3D Printing News Briefs: August 18, 2018

In 3D Printing News Briefs, in which we share news about some upcoming events, and then move on to business, science, and 3D printing pen art. Europac 3D and Addition Design and Research are showing their plans for the upcoming TCT Show, and the Formlabs Roadshow is coming to Chicago next month. Makelab has launched its on-demand production platform, powered by AMFG software, and Rize published a brief about 3D printing in life sciences. Finally, 3Doodler announced an upcoming video class series on 3D printing pen art.

Europac 3D Announces Lineup for TCT Show 2018

Top UK 3D printing, scanning, and inspection business Europac 3D announced that its booth for this year’s TCT Show in Birmingham will be its “biggest and most informative” yet, showcasing the latest in 3D printing innovations. In addition to displaying and 3D printing a range of sunglasses during the show to illustrate its end-to-end solutions, the company will also display 3D printers from HP and UnionTech, NX software from Siemens, and 3D scanners from Artec and Kreon Technologies. Experts will also be on hand at Europac’s booth to answer any questions.

“We will have our biggest and best stand to date at TCT this year and will be hosting 3D printing, scanning and modelling experts to provide visitors with a one stop shop for all their technical queries,” said John Beckett, Managing Director of Europac. “Europac 3D will be on hand to demonstrate all of our latest projects and innovations. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”

Check out what Europac to offer at Stand M26 at the TCT Show, running from September 25th-27th.

Addition Design and Research Attending TCT Show 2018

Another 3D printing company that’s announced its plans to exhibit at the TCT Show is contract research and development (CRD) supplier Addition Design & Research, which provides end-to-end advanced design and manufacturing solutions using 3D printing. While the company is rather new to the 3D printing industry, it’s long worked at the intersection of CRD, high value design and engineering, and AM with other organizations to create high quality business solutions.

Addition Design & Research will be available during the TCT Show at Stand K49 for one-on-one meetings to provide insight into its expertise, offer advice on how to adopt 3D printing, and to discuss collaboration. Any organizations in the UK searching for a primer on using 3D printing as a business solution should attend the company’s training course in Sheffield just ahead of the show.

Formlabs Roadshow Hits the Road in Chicago

The popular Formlabs Roadshow has visited many big cities, from New York City and San Francisco to Los Angeles and now Chicago.

“Formlabs is traveling to industry hubs across North America to celebrate the capabilities of 3D printing in digital manufacturing,” the event reads. “We are bringing together local innovators and global disruptors to discuss how accessible 3D printing technology is enabling manufacturing across the business and education landscapes. Join us as we tackle opportunities and barriers in digital manufacturing and design with industry experts.”

The event, which centers around taking advantage of Industry 4.0, will be held from 10:30 – 2 on Friday, September 14th at the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII). Speakers include several well-known 3D printing experts, including Luke Winston, the Chief Business Officer at Formlabs, and Siemens’ Additive Manufacturing Solutions Director Chris Weber, with more to be announced soon. Tickets are less than $70, so sign up here to attend.

Makelab Launched On-Demand Production Platform

Brooklyn-based 3D printing service bureau Makelab is partnering with AMFG, which creates automation software for industrial 3D printing, to launch a new on-demand production platform. AMFG’s software will automate Makelab’s manufacturing operations, as well as make its 3D printing services more accessible to universities, engineers, and designers. Customers can use AMFG’s on-demand portal to easily request 3D printed parts with its auto-quoting tool, while Makelab will be able to track parts and requests, automatically schedule jobs and optimize build space, plan for post-processing, and conduct quality assurance.

“With AMFG, we’ve found an end-to-end solution which not only takes care of the auto-quoting in a more user-friendly and intuitive way, but also takes care of managing production, which is a huge advantage for us. As we scale our business, we’re always looking for innovative ways to solve key issues like keeping track of all our machines, effectively packing builds and ultimately, optimising our workflow for maximum efficiency,” said Makelab Co-Founder Christina Perla. “AMFG answered all of these questions and more, so we can provide a faster, more efficient service for our customers.”

