In this issue of 3D printing industry news digest Slice, we cover the latest business developments, partnerships and acquisitions in the field of additive manufacturing.
The 3D printing industry will travel to Frankfurt next week to participate in Formnext 2021. You can watch the live broadcast of this year's largest 3D printing event on our YouTube channel. In this version of Slice, you can preview some news in the show.
Today's version includes a series of new 3D printer releases, financial collapse, research and development funding updates, new dental and automotive applications, military 3D scanning experiments, and a series of additive manufacturing art installations.
Read on for the latest updates of Farsoon, Nanoscribe, PostProcess, GE, BEAMIT, voxeljet, Xometry, Covestro, Shapeways, PrintParts, Authentise, Elementum 3D, Wematter, AddUp, Xpect INX, BCN3D, America Makes, Spaghetti Detective, etc.
System news from BOFA, B9Creations, Anisoprint and Raise3D
Starting this week, using the latest system hardware, B9Creations, a 3D printer manufacturer located in Dakota, has released a new machine: "B9 Core 5 Series XL-385". The company's largest platform to date provides a standard and medically-compliant "Med XL" version, equipped with a 385-nanometer light engine that enables users to accurately print translucent and white materials.
In addition to the new machine, B9Creations also launched the "HD Clear" translucent resin, which is said to be able to produce smooth and shiny parts, and after polishing or coating, it looks completely transparent and "glass"-like it. 'The company will demonstrate these and more products at the MD&M Minneapolis event, and interested parties can make reservations as needed.
Elsewhere, continuous fiber 3D printer manufacturer Anisoprint announced its intention to launch a "next generation" composite machine at this year's Formnext. According to the company’s designer Evgeny Babarykin, the upgraded PROM IS 500 system will be supported by Bosch Rexroth’s CNC automation technology, which can now work seamlessly with its existing software to increase user productivity.
“We chose MTX because it is considered to be the most powerful CNC system solution on the market,” explained Babarykin. "Combined with these high-quality automation and mechanical components, the open software system provides unlimited possibilities for innovative technologies."
At the same time, Raise3D has launched two new 3D printers with upgrade kits aimed at small batch production of end-use parts, tools and spare parts. The dual extruder called "Pro3 Series" has interchangeable hot ends and automatic bed leveling functions. Compared with its predecessor, the award-winning "Pro2 Series", its industrial repeatability has also been improved.
To access complete technical specifications and pricing information for Raise3D's Pro3 and Pro3 Plus 3D printers, please view our full assortment here.
After this week's BOFA International machine news, the smoke and particle extraction technology developer launched a new and improved "3D PrintPRO 4" 3D printing ventilation system. The upgraded device has multi-stage gas filtration and a deeper carbon bed than before, making it more suitable for automated production processes such as FFF, SLA, DLP and material jetting machines.
"The enhanced features of our 3D PrintPRO series are in line with the industry's trend towards faster printing capabilities and larger build rooms," explained Haydn Knight, BOFA's director of sales and marketing. "Our filtration system options for this market have been improving, which highlights our leading position in meeting the needs of companies that invest in the advantages of industrial additive manufacturing."
Linkoping, University of Queensland invests in 3D printing
Entering the field of education, Linkoping University signed an agreement with SLS 3D printer manufacturer Wematter, which will equip its students with the company's accessibility-oriented Gravity system and related peripherals.
According to the university, it has invested in equipment to enable students to engage in advanced campus research, especially in the areas of printable polymers and composites. For his part, Wematter CEO Robert Kniola also expressed pride that his company's technology will provide the next generation of engineers with the tools they need to thrive in the workplace of the future.
Kniola said: “All the courses at Linköping University are of very high quality, and every year there are graduate students with high scores.” “We hope that future engineers, designers and other professionals will regard Wematter as a natural part of their professional practice. Thanks to their additive manufacturing knowledge and SLS 3D printer Gravity during their studies."
"I am proud that Wematter will be part of one of Sweden's largest university engineering projects."
Similarly, the University of Queensland has expanded its 3D printing product portfolio through the acquisition of AML3D's Wire Arc Manufacturing (WAM) Arcemy system. Purchased at a price of 400,000 US dollars (AUD), this 1.5 cubic meter capacity machine and its extensive alloy compatibility will be deployed in "education and research and development" applications.
