A new study published by the European Patent Office (EPO) has revealed a number of interesting statistics and trends regarding innovation in additive manufacturing. The report points out the origins of all notable patent applications from 2000 – 2018 and the industries leading innovation with the most inventions. In general, there has been a global […]
3D Printing Webinar and Virtual Event Roundup, July 7, 2020
We’ve got plenty of 3D printing webinars and virtual events to tell you about for this coming week, starting with nScrypt’s webinar today. 3Ding and Formlabs will each hold a webinar tomorrow, July 8th, and 3D Systems is hosting a virtual event on the 8th. There are two more webinars on July 9th, by KEX Knowledge Exchange and ASME, and Additive Industries is holding a virtual event that day. Finally, a 3D Health Hackathon will take place starting July 10th.
nScrypt’s Cutting Edge of Digital Manufacturing Webinar
On June 30th, nScrypt held the first of a two-part Cutting Edge Digital Manufacturing webinar series, and is holding the second part today, July 7th, at 1 pm ET. In part two of “Pushing the Envelope of Digital Manufacturing,” the speakers will be Eric D. Wachsman, PhD, from the University of Maryland; Eduardo Rojas, PhD, with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Hjalti Sigmarsson, PhD, from Oklahoma University; and Craig Armiento, PhD, with the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Topics of discussion in this webinar include the use of metamaterials, building radio frequency devices, systems, and the first 3D/volumetric electrical circuits and antennas, and the state of the art of 3D manufacturing. Register here.
3DIng “Let’s Talk 3D Printing” Webinar
Indian 3D printer manufacturer 3Ding recently began holding a weekly webinar about 3D printing-related topics, such as SketchUp training, different types of 3D printing, OpenSCAD, slicing, applications in rapid prototyping, and how to choose a 3D printer. Tomorrow, July 8th, the topic of the weekly webinar will be “Live Demo of FabX, Hydra Series 3D Printers & AMA.”
Surendranath Reddy, the founder, CEO, and CTO of 3Ding, is leading the remote webinar session, which will take place at 6:30 am ET and last about 45 minutes. You can join the session here.
Webinar on Formlabs’ New Materials
Formlabs recently launched two new materials, Flexible 80A and Elastic 50A resins, which allows customers to make soft, flexible parts with ease. In a webinar on July 8th at 2:00 pm ET, attendees will get to learn all about these resins with the company’s Materials Product Manager Kathy But and webinar specialist Faris Sheikh. Topics will include when to use these materials, optimal applications, 3D printing material properties like spring back, tensile strength, and shore durometer, and the Ross Flex Test.
“To make soft and flexible parts with traditional methods, such as RTV moldmaking, can be a lengthy process. If you’ve also tried directly 3D printing flexible parts, you probably know there’s not many high performing materials available. That is now changing.
“With the launch of our Flexible 80A and Elastic 50A Resins, you’ll be able to easily fabricate flexible parts that are both soft and hard.”
Register here.
3D Systems’s Virtual Tradeshow
3D Systems is holding a virtual event on July 8th in order to teach attendees how to transform their manufacturing workflows. There will be a keynote address, networking opportunities, multiple live webinars, and even a virtual exhibition hall. The company will provide examples of digital manufacturing solution workflows with plastic and metal additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and on-demand services.
“Businesses are focused on lowering risk, resolving supply chain dependencies, streamlining supplier distribution and avoiding interruptions to supply access.
“Join 3D Systems at this exclusive virtual event to find out how Digital Manufacturing Solutions designed for today’s production needs, enable you to integrate additive and subtractive technologies into your manufacturing environment and workflow — providing increased agility, quicker lead times, improved productivity, and allowing you to offer new innovations to your customers.”
All presentations will be in English, and available on-demand for 30 days. Register here.
KEX Knowledge Exchange on Powder Bed Fusion
KEX Knowledge Exchange AG, a former spinoff of Fraunhofer IPT, offers technology consulting. As a service to its industrial and research partners, the company also has a web platform that offers over 7,000 profiles of AM technologies and materials, in addition to industry news, and has now launched a section devoted to webinars, with topics including post-processing and powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing.
“Together with one of our appreciated network partners, the ACAM Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing, we now launched a webinar section,” Jun Kim Doering, a technical writer with KEX, told 3DPrint.com. “Due to the COVID19 situation, ACAM has shifted their focus to an online offering, including webinars on different aspects of the AM technologies and applications.”
The first, “Webinar Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) – Advanced insights into Process, Parameters & Hardware,” will take place this Thursday, July 9th, and Erik Feldbaum, ACAM Aachen Center for Additive Manufacturing, will speak. It’s free for ACAM members, and will cost €175 for non-members.
