Welcome to the latest edition of Vision Miner 3D Printed News! In this update, we’ll explore major developments in the world of 3D printing. From acquisitions and record-breaking cars to groundbreaking construction, there’s something for everyone in the realm of additive manufacturing.
Desktop Metal’s Big Acquisition: X1
First up, we have some significant investment news. Desktop Metal, a prominent name in 3D printing, has made a massive move by acquiring X1. This acquisition involves buying out all the issued and outstanding stocks of X1 for an estimated $575 million. It’s a substantial deal that brings two industry leaders together.
Desktop Metal has been on an acquisition spree throughout 2021, adding several key companies to its portfolio. X1 is a well-known player in the field, specializing in industrial binder jetting and metal printing, particularly for sand casting. This merger aims to combine their strengths, with X1’s expertise in metals and ceramics and Desktop Metal’s single-pass production system.
One exciting aspect of this acquisition is the potential to expand the reach of metal additive manufacturing. By combining X1’s direct sales force with Desktop Metal’s extensive global distribution network and channel partners, they plan to drive metal 3D printing to new heights.
The merger is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2021, and it’s poised to reshape the landscape of additive manufacturing. What are your thoughts on Desktop Metal’s future? Do you see them as a long-term industry leader? Share your opinions in the comments.
The Czinger 3D Printed Hypercar: Setting Lap Records
Do you have a passion for fast cars and 3D printing? How about a combination of both? Just recently, U.S. automaker Czinger set a remarkable record with their 21C hypercar by smashing the production lap record at Laguna Seca in Northern California.
Czinger’s story is fascinating because it’s a testament to how 3D printing can revolutionize car manufacturing. The 21C hypercar is a prime example. It’s not just fast; it’s incredibly fast. In fact, it set a new lap record by completing a lap around Laguna Seca in just 1 minute and 25.44 seconds. This feat outperformed renowned automakers like McLaren, Porsche, and Lamborghini, leaving them in the dust.
The 21C hypercar is powered by a 2.88-liter V8 engine, supported by two electric motors in the front, resulting in a total of 1250 horsepower. This remarkable power-to-weight ratio enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in 8.1 seconds. It boasts a theoretical top speed of 281 mph, making it one of the fastest cars on the planet.
The founder and CEO of Czinger, Kevin Czinger, underlines the significance of this achievement in terms of American innovation and the enduring spirit of progress. The 21C hypercar represents a fusion of 3D printing technology and high-performance automotive engineering.
Czinger plans to produce 80 of these remarkable race cars for the road, each manufactured in their Los Angeles factory. This fascinating intersection of 3D printing and high-speed racing shows the incredible potential of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry.
World’s Largest 3D Printed Building: The Texas Milestone
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this time, they’ve proven it with the world’s largest 3D printed building. Located at the Camp Swift Training Center in Bastrop, Texas, this colossal structure stands at a massive 3,800 square feet. It’s officially the largest 3D printed structure in North America, marking a significant milestone in the construction industry.
This impressive structure is designed to house 72 soldiers for training purposes. It was created through a collaboration between ICON, the Texas Military Department, Logan Architecture, and Fort Structures. ICON is well-known for its expertise in 3D printing and has previously worked on projects for the military.
What makes ICON’s approach unique is the speed at which they can construct buildings. Traditional construction methods that would take weeks or months are reduced to just a matter of days. The building’s design is built to last for decades, thanks to its robust concrete construction.
ICON is dedicated to sustainable and efficient construction methods, and this achievement aligns with its mission. This construction technique has the potential to revolutionize housing, disaster relief, and more by delivering resilient shelter swiftly and sustainably.
Furthermore, ICON has secured a subcontract from NASA to create the Mars Dune Alpha, a 3D printed habitat that will simulate living on Mars. This innovative project is part of the preparation for future human missions to the red planet.
The Mars Dune Alpha is not only about construction; it’s designed with crew well-being in mind. The layout features varying ceiling heights and customizable spaces, ensuring that astronauts can adapt to different environments. The furniture is movable and reorganizable, enhancing the living experience in a Mars-like habitat.
ICON’s commitment to revolutionizing construction extends beyond Earth. They are also focused on supporting long-duration space missions, such as those planned for Mars. Their work has the potential to eliminate the need for launching vast quantities of building materials on multiple flights, making future space exploration more cost-effective and sustainable.
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