An Austrian company has developed an incredibly sophisticated end-to-end automation system for metal 3D print post processing.
manufacturing
MakerOS Announces “PAQ”
MakerOS announced a new feature for their integrated manufacturing management service: PAQ. We describe how it works.
Two Major Boeing Suppliers Working Together using 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Peter Favata examine how two of Boeing’s suppliers could make increased use of 3D printing technology.
ABB RobotStudio Adds 3D Printing Capability
ABB RobotStudio created a new kind of 3D printing technology for the company by combining robotics and deposition technology.
Electric Boat’s Largest New Attack Submarine Can Strike a Balance With 3D Printing
Charles Goulding looks at developments in the submarine construction industry where there may be a big opening for 3D printing.
Are Composites Disrupting 3D Printing?
Megan has some thoughts about the use of composite materials in 3D printing.
Will There Be Many Seismic Shifts Enabled By 3D Printing?
While there are breakthroughs occurring in several industries as a result of additive manufacturing, how many other industries could be affected?
3D Hubs Releases Latest Trends Report: Our Analysis
3D Hubs has released its now-annual report on manufacturing and 3D printing trends, and we take a look at their statistics.
Coronavirus Strikes 3D Printing
A significant outbreak of a coronavirus is affecting many things in China and beyond. But could this affect 3D printing?
Consolidated Aerospace Acquisition by Stanley Will Accelerate Aerospace 3D Printing
Stanley Black & Decker is set to acquire Boeing supplier Consolidated Aerospace, possibly increasing additive manufacturing activity.
3D Printed Midsole Manufacturing Coming?
A mysterious 3D printer is said to perform continuous manufacturing of footwear. We speculate on what this could be.
Question of the Week: 3D Printing Tree Branches In Metal
A reader inquires about the best method for 3D printing an artistic work in metal. We explore several options, some of which are quite expensive.
Exploring Ricoh’s3D Print Instant Quote System
We gave Ricoh’s new instant quote option for their 3D print services a test and were quite surprised with the result.
Sculpteo Opens Largest 3D Printing Annual Survey:
Sculpteo has opened up their annual survey for respondents, and it’s very important your viewpoint be registered.
Reviewing Xometry’s 3D Printing Trends
Xometry’s Greg Paulsen examines recent trends in additive manufacturing, and we provide some additional thoughts.
3YOURMIND’s Agile MES Automatically Builds Manufacturing Plans
3YOURMIND has found an interesting way to reduce a common way digital workflows are thwarted on the factory floor.
Big Changes Coming: Essentium Survey Reveals Significant Issues With Closed Material 3D Printing
A new survey of large-scale 3D printing operations from Essentium reveals what could be a fatal flaw in the strategies of most major 3D printer manufacturers who hope to move towards production additive manufacturing.
The Magic Behind Materialise
We had a chat with Materialise’s Stefaan Motte to find out what’s happening at the long-time 3D printing leader.
Volkswagen Shows Viability of Metal Additive Manufacturing in Automotive
Last year Volkswagen selected HP Metal Jet for the high volume manufacturing of production-grade metal parts, as the foundation for its strategy to industrialize additive manufacturing with a multi-year design and production roadmap.
Launching New Products Has Never Been Easier, Thanks To 3D Printing
Protolabs assisted the development of an award-winning consumer product, demonstrating the power of today’s manufacturing services.
dp polar’s Unusual AMpolar i2 HSR 3D Printer
dp polar has developed a very unusual 3D printer that uses a large rotating platform to manufacture large quantities of parts in a single print job.
Space-Based Manufacturing Project Hints at Digital Manufacturing Constraints
Some thoughts about in-space manufacturing suggest a slightly different view of what digital inventory projects could or could not achieve on the ground.
Optimizing Machining and Workholding for Metal Additive Manufacturing
What is the best way to set up additive manufacturing jobs to ensure production finishing can take place?
New, Faster Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Process Independently Verified
Researchers at Deakin University studying the chemical reactions that take place during the production of carbon fiber composites developed a method which dramatically cuts the time and energy required for these reactions.
