With the funding from the European Union, the University of Cyprus (UCY) is spearheading the establishment of the Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Competence Centre (AM2C3). Although the funding amount is undisclosed, this initiative brings together expertise from Cyprus, Norway, Switzerland, and Spain. Partners in the project include Norway’s Foundation of Industrial and Technical Research (SINTEF), the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA), and Spain’s IMDEA Materials Institute with Dr. María Teresa Pérez-Prado, head of the Sustainable Metallurgy Research Group, will work closely with UCY researchers leading IMDEA’s contributions. Together, these organizations will develop advanced methodologies and characterisation techniques for Al-MMCs, which are known for their strength-to-weight ratios and suitability for high-value aerospace applications. IMDEA Materials team. Photo via IMDEA Materials. A hub for advanced materials By creating a hub for innovation, this project aims to address growing aerospace industry demands for low-volume, high-performance material solutions. In… read more
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High-precision 3D scanner manufacturer 3DMakerpro has launched its new Moose 3D scanner series. Scheduled for release today, March 28th, the handheld scanners offer a seamless blend of user-friendly features and powerful scanning capabilities, catering to beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Priced at $699 for Moose and $399 for Moose Lite, these devices aim to make 3D scanning accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the company is offering an early bird discount of approximately 35% off for both Moose and Moose Lite from March 28th to April 28th. “Launching Moose and Moose Lite is a significant step forward in handheld 3D scanning. We’re excited to offer intuitive features and impressive performance to users. As we continue to innovate at 3DMakerpro, Moose provides an easy entry for expert 3D scanning and modeling.” says 3DMakerpro. 3DMakerpro’s new Moose 3D scanner series. Image via 3DMakerpro. Specializing in 3D scanning devices, 3DMakerpro aims to offer… read more
German research organization Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT will showcase its new 3D printing beam shaping technology at Formnext 2024. Working with the Chair of Technology of Optical Systems (TOS) at RWTH Aachen University, the new platform, the Fraunhofer team is developing a test system for investigating complex laser beam profiles. This platform can create customized beam profiles for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 3D printing, enhancing part quality, process stability and productivity, while minimizing material waste. Fraunhofer ILT’s new system uses Liquid Crystal on Silicon – Spatial Light Modulators (LCoS-SLMs) to selectively bend the phase front of the laser beam during 3D printing. It can reportedly achieve more complex profiles than the basic ring and rectangular shapes achieved in previous research. This will allow researchers to investigate almost any beam profile used in LPBF. The complex profiles can then be matched with specific industrial 3D printing applications to… read more
The US Air Force is completing its evaluation of 3D-printed microvanes designed to reduce drag on C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. These small blade-like components, measuring 4 x 16 inches, are installed at the rear of the aircraft’s fuselage using adhesive. The modification aims to decrease drag by one percent and improve fuel efficiency. Testing of the microvanes concluded in October 2023, with trials including assault strip and air refueling operations. The first C-17 equipped with these devices is currently stationed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York, where it has been operating successfully for over a year, including deployment missions. Microvanes installed on a C-17 Globemaster III at Stewart Air National Guard Base. (Image Credit: US Air Force) The Air Force projects significant cost benefits from this modification, with an estimated return on investment within seven months and annual fuel savings exceeding $14 million. “Every gallon of… read more
Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the University of Maine have developed a groundbreaking single-piece, recyclable natural-material floor panel through advanced 3D printing techniques. This novel panel, designed to substitute traditional steel in construction, was unveiled at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 Housing Innovation Showcase on the National Mall. The project is a key initiative under the Sustainable Materials & Manufacturing Alliance for Renewable Technologies (SM2ART) program, which focuses on creating environmentally friendly construction solutions. The SM2ART Nfloor cassette panel represents a significant advancement in building construction, particularly for apartment and condominium structures. By replacing conventional steel-and-concrete assemblies, the panel offers a sustainable alternative that maintains structural integrity while reducing environmental impact. Katie Copenhaver, a researcher at ORNL, emphasized the ecological benefits, stating, “By utilizing bio-based, large-scale 3D printing, we replaced an assembly made from 31 parts and three materials… read more
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