RAPID 2019: Opening Day and Opening Ceremony

The first day of the RAPID + TCT conference was bristling with activity. The first day mostly consists of lectures and workshops. At some other conferences, this is a secondary affair but here in Detroit we’re really seeing this to be the meat and bones of the conference on day one. There were a tonne of conference events and workshops today from the very general to the highly specific. There were workshops on casting materials for automobiles, implementing quality systems for medical devices, metal printing, and how to use 3D printers in hospitals and biomaterials. A lot of these were almost all day events with multiple speakers that were almost conferences in and of themselves.

Professor Hart’s Workshop

Professor John Hart gave a great presentation on applying materials and processes to making 3D printed parts throughout the life cycle. This workshop was great for people trying to start business cases internally with 3D Printing. It covered things such as costing and the relationship with the design to the final part. Walking around through all the workshop rooms I was really spoilt for choice. I really do believe that the “workshop day” at Rapid is underappreciated and under-visited. There are people here and there is knowledge here that you really can not find anywhere else. Do not miss this first day if you want to come next year! Having said that there were thousands of attendees for the different workshops and the first day already felt like a big conference.

Things started to get much bigger when we went to the Ballroom for the main opening ceremony.

Erika Berg of Carbon and Vitorrio Bologna of Riddell

Erika Berg of Carbon and Vitorrio Bologna of Riddell keynoted on how their companies were working together to try to make individualized mass customized helmet liners for football helmets. Individual helmets and other sports gear could become a huge application for 3D printing. Using one build of a Carbon L1 3D printer all of the distinct parts of a helmet liner can be produced. The data comes from a scan of a players head which is now done by 3D scanners but Riddell wants to go to a home scan solution for that in the future. The data gets sent to Carbon which then calculates the optimal design of the helmet cellular structure which may have 140,000 struts. Riddell already has 4000 3D scans to work with as well as thousands of readouts of player crashes to tell them how to design the helmets. In the future, the team wants to put accelerometers and other sensors in all helmets to acquire more data that would let them produce better helmets. They want to implement this for all football players from the Pro’s and college to the youth level. All in all the approach with cellular structures and data gathering seems very sound and this is a huge application for 3D printing if it goes forward. I just have questions with the Carbon business model. If Riddell leases the printers if Carbon slices the files if Carbon determines the optimal structure of the helmet then what is Riddell?

If we look at firms such as Nike: Nike is the brand, they design the shoes and know how to market and brand them. Others manufacture. Now Riddell is outsourcing key ownership of the core design competency that they and firms like Nike have. Won’t they be tied to Carbon forever? Isn’t the core part of their helmets the connection between the “crash test data”, head scans and how to create the cellular structures for the helmets?

Carl Dekker of Met-L-Flo then came on. He is the current ASTM 42 Chairman and Advises SME. He presented awards on the best research paper and project. Fast Robotic Soft Matter 3D Printing for Neurosurgical Phantoms Fabrication by Michael Chang was the winner of the Dick Aubin Distinguished Paper Award. On the 23rd you can see him present it. On the research project side the winner was The Copper Cooler: Heat Sink for CPU’s by Lisa Brock and Gitanjali Shanbhag.

Industry consultant Todd Grimm then took us through the companies that had applied for the innovation award and revealed that 48 out of 400 exhibitors would be on a list to be considered. He then went on to detail all of the firms and their particular innovation in order to tell everyone “What’s New” at Rapid. I thought that this was a particularly helpful presentation for visitors. He also mentioned that the finalists for the innovation award would be: Digital Alloys, e3D, Fabrisonic, Formalloy, NXT Factory, Rapidia, Sigma Labs and Sintratec. I for one really can’t choose there are a number of very deserving firms there and also some very sympathetic teams. Usually one could guess but this time its wide open as far as I’m concerned.

Then the SME Industry Achievement Award was revealed. The winner was Ely Sachs. Ely was a Desktop Metal co-founded but also a core inventor of the “MIT patent” inkjet head based 3D printing technologies years earlier and a more than deserved winner! This was a very exciting almost my brain runneth over first day here in Detroit and I can’t wait to discover more.

RAPID 2019: Titan Robotics Unveils New Atlas H 3D printer & Dual Pellet Extrusion System

Detroit’s Cobo Center is on fire with new technology this week as the Rapid+TCT event comes to town from May 20-23, with exhibits opening from over 400 ‘technology providers’ on the 21st.

