3d printing partnerships Archives - Perfect 3D Printing Filament

BASF and Photocentric Launch Materials for Visible Light 3D Printing

BASF’s 3D printing unit, Forward AM, has advanced its partnership with Photocentric to develop and launch a materials portfolio specifically tailored for the LCD-screen based daylight 3D printers from Photocentric. The partnership combines the latest materials and 3D printing technology, improves the quality and efficiency in 3D printing components, and aims to further enable the industrialization of the additive manufacturing industry.

“From the very beginning of our cooperation, together we have aimed to extend the possibilities of advanced photopolymer solutions to address the enormous spectrum of applications opened up by the outstanding performance of this Additive Manufacturing technology. We believe the combination of the expertise gained through decades of BASF research into 3D printing materials, our unique material portfolio, and Photocentric’s remarkable printer technology, genuinely has potential to enable cost competitive parts printing and thus make mass-manufacturing of functional end-use parts a reality,” explains François Minec, Managing Director BASF 3D Printing Solutions.

“The new chemistries we have harnessed for our product offering enable us to meet our customers’ very high mechanical performance demands and realize their mass scale applications. At the same time we are intentionally offering industry-disruptive prices on formulated bulk resin to the market: Jointly we want to move the Additive Manufacturing business towards higher productivity and lower prices per printed part,” adds Dr. Piotr Bazula, Global Product and New Business Development Manager Liquid Formulation Solutions, BASF 3D Printing Solutions.

The two companies had been collaborating on optimizing photopolymer resins and printer parameters, and the next step has been to go to market together with a range of high performance photopolymers: ‘Ultracur3D Powered by Photocentric’. For BASF, this is another specialized application for its Ultracur range of materials, which can be applied to DLP, LCD and SLA based 3D printing technologies.

“Photocentric is deepening its partnership with BASF to facilitate the custom mass manufacture of components in a wide variety of industries. Together we have created a unique combination of software, hardware and chemistry that removes obstacles to using Additive Manufacturing in mass production. Working with Forward AM, we have developed a portfolio of products that delivers the required functional properties perfectly, enables high-resolution mass manufacture, and thereby adds real customer value,” says Paul Holt, Managing Director, Photocentric Ltd.

“This extended range of high performance materials now allows our customers to take full advantage of the large build volume, speed and reliability of Photocentric printers, to move towards the cost-effective, large-scale production of end-use parts,” comments Sally Tipping, Sales Director, Photocentric Ltd.

Image Courtesy of Photocentric

Ultracur3D EPD 1006 Powered by Photocentric will be the first in an initial set of ten products specifically developed for LCD daylight technology, and the partnership will look to expand offerings within the portfolio progressively.

BASF Ultracur material used in the LC Magna. Image Courtesy of Photocentric.

Photocentric, founded in 2002 and headquartered in the UK, has disrupted the vat photopolymerization 3D printing market with its Liquid Crystal 3D printers and material solutions that rely on LCD-screens (using visible or low light spectrum) to cure special photopolymers to print high quality parts, that significantly improve the speed and cost efficiency of 3D printing production, particularly in digital dentistry.

Video courtesy of Photocentric

The polymer market is set to generate $11.7 billion in 2020, as per SmarTech’s “Polymer Additive Manufacturing Markets and Applications: 2020-2029” report, and BASF, a leading polyurethane manufacturer and the world’s largest chemical company (by revenue), has been expanding its presence in the 3D printing industry, to include specialized materials providers, hardware and software providers, as well as service bureaus.

In 2019, BASF had introduced its new 3D printing brand ‘ForwardAM’ and, since then, has engaged in a number of partnerships, investments and acquisitions in the 3D printing ecosystem to expand its presence and offerings in the industrial AM market. The company acquired Sculpteo, partnered with Shapeways to combine the product creation platform’s proprietary technology with the range of additive materials from ForwardAM via a co-branded website; teamed with HP to develop materials for the Multi-Jet Fusion 3D printing platform, with Impossible Objects in its composite sheet layering technology, and with Origin and ECCO for footwear production; invested in Materialise for materials and software; invested in and partnered with PrismLab in the Asian market, with Essentium for Ultrafuse filaments for high-speed extrusion printing, as well as with Owens Corning for glass-fiber reinforced filament materials.

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Stanley Black & Decker Invests in Evolve Additive at $19 Million Valuation

The developer of a novel mass 3D printing technology, Evolve Additive Solutions, has announced additional investment support by Stanley Black & Decker through a new round of investment funding as it looks to accelerate its growth and new market opportunities.

This second stage of undisclosed funding revealed on Thursday supports Evolve’s vision of expansion into new markets, applications, and opportunities. In 2017, Evolve raised $19 million in equity funding with the LEGO Brand Group and Stanley Black & Decker investing in its STEP (Selective Thermoplastic Electrophotographic Process) 3D printing process, which this year began its Beta system phase and will soon move into commercial sales, ahead of next years expected industry integration.

