Reporting on 3D printing for industrial production

Production See All

11 Jun 2024
Q&A With Align EVP: Why the Invisalign Manufacturer Acquired Cubicure, and the Future of Personalized Orthodontics
Align Technology produces nearly 1 million unique aligner parts per day. Its acquisition of technology supplier Cubicure in January supports demand for 3D printed tooling and direct printed orthodontic devices at mass scale.

6 Jun 2024
3D Printed PEEK Spine Implants in Production: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
Curiteva is using Fused Strand Deposition to produce two different lines of FDA-cleared spine implants. We visited the company’s Huntsville, Alabama, facility to learn more.

5 Jun 2024
What Holds AM Back in Automotive Production? GM Additive Lead Describes Advances Needed
“If AM were cheaper, we would be doing more of it,” says GM’s Paul Wolcott. Various important factors relate to cost. However, the driving factor affecting cost is speed.

30 May 2024
Video: AM for Harder, Longer-Lasting Brake Discs
Additive manufacturing is being applied to limit automotive brake dust. For a major automaker, Etxetar and Talens are developing a production-speed directed energy deposition system to give brake discs a precise layer of wear-resistant carbide.

29 May 2024
Endeavor 3D Integrates Materialise Software With HP Technology to Boost Industrial Production
Endeavor 3D is using the CO-AM software platform to power its fleet of HP 3D printers to streamline workflow, reduce manual touch points and increase efficiency through automation, thereby maximizing production output and additive manufacturing capacity.

28 May 2024
Additive Enhances Lost Foam Casting Process for Metal Manufacturing
Skuld LLC brings a new, 3D printing-enabled version of lost foam casting to market via its turnkey package for metal manufacturers. Additive Manufacturing Evaporative Casting (AMEC) enables metal parts made with sustainability and efficiency in mind.
Enterprise See All

8 Feb 2024
At General Atomics, Do Unmanned Aerial Systems Reveal the Future of Aircraft Manufacturing?
The maker of the Predator and SkyGuardian remote aircraft can implement additive manufacturing more rapidly and widely than the makers of other types of planes. The role of 3D printing in current and future UAS components hints at how far AM can go to save cost and time in aircraft production and design.

2 Jan 2024
Why the Long View Favors AM: Manufacturers at Each Step Face a Choice to Rely Less on Tooling
Additive is now too well-established for its successes to be dislodged by market change. Meanwhile, the most important factor is the promise that will continue to drive adoption.

6 Dec 2023
AM I Navigator Initiative Helps Users Scale, Integrate Additive Manufacturing Into Traditional Production Workflows
The AM I Navigator initiative offers additive manufacturing users individual guidance with a comprehensive approach to navigate the complexity of the evolving landscape in industrial 3D printing.

14 Nov 2023
When Additive and Conventional Processes Work Together, the Result Is Manufacturing
Various recent articles demonstrate 3D printing and established processes finding one another and working together.

31 Oct 2023
Production AM Can Thrive in a Purpose-Built Space (But It Doesn't Need One) AM Radio #45
Fiona Lawler and Stephanie Hendrixson discuss the physical spaces where additive manufacturing is happening, from 3D printers wedged wherever they’ll fit to brand new facilities built for this purpose.

17 Oct 2023
Additive Manufacturing's Evolving Role at Fathom Now Emphasizing Bridge Production
Bridge production is currently the biggest opportunity for additive manufacturing, says Fathom Manufacturing co-founder Rich Stump. How this service provider leverages AM while finding balance with other production capabilities.
Sustainability See All

12 Jun 2024
BMW Expands Use of Additive Manufacturing to Foster Production Innovations
The BMW Group is manufacturing many work aids and tools for its own production system using various 3D printing processes, with items such as tailor-made orthoses for employees, teaching and production aids, and large, weight-optimized robot grippers, which are used for such things as carbon fiber-reinforced polymer roofs and entire floor assemblies.

31 May 2024
Birmingham Researchers Develop Recyclable Photopolymer Resin Made From Biosourced Materials
A University of Birmingham-led team has produced a photopolymer resin that can be printed at high resolution, broken down to its constituent parts, recycled and reprinted.

30 May 2024
Video: AM for Harder, Longer-Lasting Brake Discs
Additive manufacturing is being applied to limit automotive brake dust. For a major automaker, Etxetar and Talens are developing a production-speed directed energy deposition system to give brake discs a precise layer of wear-resistant carbide.

23 May 2024
Sustainable Furniture Company Model No. Maintains Product Focus with Switch from DIY to Industrial 3D Printers
The startup founded in 2018 has matured in its product offerings as well as its manufacturing equipment, moving from homegrown 3D printers to industrial large-format machines.