Companies like Titan Robotics (Colorado Springs) are unveiling helpful new innovations for their users like the Atlas-H product line, featuring the Dual Pellet Extrusion System, including:

  • Dual retracting pellet extruders
  • Low-cost pellet feedstock as material
  • Robust frame
  • Industrial closed-loop motion control system

The new Atlas H 3D printer also offers:

  • New industrial design
  • Multiple extruder heads functioning on the same gantry
  • Build volume of 42”x42”x48”
  • Print speeds up to 30,000mm/minute
  • Industrial controllers and servo drives on all axes

The Atlas H design also features a heated enclosure. According to the recent press release sent to 3DPrint.com by Titan, this means that significantly more materials can be used—whether the user requires flexibility or stiffness, or low-temperature commodity materials or high-temperature engineering thermoplastics.

“Titan has been a pioneer in the development and implementation of pellet extrusion technology in the additive manufacturing industry. Our Atlas-H product launch aligns with Titan’s mission to develop innovative solutions and technologies to bring additive manufacturing into industrial production,” said Clay Guillory, Titan Robotics CEO. “It strengthens Titan’s reputation as one of the most innovative companies in the industry.”

The pellets required for are not just affordable but offer cost savings ten times lower than typical feedstocks.

“At Titan Robotics, we value innovation that addresses our customers’ needs as we continue to push boundaries for extrusion-based 3D printers. With a second pellet extruder on Titan’s Atlas-H, our customers can deposit multiple model materials within a single part or model and support materials so that parts with complex features can be more readily realized,” explained Bill Macy, Titan’s CTO.

Industrial customers around the globe currently benefit from 3D printing and additive manufacturing processes via the Atlas line, which is suitable for applications such as:

  • Aerospace
  • Defense
  • Automotive
  • Foundry
  • Apparel
  • Manufacturing of end-use production parts

“With the launch of Atlas-H, we believe both existing and new customers will benefit from increased speed and reduced raw material cost with high reliability never seen before in this industry. Our expanded product portfolio empowers our customers, enabling them to choose the configuration that meets their production needs,” said Titan’s CCO, Rahul Kasat. “Available configurations include options for multiple filament and pellet extruders on a single gantry, thus optimizing customers’ capital investments and operating expenses.”

Are you attending the RAPID conference this year? If so, check out Titan’s exhibit at Booth #527. They will be 3D printing live on the new Atlas-H Dual Pellet Extrusion 3D Printer, using multiple materials and demonstrating high print speeds. Attendees will also be able to see the flagship Atlas 2.5 3D Printer with Hybrid Pellet + Filament Extrusion 3D printer in action.

 

3D printing technology has expanded immensely just in the past few years, allowing researchers, designers, and engineers all over the world to create inexpensive, lightweight parts—and often in one step—with hardware featuring open print head technology, systems for printing multiple, complex materials, and even 4D printing with multiple metals on the desktop.

[Source / Images: Titan Robotics]

 

America Makes ready for “Game Day” at RAPID 2019

America Makes, the Ohio-based national accelerator for additive manufacturing will be showcasing a “Game Day” experience at RAPID + TCT 2019 in Detroit this week. The exhibit, featured in the America Makes booth, will mimic the structure of college football coverage. Managed and operated by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) America […]

RAPID 2019: BigRep to Unveil New-Generation STUDIO G2 Large Format 3D Printer

News is already flooding in regarding the Rapid+TCT event in Detroit, Michigan being held from May 20-23. Berlin’s BigRep will be attending in full-force, ready to unveil the BigRep STUDIO G2, a new generation 3D printer joining the STUDIO lineup.

The STUDIO G2, available to order now, 3D prints ‘engineer-grade’ materials while also encompassing all the same features of the original STUDIO hardware created for fabricating large parts.

BigRep’s STUDIO 2 3D printer was created for industrial applications but is suitable for everyday use, offering the following new features:

  • Unmatched speed and resolution in large format 3D printing
  • Ergonomic design
  • Height of 1765 mm
  • Fully enclosed, insulated build envelope (500 mm x 1000 m x 500 mm)
  • Fast heating print bed reaching 100°C
  • Temperature-controlled filament chamber
  • Dual extruder with two 0.6 mm ruby nozzles
  • Layer heights as little as 0.1 mm for abrasive engineering-grade materials like PA6/66

 “We are excited to host the world premiere of the STUDIO G2 at North America’s most influential AM event – RAPID+TCT. We believe that both customers already relying on the original machine and new ones will appreciate the many advanced features of the STUDIO G2,” said BigRep CBO, Frank Marangell.

The Studio G2 3D printer

BigRep will be releasing other 3D printing materials (also engineering grade) in the future, to include carbon/glass fiber composites, and ASA. The STUDIO G2 will also feature the new proprietary BigRep BLADE slicer software, which BigRep states will offer accurate printing times and tools for improved production such as material use calculations.

