February 18, 2022 Leave a Comment Companies offering additive manufacturing files of their wares for customers to print is nothing new. Most of these digital items do however tend to be very niche products, designed for certain tastes, or for very specific products. In order to enable a little more creativity and freedom (with fewer headaches) as far as these files are concerned, automaker Ford has recently announced that they are releasing CAD models, not of functional parts, but of part interfaces. The interfaces can be printed and mounted to something like a “hardpoint” (a slot) on the Ford Maverick, and customers can print whatever they want and mount it to the interface. But why? Because designing things to fit onto other things that you haven’t designed yourself is a chore at the best of times, even with the right meteorological tools. Add the complicated curved surfaces of a modern… read more
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Luxembourg-based 3D scanner manufacturer Artec 3D has launched a new and improved version of its Artec Leo system. Featuring the same built-in touchscreen and wireless functionality as its predecessor, but twice the power, the firm says that its 2022 Artec Leo is capable of providing users with “improved vibrant color capture” and “guaranteed accuracy.” Powered by an upgraded NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor, the unit also has a huge 160,000 cm3 capture zone, meaning that it can scan objects over 200cm in size, ranging from auto-parts to people and spaces, potentially lending it CSI suitability. “The Artec Leo was the industry’s first AI-powered wireless 3D scanner, making it truly revolutionary,” said Artyom Yukhin, President and CEO of Artec 3D. “We’ve [now] taken that a step further to ensure anyone using the 2022 Artec Leo feels confident that they’re getting top-tier, professional results with guaranteed accuracy and sharper data.” Aiming for accessible… read more
A research team from Utrecht University has successfully fabricated working livers using a newly developed ultrafast volumetric 3D bioprinting method. By means of visible light tomography, the volumetric bioprinting method enabled the successful printing of miniature stem cell units by making the cells “transparent”, which meant they retained their resolution and ability to perform biological processes. Printed in less than 20 seconds, the liver units were able to perform key toxin elimination processes mimicking those that natural livers perform in our bodies, and could open new opportunities for regenerative medicine and personalized drug testing. Volumetric bioprinting of liver-like metabolic biofactories. Image via Advanced Materials. Ultrafast volumetric 3D bioprinting The Utrecht team first demonstrated their volumetric bioprinting technique in 2019 with the creation of free-form tissue structures. The method differs from current bioprinting processes which are based on layer-by-layer deposition and assembly of repetitive building blocks, such as cell-laden hydrogels and… read more
DigiFabster DigiFabster is an AM service provider based out of Pasedena, California, and this week they are launching their new eCommerce platform that promises to reduce the time for quotations on AM and CNC manufactured parts. Model viewer (Image credit: DigiFabster) The goal of the platform is to enable manufacturing companies of all sizes to switch to an online platform, to capitalize on the innovations offered by the growing digital manufacturing front. The plug-and-play, white label, software-as-a-service (SaaS) allows customers to upload models and place orders super quick, and it helps manufacturing shops of all sizes to increase their revenue in the rapidly changing industry that is AM. Online Shopping for AM The pandemic has certainly seen engineers turn to an online approach in terms of getting things manufactured and delivered without the hassle of human interaction, and this new platform promises to optimize things further. According to the press… read more
Our series looking at additive manufacturing with VAT photopolymerization continues with insights from Karsten Müller, Sales Director, Rapid Shape GmbH, Germany. Based in southern Germany, Rapid Shape has over ten years of experience in specialized 3D printing systems for dentistry, hearing aids, jewelry, and industrial markets. With 3D printing systems including the I50+ and I100+, Rapid Shape provides a range of solutions from prototyping to production. We need your insights. How do you see the resin 3D printing market and where can improvements be made? Take the Spotlight on Resin 3D Printing survey now. Rapid Shape systems connected together to form a dental production line. Photo via Rapid Shape. 3DPI: How have you seen resin-based 3D printing develop in recent years? Karsten Müller: Even three to four years ago, we haven’t seen real applicable resin out there in the market for industrial use. Photopolymer resin always was to be used… read more
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