We’re starting out with a little business in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs, then moving on to planes, automobiles, and camping, followed by some medical news. Renishaw just received a business award and EOS signed an agreement with Z3DFAB. UTC Aerospace Systems is increasing its use of 3D printing, and Volkswagen used the technology to set a new record in a race. Researchers from ETH Zurich developed a unique 3D printed camp stove that protects its flame from the elements. Finally, Renishaw’s 3D printing technology was used to help during a difficult cranial surgery, and NBC’s Megyn Kelly highlights the story of a former firefighter who designed and 3D printed his own prosthetic hand.
Renishaw Wins Business Award
“Renishaw has gone from strength to strength as a result of investing for the long term in people and innovation. The company puts around 15 per cent of annual turnover back into research and development, fosters a culture of innovation and is passionate about treating employees well,” said Chris Pockett, Renishaw’s Head of Communications. “Renishaw is honoured to be named Winner of Winners at the 30th and final year of the awards.”
EOS Signs Agreement with Z3DFAB
Korean company Z3DFAB, the joint venture between French additive manufacturing expert Z3DLAB and HS HI-TECH, opened a digital production center this fall, using technology from EOS. Now, the two industrial 3D printing companies are partnering up again, and have signed an agreement to jointly build an additive manufacturing innovation center in Korea. Both EOS and Z3DFAB plan to develop and offer the range of advanced 3D printing solutions required by the country’s market, and will work to grow the market in Korea with several initiatives, including hosting workshops and seminars.
“China succeeded in developing the 3D printing market, and has become the largest 3D printing market in Asia thanks to its cooperation with service providers like Z3DFAB. The role of service provider is highly important to drive the market regardless of country, so we chose Z3DFAB as the most adequate player for this, as they already provided several industrial AM solutions,” said Jack Wu, Sales Director, EOS APAC. “EOS and Z3DFAB will collaborate to develop Korean market via various industrial AM solutions.”
Z3DFAB also announced that it has purchased its first M400-4, EOS’s biggest metal 3D printer, and will invest in several other industrial 3D printers to be installed in its factory.
UTC Aerospace Systems Increasing Its 3D Printing Usage
“We’re feeling extra inventive! Why? We’re growing our additive design and manufacturing (ADaM) capabilities and unleashing innovation and unlocking productivity as a result,” read the video description.
The video gives a brief explanation of the 3D printing process, and shows how the company used the technology to fabricate a fuel nozzle with improved quality, a faster lead time, and just four parts – a major reduction of the 18 components that made up its legacy fuel injector.
Volkswagen Sets New Race Record with Electric Car and 3D Printed Components
The automaker’s Motorsport works rally team 3D printed about 2,000 individual parts for its 1:2 scale model of the electric I.D. R Pikes Peak race car, some of which even ended up being used on the final car in the race – auxiliary components like switches and brackets for cables. But every single piece played an important part in helping driver Romain Dumas and the I.D. R Pikes Peak electric race car achieve the goal and set a new record of 7:57:148 minutes.
Dr. Benjamin Ahrenholz, Head of Calculations/Simulations at Volkswagen Motorsport, explained, “When we were in the wind tunnel with the 1:2 scale model of the I.D. R Pikes Peak, we gained a lot of time by using 3D printing.
“This way we did not have to suspend testing just because a certain part was not yet ready – for example, a cover for the batteries’ power electronics.”
3D Printed Camp Stove Developed in Zurich
A team of researchers from ETH Zurich and the Zurich University of Arts developed a novel, energy-efficient camping stove, called the Peakboil, that keeps the flame safe from windy weather. They used 3D printing to create a design with wavy walls, which increases the surface contact between the cooker and the flame, as well as keeping the flame inside the stove and protected from the elements. The researchers worked with the Inspire organization to create the 3D printed, stainless camp stove, which has since won a design award for development in the 3D Pioneers Challenge, organized by the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, Science and Digital Society.Project Manager Julian Ferchow said in a translated quote, “Peakboil serves as a demonstration object, with which we can show companies what is possible with additive manufacturing technology and what one has to pay particular attention to when constructing.”
Renishaw’s Technology Used in Cranial Surgery
PDR designed a cranial plate and custom surgical cutting guide from the patient’s CT scans, and Dr. Oliver shared the modifications he would need in a brief Skype session with PDR and Renishaw. The parts were 3D printed in titanium, with a satin finish, on a Renishaw AM250 metal 3D printer, and then treated with the company’s X-flex technology to ensure high ductility.
“Parts were delivered to us according to plan which allowed us to prepare them for the surgery,” said Dr. Oliver. “No adjustment was needed during surgery. Using the 3D-printed cutting guide and implant saved us approximately 30 per cent of the time required for this kind of surgery.”
The patient was discharged after only four days in the hospital, and post-op CT scans show good implant performance.
Former Firefighter 3D Prints Own Prosthetic Hand
Leonard applied to the Autodesk BUILD Space in Boston, and used BigRep‘s 3D printers to fabricate new prosthetic devices, including one that lets him ride his motorcycle again. You can learn more about Leonard’s story, and his hope to fight fires again someday, here.
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