Tennessee researchers have come together to pursue a more in-depth look at the science of 3D printing with metal, outlining their findings in the recently published ‘Dimensional Analysis of Metal Powder Infused Filament – Low Cost Metal 3D Printing.’ While fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most standardized, and popular, forms of 3D … Read more
Researchers from the US and the UK have been working together on complex and unique bioprinting techniques, outlining their findings in the recently published ‘3D Printing in Suspension Baths: Keeping the Promises of Bioprinting Afloat.’ Focusing on the use of suspension in extrusion-based 3D printing, the researchers develop a strategy for creating ‘water-rich’ and self-supporting … Read more
Scientific discoveries and research missions beyond Earth’s surface are quickly moving forward. Advancements in the fields of research, space medicine, life, and physical sciences, are taking advantage of the effects of microgravity to find solutions to some big problems here on Earth. Researchers in 3D printing and bioprinting have taken advantage of space facilities that … Read more
In the recently published ‘Trueness and precision of intraoral scanners in the maxillary dental arch: an in vivo analysis,’ authors Jonas Winkler and Nikolaos Gkantidis from the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Bern in Switzerland are exploring ways to improve dental devices via 3D technology. Intraoral 3D imaging is beginning to … Read more
Researchers from Sweden and Norway are making further strides in tissue engineering, with their recent findings published in ‘Computational and experimental characterization of 3D-printed PCL structures toward the design of soft biological tissue scaffolds.’ As the researchers studied the in-depth effects of mesostructures on the mechanical properties of tissue scaffolds, they 3D printed numerous poly … Read more
The 2020 Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS) event ended earlier this week in Boston. The summit was focused on the business of 3D printing in medical, dental, and metals, so it makes sense that Scott Dunham, the Vice President of Research at SmarTech Analysis, was on hand to give everyone a sense of where we are … Read more
The company Pratt & Whitney, which designs, manufactures, services aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, is teaming up with ST Engineering to develop a 3D printed aero-engine component into its MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations. The 3D printed aero-engine is projected to be part of the repair process by mid-2020. Both companies are trying … Read more
Our skin protects us from invading microorganisms and foreign substances, eliminates harmful toxins, helps to regulate our core body temperature, and is in charge of receiving both tactile and thermal stimulation. But, it’s fragile and easily damaged, which can lead to open wounds that get infected. Michelle Orozco-Brenes, José A. Jiménez-Chavarría, and Dagoberto Arias-Aguilar, researchers … Read more
Frequently Asked Questions What is wire-arc additive manufacturing with nickel aluminum bronze cu-9al-4fe-4ni-1mn? Quick Answer: What is WAAM with Nickel Aluminum Bronze. This topic is increasingly relevant in the 3D printing community as the technology continues to advance and become more accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. How does this relate to 3D printing? This … Read more
The Additive Manufacturing industry boasts a wide variety of jobs and career paths, making it a popular industry to work in – both for new graduates looking for their first job, or professionals looking to make a career shift. Starting a new career can be challenging, and in a technical industry like additive manufacturing, finding … Read more
To conclude our series on the transformation of the maker movement, we’re going full circle to the place that inspired this series in the first place: Make: Community (previously known as Maker Media). As previously conveyed in our last two installments (part 5 and part 6), the maker movement is clearly not dead, and neither … Read more
US researchers delve further into soft robotics, outlining their findings in the recently published ‘Soft Somatosensitive Actuators via Embedded 3D Printing.’ Developing a new method relying on soft somatosensitive actuators (SSAs) embedded in 3D printed structures, the researchers focus on an effective way to combine conductive features with elastomeric matrices. Today, 3D printing, soft robotics, … Read more
Researchers Jakub Marchewka and Jadwiga Laska from AGH University of Science and Technology in Poland are working to process new material blends for FDM 3D printing in tissue engineering, outlining their results in the recently published ‘Processing of poly-L-lactide and poly(L-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate) blends by fused filament fabrication and fused granulate fabrication using RepRap 3D printer.’ … Read more
