler compared to FDM or SLA, Krauss explained.The Bambu Lab booth at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Looking ahead, Krauss believes the 3D printing industry will continue to evolve from prototyping toward scaled manufacturing. While rapid prototyping will remain valuable, its share of the additive manufacturing market is shrinking. Weve gone from 90% prototyping to 3D printing mainly used for production applications. He predicts that in 10 years, prototyping will become a niche market, and scaled, TCO-driven manufacturing will dominate.EOS is positioning itself for this future, aligning its portfolio and organization to meet the demands of high-volume manufacturing. EOS is setting up its portfolio to help scale customers with fleets of factory modules and running tens or hundreds of tons of material, Krauss added. In 10 years, our bet is that this shift will have paid off.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the new EOS P3 NEXT 3D printer at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.0 Comments 0 Shares 81 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMNASA on AM enabled Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine: 3D Printing Industry Awards 2024Thomas Teasley, a liquid propulsion engineer at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), explains how additive manufacturing is a key component in developing the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE), a transformative propulsion system that leverages detonative combustion.The Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine generates thrust through continuous, spinning detonation waves within a circular combustion chamber. Compared to traditional subsonic combustion engines, it achieves higher efficiency and specific impulse or how effectively a rocket uses its propellant.This engine may enable more efficient and reusable propulsion systems for future missions. This innovation relies on additive manufacturing (AM) laser powder bed fusion and specialized NASA alloys, such as GRCop-42 for thermal conductivity and GRX-810 for extreme temperature resilience. These materials and techniques facilitate the creation of complex integrated structures, including coolant channels and injector orifices, that are impossible to machine traditionally. Rigorous testing of temperature, pressure, and vibratory responses ensures reliability under the severe conditions of spaceflight.The NASA MSFC Rotating Detonating Rocket Engine together with Venus Aerospace and REM Surface Engineering is nominated for the 2024 Aerospace, Space or Defence Application of the year. Review the 3D Printing Industry Awards and vote now.3DPI: Can you describe your application and how it differs from existing approaches in the market?Thomas Teasley: The Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine uses detonative combustion instead of slow or subsonic combustion like traditional rockets to achieve superior combustion and specific impulse efficiencies. The improvement in efficiency is so dramatic that the combustion environment is nearly impossible to contain and keep hardware cool. This is where additive manufacturing and specialized NASA alloys like GRCop-42 and GRX-810 have enabled the RDRE to become a reality. Ultimately, propulsion systems for space exploration must become more efficient and reusable which AM, specialized alloys, and the RDRE itself allow for.3DPI: What specific problem does your application solve, and what makes it a groundbreaking solution in the 3D printing space?Thomas Teasley: The RDRE requires complex integrated structures such as coolant channels, flow paths, and injector orifices that just cannot be traditionally machined with typical alloys. Propulsion systems are always improving in performance and the combustion environment is only becoming more extreme. This engine technology requires the use of AM and specialized alloys to become a reality and enables a broader trade space of future human crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.3DPI: Can you elaborate on the specific additive manufacturing techniques and materials you employed in your project and why they were chosen over traditional manufacturing methods?Thomas Teasley: Laser powder bed fusion is the primary AM technique along with a copper alloy known as GRCop-42 and Nickel alloy known as GRX-810. GRCop-42 is a high conductivity alloy that is used for the primary hot wall of the thrust chamber and can rapidly transfer heat away from the wall to meet a minimum temperature requirement and prevent melting. GRX-810 is an extreme environment super alloy that allows for high strength at high temperature.3DPI: What measures have you implemented to ensure the reliability, consistency, and quality control of your AM components, especially given the rigorous demands of aerospace, space, or defense applications?Thomas Teasley: We have made numerous temperature and pressure measurements in critical manifold interfaces in addition to thrust and dynamic vibratory responses of the engine system. Each of these measurements