Kategorie: Science

  • Creator Shows How To Make a 3D Scanner Using Rasperry Pi Cameras

    Creator Shows How To Make a 3D Scanner Using Rasperry Pi Cameras

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    The arrangement takes four images at the same time to create a 3D model of the object.

    A creator on Hackaday has developed a novel scanner which can instantly capture a 3D surface. Going by the name ‘Jolar’, the developer has been busy refining his 3D scanner project from Oxford Hackspace.

    The scanner consists of four Raspberry Pi Zero cameras which can capture the desired object from different angles. The cameras are synchronized and images are uploaded to the cloud once ready.

    The fitted projector projects a random pattern onto an object. However, for the projector to zoom more closely, Jolar fitted a lens from a pair of reading glasses.

    In combination, the cameras and projector capture the four images which are then uploaded for processing to a laptop.

    The 3D scanner also includes a Multi-View Stereo (MVS) algorithm that then turns the four images into a 3D model.

    The MVS matches up features within each image in order for the distance to be triangulated. By projecting multiple features onto an object, a more accurate 3D mesh can be returned.

    Jolar uses VisualSFM, an application for 3D reconstruction that uses motion, to do the image processing. The resulting files are then opened in MeshLab or CAD.


    Scanning with Raspberries

    It’s not the first time Raspberry Pi cameras have been used in connection with 3D printing.

    Indeed, user ‘Richard’ has created a Raspberry Pi 3D Scanner which consists of 100 of the Pi cameras. It allows him to take full body shots of people or animals (even the ones who don’t like to sit still).

    A model from 100 photos can then be created using Autodesk Recap 360 or Agisoft Photoscan. In turn, these models are then used to develop the 3D print.


    100 Raspberry Pies scanner. (Image: Pi3DScan)

    Source: Hackaday & Pi3DScan

    Website: LINK

  • Surprises From Makergear and Anet in 3D Hubs Trend Report Q1 2018

    Surprises From Makergear and Anet in 3D Hubs Trend Report Q1 2018

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    MakerGear! HP! Anet! New York City! Some intriguing new developments in the 3D printing industry, if the latest 3D Hubs Trend Report is any indication.

    It’s the beginning of a New Year and a new quarter, and for 3D printing fanatics that means only one thing. It’s time for another 3D Hubs Trend Report.

    The 3D Hubs Trend Report is put together every three months using data from 6,000 active international service providers. Between them, they fabricate more than 200,000 3D printed parts every quarter. In turn, customers will routinely rate and review the quality of the prints they have received.

    The scale of this activity is truly unique; studying the data provides an extensive overview of the latest trends in both consumer and industrial 3D printing.

    Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest findings from Q1 2018 spanning October to December.

    The big news is that the Makergear M2 has leapfrogged from the #6 position to #1. It has a 4.89 print quality rating from 133 reviews.

    The Ultimaker 2+ made an even bigger jump coming from #9 to #2. The machine has a improved print quality rating of 4.88 compared to its 4.79 in Q4.

    Rounding out the top three is the Original Prusa i3 MK2, with a 4.86 print quality rating from 813 reviews. Significantly, these are the biggest quantity of reviews in the desktop chart.

    Also of interest is the first appearance of the Anet A8 in the chart at #6. It joins the Creality CR-10 as an extremely low-budget 3D printer kit capable of delivering satisfactory results. At least, as far as the 3D Hubs community is concerned.

    But it’s been a rocky quarter for the Formlabs Form 2, occupying perhaps its lowest position in the top ten since the trend report began. But with a difference of less than 0.09 between #1 to #10, it’s worth noting that the quality band between the machines in the list has become extremely narrow.


    3d hubs trend report

    3D Hubs Trend Report Shows Continued Growth for HP MultiJet Fusion

    For industrial additive manufacturing, the HP MJF 4200 is now the #1 most used industrial machine on 3D Hubs, moving up from #2 in Q4 and creating over 2,000 parts.

    In terms of geographical hot-spots, New York has reclaimed their position as the #1 Print City in the world. Better luck next quarter, London. There’s also good news for the US West Coast, where California dominates the list with 40% of the cities listed in their state (San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Berkeley).

    Amsterdam is another capital city flying the flag for the European continent, whilst Toronto rounds out the top ten as the only city representing Canada.

    For this quarter four areas of data where omitted. The reason for this change is down to a 3D Hubs waiting list being introduced to balance supply and demand in various regions. Categories such as Trending Printers, Printer Model distribution and Printer Manufacturer distribution are still featured on their blog.

    You can read the full 3D Hubs Trend Report for all these insights and more, while reports from previous quarters can be found here. Check back in three months for the next exciting update.


    3d hubs trend report

    Website: LINK

  • Edgytokei is a 3D Printed Clock Inspired by Nunchucks

    Edgytokei is a 3D Printed Clock Inspired by Nunchucks

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    This is a clock design inspired by martial arts weaponry banned from playgrounds all over the world. What could possibly go wrong? Meet the Edgytokei, made with Arduino and 3D printing.

    Don’t Miss: 3D Printed Clock: 19 Great Projects to Tell the Time

    Designer Ekaggrat Singh Kalsi created a faceless clock that is able to tell time with two hands — but it never makes a full rotation. Whoah.

    The way Edgytokei works is that an Arduino Nano powers a novel mechanical gear assembly via a pair of motors. In turn, this causes the two hands to physically switch positions between the second arm being mounted on the base and on the tip of the first arm.

    This unique and challenging representation of time changes form every fifteen minutes. As Kalsi explains on his project page:

    “The Edgytokei which literally means edge clock is inspired from the Japanese nunchucks. Just like the nunchucks the clock is just a pair of two arms displaying time by balancing themselves on the edge,” he says.

    “The clock consists of two arms and the base on which the arms are anchored. Both the arms are of equal length as the role of the arms changes with different hours of the day.”

    Check it out in action in the video below, and see if you can tell the time:

    Edgytokei is Made with Arduino and 3D Printing

    Did you manage to figure it out? If not, then allow Kalsi to elaborate further.

    “The fulcrum of the clock flips from the center to the left or right of the clock every quarter hour so that the clock can stand on the edge to represent the time between quarter past and quarter to hour,” he says.

    “This flipping of the arms keeps the clock dancing on the edge throughout the day. The base which contains the electronics of the clock provides a anchor for the clock and prevents the arms from falling over.”