"We are very pleased to be able to provide UQ with what we consider to be the most advanced integrated wire-based 3D printing device in the world," said Andy Sales, MD of AML3D. "It is expected that we will work closely with the University of Queensland on specific research and development projects in the future, which will benefit both parties in terms of research, industry applications and basic student learning and research."
Covestro, MakerBot and Nanoscribe launch new materials
In this week's bumper material update, German polymer expert Covestro introduced a new SLA resin that has the potential to simplify the 3D printing of investment casting patterns. The material is designed to solve the sensitivity problem of certain alloys during the casting process. It is said that the material can "completely burn out" and "low residual ash" to help users improve their process efficiency and parts output.
Due to its low moisture absorption, "Somos WaterShed AF" is also very stable, so it is very suitable for applications with strict tolerances, such as applications in the aerospace or aviation industry. Interested parties can learn more and view the actual resin at the Investment Casting Association meeting held from November 7 to 9, 2021 or at Formnext at Hall 12.1, Booth C11 from November 16 to 19, 2021. application.
Elsewhere, the company has also expanded its cooperation with Farsoon, a Chinese 3D printer manufacturer. Covestro's customers have installed Huashu's laser sintering systems in their Dutch and German factories to verify the new TPU, PP and PBT materials, and are now beginning to deploy the resulting resins in a larger series of applications.
For example, Seifert Logistics Group is said to be using the SS403P machine to 3D print TPU footwear parts at a "high productivity level". At the same time, working with car companies has seen Farsoon and Covestro help develop end-use car interior parts, using the traditional DSM material Arnite T AM1210 (P).
Similarly, Stratasys subsidiary MakerBot has released a new fast-dissolving support material and ABS filaments for use in its METHOD X machine. The former is soluble in water and does not require solvents or time-consuming post-processing. The latter's "ABS-R" material is designed to solve the problem of part cracking or warping during the printing process and produce more reliable plastic molds and prototypes.
"Our goal with METHOD has always been to easily, reliably, and accurately perform industrial 3D printing on desktop 3D printers. With RapidRinse and ABS-R, we will continue to deliver on this promise," MakerBot CEO Nadav Goshen said. "In addition, RapidRinse is another step we have taken with Stratasys to support sustainable manufacturing practices and industry safety standards."
In terms of bioprinting, Xpect INX has established a distribution partnership with nanoscribe, a microprinting expert, which will allow these companies to expand the accessibility of high-resolution biomanufacturing. Through this transaction, the former's HYDROBIO, HYDROTECH and DEGRAD INX N100, gelatin, hydrogel and polyester-based materials will be available on Nanoscribe's machines, thereby expanding its application range.
Xpect INX project leader Jasper Van Hoorick explained: "We believe that this agreement reached with the micromanufacturing market leader will truly unlock the application potential of biomanufacturing technology." "By providing a full range of next-generation high-resolution bio-inks , We believe that we can trigger a paradigm shift in the field of micromachining."
Desktop Metal, BEAMIT and co. announced a breakthrough in processing
Turning to material processing and certification news, the Italian service agency BEAMIT has developed a method for 3D printing René 80 RAM1 nickel-based superalloy. The company's metal is formulated with Elementum 3D's "RAM technology", which is said to have a high melting point and excellent oxidation resistance, making it particularly suitable for the production of valve and turbine spare parts.
Industrial 3D printer manufacturer Desktop Metal also announced the qualification of a new alloy for its production system platform. This stainless steel is called 420 grade or "420 SS". It has high strength and corrosion resistance. It has been used to make everything from surgical and dental instruments to ball bearings, gear shafts and high-end tableware.
Jonah Myerberg, CTO and co-founder of Desktop Metal, said: “Engineers continue to look for metal additive manufacturing as the main choice for driving design and manufacturing innovation. “We believe that our certification of 420 SS and other high-strength alloys will accelerate The deployment of our AM 2.0 solution among customers who wish to successfully mass-produce critical components. "
In terms of more material certification cooperation, Fraunhofer IPA, Bayreuth University and 3D printer manufacturer voxeljet have jointly launched the "HSS Material Network". The service aims to accelerate the development of 3D printable polymers, effectively allowing voxeljet to discuss material goals with customers, and then refer them to the joint Bayreuth and Fraunhfoer team to calculate parameters.