22 May 2024
How Production Looks Different for 3D Printed Furniture Manufacturer Four Years Later: AM Radio #50
Furniture manufacturer Model No. has shown that there is a demand for customizable, sustainable 3D printed tables, chairs and more since we last covered the company in 2020. But today, production looks different.

16 May 2024
Video: AM for Repair of Large Shafts
Wind power shafts that might once have been scrapped are now returned to service. See the robotic directed energy deposition (DED) and shaft preheating system developed by Ikergune, Izadi and Talens.
Materials See All

7 Jun 2024
Researchers Develop Resin for 3D Printing Implants for Cataracts, Other Eye Conditions
The ability to 3D print intraocular devices for treating cataracts and other eye conditions could significantly enhance eye care for patients by offering unparalleled levels of customization and design precision, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes.

4 Jun 2024
Quadrus: Powder Management Tactics for Tungsten Rhenium and Other AM Alloys
The expert in additive manufacturing of high-value parts for the Defense Department often must change from one exotic material to another in its powder bed machines. Cleaning is a core competency. Here are other lessons of this company’s system for working with an ever-changing mix of 3D printed alloys.

31 May 2024
Birmingham Researchers Develop Recyclable Photopolymer Resin Made From Biosourced Materials
A University of Birmingham-led team has produced a photopolymer resin that can be printed at high resolution, broken down to its constituent parts, recycled and reprinted.

15 May 2024
Xact Metal Works With Uddeholm as It Expands Into Tooling, Molding
Uddeholm’s Corrax for additive manufacturing is a corrosion-resistant, cobalt-free tool and mold steel capable of an A1 surface finish post-polishing.

15 May 2024
Formula One Team Adopts 3D Printing Technology to Transform Component Design, Production
The Visa Cash App RB Formula One team is collaborating with Roboze to reduce weight and create parts with geometries that are impossible with other techniques.

10 May 2024
AMGTA Releases Preliminary Research Results on Sustainability of Powder and Wire Additive Manufacturing Feedstock
The study evaluated three key metal AM feedstock processing approaches — gas atomization, mechanical milling (specifically ball milling) and wire drawing — to determine specific energy requirements for producing feedstock materials.
All Topics See All

Aerospace

AMWTF

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Assembly Consolidation

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Jigs, Fixtures, Hand Tools

LFAM

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LPBF

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OEMs

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Recycling

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SLS

Software

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WAAM
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Webinars See All

19 Jun 2024
3D Printed Ceramics for MedTech: Multifeature Disruption
How can ceramic 3D printing provide a unique solution for every patient? What is the added value? Ceramic 3D printing is not about replacing well-established processes — it's here to complete them. In this webinar, Lithoz will look at several current applications in the medical field: first with silicon nitride manufacturer SiNAPTIC Technologies and then bioceramic experts Himed. With their years of experience in medical applications, this webinar will explain in full detail how ceramics can complement the metal materials conventionally used for implants and why ceramic is even sometimes the material of choice over metal. Agenda: Introducing the challenges in the medical industry today The powerful ceramic 3D printing technology for medical applications, explained by Lithoz An overview of ceramic medical applications already in use today by advanced ceramic materials expert SiNAPTIC Technologies An in-depth look at ceramic materials and their applications by experienced bioceramic manufacturer Himed

20 Jun 2024
Metal Powder and Resin Extraction Using Vacuum Cycle Nucleation
Vacuum cycle nucleation (VCN) is an immersion cleaning and extraction process which takes place in a sealed processing chamber. The pressure in the chamber is lowered and raised at and below the vapor pressure of the heated cleaning liquid. When the vapor pressure is reached, vapor bubbles are formed on the solid surface and these bubbles collapse and exit the bulk fluid. As they exit, they carry the particles and solubilized material to be removed. This vacuum pressure cycle is repeated every two seconds until the desired cleanliness is achieved. VCN cleaning is followed by a VCN water rinse and vacuum drying. Agenda: What is VCN? How does VCN work? Videos of the process

On Demand
New Innovations in Electron Beam PBF: Enhancing Production Capabilities
One of those applications has been for additive manufacturing with the electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF) process—which to this day has been constantly improved and optimized for production applications. In this webinar, an overview of the current capabilities of electron beam powder bed fusion will be provided along with several new innovations that will enhance the capabilities of manufacturers. Agenda: Overview of current capabilities of electron beam powder bed fusion technology Present the latest technical innovations developed for electron beam powder bed fusion Review of how the latest electron beam powder bed fusion technology will aid manufacturers in production applications.

