LPBF

The Downloadable Metal 3D Printer

Copenhagen researchers introduce a fully open-source laser powder bed fusion system, now available on GitHub. This release follows their development of an open-source vat polymerization machine. Here is the purpose and promise of this philanthropically funded effort to advance AM application and adoption.

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For Production AM, Is Metal a Better Candidate Than Polymer?

Taking stock of the many AM successes we have covered on The Cool Parts Show, and what the breakdown by material type reveals.

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Automation

Vibration Compensation Could Increase Use of Robots for 3D Printing

Ulendo is working to apply its vibration compensation algorithm for FFF 3D printers to robots, which could expand the use of robots for 3D printing.

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Production

3D Printed Inconel Sleeve Protects Critical Valves from Thermal Shock

Valve manufacturer Velan has developed a double-walled sleeve using lattices as thermal insulation to protect critical severe service valves from thermal shock and stress.

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Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Achieves ROI on Metal 3D Printer Within 6 Months

Mahle acquired a laser powder bed fusion machine from Xact Metal to alleviate interruptions to its internal machine shop and reliance on suppliers for manufacturing aids. 

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Supply Chain

Two 12-Laser AM Machines at Collins Aerospace: Here Is How They Are Being Used

With this additive manufacturing capacity, one room of the Collins Iowa facility performs the work previously requiring a supply chain. Production yield will nearly double, and lead times will be more than 80% shorter.

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5 Things You Get With Your Additive Manufacturing Subscription

A subscription to Additive Manufacturing is available to you at no cost. Here are five benefits of starting (or renewing) your Additive Manufacturing subscription.

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LFAM

BMW Group Vehicle to Adopt 3D Printed Center Console

A vehicle coming to market in 2027 will include a center console carrier manufactured through polymer robot-based large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM).

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Metal

Supply Chain

Two 12-Laser AM Machines at Collins Aerospace: Here Is How They Are Being Used

With this additive manufacturing capacity, one room of the Collins Iowa facility performs the work previously requiring a supply chain. Production yield will nearly double, and lead times will be more than 80% shorter.

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Metal

Video Tour: Collins Aerospace AM Production Site in West Des Moines

The 12-laser powder bed fusion machines are at the heart of the company’s new production capacity for aircraft engine parts in both aluminum and nickel-based alloy.

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LPBF

Valve Manufacturer Outlines Path to Qualification for Additive Manufactured Pressure Equipment

In this case study, Samson shares how manufacturers can design and produce pressure equipment using additive manufacturing that is compliant with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).

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Polymer

Polymer

When Advocacy Leads to Adoption: How Pella Applies (and Manages) AM Capacity

The window and door maker offers a picture of successful, widespread 3D printing adoption across the different needs of a manufacturing organization. The outreach and education effort worked. Now, here is the next phase.

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Tooling

Video: 3D Printed Hand Tools in Action on Pella Corporation Factory Tour

Examples include an invention for quickly installing window and door weather stripping, a fitting for giving the proper angle to a nail gun, and a clip for which the color is an important feature.

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Polymer

Video: AM for Product Development at Pella Corporation

Speed to market is a critical advantage 3D printing can enable. For its new product innovations, Pella iterates quickly using prototypes and tooling produced via AM.

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Composite

LFAM

3 Unique Elements of LFAM to Consider in Design

While similar to desktop fused filament fabrication (FFF), large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) in polymer composite poses several unique challenges as a result of its scale. 

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SLS

CRP USA Creates Lighter, More Durable Paralympic Racing Gloves for Improved Performance

Paralympic champion with 20 medals, including eight golds and 24 World Major Marathon wins, looked to 3D printing service provider to create wheelchair racing gloves that can withstand the intense stress of wheelchair racing while providing the necessary precision and comfort.

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Tooling

Robot Vs. Gantry for Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (Includes Video)

Additive Engineering Solutions, specialist at 3D printing very large parts and tools on gantry machines, now also uses a robot for large-format AM. Here is how the robot compares.

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3D printing machine trainings
Latest Issue

Latest Issue

3D Printed Titanium Replaces Aluminum for Unmanned Aircraft Wing Splice: The Cool Parts Show #72

3D Printed Titanium Replaces Aluminum for Unmanned Aircraft Wing Splice: The Cool Parts Show #72

7 Things We Saw at Formnext 2024 — Video Playlist

7 Things We Saw at Formnext 2024 — Video Playlist

Video: Hybrid Manufacturing Without Melting: Hermle’s Metal Powder Application (MPA) Process

Video: Hybrid Manufacturing Without Melting: Hermle’s Metal Powder Application (MPA) Process

Video: Laser Powder Bed Fusion Platform Designed for Safety, Ease of Use

Video: Laser Powder Bed Fusion Platform Designed for Safety, Ease of Use

Video: Enabling the Digital Inventory with 3D Printing

Video: Enabling the Digital Inventory with 3D Printing

Robots

Video: Robot Machining Will Complement Robot DED

Robots can do additive manufacturing. Can they do hybrid manufacturing? Precision milling of metal using a robot offers this promise.

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Large Format

Video: Scanning for Fast Model Capture and Validation of AM Parts

3D printing offers a fast way to obtain a part. Can developing the printable file and validating the printed part be done rapidly as well? See fast measurement technology for complex 3D forms I found at IMTS.

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Sports & Recreation

Video: Orbit X Pro Football Helmet Uses 3D Printed Lattices

The lightweight helmet from Xenith will be used by NFL and collegiate football players beginning in fall 2024.

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3D Printing for Electric Vehicles