ASME on 3D Printing in Hospitals
AM Medical, powered by ASME International, will be holding a free, live webinar this Thursday, July 9th, on “Building the Business Case for 3D Printing in Hospitals.” Point-of-care manufacturing leaders will discuss necessary skills, where to find the proper resources, how to address reimbursement, and other important questions during the hourlong session, from 4-5 pm ET. Speakers are Andy Christensen, the President of Somaden; Jonathan Morris, MD, Neuroradiologist and Director of the Mayo Clinic’s 3D Printing Anatomic Modeling Lab; Beth Ripley, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology with VA Puget Sound; Justin Ryan, Research Scientist at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; and Formlabs’ Director of Healthcare Gaurav Manchanda.
“The ability to manufacture from the patient’s data (medical imaging or surface scan) has been compelling to a community always looking for ways to innovate. With improving patient care as the primary goal, 3D printing has directly impacted more than 1 million patients. More than 25 years ago, anatomical models began to be used for planning of complex surgical procedures. Today, hospitals are using the technology for surgical guides and more. With increasing numbers of hospitals looking to bring 3D printing into their facility, how are they building the business case?”
Register here.
Additive Industries Hosting Digital Event
On July 9th and 10th, Additive Industries is getting the trade show season running again with what it calls “a corona-proof way to get out of the starting blocks.” At its two-day virtual event, attendees can visit the company’s digital booth, view presentations, and talk to the experts to learn more about the MetalFAB1 3D printer and how the company can help turn your ideas into reality…all without traveling or waiting in line.
“While the virtual domain has limitless possibilities, we still live in the physical world. With our exclusive industry additive manufacturing event – we are making the virtual world a reality.”
Register for the virtual event here.
3D Health Hackathon
The Jersey City Rapid Maker Response Group (JCRMRG), a volunteer collective in New Jersey, is hosting a virtual Community Health Hackathon this week in order to foster community entrepreneurship and take on sustainability, supply chain, and manufacturing challenges that are related to healthcare and PPE (personal protective equipment) during COVID-19. There are three categories: sustainable PPE, modular solution labs, and day-to-day PPE, and the deadline to register is this Friday, July 10, at 12 pm ET. Panelists will meet the nine judges during a Zoom call that night to present their ideas, and then the next two days will be spent hacking. The final submission deadline is July 13th at 9 am, and winners will be announced on July 16th.
“Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis healthcare workers faced critical shortages in PPE created by supply chain disruptions and shortages. Jersey City Rapid Maker Response Group, as well as other groups like them around the country, proved that by quickly deploying 3D-printing capabilities and then extending those capabilities through rapid manufacturing – they were able to scale from producing 1,000 face shields a week to 10,000 face shields a day, both at a fraction of traditional pricing.
“We have reached out to leaders in the tech, manufacturing and 3D-printing communities to form a community-led virtual make-athon. Our collective goal is to continue to bring bright minds together to develop 3D-printing, manufacturing and community-based engineering solutions to address the ongoing needs surrounding supply chain disruptions in emergent and healthcare settings.”
The current prize pool is valued at over $7,500, so what are you waiting for? Register for the hackathon here.
Will you attend any of these events and webinars, or have news to share about future ones? Let us know! Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the comments below.
The post 3D Printing Webinar and Virtual Event Roundup, July 7, 2020 appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
3D Printing Webinar and Virtual Event Roundup, June 28, 2020
This week is packed full with 3D printing webinars and virtual events, with four taking place Tuesday, and two each on Wednesday and Thursday. We’ll tell you all about them below!
Digital Manufacturing Investor Day
First up, software provider Dyndrite will be hosting its first ever Digital Manufacturing Investor Day on Tuesday, June 30th, featuring both pre-recorded and live content. Investors and venture capital companies have been invited to hear lightning presentations by hardware and software startups from all around the world, and several industry investment firms will also give panel presentations. The advisors for the inaugural Digital Manufacturing Investor Day are Gradient Ventures, HP Tech Ventures, and The House Fund.
“This virtual event is an initiative to help link startups in the digital manufacturing space to investors in the industry. As supply chains have been recently disrupted and workforces have to remain distanced, so new digital manufacturing technology becomes even more critical as manufacturers figure out how to tackle these challenges.”
Register here.