On Demand
Optimizing Every Stage of the Product Life Cycle with 3D Printing
Leveraging 3D printing for rapid prototyping is an obvious application that most product engineers are familiar with. However, advancements in new materials and design capabilities enable the technology to become a highly-useful tool capable of impacting every stage of the product life cycle. Join Daniel Baker, plastics program manager, for an insightful exploration of how additive manufacturing can optimize your product development and production processes. The webinar dives into viable ways you can leverage additive manufacturing at every stage of the product life cycle with a special focus on automotive examples. Throughout the webinar, Daniel will uncover DFAM principles and real-world examples that help improve part efficiency and unlock cost savings. Agenda: Unlock how 3D printing enables rapid product development, better ergonomic tools on the factory floor and on-demand spares and repairs for improved life cycle management Streamline production costs, enhance performance through DFAM and achieve part consolidation for improved efficiency Gain industry-specific examples of how additive manufacturing can optimize each stage of the product life cycle

On Demand
How 100-Year-Strong General Pattern Succeeds with 3D Printed Metal Tooling
Hear first-hand from General Pattern, an injection molder with in-house tooling services and over 100 years of experience, is addressing the labor issue, increasing toolmaking capacity and helping OEMs accelerate product development by integrating Mantle's 3D printer to automate its toolmaking processes. In this webinar, General Pattern will share its journey with additive manufacturing and why it is implementing metal 3D printing to automate its toolmaking processes. The webinar will also include an overview of Mantle's 3D printing technology for toolmaking and case studies from injection molders, toolmakers, contract manufacturers and OEMs that have deployed Mantle. Attendees will learn how organizations use metal 3D printing to significantly reduce tooling lead times and costs, accelerate product development and solve labor challenges — all while producing better tools that incorporate conformal cooling. Agenda: Hear from General Pattern on their additive manufacturing journey and why they invested in Mantle technology Review case studies of how General Pattern reduces tooling lead times and addresses skilled labor shortages with Mantle's technology Learn about Mantle's unique technology to print steel tooling with the accuracy, surface finish and feature detail required for injection mold tooling and other precision tooling Review case studies of how other manufacturers have automated their toolmaking processes with Mantle's technology About Mantle: Mantle has developed the only metal 3D printer built for precision tooling. Mantle automates the production of precision tooling and delivers the accuracy, finish and steel properties required for demanding tooling applications. Tools made with Mantle have molded millions of parts while reducing lead times, cutting costs and solving labor shortages. About General Pattern Company: General Pattern Company (GPC) is a full-service plastic manufacturer, founded on strong relationships and driven by innovation. GPC’s comprehensive offerings include in-house tooling, additive manufacturing, injection molding, urethane casting, foam molding, RIM, vacuum-forming, fiberglass and in-house painting/assembly. The extensive offering under one relationship is the difference it offers to its customers.

On Demand
Analysis of EB-PBF Technology for Medical Device Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing (AM) for medical device production has grown over the past several years with powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies as a major driver of this growth. Due to the many unique process and business case advantages offered to medical device manufacturers, electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) has proven itself as an effective tool for devices, including orthopedic implants, acetabular cups, femoral knee implants, tibial tray implants and spinal cages. In this webinar, JEOL will present the benefits of EB-PBF technology for manufacturing medical devices, insights on AM qualification considerations and fatigue data for EB-PBF printed Ti6Al4V tested in axial fatigue in accordance with ASTM E466. Agenda: Overview of EB-PBF usage in the medical device industry along with several unique advantages for the technology Review of the qualification requirements for the manufacture of medical devices using AM Analysis and review of fatigue life results in EB-PBF printed Ti64 coupons tested in axial fatigue
Events See All

13 Jun 2024
Moms in MFG
As an annual conference and supportive community, Moms in MFG is designed exclusively to support working parents and caregivers in manufacturing. Moms in MFG is dedicated to empowering and connecting moms and caregivers in manufacturing. In addition, it aims to assist manufacturing companies in discovering how they can provide the necessary support and create a nurturing environment for caregivers in manufacturing. Through valuable content, networking opportunities, and collaboration with fellow industry professionals, Moms in MFG celebrates the unique journey of moms and caregivers in manufacturing.

25 Jun 2024
Rapid + TCT 2024
RAPID + TCT is returning to the west coast after a decade away! For more than 30 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. SME and Rapid News Publications have teamed up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event, which takes place June 25-27 in Los Angeles, California. The event is for those who provide technology and for those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection technologies.