    Because the positioning of the arms have to avoid crashing into each other, Kalsi had to roll up his sleeves when it came to programming the clock. All the unique positions of all the hours had to be elaborated. And naturally, the entirety of the housing and arms are 3D printed on a custom dual color Corey machine.

    As it happens, this isn’t Kalsi’s first rodeo with 3D printed clockmaking. Last year he shared Torlo on Thingiverse, a project which is only marginally more conventional. You can still still the arms of a clock to tell the time, but it functions by rotating discs with fixed arms.


    edgytokei

    Website: LINK

  • Huisman Manufactures World’s First 3D Printed Crane Hook That Passes 80 Ton Load Test

    Huisman Manufactures World’s First 3D Printed Crane Hook That Passes 80 Ton Load Test

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Huisman has created the world’s first heavy-duty 3D printed crane. Could this bring big changes to the way we manufacture subsea equipment and cranes?

    Huisman, the worldwide operating company for lifting, drilling, and subsea solutions manufactured and tested the world’s first 3D printed offshore crane hook at the beginning of this year.

    Just because the crane is 3D printed doesn’t mean it’s any less sturdy, however. In fact, it also passes a load test of 80 tons. Plus, the crane also underwent strict quality control checks – which it also passed.

    The company is known for designing and manufacturing heavy construction equipment. And, although they may have been founded in 1929, their methods are anything but outdated.

    They’re rapidly adopting new technology and reaping the benefits. To create the crane, the company uses Wire and Arc Additive Manufacture (WAAM).

    With this technique, Huisman can produce large components from high grade tensile steel. For example, a large 4-prong hook with a printed weight close to roughly 2,200 lbs (1,000kg).

    Traditionally, crane hooks are manufactured by forging or casting. However, Huisman’s 3D printing approach could completely change this.

    After all, this technology has also brought huge improvements in other areas of manufacturing, such as automotive and aerospace.


    Huisman

    3D Printing Improves Subsea Equipment Manufacturing

    As with many of its applications, 3D printing saves both time and costs. The company states in a press release that the cost of the 3D printed crane definitely competes with forgings and castings.

    Also, when it comes to large crane hooks, by having a WAAM machine on site, Huisman doesn’t have the problem of late deliveries. What’s more, the company add that 3D printing offers “a more consistent level of quality.”

    In addition to crane hooks, WAAM can also be useful in manufacturing other components for Huisman.

    For example, if they’re developing a part with a complex shape, the technology is the perfect way to produce it quickly or even with different materials.

    Thanks to the successful test results from the 3D printed crane, Huisman is now able to go ahead with creating components that were previously “physically impossible or commercially infeasible”.

    Better yet, the 3D printed components should prove to be just as reliable as commercially bought parts.

    However, the company isn’t finished with pushing the limits of 3D printing just yet.

    In fact, they hope to create cheaper parts using WAAM technology and push for an increase in manufacturing capabilities. So, keep an eye out for items of 2,200 lb (1000kg) printed weight.

    Intrigued? Check out the Huisman website for future updates and more information.

    Source: Huisman Press Release


    Huisman

    Website: LINK

  • 3D Printing and Facial Reconstruction Help Identify Eight Victims from US-Mexico Border

    3D Printing and Facial Reconstruction Help Identify Eight Victims from US-Mexico Border

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    Artists from New York are using facial reconstruction to help formally identify the remains of eight dead men who were found on the US-Mexico border. The skulls were 3D scanned in Arizona and sent to New York for 3D printing and reconstruction.

    Since 2000, there have been 1,004 people found dead in Arizona, USA, who have never been formally identified. Now, artists from New York are the final hope for identifying eight men whose skulls remain with the medical examiner of Pima County.

    The artists are from the New York Academy of Art. To help identify the men, they sculpted facial reconstructions. However, this process is complicated as the students only have a 3D printed skull to work from.

    But, the motivation is strong as they’re helping to provide answers for the, presumed migrant’s, families. “If we can’t raise any other leads in any other way, then putting a face on a skull is usually a positive thing to do,” said Bruce Anderson, the Pima County medical examiner.

    With 3D printing technology, facial reconstruction is a cheaper and less time-consuming process. The skulls of the eight men were scanned in Arizona by Faro, a 3D technology company.

    These scans were then emailed to New York and 3D printed by a medical examiner. Clay and other materials are then meticulously added to the skull until a face is formed in front of the student.


    Facial Reconstruction

    Providing Answers for Families

    Answers to these eight cases are likely to be difficult to come by. The reason being that when a migrant is missing, families are often reluctant to contact the authorities.

    Another big reason is the lack of information collected on missing people who were last seen crossing the border. Without a central agency, it can be very hard to trace the person back to their family.

    “We provide answers to families. They are very painful answers, but they are answers owed to families. In our office here, we make no distinction between American citizens and foreign nationals in doing everything we can to identify a person and determine a cause of death,” Anderson explains.

    The New York Academy of Art first held a forensic sculpture class in 2015. Joe Mullins is a forensic artist who teaches the class. He has also worked for 18 years at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “Just because they died trying to come here that doesn’t mean they should lose their identity,” he adds.

    The class is five days and, by the fourth day, 3D printed skulls become fully formed faces. Mullins explains that the room is silent and it’s clear when a reconstruction is complete. He explains: “I stop when I see someone staring back at me.”

    After the face is complete, they’re added to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs, where hopefully someone will recognize them.

    Source: The Guardian


    Facial Reconstruction

    Website: LINK

  • New 3D Printing Technique Allows For Better Control Of Composite Material Fiber Orientation

    New 3D Printing Technique Allows For Better Control Of Composite Material Fiber Orientation

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    A newly developed 3D printing technique is making it easier to control the orientation of fibers of engineered composites.

    Developed by a team at Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), so-called “rotational 3D printing” allows for an improved arrangement of rotation and speed of the 3D printer nozzle. In return, this enables researchers to align embedded fibers into polymer matrices.

    Composite materials such as wood or bone offer many advantages and properties that are sought after by engineers, including stiffness and strength. However, emulating the features of these materials has been exceptionally difficult – until now.

    Rotational 3D printing allows for various combinations of fillers and matrices to create unique properties in printed parts.

    Jennifer A. Lewis, who is an expert in 3D printing and Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard SEAS, explains: “Being able to locally control fiber orientation within engineered composites has been a grand challenge. We can now pattern materials in a hierarchical manner, akin to the way that nature builds.”


