Schlagwort: #technology

  • Researchers Develop Bioprinting Method to Recreate Biological Structures From Cells and Molecules

    Researchers Develop Bioprinting Method to Recreate Biological Structures From Cells and Molecules

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed a 3D bioprinting method that enables the creation of biological structures from cells and molecules that are commonly found in natural tissues.

    From human skin to ears made from a patient’s own cells, 3D bioprinting has changed the landscape of medical innovation in some major ways. It seems as if new breakthroughs involving biofabrication are occurring on a weekly basis, and this week is no different…

    Researchers from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have recently devised a new 3D biofabrication technique that uses cells and molecules to create constructs that resemble biological structures.

    The method consists of placing structures into an ink that resembles the natural environment of cells. This allows the cells to grow and behave exactly as they would in a body.

    Consequently, researchers are able to monitor cells more closely and observe how they may adapt to certain environments. It would also guide further research into finding out how cancer cells grow. Scientists could observe immune cells closely to monitor their interaction with other cells. Furthermore, the results of such studies could lead to the development of new and improved drugs.

    Professor Alvaro Mata, one of the leaders on the project at QMUL, explained:

    “The technique opens the possibility to design and create biological scenarios like complex and specific cell environments. can be used in different fields such as tissue engineering by creating constructs that resemble tissues or in vitro models that can be used to test drugs in a more efficient manner.”


    Structures made from gel via biofabrication. (Image: Clara Hedegaard)

    New Biofabrication Method Creates Biological Structures that Mimic Body Parts and Regenerate Tissues

    As part of the method, the researchers combined molecular self-assembly with additive manufacturing. They were able to assemble molecules into complex structures.

    In addition, the biofabrication technique allows the QMUL researchers to control structures and assemblies digitally. This allows the team to mimic body parts and also regenerate tissues.

    Generally, 3D printable inks are limited in their ability to activate cells. But by including full control over the 3D printed structure at the microscopic level, the technique overcomes these challenges.

    Lead author of the paper and current PhD student at QMUL, Clara Hedegaard, adds:

    “This method enables the possibility to build 3D structures by printing multiple types of biomolecules capable of assembling into well defined structures at multiple scales. Because of this, the self-assembling ink provides an opportunity to control the chemical and physical properties during and after printing, which can be tuned to stimulate cell behavior.”

    The research, entitled “Hydrodynamically Guided Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Peptide–Protein Bioinks”, is published in Advanced Functional Materials.

    Source: Phys.org

    Website: LINK

  • Australian Sheepdog Receives Prosthetic Paw Thanks to 3D Printing

    Australian Sheepdog Receives Prosthetic Paw Thanks to 3D Printing

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Tucker, a five-year-old Australian sheepdog, can run on four feet again thanks to a 3D printed prosthetic paw. The hope is that the paw prosthetic will improve Tucker’s mobility and his quality of life. 

    This is yet another story of how 3D printing can help animals. This time around, Tucker, a five-year-old Australian sheepdog, received a 3D printed paw prosthetic.

    Tucker was born without several bones in his hind foot. Sadly, this was the reason for his lack of home before Kendra Earl Warlow adopted him. However, she adds that nothing stops him and he’s always happy to run around the yard with her other Australian sheepdog.

    Even so, Warlow worries about how to manage Tucker’s pain. He is on multiple pain medications and there is potential that his missing paw will lead to problems in the future.

    In order to manage this and hopefully help Tucker out, Warlow got in touch with the Mizzou 3D Printing Club. She had the idea to do this when seeing the club use 3D printers in the library last year.

    Since then, Tucker has been trying out prosthetics and adapting to them quickly. The team created different iterations based on a cast from the Australian sheep dog’s leg to see which will fit best.


    Tucker

    Fitting Tucker with a Prosthetic Paw

    For the past year, a team of seven people has been working with Tucker and Marlow. They’ve managed to create a 3D printed prosthetic which they hope will improve Tucker’s quality of life.

    For the latest prosthetic, the team used blue PLA filament and adjusted the form to fit Tucker better. However, they’re still working on the design to come up with the best possible fit – they explain that simple is better.

    The aim is always to get Tucker to distribute his weight and put more pressure on the prosthetic. Interestingly, for the latest iteration, the team used a rubber ball for the bottom of the foot which Tucker took to.

    However, despite the positive results, this isn’t the end for Tucker. The team will continue to work on finding the best possible prosthetic for the Australian sheepdog. In the meantime, he’s happy to run and play with his latest 3D printed design.

    Source: Missourian 


    Website: LINK

  • Carbon Takes a Bigger Bite of the Dental Market with New Materials and Partnerships

    Carbon Takes a Bigger Bite of the Dental Market with New Materials and Partnerships

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    The Silicon Valley startup Carbon announces new partnerships with DENTCA and DREVE, fortifying its position in the dental market. Through these collaborations, Carbon will introduce resins for customized dental products, including 3D printed dentures, gingiva masks, and trays.

    Best known for partnering with adidas on the 3D printed Futurecraft 4D footwear (and more recently, the AlphaEDGE 4D LTD), the Silicon Valley 3D printing startup Carbon has transformed additive manufacturing from a prototyping tool to a viable technology for serial production.

    Carbon is now sinking its teeth deeper into the dental market, recently announcing new partnerships with DENTCA and DREVE. The 3D printer manufacturer is working with these two companies to disrupt how customize dental and orthodontic products are manufactured.

