3D Printing: The Stories We Didn’t Cover This Week — October 24

This week’s news includes a new Chief Financial Officer for 3D Systems, the MyMiniFactory Toys and Games Competition Winners, the new customized 3D printed keys from UrbanAlps, and SmartTech’s robotic arm scanner. This scanner just made its debut in Warsaw Poland at the 3D Show, and has many benefits for achieving high-quality scans.

3D  Systems Has New Chief Revenue Officer

3D Systems, a company that provides the most “comprehensive 3D digital design and fabrication solutions available today”, has hired a new Chief Revenue Officer of Professional Products — Charlie Grace. Grace has 25 years of experience under his belt with Xerox and EFI. As EFI’s Vice President of American Sales he oversaw revenue growth and the introduction of a multi-channel sales strategies that continues to be one of the company’s hallmarks. Grace Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems has this to say about working with Grace:

“We are thrilled that a seasoned sales executive of Charlie’s caliber is taking the helm of revenue generation activities within our core 3D printing business. Charlie brings with him decades of relevant experience and the proven ability to build and leverage sales operations on a global scale.”

We will see how much more competitive 3D Systems can get in the 3D printing market with the help of Grace and all of his previous experience.

MyMiniFactory Competition Winners — and More!

MyMiniFactory has informed everyone that the winners in the Toys and Games Design Competition are decided! In third place ($100), we have Aaron Brown’s Mini Mate Travel Chest, which is a fully printable and pocket-sized chess set! Next, in second place ($400) we have an educational toy which is also a compete working 4 cylinder engine plus transmission and a transfer case. This was designed by Eric G. Harrel. And the top proze ($1,000) goes to Ryan Van Waes and his Zip Top Spinning Top. This top is powered by a simple, single pull!

Also, the LinusTech Headphone Design Competition is over and you can view all entries here.

UrbanAlps Offers 3D Printed House Key Customization

Are you tired of the same old boring house key? Think about it. We use our keys several times each day, but as Zurich, Switzerland-based UrbanAlps asks: ” Why not have a key that represents its owner?” The company offers a variety of different key designs (you can check them out here)– like boats and anchors –and it also offers a chance for you to use 3D printing, along with high security code concealing, to make a key that can not be duplicated and used against you!

UrbanAlps’ Kickstarter campaign has not started yet, but the company is gearing up for it by asking initial feedback from potential customers on key customization and its potential benefits in your life. So you can go one over to the company website and check it out, give your feedback, and sign up for future newsletters too! The company’s Stealth Key caught our eye back in May, as UrbanAlps takes customization as seriously as security.

SmartTech Releases Robotic Arm Scanner

It seems like more and more we are receiving news about two devices: robots and scanners. And now Poland’s SmartTech has released a 3D scanner mounted on a robotic arm, which is intended to avoid end-user errors. The advantages of a robotic arm include the ability to provide precise measurement of data’ ability to perform analysis of deviations and trends; compare CAD model and reference model; achieve high safety level by separating operator from robotic arm; and measurement volume can be changed by switching scanning heads. This SmartTech 3D Robotized Scanner was displayed at Warsaw, Poland’s 3D Show October 16 and 17, 2015.

Which of these stories do you like the best?  Let us know in the 3D Printing Stories We Missed forum thread on 3DPB.com.