James Reeves, global director of voxeljet polymer printing, said: “As long as there are materials that cannot be printed, the potential of additive manufacturing has not been fully utilized.” “Through cooperation with industry leaders and well-known research institutions such as Fraunhofer IPA and By publicly exchanging opinions, we can significantly speed up the development of new materials."
Finally, in this week's material update, metal powder developer Blue Power launched a new compact ultrasonic atomization system called "AUS 500". The machine is designed to achieve small batch production of high-quality alloys, which can melt the powder into any shape and be used to manufacture customized materials without the use of expensive filtration systems or the risk of alloying elements evaporating.
Business updates from Xometry, GE, Quickparts, AddUp and PostProcess
The US-based power, aerospace, and medical (and 3D printing) company revealed at the beginning of this week's business update with General Electric that its revenue for the third quarter of 2021 was flat at $18.4 billion. However, compared to the third quarter of 2020, the company’s order backlog also increased by 42% to $22.1 billion, so it now says it expects to achieve “income growth, margin expansion, and higher free cash flow in 2022” ".
Those interested in understanding General Electric’s full financial results for the third quarter of 2021 can do so here.
At the same time, the former on-demand manufacturing division of 3D Systems has officially started an independent transaction under the renamed Quickparts. The company was sold to Trilantic for $82 million in September, and continues to provide prototyping and short-term production services through its 300-employee team and SLA, SLS, FDM 3D printers, and CNC machining and sheet metal systems.
On Xometry, the manufacturing market launched an upgraded version of its design platform Autodesk Fusion 360 application. The updated version is called "Version 2.0" and provides users with in-app manufacturability feedback, allowing them to upload multiple parts at once and make product prototypes quickly and efficiently.
"We are very pleased to deepen our partnership with Autodesk with version 2.0 of the Xometry Autodesk Fusion 360 application," said Randy Altschluler, CEO of Xometry. "Now, designers can get all the key information they need-pricing, delivery time, and manufacturability feedback through the app when designing parts."
The application is free and can be downloaded directly from the Autodesk Fusion 360 App Store.
Finally, in terms of business news, French industrial 3D printer supplier AddUp announced a partnership with post-printing specialist PostProcess. The two companies are working together to integrate their technology into AddUp's French and American factories, aiming to improve the scalability of 3D printing in the aerospace, energy, and automotive sectors, and they are said to have made progress in part quality.
AddUp post-processing method engineer Medhi Offroy said: “The digital integration in AM post-processing is the focus of our quest to improve the value chain.” The [PostProcess'] DECI Duo solution is very interesting for reducing the surface roughness of precision metal 3D printed parts. Now we can reach inaccessible surfaces in fast execution time. "
Additive applications featuring voxeljet, SLM solutions, etc.
With voxeljet leading the latest 3D printing applications this week, the high-speed sintering (HSS) system manufacturer revealed that global automotive supplier Brose has become one of the first beta adopters of its VX1000 HSS system.
As part of the test plan, the two companies are now collaborating to further develop the system's automotive series production capabilities. After a three-month initial joint development phase at voxeljet's headquarters in Munich, the system will be transferred to the Brose Additive Manufacturing Center in Coburg, integrated into its production setup and optimized for customer-specific applications.
Voxeljet's VX2000 3D printer has also recently found new applications in Finland, and the Hetitec Oy foundry in the country has deployed the technology to manufacture complex molds. Since installing the system earlier this year, the company's CEO Ville Moilanen stated that it has been able to speed up the delivery of castings to the point that it is now "the fastest foundry in Scandinavia."
Elsewhere in Germany, SLM Solutions announced the sale of the SLM 280 3D printer to MacLean Additive, a division of leading automotive supplier MacLean Fogg Component Solutions. As the developer of Formetrix L-40, a tough, malleable steel powder, the company now intends to use its new machine to produce hundreds of tools from this material, thereby providing it with cost and performance advantages.
"We are very happy to work with MacLean Additive to jointly promote the industrialization and growth of its 3D metal printing product line," said Sam O'Leary, CEO of SLM Solutions. "The success achieved with another innovative powder, such as Formetrix L-40 tool steel, adds to the impressive list of materials that has been validated and proven on SLM machines."
"We look forward to the mutual growth of Formetrix L-40 powder usage and the rapid adoption of SLM Solutions technology."
