industry partnerships Archives - Perfect 3D Printing Filament

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.

The post Stanley Black & Decker Invests in Evolve Additive at $19 Million Valuation appeared first on 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing.

CES 2019: SHINING 3D Showcased Latest 3D Printing, Scanning, and Digitizing Solutions

CES 2019 came to a close on Friday in Las Vegas, and from all of the announcements we’ve heard recently, the show floor was a pretty impressive place to be last week. Top Chinese 3D printing and digitizing company SHINING 3D was also at CES, on hand to show off its latest 3D scanning and digitizing solutions.

Founded in 2004, the company was China’s first listed OTC stock company in the 3D digitizing and 3D printing industries segment. SHINING 3D creates, manufactures, and commercializes a large range of 3D technologies, including 3D printers, an online 3D cloud platform, 3D scanners for multiple industries and applications, 3D materials, and 3D design and manufacturing services. In addition to Hangzhou, the company also has facilities in Germany and the US.

At last year’s CES, the company introduced two new accessories for its popular EinScan Series of 3D scanners. This year at the event, SHINING 3D showcased its EinScan Pro 2X series of multi-functional handheld 3D scanners, which were first introduced in November at formnext 2018. In addition, the company also introduced an all-inclusive array of solutions that cover “3D Digitizing – Design & Simulation – Additive Manufacturing” for several different industries.

The EinScan Pro 2X and EinScan Pro 2X Plus 3D scanner models have higher quality data and an increased scanning speed: able to process up to 1,500,000 points per second (30 fps) under the Handheld Rapid Scan Mode. In addition, with a more optimized interface and workflow and enhanced algorithm in the new EXScan Pro software, the 3D scanner series makes it possible to scan objects of varying sizes much more quickly and easily. These two new 3D scanners, along with add-ons and the rest of SHINING 3D’s EinScan series, were displayed at CES 2019.

At the show last week, the company also showcased the results of its expanding collaborations with several of its partners. For instance, SHINING 3D is partnering with Siemens PLM Software on a new product development solution. The Solid Edge SHINING 3D Edition makes it possible to use simulation, reverse engineering, and generative design together with CAD tools in the same platform.

Additional partner solutions presented at CES 2019 include:

Virtual Display Solution – ability to easily generate and create high-quality 3D models with full-color texture.
Human Body 3D Scanning Solution – applied in orthotics, prosthetics, footwear, custom made equipment, etc.
Art & Culture Solution – applied in digital archiving, restoration of cultural relics, recreation of sculpture work, etc.
The Solution for Education – offers the education bundle from 3D scanning to 3D printing, inspiring the next generation through 3D technology.
Revolutionary Nail Scan Solution – brings new opportunities and innovations for the nail beauty industry. Visitors to SHINING 3D’s booth were able to experience a new nail 3D scanning experience.

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[Images provided by SHINING 3D]

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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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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Carbon Reduces Bulk Prices on 3D Printing Resins, Announces New and Expanded Partnerships

Last year, Carbon introduced a bulk discount program for its 3D printing resins, giving the manufacturing and 3D printing industries easier access to its now-famous CLIP technology. Today, the company announced that it is driving down prices on certain resins further. EPX 82 (epoxy), EPU 41 (elastomeric polyurethane) and RPU 70 (rigid polyurethane) will now be offered in bulk volumes of 50 or more liters at $50 per liter, fulfilling Carbon’s 2017 promise to eventually offer its resins at under $100 per liter. This is a smart move by the company. The total cost of leasing Carbon systems and the materials was cost prohibitive so far. By reducing resin prices it lowers the part cost and lets more business cases flourish. This more than the previous hype shows us that Carbon is serious about manufacturing.

“The global appetite for using digital manufacturing for high-volume production is rapidly growing, as more and more manufacturers are implementing these next-gen technologies into their processes and supply chains,” said Dr. Joseph DeSimone, CEO and Co-founder at Carbon. “Carbon has made digital manufacturing a reality, and the skyrocketing need for large-volume production enables us to introduce the most radical reduction of resin pricing ever. This move will also create new high-value applications and opportunities that were previously impossible, helping to transform the modest, estimated $10B 3D printing world into a multi-hundred-billion-dollar industry.”

