3D Printing Materials

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 

Snapmaker, a manufacturer of multifunctional 3D printers, and Polymaker, a developer of advanced 3D printing materials, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving filament storage and usability within the 3D printing industry. This collaboration has led to the co-development of the SnapDryer, a modular device designed to efficiently dry and store various 3D printing filaments, addressing common issues related to moisture absorption that can compromise print quality. The SnapDryer stands as the first product emerging from this partnership, showcasing significant advancements in filament management. Engineered to handle multiple storage boxes through its dryer dock, the device ensures a reliable, moisture-proof seal for filaments. Supporting a wide range of materials—including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC, PVA, and breakaway support for PLA—the device accommodates filament diameters of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm. It can manage spool sizes up to 205 mm in diameter and 78 mm in thickness, operating…    read more 

Filament2, a company specializing in innovative 3D printing materials, announced the launch of the world’s first silicone filament compatible with standard FDM 3D printers at Formnext 2024. This development promises to expand the capabilities of additive manufacturing across various industries by removing the necessity for specialized equipment. Silicone is highly regarded for its flexibility, heat resistance, and durability, making it a preferred material in industries such as medical devices, automotive engineering, and consumer electronics. However, integrating silicone into 3D printing processes has traditionally been difficult due to the complexity and high costs associated with specialized machinery. Filament2’s new filament addresses these challenges by enabling the extrusion of pure silicone using any standard FDM printer. This innovation not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also makes silicone accessible to a wider range of users and applications. Demonstration of a flexible silicone component printed using the newly launched silicone filament. Photo via…    read more 

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 

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