Welcome back to Vision Miner’s 3D printing news. We’ve got an exciting lineup for you today, including Stratasys acquisitions, 3D printed implants, and much more. So, let’s dive right in!
Stratasys Doubles Down on SLA
If you’re in the industrial space, don’t miss ASME 2021 happening next week, where you can gain valuable insights into aerospace. Stratasys has been making strategic moves, and this time, they’ve acquired RPS, an industrial SLA (Stereolithography) machine maker.
RPS systems are renowned for their open resin systems that utilize laser technology to achieve detailed features with low variability. The RPS Neo printers, in particular, offer excellent accuracy and come with a surprisingly compact footprint, given their large 800x800x600 mm print size. This move further solidifies Stratasys’ presence in the SLA market, following their acquisition of Origin last month.
Interestingly, Stratasys’s stock saw an 11% drop after this announcement, despite its steady growth following the acquisition of Origin. They are now poised to cover the entire product life cycle, from concept modeling to 3D printed end-use parts.
Stratasys’ Carbon Fiber Filament
Stratasys is not stopping at acquisitions. They’ve also introduced their first carbon fiber 3D printing filament for the F-123 series. The F-series consists of Stratasys’ lower-cost systems, primarily focused on ABS and basic plastics. The new filament, ABS CF-10, contains 10% chopped carbon fiber by weight, making it 15% stronger and 50% stiffer than standard ABS filament. This provides a compelling alternative to metal parts.
3D Printed Ankle Implants
In a significant medical breakthrough, the FDA has approved the first 3D printed ankle implant. This implant is designed to replace the talus, a bone in the ankle that connects the leg to the foot. The patient-specific talus spacer is tailored to each individual based on their computed tomography data, ensuring a perfect fit. Patients who underwent this procedure reported reduced pain and improved range of motion. This marks an important advancement in 3D printing’s role in the medical field.
AI and Machine Learning in 3D Printing
Intelligence, a machine learning solutions company, has collaborated with engineering simulation leader Ansys to accelerate the development of reliable additive manufacturing processes. Their deep learning platform, Alchemite, offers accurate models for predicting missing values, finding errors, and optimizing target properties. This integration is expected to transform additive manufacturing workflows, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
3D Printing Waveguide Parts for Satellites
Airbus has adopted 3D printing for creating radio frequency parts, including multi-waveguide blocks and switch assembly networks for their Utelsat satellites. This innovative approach has reduced lead times and assembly costs. Airbus continues to explore the potential of 3D printing for various applications, including orbital space satellite technologies.
3D Printing for Space Exploration
In the realm of space exploration, 3D printed thrusters are set to play a crucial role in NASA’s mission to the moon’s south pole. Agile Space Industries will develop these 3D printed thrusters and axial engines for the Griffin lunar lander, which will transport NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) to the moon’s south pole in 2023. The speed at which 3D printing is advancing in aerospace is opening up new missions and opportunities that were previously unachievable.
There’s no doubt that the world of 3D printing is constantly evolving, and it’s exciting to see these developments across various industries. For in-depth information on high-performance FDM materials, tools, and systems, visit VisionMiner.com. Don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe to stay updated on the latest 3D printing news. Have a fantastic day, and we’ll catch you in the next update!