3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has received its largest-ever to date orders after aerospace firm AM Craft purchased four of its F900 3D printers. AM Craft’s order adds to its existing portfolio of four Fortus F450mc 3D printers and will boost production capacity. Following the company’s recent investment, AM Craft is now one of the largest […]
GM invests in additional 17 Stratasys 3D printers, accelerates move from prototyping to tooling
Automotive manufacturer General Motors (GM) has added 17 Stratasys FDM 3D printers to its already extensive fleet, citing “speed, weight reduction, and cost efficiency” as key advantages of the technology. The news precedes an update from Stratasys on the companies most recent financial performance that is due tomorrow. Ron Daul, Director of Additive Manufacturing at GM, states: […]
3D Printing and COVID-19 Update, June 23, 2020: General Motors, Simplify3D
Companies, organizations and individuals continue to attempt to lend support to the COVID-19 pandemic supply effort. We will be providing regular updates about these initiatives where necessary in an attempt to ensure that the 3D printing community is aware of what is being done, what can be done and what shouldn’t be done to provide coronavirus aid.
Among the companies tasked by the federal U.S. government to tackle medical supply shortages was General Motors, which was contracted under the Defense Production Act to build 30,000 ventilators. As of June 1, the company—which has struggled as an automaker over the years—delivered the first 6,132, with the rest expected to be delivered by the end of August.
To produce the ventilators, GM leaned heavily on 3D printing. In addition to personal protection equipment, the auto company 3D printed nearly all of the tooling necessary to build the ventilator systems with its partners Ventec Life Systems and Hamilton Medical. Many of these are fixtures that were reverse engineered from Ventec and Hamilton part data and were meant to hold parts in place during assembly. In order to have the 3D printing capacity necessary, GM had 3D printers shipped from its Additive Innovation Lab and Additive Industrialization Center in Warren, Michigan to its manufacturing plant in Kokomo, Indiana.
Fixtures 3D-printed for holding parts into place during assembly. Image courtesy of GM.
Dominick Lentine, senior manufacturing engineer of additive applications at GM, said of the technology’s use in ventilator production, “3D printing allows us to make constant, rapid changes to fixtures based on feedback from the assembly teams. We can receive feedback from Hamilton, improve a part and have it flown back to Reno in less than 24 hours.”
SME has published an account of some of the challenges to 3D printing PPE in the current environment, touching on many of the topics that we have already discussed in previous stories and some that we have not. For instance, the post highlights the overabundance of designs now available for producing PPE and how some actually don’t work, while others do. Another issue is the creation of one-size-fits-all designs that may not actually work for every wearer. Material shortages have also been a problem for some efforts to 3D print PPE. Perhaps most importantly, the fear of liability still hangs over all of those involved in the 3D printing of medical devices who may not have the proper facilities, equipment, training and certifications.
Additive software developer Simplify3D has begun publishing a series detailing research dedicated to 3D printing PPE amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Titled “Lessons from the Field,” the work combines experience from Simplify3D engineers who spent hundreds of hours producing PPE equipment and feedback from over 40 organizations that were engaged in similar operations. Every post in the series will cover a different piece of PPE, including 3D model recommendations based on testing and feedback from healthcare professionals, sourcing, print optimization advice, assembly instructions and tips on distribution.
3D printing isn’t the only technology being used to deal with the new normal of life under COVID-19. As with AM, other technologies meant to address the crisis can seem either opportunistic or truly innovative.
As states and municipalities begin to reduce quarantine requirements, businesses operations are attempting to restart with new measures in place to reduce the possibilities of infection. Looking to capitalize on that process, British wearables firm Equivital has developed a social distancing device called eqWave, which alerts workers if they’re within 2 meters of one another. The product uses ultra wide band radio and Bluetooth to detect other eqWaves to provide 360-degree coverage around the wearer, alerting them with an LED light and haptic vibration.