10 Sep 2024
Parts Cleaning Conference at IMTS 2024
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

11 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - Powder Bed Fusion
Laser powder bed fusion is the most widely used additive manufacturing method for metal part production, and electron beam melting is a closely related technology. For metalworking facilities contemplating a move into metal AM using technologies such as these, here is a road map for success. Speakers will cover materials, safety, part design, production workflow and differences between laser and electron beam metal powder bed fusion systems.

12 Sep 2024
AM Workshop - 3D Printing for Job Shops
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology, the 3D Printing Workshop at IMTS 2024 is a chance for job shops to learn the emerging possibilities for part production via 3D printing and additive manufacturing. First introduced at IMTS 2014, this workshop has helped hundreds of manufacturing professionals expand their additive capabilities.

8 Oct 2024
Carbon Fiber 2024
CompositesWorld's Carbon Fiber conference offers you cutting-edge information and access to industry experts in streamlining manufacturing costs, market outlooks and forecasting, and more. You will make invaluable contacts as you meet and network with the industry's most innovative and influential leaders at Carbon Fiber.
Video See All

12 Jun 2024 Metal
Titanium Cheaper Than Aluminum? The Cool Parts Show All Access
General Atomics’ Steve Fournier describes how directed energy deposition makes titanium economical for aircraft structural components.

6 Jun 2024 Production
3D Printed PEEK Spine Implants in Production: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
Curiteva is using Fused Strand Deposition to produce two different lines of FDA-cleared spine implants. We visited the company’s Huntsville, Alabama, facility to learn more.

30 May 2024 DED
Video: AM for Harder, Longer-Lasting Brake Discs
Additive manufacturing is being applied to limit automotive brake dust. For a major automaker, Etxetar and Talens are developing a production-speed directed energy deposition system to give brake discs a precise layer of wear-resistant carbide.

16 May 2024 Repair
Video: AM for Repair of Large Shafts
Wind power shafts that might once have been scrapped are now returned to service. See the robotic directed energy deposition (DED) and shaft preheating system developed by Ikergune, Izadi and Talens.

9 May 2024 Aerospace
3D Printed NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly Combines Two Metal Processes: The Cool Parts Show #71
Laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition combine for an integrated multi-metal rocket propulsion system that will save cost and time for NASA. The Cool Parts Show visits NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

8 May 2024 DED
Cryogenic Tanks for Space Refueling: The Cool Parts Show All Access
NASA's Paul Gradl describes an important application of AM beyond the spacecraft itself: refueling the spacecraft. Directed energy deposition offers the most practical way to produce aluminum tanks to keep fuel supercool.
News See All

12 Jun 2024 Metal
Ceratizit 3D Prints Indexable Insert Milling System for Machining Heat-Resistant Materials
Despite the complexity of the coolant holes inside the tool body, the MaxiMill – 211-DC is compatible with standard adapters with through-coolant supply without requiring any standard coolant on the chipbreaker.

12 Jun 2024 Metal
Volkmann vHub 250 Metal Powder Storage System Automates Buffering, Intermediate Storage
The vHub 250 metal powder storage system can operate as a stand-alone unit or within a closed loop system in both normal air environments and under inert conditions as an option.

12 Jun 2024 Software
U.S. Army Selects 3YourMind Software to Identify Parts Suited for Additive Manufacturing
As part of the initial effort, 3YourMind software will analyze up to 10,000 selected parts and evaluate them based on technical feasibility, lead time and cost. That will give the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center greater insight as to which spare parts are strong use cases for additive manufacturing.

7 Jun 2024 Implants
Researchers Develop Resin for 3D Printing Implants for Cataracts, Other Eye Conditions
The ability to 3D print intraocular devices for treating cataracts and other eye conditions could significantly enhance eye care for patients by offering unparalleled levels of customization and design precision, potentially leading to better clinical outcomes.

7 Jun 2024 Metal
Farsoon SRS Technology Reduces Number of Supports for Metal 3D Printing
The SRS (Support Reduction System) technology was developed to address one of the most challenging aspects of additive manufacturing — internal stress and deformation during the cooling phase of metal LPBF, which can lead to part failure, especially in overhanging structures.

7 Jun 2024 Defense
Army Corps of Engineers 3D Prints New Poe Lock Arrestor Arm
New Poe Lock arrestor arm is the largest U.S. civil works component produced by a 3D printer. A six-month Poe Lock closure would temporarily reduce the U.S. gross domestic product by $1.1 trillion, resulting in the loss of 11 million jobs, according to a DHS study. Faced with this challenge, advances in additive manufacturing offered transformative potential.
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