allow us to confirm the severity of the combustion environment and prove how enabling AM and these specialized alloys have been.NASA Subscale 1,000 lbf class RDRE. Methane/Oxygen. World record-holding test at 750 psi for an RDRE. Photo via NASA.3DPI: How does your innovation address the industrys current pain points, such as supply chain vulnerabilities, production lead times, or material performance limitations?Thomas Teasley: The RDRE requires the use of GRCop-42 and GRX-810 which opens up the existing supply chain to improving the availability of these alloys. This is particularly the case when dozens of industry partners are expressing interest in the technology and investing in these alloys for use with their specific engine applications.3DPI: What role does collaboration play in your work, whether with research institutions, government agencies, or industry partners, and how have these collaborations contributed to your success?Thomas Teasley: Direct collaboration with industry, government, and academia is what enables the development and widespread use of the RDRE propulsion technology. Without partnerships, its maturation would not be possible.3DPI: Is there anything else you would like to add?Thomas Teasley: The RDRE has been stated to be the next step in space exploration propulsion technology by multiple industry and government partners. Its performance benefits are real and substantial and will very likely be flying on a space vehicle in the next 5 to 10 years given its current rate of development.NASA Full Scale 5000 lbf class lander RDRE. Kerosene/Oxygen. Photo via NASA.What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights. Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows NASA Full Scale 10,000 lbf class lander RDRE. Methane/Oxygen. Photo via NASA.0 Comments 0 Shares 83 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMImproved Windform Composites with CRPs latest vapor smoothing processItaly-based 3D printing company CRP Technology has introduced vapor smoothing into its production processes, delivering enhanced surface quality and mechanical properties of 3D printed parts created using Windform composites.This post-processing solution seals micro-porosities in Windform composites, enhancing both surface resilience and quality to meet the stringent standards of industries such as aerospace, automotive, and motorsport.As per CRP Technology, Vapor smoothing offers a surface finish comparable to plastic injection molding, delivering flexibility in its application. It can be applied directly to Windform parts or paired with manual finishing techniques to achieve a flawless surface.Combining the two often eliminates the need for painting, reducing both costs and weight while preserving exceptional aesthetic and functional quality. As a stand-alone service, vapor smoothing is also available for existing Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) parts, with notable enhancements for black-colored components.We integrated this service to elevate the parts we produce in Windform while preserving the mechanical excellence for which these materials are known, says Franco Cevolini, CEO and CTO of CRP Technology. For applications requiring aesthetics, durability, and weight efficiency, vapor smoothing provides a distinct advantage on parts that are already world-class, thanks to Windform. In contrast, some 3D printing service providers use vapor smoothing simply to make lower-grade parts more acceptable.Enhanced parts with CRPs vapor smoothing. Image via CRP Technology.Elevating Windform applications with vapor smoothingVapor smoothing is particularly useful for industries that demand high-performance components with both functional and aesthetic excellence, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical applications.CRP Technologys expanded post-processing services now offer clients an end-to-end manufacturing solution. The process begins with additive manufacturing and progresses through optional CNC machining for high-precision detailing before rigorous quality checks ensure consistent reliability. This comprehensive approach reinforces CRP Technologys ability to deliver parts that meet stringent form and function requirements.Applications in motorsport benefit from reduced surface roughness, which improves aerodynamics by optimizing airflow and boosting performance. For aerospace, the process ensures precision and durability in components exposed to extreme operating conditions, aligning with the mission-critical demands of the sector.These developments demonstrate the versatility of vapor smoothing in addressing the unique requirements of industries that rely on high-performing, lightweight materials.Post-processed 3D printed part. Image via CRP Technology.Innovative post-processing solutionsCRP Technology isnt the only one possessing post-processing solutions in its portfolio. In a recent news, DyeMansion reported its Powerfuse S vapor smoothing technology is gaining traction across the 3D printing industry as service bureaus like Forecast 3D, FKM, Hasenauer & Hesser, and