Reporting on 3D printing for industrial production

Production See All

14 May 2024
3 Attributes of the “Second Wave” of AM Part Producers
Successful contact manufacturers in additive look more and more like successful contract manufacturers in general.

7 May 2024
Additive Manufacturing Versus Cavitation
The design freedom possible with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing is making it faster and easier to produce complex anticavitation devices for valves.

2 May 2024
Freeform: Binder Jetting Does Not Change the Basics of Manufacturing
Rather than adapting production methodologies to additive manufacturing, this Pennsylvania contract manufacturer adapts AM to production methodologies. In general, this starts with conversation.

1 May 2024
Video: Binder Jetting Production Workflow at Freeform Technologies
Additive manufacturing via binder jetting includes a sequence of downstream steps. During a visit to the Pennsylvania metal 3D printing part producer, I had the chance to walk through this process.

18 Apr 2024
How Machining Makes AM Successful for Innovative 3D Manufacturing
Connections between metal 3D printing and CNC machining serve the Indiana manufacturer in many ways. One connection is customer conversations that resemble a machining job shop. Here is a look at a small company that has advanced quickly to become a thriving additive manufacturing part producer.

17 Apr 2024
Southern Indiana’s Thriving AM Part Producer — What I Saw at Innovative 3D Manufacturing: AM Radio #49
Recorded just after the visit to the laser powder bed fusion contract manufacturer, here is a conversation exploring observations and impressions of this company and its metal 3D printing work.
Enterprise See All

8 Feb 2024
At General Atomics, Do Unmanned Aerial Systems Reveal the Future of Aircraft Manufacturing?
The maker of the Predator and SkyGuardian remote aircraft can implement additive manufacturing more rapidly and widely than the makers of other types of planes. The role of 3D printing in current and future UAS components hints at how far AM can go to save cost and time in aircraft production and design.

2 Jan 2024
Why the Long View Favors AM: Manufacturers at Each Step Face a Choice to Rely Less on Tooling
Additive is now too well-established for its successes to be dislodged by market change. Meanwhile, the most important factor is the promise that will continue to drive adoption.

6 Dec 2023
AM I Navigator Initiative Helps Users Scale, Integrate Additive Manufacturing Into Traditional Production Workflows
The AM I Navigator initiative offers additive manufacturing users individual guidance with a comprehensive approach to navigate the complexity of the evolving landscape in industrial 3D printing.

14 Nov 2023
When Additive and Conventional Processes Work Together, the Result Is Manufacturing
Various recent articles demonstrate 3D printing and established processes finding one another and working together.

31 Oct 2023
Production AM Can Thrive in a Purpose-Built Space (But It Doesn't Need One) AM Radio #45
Fiona Lawler and Stephanie Hendrixson discuss the physical spaces where additive manufacturing is happening, from 3D printers wedged wherever they’ll fit to brand new facilities built for this purpose.

17 Oct 2023
Additive Manufacturing's Evolving Role at Fathom Now Emphasizing Bridge Production
Bridge production is currently the biggest opportunity for additive manufacturing, says Fathom Manufacturing co-founder Rich Stump. How this service provider leverages AM while finding balance with other production capabilities.
Sustainability See All

16 May 2024
Video: AM for Repair of Large Shafts
Wind power shafts that might once have been scrapped are now returned to service. See the robotic directed energy deposition (DED) and shaft preheating system developed by Ikergune, Izadi and Talens.

10 May 2024
AMGTA Releases Preliminary Research Results on Sustainability of Powder and Wire Additive Manufacturing Feedstock
The study evaluated three key metal AM feedstock processing approaches — gas atomization, mechanical milling (specifically ball milling) and wire drawing — to determine specific energy requirements for producing feedstock materials.

3 May 2024
ArcomedLab Utilizes Biomedical 3D Printing for 700 Successful Craniomaxilofacial Implants in Latin America
The company specializes in biomedical 3D printing with a focus on patient-centric solutions.

10 Apr 2024
Fluent Metal Startup Launches With Focus on Liquid Metal 3D Printing
The company says its drop-on-demand technology can enable sustainable, production-grade additive manufacturing using high-value metal components.

3 Apr 2024
Sustainable Metal Powder Company Addresses Next Piece of Road Map: Renewable Energy
Continuum Powders, the material production arm of small-scale foundry technology company MolyWorks, has announced new partnerships aimed at further reducing the environmental impact of its metal powder production.