Rize Commissions Brief on Life Sciences 3D Printing

Boston-based 3D printing company Rize recently commissioned a new Insight Brief, titled “Personalized 3D Printing in Life Sciences,” written by Axendia’s Eric Luyer, an Industry Research Analyst, and Ellyn McMullin, a Research Associate. There are many applications for 3D printing in the healthcare, medical device, pharmaceutical, and surgery industries, and Life Sciences companies can use the technology to break down barriers. But there are plenty of complex regulations to be managed in order for this to be successful. The brief discusses 3D printing applications in Life Sciences, some of the FDA guidelines, and how Rize’s 3D printing Augmented Polymer Deposition (APD) technology is very important to controlling some of the important processes that Life Sciences manufacturers need.

“RIZE’S patented APD system is key to Traceability, Control of Process Parameters and validated processes that Manufacturers must maintain and control to meet FDA 21 CFR 820.30 Design Controls requirements. It’s an industrial 3D Printer where complex geometry can be manufactured matching patients’ anatomy,” said Kishore Boyalakuntla, Vice President of Product at RIZE.

The brief also discusses how global medical device manufacturer CONMED used Rize’s technology to 3D print molds for producing medical-grade elastomeric products.

3Doodler Working on 3D Pen Art Video Class Series

Popular Kickstarter-backed company 3Doodler is working with Bluprint, owned by NBCUniversal, on a series of 3D Pen Art video classes aimed at teaching makers and crafters how to create works of art with the 3Doodler Create+ 3D Pen. Its content, available for free online through Bluprint, Craftsy, and streaming apps like Roku, will be part of the new entity’s expanded subscription service, and Grace Du Prez, an internationally renowned 3D pen artist whose work we’ve covered before, will be the host of the show, which marks the first such broadcast agreement for 3Doodler.

Six episodes will run through the 2018 holiday season, and the first five are already up, covering projects like phone cases, terrariums, and lantern lights; you will need to sign up for a free Bluprint trial to watch. The sixth video class will be an episode of Doodle Wars, a new, family-friendly NBC competition series. Check out a teaser video for Doodle Wars below:

NEW SHOW TIME: Doodle Wars is here ! These artists are incredible and thanks to this show I’m now calling myself Bob Ross Jr. Shoutout to Bluprint NBC and the whole awesome Hudsun Media team that made it happen and our great judges Zoe Hong + Jon Chad. Catch the whole season over at mybluprint.com now!….#doodlewars #iamadoodlerwarrior #doodle #scribble #draw #art #doodling #competition #mybluprint

Gepostet von Paul Costabile am Mittwoch, 15. August 2018

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

#3DPrinted Olympus E-M5 MKII Camera Grip Remix #celebratephotography

NewImage

From Feric on Thingiverse:

The original grip design is by Scott Garriott, you can find his model at https://grabcad.com/library/e-m5-mkii-diy-camera-grip-1
I know EM5mk2 is a 2015 camera, I use my design for a long time until my friend ask me to share it.

I tweak some detail:

  1. The Garriott design bottom is 6 mm, so many tripod plate can’t reach. My design reduce to 2 mm. Of course it will become more fragile. So it is suggest to print with high strength material.
  2. So I increase the “front bumper” thickness
  3. Add groove for thumb
  4. Add slot for micro SD and micro sim. (I’ve tried large SD, it has solution, but ugly ? )

See more


Photofooter

We #celebratephotography here at Adafruit every Saturday. From photographers of all levels to projects you have made or those that inspire you to make, we’re on it! Got a tip? Well, send it in!

If you’re interested in making your own project and need some gear, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out our Raspberry Pi accessories and our DIY cameras.

3D Printing with Polymers: New Speakers Confirmed

We’re kicking off fall with a series of interactive online courses this fall, including 3D Printing with Polymers, a three-week online course starting October 16. If you sign up by September 7, you’ll receive our special early bird discount (45 percent savings).

3D Printing with Polymers starts October 16

We’ve confirmed exciting speakers, including thought leaders in the space like:

 

 

 

 

James Murphy and Mike Vasquez, confirmed speakers

Know a great speaker? Have an exciting session idea to share? Send speaker submissions to 3dprint@edmaker.com

Include a potential topic, session details and relevant social handles.

