Reporting on 3D printing for industrial production

Production See All

21 Nov 2024
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.

7 Nov 2024
3D Printing Enables a Larger "Sweet Spot" Relative to This Golf Club's Size: The Cool Parts Show #77
Cobra Puma Golf's Limit3D iron uses 3D printed stainless lattices to remove weight from the interior so that it can be reintroduced with tungsten inserts that lower the center of gravity. The combination offers a smaller, sleeker club head with the forgiveness of a larger one.

17 Oct 2024
Beehive Industries Is Going Big on Small-Scale Engines Made Through Additive Manufacturing
Backed by decades of experience in both aviation and additive, the company is now laser-focused on a single goal: developing, proving and scaling production of engines providing 5,000 lbs of thrust or less.

7 Oct 2024
Bike Manufacturer Uses Additive Manufacturing to Create Lighter, More Complex, Customized Parts
Titanium bike frame manufacturer Hanglun Technology mixes precision casting with 3D printing to create bikes that offer increased speed and reduced turbulence during long-distance rides, offering a smoother, faster and more efficient cycling experience.

4 Oct 2024
Baker Hughes Successfully Implements Oqton Manufacturing OS System to Optimize Additive-Driven Manufacturing Workflow
3D Systems say this successful implementation demonstrates its Oqton Manufacturing OS’ ability to accelerate the design and production of additively manufactured parts across the entire manufacturing workflow to increase efficiency and facilitate regulatory compliance.

26 Sep 2024
3D Printed Spine Implants Made From PEEK Now in Production
Medical device manufacturer Curiteva is producing two families of spinal implants using a proprietary process for 3D printing porous polyether ether ketone (PEEK).
Enterprise See All

15 Oct 2024
Video: Enabling the Digital Inventory with 3D Printing
Würth Additive Group’s Digital Inventory Service (DIS) platform aims to make it easy and secure to store part files in digital inventory, and deploy the data for manufacturing as required. See a demo in this video filmed at IMTS 2024.

11 Sep 2024
6 First-Time Additive Manufacturing Exhibitors at IMTS
Find these companies that are exhibiting for the first time in IMTS’s Additive Manufacturing Sector (in the West Building). Their offerings include printers, parts and powder, with areas of expertise ranging from large-format to atmosphere control to supply chain solutions.

8 Feb 2024
At General Atomics, Do Unmanned Aerial Systems Reveal the Future of Aircraft Manufacturing?
The maker of the Predator and SkyGuardian remote aircraft can implement additive manufacturing more rapidly and widely than the makers of other types of planes. The role of 3D printing in current and future UAS components hints at how far AM can go to save cost and time in aircraft production and design.

2 Jan 2024
Why the Long View Favors AM: Manufacturers at Each Step Face a Choice to Rely Less on Tooling
Additive is now too well-established for its successes to be dislodged by market change. Meanwhile, the most important factor is the promise that will continue to drive adoption.

6 Dec 2023
AM I Navigator Initiative Helps Users Scale, Integrate Additive Manufacturing Into Traditional Production Workflows
The AM I Navigator initiative offers additive manufacturing users individual guidance with a comprehensive approach to navigate the complexity of the evolving landscape in industrial 3D printing.

14 Nov 2023
When Additive and Conventional Processes Work Together, the Result Is Manufacturing
Various recent articles demonstrate 3D printing and established processes finding one another and working together.
Sustainability See All

23 Oct 2024
Partners Developing In Situ Optical Monitoring System to Enhance 3D Printing Process for Brass
The partners are working to optimize the 3D printing process for brass by detecting real-time defects during the selective laser melting process to enhance the quality and repeatability of produced components.

8 Oct 2024
3D Printing With Recycled Powders: Reducing Waste and Material Costs
Can you print high-quality parts using recycled thermoplastic powder? JawsTec saves 2 tons of waste per year by investing in SLS printers that reuse scrap to make new parts.

27 Aug 2024
Enabling Sustainable Production Through Measuring Energy Data
Airbus subsidiary CTC’s mobile technology measures machine energy use on new machines and helps optimize for sustainability and efficiency. Valuable for AM applications targeting sustainability.

16 Aug 2024
6K Additive Selected for Powder and Process Optimization Research Project
The project is designed to prove the sustainability and environmental benefits of additive manufacturing for next-generation production of aerospace and defense products with 6K Additive working alongside RTX Technology Research Center and the University of Arizona.