“The new generation STUDIO G2 is a great addition to our expanding industrial portfolio of large-format printers. Based on proven, successful technology, the STUDIO G2 is upgraded with key features that industrial users need,” said BigRep CEO, Stephan Beyer, PhD. “We’ve built it for printing with the abrasive, engineering-grade materials that the industry demands in a next-level, space-saving printer for large-format parts.”

The BigRep Pro will also be on-site, running BigRep’s MXT® Metering Extruder Technology, and a state-of-the-art Bosch Rexroth motion control system. Designer Marco Mattia Cristofori will also be at the show to present NERA, a completely 3D printed e-motorbike that was created in only 12 weeks.

The 3D printed NERA motorbike

Founded in 2014, BigRep also has offices in Boston and Singapore. Catering to engineers, designers, and manufacturers, they also partner with Bosch Rexroth, Etihad Airways and Deutsche Bahn. Key investors are BASF, Koehler, and Klöckner and Körber. We have followed the German company extensively, from the unveiling of the BigRep ONE to the PRO and the EDGE 3D, along with following their extensive partnerships and contributions to additive manufacturing research.

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 / Images: Big Rep Press Release]

Titan Robotics debuts dual-extrusion pellet 3D printer in Detroit

Colorado headquartered 3D printer manufacturer and service provider Titan Robotics will launch the new Atlas-H 3D printer on the first day of RAPID + TCT 2019. Using pelletized extrusion technology, the Atlas-H is a dual extrusion system designed for high speed, low cost, 3D printing in production. Its introduction also marks a year since the company […]

Somos PerFORM HW: Royal DSM Develops New Material for Origin 3D Printing System

While 3D printing users may often enjoy squirreling themselves away in their workshops or labs, spending hours tinkering just to see what they can come up with next, the industry itself is built on many partnerships and collaboration. As you are busy going about your normal day, scientists and engineers in research and development labs in many different countries are deep in concentration, creating new materials, software, hardware, and systems for 3D printing objects and parts for a wide variety of applications. The latest partnership, between Royal DSM and Origin is a perfect example of such commitments, as they work together in creating new materials and the hardware to use it.

Royal DSM is an expansive, global science-based company headquartered in The Netherlands. With a focus on nutrition, health, and sustainable living, they continue to grow stronger and are very open to dynamic partnerships furthering their mission. For months now, they have been working on a new photopolymer material that was customized for Origin, meant to complement their programmable photopolymerization (P3) technology.

Origin is known for the open ecosystem concepts, which fits right into DSM’s general mission to build an overall 3D printing ecosystem globally—with both attempting to promote accessibility to additive manufacturing and assist in accelerating adoption of the technology.

“The quality and surface finish we’re seeing with Somos® PerFORM HW on Origin’s P3 process are outstanding and unparalleled,” says Noud Steffens, Market Development Director Additive Manufacturing at DSM. “Origin provides an unprecedented degree of control so users can get consistent commercial-grade results using Somos® PerFORM HW and soon other DSM materials.”

DSM’s new Somos® PerFORM HW will not just be incorporated into the Origin lineup, it was specifically optimized for the innovative San Francisco-based company to offer similarities with Somos® PerFORM, with material properties that allow the manufacturing of strong, stiff, temperature-resistant parts—often required for aerodynamic modeling and rapid tooling.

 “We’re excited that DSM is joining our open network of material partners and broadening the potential applications available to our users,” says Chris Prucha, Origin’s CEO and co-founder. “DSM is the market leader in world class photopolymers with decades of experience developing unique photo-reactive chemistries. Together we are addressing today’s manufacturing challenges for customers.”

(Image: Origin)

The two companies announced in their recent press release sent to 3DPrint.com that there will also be more materials available for the Origin platform soon, as they continue to work closely together improving materials and seeking out new applications for use.

As 3D printing flourishes from a relatively unknown technology meant for prototyping into a billion-dollar consumer-driven industry capturing the interest of users around the world, many companies have taken a jack-of-all-trades business model and marketing mentality, offering a one-stop shop for their customers. Others, however, may find one strength and continue reinforcing it in search of excellence—while reaching out to entrepreneurs and organizations to complement what they have created, bringing the full commercial picture together as DSM has done with other partners like Ultimaker, FormFutura, and Adaptive3D.

(Image: Origin)

Will you be attending the RAPID + TCT conference in Detroit from May 20-23? If so, check out Origin’s printer (Booth #2153) and the new optimized materials from DSM (Booth #303) which will be ‘available for sampling’ with the launch of Origin’s new hardware.