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Understand the basic principles of 3D printing with polymers, its benefits, key uses, and applications
  • Learn about multiple methodologies for approaching 3D printing with polymers, in both industrial and non-industrial contexts
  • Know the materials and processes involved in 3D printing with polymers, and understand when to employ which, based on capability, mechanical properties, and cost
  • Learn about design considerations and specifications for 3D printing in polymers

Want to learn about how 3D printing is influencing other industries? You can also sign up for 3D Printing in Metal and Trends & Innovations in Dentistry, starting September 18 and September 25, respectively.

Are Carbon Nanotube Filaments a Health Risk?

For a number of years I’ve been concerned with potential health risks from breathing in fumes from Fused Depostion Modeling (FDM, also called FFF, Fast Filament Fabrication and Material Extrusion) printing. I’ve overseen tests of filament where materials did not correspond to their Material Safety Datasheets and read about possible issues from fumes and UFP’s. I’ve worried about additives and certification. On the whole I think people are rather cavalier about safety in 3D printing. But, you don’t know now what kind of filament that you’ll be using later. And Frankly, especially with low quality filament you never really know what you’re extruding. In most cases you should be OK if you’re in a well ventilated room. But, I say should because there just isn’t any research on long term exposure to these things. You may be printing at too elevated temperature and the material may be releasing any number of fumes in your home or office. Thats why unequivocally you should always place your 3D printer under a fume hood or ensure that it is completely enclosed and that fumes are vented through Carbon and HEPA filters. As an added bonus you shall see that your failure rates decrease and that you will get better 3D prints this way. Please buy or make a fume hood or propper enclosure today.

I applaud more research on 3D printing safety and I’m sad that much of what there has been done is shoddy so far. A new paper by Aleksandr Stefaniak of the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) part of the CDC is a benchmark for how such investigations should be done. In this paper 3Dimensional Printing with Nano‐Enabled Filaments Releases Polymer Particles Containing Carbon Nanotubes into Air, from the publication Indoor Air, Stefaniak and his team of 15 co-authors look at Carbon Nanotubes and Carbon Nanotube filament. Single Waled Carbon Nanotubes are rolled up sheets of carbon rolled up into a cilinder of around 50 nm to 250 nm in size. The carbon sheet itself is called graphene which itself is a matt of carbon atoms, one atom thick, laid out in a hexagonal pattern. These graphene structures can be changed to build many different nanotube structures which all have different properties. These materials have exceptional properties in stiffness, strength, conductivity and give people the option on the atomic level to create materials which have unique performance and propeties. There is a lot of excitement about nanotubes and graphene but also some real worry. Things at the nanoscale are very very small. How small? Your fingernail grows a nanometer per second. A nanometer is a billionth of a meter. So these teeny tiny interesting particles can do amazing things, such as penetrate your nasel barrier and end up inside of your brain. People are saying that nanotubes are a health risk and could be toxic. But, they’re also super hyped and amazing so others go on putting them in anything they can without a care in the world.

In 3D printing the nanotubes they often add very little in actual performance to the filament at the moment but this could indeed change. The NIOSH team looked at commercially available ABS, PLA and PC filaments with carbon nanotubes in them. The result of the study was that “respirable polymer particles” containing carbon nanotubes were released during printing and that “it is estimated that 7.2 % of these respirable particles could deposit in the alveolar region of the lung.” The paper then goes on to say that “If CNT (carbon nanotube) containing polymer particles are hazardous, it would be prudent to control emissions during use of these filaments in industrial or other environments (homes, etc.) to prevent exposure.” So yes you’ll breathe in particles containing carbon nanotubes if you’re in a room with a printer printing out a material containing carbon nanotubes. And yes, you should stop this by controlling the emissions.

The study looked at the regular filaments without carbon nanotubes and saw: “Particles emitted during printing with base polymer filaments were clusters of spherical nanoscale particles that had a soot -like appearance.” Contast this with the “the compact submicron to micronscale particle morphology is a combination of polymer and CNTs.”

