ClearCaps, a dental aligner brand founded in Germany, has adopted Mask Stereolithography (MSLA)-powered 3D printers from Structo, a Singapore-based dental 3D printing solutions provider, to significantly increase its production. Structo’s DentaForm 3D printers, which surpass the limitations of current SLA technology, can print 10 clear aligner models in 30 minutes, a throughput rate not previously […]
Metal 3D Printing and Classic Foundry Techniques: Friends or Foes?
The first question that is often asked when a new technology is introduced is: what of the old way of doing things? Sometimes the answer is that it fades into oblivion — think: fortran and floppy disks — other times it falls out of use in mainstream society but becomes the domain of a small, especially devoted community, like calligraphy or pedal loom weaving. And in other cases, it simply shifts its focus and allows itself to flower as it removes extra ‘noise’ from the workflow. John Phillip Sousa wondered if the invention of the phonograph might cause human beings to lose their vocal chords as they would no longer have to sing any song they wished to hear, and an equally pessimistic (although slightly more realistic) group worried that the Kindle would eradicate books altogether.
What has happened is that humanity has access to more music than ever and book production may see a fall in the print of throwaway paperbacks, but there appears to be no reason to fear that beautiful books will be eliminated from publication. One new technology that is causing both concern and overinflated speculation is the introduction of metal 3D printing. The question is: what impact will this technology have on traditional foundries? Foundry work is not inherently antithetical to 3D printing as many have, in fact, been using 3D printing to create molds for years now and have found the technology to be quite helpful in their production.
Beyond the printing of 3D molds, metal 3D printing is demonstrating a capacity for directly creating metal objects that is improving with each passing project. Voxeljet, which recently produced a new design for aircraft doors using 3D metal printing, doesn’t think that this signals the end of the classic foundry, however. Instead, they see it as something akin to a separate track of printing. What made the doors they produced such a good candidate for 3D printing was the need for a precise internal geometry, something impossible to be produced in a foundry. So rather than stealing work from a foundry, they were doing work that otherwise would not have been performed at all. And there are other reasons not to see metal 3D printing as a threat to foundry work, as voxeljet explained in a statement:
“3D metal printing, such as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), currently only competes with foundries in a relatively small segment. The build spaces of DMLS systems are ideally suited to smaller components. And 3D-printed components for aerospace require time-consuming certification, which metal casting has had for decades already. Direct 3D metal printing is also relatively expensive. This is not only due to the high cost of metal powder, but also the high cost of 3D printers and the comparatively slow building speeds.”
In addition to these factors, the products of 3D printing in metal require hand finishing which is labor intensive. All of these factors lead up to an average cost for 3D printed metal pieces that hovers around $160 per pound for aluminum, and $215 per pound for stainless steel, whereas pure cast steel has a price point of about $15 per pound. However, with the introduction of less expensive machinery, greater build bed sizes, and a more experienced workforce, the input prices for 3D printed metal are bound to come down. And so the question arises: will there be a change as the costs associated with metal 3D printing fall?
This uncertainty necessarily creates a degree of concern among those whose businesses and livelihoods depend upon a demand for foundry work. Rather than viewing the technology as an enemy to be shut out, perhaps the best solution is for foundries to get ahead of the game and embrace the tech, integrate it into their workflows and determine for themselves what makes sense to leave to a 3D printer and what can still only be produced at the hands of skilled foundry workers. As Ingo Edere, CEO at voxeljet, stated:
“3D sand and plastic printing are a perfect alternative for foundries, both in terms of cost, as well as the printable complexity. Foundries can manufacture equally complex components without having to change the process chain. Foundries do not have to purchase their own 3D printing systems as there are service providers worldwide supplying 3D sand or plastic printing.”
Clearly, a company such as voxeljet believes in the efficacy of this technology and its firm place as part of the landscape of future production. However, just because something can be 3D printed, doesn’t always mean that it should be, and discerning artisans and clients alike are the ones who will ultimately have to determine where that line lies.
What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts; join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below.
Zero Gravity Bioprinter is Ready for Delivery to the International Space Station
An amazing thing happened two years ago, when Techshot and nScrypt worked together to 3D print a human heart – in zero gravity. Not a working heart, yet, but the two companies were the first to 3D print cardiac and vascular structures in zero gravity using adult human stem cells. Why would they do such a thing, you might ask? The reasoning is much more than “because they can,” as 3D bioprinting in zero gravity is actually easier and more effective than it is on Earth.