Designed for automated manufacturing and full incorporation onto the factory-floor, the company’s breakthrough technology allows users to employ production-grade thermoplastics for volume manufacturing applications across multiple industries, including automotive, industrial, and medical.

STEP technology (Credit: Evolve Additive Solutions)

Evolve’s STEP technology is expected to sit on the manufacturing floor alongside traditional manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, and the company claims it will augment an organization’s production capabilities allowing freedom of design and faster time to market with “toolless” production. This new scalable and extensible solution combines Evolve’s own proprietary technology with electrophotography to produce additive manufactured parts that meet or exceed the quality of traditionally fabricated ones.

“Stanley Black & Decker is excited about the continued relationship. Evolve’s vision in the Additive Manufacturing space enables the company to commercialize this new state-of-the-art technology and provide high quality production parts,” said Larry Harper, vice president of Stanley Ventures for Stanley Black & Decker.

An S&P 500 company, Stanley Black & Decker is well known as a global provider of hand tools, power tools, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and much more. In recent years, it has taken on projects that entail 3D-printed parts, 3D printing materials, and supporting 3D printing startups. Moreover, Evolve’s additive manufacturing technology is expected to have great potential in the production of high-quality, medium-volume plastic components for a number of Stanley Black & Decker’s product categories.

“Our continued relationship expands our market opportunity,” stated Steve Chillscyzn, CEO and founder of Evolve. “As a startup organization that is redefining the market, the continued confidence and trust from Stanley gives us proof that there is a strong demand for our technology in the marketplace”.

What started in 2009 as a research project led by Chillscyzn to introduce 3D printing for manufacturing, has become a potentially robust technology platform for manufacturers across many industries to develop products made with engineering plastics. Born out of Stratasys, the incubation project turned independent company already has over 100 granted and pending patents and more than 21 engineers working on its underlying technology system which was built from the ground up, instead of revamping or rethinking other industrial technologies.

The STEP process combines time-tested 2D imaging technology with proprietary subsystems developed by Evolve to precisely align incoming layers and bond them to create final parts that are fully dense with isotropic properties, that the company claims are equal or even exceed those of injection molding.

STEP technology introduces a range of new features that could radically improve manufacturing. From a lower cost per part for short to medium batch sizes to multiple material printing and industry 4.0. As the Minneapolis-based company approaches full commercialization it has already established a joint agreement with German specialty chemicals company Evonik to work together on new formulations of thermoplastic materials that can be used in Evolve’s STEP process, which was designed to function with production-grade thermoplastics. So that, along with the expectations surrounding Evolve’s new technology, users will also have a lot to look forward to in terms of material choices, as the combined efforts of the partners could result in a wider range of materials for users and more 3D printing material choices for production than are commonly utilized in traditionally manufactured products.

Evolve’s STEP technology is ready for integration with industry (Credit: Evolve Additive Solutions)

Last year, after Evolve’s STEP system entered the Alpha development stage and was sent for testing to a strategic partner’s manufacturing headquarters, the company had already begun looking for Beta partners that could benefit from a technology like STEP to produce what they refer to as “true manufacturing with additive at volume.” Evolve directors even suggested they were actively discussing participation in the STEP Beta program with companies across many industries including automotive, aerospace, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, and medical.

With Evolve’s STEP technology expected to begin commercial sales later this year, this additional investment enables the company to further strengthen its brand momentum and capitalize on its position as a new global player in the additive manufacturing market.

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3D Printing News Briefs: January 16, 2020

In today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, we’ve got a little business news, followed by stories about materials, and finally ending with some 3D printed fashion. PostProcess Technologies is expanding in Japan with a new partnership. Smart International has launched a material partnership program, and CRP Technology is introducing a new Windform material. Finally, a Spanish fashion brand is using BCN3D’s technology to make some of its clothing.

PostProcess Technologies Enters Asian Market with New Partnership

Executives from PostProcess and K.K. IRISU (C. ILLIES & CO., LTD.)

Automated post-printing solutions provider PostProcess Technologies Inc. announced that it’s entering the Asian additive manufacturing market, and expanding the reach of its solutions, by naming K.K. IRISU (C. ILLIES & CO., LTD.) as its first distribution partner in Japan. PostProcess chose the high-quality industrial machinery and technologies specialist, to help serve its growing base of customers in Japan and represent its data-driven technologies because of its expertise and experience. The partnership is mutually beneficial, as ILLIES can now offer its customers access to technology that will automate common post-printing processes and enable “additive manufacturing at scale.”

