News and Insights of 3D Printing and Manufacturing
Uniformity Labs (Uniformity) has successfully printed an additively designed automotive component with its ultra-low porosity AlSi10Mg, a high throughput, aluminum alloy powder that exhibits optimal material properties. The Uniformity AlSi10Mg powder and optimizing print processes have previously been deployed with a variety of parts in various industries with great success.
Brose, a global automotive supplier, is now confirmed as one of the first participants in the High-Speed Sintering (HSS) Early-Access Beta Program for the VX1000 HSS 3D printer. The company will work with voxeljet AG as a cooperation partner to further develop the VX1000 HSS for use in additive series production of polymer components for the automotive industry. With HSS, voxeljet combines the advantages of two existing additive technologies: selective laser sintering and binder jetting, giving the benefit of both SLS part properties and binder-jetting productivity. The new VX1000 HSS 3D printer has a significantly larger build volume and a faster print speed than previous systems, enabling true additive series production.
Sakuú Corporation, a company leading the development of an automated multi-material multi-process additive manufacturing to produce 3D printed SSBs (solid-state batteries), today closed a follow-on financing round bringing total funds raised to date to $62M. This funding bolsters the company’s ability to commercialize its first-generation solid-state batteries and bring to market the world’s first multi-material multi-process additive manufacturing platform that will 3D print its second-generation SSBs and other active devices.
Divergent Technologies harnesses the power of additive manufacturing to unleash innovation in the automotive industry, making them a global innovator in the advancement of economical serial production. They have developed a state-of-the-art Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS), which will now be strengthened with the addition of three production SLM NXG XII 600 systems, following a years-long development partnership with SLM Solutions. Deliveries of the machines will start in Q1 2022.
Following some final adjustments, the customized 3D-print bodyform full bucket seat is now available as part of the new Performance Parts offering from Porsche Tequipment. The seat is suitable for various Boxster, Cayman and 911 models. From February 2022 onwards, it can also be ordered from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur as a standard feature and it will be integrated into the Porsche Car Configurator at this point too. In addition to its unique look, the new central section of the seat is its main innovation: parts of the cushion and backrest surfaces are produced using a 3D printer and are available in three different rigidity grades, meaning the seat can be customized to suit the customer’s specific needs.
(Co-)created by Paul Smith, The MINI STRIP is a custom-made one-off car which has resulted in these two iconic British brands sharing creative thoughts on sustainable design for the past few months. Considering that the car has been made to be both sustainable and unique, 3D printing naturally has to play a part and did so in several parts made with recycled polymers through an extrusion process.
Perrone Robotics, Inc., a provider of fully autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, and Local Motors Inc., a manufacturer of largely 3D printed shared electric autonomous shuttles, have signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement. The two companies have agreed to develop next-generation autonomous shuttles that will integrate Perrone’s autonomous vehicle technology into Olli, the shuttle designed and manufactured by Local Motors.
Rapid Parts Solutions, or RPS, is located in Shenzhen, China, the capital of commercial passenger car manufacturing. As part of the automotive ecosystem, RPS is the chosen part supplier for many tier 1 car manufacturers, offering rapid fabrication of prototyping to series production. RPS added two Farsoon Flight HT403P machines as an expansion of their manufacturing capabilities, offering comprehensive solutions of digital models, production, post-processing, and final products.
In an effort to highlight its commitment to technology, Eastern Michigan University’s (EMU) GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology will deploy autonomous Olli smart EV shuttles this school year as it will open a new research and development space at the American Center for Mobility (ACM) in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Daimler Buses and its service brand Omniplus have created a mobile 3D printing center for the decentralized production of spare parts in order to be able to provide bus customers with replacements more quickly. The “mini-factory” in the form of a container includes all of the stations relevant to the production of spare parts using a 3D printer on an area of only 36 square meters. The twelve-by-three-meter container can be transported by truck to any location. Once there, only electricity and an internet connection are required for its operation.