3DSystems invented 3D printing technology in 1989 and remain one of the leading manufacturers of the technology. The company offers a wide range of products, from industrial grade to consumer grade, in all price ranges. They have 3D printers for large and small manufacturing, home enthusiasts, and specialty printers for the medical field.
By now you are aware of the amazing feats accomplished by 3-D printing technology. Popular Mechanics magazine just reported on the first 3-D printed car, a historic moment for additive manufacturing and automotive design. The Strati, by Local Motors out of Phoenix, Arizona, is created using a blueprint design from a CAD file (computer aided design), that is
XYZprinting is a relatively new company, founded in 2013, but has already released several 3D printers to the public. They are committed to creating cost-effective products to the consumer market and businesses worldwide.
Photo from E-Nable (http://enablingthefuture.org) A hot topic in the additive manufacturing field is the impact that 3D Printing Services are having on the design and development of prosthetic limbs. Leading the way in this field are non-profit ventures e-NABLE, a network of 3-D printing volunteers, and Not Impossible Labs, out of Venice, California; who have harnessed the power of
How do you improve on a classic like toy soldiers? With the modern industry technology of 3D printing. From greater realism to higher durability, the possibilities are endless for how model figures can be updated and refined for a better re-enactment experience. Current toy soldier manufacturing generally includes casting of aluminum, plastic, lead, or even
Custom Detailed Toy Soliders created with 3D Printing Read More »
Aerospace is one of the main industries that can benefit from developments in 3D Printing The aerospace industry is a main market for additive manufacturing. This is not only because this sector has a long history of an early adopter of latest technology inventions, but also because it needs these inventions. Environmental performance restrictions, competitive
Breakthrough in medical devices, aerospace, automotive and other industries means that regulations for 3D printing are starting to become increasingly important. (Robohand image via MakerBot) High-tech industries such as aerospace and medical fields are turning to 3D printing as a replacement for standard manufacturing. What was once used as a way to produce prototypes, toys and other
Electronic devices and components, such as light switches, cell phones, and circuit boards, are typically made up of at least two different materials. Plastics often comprise the structure and substrate while metals like copper are necessary for conducting electricity. Any 3D printer can handle the plastic parts using easily-available filaments. However, the electronic portions require
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), known also as laser sintering, selective laser sintering or selective laser melting is an additive manufacturing process, already adopted by industries such as aerospace, automotive or defense for the production of high-quality components with specific mechanical characteristics. This is a process of powder bed fusion where thermal energy is applied
On October 29, 2014, Hewlett Packard released information about its Multi-Jet Fusion technology, and how it is capable of producing multi-colored, three-dimensional objects. HP’s announcement focused widespread attention on the new industry that is quickly evolving around 3D printing. In global terms, today’s manufacturing of parts using 3D printers is minuscule. However, most analysts expect that to