    Bone structure patterns are very hard to 3D print – with the new method, if could become easier.

    Create Less Damage-prone Designs

    By using a stepper motor to adjust the angular velocity of the printer nozzle as ink is extruded, rotational additive manufacturing can adjust the speed and rotation of the nozzle to more precisely layer fibers in polymer matrices.

    “Rotational 3D printing can be used to achieve optimal, or near optimal, fiber arrangements at every location in the printed part, resulting in higher strength and stiffness with less material,” adds post-doctoral fellow Brett Compton. “Rather than using magnetic or electric fields to orient fibers, we control the flow of the viscous ink itself to impart the desired fiber orientation.”

    The applications for the technology are huge – from thermoplastic additive manufacturing to fused filament fabrication. Carbon, glass, metallic or ceramic fibers can be used.

    Fibers can also be spatially orientated to boost their tolerance to damage at a point in the design where stress may be highest.

    Rotational 3D printing has achieved a way to vary the microstructure of a design at specified points. Jordan Raney, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania, concludes:

    “More control over structure means more control over the resulting properties, which vastly expands the design space that can be exploited to optimize properties further.”

    The findings have been published under the title “Rotational 3D printing of damage-tolerant composites with programmable mechanics” in the Journal PNAS.

    If you want to know more about Jennifer A. Lewis, please consult this article.

    Source: PNAS. 

    Website: LINK

  • Polymaker Launches PolyMide CoPA Nylon Material Made with Warp-Free Technology

    Polymaker Launches PolyMide CoPA Nylon Material Made with Warp-Free Technology

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    Polymaker is launching a new Nylon material called PolyMide CoPA. This engineering-grade filament is created with Warp-Free technology, which provides the mechanical advantages of Nylon without risk of warpage. 

    Polymaker, the 3D printing filament producer based in Shanghai, has been slowly moving itself towards the forefront of material innovation. Over the last year, the company launched two engineering-grade polyurethane materials and the PolyBox filament container, effectively expanding its reach towards the professional market.

    Now, the Polymaker team is introducing what they’re calling one of their best materials yet…

    Polymaker’s new PolyMide CoPA material is a Nylon co-polymer based filament that offers engineering-grade traits, namely high resistance to heat and mechanical stress. More importantly, the filament avoids one of the common issues that usually plague 3D printing with Nylon – a little thing called warping.

    To solve this problem, Polymaker claims to have developed the PolyMide CoPA Nylon material with its special ‘Warp-Free technology’. This technology works by controlling the microstructure and crystallization of the material, which in turn releases the internal stress that is generated during the printing process.

    While the producer hopes this new filament production technique will improve upon the issues regularly faced with printing Nylon, the PolyMide CoPA will be the very first Polymaker product to feature it.

    “We are very excited about the material and the new applications it enables. It further bridges the gap between engineering plastics and desktop 3D printing,” explains Dr. Xiofan Luo, the CEO of Polymaker.


    PolyMide CoPA

    Warp-Free Technology Drastically Improves Nylon Prints

    Not only is Polymaker claiming that the technology provides “near-zero warpage”, the strong mechanical properties of Nylon also remain unchanged. On top of that, no filler is required, so you don’t need to worry about wearing out the nozzle on your 3D printer.

    Polymaker’s PolyMide CoPA should work with any FDM 3D printer that can reach a nozzle temperature of at least 250°C. In fact, the material doesn’t even need a heated chamber to print.

    The company expects that the new material will be ideal for engineering applications, used to print jigs, moldings, and various automotive components. A research team from Tongji University recently created an eco-car to test the PolyMide CoPA , successfully joining the Nylon parts with carbon fiber panels.


    PolyMide CoPA
    The PolyMide CoPA Zeal Eco-Car from Tongji University.

    Although this Warp-Free technology is just now getting its debut, the company is likely to be developing more Nylon filaments with this unique characteristic in the future.

    Needless to say, Polymaker seems to be leading the way in developing new polyamides that offer exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, while also having the rare luxury of being easy to print with.

    The material will be available in Europe starting January 15, 2018, and throughout the rest of the world on January 22. According to Polymaker, a Natural colored version of the PolyMide CoPA will also be available in March 2018.

    Source: TCT Magazine

    Website: LINK

  • Monoprice Reveals Multiple New 3D Printers at CES

    Monoprice Reveals Multiple New 3D Printers at CES

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    US electronics retailer Monoprice has revealed details about multiple new 3D printers it will be adding to its lineup in 2018. Headlining the new crew is the Monoprice Delta Pro.

    They say when it rains, it pours. So grab an umbrella, because Monoprice has brought a deluge of new 3D printers to the Consumer Electronics Show for us to feast our eyes on.

    Alongside the likes of smart plugs, Thunderbolt docking stations and other home and office peripherals, the electronics retailer unveiled the MP Delta Pro, the MP Select Mini V3 and UV resin 3D printers.

    Notice that little “s” at the end there? That’s right, Monoprice are bringing not one, but two SLA/DLP 3D printers out this year, which marks a step change over the brand’s up-to-now exclusively FDM offerings.

    Despite this exciting revelation, the company cites the Delta Pro as the highlight of its show.


    Monoprice CES stand
    The new lineup of Monoprice 3D printers.

    CES Keeps on Giving

    In a release, Monoprice states the Delta Pro has a 270 x 320mm build volume, silent drivers, touchscreen, auto bed leveling and Wifi connectivity.

    Further to this, a spec sheet sent to All3DP confirms the Delta Pro will also come with a brass 0.4mm nozzle on a hot end operating between 160 – 270 degrees Celsius and will be capable of layer resolutions as fine as 0.05mm.

    The Delta Pro will also feature a heated bed with an operational range of 50 – 110 degrees Celsius.

    Perhaps most intriguing for us is the addition of resin-based 3D printers to the Monoprice lineup. In an image of the new machines lined at CES, we see a large and small machine. The smaller of the two appears to be a rebadge of the Wanhao D7 plus.

    Wanhao’s D7 plus is a DLP 3D printer capable of 0.004mm layer heights, with a print volume of 121 x 69 x 180mm. We expect Monoprice’s version to mirror this. Pictured alongside is a much larger resin machine that we don’t recognize or have further details on.

    In addition the company unveiled a version upgrade of its popular Select Mini 3D printer. It now packs an auto-leveling bed and touchscreen display.  Not mentioned in the release is the news that the Maker Select will also see an upgrade to version 3, too.