Additive Manufacturing for Aircraft Interiors
Also on June 30th, a webinar about 3D printed aerospace applications will take place from 9-10 am EDT. “Additive Manufacturing for Aircraft Interiors – doing the trick for the In-Service Market” will discuss the use of polymer 3D printed parts for future aircraft cabins, how the technology can save money and time, possible new business opportunities for Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Providers (MROs), and what issues still remain, such as certification, investments, and availability of the right raw materials. Stephan Keil, Director Industrialisation for AM Global, will moderate the discussion between panelists Markus Glasser, Senior Vice President EMEA, EOS; Vinu Vijayan, Global Business Development Manager – Aerospace, EOS; Frederic Becel, Design Manager, CVE, Innovation Leader Aircraft Modification Division, Air France; and Karl Bock, Principal Design Engineer, Aircraft Modification Team, P21J Design Organisation, Lufthansa Technik.
“A wide spreading of AM manufacturing also has the potential to significantly change the supply chain setup of the Aero industry, impacting small and large suppliers, as distributed manufacturing moves closer to becoming a reality. Furthermore, new business models for spare parts and part design data may emerge, along with new services, which brings a need to tackle challenges around IP and regulation.”
Register here.
nScrypt’s Cutting Edge of Digital Manufacturing Webinar
nScrypt is also holding a webinar on the 30th, titled “Pushing the Envelope of Digital Manufacturing.” The first part of the Cutting Edge Digital Manufacturing webinar series will take place at 1 pm ET on the 30th, and the second part will occur at the same time on July 7th. Panelists Mark Mirotznik, PhD, University of Delaware; Jing Wang, PhD, University of South Florida and Oregon State University; Devin MacKenzie, PhD, University of Washington, and Raymond C. Rumpf, PhD, University of Texas at El Paso, will discuss the future of direct digital manufacturing, covering topics like metamaterial use, permeating electronics in structures for control, sensing, and smart features, and going from a CAD file to a final, multimaterial electronic product in one build.
“JOIN YET ANOTHER DISTINGUISHED PANEL for part ONE of an in-depth discussion on the future of direct digital manufacturing by some of the premiere additive manufacturing universities in the country. The projects these universities are working on are solving problems with traditional antennas and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Register here.
ACCIONA’s Concrete 3D Printing Webinar
The last June 30th webinar will be held by ACCIONA, called “Let’s Talk Concrete 3D Printing.” It will take a multidisciplinary approach when discussing the technology’s use in the value chain, “where Innovation, Academia, Design, Manufacturing and Industry join together for a broad analysis of the technology.
Speakers will be Alaa K. Ashmawy, PhD, P.E. Dean and Professor for the School of Engineering at the American University in Dubai; Sualp Ozel, Senior Product Manager at Autodesk; Fahmi Al Shawwa, the CEO of Immensa Additive Manufacturing; Carlos Egea, Manager 3D Printing, Skill Center at ACCIONA; and Luis Clemente, COO 3D Printing at ACCIONA. The webinar will take place at 8:30 am EST, and attendees can join here.
3D Systems Webinar Featuring VAULT
On Wednesday, July 1st, at 10:30 am EST, 3D Systems will be holding a live webinar, “Advanced Your Engineering and Equip Sales to Win Business with SLA,” featuring VAULT, which manufactures enclosures for tablets in the point-of-sale industry. The company integrated 3D Systems’ SLA technology into its process, and the 45-minute webinar will explain how SLA can be used at every stage of business. VAULT will share customer reactions to quality and service, in addition to the training and on-boarding process, and explain how companies can win new business by providing access to high-quality 3D printed parts.
“Gaining a new client is all about gaining their confidence. No matter how refined your sales pitch, nothing wins trust or business faster than immediately following through on your promises.
“Join our live web event featuring VAULT’s VP of Engineering, Quentin Forbes, to find out how in-house 3D printing with 3D Systems’ stereolithography is helping the company build its reputation and client base.”
Register here.
Webinar for New Metal 3D Printing Material
Also on July 1st, metallurgist expert Aubert & Duval will join Alloyed, formerly known as OxMet Technologies, in hosting a free webinar about ABD-900AM, a new nickel superalloy for metal additive manufacturing. When tested with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology, the high-strength material offered improved manufacturability, as well as high creep and oxidation resistance, compared to common AM alloys. It also features ~99.9% density and is highly crack resistant. Adeline Riou, Global Sales Manager at Aubert & Duval, and Will Dick-Cleland, Additive Manufacturing Engineer at Alloyed, will give an overview of the material’s properties, along with several interesting case studies, during the 30-minute webinar.
“Designed for use at high temperatures up to 900°C / 1650°F, ABD®-900AM has been tailored for AM by Alloyed not just for high mechanical properties, but also for excellent printability. Compared with Ni718, ABD®‑900AM provides a minimum of 30% improvement in yield stress at temperatures >800°C and a creep temperature capability improvement by up to 150 o C – similar to alloy 939 and alloy 738.”
The webinar will begin at 11 am EST, and you can register here.