15 Aug 2024
Alquist 3D Looks Toward a Carbon-Sequestering Future with 3D Printed Infrastructure
The Colorado startup aims to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings, homes and city infrastructure with robotic 3D printing and a specialized geopolymer material.

14 Aug 2024
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.
Materials See All

31 Oct 2024
7 Takeaways on 3D Printing As a Pathway to Polymer’s Future
The Cleveland section of SPE hosted “Additive Manufacturing: Printing the Path for the Future” on October 17, 2024. Speakers signaled where AM is and where it is headed with session topics ranging from pellet-based 3D printing to qualification and commercialization of additively manufactured products.

8 Oct 2024
3D Printing With Recycled Powders: Reducing Waste and Material Costs
Can you print high-quality parts using recycled thermoplastic powder? JawsTec saves 2 tons of waste per year by investing in SLS printers that reuse scrap to make new parts.

3 Oct 2024
Cranial Implant 3D Printed From Hydroxyapatite Ceramic: The Cool Parts Show #76
Cranial implants are typically made from titanium or PEEK; in this episode of The Cool Parts Show, we look at how implants made from a bioceramic can improve osseointegration and healing.

26 Sep 2024
3D Printed Spine Implants Made From PEEK Now in Production
Medical device manufacturer Curiteva is producing two families of spinal implants using a proprietary process for 3D printing porous polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

11 Sep 2024
6 First-Time Additive Manufacturing Exhibitors at IMTS
Find these companies that are exhibiting for the first time in IMTS’s Additive Manufacturing Sector (in the West Building). Their offerings include printers, parts and powder, with areas of expertise ranging from large-format to atmosphere control to supply chain solutions.

2 Sep 2024
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.
All Topics See All

Aerospace

AMWTF

AR/VR

Artificial Intelligence

Assembly Consolidation

Automation

Automotive

Basics

Binder Jet

Blockchain

Brackets

Bridge Production

Casting

Ceramic

Circular Economy

Composites

Construction

Consumer Goods

Contract Manufacturers

Cool Parts

DED

Defense

Depowdering

Design

Distributed Manufacturing

EBM

Education & Training

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Energy & Power

Enterprise Issues

FFF

Foam

Formnext

Generative Design

Heat Exchangers

Heat treating

Hybrid manufacturing

Implants

IMTS

Inspection & Measurement

Inventors

Jigs, Fixtures, Hand Tools

LFAM

Lightweighting

LPBF

Machining

Mass Customization

Materials

Medical & Dental

Metal

Micro

Mold Tooling

MRO/Sustainment

OEMs

Oil & Gas

Photopolymerization/SLA

Polymer

Postprocessing

Product Development

Production

Prosthetics/Orthotics

Prototyping

Qualification/Certification

Recycling

Repair

Robots

Safety

Sand

SLS

Software

Space

Sporting Goods

Startups

Supply Chain

Sustainability

Tooling

WAAM
- Webinars
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Webinars See All

On Demand
Microstructural Control in Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion
For powder bed fusion technologies, electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) stands out for its high power and fast beam speed. This enables it to not only print challenging metals such as tungsten but also allows for direct control of the resulting microstructure. Join this webinar in which a demonstration of JEOL's EB-PBF technology — as well as its capability for microstructural control of Alloy 718 — will be shown with technical information on how this is achieved.

On Demand
Accelerating Product Development with Rapid Tooling
Attendees will learn how Mantle's technology enables production-quality tooling with unprecedented speed, precision and durability to produce production equivalent prototype molded parts. Rapid tooling allows teams to iterate designs faster, validate part functions earlier and scale into production seamlessly from prototype to production. If plastic parts are strategic to your organization, this is a must-attend event to learn how to bring products to market faster. Agenda: Common methods of how plastic parts are prototyped today How rapid tooling accelerates the product development process and when to use it Real-world case studies from manufacturers who have shortened product development cycles by up to 80%

On Demand
Understanding Material Transfer Options for DLP and SLA 3D Printing Systems
As printer technologies evolve, so does the need for users to handle the transfer of resin materials during the manufacturing process. Learn about the different transfer options and how to make informed decisions for simple, reliable and clean delivery into DLP and SLA 3D printing systems. Agenda: Comparison of the technologies Different material transfer options PPE essentials Tips and tricks for your system Considerations for intelligent connections

On Demand
Your Competitive Advantage with Metal 3D Printing
Discover how Rennscot MFG was able to further penetrate the aerospace and semiconductor sectors, by leveraging the EOS M300-4 to expand their production processes. David Bamforth, president and CEO of Rennscot MFG, will share his journey from a small machine shop to an advanced manufacturing powerhouse, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Gain firsthand knowledge from Fabian Alefeld of the EOS Additive Minds team, who will delve into the lessons learned from helping more than 1,000 companies to successfully enter AM, offering practical strategies for companies transitioning to additive manufacturing. Learn about the unique opportunities that metal 3D printing presents, from enhancing business development to meeting diverse customer requirements across various industries. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with our speakers and explore how metal additive manufacturing can elevate your business. Whether you're new to AM or looking to expand your capabilities, this webinar is your gateway to unlocking new possibilities in manufacturing.

On Demand
Metal Powder and Resin Extraction Using Vacuum Cycle Nucleation
Vacuum cycle nucleation (VCN) is an immersion cleaning and extraction process which takes place in a sealed processing chamber. The pressure in the chamber is lowered and raised at and below the vapor pressure of the heated cleaning liquid. When the vapor pressure is reached, vapor bubbles are formed on the solid surface and these bubbles collapse and exit the bulk fluid. As they exit, they carry the particles and solubilized material to be removed. This vacuum pressure cycle is repeated every two seconds until the desired cleanliness is achieved. VCN cleaning is followed by a VCN water rinse and vacuum drying. Agenda: What is VCN? How does VCN work? Videos of the process

On Demand
3D Printed Ceramics for MedTech: Multifeature Disruption
How can ceramic 3D printing provide a unique solution for every patient? What is the added value? Ceramic 3D printing is not about replacing well-established processes — it's here to complete them. In this webinar, Lithoz will look at several current applications in the medical field: first with silicon nitride manufacturer SiNAPTIC Technologies and then bioceramic experts Himed. With their years of experience in medical applications, this webinar will explain in full detail how ceramics can complement the metal materials conventionally used for implants and why ceramic is even sometimes the material of choice over metal. Agenda: Introducing the challenges in the medical industry today The powerful ceramic 3D printing technology for medical applications, explained by Lithoz An overview of ceramic medical applications already in use today by advanced ceramic materials expert SiNAPTIC Technologies An in-depth look at ceramic materials and their applications by experienced bioceramic manufacturer Himed
Events See All

12 Dec 2024
The Cool Parts Show LIVE
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of The Cool Parts Show with a special LIVE episode! In 2019, Additive Manufacturing Media (AM) launched The Cool Parts Show, a video series dedicated to end-use parts made through 3D printing. To celebrate the show’s fifth anniversary, AM will host a special livestream episode on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 8 p.m. (EST). The show’s co-hosts, Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson, will share updates about parts featured on the show, answer audience questions and give away Cool Parts merchandise.

10 Jan 2025
Detroit Auto Show
The Detroit Auto Show, formerly known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is located squarely at the intersection of technology and mobility. It’s a global event filled with tangible advances ready to hit the pavement today. Here, the software is as revolutionary as anything out there, and the hardware always looks better with a good polish. You won’t find any devices that will fit in your pocket, but you will discover machines that will move you in the most literal sense. You’ll also connect with thought leaders from around the world, both in and outside the automotive industry, whose collective visions for the future of mobility will shape the way we move for years to come.

4 Feb 2025
Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2025
The eighth annual Additive Manufacturing Strategies (AMS 2025) networking business summit takes place February 4-6, 2025, in New York City. This 3D printing conference features keynote presentations and panel discussions surrounding growth, deployment and investment strategies in industrial additive manufacturing.

5 Mar 2025
National Surface Finishing Day
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD

18 Mar 2025
PTXPO 2025
PTXPO 2025 is a comprehensive showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the plastics molding industry. Join fellow molders, moldmakers, brand owners, OEMs and their full suite of suppliers in Rosemont, IL for three days of non-stop networking, education and business development opportunities.

