Sweden-based materials firm Gränges Powder Metallurgy has launched its very first additive manufacturing powder. Developed as part of the company’s DISPAL family of materials, AM S220 (AlSi35) is a high-performance aluminum alloy suitable for laser powder bed fusion 3D printing. The material is characterized by its high stiffness, low thermal expansion, excellent wear and tear behavior, good machinability, and low density. According to Gränges, the alloy’s properties are similar to those of steel, except it’s a third of the weight. This makes it a strong choice for performance applications in sectors such as aerospace and automotive. AM S220 aluminum alloy. Photo via Gränges Powder Metallurgy. 30 years of aluminum powder manufacturing Gränges boasts over 30 years of experience in aluminum powder manufacturing. The company actually developed and commercialized its original DISPAL S220 alloy back in the 1980s as part of a wider materials family. As such, S220 isn’t actually new,… read more
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Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed an artificial fingertip with the potential to allow amputees to ‘feel’ objects through prosthetic limbs. Formed from a series of 3D printed papillae, akin to those found just beneath the surface of human skin, the team’s ‘TacTip’ device is capable of sensing shapes before relaying this data in the form of artificial nerve signals. With further R&D, the researchers say their synthetic fingertip could revolutionize the world of robotics, or help improve the grip of those with prosthetic hands around the world. “Our work helps uncover how the complex internal structure of human skin creates our human sense of touch,” says Bristol Robotics Lab’s Professor Nathan Lepora. “This is an exciting development in the field of soft robotics – being able to 3D print tactile skin could create robots that are more dexterous or significantly improve the performance of prosthetic hands by… read more
April 10, 2022 Leave a Comment Snapmaker, the 3-in-1 3D printer manufacturer that found fame as the highest funded 3D printer on Kickstarter back in 2019 has announced a sale for the upcoming Easter season. Let’s take a look at what is on offer, for those who are interested in a 3-in-1 solution that is at once a 3D printer, a CNC router and a laser engraver. Read on to know more. 3-in-1 Fun Since the release of the original Snapmaker system back in 2019, the Shenzhen-based company has released new iterations and bundles for their flagship product. The Snapmaker Original is still available, with its 125 x 125 x 125mm print bed and this will be on sale for $439 (usual price is $699). For those wishing a bigger solution, the Snapmaker 2.0 is available in various sizes and bundles. The Snapmaker 2.0 comes in different forms including the… read more
Swedish multinational engineering firm Sandvik has announced the development of a novel 3D printable cemented carbide. Previously only used in manufacturing via other technologies, the material features a uniquely tough cobalt and tungsten carbide matrix structure, that lends it the durability needed to yield parts with properties suited to demanding applications. Using an in-house developed process, Sandvik says it has now come up with a new cemented carbide powder, which can more rapidly be 3D printed into objects that last “up to 20 times longer” than those produced from other steels or alloys. “Our powders are optimized to print components that look great, work well – and are fit for use in actual applications, demanding environments and serial production,” explains Anders Ohlsson, Lead Product Manager at Sandvik Additive Manufacturing. “It’s also well worth mentioning the ability to 3D print cemented carbide speeds up our time-to-market rather dramatically. Prototyping used to… read more
Metrology device manufacturer Shining 3D has launched its new FreeScan UE Pro 3D scanner. The handheld metrology-grade machine is the latest iteration of the firm’s high-performance FreeScan series and is based on the previously launched FreeScan UE. Operating on Shining’s own blue laser technology, the UE Pro aims to combine accuracy and ergonomics for a wide variety of medium to large part scanning applications. This includes quality assurance, inspection, reverse engineering, and additive manufacturing. Sunny Wong, Shining 3D’s Product Manager of Industrial Products, said, “Photogrammetry plays an important role in the 3D scanning of big objects, providing a guarantee of high accuracy. We fuse the power of laser and photogrammetry in the FreeScan UE Pro to provide a highly efficient all-in-one solution for large-scale 3D inspection and reverse engineering.” The FreeScan UE Pro. Photo via Shining 3D. Shining 3D’s scanner portfolio Based in China and founded in 2004, Shining 3D… read more
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