Videos
AI-Driven Adaptive Manufacturing Software Aims to Self-Correct 3D Printing (Includes Video)
The AI software platform Blacksmith from Markforged shares feedback from its cloud-connected fleet of printers to identify and correct distortions in a 3D-printed part.
July 24, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Materials
The Challenge of Reclaiming Carbon Fiber for 3D Printing
Carbon fiber composite materials weigh significantly less than steel while offering comparable strength and performance. But recovering and recycling continuous fiber for additive manufacturing applications — without any effect on the mechanical properties — has proven extremely difficult. Here is how Oak Ridge National Laboratory is working to solve the challenge.
July 15, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Automotive
In Automotive, Is Additive Manufacturing an Answer for Die Cast Tooling?
The largest high-pressure die cast tool builder in North America is 3D printing die inserts and water jackets for major automakers. It’s a tough sell, but one company is succeeding — and it’s just getting started.
June 29, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Production
3D Printing and Coronavirus: U.S. Additive Manufacturers Share Their Experiences
The COVID-19 outbreak has brought both setbacks and opportunities for American manufacturing. 3D printing companies share their stories.
May 19, 2020 - Brent Donaldson, Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski, Barbara Schulz
Metal AM
CNC Machining as a Business Strategy for Additive Manufacturing
As 3rd Dimension Industrial 3D Printing ramps up for production — including a fleet of new 3D printers in a custom-designed building — it's the company's traditional machining capabilities that provide a unique competitive advantage.
May 11, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Production
Does Asia's Low-Cost Manufacturing Option Still Make Sense?
As U.S.-based companies try to stay ahead of COVID-19, global supply chains are under renewed scrutiny. Are uncertainties and delays caused by global crises worth the short-term cost savings?
April 20, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Aerospace
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
Automotive
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
Large-Format
The Hidden Complexities of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions’ robotic metal 3D printing process is a choreographed dance between welding, robots, automation, heat management and machining. The new venture may have a distinct advantage in the field: its parent company’s 125 year-old legacy.
January 20, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Materials
The Race to Faster, Cheaper and Better AM for Aviation
An aviation industry partner called NIAR may be the largest institute you've never heard of. But through a new materials and process database for additive, it’s promising to help aviation manufacturers produce AM parts faster, cheaper and more reliably than ever before.
September 16, 2019 - Brent Donaldson
Production
Additive Manufacturing Is Succeeding in Production! Here Are Examples
We are no longer predicting that additive manufacturing will be used in production — because it already is. Find real stories of 3D printing for full production at AM's leading edge in this collection.
September 4, 2019 - Brent Donaldson, Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski
AM Technology
Robots, Assemble! A New Path to Autonomous Mobile 3D Printing
Robot swarms may sound alarming, but research at the University of Arkansas reveals that they may enable a new, ultra-efficient era of automated manufacturing and 3D printing.
July 22, 2019 - Brent Donaldson