22 Mar 2024
Continuum Powders Creates Energy Partnerships With Priority Power and AirGas
Continuum is contracting to secure some of the industry’s greenest sources for power and argon gas. When the entire combination of the new renewable energy sources are added with its proprietary process, the company anticipates a total energy consumption of nearly zero.
Materials See All

15 May 2024
Xact Metal Works With Uddeholm as It Expands Into Tooling, Molding
Uddeholm’s Corrax for additive manufacturing is a corrosion-resistant, cobalt-free tool and mold steel capable of an A1 surface finish post-polishing.

15 May 2024
Formula One Team Adopts 3D Printing Technology to Transform Component Design, Production
The Visa Cash App RB Formula One team is collaborating with Roboze to reduce weight and create parts with geometries that are impossible with other techniques.

10 May 2024
AMGTA Releases Preliminary Research Results on Sustainability of Powder and Wire Additive Manufacturing Feedstock
The study evaluated three key metal AM feedstock processing approaches — gas atomization, mechanical milling (specifically ball milling) and wire drawing — to determine specific energy requirements for producing feedstock materials.

8 May 2024
BMF Receives FDA Clearance for UltraThineer Dental Veneer Material
The zirconia materials are now qualified for use in the production of the world’s thinnest cosmetic veneers, which require significantly less tooth preparation or grinding, thereby preserving more of the patient’s natural enamel.

19 Apr 2024
Replique Announces Public Launch of 3D Printing Material Hub
Following a successful beta release, the Material Hub is now openly accessible to the broader additive manufacturing community. It contains a collection of more than 400 polymer materials which have been compiled in collaboration with more than 25 material providers.

3 Apr 2024
Sustainable Metal Powder Company Addresses Next Piece of Road Map: Renewable Energy
Continuum Powders, the material production arm of small-scale foundry technology company MolyWorks, has announced new partnerships aimed at further reducing the environmental impact of its metal powder production.
All Topics See All

Aerospace

AMWTF

AR/VR

Artificial Intelligence

Assembly Consolidation

Automation

Automotive

Basics

Binder Jet

Blockchain

Brackets

Bridge Production

Casting

Ceramic

Circular Economy

Composites

Construction

Consumer Goods

Contract Manufacturers

Cool Parts

DED

Defense

Depowdering

Design

Distributed Manufacturing

EBM

Education & Training

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Energy & Power

Enterprise Issues

FFF

Foam

Formnext

Generative Design

Heat Exchangers

Heat treating

Hybrid manufacturing

Implants

IMTS

Inspection & Measurement

Inventors

Jigs, Fixtures, Hand Tools

LFAM

Lightweighting

LPBF

Machining

Mass Customization

Materials

Medical & Dental

Metal

Micro

Mold Tooling

MRO/Sustainment

OEMs

Oil & Gas

Photopolymerization/SLA

Polymer

Postprocessing

Product Development

Production

Prosthetics/Orthotics

Prototyping

Qualification/Certification

Recycling

Repair

Robots

Safety

Sand

SLS

Software

Space

Sporting Goods

Startups

Supply Chain

Sustainability

Tooling

WAAM
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Webinars See All

19 Jun 2024
3D-Printed Ceramics for MedTech: Multifeature Disruption
How can ceramic 3D printing provide a unique solution for every patient? What is the added value? Ceramic 3D printing is not about replacing well-established processes — it's here to complete them. In this webinar, Lithoz will look at several current applications in the medical field: first with silicon nitride manufacturer SiNAPTIC Technologies and then bioceramic experts Himed. With their years of experience in medical applications, this webinar will explain in full detail how ceramics can complement the metal materials conventionally used for implants and why ceramic is even sometimes the material of choice over metal. Agenda: Introducing the challenges in the medical industry today The powerful ceramic 3D printing technology for medical applications, explained by Lithoz An overview of ceramic medical applications already in use today by advanced ceramic materials expert SiNAPTIC Technologies An in-depth look at ceramic materials and their applications by experienced bioceramic manufacturer Himed

20 Jun 2024
Metal Powder and Resin Extraction using Vacuum Cycle Nucleation
Vacuum cycle nucleation (VCN) is an immersion cleaning and extraction process which takes place in a sealed processing chamber. The pressure in the chamber is lowered and raised at and below the vapor pressure of the heated cleaning liquid. When the vapor pressure is reached, vapor bubbles are formed on the solid surface and these bubbles collapse and exit the bulk fluid. As they exit, they carry the particles and solubilized material to be removed. This vacuum pressure cycle is repeated every two seconds until the desired cleanliness is achieved. VCN cleaning is followed by a VCN water rinse and vacuum drying. Agenda: What is VCN? How does VCN work? Videos of the process

On Demand
New Innovations in Electron Beam PBF: Enhancing Production Capabilities
One of those applications has been for additive manufacturing with the electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF) process—which to this day has been constantly improved and optimized for production applications. In this webinar, an overview of the current capabilities of electron beam powder bed fusion will be provided along with several new innovations that will enhance the capabilities of manufacturers. Agenda: Overview of current capabilities of electron beam powder bed fusion technology Present the latest technical innovations developed for electron beam powder bed fusion Review of how the latest electron beam powder bed fusion technology will aid manufacturers in production applications.