    A busy start to the year for Monoprice then. We’re looking forward to bringing you our full impressions of the new machines later in the year.

    Source: Press release

    Website: LINK

  • “Bronze Johns” Statuettes Saved with 3D Printing

    “Bronze Johns” Statuettes Saved with 3D Printing

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    The Carnegie Center for Surgical Innovation has assisted in the restoration of master busts of Johns Hopkins. The trophies produced from them are awarded to alumni and friends of John Hopkins University.

    On a typical day the Carnegie Center for Surgical Innovation will produce surgical implants, models and experimental devices. Recently however, the center found a novel case in assisting its parent institution, Johns Hopkins University, with the restoration of an artifact from the 1970s.

    Each year the university’s Alumni Association will hand out small bronze busts of its eponymous founder, Johns Hopkins, to alumni and friends for their outstanding service. To give it its full title, the Heritage Award is a tradition dating back to 1973, and has seen a great number of statuettes cast from the original masters created at its inception.

    This means 45 years of wear and tear. Inevitably, the masters have deteriorated — only recently to the point that action was required.

    Thankfully, the Carnegie Center is equipped with an industrial-quality 3D printer. Just the machine to fabricate a brand new master.

    3D Printing a New Johns

    Before any printing could take place, a scan was required of the bust. Direct Dimensions, a modeling and manufacturing firm also based in Maryland, handled this.

    Juan Garcia, Director of the Carnegie Center’s print lab, explains “The Johns Hopkins bust was hand-sculpted by a sculptor. Now we’re using technology to re-sculpt using 3-D information.”
    The 3D model of the bust was printed using a Stratasys machine in the Carnegie lab. From this, a mold for casting is formed which is then used to cold-cast the final statuettes in bronze.

    Affectionately referred to as Bronze Johns, the statuettes are a historic slice of historic university, preserved through 3D printing.

    Source: Johns Hopkins University Hub

    Website: LINK

  • Boy Helps 3D Print Prosthetic Hands For Other Children

    Boy Helps 3D Print Prosthetic Hands For Other Children

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Cameron Haight is unstoppable at helping other kids get the prosthetics they need.

    The five-year-old boy from North Carolina, US, has been making waves online for helping to 3D print prosthetic hands for himself and other kids.

    Cameron was born with amniotic band syndrome which has resulted in his digits being fused together in the womb. The syndrome is often difficult to detect pre-birth. It can require multiple surgeries post birth. That was the case for Cameron. However, after 15 surgeries, his right hand still lacked dexterity.

    That’s when him and his mother, Sarah, turned to 3D prosthetics. Thanks to e-NABLE the 3D printing prosthetics charity, printing the hand took just 48 hours. The prosthetics are also a lot cheaper than professional models at just $25. Upon fitting the 3D printed hand, Cameron has been able to enjoy many of the activities he was previously unable to take part in, including riding a bike or playing with toys.

    Now, he is helping other children to enjoy the same benefits of a 3D printed hand.

    Since they’ve first started making the 3D printed hands a year ago, him, and Sarah have created 44 devices for kids. These include limbs, but also special utensils and pencils.

    More recently, Cameron has developed the ‘Imagine Tool 5000’ which helps kids without fingers to hold nerf guns, mobile devices, and various kitchen utensils.


    The Imagine Tool 5000. (Image: Caters News Agency)

    Youngest Participant to Help 3D Print Prosthetics

    According to Sarah, Cameron is quite the natural at 3D printing.

    “He’s only four years old, but he’s gotten really good at it,” she told the Daily Mail newspaper. “He goes on the printer, finds the files, sizes, scales, and prints them, then we assemble them – it’s really fun to watch him in action!”

    Having gotten the hang of it, a 3D printed prosthetic hand now takes the team between six and 12 hours. The boy is also actively participating in showing other children how to use their new prosthetics.

    Jen Owen, one of the volunteers at e-NABLE, said that Cameron was among the youngest volunteers to help print prosthetics.

    “When they are done assembling it, they have not just made a fun project that will sit on the shelf or in the toy box, but something that can actually help another person who might need some assistance with activities that are easier to do with two hands that grip.”


    Cameron assembling a prosthetic hand. (Image: Caters News Agency)

    Source: Daily Mail

    Website: LINK

  • CEAD Launches Industrial-Scale 3D Printer Tailored for Shipbuilding

    CEAD Launches Industrial-Scale 3D Printer Tailored for Shipbuilding

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    The Netherlands-based additive manufacturing company CEAD is creating an industrial-scale 3D printer that is specifically engineered to help produce parts for ships and other maritime vessels. 

    Whether it be by land, air, or sea, 3D printing is becoming an integral tool across the transportation sector. Although we usually hear tales of how automotive or aerospace companies are using additive manufacturing technology, the maritime industry is also taking advantage of this emerging technology.

    In fact, the Dutch company CEAD is currently developing a large-scale 3D printer specifically designed for shipbuilding. The Continuous Fibre Additive Manufacturing (CFAM) machine will be able to print with engineering plastics and continuous carbon fiber composites.

    CEAD was founded by Maarten Logtenberg and Lucas Janssen, two former co-founders of the popular 3D printing company Leapfrog. The duo has apparently decided to shift their focus from desktop FDM printing to the industrial market.


    The CEAD team

    CEAD Develops Industrial-Sized Printer Designed for Yacht and Ship Building

    The first CFAM 3D printer will offer a generous build volume of 4 x 2 x 1.5 meters. According to CEAD, the printer is equipped with a high-temperature granule extruder that is capable of printing around 25 kg of material per hour.

    “The CFAM printer is a large-scale thermoplastic composite 3D printer for industrial use. The machine we are developing is capable of printing 24 hours a day with engineering plastic and a continuous fiber on a very large scale. The technology is based on a single screw extruder with a weight of around 150kg, capable of temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius,” Maarten Logtenberg, executive director of CEAD, recently told Digital Trends.

    Users will be able to splice carbon fiber composites with a range of engineering-grade plastics, including PP, PET, ABS, PLA, and PEEK. CEAD says that the first CFAM prototype will be ready by the middle of 2018.


    The Netherlands-based 3D printing company is stationed in Rotterdam, which just so happens to be a major port city and hub for shipbuilding.

    CEAD already has a few customers onboard, including Poly Products B.V., a company that produces composite products for the maritime industry. The marine engineering firm Royal Roos also plans to use the printer to create new parts that will reduce the weight of maritime vessels.