Earth-based bioprinting requires thick, viscous bioinks that can contain chemicals or other materials necessary for providing structural support. The lack of gravity in space, however, means that thinner, purer bioinks can be used, as well as thinner print nozzles, allowing for more precision and control. When the first viable human organ is 3D printed, it may very well happen in space.
After nScrypt and Techshot pulled off their successful zero-G bioprinting feat, they began work on the 3D BioFabrication Facility, or BFF, a 3D bioprinting system for the International Space Station. The BFF can 3D print thick tissue and organs using adult stem cells. The printing will happen on an nScrypt 3D Bio Assembly Tool, or BAT; the bioink will be printed into a specialized cell culturing bioreactor cassette designed by TechShot and conditioned in the TechShot ADvanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP). The BFF and ADSEP are scheduled to launch on their way to the ISS in February 2019.
The nScrypt BAT 3D printer features high-precision motion and extreme dispensing control, and will use nScrypt’s patented SmartPump, which has 100 picoliter volumetric control and uses super-fine nozzles, down to 10 microns, to dispense biomaterials. This enables the highly controlled and repeatable placement of bioink, which is necessary for printing the fine details of tissues and organs.
“Especially when dealing with something as important as tissue, it is vital to place the correct amount of material in the correct position every time,” said nScrypt CEO Ken Church. “This is what our machines offer and what has contributed to our success in bioprinting as well as other applications. This is an exciting time for discovery and more importantly a time of impact for those that are seriously seeking solutions to grow thick vascularized tissue, which is the basis for a fully printed organ.”
The first complete print, after the initial test prints, will be a cardiac patch for damaged hearts. Cells will be printed into the bioreactor cassette, and the bioreactor will then provide media perfusion to deliver nutrients and remove toxins from the tissue, keeping it alive while providing electrical and mechanical stimulus to encourage the cells to become beating heart tissue.
Rendering of the BFF in an EXPRESS rack [Image: nScrypt]
The BFF may truly be an astronaut’s BFF; in addition to 3D printing tissue for people on Earth, it can print pharmaceuticals and even food on demand for people on the International Space Station.
“We are very excited to see this project, and all that it can provide, come to life,” said Techshot President and CEO John C. Vellinger. “With the goal of producing everything from organs, to pharmaceuticals, to perhaps even food, the BFF has the ability to improve the lives of people on earth and help enable deep space exploration.”
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3Dsimo Kit is an Open Source, Multimaterial 3D Pen Assembly Kit
3Dsimo Kit is the world’s first multimaterial assembly kit 3D pen. Based on the same idea as RepRap 3D printers, every part of 3Dsimo Kit is open source. All the necessary blueprints are freely available on our website, 3dsimo.com, or on GitHub at github.com/3dsimo/3dsimo_kit. This assembly kit is easy to assemble — the whole build includes only 2 bolts, everything else is snapped or plug-in. Assembly takes 15-20 minutes. Thanks to the OLED display, choosing material profiles is quick and easy. 3Dsimo Kit is set up from the package with profiles for ABS and PLA filament. Adding new material profiles is very easy, all the needed manuals are available at: https://github.com/3dsimo/3dsimo_kit. Every week there will be new upgrades, software or hardware, which will be ready to be 3D printed or uploaded to the device.
3Dsimo Inc. produces more than just the 3Dsimo Kit:
3Dsimo Basic – 3D pen designed for kids of 8+ years of age, using PCL filament, with nozzle that keeps the temperature low (55°C/131°F) to avoid burn injury. The whole device is powered from a detachable battery.
3Dsimo Mini – our best multitool 3D pen, which offers not just 3D drawing with more than 4 material profiles, but burning tool (for decorating wood, leather or smoothing 3D printed objects), soldering tool (for small electronic repairs and creations), and cutting tool (for cutting plastic foam, polystyrene, etc.). 3Dsimo Mini also offers bluetooth connectivity via app with Android or Apple devices, for even more functionality. Using 3Dsimo App you can update your firmware to be able to use new attachments, create new material profiles, watch tutorials, print out templates or be inspired by gallery full of creations.
More information about 3Dsimo devices is available on the website: www.3dsimo.com.