Singapore-based robotics manufacturer Otsaw Digital Pte. has developed what it calls an autonomous disinfection robot. The system, dubbed O-RX, uses UV-C LED technology kill microbes, such as bacteria and COVID-19. The company suggests that, unlike UV-A and UV-B emitting mercury lamps, the machine’s UV-C LED light is safe and non-carcinogenic. Otsaw also claims that the O-RX has a disinfection rate of over 99.999%. Developed in just eight weeks, the O-RX uses a 360-degree camera and LiDAR sensors to allow it to drive automatically and avoid obstacles.
The O-RX robot from Otsaw. Image courtesy of Otsaw.
As the pandemic continues to grip the world, we will continue to provide regular updates about what the 3D printing community is doing in response. As always, it is important to keep safety in mind, remain critical about the potential marketing and financial interests behind seemingly good humanitarian efforts from businesses, and to do no harm.
The post 3D Printing and COVID-19 Update, June 23, 2020: General Motors, Simplify3D appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.
Michelin & GM Announce 3D Printed Prototype of Uptis, the Airless & Flatproof Tire
The quest to solve the never-ending inconvenience, expense—and sometimes grave danger—presented by the flat tire and the dreaded blowout may finally be coming to an end, thanks to Michelin in collaboration with General Motors.
3D printing is playing a major role within this innovative development also, as they roll out a prototype of the new tire referred to as Uptis. The technology is both airless and flatproof, according to the two industry leaders in automobiles and tires, who currently have the potential to make millions of consumers very happy (and much safer) in the future.
“Uptis demonstrates that Michelin’s vision for a future of sustainable mobility is clearly an achievable dream,” said Florent Menegaux, chief executive officer for Michelin Group.
The manufacturers are currently using a fleet of Chevrolet Bolt EVs to test the new tires in Michigan, and foresee them being available to the public in 2024. And while Detroit is obviously an automotive hub, testing on Michigan roads not only allows for exposure to what some residents may consider an alarming number of potholes, but the tires will also be driven through the brutal seasons and weather of Michigan. Opaque in color, these 100 percent sustainable tires will be made to last even longer, and are a much greener alternative, with less materials used—and less waste in production.
The Michelin Uptis Prototype is tested on a Chevrolet Bolt EV May 29 at the General Motors Milford Proving Ground in Milford. (Photo: Steve Fecht for General Motors)
“General Motors is excited about the possibilities that Uptis presents, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Michelin on this breakthrough technology,” said Steve Kiefer, GM’s senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, in a statement. “Uptis is an ideal fit for propelling the automotive industry into the future and a great example of how our customers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supplier partners.”
The Unique Puncture-proof Tire System (Uptis) was announced at the Michelin Movin’On Summit in Montreal on June 4. And while the current 3D printed prototype is centered around all the benefits that could be offered for passenger vehicles, the implications for the industry of tires overall and the savings in so many different types of transportation applications are staggering; for example, with a design like this, trucking companies could save exponential amounts on the bottom line, with substantially less time invested in dealing with problems on the highways—and ongoing maintenance.
GM intends to develop this airless wheel assembly with Michelin and aims to introduce it on passenger vehicles as early as 2024. (Photo: Steve Fecht, General Motors)
3D printing has broken down incredible barriers in manufacturing, allowing for concepts that are often mind-blowing because we are so used to doing things the same way—even when they may not work all that well; for instance, with 3D printing, paving and repairing roads could become much more streamlined, and perhaps even with the help of robots mounted to drones. And although no one likes dealing with the bumpy ride of a pothole-ridden road, damage to your car may become less of a problem with new rubber technology and GM’s latest research and development in airless tires.
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.
[Source: The Drive; The Detroit News; Photos: General Motors]
What happened in 3D printing at RAPID & TCT 2019?
