Metal AM
The Cool Parts Show, Episode 1: This Rocket Fuel Injector Is a Solid Part That Contains a Working Motor
Our new video series debuts with a look at a solid metal part made through additive manufacturing that was built with a motor embedded inside. The motor sealed within the part adjusts the rocket’s fuel mixture while the rocket is in flight.
October 7, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Metal AM
Velo3D: Avoiding Support Structures Means Metal AM Can Be a Solution for Direct Part Replacement
Because of the extent of the redesign they might call for, support structures can be an impediment to AM adoption. Reducing the need for support structures increases the viability of 3D printing for current parts.
October 2, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Automotive
Video: Additive Manufacturing Expands Design Possibilities for Automotive Lighting
Automotive lighting maker Varroc Lighting Systems describes the impact 3D printing instead of injection molding will have on car features such as headlights.
September 27, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Materials
As 3D Printing for Production Becomes Practical, the Attention in Materials Shifts to Practical Concerns
Recent posts relate to ensuring sufficient materials supply for production, certifying processes for AM materials, and even whether the properties of polymer AM include the ability to hold a screw.
September 20, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Videos
AM at Jabil: From 3D Printing Materials to Distributed Manufacturing
One of the largest manufacturers in the world has made a significant investment in 3D printing — both as a user and an advancer of this technology. Our original reporting dives into the what and why of additive manufacturing at Jabil.
September 11, 2019 - Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski
Production
10 Questions About Additive Manufacturing for Production with Jabil’s John Dulchinos
“We’re in this for the long haul,” he says. Here are the challenges facing 3D printing for production, and here are the ways those challenges will be overcome.
September 9, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
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 - Peter Zelinski, Stephanie Hendrixson, Brent Donaldson
Videos
Video: Can 3D Printed Parts Hold Self-Tapping Screws?
Automotive light maker Varroc Lighting Systems will soon begin using additive manufacturing for plastic production parts fastened into assemblies. Here are the results of its tests with self-tapping screws.
September 2, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Production
Video: More Than Just 3D Printing—An Additive Manufacturing Conference Recap
Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinski and Senior Editor Stephanie Hendrixson cover the extent to which additive manufacturing is closing in on production as well as their impressions from the first full day of the 2019 Additive Manufacturing Conference + Expo.
August 29, 2019 - Stephanie Hendrixson, Peter Zelinski
Polymer AM
Jabil Prepares for Production AM: It’s Down to the Basics Now
Jabil is getting ready for additive manufacturing to take its place as a production option in addition to conventional processes such as molding and machining. AM can and will fill this role, the company says — the focus now is on controlling cost and assuring quality and reliability.
August 26, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Metal AM
Video: Controlled Porosity Can Be Functional Advantage Realized via 3D Printing
A wall of metal that looks solid is actually 90% dense, allowing gas to pass through. Mold venting is one application.
August 23, 2019 - Peter Zelinski
Videos
Video: The STL File Can Produce Surface Defects in 3D-Printed Parts
Timothy Simpson of Penn State University discusses the influence of model definition in additive manufacturing and what to do about its effects.
August 19, 2019 - Peter Zelinski