“Peak number concentrations up to 10 7 particles/cm 3 were observed in chamber testing, indicating all filaments, regardless of additives, emitted a large number of particles during printing.”

“Figure 6 is scanning electron micrographs of aerosol particles collected during 3 -D printing. Printing with CNT -containing filaments released particles having two distinct morphology and size regimes: diffuse clusters of nanoscale polymer particles similar to thatseen for the base polymer filaments, and larger solid particles in the submicron to micronscale size range, some of which contained CNTs (Figure 6a , c, and e).”

“Figure 7 is scanning electron micrographs of the surfaces of printed objects. All objects printed using CNT -containing filaments had CNTs visible on the surfaces whereas objects printed with ABS, PLA, and PC filaments did not.”

Additionally:

“As shown in Figure 7, objects printed with CNT -containing filaments had CNTs protruding visibl y onto their surfaces. If these objects were further processed by abrasive processes, it could present an inhalation hazard if not performed properly under controlled conditions. For example, it is well known that disturbing composite surfaces by sanding or grinding or disrupting the inner volume by drilling or machining can generate aerosol that contains CNTs”

The team then looked at “particles having sizes of about 0.5 to 1 µm” which was the size of the clusters of polymer carbon nanotubes.

“For all filaments, the proportion of CNT -containing polymer particles that could deposit in the respiratory tract …from 0.523 to 1.037 µm was 6.51% (range: 4.12 – 9.96%), 5.74% (range: 5.70 – 5.86%), and 7.15% (range: 6.11 – 8.92%) for the head, tracheobronchial, and pulmonary regions, respectively.”

“The fraction of CNT -containing polymer particles that could deposit in the lung is predicted to range from 6.11 to 8.92% for the pulmonary region, which is important because clearance from this region is generally very slow and deposition there would permit prolonged persistence.”

“Once deposited, free CNTs that are not cleared are known to be biopersistent in the lung and may induce inflammatory and fibrotic alterations and changes in RNA expression.”

Before the paper comes to the conclusion that:

“While 3 -D printing and nanotechnology are converging to create new possibilities in polymers, our data indicate that material extrusion printing with CNT -containing filaments can release polymer particles that contain CNTs into air. If CNT -containing polymer particles are shown to be hazardous, it would be prudent to control emissions during use of these filaments. “

Inflamatory alterations sounds a bit vague and not terrible. But particle depostions in the lung can cause edema, asphyia, cancer and emphysema. The particles in the lung hazard that you most probably have heard of is asbestosis. Asbestosis is the disease, no known treatment, that you get from breathing in particles of asbestos. Another scenario, fibrotic alterations are scar tissue on your lungs that make it harder for you to breathe, for a while. Clearly we should find other materials to make our filament conductive. We should all 3D print using enclosures as well. But, even if we do these nanotubes may become disloged and have other subsequent effects. Carbon nanotubes may yet be the best whiz bang thing but its very doubtful that we should be adding them to filament.

Voxeljet reports revenue growth for Q2 2018 led by strong 3D printing services segment

Industrial 3D printer manufacturer voxeljet AG (NYSE:VJET) has released its financial results for the second quarter and first half of FY2018. Headline revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was reported at €5.3 million, an increase of 2.1% on the same period in 2017 which was €5.1 million. The rise in revenue from this period was led […]

Contour Crafting Will Develop Concrete 3D Printer for Disaster Relief, Thanks to DoD Contract

One of the very first methods of large-scale 3D printing that the world witnessed was the technology of Contour Crafting Corporation, which uses large but lightweight robotic 3D printers to quickly put down layers of building material in order to rapidly create entire buildings onsite in just days.

Last week, we learned that the US Department of Defense (DoD) had recently awarded California-based Contour Crafting a $3 million research and development contract, effective July 25th, 2018, in the large-scale, construction 3D printing domain. Contour Crafting will use this Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) to build a concrete 3D printer for the purposes of Rapid Response Construction – quickly constructing buildings for disaster relief, an application that often makes use of 3D printing.

According to the company’s website, “The outcome of this funded R&D program is expected to be a technology which, among other applications, will effectively respond to disaster relief situations with expedient, safe and sustainable structures and buildings.”