“K.K.IRISU’s main objective is to educate the Japanese market in additive manufacturing and to continue to be the solution provider for the Japanese 3D manufacturing world. We feel that by adding PostProcess Technologies to our lineup, will help assist the Japanese market to compete with other countries in Additive Manufacturing as well as globally maintain the high standards of the tag ‘Made in Japan’,” said Dr. Frank Oberndorff, President of K. K. IRISU.

Next month, both companies will exhibit at the Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions (DMS) 2020 Expo.

Smart International Introduces Material Partnership Program

This week, Smart International, the global brand licensee in 3D printing for KODAK, announced the launch of a new Materials Partnership Program in order to help its customers achieve a repeatable 3D printing experience, while also meeting the demand for high-quality, yet easy-to-print, engineering materials. The company has already developed, and tested, material profiles for filaments from its partners BASF, Clariant, and DSM, which will help provide optimal conditions for these third party materials on the Portrait 3D printer. Print profiles were created from this data, and can either be accessed from the KODAK 3D Cloud or downloaded from the Smart3D website.

“We feel it is of vital importance to continually adapt to the ever-evolving 3D printing market. Partnering with top filament companies like BASF, Clariant and DSM gives the customer the opportunity to choose the material that best fits their project, and gives them confidence to use these high-quality 3rd party materials with the KODAK Portrait 3D Printer,” said Roberto Gawianski, the CEO of Smart International. “We are pleased to be able to assist in the development and evolution of 3D printing filaments, and will continue to support progress in this area.”

BASF material profiles include Ultrafuse ABS Fusion+, Ultrafuse PAHT CF15, Ultrafuse PA, and Ultrafuse Z PCTG, while Clariant now has a profile for its popular 20% carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide 6/66 PA6/66-CF20 filament. Smart International also created material profiles for DSM’s Novamid ID1030, Novamid ID1030 CF10, a carbon fiber filled PA6/66 copolymer filament and Arnitel ID2060 HT.

CRP Technology’s New Windform P2 Material

Italian company CRP Technology is introducing the latest material from its Windform P-LINE range – the glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyamide Windform P2, which the company states has “excellent mechanical properties” for its High Speed Sintering (HSS) technology. The new material has high tensile strength (39.24 MPa), combined with increased stiffness (2925.20 MPa), and is great for insulating, as it is glass fiber-filled. Windform P2 is good for producing end-use parts that need high stiffness, as well as manufacturing components with detailed resolution.

“Windform® P2 is the second polymer from P-LINE, the new Windform® range of materials for high speed production-grade 3D printing, introduced on the market less than a year ago,” said Engineer Franco Cevolini, CRP Technology CTO and VP.

“This is a very important property. Windform® P2 is stiffer than Windform® P1 because Windform® P2 is reinforced (Windform® P1 is not reinforced). Most of the reinforced materials for similar technologies currently on the market, show a decrease in the tensile strength property. My staff and I have been able to preserve the high tensile strength in Windform® P2. Therefore, Windform® P2 overall’s performance is superior than the performance of similar materials currently on the market for similar technologies.”

ZER Collection 3D Printing Clothes with BCN3D

The 3D printed parts are made in TPU due to the flexibility of this material.

Spanish fashion brand ZER Collection introduced its first collection at the most recent Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Madrid. The label, which was founded in 2017 by Núria Costa and Ane Castro and designs ‘futuristic, functional and urban clothing with sporty aesthetics,’ incorporated 3D printed parts, made with BCN3D’s Sigma printer, into 12 of the outfits; this system allows for the printing of two different materials, including flexible TPU. ZER Collection is using 3D printing in order to accelerate its production manufacturing processes and reduce waste, while also contributing to the use of sustainable new technologies in the apparel industry.

“We work much faster, because we can print two fabrics at the same time,” Costa said when explaining some of the benefits of using 3D printing to make their clothing, including their ability to “digitize all patterns in order to produce only the necessary fabric.”

“We believe that the use of 3D printing represents a revolution in fashion, in environmental care and in society.”

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Interview with Tamer Mohamed of Aspect Biosystems on Advancing Tissue Therapeutics

While attending The University of British Columbia (UBC), Tamer Mohamed, along with fellow graduate student Simon Beyer, began working at the Walus Laboratory on the development of a novel microfluidics-based bioprinting platform that could be used to fabricate human tissue constructs. One of the main reasons for their innovation was to potentially replace animal models in drug testing, which are costly, time-consuming and can have poor predictive accuracy. A few years went by and the two went on to win a MEMSCAP Design Award for their pioneering creation (the Lab-on-a-Printer Bioprinter) which would later become the basis for their startup, Aspect Biosystems. The UBC spinoff company was founded by Mohamed, Beyer, Konrad Walus (associate professor at UBC and head of the Walus Lab), and Sam Wadsworth, to turn their idea into a commercial product. The company quickly began providing pharmaceutical companies with high-efficacy tissue models that better mimic in vivo conditions, looking to improve the predictive accuracy of the front end drug discovery process. 3DPrint.com spoke to Mohamed to learn about his successful transition from graduate student to CEO of Aspect Biosystems.