RapidCenter adopt its eco-friendly capabilities.By replacing PFAS-based solvents with sustainable alternatives, Powerfuse S reduces emissions, safety infrastructure needs, and regulatory burdens, while ensuring consistent quality for intricate geometries.Its closed-loop system curbs environmental impact and meets FDA and EU food safety standards, enabling access to regulated markets. As more companies join DyeMansions Production Partner network, the shift toward greener solutions highlights the industrys growing commitment to sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices.Last year, Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) launched the PostPro SFX, a compact desktop chemical vapor smoothing machine designed for a wide range of 3D printing users, from desktop to industrial-grade systems. With an 11-liter chamber, it supports materials like Nylons, with plans to expand to TPUs and TPEs.Utilizing patent-pending PostPro Pure solvent in disposable cartridges, it emphasizes sustainability and user convenience. Unveiled at Formnext 2023, the PostPro SFX integrates automation through Saint-Gobains recipe software, offering a streamlined, eco-friendly post-processing solution.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows enhanced surface finish with CRPs vapor smoothing. Image via CRP Technology.0 Comments 0 Shares 79 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COM3D Printing Industry Consolidation at Formnext 2024? New Insights From the Show FloorConsolidation is a prominent buzzword in the 3D printing industry, a rhetoric Nano Dimensions acquisition activity has driven over the past year through deals for Desktop Metal (DM) and Markforged.While the latter retained its own booth for Formnext 2024, DM technology was showcased alongside Nano Dimensions products. The companys InnoventX binder jetting system featured prominently at the center of Nanos Formnext booth. Nir Sade, Nano Dimensions Sr. Vice President of additive manufacturing, told me that the Israeli electronics 3D printer manufacturer is starting consolidation now by integrating new companies into its portfolio.However, calculations show that the collective market share of the four largest 3D printing companies is under 20% of the total industry valuation. This places 3D printing in the emergent consolidation phase, the first stage of the consolidation curve. In stage one, many companies operate in an industry with low barriers to entry and high levels of innovation. This precedes the latter stages of rapid growth, market maturity, and significant consolidation where a few players dominate the industry.It is worth noting that when the industry is divided into smaller segments, such as hobbyist, mid-level, and industrial markets, the big companies will possess a larger market share. This is because the total size of each segment (the denominator) is smaller. However, this is not the case when considering the market as a whole.The Desktop Metal InnoventX in the Nano Dimension booth at Formnext 2024.Indeed, 864 companies exhibited at Formnext 2024, up from 859 in 2023, a figure that has risen steadily since the first incarnation of Formnext in 2015. This suggests that the number of additive manufacturing players is expanding, and the industry still has some way to go before it is consolidated. Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, believes additive manufacturing is not at the beginning, but definitely not at the end of the consolidation curve.Looking at another metric, trade show attendance by exhibitors and visitors, can be another way to understand the industry. Encouragingly, by these measures, the industry continues on an upward trajectory, albeit perhaps not at the same rate of pre-pandemic growth.YearExhibitorsVisitorsExhibition Space202486434,40454,000 m202385932,85154,000 m202280229,58151,148 m202160617,85930,000 m201985234,53253,039 m201863226,91936,000 m201747021,49227,000 m201630713,38418,702 m20152328,98214,028 mNumber of Formnext exhibitors, visitors, and floor space size since the first show in 2015 (excluding 2020 when the in-person show was cancelled due to COVID-19).The Formnext 2024 show floor. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Is consolidation good for additive manufacturing?The word from the major players on the show floor is that the industry needs to consolidate to scale 3D printing further, promote adoption, and accelerate technology innovations. Fabian Krauss, Head of Growth Polymer Solutions at EOS, pointed to the large number of new entrants that have flooded the market over recent years, creating over capacity. Therefore, he believes consolidation is needed to scale applications and encourage adoption.From a technology provider perspective, theres just too many players, added Krauss, who stated that theres not enough money in the pond to be shared. As such, he envisions a future where the top five providers, all working in an ecosystem with complementing providers, is enough.Zarringhalam called consolidation a good word for industry development. He drew comparisons