The RIF was awarded to Contour Crafting based on its proposal, titled “Autonomous Construction Equipment and Sensing (ACES).” I assume this ACES is not to be mistaken for the US Army’s other ACES program, but as the location on the Federal Business Opportunities page is listed as CERL in Champaign, Illinois, one can’t be too sure.

Regardless, this contract award to Contour Crafting confirms that the DoD is interested in seeking outside help for its construction 3D printing goals, as opposed to just keeping things in-house…never a bad idea.

Speaking of construction 3D printing goals, Contour Crafting is on a mission to commercialize disruptive construction technologies, and this funding award from the DoD should definitely help the company on its way to achieving it.

In 2015, Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis, who developed the company’s Contour Crafting technology at the University of Southern California and is its CEO and founder, predicted during an interview with 3DPrint.com that 3D printed homes would be widespread within five years. While the 3D printed housing sector is certainly hard at work, we are definitely not there yet. However, 3D printed construction technology does seem to be the perfect answer for smaller structures, like an army barracks and emergency housing, so it’s smart to focus on these while continuing to build up the technology until it’s ready.

While I did not learn too much more about the company’s newly awarded DoD contract, perhaps due to a non-disclosure agreement or something similar, Dr. Khoshnevis was kind enough to answer some questions for me in regards to Contour Crafting’s construction 3D printing technology, as well as the company’s plans for the future.

How does Contour Crafting’s technology compare to other construction 3D printing?

Contour Crafting Transformational Impact

“As the attached [sic] chart (published by an independent Dutch firm) shows, Contour Crafting is the pioneering technology in large scale 3D printing. Over the last 23 years we have developed a large set of related technologies in practically all related subfields including large-scale robotics, material delivery systems, and materials with numerous patented inventions in each subfield. We have conducted research in various application domains including building construction, infrastructure construction and planetary construction. In most fields of our activities no other 3D printing group or company is active so I have no basis for comparison in those fields.”

What do you think the future of 3D printing buildings will be like?

“I think construction by 3D printing will gradually gain popularity but we should not expect that this approach will become the dominant way of building construction. Frist, 3D printing can at best only build the building shell. There is much more to a building than just the shell, which encompasses about 1/3 of the building cost. Second, many buildings will continue to be built with stick frame, steel, etc. and 3D printing is not likely to make any of these alternative approaches obsolete.”

What kind of structures are ideal for 3D printing?

Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis

“Given that so far the economic attractiveness of construction by 3D printing is still unproven, the only ideal application remains to be construction of buildings that have exotic features, primarily curved walls, which would be potentially more expensive to build by manual methods. In case of concrete printing, even curvatures are limited to 2.5D features, thus giving an upper hand to manual methods over 3d printing approach.”

What are the next steps for your company?

“CC Corp is currently pursuing both construction and non-construction application domains. The latter has the main advantage of not being subject to regulatory restrictions and the complex and potentially costly process of obtaining approval of regulatory authorities for conformance to building codes, which incidentally is different for different localities because of varying factors such as extent of seismic activities and climatic conditions.

“In the field of construction we are advancing more cautiously as we are exploring potential implementation problems and solutions. We are doing many experimentations in-house and are preparing for some field tests as well.

“We have maintained our interest in the field of planetary construction as our prior accomplishments in the field, which include two NASA international competition Grand Prizes, have been noteworthy. We are developing new technologies for in-situ material usage for construction of a variety of useful infrastructure elements such as landing pads, blast protection walls, shade walls, radiation shielding walls, hangars, and roads.”

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

Aleph Objects Introduces New Aerostruder v2 Micro For Highly Detailed, Tiny 3D Printed Parts

This spring, at RAPID 2018 in Texas, Aleph Objects introduced the LulzBot Mini 2, with a belt-driven Z-axis and several accessories, including the LulzBot modular bed system and a next generation Aerostruder Tool Head designed around the E3D Titan Aero hot end and extruder. Now, the company has introduced a new tool head – the Aerostruder v2 Micro, capable of accurately 3D printing parts the size of a penny and demonstrated this week at SIGGRAPH 2018 in Vancouver.

