Big Ideas in AM: 10 Examples of 3D-Printed Tooling
Additive manufacturing can aid conventional manufacturing through the production of tooling. This article showcases 10 clever uses of 3D-printed tooling.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Senior Editor, Additive Manufacturing
This 3D Printed Turbine Replaced 61 Parts With 1: Here Is What That Means
Additive manufacturing makes possible a radical microturbine that increases power-to-weight ratio, reduces cost and extends time between overhaul.
Generative Design Improves Micromobility FUV: The Cool Parts Show S3E3
Arcimoto’s lightweight “Fun Utility Vehicle” gets even lighter thanks to parts that could only come from additive manufacturing. On this episode of The Cool Parts Show, some of the craziest automotive parts you have seen.
6 Reasons to Use Plastic 3D Printing
Smaller batches and shorter lead times are just two of the benefits of 3D printing parts in plastic. Here are six reasons to choose polymer additive manufacturing (with examples).
Generative Design to Bring Weight and Cost Savings for Micromobility FUV
The “Fun Utility Vehicle” from Arcimoto is already in production, and already lightweight. But after just 30 days of redesign for additive manufacturing, the company discovered major components could be made lighter still, and production could be made simpler.
Drone Engine Replaces 13 Parts With 1: The Cool Parts Show Special Episode
Cobra Aero discovered an opportunity for redesign it might never have found without the COVID-19 interruption providing time for product development via 3D printing. The Cool Parts Show explores how additive manufacturing is advancing during the coronavirus crisis.
Can 3D Printed Metal Hold a Vacuum…for Quantum Physics Research?
A feasibility study shows that laser sintered AlSi10Mg can build an ultrahigh vacuum chamber capable of holding a cloud of rubidium atoms. The promise? Lighter, more portable designs to bring research out of the lab.
3D Printed Air Duct Based on Fluid Dynamics: The Cool Parts Show #26
Air ducts are ubiquitous, but are they all as efficient as they need to be? Computational fluid dynamics informed the redesign of this 3D printed air duct — made to serve a 3D printer.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Senior Editor, Additive Manufacturing
3D Printing Clears Path to Production for DustRam
DustRam did not start out as a manufacturer. But thanks to 3D printing, the company now makes many of its own products in house, in addition to parts for customers.
3D Printed Plastic Replaces Metal: The Cool Parts Show S1E3
This small business owner discovered 3D printing as a way to manufacture his invention. Now, AM is enabling a totally new source of revenue. Watch The Cool Parts Show to see how.
The Technology House Steps into 3D Printing for Production
The Technology House was founded on stereolithography for prototyping, but each step forward has been a move toward production. The company is now 3D printing end-use parts, enabled by Carbon’s SpeedCell line and durable materials.
One-Piece Robot Gripper Actuated by Shop Air
The pneumatic gripper 3D-printed as a complete working unit has demonstrated its effectiveness for continuous operation over time. It is one illustration of the role additive is liable to play in making robotic automation easier.
3D-Printed Device Proves Rugged Enough for Dust-Free Tile Removal
Arizona Home Floors considered buying a mold to produce a plastic version of its DustRam product. But when a prototype proved durable enough to withstand working conditions, the production strategy shifted to 3D printing.
Selective Laser Sintering Cuts Lead Time for Clamping Unit Assembly
Industrial automation provider Comau redesigned a three-part clamping assembly for additive manufacturing, realizing benefits in lead time and waste.
