Design for Additive
What Is the Role for Additive Manufacturing in Aircraft Structural Components?
Spirit AeroSystems recently began installing the Boeing 787’s first titanium structural component to be made through AM. The part is not critical but also not minor. I spoke with manufacturing leaders at Spirit about the meaning of the part and the way forward for additive in aircraft structures.
May 13, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Polymer AM
Video: 3D-Printed Brackets Are Key to Automated Coolant Delivery for Lights-Out Machining
An on-site look at the different elements of the coolant-delivery system developed by a machine shop committed to running unattended.
May 10, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Basics
AM 101: Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
From functional prototypes to end-use parts, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is capable of efficient production. Learn about MJF, including its materials, postprocessing requirements, benefits and more, in this 101 post.
May 8, 2019 - Katelyn Arnold
Design for Additive
Video: Additive Manufacturing Will Change How We Design
Geometric freedom is just the start. AM will also change how design happens.
May 6, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
AM Technology
Large-Format Additive Manufacturing: Viable for Autoclave Tooling?
SABIC and the University of Dayton Research Institute explore the potential of using large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) technology for creating autoclave tooling used in manufacturing aerospace composite parts.
May 3, 2019 - Walt Thompson, SABIC; Scott R. Huelskamp, University of Dayton Research Institute; Tim Allessio, SABIC; Kim Ly, SABIC
Job Shop
Video: In Conventional Manufacturing, 3D Printing Is a Solution for Tooling
Tooling for conventional operations doesn't have to made conventionally. Rather than being made through machining, these welding fixtures are now made via 3D printing.
May 3, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Production
Manufacturing to Meet Tech Community at MT360
I will hold onstage conversations with additive manufacturing and collaborative automation leaders as part of the new technology event to premier May 12-14, 2020 in Santa Clara, California.
May 2, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
.JPG;width=250)
Metal AM
Leveraging Additive Manufacturing to Improve Joint Replacement Surgery
A German medical device company has turned to metal additive manufacturing to manufacture its acetabular cup cutter for hip and knee replacement surgeries. The cutter’s 3D-printed blades are more reliable and cost-effective, and have improved the surgical experience for both patient and physician.
May 1, 2019 - Barbara Schulz
Polymer AM
Video: This Custom Part Illustrates the Promise of Polymer 3D Printing
A low-quantity plastic part used instead of metal components saved weight for a motorcycle. The application illustrates the expanding opportunities for polymer manufacturing.
April 29, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
AM Technology
Additive Manufacturing with Wire
This system has the benefits of cheaper cost and easier handling. But there can be some drawbacks as well.
April 26, 2019 - Timothy W. Simpson
Tooling
Stainless Steel Pelton Runner Created with 3D-Printed Molds and Cores
A manufacturer in India reduced lead time and increased efficiency in delivering castings using sand 3D printing from Voxeljet to create tooling.
April 24, 2019 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Prototyping
3D-Printed Prototypes at Big Ass Fans: Iterate and Validate
3D printing is a common tool in product development, but for this fan manufacturer, it occupies two distinct steps in the process.
April 22, 2019 - Stephanie Hendrixson