Outside the US, EXP 82 and RPU 70 will be offered in 50 or more liters at €45 per liter, £40 per liter, CAD $65 per liter and JP¥ 7,500 per
liter. EPU 41 is not currently available outside the United States.

Carbon also announced today that it has expanded its network of production partners with the addition of European service bureaus Complete Fabrications, Erpro Group, Kurz, and Rapid Product Manufacturing (RPM). This brings Carbon’s production network to more than 35 companies across the world.

“Digital fabrication technology has evolved from the early days of conventional 3D printing of prototyping applications to full-scale digital manufacturing systems,” said Dana McCallum, Head of Production Partnerships at Carbon. “An important part of Carbon’s strategy is to empower manufacturers around the world with the many benefits of digital fabrication. By being part of the Carbon Production Network, our partners have a truly scalable, complete digital manufacturing platform that offers a faster process and creates high-quality, end-use parts with properties similar to injection molding.”

Carbon is also expanding on an already-existing partnership with Core3dcentres, a global company that offers digital dental production and design solutions. The two companies are expanding their partnership internationally, extending it to four different continents and allowing a broader range of dental labs access to Carbon’s technology.

Carbon and Core3dcentres 3D printed products will now be available to customers in Australia, Benelux Union (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Canada, Croatia, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Spain, the UK and the United States. The two companies are capitalizing on the recent growth of 3D printing in the dental market, which, according to a report by SmarTech Publishing, grew by more than 35 percent for the second year in a row and will continue to accelerate in coming years.

“The dental industry’s use of additive manufacturing has skyrocketed over the last couple of years, but it wasn’t always like that. For some time, dental labs were plagued by 3D-printed parts that were inconsistent and poorly made with a limited range of materials, but that’s all changed with Carbon,” said Mark Maier, Managing Director of Global at Core3dcentres. “We’ve seen tremendous success deploying Carbon’s technology in the U.S. – high throughput, accuracy of prints using durable, high-quality materials, constant uptime, first-class education and customer support. We want to implement the same success in our dental labs around the world.”

Core3dcentres has made products such as surgical guides and dentures more affordable using 3D printing technology, and the partnership with Carbon has helped the company improve turnaround time as well as the diversity of its offerings.

“Core3d is at the forefront of innovation in digital dentistry, and Carbon is thrilled to expand our partnership in support of our shared global vision and commitment to the continuing development and enhancement of the digital ecosystem,” said Brian Ganey, General Manager of Carbon’s Dental Business. “The age of digital 3D Manufacturing is here, and Carbon is redefining what’s possible with a complete dental solution that delivers on the promise of digital fabrication for production at scale.”

Carbon will be present at formnext, which is taking place in Frankfurt, Germany this week from November 13th to 16th. If you’ll be attending, stop by and visit Carbon in Booth B30, Hall 3.0.

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3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions Bring Together 3D Printing and Precision Machining

More and more manufacturing companies are looking into hybrid manufacturing options that combine 3D printing with more traditional technologies such as machining and molding. Georg Fisher (GF) Machining Solutions is a provider of solutions to the precision machining industry and to manufacturers of precision components. This week, the company announced that it would be partnering with 3D Systems to deliver a combined solution featuring both additive and subtractive manufacturing technologies. By combining 3D printing and precision machining, the two companies will enable manufacturers to more efficiently produce complex metal parts within tight tolerances while reducing the total cost of operation.

“We are excited about this new partnership of two industrial leaders,” said Yves Serra, Chief Executive Officer, Georg Fischer Machining Solutions. “With the combined experience and expertise of 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions, we are well positioned to bring to our customers new manufacturing solutions based on 3D printing.”

The integrated solutions developed by the partnership will include software for enhanced part design, 3D printers, materials and automated material handling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), milling equipment and advanced post-processing technologies. According to the new partners, the solutions should lead to improved existing products, new designs, new business models and new markets.