Stratasys Aerospace Webinar Series Continued
Stratasys will continue its new aerospace webinar series this Thursday, July 2nd, with “Value Proposition of AM to Airlines.” During this hour-long webinar, Chuan Ching Tan, General Manager, Additive Flight Solutions (AFS), will speak about several related topics, including when and where additive manufacturing can make its business case to airlines, use cases – especially regarding aircraft interiors – by AFS to airlines, and other issues to get past in order to speed adoption of the technology.
You’ll have to wake up early if you’re in my time zone – the webinar will take place at 4 am EDT. Register here.
VO Webinar: Coming of Age for Additive Manufacturing
Recently, Viaccess-Orca (VO), a global provider of advanced data solutions and digital content protection, joined the collaborative 3MF Consortium as a Founding Member. Now, it’s presenting a free 45-minute webinar with HP and Autodesk, also active members of the 3MF Consortium, about “Additive Manufacturing’s coming of age: the essential role of data security and standards.” The webinar, also held on July 2nd, will focus on the importance of data security and standards as the closed AM ecosystem moves to a more open future. Dr. Phil Reeves, Managing Director of Reeves Insight Ltd, will facilitate the discussion between speakers Scott White, Distinguished Technologist, 3D Software and Data, HP, Inc.; Martin Weismann, Principal Software Engineer for Autodesk; and Alain Nochimowski, Executive Vice President of Innovation at VO.
Learning objectives of the webinar will include why data standards are so important for the growth and deployment of the technology in the Industry 4.0 supply chain, how 3D CAD and AM hardware vendors can embrace both interoperability and data standards to benefit customers, what the 3D printing industry can learn about analytics, traceability, and data security from more mature industries, and the consortium’s newly released Secure Content specification. At the end, there will be a Question and Answer session, facilitated by Laura Griffiths, Deputy Group Editor at TCT. The webinar will take place at 10 am EST; register here.
Will you attend any of these events and webinars, or have news to share about future ones? Let us know! Discuss this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the comments below.
The post 3D Printing Webinar and Virtual Event Roundup, June 28, 2020 appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
Phil Schultz of 3D Systems on 3D Printing Supply Chain Assurance
Phil Schultz is executive vice president of Operations at 3D Systems. As a seasoned 3D printing exec, he leads all on-demand operations there. Before that, he lead Foxconn’s printing business and spent 25 years at HP, ultimately leading their consumer inkjet offering. I interviewed Phil and enjoyed his measured, thoughtful responses, which showed his deep understanding of the possible and impossible of additive.
The current crisis has exposed the brittleness of our just-in-time manufacturing world. Small ripples in the system can propagate, reinforce themselves, and cause waves that, in turn, build up to a storm, collapsing the system. A factory in Thailand closing or a freighter being diverted can wreak havoc on the intricate supply chains that connect our globalized society. A system that is so massive and world-spanning as global commerce and transport turned out to shatter easily in a difficult situation. Many global organizations are now discovering that they need to do more to audit and update their supply chains. Supply chain resilience once meant that you had more than one supplier for critical components. But now we all know that we need to look further to assure supply. What role can 3D printing play in this?
Phil differentiates between “short-term and long-term supply chain interruptions.” “Especially in an emergency…3D printing can help” and do so much faster than other technologies can. If “additive is a contingency or it is used in bridge manufacturing,” it is often an excellent choice. We “don’t need any tooling…and we’re not bound to a geography” with 3D printing “through a distributed manufacturing model…or one order being delivered globally” we can respond in a crisis, and we’re “lightning fast.” Especially for “small parts in runs of a 100, 1,000 or 10,000…additive has the advantage.”
The “downside with 3D printing is the materials…that your parts are different than injection molded parts,” and “part properties and strength may not be the same.” “Your parts could be good enough for the application,” but he cautions customers against entering into production “without qualification…because then you’re carrying a lot of risk.” There will also be “cost differences…and often increased costs mean that without mass customization additive may not always make sense.”
He likes to take customers through “a simple calculation…that often shows that pricing represents “multiples of an injection-molded part—not 20% or 30% higher—multiples” and, in that case, if “you’re going to do a replacement of a conventional part,” the business case falters. In that case, “you’d only do it because you have no choice.”
However, if you “learn to design for the technology…and use it to combine parts…lose weight…bring value,” it changes the equation. “Why would you want this is part to be 3D printed…and what does that mean for your business?” He maintains that “3D printing is…not a replacement for CNC or injection molding…it is just another tool” and “you must use it wisely.” 3D printing can help you “guard against the future…and find your future more quickly,” but it is no panacea.
A 3D Systems On Demand site in Lawrenceburg, TN.
