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Creating amazing colour effects with 3D printed nanostructures Research & Education

Forget dyes and pigments, researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have developed a new way to create colour effects using a computational design tool and 3D printing. The novel process uses the design tool to automatically generate 3D printable nanostructures which create defined colours when light is shone through them.

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Autodesk partners with AMSYSTEMS on multi-material 3D printing Additive Manufacturing

After the challenges experienced with its own Ember 3D printer, CAD giant Autodesk is focusing much of its efforts on harnessing the potential of 3D printing hardware through its software tools and high-profile partnerships with companies working on some of the most advanced AM technologies. The latest Autodesk AMSYSTEMS partnership focuses on the development of next-generation multi-material/multi-technology AM equipment.

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Aerostruder v2 Micro by Lulzbot prints fine detailed 3D objects with 1/4 mm nozzle 3D Printer Hardware

Aleph Objects, Inc. has a new tool head that enables users to accurately 3D print penny-scale parts. The ultra precise Aerostruder v2 Micro Tool Head is at SIGGRAPH 2018, where attendees can watch this meticulous tool head in action, paired with the recently-released LulzBot Mini 2 3D Printer. The company will be showing off a “micro art gallery,” featuring tiny patrons viewing miniature art exhibits. The new tool head is expected to be available for purchase in September 2018.

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Betatype 3D prints 384 headlights, showing value of metal AM in automotive production Additive Manufacturing

Though the aerospace industry has been a fertile sector for the exploration and adoption of metal additive manufacturing technologies, the automotive industry has remained somewhat more restrained. That is not to say that 3D printing isn’t being used in automotive production—it is being investigated by most if not all car manufacturers—though adoption has been limited due to a number of factors, including productivity and cost-per-part.

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Makelab further automates 3D printing service with AMFG software 3D Printing Service Providers

Makelab, a Brooklyn-based 3D printing service bureau, is partnering with automation software specialist AMFG to implement the latter’s software into its workflow for easier and more accessible 3D printing. Makelab says its adoption of AMFG’s software platform will also help it to increase automation and streamline its manufacturing operations, which will help it to manage a growing number of clients and projects.

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PADT, ASU receive $127K NASA grant for biomimicry 3D printing research Aerospace

Ever the proponent for additive manufacturing technologies, NASA has awarded a $127,000 grant to Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) and Arizona State University (ASU) to advance 3D printing research. The funding, a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant, will specifically go towards biomimicry research for 3D printing objects inspired by naturally strong and lightweight structures, such as honeycomb or bamboo.

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Tethon 3D and the University of Nebraska developing ceramic and metal DLP 3D printer Additive Manufacturing

Tethon 3D has received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to develop a new ceramic and metal 3D printing system. The newly funded project, entitled “A novel DLP 3D printer optimized for ceramics and metals,” is to begin development immediately and is set to become the first commercially available desktop DLP printer for ceramic and metal AM.