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.

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Production

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.

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Automotive

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. 

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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.

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LPBF

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).

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SolidCAM Additive - Upgrade Your Manufacturing
Airtech
World According To
SolidCAM Additive - Upgrade Your Manufacturing
The Cool Parts Show

Featured

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. 

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LFAM

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. 

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5 Things You Get With Your Additive Manufacturing Subscription

A subscription to Additive Manufacturing is available to you at no cost. Here are five benefits of starting (or renewing) your Additive Manufacturing subscription.

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Acquire
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Metal

Robots

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.

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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. 

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Metal

This Year I Have Seen a Lot of AM for the Military — What Is Going On?

Audience members have similar questions. What is the Department of Defense’s interest in making hardware via 3D printing over conventional methods? Here are three manufacturing concerns that are particular to the military.

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Polymer

Production

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.

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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.

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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.

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Composite

Polymer

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. 

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Composites

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.

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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.

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AM Radio
SolidCAM Additive - Upgrade Your Manufacturing
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

7 Things We Saw at Formnext 2024 — Video Playlist

7 Things We Saw at Formnext 2024 — Video Playlist

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

Large Format

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

3D printing offers a fast way to obtain a part. Can developing the printable file and validating the printed part be done rapidly as well? See fast measurement technology for complex 3D forms I found at IMTS.

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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.

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Sports & Recreation

Video: Orbit X Pro Football Helmet Uses 3D Printed Lattices

The lightweight helmet from Xenith will be used by NFL and collegiate football players beginning in fall 2024.

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Airtech International Inc.