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3D software solutions: the first step in implementing 3D printing for manufacturing Editorials

by Design

Recently, many new 3D software startup companies entered the market offering various solutions mainly for industrial users. It goes from decision-support solutions for better utilization of 3D printing, generative design/topology optimization, to workflow management and parts IP protection. Each of them seems to be focused on specific challenges heavy users face, challenges that will only increase in the foreseeable future as 3D printing moves from prototyping to manufacturing.

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Added Scientific 3D printed vacuum systems could be a breakthrough for quantum technology Industrial Additive Manufacturing

by Design

For quantum technologies to fulfill their promise, the systems that support them need to shrink. Laurence Coles from Added Scientific, an AM consultancy service which spun off from the University of Nottingham, wrote an article for Physics World (full article here) on how advances in additive manufacturing are bringing miniaturization within reach and heralding a wider revolution in vacuum system design, which could represent a breakthrough for quantum computers.

MakerBot Launches METHOD X to bring real ABS 3D printing to manufacturing 3D Printer Hardware

by Technologies

MakerBot is launching METHOD X, a new manufacturing workstation engineered to challenge traditional manufacturing with real ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) material for durable parts, a 100°C chamber, and Stratasys SR-30 soluble supports. METHOD X can withstand up to 15°C higher temperatures, is up to 26% more rigid, and up to 12% stronger than modified ABS formulations used on desktop 3D printer competitors. MakerBot assures that Precision ABS parts printed on METHOD X have no warping or cracking that typically occurs when printing modified ABS on desktop platforms without heated chambers.

Nano Dimension launches new DragonFly LDM for 24/7 electronics printing Electronics

by Technologies

Israel-based Nano Dimension is taking its electronics 3D printing technology to the next level with the launch of the new DragonFly Lights-Out Digital Manufacturing (LDM) system. The industrial 3D printing system builds on the company’s established PCB 3D printing process, adding increased automation for 24/7 lights-out digital manufacturing. The new system is expected to unlock opportunities for low-volume manufacturing of multilayer PCBs, capacitors, coils, sensors, antennas and more.

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Betatype works with nTopology to reduce AM production times AM Software

by Design

Betatype a UK company that specializes in optimizing designs for additive manufacturing presented a new application case where it highlights how a part can be AM-optimized beyond part performance (which is what the DfAM concept generally refers to) but also for the AM process itself. In this project, Betatype works with nTopology, a rapidly growing NYC-based developer of CAE and topology optimization software, to develop and produce a functionally optimized rocket nozzle part which is also process-optimized.