3D Printing News Briefs: May 3, 2019

We’re talking with you about all things new in today’s 3D Printing News Briefs – a new partnership, a new material, and a new design challenge. DWS has announced that Europac3D is its new UK distributor. Markforged is introducing a new flame-retardant material. Autodesk and Makerbot are hosting a design challenge together this month.

Europac3D Is New DWS Distributor

SLA 3D printer manufacturer DWS Systems has chosen Cheshire-based Europac3D as its exclusive distributor in the UK. DWS 3D printers can produce parts with high accuracy and part quality, especially when it comes to small and medium detailed parts, which makes the systems good for dental, industrial design, and jewelry applications. The company’s SPRO X system is its premium 3D printer for production environments and professional bureaus, thanks to its unique 4-laser system for rapid fabrication of large industrial parts, and DWS also makes its own 3D printing materials in-house. This new partnership will help Europac3D complete its strategic goal of becoming a premier one-stop-shop in the UK for 3D printing, design, and scanning solutions.

“Our mission at DWS is to develop professional 3D printers and materials that produce objects of unrivalled quality and performance, enabling businesses to embrace digitalisation and become increasingly innovative and competitive,” said Daniella Lavezzi, Business Development and Key Account Manager of DWS. “We are excited to be working in partnership with Europac 3D in order to provide our mutual customers in the UK with an unparalelled customer experience.”

Markforged Introduces New Onyx FR Material

Massachusetts-based metal 3D printer manufacturer Markforged launched a new V-0 flame-retardant plastic material this week that is their first to be reinforceable with continuous carbon fiber. Onyx FR is perfect for industries like defense, automotive, and aerospace, because it offers high print quality and strength and will actually stop itself from burning, unlike other 3D printed plastics. This self-extinguishing new material is now available to all current and new Markforged customers with the company’s Industrial Series of 3D printers. To learn more about Onyx FR, check out the datasheet.

“Manufacturers choose Markforged because our industrial 3D printers deliver strong, lightweight end-use parts at significant cost and time savings. Onyx FR opens up more  applications for 3D printing across automotive, aerospace, and defense industries because it meets higher fire safety standards. When these parts are reinforced with strands of continuous carbon fiber, they are as strong as aircraft-grade aluminum at half the weight,” explained Jon Reilly, Vice President of Product at Markforged.

Autodesk and MakerBot Hosting Design Challenge

Together, MakerBot and Autodesk are hosting a new design challenge in the US all about Fusion 360. Contestants, who must at least 18 years of age, have to design a product in Autodesk Fusion 360 in one of three categories: desktop notification device, office desk organizer for compact work spaces, or wearable that keeps someone safe while commuting. Entries must be submitted on Thingiverse and tagged with the main challenge tag of #fusion360challenge and one of three prompt tags – #WearableFusion, #DesktopFusion, or #OrganizedFusion.

The submission deadline for the design challenge is May 31st, and the top finalists in each of the three categories will receive a paid trip and 2-day pass to attend Autodesk Fusion 360 Academy in Portland, Oregon from August 5-7, where they will then have the chance to compete live in the Design Slam Finals. The 4th place winner of the Finals will receive a SoundLink Revolve Bluetooth speaker, while the award for 3rd place is a 3D Connexion Space Mouse Enterprise. The contestant who wins 2nd place will receive a Makerbot Replicator+, and the first place winner will be awarded a MakerBot METHOD.

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