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World’s largest composite 3D printer installed by Thermwood at Local Motors to make self-driving vehicles
A Thermwood LSAM 10’x40′ 3D printer was recently installed at ground mobility company Local Motors. Large Scale Additive Manufacturing The Phoenix, Arizona headquartered Local Motors recently restructured under LM Industries and announced a Chandler, AZ microfactory focused on the low-volume production of specialist vehicles. LM Industries is also working with the U.S. Marine Corps to […]
3D Printer Manufacturer FELIXprinters Announces Repositioning
Dutch company FELIXprinters has an interesting history. In 2010, Guillaume Feliksdal built a humanoid robot that he had developed during his studies and after. To create some of the robot’s parts, he bought a RepRap 3D printer DIY kit, but was disappointed with its quality, so he decided to build his own 3D printer, which he and his father then marketed as the FELIX 1.0, officially launching the company in 2011. The mission of FELIXprinters was, and still is, to create fit for purpose, upgradeable 3D printers.
The company’s minimalist 3D printers have remained popular, and in 2015, FELIXprinters introduced its first professional machine, the FELIX Pro 1. Now FELIXprinters has announced that it is repositioning itself and its product portfolio to serve the changing needs of the 3D printing industry and its customers. As the interests of those customers has shifted towards professional applications, FELIXprinters is increasing its focus on its Pro series of printers, which were developed specifically to meet the needs of industry users.
“This is a deliberate strategy founded on the belief that our customers, whatever their size or shape, get the best from their use of our 3D printing technologies, when we work with them directly and become a strategic partner and advisor for them,” said Feliksdal. “We work closely with all our industrial customers to ensure that the use of the technology is optimised for each individual application.”
The Pro series currently features the Pro 2 and the Pro 2 Touch, a smart 3D printer with a touchscreen and WiFi connectivity. The printers enable a flexible approach with their high levels of functionality, reliability and ease of use. The series provides engineering solutions for a wide range of applications in prototyping and low volume production.
The FELIX Pro 2
FELIXprinters’ engineers and technicians are also dedicated to providing support services to clients, working directly with them to achieve the best possible outcomes from their 3D printers. While the company has shifted to an industrial focus, however, it also recognizes that its client base is not made up entirely of industrial users, so it doesn’t plan to forget that other customer base. This includes schools and makers, for whom the TEC series is designed.
The TEC series includes the TEC 4, which comes in both assembled and DIY versions – and holds the distinction of having been the one millionth desktop 3D printer sold – the FELIX 3L, and the FELIX 3.1 DIY Kit. FELIXprinters works closely with schools, colleges and universities to provide excellent customer service with this line of 3D printers. Regardless of whether it’s working with industrial clients, schools or individual makers, FELIXprinters prides itself on its attention to the consumer, offering multiple support options through its website and personally.
FELIXprinters has become a trusted brand in a number of industries, including education, engineering, architecture, healthcare, production and research. As the company repositions, customers can be reassured that its focus will remain on them.
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[Images: FELIXprinters]
Merck Turns to Rize 3D Printers for Functional Applications
Merck is a global life sciences company that develops products such as medicines and vaccines and conducts other biopharmaceutical research. Its research has included 3D bioprinting in the past, but it also has an interest in 3D printing on a more general level, and this week the company announced that it has selected the 3D printing technology of Massachusetts-based company Rize to provide a wide range of functional applications for Merck’s stakeholders.
Merck has been using 3D printing heavily in its centralized additive manufacturing facility to design, develop and sell new products. It also has a 3D Tech Service that collaborates with internal clients to design and 3D print their parts.
“3D printing enables innovation,” said Tinh Nguyen-Demary, Merck’s Senior Lead Engineer of Additive Manufacturing. “It enables us to do what we couldn’t do otherwise.”
The 3D Tech Service team was looking for a more flexible 3D printing solution that uses a safe material and process and offers a combination of material properties suitable for a wide range of pre-clinical applications that their existing technology could not accomplish. They also wanted something faster than they currently were using. They looked into the Rize One 3D printer and liked what they saw: high chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, low surface energy and isotropic part strength that mimics injection molding.
“Our internal lab tests, ranks and recommends approximately 15 3D printing materials for internal stakeholders,” said Nguyen-Demary. “RIZE’s RIZIUM ONE material is near the top of the list.”
The Rize One is also an extremely convenient, easy-to-use 3D printer that requires virtually no post-processing, material management or venting. Nguyen-Demary wants to place a networked Rize One in several locations outside of the additive manufacturing lab so that they can print anywhere.