2 Apr 2025
Parts Cleaning Workshop
Critical Cleaning Hands-on Workshop Do it; learn it! The one-day workshop teaches how cleaning and cleanliness testing work. By participating in hands-on exercises of techniques for cleaning and cleanliness verification, attendees gain the understanding and knowledge to make practical, effective, and sustainable manufacturing decisions. While exercises are supplemented by demonstrations and tutorials, the workshop is not death by PowerPoint! Topics include aqueous, solvent, and “non-chemical” cleaning, including cleaning chemicals and cleaning processes (spray, ultrasonics, cyclic nucleation, in-line, batch). Most manufactured product and product contact surfaces require cleaning during (and sometimes after) manufacture and assembly. Examples of areas where effective cleaning is essential include: metal fabrication, product assembly, optics, electronics, microelectronics, wafer fab, medical devices, aerospace/aeronautics, military, and additive manufacturing. WHAT DO YOU CALL CLEANING? There are many different terms for cleaning. Cleaning Precision Cleaning Critical Cleaning Safety/Critical Cleaning Surface Prep for Finishing Technical Cleanliness Residue Removal WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE WORKSHOP If you or your company fabricates, finishes, maintains or repairs product or product contact surfaces (like reaction vessels), this workshop is time well-spent. If you sell chemicals or cleaning equipment, this workshop will help you better understand and optimize the market for your products. Examples include: Manufacturing Engineers Product Designers Managers Sales and Marketing Managers Facilities Personnel Assemblers, operators Process Technicians Quality Control Personnel Regulatory Affairs Experts (industry, military, and government) Safety/environmental professionals Participants will receive a PDF Certificate of Completion with continuing education credits from Sam Houston State University.
Video See All

26 Nov 2024 Assembly Consolidation
7 Things We Saw at Formnext 2024 — Video Playlist
There were countless processes, applications and announcements at Formnext 2024. Here are seven standouts Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson caught on film.

14 Nov 2024 Tooling
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.

13 Nov 2024 Polymer
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.

7 Nov 2024 Sporting Goods
3D Printing Enables a Larger "Sweet Spot" Relative to This Golf Club's Size: The Cool Parts Show #77
Cobra Puma Golf's Limit3D iron uses 3D printed stainless lattices to remove weight from the interior so that it can be reintroduced with tungsten inserts that lower the center of gravity. The combination offers a smaller, sleeker club head with the forgiveness of a larger one.

4 Nov 2024
Two AM Processes — DED Plus LPBF — Combine in NASA Thrust Chamber Assembly
Our video from Marshall Space Flight Center details the multi-metal part, and how it brings significant time and cost savings to spacecraft production.

29 Oct 2024 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.
News See All

27 Nov 2024 SLS
Formlabs’ Form 4L, 4BL Designed for Reliable, High-Speed SLA 3D Printing
Other innovations include the Developer Platform which offers flexibility and control to unlock new workflows, applications and material options; and additional printer accessories, SLS materials, PreForm features and postprocessing solutions to empower users with more scale, throughput, affordability and performance.

27 Nov 2024 Education & Training
America Makes Names New Director of Education, Workforce Development
Edward D. Herderick, Ph.D., is responsible for providing strategy and program management leadership in EWD for customer project initiatives, conducting business development and providing subject matter expertise in EWD-related project eﬀorts.

22 Nov 2024 Automation
Assonic Develops Automated System for Processing Reactive Metal Powders Without Gas Loss
Formnext 2024: The Assonic SPC 500 system features a closed circuit for conveying both powder and gas to eliminate gas loss while processing reactive metal powders in additive manufacturing.

22 Nov 2024 Circular Economy
Siemens’ Partnerships Work to Accelerate Scaling of Additive Manufacturing Technologies
Formnext 2024: Siemens is focusing on collaborations that emphasize the importance of innovation and open, interoperable technologies to facilitate the integration of additive manufacturing into conventional manufacturing technologies.

22 Nov 2024 Polymer
EOS P3 Next SLS 3D Printer Offers Optimized Workflow for Medical Applications
Formnext 2024: This SLS printer features advanced software updates and scanning algorithms, improved recoater speed, optimized heating and new peripheral equipment for increased productivity, higher machine utilization and improved material efficiency.

22 Nov 2024 Software
HP Adds Texture Library to 4D_Additive Software to Enable, Simplify Customized 3D Printing Surface Designs
The interaction between the CoreTechnologie’s 4D_Additive software, HP textures and HP printing process creates 3D printed components with customized surface designs to enhance the look and feel of 3D printed components.
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Matt Stonecash Associate Editor

Matt Stonecash started with Plastics Technology in 2022. After 12 years as an engineer in the medical device industry and healthcare environments, Matt began writing freelance in 2020. He has degrees in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and professional writing.

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