There are often overlooked alternatives, made possible by 3D printing, that allow for more scale and lower costs. This includes “3D printing positive investment casting print patterns,” “using Real Wax for lost wax casting,” or “directly 3D printing low-pressure injection molds.”
“By casting urethane..or through thermoforming inserts” relatively low-cost parts can be made in the millions, as Invisalign already does with the latter technology. In “thermoforming, some customers are making over 400,000 parts a day,” through the use of 3D printing as an intermediate. Yes, in an emergency, he understands that people are printing face shields. But, if we step back, then we can consider making the headband through thermoforming or urethane casting and using an acetate screen to sterilize the parts more easily. Phil continually seeks to use additive for the right applications, the right parts. “We are geometry agnostic, require no tooling, and we are fast to the first part, but must be aware of the tradeoffs in materials and more expense.”
3D Systems MJP Wax
He’s excited “by making spare parts out of polyamide…through sintering…especially of filled materials” and, also, “new possibilities in TPU.” Higher temperature resins for SLA are also pushing the envelope of what is possible there. Now, “we are getting resins with good flexural strength, elongation…that make parts that can bend well while being less brittle.”
When he does introduce 3D printing for manufacturing at a firm, he likes to “start with the applications people..and walk the (production) lines…to see how we can help… We can evaluate our services…your parts…and see what sense it makes to outsource or do in-house.” Ideally, he’d like to “get into the design phase…and help companies with qualification..or share with them how to qualify products for additive.” Surprisingly, one of the sectors that he is most excited about is EMS and contract manufacturing firms.
“They have tonnes of injection molded parts…many indirect parts…and can often use additive in the short term…but have not considered it for more.” With these businesses, “almost every fixture and tool can be improved, adjusted or is now more quickly consumed,” making it more suitable for additive. “An iPhone production line may have 600 people on it and as many steps. Imagine a five percent improvement.”
He likes asking manufacturing firms, “what do you need?” and then “having complex conversations about matching material properties to needs…avoiding tooling…and the level of proof required for them to proceed.” He’s now increasingly seeing “ducts, knobs, connections, functional parts in gear trains…and on the whole, things that are more functional in assemblies” being made with additive. A few years ago, he only used to “talk to R&D, and now we talk with [operations]…about things that I care about, such as cycle time.”
3D printing “is emerging as a backup plan….but you have to design for it… 3D printing services could, through their hundreds of machines…solve customer problems,” but firms could also have 3D print capacity in-house for the most relevant materials to them. Either way, qualified parts can be manufactured at scale, but not all parts can be made cost-effectively through 3D printing.
It is clear from Phil’s recent experience that additive is maturing and new applications are being discovered all the time. New realism is unlocking actual manufacturing and, in due time, we could provide true supply chain reassurance through 3D printing. Ultimately, “I want to go in front of every industrial engineer in the world and show them how their creativity can be unleashed with 3D printing.”
The post Phil Schultz of 3D Systems on 3D Printing Supply Chain Assurance appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
3D Printing News Briefs, June 10, 2020: 3D Systems, nTopology, Jellypipe
We’re discussing an upcoming event and some business news in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs. 3D Systems is holding a virtual trade show next month. nTopology and Yamaichi have signed an agreement, and a 3D printing platform has announced the onboarding of Europe’s largest purchasing and marketing association for industrial B2B.
3D Systems Holding Virtual Trade Show
On Wednesday, July 8, 2020, 3D Systems will be holding an exclusive virtual trade show centered on helping manufacturers keep their competitive advantage by using digital manufacturing solutions to fix supply chain dependencies, streamline supplier distribution, reduce supply interruptions, and lower risk. By integrating both additive and subtractive technologies into the environment, businesses can improve their productivity and agility, and offer customers new innovations. 3D Systems’ own Phil Schultz, Executive Vice President, Operations, and Radhika Krishnan, Executive Vice President and General Manager – Software, will give the keynote address for the event.
“Phil Schultz and Radhika Krishnan outline the essence of agile manufacturing, explaining in practical terms how to transform your environment to deliver a digital end-to-end manufacturing workflow that is fit for today and perfect for tomorrow.”
The event will kick off at 9:30 am EST and, in addition to the keynote, will include live webinar presentations and a virtual exhibit hall. Register here. If you’re unavailable to attend on the day of, the virtual trade show will be available on demand for the 30 days following the event.
nTopology and Yamaichi Sign MoU
Software startup nTopology has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yamaichi Special Steel (YSS) to bring its next-generation nTop software platform to Japan. YSS is part of the automotive and heavy industry manufacturing supply chain in Japan, and its additive division promotes 3D printing and DfAM in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. The two have set up a reseller and service agreement, where YSS will bring nTop to its Japanese customers, providing support and training to users. Then, the Cognitive Additive solution of YSS will be connected to the nTop platform, to help users predict cost and printability.