[Source / Images: Royal DSM/Origin]

Join the RAPID + TCT OPENING EVENT & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PANEL DISCUSSIONS May 20th

North America’s premier Additive Manufacturing Event RAPID + TCT will soon start on May 20th. You can still attend by registering here. The RAPID + TCT event will bring together 3D printing and Additive Manufacturing professionals from all over the world. Experienced folks from academia, industry, vendors and those new to the industry will come to Detroit from all over the world. Congregating at RAPID + TCT, this eclectic and well-informed group will exchange views, information, learning, and data in an unencumbered way.

The sharing starts with the Opening Event, which will take place on May 20th from 3 pm to 5 pm. This event brings together thought leaders, as well as provides practical information for attendees. Programmed by SME’s Additive Manufacturing Technical Community advisors, who are key members of the industry, you can expect to learn and be informed here.

The highlights will be:

In addition to making your days at RAPID + TCT more effective with practical guides to the show, the cutting edge applications of 3D printing in sports will also be covered by Riddell and Carbon.

“I’m honored to be delivering the keynote at RAPID + TCT this year,” said Erika Berg, Head of Application Development, Carbon. “The RAPID + TCT stage is the perfect platform for reaching the most important thought leaders and industry movers in additive manufacturing. I’m excited to share how Carbon and Riddell joined teams to produce the first-ever, digitally printed helmet liner for the SpeedFlex Precision Diamond football helmet.”

Monday, May 20

Carbon and Riddell: Bringing Innovation to Head Protection

Erika Berg, Head of Application Development, Carbon & Vittorio Bologna, Research & Development Manager, Riddell

  • Carbon and Riddell have partnered to bring customized, digital design innovation to head protection through Riddell’s new Diamond helmet platform.
  • The new platform features a 3D printed lattice liner that is digitally manufactured using Carbon’s proprietary Digital Light Synthesis™ (DLS™) technology.
  • Berg and Bologna will discuss the recent breakthroughs in software, hardware and materials that make the Diamond platform possible, including the new L1 printer and custom resin material. Berg will highlight the product development journey between Carbon and Riddell that led to this impressive new helmet.

Thought Leadership Panel Discussions

Subsequently, there will be even more time for learning with a Thought Leadership panel on each day Tuesday-Thursday. Terry Wohlers will lead a storied panel who will bring news from the frontlines of adopting Additive Manufacturing.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Trends that Will Impact Your Future

MODERATOR: Terry Wohlers, Principal Consultant and President, Wohlers Associates, Inc.

PANELISTS:

John Dulchinos, Vice President, Digital Manufacturing, Jabil, Inc.; Cynthia Flanigan, PhD, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Research & Technology, Research and Advanced Engineering, Ford Motor Company; Donald Godfrey, Engineering Fellow – Additive Manufacturing, Honeywell Aerospace; Markus Seibold, VP Additive Manufacturing, Gas and Power, Siemens AG

  • This star panel will discuss:  
    • The importance of design for additive manufacturing
    • Justifying the cost of AM for production applications
    • Challenges associated with post-processing and post-process automation
    • Scaling AM technology across multiple locations
    • Managing growth
    • AM knowledge and skills development
    • Anticipating future developments.

Another panel will see the CEO of 3D Systems, Vyomesh Joshi, discuss manufacturing productivity and the industrialization of AM.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Leveraging Additive Manufacturing for Enhanced Productivity: The Manufacturer’s Perspective

MODERATOR: Vyomesh Joshi – President and CEO, 3D Systems

  • Today, new marketplace demands are pushing the industry to increase speed and agility, and competitive pressures require rapid product development and shorter production cycles.
  • During this session, 3D Systems’ President and CEO, Vyomesh Joshi, will moderate a conversation with customers to explore how the industrialization of additive manufacturing is allowing their respective companies to respond to these demands.

Automotive Day Panel

The next day there will be another event that will be very relevant to Detroit. The Automotive Day on Thursday, May 23 will showcase the advancements in automotive additive manufacturing and discuss what the future holds. A key part of this is a panel hosted by ORNL’s Lonnie Love.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has done some incredible work in developing and implementing completely new 3D printing technologies. Lonnie Love is the Group Leader at Oak Ridge in charge of Automation, Robotics and Manufacturing there will moderate a panel on the realities of Additive Manufacturing. He will be joined by panelists from Northrop Grumman, GM, Penske Racing, LIFT and the University of Michigan.

