3D Design
Comparing a 3D Printed Patient Specific Thumb Splint to a Traditional One
A thumb splint may seem like a simple device, designed to keep an injured thumb stable so that it can heal. But according to a pair of researchers from Deakin University, upper limb splints often do not fit optimally and thus are underused by patients, resulting in a...
Ford Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Center and Showcases 3D Printed Production Parts
Automotive manufacturer Ford has been incorporating 3D printing into its manufacturing procedures for years. Recently the company won three Automotive Innovation Awards for a 3D printed injection mold lifter action, a window alignment feature and an assembly lift...
Democratizing the Design of 3D Printed Functional Components
In a paper entitled “Democratising the design of 3D printed functional components through a hybrid virtual-physical design methodology,” a group of researchers discusses the need to better democratize 3D design in order to further democratize 3D printing...
3D Printing a Wedding: Maker Saves Money and Incorporates Personality
Planning a wedding isn’t simple – especially these days, when everyone wants to do something different, something no one else has ever done before. Everyone wants to put their own personal touch on their weddings, making them a celebration of the unique...
Makelab Founders Expand Business with Makelab Market for 3D Printed Interior Designs
Christina Perla and Manny Mota started Makelab a few years ago as a way to offer customers help with bringing their 3D printing ideas to life. They founded the Brooklyn-based company on the principles of innovation and sustainability, and have shown a seemingly...
Whirlpool Partners with Spare Parts 3D to Create a Digital Inventory
The problem with appliances is that they inevitably break down at some point, in major or minor ways. If it’s a really major breakdown, the only option is sometimes to buy an entirely new model. If it’s only one part that is malfunctioning, however, it can...
3D Printing an Improved DMLS Automotive Component Using Topology Optimization and DfAM
Engineers frequently use topology optimization to optimize the design and layout of parts to create lightweight and optimized structures. The technology often results in organic, complex shapes, however, which can be difficult to produce using traditional...
Researchers 3D Print Resistors From Electrically Conductive Filament on a Desktop 3D Printer
In a paper entitled “Characterization of resistors created by fused filament fabrication using electrically-conductive filament,” a pair of researchers 3D prints resistors using electrically conductive carbon black and graphene-based filament. “With...
Researchers Create Algorithm for Shifting the Center of Gravity in 3D Printed Objects
In an article entitled “Tuning the Center of Gravity of 3D Printed Artifacts,” a pair of researchers discusses how they came up with an Algorithms-Aided Design (AAD) approach to shifting the center of gravity of 3D printed objects to a desired location....
Students Learn Digital Manufacturing Through Design and 3D Printing of Turbine Blades
In a paper entitled “Application of Additive Manufacturing in Design & Manufacturing Engineering Education,” a pair of researchers from University College Dublin detail how they implemented a program on digital manufacturing and materials processing...
An Assessment of the Conditions Needed for 3D Printing A Village on the Moon
For a few years now, the European Space Agency (ESA) has been talking seriously about building a habitable village on the moon, and 3D printing is a big part of that plan. Because construction supplies can’t be feasibly transported in a spaceship, building...
3D Printed Dental Implant Shows Promise Over Conventional Counterparts
Dr. Les Kalman at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry has developed and patented a dental implant abutment system, but his research was stalled due to inconsistencies and poor quality of fabrication. As an alternative method of...
Nowlab’s Sleek Motorcycle Concept is Entirely 3D Printed
The automotive world has seen several 3D printed developments, including parts for motorcycles and even almost-entirely 3D printed motorcycles. The Nera electric motorcycle, a new creation from BigRep’s Nowlab, is 100 percent 3D printed, however, right down to...
BMW Surpasses One Million 3D Printed Automotive Components
BMW Group has been using 3D printing for more than 25 years, and in the last decade has produced a million parts using the technology. This year alone, the company expects that it will 3D print more than 200,000 components, a 42 percent increase over last year. And...
3D Printing News Briefs: November 17, 2018
Continuing with the week’s second edition of 3D Printing News Briefs, or rather formnext 2018 News Briefs, we’ve got more announcements coming from the huge trade fair, which just ended today in Frankfurt. 3D Systems introduced two new 3D printers and a...
Harris Corporation Tests Performance of 3D Printed Radio Frequency Circuits
Harris Corporation is a leader in tactical communications, geospatial systems and services, air traffic management, environmental solutions, avionics and electronic warfare, and space and intelligence. Recently, the company made an important discovery related to 3D...
Inexpensive 3D Printed Portable Device Measures Water Quality
In developing countries, one of the leading causes of death still remains illnesses caused by water contamination. There is a great need for devices that can measure – and improve – water quality, particularly in remote areas. In a paper entitled...
Scientists 3D Print an Effective Terahertz Waveguide
The terahertz (THz) wave is the electromagnetic radiation at frequencies from 0.1 to 10 THz, which is located between the millimeter wave and the far infrared wave. It has not been fully studied because of a lack of effective means of generation, detection and...
Designer Beer Holthuis Launched the PaperPulpPrinter that Sustainably 3D Prints Paper Waste
Designer Beer Holthuis was interested in 3D Printing but worried about all of the plastic created with 3D printers. He started to look around for a sustainable material that we could use. Once he hit upon paper pulp which is a waste product which we produce eighty...
3D Printed Kayaks and Augmented Reality are Part of Saving the Environment with Sweden’s Paper Province
By now, it’s clear that our environment needs a lot of help, or the consequences will be dire. While few seem to agree on what exactly is the best way to combat our environmental issues, plenty of governmental and other organizations across the world are taking...
Interview with Vinod Devan of Deloitte on Their 3D Printing Approach
With 3D printing moving towards broader adoption many companies are now entering our market. One of these is Deloitte. The professional services firm that does everything from accounting to tax and M&A also wants to guide firms into the 3D printing world. We...
GE Additive and GE Aviation Receive FAA Approval for 3D Printed Engine Bracket
GE Aviation has become a leader in the use of additively manufactured aerospace components (see: LEAP fuel nozzles) and now it and GE Additive have been given Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to replace a conventionally manufactured power door opening...
FEM Simulation Used to Test Mechanical Performance of SLS PA 12 3D Printed Objects
In a paper entitled “Mechanical performance of polymer powder bed fused objects – FEM simulation and verification,” a group of researchers discusses the importance of accommodating anisotropic behavior in 3D printed objects. Geometrical optimization...
Black Panther and 3D Printing: PepsiCo Reveals Details About This Year’s Promotional Campaign
Marvel’s Black Panther was a huge hit earlier this year, and 3D printing played a starring role through the costume design. In addition, PepsiCo took advantage of the technology to have a limited edition series of Black Panther cans created, as seen at RAPID +...
Concrete and 3D Knitting Combine to Produce KnitCandela 3D Printed Structure
In Mexico City, a strange structure has been erected – it looks a bit like a crouching frog, or maybe an exotic flower. It was built using a special 3D knitting technique developed at ETH Zurich. The structure, called KnitCandela, is partially made from...
