News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Last week, HP Inc. took a significant step (if not a few!) towards industrializing its Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology with the release of its new Jet Fusion 5200 Series, a new TPU material and its Digital Manufacturing Network. The new 3D printing solution is targeted at volume production and enables manufacturers to utilize MJF in their digital factories.
Industrial gas expert Linde announced progress in its joint project with aerospace company Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS to optimize the metal additive manufacturing process. The companies teamed up to improve aluminum AM production for aircraft components by tweaking oxygen levels in the print chamber. At this stage, the companies have reported improvements in product quality and production repeatability.
German chemical company Evonik is reorganizing its polyamide business with a focus on the 3D printing, automotive, oil and gas and optics industries. As part of the restructuring, the company will be ceasing its polyphthalamide (PPA) business at its Witten site and will be launching a new facility complex for polyamide 12 (PA 12) as well as expanding its production of transparent polyamides at the Marl Chemical Park. Going forward, Evonik says it will focus its business on high-performance materials for high-growth markets.
Metal additive manufacturing company Sintavia has officially inaugurated a new 55,000 square foot facility in Hollywood, Florida. The advanced manufacturing site will serve as the company’s new headquarters and will enable the company to supply 3D printed parts to the aerospace and defense industries.
Germany-based material giant Henkel has acquired Molecule Corp., a privately owned, technology-driven enterprise focused on product innovation in additive manufacturing. The specific terms of the acquisition agreement have not been disclosed.
3D printer manufacturer Markforged, a specialist in metal and carbon fiber AM, has announced a partnership with Carahsoft Technology Corp., the U.S. government’s IT solutions provider, which will facilitate and accelerate the availability of industrial AM systems to branches of the federal government. The collaboration signals the U.S. government’s advancing interest and commitment to using additive manufacturing technologies for replacement parts.
Amazon provides a great service to many and at the same time is heavily criticized by many others. The same can be said of (part of) humanity’s dream of colonizing the Solar System. The greatest of all undertakings but also apparently useless when there are so many problems to solve right here inside our Planet’s atmosphere. Still, this author believes that humanity has the ability to both solve its problems and reach beyond them at the same time. While Bezos’s plans for space colonization are still somewhat vague, he (like Musk and many other visionary entrepreneurs targeting space) should certainly be praised for it. Even more so since Bezos’ Blue Origin is a heavy user of additive manufacturing, as demonstrated by the latest “almost entirely 3D printed” BE-7 engine, soon to be live-tested for the upcoming Blue Moon lunar lander that the company is working on.
As if a new 3D printing system and material weren’t enough, HP Inc. has rounded off its series of announcements this morning with the news that it is deepening its additive manufacturing alliance with Siemens and other partners with the aim of advancing digital manufacturing. HP has recognized that strong partnerships within the AM industry will be an essential part of transitioning industries into digital manufacturing.
A single announcement from HP Inc. will generate buzz in the additive manufacturing industry. But what happens when it makes a series of announcements all at once? We’ll just have to see! HP has just officially announced the release of its new Jet Fusion 5200 Series 3D printing solution, introduced a new TPU material, launched its Digital Manufacturing Network and expanded on strategic partnerships within various industries.
Russian-American tech startup Endurance has become known in the maker community for its laser cutting and engraving tools which can be integrated with various 3D printers and CNC machines. The company, founded by George Fomitchev, offers a number of products, including laser kits and diode lasers ranging from 2.1 to 20 Watts. Below is a review of the Endurance 10 Watt diode laser by maker Charlie Williams: