Welcome to Vision Miner’s 3D printing news! Today, we’re diving into exciting developments in the world of 3D printing, including innovative prosthetics, advanced metal manufacturing, a new approach to 3D print pricing, retirements, and aerospace contracts. Let’s explore these fascinating updates.
Revolutionizing Prosthetics with 3D Printing
3D printing continues to make a significant impact in the field of prosthetics. Companies like e-Nable and Unlimited Tomorrow are leading the way, making custom-made, accessible, and even aesthetic prosthetics more affordable and heartwarming. Unlimited Tomorrow has introduced the “TrueLimb,” a 3D printed robotic prosthetic arm that’s fully motorized. Users can simply 3D scan their limb, send the data, and receive a custom-fit prosthetic. What’s incredible is that this high-tech solution reduces the cost from $80,000 to approximately $8,000 through additive manufacturing. For more details, check out the video linked below in the description.
Advanced Metal Manufacturing for Micro Turbines
Sierra Turbines is breaking the rules of conventional manufacturing by enhancing the efficiency of micro turbines through advanced metal additive manufacturing. By collaborating with Velo 3D, they aim to 3D print at least 95% of micro turbine components. Velo 3D’s support-free capabilities and advanced metal additive manufacturing are key to this endeavor. Their innovative approach allows the turbines to be 40 times more efficient, provide 10 times more power density, and reduce weight by 50% compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The process not only saves time and money but also simplifies component consolidation, making it a game-changer in the aerospace industry.
Rethinking 3D Print Pricing
3D print pricing is more complex than you might think. It involves machine time, material costs, job failures, wasted materials, labor, consumables, electricity, environment costs, rental expenses, profits, shipping, and taxes. However, a company called Twist 3D is introducing a unique pricing model. They offer a flat rate of $29 for printing any 3D model within specific parameters. The catch is that the print must be black, use PETG material with specific settings, and fit within an eight by eight by eight-inch build volume. This model simplifies pricing by offering a fixed rate, which can be a great option for certain projects.
Scott Crump Retires: The Father of FDM 3D Printing
Scott Crump, the co-founder of Stratasys and the inventor of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing, has retired after 34 years. His contributions to the 3D printing industry are immeasurable. He transitioned from Chief Innovation Officer to Technology Advisor to the board. Scott’s approachable nature and humor have made him stand out in the business world. While he’s retiring from full-time work, we can expect to see him at industry events and gatherings in the future.
Slice Engineering’s New Mosquito Liquid Cooling
Slice Engineering has introduced a new product, the Mosquito Liquid, designed for liquid cooling in heated enclosures. This product is part of Slice Engineering’s expansion into high-capacity industrial applications. The Mosquito Liquid uses a bimetallic heat break and is optimized for extreme accuracy, making it ideal for applications like liner production, permanent crowns and bridges, and surgical guides in the dental industry. It’s a significant step towards meeting the needs of a growing user base.
Formlabs’ Biocompatible Resin and 3BL
Formlabs is expanding its product line with the 3BL, a large-format SLA 3D printer optimized for biocompatible materials. This printer is designed for use in the dental industry, focusing on applications like dentures, crowns, bridges, and surgical guides. Formlabs is also working on gaining FDA approval for biocompatible resins in the U.S. and offering specific resins for the EU market. The 3BL is a promising addition for the dental industry’s ever-growing 3D printing needs.
A Million Dollar Aerospace Contract for Optomek
Optomek, an additive manufacturing company, secured a one-million-dollar contract from the U.S. Air Force to repair engine turbine parts. The contract involves using high-volume production machinery to restore parts such as titanium turbine blades. The technology behind Optomek’s repair solution is directed energy deposition (DED), which involves shooting metal powder into a molten pool created by a laser beam. This technology will help lower costs, shorten lead times, and enhance aerospace repair capabilities.
We’re thrilled to see 3D printing making significant advancements across various industries. If you have any articles or updates you think we missed, please share them in the comments below. If we feature your submission, we’ll send you a free bottle of our specialty bed adhesive, perfect for high-temperature thermoplastics like PEEK, Ultem™, PPSU, and more. We’re here to answer your questions and engage with you, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for joining us today, and remember to stay positive and keep an eye out for more exciting 3D printing news!