News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Danish cycling company CeramicSpeed and a team from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) have partnered to develop a new, higher performing pulley wheel made using SLM Solutions’ additive manufacturing technology. The part meets the demanding requirements of professional cycling with its lightweight and durability.
Munich-based DyeMansion, a specialist in 3D printing finishing technologies, has appointed YUNS as its first authorized reseller in China, expanding its global partner network in the APAC region. The companies aim to support the proliferation of industrial 3D printing technologies within the powerful manufacturing nation as well as to explore new applications for AM.
Despite a promising beginning in the mid 2000s, Californian fuel-efficient vehicle company Aptera Motors closed its doors in 2011, failing to deliver more than a prototype of a car that could run 100 miles on a single charge. Today, believers in Aptera Motors’ vision will be happy to learn that the company has risen again and has put forth a concept for a vehicle that can reach 1,000 miles of range on a single charge.
Nexa3D, a manufacturer of SLA 3D printers, has made a series of announcements this week, all aimed at expanding its 3D printing business and client base. Among the announcements, Nexa3D has enlisted UK-based AM solutions provider CREAT3D and South Korean 3D printer supplier Brulé as new resellers. To date, the company has reseller agreements with companies in North America, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Britain and South Korea. In addition to the reseller network partnerships, Nexa3D has also brought on a new member to its Board of Directors: Jeff Holden, the former chief product officer at ride-sharing giant Uber.
Additive Industries North America sold 6 MetalFAB1 systems to an undisclosed aerospace company located in California. Considering the cost of a MetalFAB1 system is over one million dollars per unit there aren’t many companies that could afford such a purchase. The list of large aerospace companies with facilities in California includes Northrop Grumman, CDG (a Boeing company) and GKN Aerospace (near San Diego), all of which are investing significantly in expanding their internal AM activities. In particular, GKN is a likely candidate as the Group had been a Beta client for Additive Industries, purchasing its first MetalFAB1 system in 2016, to make automotive parts.
3D printing company Carbon and American bicycle manufacturer Specialized are tackling the issue of uncomfortable bike seats with the help of 3D printing. Together, the companies are developing the “first digitally printed bike saddle” which is designed to improve not only comfort for the rider, but also performance and protection.
UK-based company axial3D is taking another big step in its mission to help the healthcare sector adopt 3D printing technologies. Working with the Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeons at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, axial3D will provide a new in-house 3D printing facility to serve Newcastle Hospitals in England.
Icing is an issue that has plagued aircraft manufacturers and operators for a long time. Evidently, I’m not talking about cake icing or the hockey infraction. Rather, icing refers to the phenomenon when ice forms on an aircraft’s wings on the ground or in flight. Today, aerospace engineers and researchers are taking significant steps forward in understanding and tackling icing issues, thanks in part to 3D printing.
3D Systems recently revealed that Stockholm-based product design firm Splitvision Design was one of the first companies in the Nordic region to adopt its Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer. Since installing the scalable additive manufacturing solution, the Swedish agency has seen drastic improvements in its product development and prototyping processes—especially for products in the medtech sector.
XTreeE, a France-based specialist in 3D printing concrete and construction, is reportedly working on a new project for a customer in the Caribbean. The project in question—a joint effort by XTreeE, Martinique-based telecoms infrastructure company Art & Fact Innovation and engineering firm Lamoureux & Ricciotti—consists of 3D printing 12-meter-tall telecom towers that blend seamlessly into the environment.