    Read more: Carbon Talks Adidas Collaboration and Bringing 3D Printing to the Serial Production Stage

    With DENTCA, Carbon will introduce 3D printed dentures, while the collaboration with DREVE will enable the production of gingiva masks and trays. To situate itself in the dental market, Carbon will develop new dental resin materials for its Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology.

    “While 3D printing is not new to the dental market, Carbon provides a complete solution with a very unique partnership approach, enabling dental labs to easily design and manufacture customized, high-quality products for their customers,” says Brian Ganey, General Manager of Carbon’s Oral Care Business.

    “Carbon is transforming manufacturing in the dental industry with robust and reliable 3D printers, a wide range of industrial-grade dental materials, and next-gen software that enables all these pieces to work together seamlessly.”


    Carbon Partners with DENTCA and DREVE, Develops New Dental Resins

    DENTCA is the world’s first CAD/CAM denture company, and will provide Carbon dental customers with Denture Base II and DENTCA Denture Teeth, two FDA-cleared (Class II) materials for 3D printed dentures.

    When used together, these new resins will allow dental technicians to produce high-quality dentures without the need for traditional denture fabrication knowledge. Through the partnership with DENTCA, Carbon will also offer DENTCA Denture Try-in material for temporary fit evaluation.


    (From L to R) Dentca Base II, Dentca Teeth, Dentca finished dentures

    Working alongside DREVE, Carbon is releasing two additional resins; DREVE FotoDent gingiva and DREVE FotoDent tray. These materials will enable dental and orthodontic labs to rapidly produce custom gingiva masks and dental impression trays.


    Dreve FotoDent tray

    A number of 3D printing companies, such as Formlabs and EnvisionTEC, have already found success in the dental market. However, Carbon believes its DLS technology is an optimal solution for dental and orthodontic labs.

    Not only does Carbon’s 3D printing ecosystem offer increased efficiency and accuracy, it also has unique features like part traceability and serialization. Therefore, unique ID numbers can be engraved onto 3D models in order to identify the digital historical record of the part.

    This is extremely valuable for the dental industry, as the FDA will increasingly require part-specific data to ensure product performance and patient safety.

    Although the newly announced partnerships mark a major step for the 3D printing startup, it’s not Carbon’s first foray with the dental industry. Last year, the company collaborated with Whip Mix to develop Whip Mix Surgical Guide. This clear resin is idea for producing dental surgical guides.

    Carbon plans to release the new DENTCA and DREVE materials by the end of March.


    Source: Carbon

    Website: LINK

  • Creality Ender 2 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Creality Ender 2 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Coming in (at the time of writing) around the USD $200 mark, the Creality Ender 2 3D printer is not the cheapest of 3D printer kits currently available on the market. Regardless it still falls within the category of budget 3D printer kits.

    For such such a barebones kit, there are some talking point we can address immediately. Firstly, the Creality Ender 2 3D printer makes use of fused deposition modeling (FDM) for its fabrication of 3D objects. Extruding thin lines of molten plastic into an arrangement that stacks, layer by layer, it is the most common desktop 3D printing method.

    The Ender 2 comes as a box full of bits and pieces you will need to assemble yourself — although major assemblies such as the control box/base and print head are pre-assembled. A popular means of keeping costs down and letting users get better acquainted with the technology, such kits are becoming increasingly commonplace.

    One retailer of the Creality Ender 2 3D printer (BangGood) cites a 25 minute built time.

    In terms of design, the Creality Ender 2 features V-slot aluminium extrusions for its frame. One of these stands vertically, with the print head gantry riding up and down it on V-slot pulleys. A Bowden style extruder pushes the filament into the hot end.

    Featuring a heated bed as standard, the Creality Ender 2 offers a print volume of 150 x 150 x 200mm. As is commonly found on inexpensive entry-point kits, there is no print cooling fan on the print head. This limits the materials you will be able to successfully print on the Creality Ender 2 3D printer, but is easily rectified by printing a mount and adding one yourself.

    We have yet to get our hands on the Ender 2 here at All3DP so cannot speak to its quality. But the word on the street (well, internet) is that for its price point, the Creality Ender 2 is capable of remarkably good prints. Though be wary — there are many reports online regarding failing power supplies.

    Website: LINK

  • [DEAL] Qidi Tech 1 Dual Extrusion 3D Printer, 13% Off at $610

    [DEAL] Qidi Tech 1 Dual Extrusion 3D Printer, 13% Off at $610

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    US re-seller Wow3DPrinter is running a special on the Qidi Tech 1 dual extrusion 3D printer — up to 13% off using a special discount code.

    Bearing striking similarity to the FlashForge Creator Pro, Qidi Technology’s Tech 1 3D printer boasts a dual extrusion print head and a fully enclosed design that should make it a pretty capable with tricky temperature sensitive filaments like ABS.

    Slicing software options are somewhat limited out of the box, but with some G-Code wizardry (read: inserting custom start and end G-Code), its possible to get the Qidi 1 playing nicely with the likes of Cura.

    US 3D printing re-seller Wow3Dprinter is offering the Qidi 1 up at 13% off it’s usual retail of $699. Yours, for $610 using the discount code “QIDI20” at checkout (even without the code, they’re selling it for $630).

    DEAL: Qidi Tech 1 Dual Extrusion 3D printer, 13% off (now $610)

    Note this deal is only available in the US. Sorry rest-of-the-worlders — we’re scouring the web for deals for you too!