    The two companies have already placed orders for the CFAM 3D printer, which CEAD hopes to build in 2019. While the machine is still under development, the news of a large-scale 3D printer tailor-made for shipbuilding should definitely create waves of excitement throughout the maritime industry.

    Source: Digital Trends

    Website: LINK

  • 3D Printed Hovercraft Project Gets off the Ground

    3D Printed Hovercraft Project Gets off the Ground

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    In the latest update to his 3D printed hovercraft project, Ivan Miranda details how he arrived at a working model that genuinely floats.

    Over the last couple of months, YouTuber Ivan Miranda has been putting his array of 3D printers to good use. Over a five part series he’s assembled a remote controlled hovercraft from scratch, iterating as he goes to improve the issues he’s encountered along the way.

    He points out in a blog post that the videos do not really serve as a guide to build your own. Although, Miranda claims, with a bit of guesswork it’s probably possible to fill in the blanks. Better yet, the affable maker has released the Fusion 360 files so you can modify and print the parts yourself.

    Check out the video below for his latest, and final, build of the 3D printed hovercraft.

    Getting off the Ground

    Miranda’s hovercraft makes use of numerous large 3D printed parts for its assembly.

    He uses a servo mount and impellers printed on a CR-10 Mini plus cowlings, impeller motor mounts and servo arms printed on the Tevo Tornado 2017 and a chassis printed in halves on a classic CR-10 and CR-10 upgraded.

    In all the hovercraft build looks to be fairly simple, with the printed parts bolting and screwing together. The electrical wizardry is mostly covered in parts one and two of the five videos. If you’re following along to build your own, you’ll need to check out the other parts for subsequent alterations.

    Seeing the finished ‘craft in action is pretty special. Especially so given the constant (and charmingly earnest) mistakes and quick fixes Miranda deals with throughout.

    Source: Hackaday

    Website: LINK

  • 11 Best 3D Graphing Calculator Software Tools in 2017 / 2018

    11 Best 3D Graphing Calculator Software Tools in 2017 / 2018

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    3D Graphing Calculator Tools FAQ

    What is a Plot?

    Before inkjet printers and computer memory became affordable, graphs and 3D objects were saved as vector graphic files. These files had the advantage that their size was immensely smaller than raster graphics files, because they only displayed the outlines of objects. Hard copies were made using “plotters” – output devices that drew on paper along the X- and Y-axis using pens. Although they are no longer a necessity, vector files are still popular for their clarity.

    Are 3D Graphing Calculators Tools better than Handheld Calculators?

    This largely depends on the handheld calculator. One criterium is the support of CAS, or computer algebra system that 3D graphing calculator tools offer by default. Meaning you can enter mathematical equations symbolically and return symbolic equations as answers as you would with pen and paper. This makes it easier for students to transfer what they have learned from one mode of calculating to the other.

    While advanced handheld 3D graphing calculators usually support CAS, most low-cost calculators do not offer this feature. The developers of some of the best 3D graphing calculators take advantage of CAS by offering step-by-step solutions to symbolic expressions so that students can study and understand their math problems in detail.

    Moreover, CAS capability can mean that certain 3D graphing calculator won’t be permitted on standardized exams. Before buying a handheld calculator, you should find out what exact models are approved.

    Did we miss a 3D graphing calculator that you can recommend? Let us know in the comments.

    Website: LINK

  • KWSP to Launch ‘While You Wait’ 3D Printing Service for Custom Insoles

    KWSP to Launch ‘While You Wait’ 3D Printing Service for Custom Insoles

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    KW Special Projects is teaming up with the advanced foot orthotics manufacturer Podfo Ltd to launch a ‘while you wait’ 3D printing service for customized insoles.

    KW Special Projects (KWSP), the engineering solutions provider based in the UK, has begun work on a £750,000 project to develop a ‘while you wait’ service for personalized 3D printed insoles.

    The project, which is in part funded by Innovate UK, is aiming to create an in-house 3D printing ecosystem for personalized insoles by 2019. The orthotics manufacturer Podfo Ltd and experts from Newcastle University have also joined the scheme.

    It’s an ambitious plan, but the team is confident in the capabilities of additive manufacturing. Kieron Salter, Managing Director of KWSP, explains that the project demonstrates the benefits of 3D printing in the orthotics sector.

    “We will tackle the project by providing new thinking on two fronts. First of all, we intend to exploit nascent technologies to significantly reduce the time it takes to produce these parts using AM , alongside reducing the overall development cost,” he said.

    The service will entail an orthotics kit that enables clinicians to measure a patient’s individual sole and gait. Directly after, they will be able to 3D print the personalized insole right on-site. Depending on the needs of each patient, the orthotic device can help realign the foot, improve posture, or address other medical issues.


    The KWSP 3D printing facility

    ‘While You Wait’ 3D Printed Insoles Aim to Provide Fast and Custom Orthotic Solutions

    Podfo, one of the consortium members, was one of the first companies to produce 3D printed foot orthotics. Using Computer Aided Manufacture data from each patient, clinicians can take on-the-spot sole measurements with high accuracy. This will help streamline the production process, provide greater efficiency, and also reduce the overall development cost.

    Jari Pallari, Innovations Director at Podfo, adds:

    “We are delighted to combine our expertise with other industry leaders, in order to produce a new, smarter way of creating orthotics, placing more control for a defined orthosis in the hand of the clinicians.”

    According to Pallari, the service will offer significant benefits to both patients and clinicians. The customized 3D printed insoles “help reduce the strain from a broad spectrum of medical issues”. Additionally, the insoles will be tailor-made for each patient, increasing comfort and providing a perfect fit.

    A number of companies have been utilizing 3D printing technology to produce customized insoles, including Wiivv and SOLS. However, what seems to make KWSP’s venture unique is the ‘while you wait’ aspect of the project.

    By leveraging the advantages of additive manufacturing, this collaborative effort will attempt to make orthotic solutions easier to obtain, one comfortable step at a time.


    Source: Podfo & TCT Magazine

    Website: LINK

  • 20 Best Resin (SLA/DLP) 3D Printers 2017 / 2018

    20 Best Resin (SLA/DLP) 3D Printers 2017 / 2018

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    When it comes to 3D printer sales, stereolithography (SLA) definitely trails behind fused deposition modeling (FDM). But in terms of quality, you’ll find that an SLA 3D printer is usually the way to go. If you choose an SLA 3D printer, you usually don‘t go for big builds, but for quality and highly detailed objects – which makes an SLA / DLP 3D printer a favorite for labs and jewelers.

