Inspection
A $1.5 Million Dive into the Melt Pool
A new, customized digital radiology vault and specialized additive manufacturing system at Auburn University aims to understand and control the complex heat and mass transport phenomena taking place during the laser sintering process.
March 11, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Medical
Is Your Dentist a Manufacturer?: The Cool Parts Show S2E4
Dental devices have always been custom, but 3D printing is disrupting how they are made. We go inside a dental lab in this episode of The Cool Parts Show.
March 9, 2020 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Basics
In Coronavirus Uncertainty, 3D Printing Is a Potential Solution for U.S. Manufacturing
The impact of the COVID-19 virus has reached U.S. manufacturers by way of the supply chain. Here are several ways 3D printing could help, plus a video discussion of the data with economist Michael Guckes.
March 6, 2020 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Consumer
Additive Manufacturing and Measurement Interconnect — Each Enables the Other to Advance
Measurement aids AM and AM aids measurement. Recently posted articles describe how sensing and measurement make AM more capable, while AM delivers devices that are smarter because of sensing.
March 6, 2020 - Peter Zelinski
Metal AM
Is Recycled Metal Scrap the Future Feedstock of Choice for Metal 3D Printing?
MolyWorks is future-proofing the circular economy for metals with small-footprint atomization technology that converts metal scrap into additive manufacturing powder on the spot. But that's not the end of the story.
March 4, 2020 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Videos
3D Printing Changes a Drone Engine: The Cool Parts Show S2E3
Cobra Aero made the engine cylinder of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) both more powerful and easier to manufacture. Learn what additive manufacturing is doing for drones in this episode of The Cool Parts Show.
March 2, 2020 - Peter Zelinski
Polymer AM
How 3D Printed Tools Add Value at This GM Plant
General Motors’ Spring Hill, Tennessee, facility is finding opportunities to replace conventional tooling components with 3D printed alternatives made in house. The result is cheaper tooling on a shortened timeline, with better functionality.
February 28, 2020 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Basics
How a Worksheet Can Elevate AM Success
How a simple worksheet can help improve success with additive manufacturing.
February 26, 2020 - Timothy W. Simpson
The Cool Parts Show
3D Printed Custom Glasses: The Cool Parts Show S2E2
Fitz Frames has reimagined glasses, from the frames to the ordering process. See how the company manufactures glasses customized to every face in this episode of The Cool Parts Show.
February 24, 2020 - Stephanie Hendrixson
Tooling
Thyssenkrupp's Low-Risk Venture into 3D Printing Began with the End Effector
Thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America's investment in additive manufacturing technology has been relatively low-risk and low-cost. And yet, layer by layer, the wins are adding up.
February 21, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Moldmaking
PVD Coatings Solve Common 3D-Printed Mold and Part Problems
The right surface modification solution can alleviate a few common additive manufacturing pain points that typically require creating new molds or parts.
February 19, 2020 - Christina M. Fuges
The Cool Parts Show
3D Printing for Production at Ford: The Cool Parts Show S2E1
The parking brake bracket on the Mustang Shelby GT500 is now 3D printed instead of stamped. Learn how Ford is thinking about additive manufacturing in this episode of The Cool Parts Show.
February 17, 2020 - Peter Zelinski