    Other Deals:

    All3DP is an editorially independent publication. Occasionally we need to pay our bills, so we affiliate some product links through which we may receive a small commission. For the full spiel, check out our Terms of Use.

    Website: LINK

  • Ford Installs Stratasys Fortus to Boost SUV Production

    Ford Installs Stratasys Fortus to Boost SUV Production

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Following good sales performance of its Expedition and Navigator SUV lines, Ford has stepped up production by adding a Stratasys 3D printer and 400 new robots to its production plant.

    Ford Motor Company has announced plans to up spending on the production of its big truck SUVs by $25 million and install an industrial 3D printer in  one of its production plants. The company noted that both its 2018 Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models had sold successfully, following an investment of $900 million to improve its Kentucky Truck Plant.

    As part of this new $25-million investment, the company will be expanding its production line with 400 robots, plus additive manufacturing capabilities in a new Stratasys 3D printer.

    To achieve the goal of quickening parts production and brings down the associated costs, the company chose the Stratasys Fortus 380mc 3D printer.  This specialist fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer will be tasked with producing tools and individual parts for Ford’s engineers to assess potential production problems early on.

    Meanwhile, the production robots are being installed to enhance the safety of its workers and speed up the production line.


    The Stratasys 3D printer at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant. (Image: Reuters)

    Tools and Spares in Days

    Previously, it took Ford up to four months to produce a prototype of a vehicle part. Traditional manufacturing methods for tools lead to costs as high as $250,000. With 3D printers such as the company’s new Fortus, such tooling can be manufactured in mere days at a fraction of the traditional cost.

    Ford is not the only automaker turning to 3D printing tech to innovate their ways. Porsche has recently publicized its adoption of 3D printing tech to fabricate new spares for its classic cars that have been long out of production. Similarly, KIA, BMW and many other car makers have shown off their usage of 3D printed car parts.

    Source: Ford & Fox Business


    Ford
    New manufacturing additions for Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant

    Website: LINK

  • UCLA Students Plan to Educate Kids with 3D Printed Ukuleles

    UCLA Students Plan to Educate Kids with 3D Printed Ukuleles

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    UCLA students are raising money through a UCLA Spark crowdfunding campaign to donate 3D printed ukuleles to the residential care home, Maryvale in California, USA.

    Encouraging kids to take up STEM subjects can be done in a myriad of ways. For example, students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) hope to use musical instruments to encourage elementary aged kids to learn about both art and science.

    UCLA members of the national club, 3D Printing For Everyone (3D4E), which teaches people about the technology, hope to raise money to provide children at Maryvale’s residential care home with ukuleles.

    Maryvale was set up in 1856 to provide care for orphaned children and provide resources for underprivileged communities. Bhav Patel, a second-year aerospace engineering student and 3D4E treasurer, explains:

    “We want to start to get these kids really involved (with) STEM… It can apply and branch out to every single thing that you can see around you.”

    To raise money, the team is using the UCLA integrated crowdfunding platform, Spark. They launched the campaign this month and have 17 days left. So far, 3D4E has raised $2,545 with the help of 31 donors.

    Applying 3D Printing to Every Field, Not Just Ukuleles

    The hope is that the instruments will show kids how 3D printing intersects between art and science. Ryan Poon, a third-year mechanical engineering student and the club president said:

    “One day, 3D printing may be applied to every field – even history, English, art – and that’s what we’re trying to show to the children at (Maryvale).”

    In order to create the ukuleles, 3D4E members designed the instrument in four parts. This is so they can print them using their small on-site printers. As as a result, the PLA parts all slot together. They are then held in place using super glue.

    The team has been through many iterations in order to create a working and authentic sounding ukelele. Currently, the print model doesn’t include tuning pegs or strings. Instead, 3D4E will buy these components which are then added after printing.

    If the team raises enough money, they’ll teach the kids about the design processes and show them how to slot the parts to together. Third-year mechanical engineering student, and 3D4E vice president and project leader Joey Meurer, explains: “We’re using the ukuleles as an instrument – no pun intended – to bring about a greater goal,”

    However, the success of the fundraiser will drastically affect the outcome of this project. If you’re inspired by the UCLA student’s work, help them out by donating to their cause, here.

    Source: Daily Bruin 


    ukuleles

    Website: LINK

  • Touch a 3D Printed Dinosaur Skull During the UK “Dippy” Tour

    Touch a 3D Printed Dinosaur Skull During the UK “Dippy” Tour

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    The Natural History Museum’s well known and much loved dinosaur skeleton, nicknamed Dippy, is going on tour in the UK. Visitors can now get hands-on with the dinosaur thanks to 3D printed replica skulls.

    London’s Natural History Museum is the permanent home of the Diplodocus dinosaur, nicknamed Dippy. However, the popular dinosaur is now going on tour throughout the UK. As a result, a further five million people will have the chance to view the bones.

    But not only will visitors get the chance to view the complete dinosaur, they’ll also be able to get up close to Dippy’s skull. Belfast’s 3D printing specialist Laser Prototypes Europe (LPE) was deployed to create eight exact replica skulls.

    In order to do this, Dippy was laser-scanned from head to tail last year. This process captured the dinosaur’s exact size and shape including the smallest of details. LPE was then able to use the data to 3D print the replicas.