On Demand
Optimizing Every Stage of the Product Life Cycle with 3D Printing
Leveraging 3D printing for rapid prototyping is an obvious application that most product engineers are familiar with. However, advancements in new materials and design capabilities enable the technology to become a highly-useful tool capable of impacting every stage of the product life cycle. Join Daniel Baker, plastics program manager, for an insightful exploration of how additive manufacturing can optimize your product development and production processes. The webinar dives into viable ways you can leverage additive manufacturing at every stage of the product life cycle with a special focus on automotive examples. Throughout the webinar, Daniel will uncover DFAM principles and real-world examples that help improve part efficiency and unlock cost savings. Agenda: Unlock how 3D printing enables rapid product development, better ergonomic tools on the factory floor and on-demand spares and repairs for improved life cycle management Streamline production costs, enhance performance through DFAM and achieve part consolidation for improved efficiency Gain industry-specific examples of how additive manufacturing can optimize each stage of the product life cycle

On Demand
How 100-Year-Strong General Pattern Succeeds with 3D Printed Metal Tooling
Hear first-hand from General Pattern, an injection molder with in-house tooling services and over 100 years of experience, is addressing the labor issue, increasing toolmaking capacity and helping OEMs accelerate product development by integrating Mantle's 3D printer to automate its toolmaking processes. In this webinar, General Pattern will share its journey with additive manufacturing and why it is implementing metal 3D printing to automate its toolmaking processes. The webinar will also include an overview of Mantle's 3D printing technology for toolmaking and case studies from injection molders, toolmakers, contract manufacturers and OEMs that have deployed Mantle. Attendees will learn how organizations use metal 3D printing to significantly reduce tooling lead times and costs, accelerate product development and solve labor challenges — all while producing better tools that incorporate conformal cooling. Agenda: Hear from General Pattern on their additive manufacturing journey and why they invested in Mantle technology Review case studies of how General Pattern reduces tooling lead times and addresses skilled labor shortages with Mantle's technology Learn about Mantle's unique technology to print steel tooling with the accuracy, surface finish and feature detail required for injection mold tooling and other precision tooling Review case studies of how other manufacturers have automated their toolmaking processes with Mantle's technology About Mantle: Mantle has developed the only metal 3D printer built for precision tooling. Mantle automates the production of precision tooling and delivers the accuracy, finish and steel properties required for demanding tooling applications. Tools made with Mantle have molded millions of parts while reducing lead times, cutting costs and solving labor shortages. About General Pattern Company: General Pattern Company (GPC) is a full-service plastic manufacturer, founded on strong relationships and driven by innovation. GPC’s comprehensive offerings include in-house tooling, additive manufacturing, injection molding, urethane casting, foam molding, RIM, vacuum-forming, fiberglass and in-house painting/assembly. The extensive offering under one relationship is the difference it offers to its customers.

On Demand
Analysis of EB-PBF Technology for Medical Device Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM) for medical device production has grown over the past several years with powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies as a major driver of this growth. Due to the many unique process and business case advantages offered to medical device manufacturers, electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) has proven itself as an effective tool for devices, including orthopedic implants, acetabular cups, femoral knee implants, tibial tray implants and spinal cages. In this webinar, JEOL will present the benefits of EB-PBF technology for manufacturing medical devices, insights on AM qualification considerations and fatigue data for EB-PBF printed Ti6Al4V tested in axial fatigue in accordance with ASTM E466. Agenda: Overview of EB-PBF usage in the medical device industry along with several unique advantages for the technology Review of the qualification requirements for the manufacture of medical devices using AM Analysis and review of fatigue life results in EB-PBF printed Ti64 coupons tested in axial fatigue
Events See All

13 Jun 2024
Moms in MFG
As an annual conference and supportive community, Moms in MFG is designed exclusively to support working parents and caregivers in manufacturing. Moms in MFG is dedicated to empowering and connecting moms and caregivers in manufacturing. In addition, it aims to assist manufacturing companies in discovering how they can provide the necessary support and create a nurturing environment for caregivers in manufacturing. Through valuable content, networking opportunities, and collaboration with fellow industry professionals, Moms in MFG celebrates the unique journey of moms and caregivers in manufacturing.

