This week’s news covers awards, appointments, new 3D printing facilities and services, and a shoutout to 3D printing from a Google parent company executive. Divergent 3D has received a tech award for its innovative Manufacturing Platform, and Proto Labs has appointed a new CTO, while Optomec has added a new Board Member. Computergate Australia is now offering a 3D printing warranty service in conjunction with the Australian 3D Manufacturing Association, and 3D printing services are now offered by Cresco, Iowa’s Upper Iowa Tool & Die. Pflugerville, Texas welcomes a new EOS additive manufacturing facility, and recent comments about 3D printed homes and buildings by Google parent company executive Eric Schmidt acknowledge 3D printing’s potential environmental contributions in the construction industry.
Divergent 3D Wins Tech Award
Divergent 3D
Kevin Czinger, Founder & CEO of Divergent 3D, addresses what the award means for his company:
“It is an honor to be recognized by Frost & Sullivan for our innovation that stands to transform the automobile industry. This 2016 North American Technology Innovation Award is validation of our ongoing efforts to revolutionize car manufacturing by reducing the pollution and production costs of traditional manufacturing, resulting in a sustainable path forward for the car industry.”
This award follows other recognition the company has received for the Blade, its 3D printed supercar, from Google and Popular Science.
The Future for 3D Printed Buildings
In particular, Schmidt cited 3D printing as having the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He said construction is 5% of the economy, and that we could build homes and buildings more cheaply and efficiently in an industrial environment (such as an additive manufacturing facility) if 100% recyclable material was used. But we already knew that, didn’t we?
EOS Opens 3D Printing Facility in Texas
“Our Pflugerville investment is a direct reflection of our ongoing success. Additive manufacturing is rapidly becoming a more widely accepted solution to complex manufacturing requirements across a broad spectrum of industries. We’ve recently sold our 2100th system, worldwide. With almost three decades of dedication to AM technology development, our company is committed to upholding the highest quality standards in our field.”
Given all of the company’s achievements in the past few decades, there’s no doubt that a new facility will help continue the track record and maintain EOS’ high standards in the additive manufacturing field.
Upper Iowa Tool & Die of Cresco, Iowa Now Offers 3D Printing
Scott Fortune, owner of Upper Iowa Tool & Die, explains why they have incorporated 3D printing into their business:
“We feel this is the best commercial 3D printer available and consequently produces the highest quality of 3D printed components. Since purchasing the business nine years ago, the business climate has changed drastically. Some of the routine work has dissolved due to a change in manufacturing practices. We realized the need to diversify. We needed to find a technology that would complement our core business while providing additional income to the business.”
This decision will draw in new customers while also introducing older customers to this growing technology — no doubt benefitting all involved.
New 3D Printing Warranty Service from Computergate
Greco explains how a warranty program will encourage more 3D printing:
“By implementing our managed maintenance programs we expect to deliver superior service offerings to support all products in the field that will provide our customers with a seamless experience.”
The program includes “on-site extended warranty, helpdesk assistance during business hours, and telephone and onsite support services” — making it much easier to get the necessary support needed when utilizing 3D printing technologies.
Proto Labs Gets New Chief Technology Officer
This appointment, which began May 2, replaces longtime CTO Don Krantz, who recently announced his retirement.
Optomec Appoints New Board of Directors Member
11 years, Finsterbusch served as the Fund Founder and Senior Investment Director of the venture capital arm of Applied Materials. She was also CEO of two early stage venture-backed tech companies: Firefly Green Technology (now Ketra) and MindShadow.com.
Dave Ramahi, Optomec President and CEO, reports being delighted that Finsterbusch has joined the company’s Board:
“Annette brings a unique blend of expertise to the Optomec Board, including her strong background and understanding of the production capital equipment landscape, coupled with a fundamental understanding of the challenges that face small technology companies targeting very large markets. Annette’s broad range of successful operational roles from high technology start-ups to Fortune 500 capital equipment companies will provide important guidance for us as we grow the company.”
That’s all for this week’s news. Have a great weekend! Discuss further in the 3D Printing Weekly News forum over at 3DPB.com.