Finally, in terms of application news, Hi-Fiber, the dental subsidiary of Moi Composites, has reached an agreement with Malo Clinic in Portugal to use its continuous fiber 3D printed implants as part of clinical trials. It is believed that the agreement may mark the first in a series of similar collaborations between the two companies that will help further advance the end use of additive manufacturing of dental reinforcement materials.
Michele Tonizzo, CTO and co-founder of Moi Composites, explained: "This is the meeting of two outstanding achievements." "The Marlowe Clinic stands for excellence in dentistry. Our technical solution is The missing part of their agreement, we are the missing link to create a perfect smile. Cooperation with Malo Clinic is our goal since the beginning of Hi-Fiber development. This is very encouraging."
Shapeways, Authentise, 3D control system make software progress
Shapeways, a 3D printing service provider, has launched its new "Otto" software as a service (SaaS) online platform. A survey was conducted and found that 88% of all 3D printing users were facing software-related issues earlier this year. The company released updated web tools to solve this problem and provide users with a fully digital end-to-end workflow , Allowing them to avoid any unnecessary risks or costs.
Greg Kress, CEO of Shapeways, said: "Our goal with Otto is to allow any manufacturer anywhere to easily and quickly benefit from 3D printing. "Seamless access to world-class digital manufacturing eliminates the required capital expenditures. And the trouble of establishing dedicated production capacity. Manufacturers can register for Otto for free and start using our services immediately. "
In terms of software cooperation news, the US 3D printing service provider PrintParts has also begun to cooperate with 3D Control Systems. The goal of the two companies is to make each printed part traceable and scannable by combining PrintParts' SmartParts authentication product with 3D Control Systems' workflow software.
"We see the need for traceability within additive because it continues to prove beneficial for production purposes, and additive manufacturing MES companies (such as 3D Control Systems) have provided end users with the visibility needed to scale to production applications. Sex and control," said Robert Haleluk, founder and CEO of PrintParts.
The AI-driven 3D printing application The Spaghetti Detective has now been used to watch more than 50 million hours of parts production footage. Essentially, the software monitors the user's prints in real time through their webcam and intervenes when the job seems likely to fail, preventing damage to the manufacturer's machine while avoiding wasting any material.
To celebrate the number of prints it saved by reaching the 50 million hour milestone, the company is now giving away a number of prizes, including 3D printers. For more detailed information about the giveaway, which will expire on December 1, 2021, please click here.
At the same time, workflow software developer Authentise received a bonus of £1.7 million. Issued by the Industrial Strategic Challenge Fund (ISCF), the funds will be used to develop and validate scalable digital tools to improve energy consumption and material efficiency in ceramic and metal additive manufacturing.
It will be developed with Photocentric and the research organization TWI, and data-driven tools are being designed so that users can repeatedly and consistently identify and enforce industry standards during the production process. Once ready, the software will be tested with sample data provided by the metal powder developer ICD, and the results will be independently verified by the Institute of Materials Processing.
U.S. DLA identifies new 3D modeling advantages
The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) found that the use of 3D scanning in certain defense applications can also help it achieve many 3D printing goals. While testing advanced imaging technologies, the organization found that U.S. defense personnel could use them to seamlessly share models in the Department of Defense’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange.
It is believed that 3D scanning may eventually help military users match manufactured parts with catalog models, find out their national inventory numbers, and improve the way DLA operates its force-supported product testing center, as well as its personnel contracting process, supply Business and customer.
"The ability to send a 3D model embedded in a PDF, the user can rotate it... you can actually see it, which makes more sense to you, not just a bunch of text on the page," explains Craig Gravitz of DLA road. "Another benefit of 3D imaging includes the ability to collect information about difficult-to-manufacture parts through reverse engineering," adds Jamie Hieber, laboratory manager at the center.
3D printing shines at art exhibition
The artistic certificate of additive manufacturing has also been upgraded recently, and the technology has been deployed in the creation of several new exhibits. At Penn State University, a team from Stuckeman College and the School of Engineering collaborated to create a new work inspired by their previous work, and won second place in NASA's 3D Printed Mars Habitat Challenge.
The work is titled "From Earth to Mars and Back" and shows a series of images from the project's research experiments, including different parts of the design and 3D printing process, and can be on Mars or on Earth. The exhibition is currently available for free viewing at the university until January 19, 2021.