with the semiconductor sector, which initially had many equipment companies and production houses. As the technology became more ubiquitous, more complex developments were needed to solve problems and scale output to meet production demand.You cannot have lots and lots of different people trying to do this, stated Zarringhalam. He argued that a smaller number of strong, resilient players with pedigree, intent, technology, and the background in scaling will be key to driving industry adoption further.Nikon SLM Solutions 3D printed rocket thrust chamber at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Following significant consolidation, the semiconductor industry is left with a handful of key players divided between chip designers and manufacturers (or foundries). US companies Intel and NVIDIA dominate the designer space, while TSMC in Taiwan is the primary manufacturer. Additionally, Netherlands-based ASML is the only company in the world which makes extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) lithography machines capable of manufacturing the most intricate microchips.This level of consolidation has posed significant procurement challenges. Supply chain and geopolitical threats increase costs and threaten global access to the devices. As such, the US has invested substantial resources to re-shore and de-globalize the production of computer chips. In 2022, the Biden Administration passed the US CHIPS and Science Act, which invested $280 billion to bolster the production of American-made semiconductors.Most recently, Intel was awarded a $7.865 billion grant through the Act. The new capital will support the companys advanced packaging projects across its Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon facilities. These pertinent supply chain challenges starkly warn the additive manufacturing industry regarding the potential risks and financial implications of consolidation and monopolization.Despite these risks, Sade believes acquiring new companies enables Nano Dimension to offer customers a varied and full portfolio of solutions. According to Sade, this allows the firm to be much more efficient by addressing more customer needs with its broad technology capabilities. It will enable us to accelerate development and provide better solutions to the customers, he added.Rich Garrity, Stratasys Chief Industrial Business Officer, also called consolidation a good thing. He believes the large OEMs that will drive the adoption of additive want to work with companies capable of covering many of their needs. Today, customers have a hard time navigating all the different headlines and offerings, which makes it very difficult, he added. Consolidation is needed to provide the breadth that these OEMs need as they try to adopt additive throughout their organization.The Stratasys booth at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.The risks of consolidationIt is important to recognize that fewer options on the market can hike product prices, dissuading new customers from adopting additive manufacturing technology. Additionally, major firms building wide-ranging product portfolios could pose challenges for smaller companies and startups.Increased competition from established players may raise the barrier of entry for new entrants, inhibiting innovation and novel application development. Smaller independent companies may struggle to secure investment or partnerships, forcing them to seek acquisition prematurely. By prioritising acquisition attractiveness over innovation, 3D printing technology advances could be stunted.Despite this, Janis Grinhofs, CEO of pellet 3D printing startup Profabb, believes there is still room for many players in the industry. He does not anticipate a scenario where a few companies will dominate the market, due to specialized application needs and growing demand for low-cost systems.At Formnext, Profabb unveiled its 24,000 GarageBot large-format pellet 3D printer, an affordable addition to the pellet-based market. Grinhofs likened the industry to a car showroom. Customers may walk in and be attracted to a high-end Lamborghini, but most walk out with an affordable and dependable Polo. I think its largely similar here, he added. While customers request compatibility with high-performance materials like PEEK, Grinhofs believes many applications can be served with PP, ABS and other commodity plastics at an affordable price point.Low-cost 3D printers are certainly growing in prominence, cannibalizing the market share of larger, industrial 3D printer manufacturers. According to Market intelligence firm CONTEXT, entry-level 3D printer sales increased 65% YoY in Q2 2024, with revenues rising 58%. Bambu Lab, which had a packed booth all week in Frankfurt, experienced sales growth of 336% in Q2. Industrial systems, on the other hand, experienced a fourth consecutive quarter of decline, with shipments down 25% YoY.The Profabb GarageBot 3D printer at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Challenges to future consolidationOutside Europe and North America, the sheer number of 3D