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

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

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

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