To kick off the partnership, the YSS Additive Manufacturing team used topology optimization to redesign a brake caliper. As the part is used in a high temperature and fatigue environment, YSS designed a TPMS-based heat exchanger for the caliper, and also added an oil circuit and shielding surfaces. The brake caliper was 3D printed out of aluminum alloy AlSi10 using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) technology.
Jellypipe Onboards PVH Future LAB and E/D/E
German 3D printing platform Jellypipe uses its Jellypipe Eco-system to help companies take their 3D business to the next level, and features a comprehensive marketplace and the largest 3D printing factory in the D-A-CH region. Now, it’s announced the onboarding of PVH Future LAB, an innovation platform for technology-driven business models, and Einkaufsbüro Deutscher Eisenhändler GmbH (E/D/E), which drives PVH and is the largest purchasing and marketing association for industrial B2B in Europe. Both will now connect to the Jellypipe Eco-system.
“With Jellypipe’s 3D ecosystem – the connection with 3D specialists and our partners is a most important step in the digital automation and supply of 3D printed parts,” said Thilo Brocksch and Frederik Diergarten, both General Managers at PVH FUTURE LAB GmbH. “We can now offer our customers a new and wide process range for 3D printed products.”
Discuss these stories and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.
The post 3D Printing News Briefs, June 10, 2020: 3D Systems, nTopology, Jellypipe appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
IMTS conference canceled for the first time since WWII, Formnext organizers provide updated safety precautions
The 2020 edition of the International Manufacturing Technology Show has been canceled due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Having monitored the impact of the coronavirus on the 3D printing industry, IMTS planners decided that the health and safety of its exhibitors and audience remain its top priority, and canceled the event. IMTS Network, a live-streaming […]
3D Systems expands material selection for Figure 4 platform and SLA 3D printing
U.S. 3D printer OEM 3D Systems has announced an expansion to its portfolio of plastics materials, in order to increase the breadth of their applications for manufacturers in the 3D printing industry. The materials included in the expansion include Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK, Accura Fidelity, Accura Bond, Accura Patch, and Figure 4 JEWEL MASTER GRY. Each […]
3D Systems: New 3D Printing Materials for Figure 4 & SLA
3D Systems continues to add to its material offerings for customers worldwide with a variety of new choices in their plastics portfolio, which now includes Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK, Accura Fidelity, Accura Bond, Accura Patch, and Figure 4 JEWEL MASTER GRY.
Meant to accompany 3D Systems Figure 4 and SLA printing techniques, industrial users will be able to expand with different applications in manufacturing.
Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK (Production-grade rubber suitable for multiple industrial applications): 3D Systems adds to its range of production-grade materials, offering an elastomer with mid-tear strength and high elongation at break. Suitable for applications like seals, air and dust gaskets, vibration dampeners and pipe spacers, this material is also biocompatible (per ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-10) allowing for other critical parts to be made such as handles, grippers, and medical padding used in both splints and braces.
Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK also offers:
- Long-term environmental stability
- High accuracy
- Minimal scarring from supports
- Faster production than other materials requiring secondary thermal post-cure
“As a mechanical engineer and designer of medical devices, I can think of many uses for a robust elastomeric material such as Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK,” said Matthew Cavuto, mechanical engineer, Imperial College London. “Custom sealing grommets, damping elements, or even soft-touch grips are just a few of the applications that come to mind – all of which would expand the capabilities and streamline my process of prototyping on the Figure 4. Functionally, Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK is quite impressive. When matched with the right part and application, it has great tear strength and exceptional print quality.”
3D Systems created this new material to adhere to customer requirements in terms of production performance properties, mechanical properties, and testing standards. Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK will be available late June 2020.
3D Systems also introduced Accura Fidelity, an SLA resin which is antimony free and features ultra-low viscosity. Users will be able to fabricate patterns for a range of different castable metals, like titanium and aluminum. Casting yields are improved as the new material allows for quick production of patterns that are easily handled. This product is already available.
When used as part of 3D Systems’ QuickCast process, Accura Fidelity enables rapid creation of medium to large, lightweight, and easy-to-handle casting patterns – leading to increased casting yields.
“The new Accura Fidelity material for stereolithography printing has improved the post-processing of our QuickCast investment casting patterns,” said Nancy Holt, director of operations, 3D Systems On Demand. “The low viscosity of this material facilitates better drainage and faster cleaning of the patterns, resulting in an expected increase in throughput by up to 30% as we move into full production with this material. The ultimate test is in its castability, and our foundry customers are providing very positive feedback. One customer, SeaCast, said the QuickCast pattern with Accura Fidelity casted extremely well with their process and they were very pleased with the final metal part.”