“We like to use RIZE ONE as often as we can because it’s easy and reliable, without any complexity or tech support,” said Nguyen-Demary. “RIZE’s ease of use is a big plus compared to other 3D printers. It’s super easy to place and print a part with one click. There’s no need to export, file fix and import. The convenience factor of RIZE’s zero-post-processing capability also makes it faster to get to the final part. We print the part and we can test it immediately after printing in case we need to make modifications. As a result, we use RIZE ONE very frequently – every day.”
Rize also offers a voxel-level printing process that enables the printing of part numbers directly onto parts. The 3D printer is also capable of embedding a marker, such as a QR code, into parts through its Digitally Augmented Part capability.
“Our RIZE 3D printing platform, with its clean process, clean materials and completely safe user experience, makes it very suitable for the life sciences industry,” said Andy Kalambi, President and CEO of Rize. “As a result, we are delighted to see the variety of functional use cases in pre-clinical applications developed by Merck. Tinh and his team continue to push the envelope and discover new ways to put the technology to use, cut costs and improve products in ways never seen before in the 3D printing industry.”
“We have a great working relationship with RIZE,” said Nguyen-Demary. “Their technical team is knowledgeable, responsive and integrates our feedback in a timely manner.”
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[Images: Rize]
3D Printing News Briefs: June 26, 2018
We have plenty of business, material, and 3D printer news to share with you in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs. 3D printing led to increased savings for GM over the last two years, which is now increasing its use of the technology as a result. ExOne is saying goodbye to one CEO and hello to another, while Polymaker announces a global distribution arrangement with Nexeo Solutions and CollPlant receives R&D project approval in Israel. The US Patent and Trademark Office will be hosting its annual Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting this week, and RP Platform has announced a rebrand and a new AI software platform. Finally, the UK’s National Centre for Additive Manufacturing has decided to add Digital Metal’s binder jetting technology to its portfolio.
GM Increasing Use of 3D Printing at Plants
Zane Meike, AM lead at GM’s Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, holds a common 3D printed tool used to align engine and transmission vehicle identification numbers. [Photo: Michael Wayland]
According to Dan Grieshaber, the Director of Global Manufacturing Integration for General Motors (GM), most of the company’s factories have 3D printers, which are used to build accessories and tools for workers. A $35,000 3D printer at GM’s Lansing Delta Township assembly plant has actually helped save the company over $300,000 over two years: it’s used to make multiple items, such as part hangers, socket covers, and ergonomic and safety tools. A common tool used to align engine and transmission vehicle identification numbers cost $3,000 to buy from a third party, but is less than $3 to 3D print at the factory. Realizing that these kinds of savings can add up quickly, GM is increasing the use of 3D printing – part of its new Manufacturing 4.0 processes – at its plants in order to help streamline operations.
“We’re quickly evolving, creating real value for the plant. This will become, as we progress, our footprint. We’ll have this in every one of our sites,” Grieshaber said.
Grieshaber also said that GM is working to standardize 3D printing, as well as share best practices across all of its global plants.
ExOne Welcomes New CEO
The ExOne Company, which provides 3D printers and 3D printed products, materials, and services to its industrial customers around the world, has announced that its CEO, James L. McCarley, is departing the company, effective immediately, to pursue other interests and opportunities; he will be assisting the company in transitioning his responsibilities to the new CEO. ExOne’s Board of Directors has also announced who the new CEO will be – S. Kent Rockwell, the company’s Executive Chairman, who has served in the position in previous years. Rockwell’s new title is effective immediately.
“On behalf of our Board and management team, I would like to thank Jim for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Rockwell.
Polymaker Makes Distribution Arrangement with Nexeo Solutions
Shanghai-based 3D printing material producer Polymaker has entered an arrangement with chemicals and plastics distributor Nexeo Solutions, Inc., also based in Shanghai. Nexeo will be a global distributor for three new materials in the Polymaker Industrial line, but plans to introduce more of its materials over the rest of the year. C515 is an advanced polycarbonate (PC) filament that has excellent toughness and a low warping effect, while C515FR is a flame retardant PC with high impact resistance. SU301 is a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based polymer that’s water soluble and was developed as a support material for FFF 3D printers.
Paul Tayler, the Vice President of EMEA at Nexeo Solutions, said, “Expanding our portfolio to include industrial grade filaments from Polymaker Industrial gives our customers access to a wider range of filaments that solve new 3D printing challenges and meet the demands of manufacturers. Industrial customers benefit from Nexeo Solutions’ access to world leading plastic producers coupled with additive manufacturing technical expertise.”