As one of the biggest 3D printing events of the year, last week’s RAPID + TCT conference created the busiest news week of 2019 so far. Reporting live from the show, backed by a team covering all of the latest press releases from the event, 3D Printing Industry provided leading coverage of North America’s must-see […]
3D Printing Industry Review of the Year June 2018
Moving on to June 2018 – 3D printing strengthened its position in the automotive industry and we took on the Ocean’s 8 diamond heist. Within the 3D printing trifecta, materials started to take on a hold, and would continue to trend throughout trade shows and product announcements in the latter half of the year. Soft […]
BMW receives Altair Enlighten Award for metal 3D printed roof bracket
BMW Group, the German multinational automotive company, has received the 2018 Altair Enlighten Award In the Module category for its 3D printed metal convertible roof bracket. The Altair Enlighten Awards, presented at the CAR Management Briefing Seminars, in Michigan, recognizes admirable advances in lightweight technology. Said to be the first 3D printed metal component used […]
3D printing and prospects of robo-glove at General Motors
At General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant, Michigan, workers may use a bionic glove, named Robo-Glove, to handle mass produced 3D printed parts. Two years ago, GM initiated a project in collaboration with NASA and Bioservo to develop a grasp-assisted glove which could help increase workers’ productivity. Now, their engineers have successfully invented Robo-Glove, which allows wearers […]
3D Printing News Briefs: June 26, 2018
We have plenty of business, material, and 3D printer news to share with you in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs. 3D printing led to increased savings for GM over the last two years, which is now increasing its use of the technology as a result. ExOne is saying goodbye to one CEO and hello to another, while Polymaker announces a global distribution arrangement with Nexeo Solutions and CollPlant receives R&D project approval in Israel. The US Patent and Trademark Office will be hosting its annual Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting this week, and RP Platform has announced a rebrand and a new AI software platform. Finally, the UK’s National Centre for Additive Manufacturing has decided to add Digital Metal’s binder jetting technology to its portfolio.
GM Increasing Use of 3D Printing at Plants
Zane Meike, AM lead at GM’s Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, holds a common 3D printed tool used to align engine and transmission vehicle identification numbers. [Photo: Michael Wayland]
According to Dan Grieshaber, the Director of Global Manufacturing Integration for General Motors (GM), most of the company’s factories have 3D printers, which are used to build accessories and tools for workers. A $35,000 3D printer at GM’s Lansing Delta Township assembly plant has actually helped save the company over $300,000 over two years: it’s used to make multiple items, such as part hangers, socket covers, and ergonomic and safety tools. A common tool used to align engine and transmission vehicle identification numbers cost $3,000 to buy from a third party, but is less than $3 to 3D print at the factory. Realizing that these kinds of savings can add up quickly, GM is increasing the use of 3D printing – part of its new Manufacturing 4.0 processes – at its plants in order to help streamline operations.
“We’re quickly evolving, creating real value for the plant. This will become, as we progress, our footprint. We’ll have this in every one of our sites,” Grieshaber said.
Grieshaber also said that GM is working to standardize 3D printing, as well as share best practices across all of its global plants.
ExOne Welcomes New CEO
The ExOne Company, which provides 3D printers and 3D printed products, materials, and services to its industrial customers around the world, has announced that its CEO, James L. McCarley, is departing the company, effective immediately, to pursue other interests and opportunities; he will be assisting the company in transitioning his responsibilities to the new CEO. ExOne’s Board of Directors has also announced who the new CEO will be – S. Kent Rockwell, the company’s Executive Chairman, who has served in the position in previous years. Rockwell’s new title is effective immediately.
“On behalf of our Board and management team, I would like to thank Jim for his efforts and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Rockwell.
Polymaker Makes Distribution Arrangement with Nexeo Solutions
Shanghai-based 3D printing material producer Polymaker has entered an arrangement with chemicals and plastics distributor Nexeo Solutions, Inc., also based in Shanghai. Nexeo will be a global distributor for three new materials in the Polymaker Industrial line, but plans to introduce more of its materials over the rest of the year. C515 is an advanced polycarbonate (PC) filament that has excellent toughness and a low warping effect, while C515FR is a flame retardant PC with high impact resistance. SU301 is a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based polymer that’s water soluble and was developed as a support material for FFF 3D printers.
Paul Tayler, the Vice President of EMEA at Nexeo Solutions, said, “Expanding our portfolio to include industrial grade filaments from Polymaker Industrial gives our customers access to a wider range of filaments that solve new 3D printing challenges and meet the demands of manufacturers. Industrial customers benefit from Nexeo Solutions’ access to world leading plastic producers coupled with additive manufacturing technical expertise.”
