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The potential for mass customization with ceramic AM Additive Manufacturing

We are living through a time that is uniquely challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a standstill, and has forced us to question many things. In the manufacturing world, for instance, there is now an increased focus on localized, on-site production, as supply chain disruptions were the source of many problems when COVID-19 hit. Additive manufacturing has been touted as a potential solution, especially as it has proved so useful in the rapid production and deployment of essential products like PPE and nasal swabs. Still, the question of AM’s capacity for mass production persists: while we might be ready for it, is it ready for our mass production needs?

German Aerospace Center DLR gets ready to test metal PBF technology in zero-G conditions Aerospace

German Aerospace Center DLR gets ready to test metal PBF technology in zero-G conditions Aerospace

DLR, the German Aerospace Center, is getting ready to launch a parabolic flight that will test a completely new metal powder bed fusion additive manufacturing system for zero-G conditions that has been in development since 2017. The machine is based on a tried and tested principle and designed as a payload for a research rocket. It will be and launched aboard a MAPHEUS rocket for the first time in 2020.

3D printed robot swabs patients’ throats for Covid-19 Robotics

3D printed robot swabs patients’ throats for Covid-19 Robotics

Robotics researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have developed the world’s first fully automatic robot to carry out throat swabs for Covid-19. The 3D printed robot swabs (perhaps even using 3D printed swabs) the patients so that healthcare professionals are not exposed to the risk of infection. The prototype has successfully performed throat swabs on several people and is now set to go into operation by late June.