    Don’t Miss: 20 Cool Resin/SLA Models to Make on your SLA 3D Printer

    On the small-scale end of the industry, both 3D printing technologies are still in their infancy, having only recently entered the home and small business markets. FDM was the natural to take the lead, with fewer cost and patent restrictions. Yet as SLA 3D printer technologies advance and patents expire, the sales gap between the technologies has begun to narrow.

    Of course, quality is what we generally strive for when it comes to our 3D printing endeavors. For most, an FDM printer is sufficient. But compare an FDM print to one made by any SLA printer and you’ll quickly see the difference. Overall quality and finish goes to the SLA printer. Especially when it comes to detailed 3D prints, even a mediocre SLA 3D printer beats most FDM printers.

    Of course, as is usually the case, there’s a trade-off. Compared to most FDM printers, a typical SLA 3D printer is relatively expensive, slow, and a bit messy.

    But things are changing. Looking at the latest generation of desktop SLA printers, both the price and complexity are quickly falling. Case in point, many models are now available for less than $5,000.

    With many more affordable SLA printer models on the market, those requiring high-quality prints should consider taking the plunge. Here we take a look at some of the best resin 3D printers on the market today.

    This list takes a look at both SLA and DLP printer models falling below $9,000. Not present here are large industrial resin 3D printers, such as those manufactured by EnvisionTEC and Prodways. These machines often cost more than $50.000 and are aiming at professional use cases.

    The aim is to offer you consumer resin 3D printers that teeter between affordability and quality.

    How Do Resin (SLA/DLP) 3D Printers Work?


    Stereolithography (SLA), also known as stereolithography apparatus or resin printing, produces 3D models out of photopolymers. Taking the form of a resin, these are polymers whose molecules link together when exposed to light, a process called photopolymerization.

    SLA comes in two forms, depending on how the reaction is activated. The first is laser SLA — referred to here simply as SLA — where a laser selectively “draws” an object’s layers. The second is digital light processing (DLP), where entire layers are digitally projected onto the resin.

    Website: LINK

  • Teen uses 3D Printed Swimming Fin for Stroke Rehabilitation

    Teen uses 3D Printed Swimming Fin for Stroke Rehabilitation

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    16-year-old Pedro Lopez Rodriguez, who suffered from a stroke in 2012, uses a 3D printed swimming fin to help improve his form.

    Pedro Lopez Rodriguez is a 16-year-old boy from Spain who suffered from a stroke six years ago. As a result of this, half of his body was paralyzed.

    Rodriguez faced a long period of rehabilitation but thankfully recovered a lot of his mobility. However, his right hand is still affected by a disorder of the central nervous system.

    In July 2016, he started a new sports project at the Club de Natació l’Hospitalet. His choice was a swimming club. Although Rodriguez had difficulty positioning his hand while swimming, he didn’t let that stop him.

    In order to make swimming a little easier, Rodriguez’s coach, Àlex Agut (and the president of the swimming club Jordi Lorca) contacted with the UPC Polytechnic University of Catalonia’s CIM centre.

    Two Masters students of Design and Engineering in Product Development, Marc Roca and Iñigo Martínez-Ayo, were tasked with creating an aid for Rodriguez. They began working on a customized swimming fin which would help Rodriguez to easily position his hand.


    BCN3D

    3D Printed Swimming Fin for Pedro

    Of course, the advantage of 3D printing is that it speeds up the entire process from product design to finished item. It was easy to create multiple iterations and see what would work best for Rodriguez.

    By using 3D printing the students were able to test different materials and shapes quickly and cheaply. Even though they had a small budget of €100 they created ten different functional prototypes. From this work, they found the best material and shape. The final design is fabricated in Nylon with PVA support material.

    Roca and Martínez-Ayo used a BCN3D Sigma 3D printer to print their designs. As a result, it took under four weeks to create a final product for Rodriguez.

    Rodriguez has since been using the 3D printed fin and has reported back the ways in which it has helped him. So far, he’s noticed an improvement in body movement and an increase in upper body strength. Better yet, he can swim for longer periods of time thanks to the fin enabling him to improve his position.

    Rodriguez’s story is certainly an example of how 3D printing can work to improve lives in the most remarkable and unexpected ways.

    Source: BCN3D


    Website: LINK

  • Polaroid Debuts Four New 3D Printers at CES 2018

    Polaroid Debuts Four New 3D Printers at CES 2018

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    Polaroid is debuting four new 3D printers at CES 2018 for the US and Canadian markets. Check out their new features.

    Polaroid is certainly a world-famous brand which has been a popular choice for snapshot cameras since 1943. After the shift in the photography market, the company is now broadening its horizons and delving into the world of 3D printing.

    Polaroid got their feet wet with their first 3D printer in 2016. Now they’re expanding their portfolio. In fact, they’re launching four new printers for the US and Canadian markets. These include; the Polaroid Nano Duo 3D printer, the Polaroid Nano Duo Mini, the Polaroid Nano Glide and the Polaroid Nano+.

    Scott W. Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid, explains: “At Polaroid, we have an 80-year history of not only making the latest technology accessible to the everyday consumer but also providing users with products that allow them to express their creativity… Our newest 3D printer models are the perfect example of this. We’re proud to offer the latest in 3D printing technology to give users a new way to express themselves at a price point that puts the technology within reach for use in any home, school or business.”


    Polaroid

    Features of the New Polaroid Printers

    These are the new Polaroid 3D printers will be delivered to the US and Canadian market first.

    1. Polaroid Nano Duo 3D printer: this new printer is a charcoal grey color and features dual-head printing. It can be controlled via the onboard LCD panel or remotely using Wi-Fi and a designated app. The printer also has a built-in camera so you can monitor the progress of your print from your app. You can also store your designs in the cloud, too. The Nano Duo measures at 17.7”x 14.1”x 22” with a print area of 11.8”x 8.8”x 12.6”. You can also use a wide range of filaments with this printer including, ABS, wood, TPU, metal and PLA 1.75mm filament. Technical specs include; nozzle diameter of 0.4mm, print resolution of 0.1mm – 0.4mm, speed of 150mm/s and a temperature of 180°C – 230°C. The Nano Duo will cost $1,849 and will be available in April.
    2. Polaroid Nano Mini 3D printer: This printer aims to cut a slice of the lowcost market. If you’re looking to quickly start printing, Polaroid claim this is the one for you. They even promise that no 3D printing experience is required meaning they’re aiming it at schools and hobbyists.The printer requires just the push of one button. It’s lightweight and compact design (7.4”x 7.4” x 7.8”) makes it easy to move around and it’s also “ultra-quiet”. This printer has a  3.1”x 3.1” x 3.5” printing bed and is compatible with PLA 1.75mm filament. Technical details include a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm, a print resolution of 0.1mm – 0.2mm and print speed of 10 – 40 mm/s. The print temperature is 180°C – 210°C. It will cost $349 and will also be available in April.