    “Our process was perfect for recreating the complex free-form shape of Dippy’s skull, giving an exact copy of the scanned data,” explains Campbell Evans, sales director at LPE.

    “The project was a really interesting one for LPE, as much of our work is for electronic housings, covers, connectors and everyday engineering components. It’s not every day we see a dinosaur coming through the doors, let alone eight of them.”


    dippy

    Dippy Visiting Seven Locations on the UK Dino-Tour

    LPE 3D printed the replica skulls in a single piece from the scan data using lightweight, durable resin. As a result, each of the replicas weighs around three kilograms. By using 3D printing, it’s possible to avoid the traditional mold and cast process.

    3D printing is viewed as a safe way to create models. As a result, visitors will be able to touch the replicas and get up close to Dippy during the tour.

    Of the final eight skulls, two will be going on tour with the dinosaur. Meanwhile, five will be go to the Real World Science partner institutions for education and one will remain in London for research and study.

    The tour began at the Dorset County Museum on the Jurassic Coast and will travel to seven venues, finishing up in Norwich, UK in 2020. Find out more about the tour by visiting the Natural History Museum website.

    Source: The Irish News

    Website: LINK

  • TEVO Tornado 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here

    TEVO Tornado 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Generally speaking, the most appealing feature of the TEVO Tornado 3D printer is the 300 X 300 X 400 mm build size, which for around $350 seems like a bargain in-and-of-itself.  Pair that with a 50 micron minimum layer thickness and a 150 mm/s print speed, and this 3D printer sounds pretty decent.

    The TEVO Tornado 3D printer is partially assembled, but most people should be able to get everything setup in under an hour.

    At first glance, the TEVO Tornado 3D printer looks like a clone of the extremely popular Creality CR-10 (and in many ways, it is identical). However, there are a few features that separate these two similar FDM machines.

    One of the biggest differences is that the TEVO Tornado comes equipped with a Titan extruder from E3D. This high-end accessory is commonly used to upgrade budget 3D printers, but TEVO opted to include it with the stock kit. With the Titan extruder, the 3D printer should be better able to handle a wide range of filaments, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, exotics, TPU, and others.

    Another defining feature of this 3D printer is the 110 volt heated bed, allowing the print area to heat up to high temperatures in under a minute. On the other hand, some people in the 3D printing community claim that the Creality CR-10 offers better quality electronics and a larger support group.

    Last but not least, the TEVO Tornado tends to be a bit cheaper than the Creality CR-10, but not by much. The prices for both of these 3D printers seem to vary from time to time, but the TEVO is usually around $20-30 cheaper.

    There are a few issues that TEVO Tornado 3D printer owners have reported on various forums and community groups. One glaring problem that has been raised by the 3D printing community is “salmon skin” on the surface of 3D prints. As you can guess from the name, some users have reported that the 3D printer produces objects with a strange striped pattern. However, this reported dilemma can be remedied with stepper smoothers.

    After skimming through the TEVO Tornado Owners Facebook group, which has nearly 6,000 members, we noticed a few other issues that were being discussed. Some users claim to have an issue with the quality of 3D prints coming from the SD card that TEVO provides. Others have noted low voltage to the Y-axis stepper motor, which can be alleviated by increasing the voltage.

    With a 3D printer at such a low price point, these various issues are neither surprising nor a deal breaker. However, it’s certainly worth noting the downsides alongside the advantages. Like many desktop FDM machines under $500, the TEVO Tornado is a project 3D printer, and could require some tweaking and modifications to achieve higher print quality.

    Website: LINK

  • Water speakers enhanced with an Arduino Mega

    Water speakers enhanced with an Arduino Mega

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Water speakers enhanced with an Arduino Mega

    Arduino Team — February 14th, 2018

    Maker “cool austin” is a fan of water speakers, which pulse jets of water inside plastic enclosures to the beat of your music, but thought they could be improved.

    What he came up with is a multi-tower setup that not only dances with light and water to the beat of the music playing, but splits up the pulses into frequencies a la a VU meter.

    The project uses an Arduino Mega—chosen because it has sufficient PWM outputs to control the water and lights in five of these enclosures via MOSFETs—to output signals to the water units for an excellent audio-visual display.

    Water speakers from the store are great to watch, but I felt they could do more. So many years ago I had modified a set to show the frequency of music playing. At the time I used the Color Organ Triple Deluxe II, combined with a set of photocells potentiometers and transistors I was able to get a set of 3 speakers to function.

    I then a few years ago had heard about the IC MSGEQ7 which has the ability to separate audio into 7 data values for an Arduino to read. I utilize an Arduino mega 2560 in this project because it has the required number of PWM pins to drive five water towers.

    You can find more details on the water speaker equalizer here, and see it in action below!



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    Website: LINK

  • Video game head tracking with Wii Remote camera

    Video game head tracking with Wii Remote camera

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    Video game head tracking with Wii Remote camera

    Arduino Team — February 14th, 2018

    While the Nintendo Wii has been on the market for well over 10 years, its controllers continue to provide a variety of tools for hacking. One component you may want to consider for your next hack is the camera from the Wii Remote, which senses the position of nearby infrared light spots and outputs them as X/Y coordinates via I²C.

    While that may instantly set off multiple use ideas, if you need inspiration, be sure to check out this setup by Jack Carter. He mounted one of these cameras to the top of a computer screen, and uses it to track an IR LED mounted to the top of his headset.