Accura Patch and Accura Bond are also being introduced, for use with 3D Systems SLA resins. The product names speak for themselves as pattern drain holes can be filled in post-processing, and materials can also be joined to create one larger pattern. Both of these materials will be available in July.
Figure 4 JEWEL MASTER GRY: meant to expand options for jewelry makers, this new material improves workflows in jewelry casting, master patterns for molds, and prototype/fit check models. This material meets biocompatibility standards (ISO 10933-5) regarding cytotoxicity. 3D Systems expects it to be available in late June.
Figure 4 JEWEL MASTER GRY – a versatile master pattern material for high volume jewelry silicone molds and for prototype/fit models.
“Our team has continued developing new materials across our plastics portfolio to address a broader set of production applications and providing data sheets with key test results and performance specs to make it easy for our customers to make the optimal material choice for their needs,” said Menno Ellis, SVP and general manager, plastics, 3D Systems. “Our material scientists and technical experts have leveraged decades of experience to engineer these high performing materials to deliver accurate, economical, and repeatable results to enable our customers to maintain competitive advantage.”
These new materials will be on hand at the virtual ‘Go Digital, Stay Agile’ event on July 8th. The event will focus on how 3D printing and conventional manufacturing methods can complement one another in business. Individuals attending will be able to meet with experts and discuss specific applications. See 3D Systems for more information.
3D Systems continues to innovate, offering new software, new technology, and more. 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.
Parts produced using Figure 4 RUBBER-65A BLK and 3D Systems’ Figure 4 technology can be produced faster than other similar competitive materials that require a secondary thermal post-cure.
[Source / Images: 3D Systems]
The post 3D Systems: New 3D Printing Materials for Figure 4 & SLA appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
Enable Manufacturing expands metal 3D printing service with over 130 materials
Enable Manufacturing, a UK-based metal 3D printing service provider, has announced that it is now able to produce metal parts with its Additive Casting process in more than 130 metals. The company’s Additive Casting process uses a combination of 3D printed molds and traditional casting techniques to create metal parts. By using a combination of […]
COVID-19 Doesn’t Shake Reinforced Optimism of 3D Printing Businesses
Recent announcements regarding earnings and financial performance through the first quarter of 2020, have given some insight into the impact COVID-19 has had on major 3D Printing businesses worldwide.
Earnings Results Comparison (by Revenue, M-millions, B-billions).
While ensuring employee safety and business continuity remained paramount, public companies were simultaneously challenged by a sudden decline in consumer demand, a continuing halt or reduction in onsite activities, and global supply chain issues, which began in China shortly before impacting Europe and the Americas.
Revenues for Stratasys and 3D Systems declined by 14% and 11% respectively, whereas strong order backlogs from 2019 led to significantly higher revenues realized for SLM and ExOne. SLM had the best first quarter performance in the company’s history with a 143% increase compared to 2019.
ExOne’s latest system is the 160Pro metal binder jetting 3D printer. Image courtesy of ExOne.
3D Systems saw revenues decline across segments, except materials, which stayed flat. The company faced a drop in consumer demand in automotive, aerospace, healthcare and dental, as well as disruptions in production facilities and on-site services. Despite sustained cost reduction measures and improving operating expenses by 13%, its shares depreciated 5% with 0.04 loss per share for 2020, compared to 0.09 loss per share for 2019.
In addition to the decline in Q1, Stratasys expects a sequential decline in Q2 of 5-10%. Yet the company believes its balance sheet with $325M in cash, coupled with its ability to generate cash and control costs, will help it manage the short-term hit in revenues, and strongly expects margins to recover.
Change in stock prices for several of the major 3D printing stocks, excluding GE, HP and voxeljet.
Across businesses, revenue decline has primarily been attributed to short-term impact of reduced manufacturing activity and industrial production due to COVID-19, resulting in a fall in consumer demand across segments. In addition, a pause and postponement of investment has seen lower capex spend across key industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare and oil & gas. Demand for new hardware and software licenses has declined, partly offset by recurring revenues from materials, consumables, or after-sales services. In some sectors, such as dental, material consumption has slowed as elective procedures are delayed or cancelled. In general, machine and software segment revenues have seen a decline, but recurring revenues from the installed base of 3D printers has seen revenues from the materials segment increase or stay flat. For instance, Prodways saw a decrease of 6.3% in machines and software, but a 25% increase in materials revenues.
This change in demand is seen as more of a ‘pushing-out’ of capex spend, than a cancellation. Order intakes stayed flat or reduced overall, as customers in key industries postponed capital expenditure and investment due to COVID-19 uncertainty and impact.
