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Snagged in the Senate? Editorials

Joseph Biden won the presidency, but the blue wave that could sweep through the country never materialized: the new president is most likely left with a split Congress, which could make renewable energy funding difficult. This network reported on Biden’s renewable energy plans and the knock-on benefits likely to accrue for the additive manufacturing space. A Republican-controlled Senate has the potential to significantly disrupt Biden’s desire to foment a Green New Deal. The president will, of course, have some executive leeway in his approach to climate policy, but that leeway is nowhere near Congress’s ability to authorize massive infrastructure and climate spending. The political equation stands on a knife’s edge, and the AM sector has much to lose (or to gain) as the 117th Congress assembles.

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Optomec presents CS250 and HC-TBR metal 3D printers for research to production 3D Printing Events

During Formnext Connect, American AM hardware OEM Optomec is presenting two new metal 3D printers models: CS250, for research, and HC-TBR, for production. The systems are based on Directed Energy Deposition (DED), a free form powder-based metal 3D printing technology that Optomec pioneered under the LENS trademark and continues to lead the market with more than 200 global installations.

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Stryker completes acquisition of 3D printed ankle implant specialist Wright Medical Medical

Stryker completed the acquisition of Wright Medical Group N.V., a global medical device company focused on extremities and biologics. Through its AMgine program and multi-million dollar investments in AM (including the acquisition of K2M), Stryker is a leader in 3D printed spinal and knee implants. Wright Medical perfectly plays into this strategy as the company is – among other things – a leader in 3D printed ankle replacements through its Total Ankle Institute initiative and INFINITY, INBONE and INVISION products.