3D Printing Innovation in America and the R&D Tax Credit
Charles Goulding and Greer Veon examine how 3D printing is affecting the progress of innovation.
Is A Robotic Assembly System Really A 3D Printer?
New research from the University of Stuttgart demonstrates the possibility of using an assembly technique for 3D printing.
Five Unending Myths About 3D Printing
There are five myths about 3D printing that just won’t go away. We list and explain all of them.
Could 3D Printing Save The Automotive Industry?
HP’s metal 3D printing work with Volkswagen portends a 3D printed future for automakers seeking to catch up in the race to produce electric vehicles.
3D Printing and the $35 Billion Sales Industry
What happens if the 3D printing industry actually grows to the extent predicted by forecasters? What kind of additive manufacturing opportunities exist?
Prusa Leaks New Firmware Features; Suggests Future Model Features
Prusa Research issued some news about their new Original Prusa MINI desktop 3D printer, and it leads to some interesting speculation.
Why We Cover Large and Small 3D Printers
Some may wonder why this publication covers both small-scale DIY 3D printing and at the same time large-scale industrial production additive manufacturing. We explain our thinking.
An Update on The Progress of Additive industries
Additive Industries announced a series of interesting technical and corporate moves that should power their expansion. We speculate on what they could mean for the 3D printing industry.
3D Printing and Commercial Refrigeration
Charles Goulding and Peter Favata of R&D Tax Savers take a look at how the commercial refrigeration industry is beginning to make production use of 3D printing technology.
The Transformation of Loop 3D
Loop 3D has completely switched gears and after two years has released a powerful industrial 3D printer. We found out all about it and its numerous features.
An Update On Lynxter’s 3D Printers
Lynxter’s S600D industrial 3D printer just got a lot better with a new liquid extrusion system. We found out which materials it can print.
Dassault Systèmes Deepens Partnership With RIZE
Dassault Systèmes has integrated RIZE 3D printing technology directly into their CAD software products to aid manufacturers. We know why they did so.
Printsyst Partners With DNA.me For Additive Manufacturing Process Automation
Printsyst and DNA.me have partnered to combine their respective expertise on additive manufacturing automation. We speculate on what may happen in the long term.
The Secret To A Successful Manufacturing Network
DiManEx has developed a comprehensive service providing an end-to-end approach to 3D printing and other manufacturing services.
Additive Manufacturing: Bridging The Gap From Craft To Automation
What happens when your skilled craft workers retire? You switch to additive manufacturing. See the details in this interesting case study.
Oqton Does It All In Additive Manufacturing
Oqton has finally revealed the scope of their massive AI-powered database and its ability to provide a wide variety of services to optimize all types of additive manufacturing workflows. We saw examples of their capabilities.
Tritone’s MoldJet Technology Well Suited For Production Use
Tritone announced a revolutionary 3D printing process called “MoldJet” that 3D prints molds and casts objects during the 3D printing process.
Signify To 3D Print Massive Quantities of Light Shades And Fixtures
Signify announced a plan to mass customize lighting products using 3D printing technology, potentially requiring as many as 500 3D printers.
3D Printed Parts with 60% Continuous Carbon Fiber?
Is it possible to 3D print parts made from 60% continuous carbon fiber? There is, and we learned how it is done.
AMT’s Automated Post Processing System
AMT’s new automated post processing system for 3D printing could enable massive scalability. We found out how it works.
Why Did BASF Acquire Sculpteo?
3D print service Sculpteo is to be acquired by BASF, but why is a chemical company buying a service company, something they’ve never done before? We found out why.
Book of the Week: Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry
This week’s selection is “Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry” by Francis Froes and Rodney Boyer.
Trends and Impressions of Formnext 2019
Formnext 2019 was the largest 3D printing event ever held in history. We list the top trends seen at the growing trade show.