Thursday, May 23, 2019 | 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Additive Manufacturing: What’s Real, What’s Not, What’s Next

MODERATOR: Lonnie Love, PhD, Group Leader – Manufacturing Systems Research Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

PANELISTS: Eric Barnes, Fellow, Additive Manufacturing, Northrop Grumman; Tyson W. Brown, PhD, Lab Group Manager, Additive Manufacturing Research, General Motors Global R&D; Matt Gimbel, Production Manager, Penske Racing; Alan Taub, PhD, LIFT Senior Technical Advisor, Professor, Material Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

  • As part of Thursday’s Automotive Day, leading subject matter experts in additive manufacturing representing the automotive and aerospace industries will join Lonnie Love for a thought leadership panel discussion in the afternoon.
  • Discover how additive manufacturing can create opportunities that will drive performance and growth.

We hope that you have time in your busy schedules to come to Detroit to learn from and engage with the Additive Manufacturing industry. We wish you a warm welcome; register here.

Germany’s Henkel Acquires Molecule Corp., Strengthening 3D Printing & Materials Division

In another dynamic acquisition regarding the global progress of 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, Henkel has just announced the purchase of Molecule Corp., headquartered in Concord, CA, near the San Francisco Bay area. This addition to the Henkel portfolio should propel them further into the technology realm as they continue to find success in their plan for making ‘targeted acquisitions,’ along with fortifying their additive manufacturing processes for production of strong, functional parts made from a variety of materials.

The technology and expertise built thus far by the Molecule Corp. team will also complement Henkel’s current strategies for research and development of new materials and techniques such as inkjet printing. Although they have locations around the globe, Henkel is headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. They currently employ over 50,000 people today, but are still run as a family business that was founded on ‘strong entrepreneurial spirit’ in 1876. Creating value for their customers is priority, but their focus remains on offering sustainability to future generations as they continue to manage and create new materials from renewable raw resources—and this is where 3D printing enters the picture.

“Molecule Corp. and Henkel are an excellent fit,” says Philipp Loosen, head of 3D Printing at Henkel. “Molecule’s strong 3D printing and inkjet resin technologies and digital development capabilities perfectly complement and strengthen our materials portfolio and build on our approach to offer a comprehensive range of customized additive manufacturing solutions.”

Molecule Corp. currently offers a wide array of 3D printing solutions related to applications like:

  • Medical devices
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Consumer goods
  • Industrial materials

“Molecule’s technology and engineering center in California also broadens our global 3D printing footprint. We now provide 3D printing support to our customers in all major regions around the world,” adds Michael Todd, head of Innovation at Henkel Adhesives Technologies.

Molecule Corp. is currently making an impact in many different applications with 3D printing (Image: Molecule Corp.)

If you are attending the upcoming Rapid + TCT show (held in Detroit, Michigan from May 20-23), check out the Henkel booth where the Molecule Corp. team will also be present from May 21-23 — along with over 375 other exhibitors, many of whom are also involved in 3D printing and related technologies.

“We are excited to join Henkel,” says Ken Kisner, founder and president of Molecule Corp. “Henkel’s customer centered approach along with our combined product portfolio will help key industries accelerate the speed of innovation and move 3D printing from prototyping to digital manufacturing.”

Image: Molecule Corp.

Although 3D printing was created decades ago to offer engineers a faster and more streamlined method of prototyping, once the technology hit the mainstream users became intent on making objects and customized parts to suit an infinite number of industrial and creative projects worldwide. The possibilities are there for changing the marketplace forever with the ability to produce one-of-a-kind, highly tailored products for discerning consumers, but we are also curious to see what role 3D printing will play in mass manufacturing as companies like 3D Systems and Stratasys bring forth the tools.

What do you think of this latest news regarding innovative companies in the material resources and technology world? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.

A 3D printed medical model that could be used for diagnosing, training, and more (Image: Molecule Corp.)

[Source: Henkel]

 

3D Printing News Briefs: April 21, 2019

We’re beginning with an aerospace 3D printing story in 3D Printing News Briefs today, then moving on to news about some upcoming industry events and finishing with a little business. Launcher tested its 3D printed rocket engine on an important date in history. DuPont will be introducing new semi-crystalline 3D printing products at RAPID + TCT, and Nanofabrica has offered to 3D print micro parts at no cost for interested companies attending the annual euspen conference. Ira Green Inc. used Rize technology to transform its production process, GOM is now part of the Zeiss Group, and the Ivaldi Group received its ISO 9001:2015 certification.

Launcher Tests 3D Printed Rocket Engine

New York startup Launcher, which uses EOS technology to create 3D printed components for metal rocket engines, has completed many firing tests with these parts over the last year and a half. Recently, on the anniversary of the date the first human left Earth to go into space, the startup announced the results of the latest test.

Launcher’s founder and CEO Max Haot posted on his LinkedIn account that the E-1 copper bi-metal rocket engine, which was 3D printed on the EOS M290, broke the startup’s combustion pressure record at 625 psi, mr 2.5. It will be interesting to see how the engine performs on its next test.