    From there, an Arduino Uno translates this information as joystick inputs to the computer, which is then configured to control an in-game camera as seen in the video here.



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    Website: LINK

  • YouTuber creates an organ out of 44 Furbies

    YouTuber creates an organ out of 44 Furbies

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    YouTuber creates an organ out of 44 Furbies

    Arduino Team — February 12th, 2018

    If you think Furbies have become extinct, think again, as musical hacker “Look Mum No Computer” has decided to revive a number of them to create his own Furby Organ.

    To make this horrifying yet awesome instrument, he placed 44—yes, 44—of these strange creatures on top of an organ frame with a keyboard and several dials, along with a switch labeled ominously as “collective awakening.”

    Each individual Furby is controlled by two Arduino Nano boards, and as you might imagine, the whole project took a massive amount of work to wire things together. You can see the incredible results in the first video below, while the second gives a bit more background on the device’s origin.



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    Website: LINK

  • Anet E12 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Anet E12 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    The Anet E12 undercuts the popular CR-10 by approximately $60 depending on where you look. At the time of writing, we found it going for anywhere between USD $319 and $369.

    But despite this disparity in pricing the Anet E12 3D printer provides, on paper, largely the same printing capabilities as its CR-10-style stablemates. However, there are key differences that set it apart.

    The most prominent thing on the list above, for us, is the adjustable Y-axis belt. We haven’t seen this on an affordable kit printer before and, come to think of it, would be hard pushed to name any higher priced machines that offer it too.

    Typically a belt tensioner would be one of the printable modifications you would consider adding to a printer like the Anet E12, but Anet has gone ahead and taken care of it for you.

    Not only this, but the Anet E12 features dual stepper motors driving its Z-axis movement. This means two lead screws raising and lowering the printing carriage from both sides in unison. A measure that should lead to greater stability and fewer artifacts along the Z-axis of prints.

    Also of particular note on the Anet E12 3D printer but not mentioned above in the specs list is the inclusion of dual rods for the Y-axis carriage to slide along. In other printers, we typically see a single rail which, while adequate, can be prone to instability and be easily knocked off axis — especially so with a heavy and large glass plate for the print bed. The Anet E12’s dual rod arrange spreads the load and should lead to a much sturdier print bed less likely to be knocked and require constant leveling.

    In addition, we notice some flavor of Marlin 3D printer firmware running on the Anet E12 control box — which itself sports orange decorative stripes and a mounted spool holder.

    Website: LINK

  • Grafter Software Remixes and Improves 3D Printing Models into New Forms

    Grafter Software Remixes and Improves 3D Printing Models into New Forms

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Grafter can remix 3D printing models into new, functional machines, without the need for extensive tweaking or testing.

    Remixing 3D models to create newly printed objects is a common technique in additive manufacturing. A team of experts at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam, Germany have gone a step further, by developing software to remix 3D printed machines with moving parts.

    When remixing, creators often combine parts from parent models with those of a different model. However, this can lead to poorly fitted parts as models often do not match each other.

    Grafter, the software developed by Thijs Jan Roumen, Willi Mueller and Patrick Baudisch at the Hasso Plattner Institute addresses these issues.

    It does so by fully automating the entire remixing process – from extraction and recombination of the separate 3D printed elements.

    However, it also enables the user to see which mechanical elements would fit and work best together.

    This saves users the effort in having to re-engineer and tweak or even test the original mechanisms before combining them.

    First tests are proving power of Grafter

    Grafter is the first software for remixing machines for 3D print. It is based on a group extraction mechanism, whereby parts are automatically cut up and then matched together.

    This way users get to make completely new machines by simply dragging and dropping parts together.

    As an example, the test tube centrifuge (pictured below) consists of three different parts sources. The blue part used to be a siren, while the red part was a record player. Together with the waterfuge (green), it becomes a 3D printed centrifuge that can be spun using the handle mechanism.

    The team then tested the Grafter software among 12 students – all of whom had previous 3D modeling experience. The devices they created using the software worked on first attempt. None of their creations required additional tweaking or a test print.

    In addition, 10 out of 12 participants finished the remix they had been tasked to make.

    Although many 3D enthusiasts will want to get their hands on the software immediately, Grafter is currently only available as a prototype for research. It was created to encourage and lead further developments within the area of 3D print remixing.

    Source: Hasso-Plattner Institute


    Centrifuge created using Grafter. (Image: HPI)

    Website: LINK

  • KUKA Uses MakerBot 3D Printers to Build Robotic Arms

    KUKA Uses MakerBot 3D Printers to Build Robotic Arms

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    KUKA shows that 3D printing offers significant advantages for the creation of modern industrial robotics.

    Driving the smart factories of the 21st century, industrial manufacturing industries are increasingly turning toward automated solutions. Robotics are being employed to ease the burden of lifting or transporting heavy loads.

    KUKA, the Chinese-German industrial manufacturing company, creates specialist robotics by using 3D printing technologies.

    In collaboration with MakerBot 3D printers, KUKA develops robotic arms which are used across a variety of industries.

    The advantage of using 3D printed components is that the weight of the robot can be minimized. At the same time, the company has been able to reduce the number of parts used to assemble a robotic arm.

    The company currently employs 14,000 members of staff worldwide. The robotic arms are available in different sizes and at various payload capacities.

    However, KUKA robotics aren’t just built to automate processes. Instead, the company’s robotic systems have been created to make the working environment safer for people.