Survey Indicates Massive Growth in Industrial 3D Printing
Essentium commissioned an extensive survey of manufacturers to determine additive manufacturing usage and intentions. The results were very surprising.
Attention Metal Workshops: Desktop Metal’s New Shop System Announced
Desktop Metal announced a new low-cost binder jet metal 3D printer for metal workshops, including high resolution capability and integrated end-to-end part production.
Is It Possible To 3D Print Spacecraft?
It has now been demonstrated it’s possible to 3D print spacecraft parts in thermoplastic thanks to an experiment by CRP Technology.
Farsoon’s Powder-Eating CAMS System
Farsoon completed customer beta-testing of their powerful HT1001P CAMS nylon 3D printing production system, which can 3D print continuously.
What Is Digital Inventory And How Does It Work?
Digital Inventory is a new approach to manufacturing and few know how it works. We spoke with Dominik Lindenberger of 3YOURMIND to find out more.
Kennametal Turns to AM to Drive Growth, Product Innovation
In a press release last week, Kennametal announced the launch of a new business unit focused on additive manufacturing (AM).
Book of the Week: Building Open Source Hardware
This week’s selection is “Building Open Source Hardware” by Alicia Gibb.
Carbon’s Manufacturing Strategy Continues
Carbon has a fascinating strategy for increasing use of their powerful DLS 3D printers in manufacturing, and we found one example of how they’re doing it.
Value-Added Inspection
Measurement is often seen as non-value-added work. However, if we properly account for the expected costs involved in passing defects on to customers, then the increased value of the product can be clearly shown.
A New Portal For Additive Manufacturing Standards
ANSI and America Makes open a new online portal for additive manufacturing standards.
Manufacturing Aids As Leading 3D Printing Application
Charles Goulding and Dylan Comerford of R&D Tax Savers discuss 3D printing in creating all-important manufacturing aids.
Photocentric Working Directly With Manufacturing Clients
Photocentric’s growth strategy includes working directly with manufacturing clients to obtain feedback on their engineering resins.
National Manufacturing Day 2019: Expert Roundtable On “Additive Manufacturing: The Next Frontier”
It’s National Manufacturing Day, perfect for a meeting of the minds to discuss additive manufacturing.
FATHOM Acquisition Creates Digital Manufacturing Powerhouse
Digital manufacturing is the focus for a significant new acquisition.
The Busy Hidden Uses Of 3D Printing
Are there hidden use cases for 3D printing that are incredibly powerful? We’ve found some before, now here’s another one.
3D Printing And The Rise Of Professional Designer Artisan Fabricators
Charles R. Goulding & Preeti Sulibhavi of R&D Tax Savers examine 3D printing applications in artisanal fabrication.
Is Traditional Manufacturing Feeling The Heat From Additive Manufacturing?
Traditional manufacturing is a well understood major global industry. But will it be replaced by additive manufacturing? We do some analysis.
Accelerating Aerospace: Part Two
Additive manufacturing promises to make aircraft fly higher, faster, and more fuel-efficiently than ever before.
Accelerating Aerospace: Part One
Additive manufacturing promises to make aircraft fly higher, faster, and more fuel-efficiently than ever before.
Stratasys Invests Big Time in Xaar, But Why?
Why would Stratasys invest so much in Xaar? Our thoughts lead directly to Stratasys’ new product strategy, and it’s not like their previous products at all.
Executive Interview: Stratasys Direct CEO Kent Firestone, Part Two
We chat with the CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing about the rise of 3D printing for production, service bureau adoption, and the outlook for additive manufacturing.
Executive Interview: Stratasys Direct CEO Kent Firestone, Part One
We chat with the CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing about the rise of 3D printing for production, service bureau adoption, and the outlook for additive manufacturing.
The Non-Obvious Additive Manufacturing Needs Of Contract Manufacturing
A lot goes into the business of contract manufacturing, and a recent visit to Stratasys Direct Manufacturing highlighted some major considerations.