DuPont to Introduce New Semi-Crystalline Materials 

At next month’s RAPID + TCT in Detroit, DuPont Transportation & Advanced Polymers (T&AP), a DowDuPont Specialty Products Division business, will be launching an expansion to its 3D printing portfolio: advanced, high-performance semi-crystalline materials, which will give customers more manufacturing agility and open new opportunities to lower costs while increasing production.

Jennifer L. Thompson, Ph.D., R&D programs manager for DuPont T&AP, will be presenting a technical paper about the materials during the event as part of the Material Development and Characterization session. During her presentation at 10:15 am on May 23rd, Thompson will discuss alternative 3D printing methods, like pellet extrusion modeling, in addition to highlighting new engineering materials and talking about tailored material testing programs. Thompson and other DuPont employees will be at DuPont T&AP’s booth #552 at RAPID to answer questions about the company’s 3D printing materials.

Nanofabrica Offers Free 3D Printing Services for euspen Attendees

Last month, Israeli 3D printing startup Nanofabrica announced the commercial launch of its micro resolution 3D printing platform. In order to show off the system’s abilities to potential customers, Nanofabrica has made an enticing offer to attendees at next month’s euspen conference and exhibition in Spain: the startup will print parts for interested companies at no charge. Then, the parts printed on the new micro AM platform will be presented to them at the event, which focuses on the latest technological developments that are growing innovation at the micron and sub-micron levels.

“It’s quite simple really. We believe that the best way to prove what our AM system can do, how high the resolution and accuracy of the parts we make are, is to manufacture parts for attendees,” Jon Donner, the CEO of Nanofabrica explained. “Registered attendees are welcome to send us their files, and we will examine and print them. That is how confident we are that you will be amazed by the capabilities of our system, and this we feel will mean that we can forge meaningful relationships with manufacturers that will endure into the future.”

Rize 3D Printing Transformed Company’s Production Process

Rhode Island-based IRA Green Inc. (IGI), a full-service manufacturer and distributor of unique uniform items earned and worn by military personnel around the world, recently turned to RIZE and its 3D printing capabilities in order to manufacture small fixtures for its tool shop. The company’s products are in high demand, but lead times were growing longer due to bottlenecks and 8 hours of work for each $300 fixture. Precision is also important for these parts, which is why IGI decided to turn to the RIZE ONE hybrid 3D printer. According to a new case study, IGI’s design team uses the printer every day to manufacture accurate fixtures in just 50 minutes for $2.00 a part. Using the RIZE ONE, which has the unique capability of adding ink markings to parts for verification, the company has been able to standardize its nails and molds, which helped lead to an ROI in less than five months.

IGI’s Manufacturing Manager, Bill Yehle said, “Implementing RIZE 3D printing as part of a strategic process shift has completely transformed our production process.

“We have realized an 80% time savings in setup and changeover alone using RIZE and virtually eliminated errors.”

ZEISS Group Acquires GOM

In an effort to expand its industrial metrology and quality assurance portfolio, the ZEISS Group, a technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics fields, has acquired GOM, which provides hardware and software for automated 3D coordinate measuring technology. By combining GOM’s optical 3D measuring technology with its own products, ZEISS could expand market access, and create new opportunities, for its Industrial Quality & Research segment. Once the transaction is complete, which should happen soon, GOM will become part of this ZEISS segment, while the legal form of its companies in Germany and elsewhere will stay the same. The financial details of the transaction will not be discussed publicly.

“Our growth strategy expressly mentions the targeted acquisition of highly innovative solutions, technologies and companies, which can reach their full potential as part of the ZEISS Group. By acquiring GOM and thereby expanding our solutions portfolio, we are bolstering the leading position of our Industrial Quality & Research segment and will be able to offer even better solutions for our customers. This is entirely in keeping with our corporate strategy, which is focused on our customers’ success,” said Dr. Michael Kaschke, President & CEO of ZEISS.

Ivaldi Group Awarded ISO 9001:2015 Certification

California startup Ivaldi Group, which uses 3D printing and metal fabrication solutions to provide in-port parts on-demand services for the maritime, mining, offshore, and construction industries has become ISO 9001:2015 certified in less than ten months. This standard, which is certifies quality managements systems that focus on customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and active involvement of employees and management in a process-based approach, is the first step in the certification process that’s required to certify specific products. This proves Ivaldi’s commitment to constantly improving itself.

“Certifying our quality management system has helped us to structure our processes to create a solid foundation. This will allow us to improve efficiency, productivity, and traceability,” said Anna D’Alessio, Quality Management Specialist of Ivaldi Group. “Global quality management systems are important to align processes and optimize operations across facilities. This certification proves our commitment to meet requirements of stakeholders affected by our work.”