    The six-axis industrial robots provide the reactivity and flexibility of a human with a payload capacity from 3kg to over 1 ton.

    “We’re working on robotics, on solutions and automation for nearly every industrial area – for aerospace, electronics, general industries,” explains Otmar Honsberg, head of application engineering at KUKA.


    Robots by KUKA during automobile manufacture. (Image: KUKA)

    Human-robot collaboration made possible with KUKA

    The company works with MakerBot fairly early during the engineering process. It supplies data for components to be 3D printed at the same time as it begins sourcing the metal components.

    “Because we can do that development stage with one-to-one scale printed components. By the time we have actual aluminium or metal parts, we have already made a number of revisions,” adds Soeren Papsdorf, head of manufacturing engineering at KUKA.

    Using just one 3D printer, the company printed 7,000 hours in 2016 at a success rate of 92%.

    “To us, it’s very important that a printer is reliable,” says Thomas Schmidberger, applications engineer at the company. “3D printing is very important because every application is different and everything is customized.”

    In addition, KUKA uses the 3D models to create the assembly process for fixtures and other parts.

    By using additive manufacturing, the company is also able to create application tools in a shorter amount of time. In return, clients are receiving their robotics faster.

    “I think human-robot collaboration is the future of robotics. Human-robot collaboration allows you to combine the advantages of a robot with the advantages of a human being. Seeing, feeling, being able to react quickly,” concludes Papsdorf.

    Website: LINK

  • Want to Write About 3D Printing? Join the All3DP Content Academy!

    Want to Write About 3D Printing? Join the All3DP Content Academy!

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    All3DP is a website dedicated to all things 3D printing, plus related fields such as 3D scanning, 3D modeling, drones and VR. We’re looking for talented writers to contribute to our continuing success and drive a new initiative: the All3DP Content Academy.

    Become a Contributing Writer, Share Your Passion and Knowledge!

    3D printing is a mature and established technology, evidence of which can be found everywhere; from hackable home solutions fabricated on a desktop 3D printer, to functional airplane components on an industrial scale. All3DP covers all aspects of this fascinating industry and related fields.

    Our goal is to make this exciting technology as accessible as possible, engaging 3D printing newbies and veterans alike with informative and authoritative content.

    Would you like to join us on this journey? Whether you’re a subject matter expert with knowledge to share or aspiring writer looking for an outlet, joining our Content Academy will help you engage the All3DP readership with how-tos, tutorials, troubleshooting advice and more.

    Applicants Are Preferred To Have

    • Confidence writing:  experience is preferred, but simply being a clear communicator is a good start.
    • Critical eye: keen attention to detail.
    • Pool of knowledge: an interest in 3D printing, 3D modeling or related topics (and the drive to continue learning).

    How We Will Support You

    Writing can be a complicated process. We won’t leave you in the dark.

    • Support and guidance from the editorial team: after the initial training, you will become a better writer through honest and regular feedback.
    • Only write about the things that interest you: you can choose topics from a pool of subjects that appeal most to you.
    • Become a published author: you will get your name on the world’s leading website for 3D printing.
    • Get paid to know things: compensation for your work is based on a binding fee, agreed upon before a writing task is approved.

    Get Involved

    Interested? Or do you know someone who might be? To apply, either visit our Content Academy website here: Content Academy and fill out the form in the bottom or send a resume and a brief covering letter to [email protected].

    We look forward to receiving your application!

    Team All3DP


    We believe in 3D printing: All3DP team (image: Michael Sedlmeier)

    Website: LINK

  • Tronxy X1 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Tronxy X1 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    There are a few features that make the Tronxy X1 3D printer a viable option for consumers on a budget. However, the most enchanting perk of this 3D printer is the exceptionally low price tag. It can regularly be found on retail websites like GearBest and AliExpress for under $150.

    This 3D printer is a DIY kit, but the simple single-arm design makes it easier to put together than other unassembled kits, such as the Anet A8. Although we haven’t had the opportunity to build the Tronxy X1 3D printer ourselves, the general consensus from user comments on GearBest is that its incredibly easy to assemble. Unlike many other cheap DIY kits, the Tronxy X1 is said to have impressively descriptive documentation.

    There are some complaints about things like a wobble in the X-axis, but these issues seem easily solvable with a bit of tweaking and tightening.

    With this inexpensive DIY kit, you get a sturdy aluminum frame, 150 x 150 x 150 mm build area, and 100 micron resolution. The X1 also has an external control box, which is where the SD Card slot is located.

    As one of the cheapest DIY 3D printer kits on the market, the Tronxy X1 is becoming more and more popular for makers on a strict budget. But with that low price comes a few sacrifices.

    The printer has no heated bed–making it difficult to print materials outside of PLA– no part cooling fan, and no auto-leveling function. In a video review from YouTuber Maker’s Muse, he alleviates the fan issue by setting up a desktop fan beside the printer. As you can see, the printer is quite limited in functionality, but if you get a bit creative you can maximize the potential of the Tronxy X1.

    For less than $150, it’s not shocking that these features are missing, and the printer seems to deliver quality prints for the price point. If you want to invest more into improving the  3D printer over time, you can purchase and mount features like a heated bed and part cooling fan.