Stuck In the Doghouse Of The Future: Why Some Companies Can’t Do Additive Manufacturing
Why don’t companies adopt additive manufacturing? There are cultural, organizational and financial barriers to overcome that could block incorporation of 3D printing.
Who Really Made Your 3D Printer? The Secret Manufacturers You Don’t See
Who actually built your 3D printer? In many cases it was not the vendor you bought it from, and in fact was made by a contract manufacturer.
How Additive Manufacturing Complements Conventional Plastics Production
Doing traditional manufacturing? You may want to consider integrating additive manufacturing or 3D printing into your polymer production line.
Autodesk Introduces Fusion 360 Extensions
Using Autodesk Fusion 360 for manufacturing? Autodesk has introduced extensions to the popular 3D CAD software to enhance manufacturing and additive operations.
The Manufacturing Methods Of MakerBot’s METHOD X 3D Printer
Yesterday, MakerBot introduced its new METHOD X manufacturing-focused 3D printer; we have more insights from company executives on its design and applications.
MakerBot Introduces Manufacturing-Focused METHOD X 3D Printer
A few months after introducing its professionally-focused METHOD 3D printer, MakerBot is announcing an advanced update: the manufacturing-focused METHOD X.
On-Demand Manufacturing And eCommerce
3D printing is part of a growing on-demand manufacturing ecosystem that is in turn set to become part of the even larger eCommerce industry as Xometry and Alibaba.com announce a partnership.
When Should You Combine 3D Printing and CNC Machining?
Here’s a look at when it might be necessary to CNC machine a 3D printed part, plus some tips for machining parts after you’ve created them.
Machine Learning System Detects Manufacturing Defects using Photos
Machine learning can be used for more than violating your privacy for a social media challenge.
3YOURMIND Receives €1.3M Investment For Machine Learning – But For What?
What is 3YOURMIND doing with €1.3M Investment? They say they will increase machine learning in their services, but for what? We have some speculation.
Nanofabrica Claims Low-Volume Micro-Manufacturing Capability
Looking to manufacture very tiny parts? Nanofabrica has a 3D printing system using DLP that can produce objects with incredibly small resolution of 1.9 microns.
How Are Large 3D Printers Manufactured?
Have you ever wondered how large industrial 3D printers are manufactured? Roboze explains to us how this is actually done for their high-temperature Argo 500.
Creativity In Approach Thinking: Design For Additive Manufacturing
The psychology of thinking differently can be applied to design for additive manufacturing.
Drones Are Taking Off Rapidly With Help From 3D Printers
Cameron Torti and Charles Goulding of R&D Tax Savers examine 3D printing’s impact on drones.
Relativity Space Spends US$59M On Massive 3D Printer Farm
Relativity Space has signed a deal with NASA to develop a rocket-printing factory.
Book of the Week: Additive Manufacturing Change Management
This week’s selection is “Additive Manufacturing Change Management: Best Practices” by David M. Dietrich, Michael Kenworthy, and Elizabeth A. Cudney.
What Makes A 3D Printer Successful?
There are several factors that determine whether a 3D printer is successful.
Heineken Toasts To Ultimaker
3D printing tooling is something for beer company Heineken to toast.
Origin’s Origin One Manufacturing 3D Printer
Origin has finally revealed their mysterious 3D printer: The Origin One.
Sintavia Opens Massive Advanced Manufacturing Plant
Sintavia opened a 55,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility, featuring 3D printing.
Xometry Pulls in Another $50 Million
Xometry has announced $50 million in equity funding.
HP’s Production-Focused Jet Fusion 5200 Series
Among HP’s announcements today is its new Jet Fusion 5200 Series of 3D printers.
Fictiv’s Survey On Production
Fictiv released the results of a survey of their manufacturing clients and found some interesting results.
3Diligent Expands Reach of Digital Manufacturing Network
On-demand manufacturing is of great interest around the world, and access is widening.
30 Years In 3D Printing: A Chat With EOS
This week, EOS celebrates its 30th anniversary. EOS North America President Glynn Fletcher offers a look into operations and a look ahead in industry.