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Auburn University Adds CF3D Enterprise System to Strengthen Huntsville Hypersonics Research Hub

December 28, 2025 |

Auburn University, a public land-grant research university, has strengthened its advanced manufacturing portfolio with the addition of a CF3D Enterprise system from Continuous Composites, now installed at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus. The new capability reinforces the Huntsville site’s position within a rapidly expanding regional hub for hypersonic research and development. This investment reflects Auburn’s continued focus on next-generation composite manufacturing. Paired with the CF3D Studio software, the system enables the production of high-performance continuous-fiber composite structures, supporting research efforts that address some of the most demanding challenges in aerospace and defense applications. The CF3D Enterprise Cell. Photo via Auburn University. A Strategic Location for Hypersonics Research The Huntsville campus is embedded within a dense network of defense contractors, aerospace companies, and organizations leading key programs. The site hosts the Auburn University Applied Research Institute and offers adaptable laboratories, modeling and simulation tools, secure research spaces, and dedicated…    read more 

3D Printer Cost Calculator: Determine Your Printing Expenses Before You Start

Understanding the Basics of 3D Printing Costs 3D printing can be an exciting venture, but understanding the costs involved is critical for success. At its core, 3D printing expenses can be divided into material costs, operational costs, and overhead costs. Material costs encompass the filament or resin used for printing, which can vary widely based on the type and quality selected. In addition to materials, operational costs include electricity usage and wear and tear on the printer. Overhead costs can also include maintenance, software subscriptions, and labor if applicable. Recognizing these elements helps in creating a comprehensive budget. Key Factors Influencing 3D Printing Expenses Several key factors can significantly influence the overall expenses of 3D printing. The type of material you choose is one of the most impactful; for example, high-quality filaments like nylon or polycarbonate can be more expensive than standard PLA. Additionally, the complexity and size of your…    read more 

Coffee grounds for 3D printing? A unique take on sustainable options for molds

February 19, 2025 |

Researchers from the University of Washington (UW) have introduced a new way to 3D print mycelium-based biocomposites, sidestepping the need for traditional molds.  Led by Danli Luo, alongside Junchao Yang, and Nadya Peek this approach uses a specialized 3D printable paste called Mycofluid, a custom-built 3D printing system named Fungibot, and an incubation process that allows mycelium to grow within printed structures.  Published in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing journal, the study highlights how this method could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication without compromising on functionality. Mycelium biocomposites offer structural strength and hydrophobic properties, but rigid molds limit design flexibility. Attempts with flexible formworks like knitting or weaving have led to uneven material distribution and structural inconsistencies, says the team. “We’re interested in expanding this to other bio-derived materials, such as other forms of food waste,” Luo said. “We want to broadly support this kind of…    read more 

New 3D Printing Technique Replicates Nature’s Finest Fibers

February 19, 2025 |

Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique capable of producing microfibers measuring just 1.5 microns in diameter. The advancement, detailed in a January 20 study published in Nature Communications, overcomes previous limitations in printing very thin, soft materials. A spiral structure produced using embedded 3D printing. (Image Credit: M. Tanver Hossain.) The team utilized a method called embedded printing, which deposits material into a gel mold rather than building layers from the ground up. This approach provides better support for delicate structures during the printing process. The researchers modified both the gel and printing ink to enable instant curing, preventing the thin filaments from breaking during production. “Achieving such high printing resolution means we now have the technological foundation to mimic the microfibers and hair-like structures found in nature, which exhibit remarkable functionalities,” said Wonsik Eom, an engineer at Dankook University who participated in the study. The printed fibers…    read more 

IperionX Awarded $47.1 Million DoD Contract to Strengthen U.S. Titanium Supply Chain

February 19, 2025 |

IperionX Limited, a U.S.-based materials company, has secured a US$47.1 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This funding is aimed at fortifying the U.S. Defense industrial base by advancing the development of a reliable, cost-effective, and fully integrated titanium supply chain—from mineral extraction to metal production—thereby enhancing national security and economic resilience. The agreement represents a combined investment of US$70.7 million, which will fund a two-phase development program over the next two years. In the first phase, the DoD has allocated US$5 million through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program, with IperionX contributing an additional US$1 million. These funds will expedite the Titan Critical Minerals Project in Tennessee, advancing it to project-ready status—an essential step in establishing a new domestic source of titanium, rare earths, and zircon critical minerals. The remaining US$42.1 million will be allocated to IperionX’s Titanium Manufacturing Campus in Virginia, ensuring vertical…    read more 

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