Discuss these stories and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.

3D Printing News Briefs: April 6, 2019

We’re starting off today’s 3D Printing News Briefs with a product launch announcement – 3YOURMIND launched the full version of its Agile MES software software this week at AMUG 2019. Moving on, Sintratec will present its latest SLS 3D printer at RAPID + TCT next month in Detroit, Tiamet3D has joined Ultimaker’s material alliance program, and Sciaky entered into an agreement with KTM Consultants. Xometry just announced some important certifications, and nScrypt is 3D printing titanium parts. Moving on to the world of art and theatre, the Zurich Opera House is 3D printing props, and artist Andrea Salvatori worked with WASP to create a 3D printed art collection.

3YOURMIND Launched Agile Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Software

After spending five years providing order management systems to scale for some of the industry’s AM leaders, 3YOURMIND has finally moved its software solutions to a production environment with the launch of its Agile Manufacturing Execution System (MES) earlier this week at AMUG 2019. The software uses smart part prioritization, rapid scheduling, order tracking, and custom AM workflow creation to improve machine utilization and make production more efficient, and an Early Access Program (EAP) allowed the company to receive direct feedback on its Agile MES software from representatives at companies like EOS and Voestalpine. The next step will be working to finalize machine connectivity.

“For Agile Manufacturing, the Agile MES will need to both GET and PUSH data from all major AM machines and post-processing systems. We are already integrating the data from several vendors into our software and expect to support all major machines,” explained 3YOURMIND’s CEO Stephan Kühr. “Receiving and processing machine data allows us to provide the documentation that is needed for quality assurance and to increase the repeatability of additive manufacturing. Pushing data directly to machines will be the key to automating production.”

Sintratec Showcasing New SLS 3D Printer at RAPID + TCT

A few months ago, Swiss SLS 3D printer manufacturer Sintratec introduced its scalable, modular Sintratec S2. Now, the company will be presenting the printer in the US for the first time next month at RAPID + TCT in Detroit, which will also be Sintratec’s first time attending the massive event. What makes the Sintratec S2 stand out is its closed-loop workflow, as the complete system covers every process with its three modules: the Laser Sintering Station (LSS), the Material Core Unit (MCU), and the Material Handling Station (MHS). The 3D printer offers quick material changes, a 4K camera for print monitoring, improved ergonomics, and effective heat distribution through its cylindrical printing area and ring lamps.

“The Sintratec S2 will boost the design of applications and gives the user the opportunity to set foot in small series production as well. And that for an unusually attractive price-performance ratio,” said Sintratec CEO Dominik Solenicki.

“With the Sintratec S2 solution we will be opening new opportunities for companies of any size.”

The price for the Sintratec S2 starts at $39,900, and you can see it for yourself at Sintratec’s booth 1753 at RAPID + TCT from May 20-23.

Tiamet 3D Joins Ultimaker’s Material Alliance Program

Last year, Dutch 3D printing specialist Tiamet 3D, founded in late 2014, worked with Finland-based Carbodeon to develop the first nanodiamond-enhanced 3D printing filaments, which went on the market in September. Now the company has joined Ultimaker as a partner in its Material Alliance Program. Together, the two will offer end-users simple one click downloads of Tiamet’s ULTRA Diamond material profile, which is now available on Ultimaker’s Cura software. This collaboration is formally backed by Tiamet’s manufacturing partner Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers (MCPP Netherlands).

Reid Larson, the Director and Co-Founder of Tiamet 3D, told us about some of the highlighted specs of its ULTRA Diamond material, including no additional nozzle wear, 6300 mpa stiffness, low moisture absorption and friction, improved thermal conductivity, and twice “the temperature resistance of normal PLA, Annealed goes to 125C HDT.” You can purchase one kg of ULTRA Diamond filament for €59.

Sciaky Increasing Sales Efforts Through New Agreement

In an effort to increase the sales efforts of its Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) solutions in Australia, the Middle East, and New Zealand, Sciaky, Inc. has entered into an agreement with KTM Consultants, founded by metallurgist Trent Mackenzie in 2015. In terms of sheer work envelope, Sciaky’s massive EBAM systems are the industry’s most widely scalable metal 3D printing solution, able to produce parts ranging from 8 inches to 19 feet at gross deposition rates of up to 25 lbs of metal an hour. Additionally, its Interlayer Real-time Imaging and Sensing System (IRISS) is the metal 3D printing market’s only real-time adaptive control system capable of sensing and digitally self-adjusting its deposition.

“I was immediately drawn to Sciaky’s EBAM technology because of its unique and robust capabilities. Industrial manufacturers of large metal parts need to explore the significant advantages that technologies like EBAM offer. It is truly a game-changer,” said Mackenzie.

