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
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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
The 3D scanner manufacturer Revopoint unveiled their flagship product, MIRACO 3D Scanner, in October 2023. Revopoint is a global leader in consumer and professional 3D scanning technology designed to make 3D modeling accessible to everyone. Their robust R&D and advanced production capabilities produce cutting-edge technologies, ranging from micro-structured optical chips to high-precision 3D vision algorithms. A versatile and precise scanning device for diverse industries The MIRACO 3D scanner offers a variety of features and applications that cater to a broad spectrum of industries, promising to redefine the way of approaching 3D scanning. With an emphasis on versatility and precision, the MIRACO 3D scanner is designed to handle objects of various sizes, offering accuracy levels ranging from 0.05 mm for complex details to 0.3 mm for larger surfaces. Equipped with a high-resolution 48MP RGB camera, it delivers detailed and vibrant color captures. Notably, it is also the world’s lightest standalone 3D… read more
A recent advance in bioprinting from the Collins BioMicrosystems Laboratory at the University of Melbourne could significantly reshape tissue engineering. Researchers at the lab, led by biomedical engineer David Collins, have introduced a new 3D bioprinting approach called Dynamic Interface Printing (DIP). Unlike traditional methods that slowly build tissue layer by layer, DIP employs acoustic waves to guide cells into precise configurations, producing complex human tissues in seconds—a process previously hindered by speed and structural limitations. This breakthrough offers the potential for customized, high-fidelity tissue structures with applications across regenerative medicine and disease modeling. The approach can reportedly achieve 3D printing speeds around 350 times faster than those of traditional bioprinters, reducing the chances of cell damage while maintaining high structural accuracy. Most current bioprinters rely on layer-by-layer construction, which often compromises cell viability due to prolonged exposure times and complex post-processing steps. Once printed, tissue structures typically require delicate… read more
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