Cofounders of Aspect Biosystems Tamer Mohamed and Simon Beyer at the Walus Lab when they were grad students

What was the inspiration behind Aspect Biosystems?

Aspect Biosystems was established with the vision of leveraging advancements in biology, microfluidics, and 3D printing to create technology-enabled therapeutics that will ultimately have a meaningful impact on patients. We are marrying our deep knowledge of human biology with cutting-edge 3D printing technology to create. Our story started almost a decade ago so we’ve spent years developing our foundational microfluidic bioprinting technology and are now applying our platform technology to create functional tissues, both internally through our proprietary programs, and with our partners around the world.

Can you tell me about the company’s growth model?

Platform technologies often have the advantage of flexibility, as they could allow you to pursue multiple applications. This also presents a challenge though, in that it is easy to become unfocused. At Aspect, we’ve built a strategy that allows us to both focus and diversify. Internally, we are advancing proprietary tissue programs in regenerative medicine. But we also recognize that to achieve our vision of enabling human tissues on demand, we can’t work alone. By providing access to our technology to partners around the world, we are able to create a network effect and tap into specific domain expertise. This allows our technology to be applied to a wide range of research purposes externally, without detracting resources or focus from our specific tissue programs internally. We collaborate with academia and industry on specific applications that allow us to fuel our growth and help generate revenue and a robust innovation pipeline.

How much has Aspect grown?

Aspect is the first and only company to leverage microfluidics to create functional tissue, and we are proud to pioneer this approach. Academically, we were one of the first groups in the world to print cells while at the UBC, so we see ourselves as pioneers in both bioprinting and platforms for creating tissue therapeutics. Five years ago, we had four full-time employees. Today we have a team of over 40 people focused on our mission and over 20 collaborations globally. We have attracted smart venture capital, partnered with some of the biggest names in our industry, and made major breakthroughs in applying our technology to create functional tissues. It is a great sign that, year-after-year, we continue to raise the bar. It is an even better sign that I believe the best is yet to come.

The Aspect Biosystem team celebrating Canada Day

What will the applications of this technology be in pharmaceutical research and drug trials?

I believe the opportunity with the highest value and best poised to make a significant impact on the pharmaceutical space is disease modeling. Using 3D bioprinting technology allows us to model diseases in a human-relevant system that would otherwise be difficult to study in animals or less sophisticated in vitro models. For example, working with GSK and Merck, we are leveraging our microfluidic 3D bioprinting platform to create physiologically-relevant 3D tissues containing patient-derived cells to assess the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs and to predict a patient’s response to treatment. This partnered program could unlock the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and the development of immuno-oncology therapeutics.

Would you tell us more about Aspect’s current and future work?

Our current internal programs are focused on orthopedic and metabolic diseases. On the orthopedic side, we are leveraging our deep knowledge of musculoskeletal biology and biomaterials to create knee meniscal replacements. On the metabolic side, we are focused on liver tissue and creating a therapeutic tissue for Type 1 diabetes. Externally, our partners around the world are using our 3D bioprinting technology to advance research in the brain, lungs, heart, pancreas, and kidneys, just to name a few. By being both focused internally and diversified externally, we are building a robust pipeline for the future. Our end goal is to enable the creation of human tissues on demand, and we know that we can’t do it alone. Our network of academic researchers and industry partners are key to making our vision a reality.

How fast is the technology moving towards a future with lab-made functional organs?

Tamer Mohamed

We are focused on identifying specific diseases or biological malfunction inside the body and rationally designing advanced tissue therapeutics that address these areas of unmet medical need. So, while we may not actually be making something that looks exactly like an organ, we are recreating the biological function that has been lost or damaged to address the problem. For example, someone with Type 1 diabetes has a pancreas that is unable to perform the vital function of creating insulin. We don’t necessarily need to engineer something for them that looks exactly like a pancreas – instead, we are creating an implantable therapeutic tissue that replaces function that has been lost. In this case, that function is sensing glucose levels in the blood and biologically releasing insulin in response. This is an example of one of our internal programs – a bioengineered pancreatic tissue therapeutic that restores a critical function that been lost due to an autoimmune disease.

Is Canada a great place to develop a bioprinting company?

Canada has a long and rich history in the field of regenerative medicine, going back to the discovery of stem cells in the 1960s. As a country, we have an opportunity to be a global leader in the field. At Aspect, we are proud to be part of these efforts. We are in ongoing discussions with different government groups as to how we can play a role in helping to lead the charge and the government has been embracing that. We have seen significant federal and provincial support for innovation and public/private partnerships, which definitely help stimulate growth in the field.

