Articles

Production

3D Printing for Supply Chain Resiliency: AM Radio #39

Additive manufacturing can speed, strengthen and simplify industrial supply chains. How close are we to realizing this promise? Dr. Tim Simpson and Peter Zelinski discuss lead time, logistics and other factors on AM Radio.

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Machining

VulcanForms Is Forging a New Model for Large-Scale Production (and It's More Than 3D Printing)

The MIT spinout leverages proprietary high-power laser powder bed fusion alongside machining in the context of digitized, cost-effective and “maniacally focused” production.

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Basics

A Framework for Qualifying Additively Manufactured Parts

A framework developed by The Barnes Global Advisors illustrates considerations and steps for qualifying additively manufactured parts, using an example familiar to those in AM: the 3D printed bottle opener. 

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Materials

Micro Robot Gripper 3D Printed All at Once, No Assembly Required: The Cool Parts Show #59

Fine control over laser powder bed fusion achieves precise spacing between adjoining moving surfaces. The Cool Parts Show looks at micro 3D printing of metal for moving components made in one piece.

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Composites

Better, More Compact Radio Frequency Devices Through 3D Printing

3D printing technology company Fortify is applying its photopolymer process and material developed with Rogers Corporation to serve the expanding RF market.

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Materials

“Mantis” AM System for Spacecraft Uses Induction for Deposition

The metal 3D printing system melts wire without lasers. 30-foot-diameter parts are built on a rotary-feed system that eliminates the need for a large machine frame or gantry.

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Sustainability

Additive Wins on Cost, Plus Process Monitoring and More from RAPID + TCT 2023: AM Radio #38

Additive manufacturing is finding success as a cost-effective manufacturing method. New options for process monitoring are now available. DED is getting more precise. 3D printed chairs! What we learned and observed at RAPID + TCT 2023. 

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Six Years After Launch, OSU Has a Leading Facility for Metal AM

At the Ohio State University metal additive manufacturing lab, undergraduate students serve as employees on projects aiming to help companies advance with AM. Here is a look inside the facility now running a dozen metal additive systems.

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LPBF

New Zeda Additive Manufacturing Factory in Ohio Will Serve Medical, Military and Aerospace Production

Site providing laser powder bed fusion as well as machining and other postprocessing will open in late 2023, and will employ over 100. Chief technology officer Greg Morris sees economic and personnel advantages of serving different markets from a single AM facility.

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Polymer

3D Printed Camera Components Capture "Avatar: The Way of Water" Film

SNL Creative provided an additive manufacturing solution for the stereoscopic camera rigs used by the production team during the creation of the new Avatar film. The custom-designed camera components met the rigorous requirements for filming and offered a modernized alternative for future film usage.

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Postprocessing

United Performance Metals Is the One-Stop Build Plate Shop for Production AM

United Performance Metals (UPM) started producing build plates for metal 3D printing in 2019. Now, the company offers full refurbishment and inventory management for this critical additive supply — with more to come.

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ConocoPhillips Sees Oil and Gas Supply Chain Opportunity With Additive Manufacturing

Production of parts when needed and where needed can respond to the oil and gas sector’s multibillion-dollar challenge of holding parts in inventory. The supply chain benefit will justify additive even before the design freedoms are explored.

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