Xometry Announces New Industry Certifications

Digital manufacturing marketplace Xometry announced that it has just received ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications – some of the most rigorous, widely-recognized quality management designations in the industry. ISO 9001 helps organizations meet the needs and expectations of their customers in terms of quality management, while AS9100 meets customer demands in the exacting aerospace and defense industries. The company went through a major audit as part of the process, and its achievement definitely reflects how committed Xometry is to providing quality.

“We are thrilled to receive this designation. Our team members have a passion for providing great customer service while following the disciplines that give our customers peace of mind regarding on-time delivery, quality, and continuous improvement. It is yet another step towards achieving industry “best in class” status and being able to meet the expanded needs of our customers,” stated Xometry COO Peter Goguen.

nScrypt Develops Proprietary Method for 3D Printing Titanium

nScrypt 3D printed titanium gear, dogbone, and block

Florida manufacturer nScrypt, which develops high-precision Micro-Dispensing and Direct Digital Manufacturing equipment and solutions, is now focusing on repeatable 3D printing of metals for the medical, defense, and aerospace industries. The company has created a proprietary method for 3D printing titanium parts, which tests have shown display densities comparable to wrought parts. This method could easily work with other metals as well, such as copper, Inconel, and stainless steel, and nScrypt’s Factory in a Tool (FiT) systems can finish or polish areas with high tolerance features using its integrated precision nMill milling head. nScrypt’s Brandon Dickerson told us that the company expects to release more details on this later in 2019.

“The parts were printed with our SmartPump™ Micro-Dispensing tool head, which runs on any of our systems,” Dickerson told 3DPrint.com. “The parts shown in the photos were printed on our DDM (Direct Digital Manufacturing) system, also known as our Factory in a Tool (FiT) system, which can run 5 tool heads at the same time, including our Micro-Dispensing, Material Extrusion, micro-milling, and pick-and-place tool heads.  The parts were sintered after the build and the current densities are in the high 90% range.  We expect our system to appeal to customers who want to do Direct Digital Manufacturing and need strong metal parts, but cannot build them with a powder bed system (for example, if the geometry would trap powder inside) or prefer not to use a powder bed system (for example, if they want a cleaner system).”

Zurich Opera House 3D Printing Props with German RepRap

Finished tutu for “The Nutcracker”, which was produced with the help of the x400 3D printer

Switzerland’s largest cultural institution, the Zurich Opera House, puts on over 300 performances a year, but the behind-the-scenes magic happens in the studios and workshops, where the props and costumes are made. The opera house uses the x400 3D printer from German RepRap, with assistance from Swiss reseller KVT- Fastening, to support its creative work by fabricating props and molds. This affords the institution more creativity and flexibility, as they can design objects to their exacting needs in 3D modeling programs, which also helps save on time and money. The opera house currently uses PLA, which is easy to handle, offers a variety of colors, and is flame retardant – very important in a theatrical setting.

“Often, the wishes and ideas of costume and stage designers are very diverse and sometimes extraordinary. It often happens that props are not available in the way designers have it in their minds. This is where the 3D printer is perfect for,” said Andreas Gatzka, director of theater sculpture at the Zurich Opera House.

“There are a lot of great benefits. Special wishes of stage and costume designers can be realized quickly as well as a short-term change of the objects, for example larger, smaller, longer, shorter, or whatever is needed.”

3D Printed Art Collection

Artist Andrea Salvatori 3D printed the eye-catching pieces for his new collection, titled Ikebana Rock’n’Roll, using the Delta WASP 40100 Clay 3D printer – designed by WASP to be used by ceramic and clay artists. The collection just opened on stage at THE POOL NYC in Milan last week, and will be available to view until May 31st. With these 3D printed vases, Salvatori wanted to use “a miscellany of ceramic insertions” to mess with the high quality shapes 3D printing can achieve by adding asymmetry.

“The process of depositing the material and setting the spheres is a central theme in the Ikebana Rock’n’Roll collection, to the point of convincing Salvatori to name the works “Composition 40100”, as if they originated from a musical dialogue of the most varied tones. The artist upsets the algorithm reiterated slavishly by the machine with imperfect musical accents, the result from time to time of spontaneous actions and reasoned processes,” WASP wrote in a blog post.

“The ikebanes, proposed by Andrea Salvatori in the exhibition, transcend the experimental limits of an abstract investigation, representing a concrete territory in which 3D printing and ceramic art co-exist synergistically. The Master challenges the confrontation with the public, becoming also in this sector, precursor of a new genre in which WASP feels itself fully represented.”

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