How disruptive is the technology you created?

By combining microfluidics with 3D printing, we are disrupting tissue engineering. We are able to programmatically process multiple cells and biologically-relevant materials in high-throughput to rationally design and produce functional tissues. We are constantly integrating new microfluidic processing units within our printhead technology and leveraging continuous advancements in the “lab-on-a-chip” space. With our microfluidic technology, we are generating a large amount of data. By using this data and machine learning, we are improving the quality and automation of the biomanufacturing process.

Ultimately, bioprinting is only as good as our understanding of biology – and our understanding of biology is growing wider and deeper. We are combining state-of-the-art stem cell science with our microfluidic 3D printing technology to create tissue therapeutics. For example, we are combining insulin-secreting cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with our printing technology to create therapeutic tissues for patients with Type 1 diabetes.

[Images: Aspect Biosystems and Tamer Mohamed]

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3D Printing in Africa: 3D Printing in Ghana

3D printed hydraulic robot

3D printing in Ghana can be considered to be in transition from the early to middle stage of development. This is in comparison with other active countries such as South Africa or Kenya. Despite the slow development, the West African country has brought quite unique and interesting innovations to the 3D printing ecosystem.

Klaks 3D printer

When one looks at Ghana’s 3D printing landscape, the most outstanding story is the university students who built a 3D printer from electronic waste. The students identified as Klaks 3D took two weeks to build a 3D printer using electronic waste for the bulk of the components. The innovation was intended to enhance teaching and learning basics in schools, particularly in 3D printing. From an African viewpoint, this is encouraging and motivating and even from an environmental worldview, this could be an inspiration. The students approach aligns very well with the principle of zero waste: make a printer from waste and print objects at zero waste.

Student flying 3D printed drone

Another interesting development from Ghana’s 3D printing landscape is the building of a drone by students from a private university. The students at Ashesi University constructed the drone using 3D printed parts and actually posted a video on their Facebook wall showing its flight. The drone is still more of a prototype but is more than good enough to further democratize drone technology. It is not known how long it took the students to build the drone but at least it’s a very positive start.

Little girl with 3D printed arm prosthesis.

A very recent development worth mentioning is the partnership between Tech Era (award winning tech non-profit based in Ghana) and Dextra (Canadian based social enterprise and engineering company) for the creation of an Assistive Technology Makerspace in Ashesi University. The purpose for this development is to create and develop teaching and learning materials for learners with disabilities. Using 3D printing, students working in the Ashesi D-lab will design and develop learning materials for assistive technologies for children with disability. This is a promising development for children with disabilities as they will be able to participate in STEM related programs and make use of the assistive technologies in the future. One can only imagine the joy and relief such an initiative will bring to both the parents and their children with disabilities. The thought of developing learning materials so that they are equipped to be able to participate in the economy is more than blessing if one would put that way. This initiative by Ghana should surely spread to the rest of the continent. I am positive it will make a massive impact not only in Ghana but the continent at large.

Ghana is still treading the journey in utilizing 3D printing technology and with the above mentioned developments they are getting there. The West African country is also on a positive growth phase and so a market based approach would work for Ghana considering the kind of development that it wishes to pursue with 3D printing technology. Delivery of products and services to underprivileged and undeserved markets is very important and required for economic growth and improving standard of living. Funding and resource mobilisation may be important for Ghana in its pursuit to applying 3D printing. The young generation has great interest and are enthusiastic with an eagerness to provide solutions. This is a very healthy condition for 3D printing and an innovative community will emerge as the technology develops.

Dr. Scholl’s Partners with Wiivv for 3D Printed Custom Insoles

Most people are familiar with Dr. Scholl’s as the go-to brand for insoles. The company has become something of a household name – just as you might ask for a Kleenex regardless of the brand of tissue that’s actually available, you might say “I need some Dr. Scholl’s,” if you’ve been spending a lot of time walking in uncomfortable shoes. 3D printing, however, has meant that some young upstart companies are arising to challenge the classic brand. Wiivv, for example, changed the footwear world when it introduced its custom 3D printed insoles. Every customer now had the opportunity to obtain their own unique insoles, 3D printed and customized to their individual foot shape and size. While Wiivv isn’t the only company to offer custom 3D printed insoles, it was one of the first, one of the biggest and one of the most well-known.

Now these two insole giants are going into business together. Dr. Scholl’s is now offering custom 3D printed insoles, powered by Wiivv Fit technology. Customers can use a simple smartphone app to personalize their own insoles, which are mapped from 400 points on the feet.

“Dr Scholl‘s understands the importance of customization for a growing number of consumers. This new offering enables us to make inserts to the exact specifications of our customers‘ feet, with just the right support in just the right places,” said Claudia F. Metcalf, US Marketing Director, Dr. Scholl’s. “Using Wiivv Fit Technology, we are bringing a custom 3D experience to the reliable, comfortable inserts Dr. Scholl’s is known for. This is a breakthrough in premium personalization with the ability to shop from home.”