A team of researchers from Switzerland’s Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have demonstrated the ability to 3D print objects up to 2 cm in size in a matter of seconds. And, unlike every other 3D printing technology, their process prints the entire object at once. The researchers published their findings in the journal Nature … Read more
Markforged has announced the release of a new metal material for its Metal X 3D printer: copper. Due to the comparatively low-cost of the Metal X system, this makes Markforged technology the most affordable method for 3D printing copper in the industry. Copper has some very niche uses, mostly associated with its great thermal and … Read more
Stereolithography, widely known as “SLA,” is one of the most exciting forms of 3D printing technology on the market. It’s precise, it can produce smooth and detailed parts, and it can even be used to make parts indirectly via patterns for casting and injection molding. Much more than an obscure cousin to FDM, Stereolithography is … Read more
Quick Answer Box: Solvent Compatibility for 3D Printed Parts Key Finding: 3D printed parts behave very differently from traditionally manufactured plastics when exposed to solvents. Traditional compatibility charts don’t apply—3D printed parts are significantly more vulnerable to chemical breakdown due to their layered structure and porosity. Most Resistant Materials: Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyoxymethylene (POM), … Read more
Improving efficiency, optimizing technology, increasing awareness, even reducing costs and time, these are all traits that result from strategic road maps, and in the case of bioprinting, where the outcomes affect tissue engineering, bespoke outcomes for patients, regenerative therapy, and much more, having a blueprint for the entire industry seems like a bright idea. Especially … Read more
Bowman International is a small-to-medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in the U.K. that does something seemingly invisible, but crucial in the manufacturing industry and, well, throughout industrialized society. It makes bearings. Bearings reduce the friction between moving parts and allow for greater control over those parts. For instance, the hub of a car wheel features a … Read more
For the second year running, and its third year total, 3DPrint.com and SmarTech Analysis have brought the Additive Manufacturing Strategies summit to Boston. With a theme of “The Business of 3D Printing,” the event continues its established coverage of 3D printing in the medical and dental industries, but adds a new metals track this year. … Read more
Quick Answer: What is the 3DXTECH Gearbox HT2? The 3DXTECH Gearbox HT2 is a professional-grade high-temperature 3D printer designed for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Key specifications include: Build Volume: 18″ x 18″ x 32″ (457 x 457 x 813 mm) Extruder Temperature: Up to 500°C Heated Chamber: Up to 250°C Extruders: Dual extrusion system … Read more
I’m here in Boston, with the rest of the 3DPrint.com and SmarTech Analysis team, for our third annual Additive Manufacturing Strategies summit, titled “The Business of 3D Printing: Medicine, Dentistry and Metals.” A favorite part of the event is our Startup Competition, where seed-stage 3D printing startups focused on bioprinting, hardware, materials, or software can … Read more
The new year brings a fresh beginning, resolutions, and of course predictions. At Blueprint, we work with executives and engineers across the 3D printing industry and beyond. Based on our conversations and industry insight, here’s our perspective on what to expect in 2020. We’re at an interesting inflection point, where additive is no longer an … Read more
Researchers from Romania have recently delved further into materials associated with 3D printing, outlining their findings in ‘Polysaccharide-Based 3D Printing Inks Supplemented with Additives.’ In this study, they combined a variety of different polysaccharides to improve 3D printing inks. “A wide range of materials have shown potential in 3D printing but modeling these materials into … Read more
Researchers from Turkey and Romania have come together recently to finish a project as they evaluate patients in a follow-up study, outlined in ‘Eighteen Months Follow-Up with Patient-Centered Outcomes Assessment of Complete Dentures Manufactured Using a Hybrid Nanocomposite and Additive CAD/CAM Protocol.’ Initially, patients received 3D printed dentures made from a composite material, poly(methyl methacrylate) … Read more