CollPlant Receives R&D Project Approval
Two years ago, regenerative medicine company CollPlant received funding from Israel’s Ministry of Economy for its research in developing collagen-based bioinks for 3D printing tissues and organs. CollPlant, which uses its proprietary plant-based rhCollagen (recombinant human collagen) technology for tissue repair products, has now announced that the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) has approved a grant to finance the continued development of its rhCollagen-based formulations intended for use as bioinks. Terms of the grant require CollPlant to pay royalties to the IIA on future sales of any technology that’s developed with the use of the funding, up to the full grant amount. The total project budget is roughly $1.2 million (NIS 4.2 million), and the IIA will finance 30%, subject to certain conditions.
“In addition to providing immediate non-dilutive funding, this grant from the Israel Innovation Authority represents an important validation of our BioInk technology and its market potential. With the recent opening of our new cGMP production facility in Rehovot, Israel, we are well positioned to meet growing demand for our BioInk and tissue repair products. We are grateful to the IIA for this recognition,” said CollPlant CEO Yehiel Tal.
Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting Hosted by US Patent and Trademark Office
For the last several years, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has been hosting the Additive Manufacturing Partnership Meeting, and this year’s meeting takes place tomorrow, June 27th, from 1 to 5 PM at the USPTO headquarters inside the Madison Building in Alexandria, Virginia. The USPTO will be seeking opinions from various participants at the informal meeting, which is really a forum for individual 3D printing users and the USPTO to share ideas, insights, and personal experiences.
“We value our customers and the feedback provided from individual participants is important in our efforts to continuously improve the quality of our products and services,” the USPTO meeting site reads. “Your willing participation in this informal process is helpful in providing us with new insights and perspectives.”
Scheduled speakers at this year’s meeting are coming from CIMP-3D, HRL, Kansas State University, Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, and the NextManufacturing Center, and an RSVP is required to attend the AM Partnership Meeting.
RP Platform Launches New AI Software and Rebrand
London-based RP Platform, which provides customizable workflow automation software for industrial 3D printing, is launching a new software platform, which will use AI for the first time to automate 3D printing production. With customers in over 30 countries, the company is one of the top automation software providers for industrial 3D printing. In addition to its software launch, RP Platform has also announced that, as it continues to expand its software capabilities to target AM end part production, it is rebranding, and has changed its name to AMFG.
“We want to help companies make their 3D printing processes much smoother so that they can produce more parts with greater visibility and less effort. And we have more exciting releases to our software over the coming months that will further enhance our production automation capabilities,” said Keyvan Karimi, the CEO of AMFG.
“Ultimately, we’re creating a truly autonomous manufacturing process for industrial 3D printing. For us, this means taking manufacturing to a new era of production. The launch of our new software, as well as our company rebrand, fully reflects this vision going forward.”
NCAM Installing a Digital Metal 3D Printer
The National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) in the UK, headquartered at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, has decided to add the unique binder jetting technology developed by Digital Metal to its large range of advanced manufacturing equipment, and will soon be installing one of its high-precision metal 3D printers – which are not available anywhere else in the UK. The 3D printer will be available for use by NCAM’s member companies, and other organizations, who are interested in testing the capabilities of Digital Metal’s proprietary binder jetting technology.
Dr. David Brackett, AM Technology Manager at the NCAM, explained, “The Digital Metal binder jetting technology falls into the category of ‘bind-and-sinter AM’, where a multi-stage process chain incorporating sintering is required to achieve full density. It’s a very fast technology that can create complicated and highly detailed designs, and there is potential for wider material choice than with AM processes that use melting. We are delighted to be able to offer this to the companies we work with.”
The Digital Metal 3D printer will be operational later this summer, and NCAM personnel are already training with it to ensure they can operate it efficiently and safely.
Discuss all of these stories, and other 3D printing topics, at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.
General Motors saves $300,000 by switching to 3D printed tooling
The Lansing Delta Township assembly plant of American multinational vehicle manufacturer General Motors has reported an expected cost saving of over $300,000 since it acquired a 3D printer three years ago. The savings were described to specialist General Motors Reporter Michael Wayland at Automotive News by Zane Meike, 3D printing lead at the Michigan plant. Driving forward […]