[Image: GF Machining Solutions]

“The 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions partnership brings together two customer-centric innovators to redefine manufacturing and create the factory of the future,” said Vyomesh Joshi, President and Chief Executive Officer, 3D Systems. “As industry leaders, both companies share the same vision for transforming manufacturing. We are looking forward to delivering integrated technology solutions to provide our customers with significant competitive advantage through reduced production time, faster time to part, and overall lower total cost of operation.”

The partnership between 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions is another example of how companies are recognizing the effectiveness of putting multiple technologies together. Both companies are focused on providing end-to-end solutions, and the combination of 3D printing with other manufacturing methods like machining is often more effective than any one technology alone in taking a part from concept to finished product.

Both 3D Systems and GF Machining Solutions have been around for several decades, and have demonstrated their expertise in their respective fields of manufacturing. Bringing the two together will help manufacturers take advantage of that expertise all in one package. The two companies plan to debut the first combined solution as a result of their partnership at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2018, which is taking place in Chicago from September 10th to the 15th. 3D Systems will be at Booth #431608 and GF Machining Solutions will be at Booth #338754. If you’re attending the show and are interested in learning more about the two companies’ new solution, stop by and visit one or both to learn more.

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Nano Dimension Announces Fisher Unitech as Latest Distributor for DragonFly 2020 Pro 3D Printer

Nano Dimension’s electronic circuit board 3D printers including the DragonFly 2020 Pro have gained a strong new distributor. This year, Nano Dimension has already been steadily amassing customers and distributors. Today, Nano Dimension announced further expansion of its channel through a new partnership with Fisher Unitech, a provider of 3D printers and 3D product development software.

The Michigan-based Fisher Unitech has been around since 1993 and sells products across 22 states. It has 17 offices and caters to more than 17,000 customers.

“Fisher Unitech’s geographical reach, strong position in key verticals and excellent reputation makes them an ideal partner to accelerate our growth in the United States,” said Simon Fried, President of Nano Dimension USA. “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them.”

As part of the agreement, Fisher Unitech will purchase the DragonFly 2020 Pro and sell it to its expansive customer base. The 3D printer, in combination with electrical and PCB design software, will provide those customers with a complete embedded electronic solution. This partnership is Nano Dimension’s third channel partnership in North America, and will help the Israel-based company reach further with its sales.

“This partnership represents significant growth potential for both companies. Nano Dimension’s technology forwards our mission to fundamentally advance manufacturing in America by adding the most advanced 3D printed circuit board technology to our customers,” said Matt Wise, CEO of Fisher Unitech. “Circuit boards are an essential element of the Internet of Things and smart connected products. Our industry leading clients strive to design, test and launch products faster than the competition and we are excited to bring them another tool to accelerate that process.”

Fisher Unitech also sells Stratasys and MakerBot 3D printers, along with Artec 3D scanners and a variety of software. In addition, the company offers training in the form of SOLIDWORKS classes and professional certifications.

The DragonFly 2020 Pro allows for the 3D printing of functional electronics such as sensors, conductive geometries, antennas, molded connected devices, printed circuit boards and more. 3D printing these devices enables time and cost savings, fast prototyping and short-run manufacturing In addition to the Dragonfly 2020 Pro 3D printer, Nano Dimension also offers several conductive nanoparticle inks and dielectric inks. The company has also announced its plans to develop ceramic 3D printing technology in the future.

NanoDimension is working hard to place itself at the crossroads of IoT and 3D printing. By working hard to win distributors it is building a global channel. Other firms are focusing on the direct model which may leave leads on the table but will get them higher margins. Which is the right choice?

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Nano Dimension and Mayku Announce New Strategic and Distribution 3D Printing Partnerships

Israeli additive electronics provider Nano Dimension announced in April that it would be expanding its coverage in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, and today has made good on that announcement. The award-winning company has officially entered the Chinese market now, thanks to its strategic partnership with top 3D printer distributor the AURORA Group.