    3. Polaroid Nano Glide 3D Printer: This printer has an interesting feature – a sliding print bed of 4.7”x 4.7” x4.7” adding to the machine size of 10.2”x 9.8” x 10.2”. It keeps in mind little fingers and worried parents thanks to child safety doors. It uses PLA 1.75mm filament and a smart sensor will inform you when you need more. Technical specs include a nozzle diameter of 0.4mm, a print resolution of 0.1mm, print speed of 10 – 60 mm/s and a print temperature of 180°C – 230°C. As with the other three printers, this will also be available in April at the cost of $479.
    4. Polaroid Nano+ 3D Printer: This printer also uses FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology. Polaroid claim this will create stable and more accurate prints. It’s easy to control this printer using the on-board LCD tray or via the Polaroid app. The printing area is 4.7”x 4.7” x 4.7″ and has measurements of 11”x 11” x 11”. Technical specs include; resolution 0.05mm – 0.4mm, speed is 30 – 70 mm/s, temperature is PLA 190°C and ABS 230°C. The data format for this printer is STL, OBJ, BMP and you can transfer said data via SD, USB, the app or WiFi. It also has many of the same features as the Glide, such as child safety doors, however it’ll cost around $100 more with a price tag of $549.This printer will be available in March.

    Currently there are very few additional technical details available; however, this will certainly change when the printers are sold in April and March. But, for now, anyone at CES can view the printers at the Polaroid booth, in Central Hall #16615 until January 12th.

    Source: Polaroid Press Release


    Polaroid

    Website: LINK

  • Personalized 3D Printed Rotors on Schaffen Wristwatches

    Personalized 3D Printed Rotors on Schaffen Wristwatches

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Schaffen Watches debut their new collection on Kickstarter with two extremely customizable wristwatches, the A65 Dress Watch and the S65 Sport Watch.

    Don’t Miss: 12 Kickstarter 3D Printer Projects Live Right Now

    Recently launched on Kickstarter is the “world’s first truly customizable timepiece”. Schaffen Watches is a company using 3D printing to personalize your watch.

    Impressively, the watch has already raised $51,000 Singaporean dollars from 72 backers. And there’s plenty of time to register your interest with 27 days to go.

    The company is a brand based in Singapore and this is their debut. Two brothers are behind the company which started with creating a gift for their father.

    “Our name Schaffen (ˈʃafṇ) means “to create”, and this has represented our passion from day one. In this collection, we would love to work with you to co-create a timepiece that is truly the only one in the world,” explains one of the brothers, Nicholas Han YongXin.

    Currently, there are two models to choose from including the Schaffen A65 Dress Watch and the S65 Sport Watch. You can personalize these models by designing your own rotor to “tell your story”. This design is then 3D printed in 316L stainless steel.

    You’ll need to pledge $438 for the super early bird option of one A65 Dress Watch. After the end of the campaign, Schaffen ask that you submit your rotor design and they’ll send you mockups for confirmation.


    kickstarter 3D printer project

    Schaffen Creates One-of-a-Kind Timepieces

    Don’t worry if you can’t think of a perfect design for your rotor. After the end of the campaign, the brothers will be in touch to discuss any motifs or ideas that suit you best.

    But, after you’ve decided on the rotor design, you’ll have a few more choices to make. As well as the rotor, you can also customize the dial, hands and date window combination. You can even add your signature or change the colors too.

    The final watch boasts a unique dial texture and sapphire crystal. Better yet, it has a Swiss-Made Sellita SW200-1 movement, Élaboré grade.

    The result is a smart look with a brushed center and a matte outer ring. But if you’re still not satisfied, you can choose to upgrade your watch further by choosing 18K gold plating (red, yellow, or white) for your rotor.

    The final touch is a leather strap in either black, brown or tan-brown. The result is a one-of-a-kind watch which is completely unique to your tastes. Expected delivery is June this year. Visit the Kickstarter campaign to find out more.


    schaffen

    Website: LINK

  • New KALLISTA Faucets 3D Printed in Metal with 3D Systems

    New KALLISTA Faucets 3D Printed in Metal with 3D Systems

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Luxury kitchen and bathroom product maker KALLISTA partners with 3rd Dimension and 3D Systems to rapidly develop an innovative new faucet from 3D printed stainless steel.

    In a press release 3D Systems announces that KALLISTA, a designer of luxury kitchen and bath products, has launched the Grid sink faucet using its materials and tech. Entirely 3D printed from metal, the company claims the Grid faucet is a first of its kind.

    KALLISTA wanted to create a unique faucet with a somewhat unusual geometry. In turning to additive manufacturing, the team was able to design the product without limitations.

    Indeed, most designers are well aware that the actual manufacturing process has to be taken into consideration in order to ensure that their visions are actually physically possible using the production method in mind.

    Bill McKeone, design studio manager at KALLISTA, says:

    “By choosing to produce this faucet via 3D printing, we opened ourselves to limitless design possibilities. 3D Systems’ breadth of materials and technologies allowed us the freedom to create a unique, functional faucet which would not have been possible with a traditional manufacturing process.”

    3D Printing Stylish Water

    Metal 3D printing specialists 3rd Dimension facilitated the Grid’s production. It used a 3D Systems ProX DMP 320 direct metal printing system to print the Grid’s hollow-cube form in high-quality stainless steel 316 powder. For KALLISTA, it was the company’s first step into additive manufacturing.

    The benefit of taking this first step with 3rd Dimension is that the pipeline for this new product was dramatically shortened in comparison to the traditional production tooling (weeks, or even months) that would be required. Once printed, the faucet and it’s accompanying cuboid taps underwent a finishing process that involved tumbling to achieve a uniform surface finish and powder coating for a sleek black look.