    Website: LINK

  • Weekend Project: 3D Printed Harry Potter Spectrespecs with LED Lights

    Weekend Project: 3D Printed Harry Potter Spectrespecs with LED Lights

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Eight-year-old maker Purple Oranji turns Adafruit NeoPixel goggles into a pair of 3D printed Spectrespecs, the zany light-up shades featured in the Harry Potter movies. This weekend project is the perfect way to show your kids that a 3D printer is just as extraordinary as a magic wand. 

    When author J.K. Rowling first introduced Harry Potter and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to world in 1997, she enticed us into an otherworldly and magical universe like no other.

    For over a decade, both the books and movie adaptations have sparked the imagination of an entire generation. It might not be as powerful as a magic wand, but 3D printing technology has also revved up the creative horsepower in makers of all ages.

    In fact, one eight-year-old maker and self-proclaimed “Harry Potter superfan”, known on YouTube as Purple Oranji, recently used 3D printing to create her own pair of owl-like Spectrespecs. These hypnotic glasses–worn by Luna Lovegood on a train ride to Hogwarts– can be replicated with 3D printing and LEDs.

    This weekend project is actually an extension of Adafruit’s Trinket-Powered NeoPixel Goggle Kit Pack. You’ll need to assemble this kit before heading to King’s Cross Platform 9¾ to build your new 3D printed Spectrespecs.


    3D Printed Harry Potter Spectrespecs: What Do You Need?

    To create the 3D printed Spectrespecs, you’ll need a few tools besides your 3D printer, most of which can be ordered directly from Adafruit or sourced from Amazon. Here’s the grocery list for this week’s Weekend Project:

    3D Printed Harry Potter Spectrespecs: Putting It All Together

    The assembly for the 3D printed Spectrespecs are laid out in a YouTube video by the young maker. Before starting, you’ll need to build the Trinket-Powered NeoPixel Goggle Kit Pack from Adafruit. Purple Oranji already had a pair built from a previous project, and shows us how to transform them in the quick and easy instructional video.

    First, you’ll cut out circular inserts from cardboard and smooth plastic for the rear lenses. The plastic material ensures that the window tint is applied smoothly. You’ll also need a 13-14 cm strip of LEDs. The larger the number LEDs on the strip, the better the effect will be.

    The young maker speaks like a seasoned expert, warning viewers to solder on the right side, as the data signal for the LEDs are directional. She even shares a diagram of her wiring connection in the video.


    Purple Oranji modifies the NeoPixel strip to be red in one eye and blue in another, matching the style depicted in the Harry Potter film. The backing cardboard is inserted into each eye, followed by the tinted plastic lens.

    The LEDs are mounted next, with the wiring running across the bridge of the goggles. Finally, the one-way mirror tint lenses with the mirror facing inside, and you’re finally ready to 3D print.

    With help from her father, Purple Oranji designed the wing-like frames of the Spectrespecs. After the 3D printing process is complete, the frames were dipped in hot water to soften the PLA, allowing her to reshape the winged tips.


    These 3D printed Spectrespecs make for a tremendous addition to your Harry Potter cosplay collection. On top of that, watching this young maker in action will inspire the kids–or even yourself– to unleash your maker magic.

    Wach Purple Oranji’s terrific build video below, and get ready to have your printer chanting the Wingardium Leviosa spell throughout the weekend.

    Website: LINK

  • [FLASH DEAL] New Matter Filament, 63 -75% Off at $7.49

    [FLASH DEAL] New Matter Filament, 63 -75% Off at $7.49

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Sad news this week with the closure of 3D printer manufacturer New Matter. Ahead of shuttering some time this summer, the company is clearing house with a fire sale of all its products, including filament.

    It never a nice thing to see a company that puts real, tangible 3D printing products in peoples hands close down. And the shuttering of New Matter is no exception.

    But, from New Matter’s misfortune comes the opportunity for bargain-hunting makers to snap up the company’s leftover stock of filament. Until stocks run out, New Matter’s Bold and Pearl color filaments are discounted down from USD $19.99 and $29.99 to just $7.49.

    In addition, print surface plates for the company’s Mod-T 3D printer are cut-price at $4.99, down from $14.99. If you’re an owner of the machine, now would be the time to stock up and help prolong the life of your printer.

    Deal: New Matter filament, 63-75% off (now $7.49)

    Other Deals:

    All3DP is an editorially independent publication. Occasionally we need to pay our bills, so we affiliate some product links through which we may receive a small commission. For the full spiel, check out our Terms of Use.

    Website: LINK

  • New Matter is Another 3D Printing Company Closing Down

    New Matter is Another 3D Printing Company Closing Down

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    For the second time this month, a 3D printer company is shuttering their doors. New Matter will cease operations at the end of Febuary; providing limited support to owners of the MOD-t 3D printer.

    Don’t Miss: Type A Machines Retire to that Great 3D Printer in the Sky

    Last week we reported on the demise of Type A Machines, a 3D printer hardware manufacturer in the prosumer segment. This week we’re covering the permanent — and premature — closure of 3D printer maker New Matter.

    With their $399 MOD-t 3D printer, New Matter were pitching for business in the education, budget, and education-on-a-budget markets. The MOD-t was the result of a successful Indiegogo campaign from July 2014, raising $683,804 from 3,550 backers.

    The 3D printer has an elegant and simple design, with an enclosed build space and wireless connectivity. The company claims they sold more than ten thousand units to enthusiasts, kids, parents, and schools around the world. But these promising beginnings were no guarantee of future success.