printing companies operating out of Asia has challenged the rhetoric around industry consolidation.At Formnext 2024, 61% of exhibitors were international. The show witnessed several Chinese companies exhibiting low-cost polymer 3D printing technology. This included the likes of Bambu Lab, Creality, Elegoo, Anycubic, UnionTech, and Flashforge, as well as new companies like continuous carbon-fiber 3D printer developer CFSYS. Many of these firms seek to capitalize on the growing market share of entry-level 3D printers.Last year, Formnext South China 2023 was dominated by industrial 3D printing companies, especially in the metal 3D printing space. A third of the 275 exhibitors at the show were dedicated 3D printing enterprises, many of which offered metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, a number of those companies exhibited at this years Formnext.Notably, Farsoon showcased 3D printed tooling for vape pens/e-cigarettes, with 80% of these devices in China produced using 3D printed molds. Bright Laser Technologies was also prominent in Shenzhen, demonstrating how its technology is used to 3D print shoe molds for global sportswear giant Adidas.Looking to the future of 3D printing, market consolidation could be restricted by key factors such as new disruptive technology or regulatory changes.The latter could see dominant players lose market share if they are no longer able to comply with standards and certifications. This could slow consolidation if smaller players meet challenging requirements with new, more specialized technology. On the other hand, stricter regulations could favor larger companies able to meet costly requirements, pushing smaller players out or encouraging them to merge.If the industry progresses along the consolidation curve, and the market is characterized by monopolies and strategic alliances, there would be more opportunities for disruption from new technologies. This is due to the potential for complacency among dominant players who may overlook niches and underserved markets and the creation of rigid structures resistant to change. Therefore, as the industry matures and streamlines, disruptive technology has the potential to halt further consolidation in its tracks.The Bambu Lab booth at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.All the news from Formnext 2024.Who are the leaders in additive manufacturing? Vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What does the future of 3D printing hold?What near-term 3D printing trends have been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the entrance to Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.0 Comments 0 Shares 52 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMIs Nano Dimension buying Nexa3D?Recent developments at Nexa3D, including organizational changes and decisions regarding trade show participation, have sparked curiosity about the future of the California-based 3D printing company. Nexa3Ds CEO, Avi Reichental, recently addressed the restructuring in a conversation with 3D Printing Industry, clarifying that the company is not facing insolvency.With this in mind, its worth exploring potential paths forward for Nexa3D. To be clear, no acquisition or sale has been announced, and no evidence suggests such discussions are underway. However, for the sake of analysis, we consider a few possible scenarios: business as usual, a change of ownership, or other strategic moves.Its important to stress that the following is purely speculative. Business as usual, while plausible, doesnt leave much room for analysis in this context. On the other hand, if Nexa3D were exploring strategic alternatives, what might those look like? Could an acquisition by a company like Nano Dimension, Stratasys, or another industry leader be on the table?Again, this article is not reporting that Nexa3D is for sale or that any acquisition is taking place. Instead, it seeks to explore possibilities in light of recent industry trends and the competitive landscape.Hypothetical buyers for Nexa3D: Stratasys, Formlabs, and Nano DimensionNexa3Ds core offering, the XiP and XiP Pro 3D printers, were promoted as a step change in additive manufacturing. You can read our Nexa3D XiP review here, it certainly impressed our engineering team and a decent number of customers. Also operating in this market segment are Stratasys with the Origin 3D printer series; the most recent Origin Two was announced in September 2024. Its reasonable to think that Nexa3D will have future versions of the XiP and XiP Pro in the pipeline, perhaps with features found in 3D printers such as Uniformations GK3 Ultra 16K, Stratasys may wish to benefit from the work already done.Stratasys also has a vital asset in the 3D printing industry: its sales channel. Established companies sales channels provide a strategic moat that can be hard to traverse for new companies hoping to gain a foothold in the market. Stratasys may see the purchase of Nexa3D as a way to advance the development pathway of the Origin series, or it might see value in Nexa3D as a potential complement to its