This week’s stories we didn’t cover include news that Rehovot, Israel-based Opel has successfully used Stratasys 3D printers to eliminate manufacturing tool production costs by 90%. And there’s no better sign that 3D printing technologies are becoming mainstream than major retailers offering the hardware — and Target.com is now carrying XYZprinting printers and filament. (And just in time to make your holiday shopping easier…) Also in the news is that both 3D 2.0 Ltd. and 3D Systems have made new appointments: to Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, respectively. There’s also 3D printing news coming from Europe. Germany’s voxeljet has hit a milestone of its 100th 3D printer shipped, and in Poland, an orthopedic surgeon has successfully completed a 3D printed pelvis that will allow a bone cancer patient to avoid being bed-ridden.
Manufacturer Opel Adopts Use of Stratasys 3D Printers for Big Reduction in Costs
Andy Middleton, President of Stratasys EMEA, summarizes how Stratasys can aid companies in production time and quality.
“Cases like Opel emphasize the massive impact that low risk, high-reward 3D printed parts – such as manufacturing tools – can have on production efficiency. The capability to produce such items on-demand at a reduced costs can significantly accelerate time-to-production and give businesses that competitive edge. Combine that with the ability to customize tools efficiently, as well as create complex geometries, and you can see why Opel is indicative of the way in which additive manufacturing is transforming our customer’s production operations.”
You can view a video about how Stratasys has been aiding Opel’s manufacturing process here.
XYZprinting’s 3D Printers Now Available on Target.com
Simon Shen, CEO of XYZprinting, had this to say about having its products carried by Target.com:
“We’ve made a conscious effort this past year to expand accessibility to XYZprinting 3D printing products by working with key online retailers like Target.com. XYZprinting is excited to offer Target.com’s broad and young consumer audience with the tools to experience the open-ended possibilities of 3D printing.”
Suddenly, purchasing high quality 3D printers, which come with a one-year warranty and YouTube video tutorials also, has gotten easier. Now you can take care of your 3D printing supplies along with your other holiday puchases!
3D 2.0 Ltd. Picks New CEO and Announces Funding Preparations
3D Systems Makes New Board of Directors Appointment
“We are pleased to have someone of Thomas’ caliber join our board of directors. He brings decades of experience in the c-suites and the board rooms of fast moving businesses and will be a valuable addition as 3D Systems moves decisively into the next era.”
Germany’s voxeljet Ships Its 100th 3D Printer
“Many customers who have their molds printed at our service center eventually want their own 3D printer, whether for reasons of flexibility or economy. Another reason for the positive development lies in the many advantages offered by the 3D printing technology, which are gradually making their way into more industries and induce companies to purchase their own machines.”
More uses for 3D printers means more customers for voxeljet, and the company hopes to continue expanding its reach beyond its 100th 3D printer, as the demand for 3D printers in general also increases.
Poland 3D Prints and Implants New Pelvis for Man with Cancer
The patient, a fifty-year-old man battling advanced bone cancer, was able to avoid being bed-ridden for life thanks to the use of 3D printing and the orthopedics team he was fortunate to have treat him. It is reported that the man is in good condition and plans to move to a normal life after undergoing six weeks of rehabilitation.
“Had it not been for the state-of-the-art tech solutions, the patient would have faced an amputation of an entire limb along with nearly a half of his pelvis,” said Doctor Jerzy Nazar, the head of the orthopaedics ward of the Heliodor Święcicki Medical University in Poznań.
And that’s the 3D printing news in short from this week! Let us know which of these stories were your favorites in the 3D Printing Stories We Missed forum thread on 3DPB.com.