3D Printing News Briefs: June 13, 2017

We’re talking about bioprinting and new filaments, trade shows and business in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs. CollPlant has filed a patent application for bioprinting organs and tissues, while both Graphene 3D Lab and BigRep introduced new filaments. CRP Technology will be attending the Rapid.Tech 2017 trade show later this month, and 3Dexter will collaborate with Sightline Maps to enhance 3D printing curricula in Indian schools. Nano Dimension has two new beta customers, and Ackuretta Technologies is expanding into the EU market.

CollPlant Files US Patent Application for 3D Bioprinting Organs and Tissues

Regenerative medicine company CollPlant, which uses its proprietary plant-based rhCollagen technology to develop tissue repair products, has filed a US patent application for bioink based on its rhCollagen for the purpose of 3D bioprinting organs and tissues. The application refers to formulations of bioink based on recombinant human collagen, and CollPlant’s bioink will facilitate the printing of 3D scaffolds, combined with human cells and/or growth factors, which will be the basis for the formation of organs and tissues. The company’s bioink formulations can also include other proteins and/or polymers, and not just collagen.

“We are promoting commercial collaborations with leading international companies in the field of 3D bio-printing of tissue and organ, with the aim of taking part in providing a solution to the significant need for life saving organs. This market need represents high economic potential for the company,” said Vehiel Tal, CollPlant CEO. “The new patent establishes CollPlant’s technology status in 3D biological printing, creates barriers to entry for competitors and increases the trust of potential partners. CollPlant’s technology is highly regarded by major international players, and our objective is to enter into our first significant collaboration this year.”

Graphene 3D Lab Introduces New 3D Printing Filament

New York-based Graphene 3D Lab has launched Graphene-HIPS, its new graphene-enhanced 3D printing filament. The company says the graphene-reinforced material, designed for high performance 3D printing, is “a distinctly engineered and innovative semi-flexible FDM 3D Printing material.”

As the Graphene-HIPS FDM material is both weather and temperature resistant, it’s a good choice for 3D printing outdoor projects. It exhibits high impact resistance and strength as well as excellent interlayer adhesion, all of which offer good mechanical and structural performance for 3D printed objects. It’s well-suited to 3D printing precise functional components for engineering applications.

The new [easyazon_link identifier=”B0711Z9DKH” locale=”US” tag=”3dprint09-20″]Graphene-HIPS[/easyazon_link] filament for desktop FDM and FFF 3D printers is now commercially available, through the company’s online store and on Amazon, in 1.75 mm spools.

BigRep Launches New High Speed Filament

Technology startup BigRep has introduced its new high-speed 3D printing filament, Pro HS, which is estimated to reduce print time by up to 50%, making additive manufacturing more cost-effective and efficient. The non-oil-based biopolymer joins the high-temperature-resistant Pro HT filament, which is the second product in BigRep’s Industrial Filament line. The printability and mechanical properties of the robust Pro HS material is similar to PLA, but it has twice the flowability, and its raw materials come from renewable and sustainable resources, making it more environmentally compatible than ABS plastics. The material is well-suited for 3D printing large-format objects and prototypes.

“With the BigRep Pro HS Filament we have developed a versatile material. In addition to the significantly reduced printing time, a major advantage of the product is that machines do not need to be modified for the application,” said René Gurka, CEO of BigRep GmbH. “It can be used on both new and older BigRep models. Especially when working with our large-format printers BigRep ONE and BigRep STUDIO, we offer our customers a flexible, complete solution for the most diverse requirements.”

BigRep Pro HS filament is available through the company’s online store in 2.85 mm diameter in three coil sizes (2.5 kg, 4.5 kg, 8 kg) and comes in natural and basalt colors, which both come out matte after extrusion; the color can be customized upon request.

CRP Technology Attending Rapid.Tech 2017

CRP Technology, one of Italy-based CRP Group‘s specialized companies, will be attending the international Rapid.Tech 2017 additive manufacturing trade show and conference later this month at Messe Erfurt, Germany. Developers and researchers will offer insights into the latest applications, research findings, and technical developments in additive manufacturing during the three-day conference; keynote speakers include 3D printing inventor Charles W. Hull and Sean Keith of GE Additive.

Emanuele Grotti, the Assistant Production Manager from the Rapid Prototyping Department of CRP Technology, will be presenting a paper at Rapid.Tech on June 22 during Session 1 of the Aviation Trade Forum; the paper is titled “From racetrack to the construction of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle with Additive Manufacturing.” The paper describes the applications of the company’s innovative Windform 3D printing materials, developed originally for the motorsports industry, in aerospace and UAV SLS structures. Grotti will also highlight the construction of the main structure prototype for Parrot’s Bebop2 drone, made with Windform GT material.

3Dexter Collaborates with Sightline Maps for 3D Curriculum

The goal of 3Dexter is to bring 3D printing technology to the core of the education system in its home country of India. 3Dexter has been at the forefront of the revolution to transform Indian classrooms in every grade level, and wants to keep going. To further enhance its curriculum in India, the company has teamed up with California-based Sightline Maps, a web-based platform known for its 3D printed topographical maps. Together with Sightline Maps, and some other partners, 3Dexter plans to intensify its impact on students who use 3D printing technology.

3Dexter and Sightline Maps will work together to enhance geography as a subject in schools all over India, starting with introducing Sightline’s technology in 3Dexter’s existing schools. Using Sightline’s software, students will be able to more easily locate places on a map, understand the different topographies of the world, and gain a better understanding of the globe. Thanks to 3Dexter, the students can get locations converted into 3D models right in the classroom, and the company will even be holding a few contests about the software and its applications.

Nano Dimension Supplies 3D Printers to Two New Beta Customers

Less than a month after Nano Dimension introduced the latest beta customer for its flagship DragonFly 2020 3D printer, the 3D printed electronics company is back to announce two more that just joined the ranks. The beta program offers partners and companies all over the world the chance to lease the DragonFly 2020 for a fee and provide Nano Dimension with valuable feedback on the printer’s performance.

Last week, Israel-based Nano Dimension supplied its innovative printer to a PCB design bureau, also located in Israel. The design bureau assists a range of companies in designing and manufacturing PCBs. Today, Nano Dimension announced that one of the top 50 largest defense contractors in the world joined the beta program. The DragonFly 2020 3D printer will be installed in one of the defense contractor’s centers of innovation in the US.

Ackuretta Technologies Expands Into Germany

In response to a growing demand in the EU market, professional-grade 3D printer and materials manufacturer Ackuretta Technologies announced today that it has expanded into Germany, by opening its first European offices in Pforzheim.  The company will be able to strengthen its presence in the EU market with the new location, and also offer better support and service to its European customers.

Its high-speed DLP 3D printers, the Ackuray A96 and Ackuray A135, are ideal for engineers and designers who need precision, production, and reliability.

Lucas Wiltse, Global Marketing Director at Ackuretta Technologies, said, “The Ackuray Series is an advanced 3D printer for engineers and designers, and Germany is a mecca for world-class engineering and design. We are very excited about the opening of our first European office in Germany and eager to begin offering our customers in the region premium services and support.”

Ackuretta Technologies will demonstrate its Ackuray Series at the upcoming Rapid.Tech 2017 in Messe Erfurt.

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