Origin series.Formlabs could be another potential buyer for Nexa3D. The Formlabs Form 4 launched in Spring 2024, the pricing and capabilities position it as a direct competitor to the Nexa3D XiP. Formlabs has impressed us with its progression from the early days of desktop 3D printing, to becoming adept with resin platforms and its venture in the SLS 3D printing segment; read our Formlabs Fuse 1 review for more information on that.As a side note, readers with long memories will recall Formlabs and Reichental, who, in his role as 3D Systems CEO, crossed paths over an IP dispute regarding the Formnext Form 1. Commencing in 2012, 3D Systems vs Formlabs would be settled in 2014, seemingly in an amicable manner, with both sides benefitting.Last but not least, there is the possibility of Nano Dimension buying Nexa3D. Already a behemoth in AM M&A with deals for Desktop Metal and Markforged in progress, Nano Dimension is building a 3D printing portfolio covering many of the key technology platforms. Perhaps Nexa3D would be a good fit here. Nano Dimension has already launched a DLP resin 3D printer, the Exa 250vx, at last weeks Formnext, alongside the Ataru 3D printing resin. While the resin has been validated on Nexa3D systems, adding XiP technology could be a way to boost market entry and gain an established installed base.Dont forget to vote now in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.Catch up on all the news from Formnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the 2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the Nexa3D booth at Formnext 2022. Photo via Nexa3D.0 Comments 0 Shares 55 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMForward AM insolvency, not the end but a new chapterThe news that insolvency proceedings for Forward AM commenced during Formnext was met with mixed emotions and questions about what this means the additive manufacturing sector.Some read the news as a sign Forward AM would leave the 3D printing industry, a scenario felt particularly harshly by customers who had built applications using the German companys 3D materials.An update from Forward AM now provides additional information about the move.We are confident that, together with our partners and investors, we can lay the groundwork for a successful future. Our focus remains on providing innovative solutions to the success of our customers and further strengthen our leading position in the field of 3D printing solutions, said CEO Martin Back.A press release from the company reads, The company remains committed to fulfilling all existing and new orders, ensuring support for its customers and partners. The court promptly appointed attorney Tobias Wahl as the preliminary insolvency administrator, who has already started working. A successful process positions Forward AM to attract new investments and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.The press release continues, Customers success remains our focus as our business continues and we are committed to fulfilling all existing and new orders to the best possible way. Important to note that Forward AMs local entities, have not filed for insolvency and will continue business as usual, focusing on manufacturing and distribution of materials. Preliminary insolvency administrator Tobias Wahl has initiated communication with employees and business partners to assess the situation and develop a plan for the future. Wahl stated, The conditions for the continuation of the company are in place. Business operations are stable, and we are committed to promptly working toward a long-term restructuring solution.What does thefuture of 3D printinghold?What near-term3D printing trendshave been highlighted by industry experts?Subscribe to the3D Printing Industry newsletterto keep up to date with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us onTwitter, like ourFacebookpage, and subscribe to the3D Printing Industry Youtubechannel to access more exclusive content.0 Comments 0 Shares 59 Views
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3DPRINTINGINDUSTRY.COMAxtra3D announces new materials, and industry alliances3D printing startup Axtra3D has made a series of announcements, including six new production-grade resins, acquisition of its Lumia X1 Hi-Speed SLA platform, and reseller deal benefitting the U.S. market,at Formnext last week.These efforts highlight Axtra3Ds approach to meeting the evolving needs of industries such as automotive and healthcare, emphasizing precision and functionality.Providing more insights, Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer at Axtra3D, spoke with 3D Printing Industry ahead of the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards to discuss the companys AM portfolio.He noted that Axtra3Ds Lumia X1 is reshaping additive manufacturing through its Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) and TruLayer technologies, combining Digital Light Processing (DLP)s speed with Stereolithography (SLA)s precision.According to Kulkarni, this advanced system delivers high throughput and detailed accuracy while