Wiivv has become something of a household name itself, so it’s hard to believe the company has only been around for a few years. Three years ago, Wiivv was a runner-up in the TechCrunch Hardware Battlefield Competition held at CES; at the same time, the company launched its first successful Kickstarter campaign for its insoles. A year later, Wiivv held another Kickstarter campaign, again wildly successful, this time for 3D printed custom sandals. CES was actually where Wiivv and Dr. Scholl’s met and began discussing partnerships.

“What we pioneered at Wiivv is helping Dr. Scholl’s scale its custom business and meet the needs of consumers who are beginning to understand the benefits of custom manufacturing,” said Wiivv Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Shamil Hargovan. “We are a technology company, but we exist to add active and meaningful years to your life by making custom products one at a time, so that you can move, feel, and live your best. It’s an honor to partner with Dr. Scholl’s and we’re thrilled to be moving true customization forward.”

Customers can download the Dr. Scholl’s app or go here to begin customizing their own pair of insoles. Dr. Scholl’s Custom 3D Inserts are available in full length or three quarter length sizes, priced at $99. The insoles ship for free and arrive within 14 days of order, and are offered with a 30-day money back guarantee.

We also have Wiiv insoles in the 3DPrint.com Shop, try them out here.

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Sculpteo Earns ISO 9001 Standard, Partners with Bombardier

3D printing service Sculpteo has announced that is has obtained the ISO 9001:2015 standard. As defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO), this standard specifies requirements for a quality management system when an organization

needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements
aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements

The standard is granted exclusively to companies that can prove that they have implemented efficient and documented protocols to ensure both continuous improvement and quality of service in communicating with clients. It certifies quality management systems that are geared towards improvement, client satisfaction and the active involvement of executive management and employees in a process-based approach.

Earning this standard means that Sculpteo can now partner with some of the largest industrial companies in the world, such as Bombardier, the leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Bombardier uses additive manufacturing to create complex parts which act as a mount for different instrumentations of fatigue tests, such as comparators, pulleys and targets, as well as aeraulics such as reheater copies and acoustics like acoustical racquets, microphone mounts and guides for the positioning of microphones.

“We are regularly let to manufacture in 3D printing parts that are essential in our measuring process,” said Stéphane Veste, Testing Engineer in the Product Integrity Test Pole of Bombardier Transport France. “We rely on rules that compel us to a certain rigor regarding, amongst others, the positioning of the sensors, a phase where we use the 3D-printed parts (acoustical racquet, microphone mount, positioning tools in relation to the path median etc). The quality of these tools contributed to the obtainment of the RFU-022 standard.”

The ISO 9001 standard covers all activities in 3D printing, consulting, design and engineering at Sculpteo for one year.

“Only yesterday was 3D printing considered an imperfect technology; it has now become a tool opened not only to some pioneers, but an asset of the largest industrial companies,” said Clément Moreau, CEO of Sculpteo. “Obtaining the ISO 9001-2015 standard is the result of a process that mobilized all of Sculpteo’s skills. It certifies the level of quality and precision of its different 3D printing services, which suit the most demanding manufacturing process of the upper industries.”

Sculpteo was founded in 2009 by Moreau and Eric Careel. In the nearly 10 years the company has been in business, it has accrued customers from all around the world. Sculpteo has locations based in both Paris and San Francisco, and its offerings include on-demand 3D printing for clients ranging from startups to SMEs and design studios.

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EOS and Etihad Airways Engineering Partner to Expand 3D Printed Aviation Applications

The United Arab Emirates’ Etihad Airways has long been serious about incorporating 3D printing into its airplanes, particularly cabin components. Now Etihad Airways Engineering, the largest aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services provided in the Middle East, has partnered with 3D printer manufacturer EOS to expand local capabilities for 3D printing in the aviation field.

The initial phase of the collaboration will use EOS technology and involve the qualification of machines, processes and materials in accordance with aviation regulatory requirements.

“Etihad constantly invests in new technology and has identified additive manufacturing as a key technology for aviation interior parts, as well as applications beyond aerospace in the future,” said Bernhard Randerath, Vice President Design, Engineering and Innovation at Etihad Airways Engineering. “The technology is a key enabler when it comes to design and innovation in our industry. Etihad is proud to work towards a vision of a 3D-printed cabin interior.”

Once the initial steps have been completed, Etihad Airways Engineering will certify the additive manufacturing process and further develop additive manufacturing capabilities based on the technology. Along with EOS, the company will also work to develop, test and qualify new polymer materials. Over the long term, Etihad plans to roll out 3D printing among its customers and within its broader ecosystem.