“Many LulzBot users, seeking finer print resolution, have installed after-market nozzles with varying success. However, delivering a reliable high resolution FFF printing experience is not just about swapping out the nozzle. First it requires the best extruder and hot end on the market, which we’ve found in the E3D Titan Aero. From there it’s all about utilizing our knowledge of material properties and thousands of hours of printing experience to hone print profiles that are then extensively tested,” Aleph Objects Product Specialist Adam Straight told 3DPrint.com.

“Frankly, I think some of us are still shocked at the detail possible with this tool head. We’re seeing details on models that weren’t visible before, and we’re printing things that weren’t possible before!”

The Aerostruder v2 Micro Tool Head, which is compatible with the LulzBot Mini 2 3D printer, makes it possible to create extremely precise, finely detailed 3D prints, thanks to the genuine E3D Titan Aero Extruder/Hot End that Straight mentioned. The Titan Aero, with a 0.25 mm nozzle, offers 360° part cooling, which the company says can create detailed prints with great bridge and overhang performance.

UK-based E3D Online Ltd., which develops and manufactures premium 3D printer components, has been partnering with Aleph Objects for two years now. Both companies share the same commitment to developing open source hardware for 3D printing.

“Aleph Objects probably [has] the most useful and interesting array of tool heads for their 3D printers, and E3D is excited to contribute its expertise to a tool head that really pushes the limits of the technology – it’s a lot of fun collaborating with a like-minded company that also trusts their users to really engage openly and freely with the technology,” said Sanjay Mortimer, the Co-Founder and Director of E3D Online Ltd. “There’s a lot more to come from this collaboration, and we feel like we’re just getting started.”

This new tool head is an excellent option for 3D artists, designers, and engineers who want increased surface quality and detail. It allows users to 3D print accurate parts at the penny-scale, while also providing the reliability and convenience that the company’s LulzBot ecosystem is well-known for providing.

“The Aerostruder v2 Micro Tool Head—paired with the LulzBot Mini 2 3D Printer—has changed my perception of what is possible with filament 3D printing,” said Straight. “In terms of resolution and surface finish, the prints from this new tool head are very impressive. The precision of E3D Titan Aero extruders and hot ends complements the premium quality built into every LulzBot 3D Printer.”


The Aerostruder v2 Micro Tool Head from Aleph Objects was showcased, together with the LulzBot Mini 2, at the company’s SIGGRAPH 2018 booth earlier this week. A “micro art gallery” of 3D printed miniature art exhibits was also on display, to show what the new tool head is capable of. The Aerostruder v2 Micro should be available for purchase by the end of next month. If you’d like to be notified when this new product is released, you can sign up here.

What do you think about this new product? Discuss this story, and other 3D printing topics, at 3DPrintBoard.com, or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below. 

[Images provided by Aleph Objects]

Hong Kong researches develop 3D printed microrobots for in situ cell regeneration

Researchers from the City University of Hong Kong have created 3D printed microrobot carriers which transport cells within living organisms (in vivo) for targeted therapy and tissue regeneration. The spherical and barbed structure of the robots were fabricated using a Photonic Professional GT laser lithography system from Nanoscribe, which provided “sufficient flexibility to optimize the robot […]

Rostec allocates $44.5 million to introduce additive manufacturing to Russian aerospace

Russian state-owned industrial technology holding conglomerate Rostec is allocating $44.5 million (₽3 billion) to the development of a specialist additive manufacturing technology center. Named after a celebrated inventor and nitrogen chemistry specialist, the V.V. Chernyshev Center for Additive Technologies (CAC) will be established by Rostec in collaboration with three other members of the nation’as aviation cluster: Russian Helicopters, […]

RSA Global enters 3D printing Virtual Warehouse partnership with Immensa Technology Labs

Dubai’s RSA Global has become the latest logistics company to adopt on-demand 3D printing services. In a new partnership with Immensa Technology Labs, a company dedicated to the advancement of 3D printing throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) RSA Global plans to develop a ‘Virtual Warehouse’ for 3D printable parts. Abhishek Ajay Shah, Co-Founder and Group CEO at RSA […]