25 Jun 2024
Rapid + TCT 2024
RAPID + TCT is returning to the west coast after a decade away! For more than 30 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. SME and Rapid News Publications have teamed up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event, which takes place June 25-27 in Los Angeles, California. The event is for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies.

10 Sep 2024
Parts Cleaning Conference at IMTS 2024
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

11 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - Powder Bed Fusion
Laser powder bed fusion is the most widely used additive manufacturing method for metal part production, and electron beam melting is a closely related technology. For metalworking facilities contemplating a move into metal AM using technologies such as these, here is a road map for success. Speakers will cover materials, safety, part design, production workflow and differences between laser and electron beam metal powder bed fusion systems.

12 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Job Shops
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop at IMTS 2024 is a chance for job shops to learn the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. First introduced at IMTS 2014, this workshop has helped hundreds of manufacturing professionals expand their additive capabilities.

8 Oct 2024
Carbon Fiber 2024
CompositesWorld's Carbon Fiber conference offers you cutting-edge information and access to industry experts in streamlining manufacturing costs, market outlooks and forecasting, and more. You will make invaluable contacts as you meet and network with the industry's most innovative and influential leaders at Carbon Fiber.
Video See All

16 May 2024 Energy & Power
Video: AM for Repair of Large Shafts
Wind power shafts that might once have been scrapped are now returned to service. See the robotic directed energy deposition (DED) and shaft preheating system developed by Ikergune, Izadi and Talens.

9 May 2024 LPBF
3D Printed NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly Combines Two Metal Processes: The Cool Parts Show #71
Laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition combine for an integrated multi-metal rocket propulsion system that will save cost and time for NASA. The Cool Parts Show visits NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

8 May 2024 Space
Cryogenic Tanks for Space Refueling: The Cool Parts Show All Access
NASA's Paul Gradl describes an important application of AM beyond the spacecraft itself: refueling the spacecraft. Directed energy deposition offers the most practical way to produce aluminum tanks to keep fuel supercool.

7 May 2024 Assembly Consolidation
Additive Manufacturing Versus Cavitation
The design freedom possible with laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing is making it faster and easier to produce complex anticavitation devices for valves.

1 May 2024 Production
Video: Binder Jetting Production Workflow at Freeform Technologies
Additive manufacturing via binder jetting includes a sequence of downstream steps. During a visit to the Pennsylvania metal 3D printing part producer, I had the chance to walk through this process.

25 Apr 2024 Metal
Video: Ergonomics and Economics of Really Big Laser Powder Bed Fusion
The DMP Factory 500 solution currently operating at CIMP-3D offers a look at the equipment and steps necessary to 3D print metal parts at large scale.
News See All

17 May 2024 Lightweighting
AM 4 AM’s HiperAL Aluminum Alloy Offers Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Lightweight Applications
The high-performance aluminum alloy has been specifically designed for additive manufacturing and is well suited space, aeronautic and automotive lightweight applications.

17 May 2024 Automation
Rivelin Robotics Leads Project CAMPFIRE to Develop Automated Postprocessing Solutions for Regulated Industries
The participating companies are working to create complete digital postprocessing solutions for the automated finishing of flight parts, orthopedic implants and gas turbine components produced using metal additive manufacturing processes.

17 May 2024 Defense
America Makes Announces Recipients of $2.9 Million Defense Project Call
The project award winners are tasked with demonstrating data gathering and analysis methods to drive industrywide metal additive manufacturing operations acceptance.

15 May 2024 Mold Tooling
Xact Metal Works With Uddeholm as It Expands Into Tooling, Molding
Uddeholm’s Corrax for additive manufacturing is a corrosion-resistant, cobalt-free tool and mold steel capable of an A1 surface finish post-polishing.

15 May 2024 Polymer
Novanta Laser Processing Integrator Packages Enable Faster System Setups
The conﬁgurable CO2 laser and scan head subsystem simpliﬁes integration.

15 May 2024 Automotive
Formula One Team Adopts 3D Printing Technology to Transform Component Design, Production
The Visa Cash App RB Formula One team is collaborating with Roboze to reduce weight and create parts with geometries that are impossible with other techniques.
Suppliers See All

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New To AM? Start Here

Peter Zelinski Editorial Director

Production 1 Oct 2009

Is Direct-Metal Manufacturing Ready for Production?

Not yet, says one manufacturer—but almost. This company is getting its customers ready for the day when additive manufacturing will be much more mainstream.

Convey metal powders with PowTReX from Volkmann