Cool Parts

The Cool Parts Show Fifth Anniversary Livestream: Watch the Recording

We discuss what the show reveals about the state of AM adoption so far. We share updates about cool parts we have covered. Join us in celebrating 5 years of the show about 3D printing for end-use part production.

Watch

Latest

VIEW ALL
Valves

3D Printed Inconel Sleeve Protects Critical Valves from Thermal Shock

Valve manufacturer Velan has developed a double-walled sleeve using lattices as thermal insulation to protect critical severe service valves from thermal shock and stress.

Read More
Metal

Tier 1 Automotive Supplier Achieves ROI on Metal 3D Printer Within 6 Months

Mahle acquired a laser powder bed fusion machine from Xact Metal to alleviate interruptions to its internal machine shop and reliance on suppliers for manufacturing aids. 

Read More
Defense

The Top 10 Additive Manufacturing Stories of 2024

Defense, space exploration, thermal management — these are some of the topics that captured the Additive Manufacturing audience’s interest in 2024. But there’s also an overarching theme: Don't wait for additive manufacturing to be perfect. Instead, leverage the applications perfect for AM.

Read More
Metal

Video Tour: Collins Aerospace AM Production Site in West Des Moines

The 12-laser powder bed fusion machines are at the heart of the company’s new production capacity for aircraft engine parts in both aluminum and nickel-based alloy.

Watch
SolidCAM Additive - Upgrade Your Manufacturing
Airtech
Acquire
Airtech International Inc.
The Cool Parts Show

Featured

LPBF

Dealing With Dross in Laser Powder Bed Fusion

Researchers in Denmark are uncovering the secrets of meltpool morphology with advanced simulation tools for computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Read More
Mold Tooling

Video: Hybrid Manufacturing Without Melting: Hermle’s Metal Powder Application (MPA) Process

The Metal Powder Application (MPA) process uses cold spray to apply metal to an existing workpiece. Because the material deforms rather than melts, MPA opens new possibilities for functional grading and other multimaterial applications. 

Watch

Semiconductors, Tungsten, AM Affordability and More from Formnext 2024: AM Radio #56

The trade show included increased applications for the semiconductor market, machine launches and technology advances aimed at cost cutting, plenty of LFAM and more. Listen to our conversation on Formnext 2024. 

Listen
World According To
The Cool Parts Show
AM Radio
SolidCAM Additive - Upgrade Your Manufacturing
NEW TO AM?

Metal

Production

Valve Manufacturer Outlines Path to Qualification for Additive Manufactured Pressure Equipment

In this case study, Samson shares how manufacturers can design and produce pressure equipment using additive manufacturing that is compliant with the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED).

Read More
Automation

Custom Molder Applies Polymer, Metal 3D Printing for Productivity Gains

Custom injection molder Westec Plastics Corp. uses 3D printed end-of-arm tooling for automation as well as inserts printed in metal.

Read More

Video: Hybrid Manufacturing Without Melting: Hermle’s Metal Powder Application (MPA) Process

The Metal Powder Application (MPA) process uses cold spray to apply metal to an existing workpiece. Because the material deforms rather than melts, MPA opens new possibilities for functional grading and other multimaterial applications. 

Watch

Polymer

When Advocacy Leads to Adoption: How Pella Applies (and Manages) AM Capacity

The window and door maker offers a picture of successful, widespread 3D printing adoption across the different needs of a manufacturing organization. The outreach and education effort worked. Now, here is the next phase.

Read More
Polymer

Video: 3D Printed Hand Tools in Action on Pella Corporation Factory Tour

Examples include an invention for quickly installing window and door weather stripping, a fitting for giving the proper angle to a nail gun, and a clip for which the color is an important feature.

Watch

Video: AM for Product Development at Pella Corporation

Speed to market is a critical advantage 3D printing can enable. For its new product innovations, Pella iterates quickly using prototypes and tooling produced via AM.

Watch

Composite

Composites

3 Unique Elements of LFAM to Consider in Design

While similar to desktop fused filament fabrication (FFF), large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) in polymer composite poses several unique challenges as a result of its scale. 

Read More
Materials

CRP USA Creates Lighter, More Durable Paralympic Racing Gloves for Improved Performance

Paralympic champion with 20 medals, including eight golds and 24 World Major Marathon wins, looked to 3D printing service provider to create wheelchair racing gloves that can withstand the intense stress of wheelchair racing while providing the necessary precision and comfort.

Read More
LFAM

Robot Vs. Gantry for Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (Includes Video)

Additive Engineering Solutions, specialist at 3D printing very large parts and tools on gantry machines, now also uses a robot for large-format AM. Here is how the robot compares.

Watch
North America’s Premier Molding and Moldmaking Event
Airtech International Inc.
Latest Issue
3D Printed NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly Combines Two Metal Processes: The Cool Parts Show #71

3D Printed NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly Combines Two Metal Processes: The Cool Parts Show #71

Video: Laser Powder Bed Fusion Platform Designed for Safety, Ease of Use

Video: Laser Powder Bed Fusion Platform Designed for Safety, Ease of Use

Video: Enabling the Digital Inventory with 3D Printing

Video: Enabling the Digital Inventory with 3D Printing

Video: Robot Machining Will Complement Robot DED

Video: Robot Machining Will Complement Robot DED

Video: Scanning for Fast Model Capture and Validation of AM Parts

Video: Scanning for Fast Model Capture and Validation of AM Parts

Sustainability

Video: Construction 3D Printing with Robotics, Geopolymer

Alquist 3D is aiming to revolutionize construction and infrastructure with large-format robotic 3D printing using a carbon-neutral material.

Watch

Software

Robot Vs. Gantry for Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (Includes Video)

Additive Engineering Solutions, specialist at 3D printing very large parts and tools on gantry machines, now also uses a robot for large-format AM. Here is how the robot compares.

Watch

Robots

Video: 5" Diameter Navy Artillery Rounds Made Through Robot Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Instead of Forging

Big Metal Additive conceives additive manufacturing production factory making hundreds of Navy projectile housings per day.

Watch
3D printing machine trainings