supporting diverse applications, from biocompatible silicone materials for healthcare to consumer electronics.By ensuring precise layer curing and eliminating peeling-related inconsistencies, the Lumia X1 offers reliability and scalability for mass production. Over 30 units of the system have been sold to prominent companies, including Protolabs, Toyota Motors USA AM, and Estee Lauder.Kulkarni also highlighted Axtra3Ds financial milestones, including $9.75 million in funding and consistent annual revenue growth.Vote now in the2024 3D Printing Industry Awards!Rajeev Kulkarni CSO of Axtra3D. Photo via Axtra3D.New resins tailored for diverse industrial applicationsAxtra3D has broadened its material portfolio with six advanced resins specifically designed for its Lumia X1 3D printer. Developed together with industry partners, these materials are engineered to enhance durability, precision, and adaptability in real-world applications.For electrical connector applications requiring fire-retardant properties, Arkemas N3D-FR512 delivers high performance with a heat deflection temperature of 170C and a UL-94 V-0 rating.In addition, Spectroplasts TruSil-X50 introduces silicone flexibility, catering to prosthetics, seals, and gaskets with precision and skin-safe features. Meanwhile, Henkels Loctite IND 249 supports intricate geometries with high strength and stiffness, ideal for manufacturing aids and connectors.Expanding further into specialized applications, Forward AMs Ultracur ST 45 B offers exceptional sharpness and thermal stability for silicone mold production, while Ultracur RG 1100 is optimized for low-pressure molding, enabling the creation of large, durable parts such as shoe soles and automotive components.Henkels Loctite IND 3380 rounds out the lineup with electrostatic dissipative (ESD) properties, addressing the needs of electronics manufacturing and tooling with high dimensional accuracy.These new resins reflect our commitment to designing materials that meet challenging customer needs, staying true to our no-compromise approach. By collaborating closely with customers, we ensure that every new material has a clear end-use application, accelerating innovation and aligning with the precision and performance demands of key industries, said Kulkarni.Enhanced manufacturing capabilities at Laser Prototypes EuropeFurther showcasing its impact on the AM sector, Axtra3D has strengthened its partnership with Laser Prototypes Europe (LPE), which recently acquired a second Lumia X1 printer. This move reflects LPEs response to growing demand for high-performance 3D printed parts in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.This addition will enable LPE to serve sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices with faster turnaround times and greater flexibility in meeting complex manufacturing requirements. Patrick Walls, Engineering Director at LPE, highlighted the benefits of Axtra3Ds HPS technology, which allows clients to explore applications that were previously unattainable due to technical or material limitations.As a company with over 30 years of experience, LPE continues to deliver precision-focused solutions with a team of 40 professionals and over 20 advanced machines. The integration of Axtra3Ds technology complements its existing capabilities, further strengthening its position as a trusted partner in additive manufacturing.Lumia X1-3D printed electrical connectors. Photo via Axtra3D.A reseller deal with Hartwig IncExpanding its reach into the U.S. market, Axtra3D has announced a reseller deal with Hartwig Inc., an advanced machining solutions provider, to offer the Lumia X1 system as part of Hartwigs AM portfolio. Helping achieve unmatched resolution and performance, this collaboration allows Hartwig to provide customers with access to HPS technology.Having integrated the Axtra3Ds system into its portfolio, Hartwig aims to further improve its ability to serve industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, particularly for applications involving complex geometries, low-volume production, and investment casting.Greg Hartwig, Vice President of Hartwig Inc., expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to address evolving customer needs while reducing costs and lead times.He noted that Hartwigs established presence in traditional machining is now complemented by the addition of Axtra3Ds advanced technology, creating a comprehensive suite of solutions for manufacturers seeking versatility and precision.Catch up on all the news fromFormnext 2024.Want to share insights on key industry trends and the future of 3D printing? Register now to be included in the2025 3D Printing Industry Executive Survey.What 3D printing trends do the industry leaders anticipate this year?What does the Future of 3D printing hold for the next 10 years?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Lumia X1-3D printed electrical connectors. Photo via Axtra3D.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.0 Comments 0 Shares 68 Views
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