    “This is just one example of the value 3D printing brings to a production environment,” adds David Cullen, director of applications engineering, 3D Systems. “Through the combination of materials, print technology, software and services, KALLISTA was able to bring their visionary design to market.”

    Source: 3D Systems

    Website: LINK

  • Olli, 3D Printed Bus from Local Motors, Receives $1 Billion in Financing

    Olli, 3D Printed Bus from Local Motors, Receives $1 Billion in Financing

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Local Motors secured over $1 billion in financing from Elite Transportation Services (ETS) and Xcelerate for its autonomous Olli bus customers.

    Whatever you think about driverless cars, taking a trip in an autonomous 3D printed bus would be an experience to remember. Don’t worry too much either, this bus, called the Olli, has a max speed of just 40km per hour.

    Unveiled in 2016 and covered by All3DP, the Olli bus has since been undergoing testing and has now secured up to $1 billion of operational support.

    Local Motors, the company behind the 3D printed bus, is now joining forces with Elite Transportation Services (ETS), subsidiary of Elite Parking Services, and Xcelerate, the automotive financing firm based in Texas. By teaming up, Local Motors secures “third party operational support and vehicle financing” for Olli.

    ETS will be providing warranty service, insurance, routine maintenance, monitoring, management and operations as part of their all-inclusive operational solution. Any customers who engage in these services will benefit from ETS offering up to $1 billion in financing.

    Meanwhile, Xcelerate is also providing up to $20 million in Olli Vehicle financing. They will be enabling customers who already have a relationship with transit companies to finance Olli for 84 months while continuing to work with their existing partners.

    What’s so Special About Olli?

    Wondering what’s so special about Olli? Aside from not using fossil fuels and being driven by IBM’s artificial intelligence “Watson”, it also has a 3D printed body. This body was 3D printed using a Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system.

    Eight passengers can fit in the Olli. The driverless bus can reach up to just 40km per hour. Although it’s unlikely to be the most thrilling ride of your life, it would spice up shuttles and be a futuristic addition to airports and hospitals.

    “Olli is ready to change the way we view transportation. From neighborhoods to campuses to urban city centers, learn how Olli is the smart, safe, sustainable option for getting around,” the company explains on their website. Local Motors also believes “Olli is the answer to a sustainable, accessible transportation solution for all.”

    Olli was on display at CES in Las Vegas this week. If you want to find out more or are interested in financing an Olli, Local Motors suggest that you visit their website.

    Source: Press Release


    Local Motors

    Website: LINK

  • Airwolf 3D Unveils EVO “Additive Manufacturing Center” at CES

    Airwolf 3D Unveils EVO “Additive Manufacturing Center” at CES

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    CES is in full swing now, which means another juicy product launch. This time, Airwolf 3D has lifted the lid on the EVO, an “Additive Manufacturing Center” that it insists no one call a 3D printer. But it totally is.

    Taking its product lineup to its fifth generation, California-based Airwolf 3D has treated us all with the full details of its next 3D printer. Called the EVO, it looks every bit deserving of marking a generation jump for the manufacturer.

    Coming out the gate with some bold words, Airwolf 3D Co-Founder and CEO Erick Wolf said in a release “We took the technology that we perfected with our prosumer line of 3D printers and leveraged it to develop a machine that’s light years beyond anything else on the market.”

    He continues “The EVO is faster, stronger, and more accurate than any desktop 3D printer — it delivers a premium 3D manufacturing experience at less than half the cost of machines that offer equivalent performance.”

    The EVO makes use of a dual nozzle print head is controllable via a pretty lavish 7-inch color touchscreen panel. That, and it boasts a unique microcontroller of proprietary design that allows the machine to perform at greater speeds and with greater control than your typical RAMBo board in many other desktop machines.


    Airwolf 3D EVO 3d printer CES
    The all-new Airwolf 3D EVO “Additive Manufacturing Center”. Or 3D printer, to you and me. (Image: Airwolf 3D)

    Airwolf 3D EVO: At a Glance

    There are a number of catchy sounding features debuting on the EVO. First up is PartSave, which the folks at Airwolf 3D affectionately refer to as “Zombie Mode”.

    Designed to recover big prints from the likes of otherwise print-killing events like power outages, the feature recalls where the print job was before loss of power. It then resumes the print, continuing from where it left off once power is restored.

    Its almost 30-cubic-centimeter build volume is totally enclosed for better performance with sensitive materials, and benefits from probably our favorite feature — an air filter. Touted as an oversized air purification system, the company claims it filters the ultra-fine-particles and volatile organic compounds released into the air from your prints.

    Another interesting top-line feature is that the EVO will dry your filament as it feeds into the printer. Integrated into the chamber heating system, it is an ability Airwolf 3D claim aids in manufacturing the “highest quality parts possible”. The printer will retail for $6,995 dollars, and is estimated to start shipping in February.

    If you happen to be roaming the halls of CES, you can find Airwolf 3D in the North Hall, booth 8908.

    Source: Airwolf 3D

    Website: LINK

  • 3D Printing Industry Shares Their Predictions for 2018

    3D Printing Industry Shares Their Predictions for 2018

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    2017 had a lot of interesting developments, going from metal 3D printing, to industry specialization, and the move towards mass manufacturing.

    A lot of new players entered the metal 3D printing market, but my feeling is that we’re still missing a practical innovation and compelling price point to be truly competitive.

    Regarding vertical industries, 2017 was also the year of the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany, where for the first time the market saw the arrival of sub-€25K, professional dental 3D printers and materials. On the SLA product line, I think we can say that SLA is here to stay and a lot of new, interesting applications in the dental market have shown that. Think about biocompatibility, nightguards, splints.

    Lastly, 2017 showed a significant interest into mass production. Due to the amazonification trend of consumers, whereby we all want things on demand, as quickly as possible, and customized to our needs, more and more companies are pushing the limit to innovate faster. Solutions like the Form Cell, which we presented last June as an automated manufacturing system, and Fuse 1, Formlabs’ SLS solution, are the response to these trends.

    2018 will be the year where promises must be met. Metal 3D printing innovation will be a hot topic, and I expect more players to enter the market. Mass customization and industry 4.0 will continue to be topics to explore, and we’re excited to see what our Form Cell customers will work on. Lastly, I expect more innovation coming from the material side: an expanding range of applications is what the customers are looking for.

    Michael Sorkin is the Head of Europe at Formlabs, the company behind the most advanced high resolution desktop 3D printers.

    Website: LINK