CollPlant Receives R&D Project Approval
Two years ago, regenerative medicine company CollPlant received funding from Israel’s Ministry of Economy for its research in developing collagen-based bioinks for 3D printing tissues and organs. CollPlant, which uses its proprietary plant-based rhCollagen (recombinant human collagen) technology for tissue repair products, has now announced that the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) has approved a grant to finance the continued development of its rhCollagen-based formulations intended for use as bioinks. Terms of the grant require CollPlant to pay royalties to the IIA on future sales of any technology that’s developed with the use of the funding, up to the full grant amount. The total project budget is roughly $1.2 million (NIS 4.2 million), and the IIA will finance 30%, subject to certain conditions.
“In addition to providing immediate non-dilutive funding, this grant from the Israel Innovation Authority represents an important validation of our BioInk technology and its market potential. With the recent opening of our new cGMP production facility in Rehovot, Israel, we are well positioned to meet growing demand for our BioInk and tissue repair products. We are grateful to the IIA for this recognition,” said CollPlant CEO Yehiel Tal.
Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting Hosted by US Patent and Trademark Office
For the last several years, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been hosting the Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting, and this year’s meeting takes place tomorrow, June 27th, from 1 to 5 PM at the USPTO headquarters inside the Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. The USPTO will be seeking opinions from various participants at the informal meeting, which is really a forum for individual 3D printing users and the USPTO to share ideas, insights, and personal experiences.
“We value our customers and the feedback provided from individual participants is important in our efforts to continuously improve the quality of our products and services,” the USPTO meeting site reads. “Your willing participation in this informal process is helpful in providing us with new insights and perspectives.”
Scheduled speakers at this year’s meeting are coming from CIMP-3D, HRL, Kansas State University, Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, and the NextManufacturing Center, and an RSVP is required to attend the AM Partnership Meeting.
RP Platform Launches New AI Software and Rebrand
London-based RP Platform, which provides customizable workflow automation software for industrial 3D printing, is launching a new software platform, which will use AI for the first time to automate 3D printing production. With customers in over 30 countries, the company is one of the top automation software providers for industrial 3D printing. In addition to its software launch, RP Platform has also announced that, as it continues to expand its software capabilities to target AM end part production, it is rebranding, and has changed its name to AMFG.
“We want to help companies make their 3D printing processes much smoother so that they can produce more parts with greater visibility and less effort. And we have more exciting releases to our software over the coming months that will further enhance our production automation capabilities,” said Keyvan Karimi, the CEO of AMFG.
“Ultimately, we’re creating a truly autonomous manufacturing process for industrial 3D printing. For us, this means taking manufacturing to a new era of production. The launch of our new software, as well as our company rebrand, fully reflects this vision going forward.”
NCAM Installing a Digital Metal 3D Printer
The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) in the UK, headquartered at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, has decided to add the unique binder jetting technology developed by Digital Metal to its large range of advanced manufacturing equipment, and will soon be installing one of its high-precision metal 3D printers – which are not available anywhere else in the UK. The 3D printer will be available for use by NCAM’s member companies, and other organizations, who are interested in testing the capabilities of Digital Metal’s proprietary binder jetting technology.
Dr. David Brackett, AM Technology Manager at the NCAM, explained, “The Digital Metal binder jetting technology falls into the category of ‘bind-and-sinter AM’, where a multi-stage process chain incorporating sintering is required to achieve full density. It’s a very fast technology that can create complicated and highly detailed designs, and there is potential for wider material choice than with AM processes that use melting. We are delighted to be able to offer this to the companies we work with.”
The Digital Metal 3D printer will be operational later this summer, and NCAM personnel are already training with it to ensure they can operate it efficiently and safely.
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VormVrij LUTUM 4 clay 3D printer technical specifications and pricing
Dutch clay 3D printer manufacturer VormVrij has released the LUTUM 4 series of 3D printers. Fourth generation machines, LUTUM 4s comes with a number of upgrades and under-the-hood improvements, including an ability to 3D print pottery up to 80 cm tall. Speed test on a LUTUM V4 3D printer. Clip via Yao van den Heerik on YouTube […]
HP opens production-grade 3D printing center in China
With plans to expand its Asia-Pacific Japan (APJ) headquarters in the world’s largest manufacturing market HP, the Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing technology company, has unveiled a new production-grade 3D printing center in Foshan, China. Guangdong Lanwan Intelligence Technology Company, an open application service platform and 3D printing solution provider, will operate the facility in collaboration […]