When Desktop Metal introduced its "office-friendly" Studio metal prototype printer earlier this year, the company renewed attention on the issue of safer materials for binder jetting, an additive manufacturing method. As it turns out, Desktop Metal (Burlington, MA) uses two binder jetting processes that differ from each other and from one typically used. Historically, binder Read More
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
This is a channel about 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing (AM) for manufacturing professionals. AM is a fast-moving area of manufacturing technology and there are a wide variety of technologies use to 3D print or build objects, such as stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling (FDM), digital light processing (DLP), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and more. At Advanced Manufacturing Media, we partner with RAPID - the leading conference and exposition for 3D printing -- and cover all AM methods, including emerging ones, such as Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing (UAM).
Coping With New Technology — Ask the Right Questions
I remember seeing my first 3D printed "part" in early 2000, back when it was called rapid prototyping. It was a replica of a small part used in a car that a major OEM was designing. The part was made of plastic, with a rough surface finish, used on a packaging buck to see if the part fit physically and aesthetically. At the time, I asked if the process could make production Read More
GKN and GE Additive sign MoU for Additive Manufacturing Collaboration
GKN plc has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GE Additive, Concept Laser and Arcam AB to collaborate on additive manufacturing (AM). Under the agreement, GKN becomes a GE Additive development and production center as well as a preferred powder supplier, while GE and its affiliated companies will supply additive machines and services to GKN. Jos Sclater, Read More
Drone Wars, Hack Blocks Now Part of Growth Story
If a study by Deloitte from early this year was on target, 2017 will record a 2% increase in global aerospace and defense revenues and commercial aircraft production is likely to keep rising in the near future. In Missouri, where Boeing produces its F-15, F/A-18, and EA-18G fighter aircraft, manufacturers and average citizens alike have seen firsthand the economic impact Read More
SME Chief Warns of ‘Silver Tsunami’ Facing Manufacturing
NOVI, MI -- Manufacturing faces an even larger shortage of skilled workers as older employees retire over the next few years, the head of SME said in a speech today. "Call it the 'Silver Tsunami,'" Jeff Krause, executive director and CEO of SME (Dearborn, MI), said during an address at the HxGN LOCAL Automotive Summit in Novi, MI. "Manufacturing companies need a Read More
Standards Needed for 3D Printer Emissions
Emissions standards for desktop 3D printers are in development after a research summit this year revealed some filaments for the machines emit carcinogenic and health-affecting volatile organic compounds, ozone reaction products, and ultra-fine particles during operation. Marilyn Black, senior technical adviser at Underwriters Laboratories (UL), volunteered her organization to Read More