“Etihad is providing industry-leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions,” said Markus Glasser, Senior Vice President Export Region at EOS. “As such we share the same mindset as both of our companies are committed to high quality solutions and constant technology innovation. We are honored to support our partner on this innovation journey, as such bringing the production of aircraft interior parts to the next level.”

The partnership will enable Etihad Airways Engineering to produce 3D printed aircraft parts at its facility in Abu Dhabi. After a structured selection process, cabin interior parts will be 3D printed, which offers a number of benefits. 3D printing allows for lightweight design, and when it comes to airplanes, the more lightweight components can be included, the better. Any reduction in weight allows for better fuel efficiency, saving money as well as having a positive impact on the environment. 3D printing also enables shorter lead times as well as the opportunity for customization.

As 3D printing becomes more and more common in the aerospace industry, many people think more of high-strength metal components being used in engines, for example, and less about the inside of the cabin itself. But the interior cabin of the airplane is just as full of opportunities for using 3D printing, if not more so, and Etihad has seized on those opportunities in particular. When it comes to making an aircraft more lightweight, or saving money and time, no part is too small to revamp using 3D printing.

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3D Printing News Briefs: November 13, 2018

We should really call today’s 3D Printing News Briefs the formnext 2018 Briefs, as announcements from the show are numerous this week. EnvisionTEC, XYZprinting, BASF, and DSM all introduced new 3D printing materials at the event in Frankfurt today, and in the only news not related to formnext, Imerys Ceramics has announced a new range of ceramic feedstocks.

EnvisionTEC Debuting First 4K 3D Printing System

At formnext, 3D printer manufacturer EnvisionTEC debuted the industry’s first DLP-based 3D printer that uses a true 4K projector with UV optics tuned to the 385 nm wavelength. Available in three production-ready variations, with a gray body and a 2560 x 1600 pixel projector resolution, the Perfactory P4K 3D printer delivers highly accurate parts with an ultra-smooth surface finish. Additionally, the Perfactory P4K, has access to the rest of the Perfactory line’s versatile materials portfolio for production capacity.

“The P4K is the highest resolution advanced DLP printer with the largest build envelope and deploys artificial intelligence in pixel modulation to deliver the highest accuracy parts with the smoothest available surface finish in the 3D printing space. This will deliver the next level of production-grade 3D printing solutions,” said Al Siblani, the CEO of EnvisionTEC.

The new Perfactory P4K will be on display at formnext all week.

XYZprinting Introducing New 3D Printing Materials

Another company introducing new materials at formnext this week is desktop 3D printing brand XYZprinting. In order to expand the capabilities of both domestic and professional grade 3D printers, the company is launching a new antibacterial PLA material, along with copper metallic PLA and Carbon PLA materials. The first of these can destroy up to 99% of bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and comes in four colors: white, red, yellow and neon green.

The copper metallic PLA, made of 65% copper powder, is a good alternative for hobbyists when it comes to sculpting metal for ornamental models. The material is being launched in conjunction with XYZprinting’s new nozzle, made of carbon hardened steel. Finally, the new Carbon PLA, which is also compatible with this new nozzle, is made of 10% carbon fiber, and its matte finish is ideal for showing off fine details. You can learn more about these new materials at XYZprinting’s booth D10 in Hall 3.1, where it will also be exhibiting its latest 3D printer, the da Vinci Color AiO, with a 3D scanner and optional laser engraver.

BASF 3D Printing Solutions Presents New Products at formnext

Germany-based BASF 3D Printing Solutions GmbH (B3DPS), a 100% subsidiary of BASF New Business GmbH, is also at formnext this week, to introduce several new materials for photopolymer and laser sintering methods, in addition to announcing some new partnerships and alliances. First, B3DPS is introducing flame-resistant Ultrasint Polyamide PA6 Black FR, Ultrasint PA6 Black LM X085, which is suitable for most current SLS 3D printers, and Ultrasint PP, a polypropylene with great plasticity, low moisture uptake, and resistance to liquids and gases. Additionally, B3DPS has also grouped its photopolymer materials under the new Ultracur3D brand name.

András Marton, Senior Business Development Manager at B3DPS, said, “Our Ultracur3D portfolio enables us to offer customers various UV-curable materials for 3D printing that provide far better mechanical properties and higher long-term stability than most available materials.

“These materials have been developed for functional components that are subject to high stress.”

The subsidiary also announced that it’s partnering with California company Origin and 3D printer manufacturer Photocentric to develop photopolymers and photopolymer 3D printing processes, and working with Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Xunshi Technology, which operates in the US under the name SprintRay, to open up new applications for the Ultracur3D range. Additionally, B3DPS subsidiary Innofil3D is partnering with Jet-Mate Technology in China and US-based M. Holland to distribute plastic filaments. Visit B3DPS at formnext this week at booth F20 in Hall 3.1.