The AURORA Group is the majority shareholder of 3D software and 3D printer provider General Integration Technology (GIT), which recently purchased and installed a DragonFly 2020 Pro PCB 3D printer from Nano Dimension for its Taiwan showroom. In addition to this new partnership, AURORA has also purchased a second DragonFly 2020 Pro.

“China is one of the world’s largest and most important electronics manufacturing and design markets, and establishing the correct foothold in the market is key for Nano Dimension. AURORA has years of operating experience in the manufacturing sector, and with its extensive resources and unique network of 1,500 offices, 300,000 customers, including more than 3,000 customers in electronics industries, we believe it is very well positioned to give us fast market access to realize the full potential of the DragonFly 2020 Pro in China,” said Amit Dror, CEO of Nano Dimension. “We look forward to developing the Chinese market together by leveraging AURORA’s significant presence.”

As a result of the partnership, AURORA will market and sell the DragonFly 2020 Pro to customers in China, which will help grow Nano Dimension’s market coverage in APAC.

“Providing our customers with the very latest in high-quality, innovative 3D printing solutions is key to the success of our company,” said Daniel Chi, GM of 3D Business Unit, AURORA Group. “Forming a strategic relationship with Nano Dimension helps us expand our offering to now include capabilities for 3D printing electronics. The Nano Dimension DragonFly 2020 Pro is a groundbreaking technology that opens unimagined possibilities for electronics designers and manufacturers.”

A January 2018 market research report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that the quickly growing Chinese 3D printing market is leading Asia. 3D printing in the country benefits from both industrial and private consumer investments and government support, so partnering with AURORA for additional APAC coverage is a smart move on Nano Dimension’s part.

“This is an important moment for our recently established Hong Kong office,” said Nano Dimension’s APAC Director Gilad Reshef. “We are proud to partner with AURORA as our leading partner in China. The partnership with AURORA deepens AURORA’s exposure to additive manufacturing by expanding into 3D-printing electronics, paving the way for new markets and applications.”

This news from Nano Dimension and AURORA isn’t the only newly announced 3D printing partnership. London startup Mayku has just released its innovative desktop vacuum former, the FormBox, for sale in the UK and the US, with help from its own new partner – 3D printing specialist GoPrint3D.

The FormBox

“We’re really excited about it as we think a lot of 3D printer owners will want one to complement their existing 3D printer,” GoPrint3D’s David Whitehouse told 3DPrint.com.

A drone case being removed from the mold.

GoPrint3D, which is also a distributor for EnvisionTEC and learnbylayers, was launched six years ago as a part of Express Group Ltd, which has provided 2D printer repair and spare parts to the UK for three decades. The company sells, repairs, and hires 3D printers, in addition to providing professional services.

“We were so impressed when we first saw the FormBox that we immediately backed it on Kickstarter,” explained Jo Young, Managing Director at GoPrint3D. “Now we are a partner as well as a backer. It’s the perfect accessory to 3D printers like the Form 2 so we are delighted to add it to our range.”

In 2016, Mayku crushed its original $50,000 Kickstarter campaign goal for the FormBox by over 1,000%. The desktop vacuum forming machine, which can be powered by a vacuum cleaner, lets makers and designers create items in all sorts of materials, ranging from concrete, ice, and plaster to soap, chocolate, and wax, and others as well.

The machine is user-friendly, and fast as well – able to make molds in just minutes without having to rely on any additional software or digital model manipulation.

“Vacuum forming was previously something found in makerspaces and in schools due to their cost and size,” explained Ben Redford, Mayku’s Co-Founder and CPO. “We are thrilled to have the support of the 3D printing industry and have been blown away with what makers have been designing.”

The FormBox is a complementary new hardware addition for 3D printer owners. Users can easily vacuum form a 3D print using the FormBox, which can then be used as a mold for fast replication in multiple materials that are not able to be directly 3D printed at this time.

GoPrint3D now has the FormBox in stock and available for purchase for a price of £499 excluding VAT.

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