Assembly Consolidation
Variable Resistance Valve Trim Achieves Lead Time Reduction Through AM: The Cool Parts Show #69
Baker Hughes is realizing shorter lead times and simplified manufacturing through powder bed fusion to produce valve trims previously assembled from many machined metal parts.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Executive Editor, Additive Manufacturing
8 Cool Parts From Formnext 2023: The Cool Parts Show #65
New additive manufacturing technologies on display at Formnext were in many cases producing notable end-use components. Here are some of the coolest parts we found at this year’s show.
Read More3D Printed "Evolved Structures" for NASA Exoplanet Balloon Mission: The Cool Parts Show #61
Generative design creates stiff, lightweight brackets for EXCITE mission monitoring planets orbiting other stars. The Cool Parts Show visits Goddard Space Flight Center.
Read MoreMicro Robot Gripper 3D Printed All at Once, No Assembly Required: The Cool Parts Show #59
Fine control over laser powder bed fusion achieves precise spacing between adjoining moving surfaces. The Cool Parts Show looks at micro 3D printing of metal for moving components made in one piece.
Read MoreGA-ASI Integrates Digital Manufacturing Process for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
GA-ASI is working to apply Divergent’s data-driven approach to design, fabricate and assemble vehicle structures for manufacturing its line of unmanned aircraft systems.
Read MoreConcept Sneaker Boasts One-Piece 3D Printed TPU Construction
The Reebok x Botter Concept Sneaker Engineered by HP premiered at Paris Fashion Week, hinting at manufacturing possibilities for the future of footwear.
Read MoreWhat Does AM Want? Here Are 4 Aims (Maybe 5) That Additive Manufacturing Is Driving Toward
Certain freedoms and contributing factors allow additive manufacturing to realize its full promise for production.
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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.
Peter Zelinski
Editor-in-Chief, Additive Manufacturing
Drones Take Flight with Metal and Polymer 3D Printed Parts: The Cool Parts Show Bonus
Drones produced by Cobra Aero now incorporate many 3D printed parts made through laser powder bed fusion and Multi Jet Fusion processes.
Read More3D Printed Brake Panel for the Rail Industry: The Cool Parts Show #52
In this episode of The Cool Parts Show, laser powder bed fusion simplifies the manufacturing of air brake panels for light rail systems made by Wabtec.
Read MoreQualification Today, Better Aircraft Tomorrow — Eaton’s Additive Manufacturing Strategy
The case for additive has been made, Eaton says. Now, the company is taking on qualification costs so it can convert aircraft parts made through casting to AM. The investment today will speed qualification of the 3D printed parts of the future, allowing design engineers to fully explore additive’s freedoms.
Read MoreVideo: 3D Printing Paired with Plastics Joining
Conventional 3D printing wisdom is to combine as many components as possible into one 3D printed piece. Plastics joining technology expert Extol illustrates the benefits that come from printing in many pieces instead.
Read More3D Printed Metal Component for CNC Machining Center: The Cool Parts Show #47
Machine tool maker DMG MORI improved this coolant delivery adapter by making the part through additive manufacturing instead of machining. One of the viewer-chosen winners of The Cool Parts Showcase.
Read MoreCreating Designs That 3D Printing Experts Love
3D printing can create virtually any shape imaginable, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to print. How to design parts that are printable as well as functional.
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From Parts to Problem-Solving: 3DEO's Evolution with Intelligent Layering Metal 3D Printing
The technology developer and parts provider is moving beyond transactional 3D printing, in favor of holistic solutions where its AM process can have the greatest impact.
Stephanie Hendrixson
Executive Editor, Additive Manufacturing
Flexing Thermoset Polymers Into Production 3D Printing
Chromatic 3D Materials develops tough and flexible thermosetting urethanes for additive manufacturing. The resin formulation is only part of the path to scale.
Read MoreHow Bridge Production Is Bringing New Possibilities: AM Radio #14A
Additive manufacturing makes bridge production a more natural factor in the production strategy overall. This has important implications for product development and even what products are possible.
Read More3D Printing for Better Flame From a Gas Turbine Swirler: The Cool Parts Show #42
A Penn State gas turbine researcher turns to additive manufacturing graduate students to help face the challenge of swirler optimization.
Read MoreVideo: Functional Excavator Features 3D Printed Parts
Oak Ridge National Lab's Project AME swapped an excavator's cab, stick and heat exchanger for 3D printed parts. Stephanie Hendrixson and Peter Zelinski get the scoop.
Read MoreFor Velo3D CEO, the Future of Metal AM Is Large Producers
The growing demand for metal part production via additive manufacturing will be met by producers that start small and massively scale, says Velo3D’s Benny Buller. Thus, AM will follow a different path from other part-making technologies.
Read MoreUsing Large-Format Additive Manufacturing for Serial Production
First tools, then production parts. This pattern with industrial 3D printing at small and mid sizes has now come to the biggest additive machines as well.
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Sculpteo Redesigns Lumbar Support Belt to Enhance Environment Awareness for the Blind
The choice of the 3D printed flexible material considerably improves user comfort, while also simplifying the production process.
Angela Osborne
Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
Customizable, Recyclable Shoes with 3D Printed Platform: The Cool Parts Show #37
A 3D printed TPU platform is the key to both comfort and sustainability for these custom heels manufactured on demand.
Read MoreAdditive Manufacturing for Rail Industry Is Gaining Traction at Neighborhood 91
Locomotive manufacturer Wabtec is the first tenant of Pittsburgh’s N91 additive manufacturing ecosystem, where the company is ramping up production via laser powder bed fusion.
Read MoreThe 12-Month Transformation of a 3D Printed Product's Design
Rapid product development and continuous improvement are among the advantages of utilizing 3D printing for production. Retraction Footwear offers a literal illustration of the design evolution possible in just one year.
Read MoreFlight Simulator Made Through Large-Scale 3D Printing: The Cool Parts Show #33
Our biggest cool part so far! Printing this massive structure in one piece saves cost and time for L3Harris.
Read MoreHow Is Additive Manufacturing Sustainable? AM Radio #2B
Additive manufacturing is often closely associated with sustainability, but why? And how can companies use AM to develop sustainable processes? Stephanie Hendrixson and Julia Hider discuss in this episode of AM Radio.
Read MoreCustom Heels Are a Step Up for Circular Fashion, Sustainable Manufacturing
Custom shoe company Hilos demonstrates how, with additive manufacturing, relative outsiders can not only launch a product, but implement a new production mindset into an established industry. The company is bringing comfort and customization to fashion footwear with sustainable, on-demand production based on 3D printing.
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