The impact in operations differed, as businesses with localized supply chains were less impacted—such as SLM who also kept safety stocks for high-risk and long-lead time items—as compared to 3D Systems or HP, who faced production and capacity disruptions in their global supply chains.
The NIP mask, developed by Materialise to help treat COVID-19 patients. Image courtesy of Materialise.
Materialise saw a slight revenue decrease of 1.8% with gross profits decreasing 3.7% compared to last year’s quarter. Though their software and medical segments grew, there was a steeper decline in their manufacturing segment revenues, which account for 45% of total revenue. The company delivered higher than expected revenues this quarter with a gross profit of $109M, and despite varied market performance recently, has seen its shares up 25.4% year to date.
ExOne, sold 14 of its metal and sand binder jetting machines in the quarter, with a 40% increase in revenues and a 19% improvement in net loss with $3.6M in Q1 2020, resulting in a $0.22 loss per share for 2020 compared to $0.28 in 2019.
Revenues at GE Group fell 8% to $20.5B, with is power and aviation division significantly impacted by its exposure to the decline in the commercial aerospace sector. However, GE’s Healthcare and Lifesciences segment saw demand surge 6% due to COVID-19. Yet the company has seen its shares lose more than 40% of their value this year and expects the second quarter results to decline sequentially, showing the first full quarter impact from COVID-19.
HP Inc has reported second quarter results with net revenues were down 11.2% to $12.5B compared to 2019, with personal systems declining 7% and printing 19%. In Printing, the company has set long term margin targets of 16-18%. In 3D Printing, HP has recently partnered with New Balance and Superfeet to grow its end-user solutions in scanning and printing, and is counting on key verticals such as healthcare for continued growth. The company is continuing its focus on structural cost optimization and productivity gains, hoping to generate over $2B in savings. It has also provided guidance of $2.33-2.43 per share for 2020 and $3.25-3.65 per share for 2022.
Superfeet secures New Balance license agreement for insoles 3D printed using HP technology.
Voxeljet’s share price has reduced dramatically over the last five years, despite steadily growing revenues. It has until December, 29, 2020 to regain compliance with NYSE after its average closing share price had fallen below $1.00 standard and the $50M market capitalization standard. Yet the company has reported Q4 2019 revenues with an 11.4% increase over 2018, and a record order backlog. While it does expect disruptions in operations and supply chain due to COVID-19, it anticipates demand for its large-scale printers to continue, expecting annual revenue for 2020 to be between €25-30M.
Companies have also been proactive within their organization to manage the impact of the crisis to their employees, customer base and business operations. From introducing remote working, reduced work week or shifts, and other employee-facing policies, to implementing safety and health protocols, freezing non-essential hiring and travel, and short-term optimization measures to ensure business continuity and avoid large-scale layoffs. For instance, salaries for all Stratasys employees and executives was reduced by 20%. Executives and board members at 3D Systems took a 10% pay cut with a majority of employees on limited furloughs, and partial activity measures were introduced for almost 50% of Prodways employees worldwide. Businesses have also taken measures to optimize operational costs, revaluate their supply chain and production costs, and increase focus and spend in digital, particularly in sales and marketing, for the long-term.
Overall, while Q1 earnings do show some signs of business impact, businesses are pointing towards Q2 as to where the full impact will be seen, since the pandemic peaked largely in the latter half of the first quarter, through March and April. In this regard, businesses have trended toward withdrawing guidance for the rest of the year, as uncertainties due to COVID-19 continue, while stating that second quarter results are expected to show a more considerable impact. Although there is a near-term focus on cost reduction, optimization and ensuring liquidity, 3D printing businesses are positive in their long-term outlook. Key industries are expected to remain structurally unaffected, with markets returning to the new normal in the second half of this year, and AM’s increased relevance has reinforced optimism in the industry’s long-term growth. No major shifts in long-term strategy or investment have been made yet due to COVID-19, with investments in on-going R&D continuing.
With their real-time response and contribution during COVID-19, 3D Printing businesses have led the way and impacted the front-line pandemic response, providing rapid, direct support for personnel safety and in essential medical devices and equipment. The response also proved AM’s capability in high-volume and bridge production, its potential in localizing and distributing manufacturing, flexibly and at speed, whether to retool or expand existing production, or to develop new, improved products faster, especially in healthcare. If anything, the pandemic response has only underlined the critical and long-term value of AM in addressing real-world gaps and needs, in ways that traditional manufacturing and supply chains just cannot.
The post COVID-19 Doesn’t Shake Reinforced Optimism of 3D Printing Businesses appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.