News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Polish 3D printer manufacturer 3DGence today announced that its INDUSTRY F340 3D printer has received certification from TÜV Rheinland. The company emphasizes that it is the first 3D printer manufacturer in Poland to have been granted this certification.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) have leveraged Optomec’s LENS Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere system in the development of 3D printed dissolvable magnesium structures. The dissolvable components are being investigated for medical applications and, specifically, the production of patient-specific implants.
3D Systems today announced at IMTS 2018 that Align Technology, maker of the Invisalign system of clear aligners for straightening teeth, has increased its investment in 3D Systems’ SLA 3D printing technology as part of its continued operational expansion. The multi-year collaboration is part of Align’s highly customized additive manufacturing solution that meets the needs of Align’s global business.
Global technology company Aptiv has teamed up with 3D printing specialist Carbon to introduce a new commercial additive manufacturing program. The AM program, reportedly capable of delivering repeatable, high-quality products that achieve military standard qualifications, is currently being presented at IMTS in Chicago by Aptiv at Carbon’s booth.
Dutch large-format 3D printer manufacturer Tractus3D has entered into a partnership with Papergraphics, a company specializing in large-format printing for the sign and graphics industry. Through the collaboration, Papergraphics is taking on a reseller role with the express goal of promoting 3D printing for sign and graphics applications.
September 2018 is off to a promising start for the additive manufacturing industry, with a slew of new products being announced by Desktop Metal, Velo3D, BCN3D Technologies, Optomec, voxeljet and more. Perhaps the most exciting news, however, comes from HP Inc., which has just officially presented its new HP Metal Jet 3D printing technology.
Furniture company Steelcase recently enlisted the help of 3D printing companies Fast Radius and Carbon to redesign and upgrade its award-winning SILQ office chair using additive manufacturing. Working together, the partners designed, engineered and 3D printed an arm cap for the chair which can be customized to the user’s body. IMTS visitors can see the 3D printed office chair in person in Chicago from September 10 to 15.
California-based 3D printing company Velo3D is showing no signs of slowing down since the unveiling of Sapphire, the first support-free metal PBF 3D printer last month. The company’s latest news comes out of IMTS in Chicago, where it announced a new partnership with metal 3D printing service Incodema3D. Together, the companies will work to accelerate the adoption of metal AM across a range of industries.
Despite some recent letdowns for 3D printing products on Kickstarter, there is no reason to overlook all the projects seeking crowdfunding, as some have also proven to be huge successes. Aiming for the latter scenario is Netherlands-based Lotus 3D Printers, the sister company of filament brand Formfutura, which recently introduced its new LCD SLA 3D printer, the Lotus EZ, on Kickstarter.
Despite having quite recently launched its first metal 3D printing system for the desktop, Desktop Metal has evidently been working hard to improve upon its existing technology. The company has just announced its latest products: the new Studio System+, which features higher resolution printing and more functionalities than its predecessor, and Studio Fleet, a custom-configurable solution for low- to mid-volume production in the office.