In a similar (although more abstract) art application, UNICEF worked with creative design agency domestic data streaming media to 3D print ten busts of real children on the streets of Paris. In order to highlight children's mental health issues, this thought-provoking device was made of ABS filament using BCN3D's Epsilon W50 system and was exhibited in the French capital for three days.
3D printing material developer CRP Technology also announced its entry into the art world by participating in the "Super Romantic" exhibition in Italy. The company's Windform LX 3.0 fiberglass-filled composite material was used to make two generating masks as part of the design studio "MHOX" and "Collagene" exhibitions, which were on display until last week.
"We are very happy to participate with MHOX," commented Franco Cevolini, CEO of CRP Technology. "The'Collagene' mask represents some innovation: a new concept of daily necessities-personalization-combined with high-tech manufacturing technology, high-quality and high-performance materials."
SEMI is full of praise for the "Rebuild Better" Act
The Electronics and Manufacturing Association SEMI has stated that it has approved the inclusion of "Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit" in President Biden's "Rebuild Better" settlement bill. As part of the proposed changes, the bill will introduce a 5% credit for any infrastructure manufacturers required to manufacture semiconductors before January 1, 2027, which may increase to 25%.
SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha said: "SEMI is pleased to provide semiconductor manufacturing tax credits for the production of chips and semiconductor tools that have been included in the Build Back Better Settlement Act. "This credit will provide for the production of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment in the United States. Strong incentives and make the United States more competitive in this vital industry. "
Prototal and Nano Dimension continue to expand
Polymer and electronic 3D printing experts Prototal and Nano Dimension have announced that they will continue to expand their respective businesses. After acquiring the Italian service agency Prosilas, Prototal now reportedly has one of the largest 3D printing capabilities in Europe, and users of its subsidiary services are expected to benefit from new molding and casting services.
On the other hand, Nano Dimension acquired PCB production equipment expert Essemtec AG for USD 15.1 million, but based on its future performance, this may increase to USD 24.8 million. The company's precision dispenser is regarded by its buyers as a "leader in surface mount technology", which can effectively microdispense materials onto circuit boards at high speed and efficiency.
After the transaction is completed, Essemtec expects to continue marketing its products to third parties while helping to integrate them into Nano Dimension's 3D printing research and development. As of December 31, 2020, the company also brought in $17.2 million in revenue, and a backlog of $6.9 million before mid-September, Nano Dimension will now inherit these revenues.
Research and innovation from ASTM, America Makes, etc.
Global standards developer ASTM International announced a new Call for Projects (CFP), ending this week's update with the latest research. Specifically, the organization is inviting people unrelated to its AM Center of Excellence to participate in the "Standardization Research" program, which aims to accelerate the development of specific standards for 3D printing.
The research and development topics that CFP will cover include "DfAM", data sharing and acquisition, raw material characterization, material processing and post-processing, as well as product testing, identification and certification. Those interested can learn more through the upcoming webinar on this topic on December 8, 2021, or access the newsletter on the ASTM website.
On the other hand, America Makes, an American 3D printing accelerator, has just finished its Rapid Innovation Phone (RIC) and announced the winner of its latest round of financing. RIC’s $500,000 support has been awarded to five projects that investigate issues, such as construction outages, certification best practices, defect detection, and component lightweighting.
These projects will be carried out at Ohio State University, ASTM, Open Additive, and Pennsylvania State University. They are expected to be completed in May 2022, and the resulting data will be provided to America Makes members shortly thereafter.
Finally, in Saudi Arabia, researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology or "KAUST" developed a new method called "3D CoraPrint" to help coral reefs regenerate. The team’s project has basically seen them use molding and 3D printing to create calcium support structures, on which they embed coral fragments that actively encourage polyp colonization.
“Coral micro-fragments grow faster on the surface of our printed or molded calcium carbonate,” said Hamid Al Barawi, one of the study’s lead authors. "We created [structures] for them to grow, so they don't need to build limestone structures underneath."
More information about the scientist's project can be found in their paper entitled "Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Coral Restoration Through 3D Printing and Manufacturing".
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The featured image shows the Sliced logo on top of three UNICEF BCN3D printed busts. The photo is from BCN3D.
Paul is a graduate of history and journalism and is keen to find exclusive news about the latest technology news.
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