Welcome to another exciting episode of 3D Printing News. We have a lot to cover this week, from major acquisitions to remarkable 3D printing achievements. Let’s dive right in!
Desktop Metal Acquires Envision Tech
Publicly traded Desktop Metal has made a significant move by purchasing Envision Tech for $300 million in stock and cash. Envision Tech is renowned for its intellectual property in photopolymer 3D printing, boasting over 140 issued and pending patents. With a customer base of over 5,000, including big names like Cartier, Ford, and Hasbro, this acquisition expands Desktop Metal’s reach and enhances its portfolio of over 190 materials. This partnership holds great promise for the future of additive manufacturing, both in metal and polymers.
Centavia Expands Rocket 3D Printing
Centavia, a leader in rocket 3D printing, has acquired two M4K4 metal 3D printers. These machines, developed by AMCM in Germany, have an impressive build volume exceeding a meter in height. These machines are specifically designed for commercial space launch businesses to 3D print thruster chamber assemblies as a single unit, saving both time and costs. Thanks to investments from Sumitomo Corporation, Centavia continues to make strides in the aerospace industry.
Naval Group’s 3D Printed Ship Propeller
Naval Group has achieved a remarkable milestone by 3D printing a one-ton ship propeller for the French Navy. This thruster, made with Naval Group’s metal wire fusion process, is the largest 3D printed propeller of its kind and marks the beginning of a new era in maritime component manufacturing. Redesigning and 3D printing parts for ships can lead to weight savings, energy efficiency, and reduced acoustic signatures during stealth operations.
Biodegradable Bone Implants
Engineers at Delft University of Technology are using extrusion-based 3D printing to create biodegradable bone implants from porous iron. These temporary bone substitutes degrade as new bone tissue regrows, reducing the risk of long-term inflammation. While titanium is commonly used for bone implants, researchers are exploring alternative materials like porous iron and ceramics, enhancing the suitability of 3D printing for medical applications.
India’s First 3D Printed Two-Story Building
L&T Construction, India’s largest construction company, has accomplished a remarkable feat by completing the country’s first 3D printed two-story building. This achievement follows the 3D printing of a one-story house in 2019. The large-format concrete printer used for the project has the potential to revolutionize construction, offering higher throughput and improved build quality for residential properties. This development aligns with India’s “Housing for All” initiative, aiming to build 60 million houses by 2022.
Question of the Week: Carbon Fiber Nylon
We want to hear from you! What questions do you have about carbon fiber nylon? Leave your queries in the comments, and we’ll address them in an upcoming Q&A video. At Vision Miner, we specialize in functional 3D printing, particularly high-performance plastics like PEEK, ULTEM, and carbon fiber nylon. Feel free to reach out for all your 3D printing needs.
Thank you for joining us for this week’s 3D Printing News. Your likes and subscriptions help us reach more 3D printing enthusiasts. Stay positive, and we’ll see you in the next video!