Metal AM
A Methodical Strategy to Bring Additive into Sheet Metal Fabrication
When Wilson Tool International launched its additive manufacturing division in 2018, it had already proven 3D printing’s value through dozens of printed parts for its own line of equipment. Demonstrating that value to customers required a new, highly focused approach.
September 7, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Machine Learning
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.
August 31, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Videos
A Three-Piece Toolset to Minimize Metal Additive Build Failures (Includes Video)
Three separate software tools from Siemens attempt to control some of the most challenging variables within metal AM: build orientation, distortion and deposition paths. Part of software video series.
August 17, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Composites
The Promise of Graphene-Based Composites for 3D Printing
A new partnership between XG Sciences and Terrafilum aims to accelerate industrial innovations using the strongest, thinnest, most electrically conductive material on Earth.
August 14, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Tooling
A New Partnership Offers Large-Scale 3D Printing and Five-Axis Machining
The side-by-side product offering from Cincinnati Inc. and Multiax America aims to provide high-throughput AM production for large parts under one roof.
August 6, 2020 - Brent Donaldson
Composites
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
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
Job Shop
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
Metal AM
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
Aerospace
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
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
.jpg;quality=90)