    “We regret to announce that New Matter will be winding down its operations and will close the company effective February 28, 2018,” says New Matter CEO Steve Schell in statement. “It has become clear that our aspirations to transform the industry simply don’t fit profitably into the current market dynamics in desktop 3D printing.”

    What are these current market dynamics Schell is referring to? It might have something to do with the abundance of cheap DIY 3D printer kits sold by retailers like Amazon. The difficulty curve is a lot steeper with these kits, and there’s a big question mark over quality assurance. But they offer more advanced features for the same price or less.

    One indication of this challenge is when a second generation MOD-t was launched on Kickstarter in 2017. It surpassed its $100,000 funding goal in 5 days, but New Matter cancelled the campaign on 15 November because “we received a significant amount of feedback indicating that our supporters had greater expectations for our second generation offering.”

    With the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear that New Matter is a company that puts principle before profit. To continue with their second Kickstarter campaign might have kept the company afloat for another year or two. But it would also have meant the release of a less than satisfactory product.


    New Matter

    Existing Customers will Still be Supported, says New Matter

    So where does the demise of New Matter leave existing users of the MOD-t?

    “Even though the company itself will no longer be around, we have taken steps to make this transition as smooth as possible for MOD-t users,” Schell continues.

    “In particular, we intend to keep the New Matter Store operational through mid-summer 2018, and we will make limited technical support available through mid-summer as well. After that time, your MOD-t will lose its Wi-Fi functionality but will still operate via the USB connection and the MOD-t desktop app.”

    It’s a complex and alarming scenario, with points of concern like warranty, support, and maintenance for existing customers, but New Matter has addressed most of them with an FAQ to accompany the statement of closure. In short — don’t panic, there is a transition path, refer to the FAQs.

    Moreover, the company is having a clearance sale on filament and other accessories. Stocks are emptying fast, however. If you already have a MOD-t machine and want to keep it ticking over long-term, now is the time to do it.

    The last word goes to Schell and the team at New Matter:

    “We want to thank all of you who have supported us,” he says. “Despite our disappointment with this outcome, the whole New Matter team is nonetheless proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last four years, and we recognize that we simply could not have achieved what we have without your enthusiasm and encouragement.”


    new matter

    Website: LINK

  • Ultimaker Becomes Sponsor and Supplier for GE’s Additive Education Program

    Ultimaker Becomes Sponsor and Supplier for GE’s Additive Education Program

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Open source 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker has announced that it is now a sponsor and supplier to the GE Additive Education Program (AEP). Schools can apply for subsidies from General Electric towards 3D printing.

    General Electric is helping future engineers, makers and scientists thrive with their GE Additive Education Program (AEP). The American has been gobbling up 3D printing companies over the years as it secures its future in the industry, and is now investing in people with USD $2-million set aside to subsidize desktop polymer printers in primary and second schools around the world.

    Helping out with this mission is 3D printer manufacturer, Ultimaker who just joined GE’s AEP. The company announced that it will be a sponsor and supplier.

    “We are thrilled to have been asked and excited to participate in helping GE provide schools around the world with access to 3D printers,” stated John Kawola, President, Ultimaker North America.

    Schools with a strong commitment to Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM) education teaching students in the 8 to 18 age group will receive priority in the program, which is now in its second year.

    Packages supplied by the GE AEP will include Polar Cloud-enabled polymer printers, professional training and educational modules. GE is now taking applications from schools.

    General Electric AEP Includes Ultimaker

    Essentially, the AEP hopes to nurture and develop future talent in additive manufacturing. Ultimaker adds that they share this passion and goal with GE.

    Polar 3D’s Polar Cloud platform serves as an important resource in the program, offering simplified cloud-based processing of 3D models and printer operation.

    “As we enter year two of the AEP, we have seen the benefits of enabling schools with additive technologies. Students are learning at a young age to use digital tools to help boost creativity and productivity, and to prepare themselves for the quickly-changing workplace… Ultimaker has a proven track record of making 3D printing affordable and accessible across broad bands of education and professional settings, and we’re proud to have them join the effort,” stated Greg LaLonde, President, Polar 3D.

    Of course, as well as being involved with the AEP, Ultimaker has its own initiative, the Pioneer Program which launched last year. This program involves providing lesson plans, projects and content for educators who can then share ideas within the community.

    Impressively, this program now has over 100 global members and we’ve seen some of the results. For example, Ultimaker has helped one teacher inspire STEM students with bottle rockets and aided university students with printing liver models.

    Interested in finding out more? You can apply as a school to participate by visiting the GE AEP website.

    Source: PR Newswire  


    GE AEP

    Website: LINK

  • TronXY X5S 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    TronXY X5S 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    The TronXY X5S is one of the new 3D printers kits which seems to hit a sweet spot with customers worldwide. TheTronXY X5S is the bigger brother of the TronXY X3S and has overtaken it in popularity. Since early 2018, it has become one of the best-selling 3D printers on stores like Gearbest and Aliexpress.

    The most obvious feature of the machine is its size. A 3D printer that offers a build volume of 330 x 330 x 400mm for under $300 sounds like a very good deal – but is it really?

    Please note that this is not a full Tronxy X5S 3D printer review, as All3DP’s editorial team hasn’t taken an in-depth look at the printer. But can provide you with insights on what the specifications really mean. Also, we’ve collected voices from the 3D printing community that have built a TronXY X5S.

    Website: LINK