DSM Announces 3D Printing Product Launches

Vent cover used for PIV windtunnel testing, printed in Somos PerFORM Reflect

In today’s final formnext news, science-based company DSM has unveiled two new high-performance materials for 3D printing structural parts. Somos PerFORM Reflect is a groundbreaking new stereolithography material for wind tunnel testing with PIV (Particle Imaging Velocimetry), and saves more than 30% post treatment cost by eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings to printed parts. In addition to helping customers conduct iterations and collect data more quickly, the resin could actually help break speed records for wind tunnel testing.

“Speed is crucial, whether in automotive, aerospace or other transportation design. Eliminating the need to apply PIV coatings is a major breakthrough for customers who are using PIV wind tunnel testing. It allows them to speed up their aerodynamic design optimizations. We are thrilled that our strategy of focusing on helping customers create their applications have enabled us to deliver such tremendous value. Overnight, Somos® PerFORM Reflect will not just set new speed records but new industry standards,” said Hugo da Silva, Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at DSM.

The company’s second new material is the thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) Arnitel ID2060 HT, which is perfect for the FDM 3D printing of structural parts for automotive applications. The material features a balance of prolonged high temperature resistance, flexibility, and chemical resistance against exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) condensate.

Imerys Ceramics Introduces EZ Print 3D Range of Ceramic Feedstocks

As part of the Imerys group, Imerys Ceramics designs, produces, and markets high-performance mineral solutions for the ceramic industries, and is making ceramic 3D printing easy with its new, unique range of ceramic materials called EZ Print 3D.

EZ Print 3D is available as a plug & play cartridge, so users can enjoy efficiency and ease of use when it comes to 3D printing. The materials are also available as a “ready to fill” ceramic feedstock, and have been tested on several 3D printers currently on the market. EZ Print 3D has a low firing temperature of 1220°C that’s compatible with most kiln temperature limits, and the genuine low porosity (<0,5%) of a porcelain. The technology is perfect for tableware and giftware applications, and the company plans to expand EZ Print 3D accordingly as 3D printing adoption grows. Imerys Ceramics also provides technical support and a dedicated team that’s competent in 3D printing to help customers.

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Additive Industries Brings MetalFAB1 3D Printing System to New Partnership with Volkswagen

There are a variety of large-scale metal 3D printing systems to choose from nowadays, but one of the earlier companies to offer 3D printing on a massive scale was Additive Industries, which introduced its MetalFAB1 system in 2015. With a build envelope of 420 x 420 x 400 mm, the MetalFAB1 was one of the largest metal 3D printers available at the time. It also features multiple build chambers, offering a means for manufacturers to utilize 3D printing for industrial-scale production.

Additive Industries has become a valued partner in the automotive industry, working with Switzerland’s Sauber F1 team to produce components for its race cars. Now the company has announced a partnership with Volkswagen, which is no stranger to 3D printing itself.

“We see great potential for 3D metal printing of a broad range of car parts and tooling and have joined forces in Volkswagen internally to increase our facility seven fold to be prepared for the digital future,” said Klaus-Jürgen Herzberg, Betriebsrat.

Additive Industries will work with the Volkswagen Group to 3D print advanced tooling and spare parts.

“The investment in the most modern 3D printing equipment allows us to continue to be front-runners in toolmaking and give our craftsmen access to the latest technology,” said Oliver Pohl, Department Manager.

In September, Additive Industries installed its fully automated and integrated MetalFAB1 system in Wolfsburg, and the first 3D printed products have been produced after intense training for the Volkswagen team.

“For Additive Industries, the partnership with Volkswagen, the world’s largest car maker is a confirmation of our strategy to accelerate industrial additive manufacturing and focus on innovators in their markets,” said Daan Kersten, CEO of Additive Industries.

Additive Industries was established in 2012 in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Founders Kersten and Jonas Wintermans built the company on the principles of “open innovation,” dedicating a team of professionals to accelerating the industrialization of additive manufacturing. The company has seen its technology successfully used in the aerospace, automotive, medical technology and high-tech equipment industries.

“We are proud to work closely with the Volkswagen team in Wolfsburg to execute on our roadmap for manufacturing excellence and expansion of the metal additive manufacturing footprint,” said Jan-Cees Santema, Sales Director Europe for Additive Industries.

With access to Additive Industries’ technology, Volkswagen will benefit from the ability to produce tooling and spare parts at rapid rates, accelerating its production and allowing it to make 3D printing a truly pivotal part of its manufacturing processes.

Additive Industries is currently attending formnext, which started today in Frankfurt, Germany and is running until November 16th. If you’re at the show, you can visit the company at booth E40 in Hall 3.0 to learn more about the MetalFAB1 system and its partnership with Volkswagen. 3DPrint.com is at the show as well.

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