News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Swedish company Sandvik inaugurated a new titanium powder plant in Sandviken last week by hosting an on-theme grand opening celebration. Over 150 people attended the event—including customers and key stakeholders—which marked a significant step ahead for the company in addressing the metal powder market for additive manufacturing.
One of the most production-capable photopolymerization technologies, digital light synthesis (DSL) from Carbon, had not yet gotten involved in the eyewear business. Until now, that is, as J of JINS, a luxury eyewear brand from Japan, just launched its Neuron4D brand, with two models integrating a lattice cushion made using Carbon technology.
SAE International released the first Additive Manufacturing (AM) Polymer specifications for the aerospace industry. AMS7100: Fuse Filament Fabrication Process and AMS7101: Material for Fused Filament Fabrication represent the first specifications released under the AMS-AM Additive Manufacturing Non-Metallic (AMS-AM-P) committee. These standards were created following a request from airlines through the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s EMG to be able to realize additively manufactured plastic cabin parts.
Despite major developments in technology, 3D printing still intimidates many newer users. Many of the assumptions regarding 3D printing are steeped in confusion about its uses, popularity, and price. Consumers often view 3D printers as million-dollar devices when, in reality, consumer-grade tech costs $700 on average, with professional quality printers rivaling industrial machines at the mid-4-figure price range.
Texas-based bourbon brand Bulleit is taking its recent 3D theme in stride. In April, the company unveiled an elaborate 3D printed bar (as well as 3D printed cocktails) as part of a marketing campaign. Now, it is taking things a step further with a pair of 3D printed sneakers. The limited-edition shoes were unveiled last night at the Bulleit 3D Printed Frontier Experience in Dallas.
Building an SLS system is more complicated than most realize. This is what SLS system manufacturers have been saying for years, five years to be exact, since the first SLS patent expired in February 2014. Then a few companies set out to change that myth and only one of them – so far – has succeeded: Krakow, Poland-based Sinterit. Its Lisa and latest Lisa Pro systems are real, reliable products. We had the chance to test and review their technology first-hand, after visiting the company in Krakow for a hands-on training session.
PTC signed a definitive with Onshape, creators of the first Software as a Service (SaaS) CAD/CAE product development platform. As per the agreement, PTC acquires Onshape for approximately $470 million. The acquisition is expected to accelerate PTC’s ability to attract new customers with a SaaS-based product offering and position the company to capitalize on the inevitable industry transition to SaaS. Pending regulatory approval and satisfaction of other closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed in November 2019.
Evonik Venture Capital, the investment arm of German chemical company Evonik, has invested in Castor Technologies, a startup whose software is helping AM adopters to identify how and where to use additive manufacturing for production. Evonik says the investment in the Israel-based startup will allow it to expand its business beyond selling materials for the 3D printing market into services, enabling customers to test the printability of parts.
Just outside of Bologna, work is advancing on an ambitious construction 3D printing project spearheaded by Italian company WASP and Mario Cucinella Architects. Together, the companies are constructing the first prototype of a sustainable, 3D printed habitat called TECLA.
It’s challenging enough to reduce plastic consumption here on the ground but in the air it’s practically impossible. I’ve become all too wary of all the plastic that is barely used and simply thrown away on flights. Apparently, I’m not the only one. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is attempting to curb the amount of plastic it tosses after flights by transforming used water bottles into 3D printing filament.