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"Second Level Servicing"? What's that all about? Well, it goes like this: services like TechShop provide access to high-power fabrication equipment that anyone can use simply by dropping by a TechShop. However, Breakpoint offers another possibility: He'll drop by TechShop and build your project for you, thus creating a service on top of a service. This is a great idea for those who just don't have enough time or skills to do the work themselves, yet still want to take advantage of the terrific services offered by TechShop.Have something crazy to build? Let me know...
Well folks, in my role as Director of Special Projects for TechShop, I am now looking for anybody who has projects for any of the following: * Laser cutter/engraver * CNC plasma cutter * CNC router/mill, metal/plastic (roughly 12x12x4 inches max; larger may be doable) * CNC hot-wire foam cutter (VERY large bay, suitable for architecture, movie sets/props, etc.) * 3D printer (fused-deposition modeler, ABS plastic, 12x12x12 inches max-- this is the real deal) * Vinyl cutter (3 feet by any sane length; suitable for banners, signs, etc.; cutting or plotting operations only) * ...anything else in TechShop is open to discussion, but these are the most straightforward candidates ...and needs parts in quantities from 1 to 500 within the next six months. We are considering launching a BETA short-run production capability-- our prototyping services are already live-- and I need a few test projects! Burning Man projects, props for video shoots that are still months away, etc., are probably ideal. Laser and foam work in particular I think we will have alarmingly quick turn-around on. As you probably know, YOU can walk right on into TechShop, take a class, get a membership or day pass, and start working on Your Own Cool Stuff. However, if you need a bunch of something, or if you have zero time to do it yourself, you need to call or email Yours Truly, and I will help you evaluate some options! Obviously, while we're getting the kinks out of this process, we're offering some price breaks-- I'd like to offer these to my friends and Genuinely Cool People who have a little flexibility before we offer them to The World at Large. So, let me know! Sources: The UK's National Physical Laboratory has a measurement system claimed to bring laboratory level measurement and calibration standards to shop floor CMMs and machine toolsThe UK's national physical laboratory (NPL) will launch what it describes as a 'revolutionary new measurement system' at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition. NPL said that its system will bring laboratory level standards to the shop floor. It enables significantly improved calibration times and thereby, minimises machine downtime for industries across the manufacturing sector, said NPL. Partnered by ETALON, NPL's Laser Tracer is a high-speed, ultra-precise, mobile system for the calibration and verification of coordinate-measuring machines (CMM), CNC machine tools, and other advanced measurement applications. Laser Tracer uses a highly stable laser source and an NPL patented internal design that is mechanically and thermally decoupled from the tracking mechanism. In this way, NPL said that Tracer provides 'the ultimate' in measurement stability and accuracy. * Laser Tracer operation - like conventional laser techniques, Laser Tracer locks out the machine during tool or CMM probe. It uses the laser to track a reflector mounted on the machine during tool or CMM probe. The system automatically drives the tool during the measurement cycle for the machine test and then guides the user in simple steps through the testing process. NPL said that the internal algorithm ensures self-calibration of the system during the test and enables all machine error contribution with unprecedented precision. Measurement routines do not need highly skilled technicians, said NPL to manufacturingtalk and are significantly quicker than existing traditional methods. Uncertainties of measurements are generated in real time with a comprehensive test report or UKAS calibration certificate produced at the point of measurement. Automatic correction of stored error maps is also available for many machine types. New machines being supported every month and the measurement procedure is designed to meet the requirements of the emerging standard ISO10360-2. Laser Tracer product manager, David Lowther, said: 'With the Laser Tracer, NPL is bringing cutting edge measurement standards only ever seen before in national standards Laboratories direct to the customer in their place of work. Machines can now be calibrated in less than three hours, rather than the current time of up to 2 days, and with greatly improved accuracy that will ultimately save time and increase productivity for businesses. NPL can also provide complementary consultancy and support, on site, to diagnose and solve production critical measurement problems for companies'. * About the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) - NPL is the UK's national measurement institute and a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science and technology available to man. For more than a century NPL has developed and maintained the nation's primary measurement standards. These standards support an infrastructure of traceable measurement through the UK and the world that ensures accuracy and consistency. Good measurement improves productivity and quality; it underpins consumer confidence and trade, and is vital to innovation. We undertake research and share our expertise with thousands of organisations and individuals to help enhance economic performance and the quality of life. NPL services range from free technical advice, joint projects, training, secondments, problem solving, consultancy, contract research to highly accurate UKAS accredited measurement services. The National Physical Laboratory is operated on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) by NPL Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Serco Group plc. * NPL at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5596. Maintenance free power and free conveyor chains with low-friction running rollers by Iwis have a built-in lubricant reservoir, which supplies the chain links and running rollers with lubricantIwis Antriebssysteme has introduced its Megalife range of maintenance-free power and free conveyor chains. Iwis has developed and patented a special link with specially sintered metal bushes and running rollers. In addition, the chains have a built-in lubricant reservoir, which supplies the chain links and running rollers with lubricant during the chain operation: The special sintered material is saturated with oil under vacuum conditions. External Affairs director of Equifax, Neil Munroe, said: 'Business failures fell slightly by 2.8% in the Manufacturing sector year on year, down 6.8 compared to Quarter 4 2007'. He said that the Transport and Communication Sector was the worst hit, seeing a substantial 16.3% increase year on year. The gloomy picture was further supported by the latest CBI (Confederation of British Industry) report, which revealed that business volumes fell to a balance of -30%. The CBI survey showed firms expect the credit crunch to get worse over the next six months, as they continue to find it difficult to raise funds, restricting business growth. Munroe added: 'Retail shows a further 9% going bust in this quarter compared to 2007 and Services isn't far behind with an increase of 8.3%. Construction sector was among the worst hit, with an 11% increase in businesses going 'bust''. The regional picture revealed a 21.4% increase in failures in the North West, followed by 20.9% in the East Midlands and 20.3% in Yorkshire and Humberside. Only Scotland continues to see a drop in the number of businesses in the region going bust, down 23.8%. The South East saw a slight drop of 0.4% compared to the same period in 2007 and a 4.8% drop compared to Quarter 4 2007. Munroe said: 'This is not a good start to the year for most business sectors across the country, with the credit crunch showing no signs of abating. Banks are going to look at businesses just as closely as they are looking at individuals, making it harder for firms to get funding to pay off debts and bolster cash flow. With this in mind we urge companies to protect themselves from 'not a good' debt by conducting rigorous credit checks, supported by ongoing monitoring of customers' and suppliers' financial status'. He concluded: 'There are tough times ahead and smaller firms are the most vulnerable to the threat of business failure. It only takes one customer going bust to jeopardise a business, but careful monitoring today, can reduce the threat of bad debt tomorrow.' 
Leuven (BELGIUM), March 20, 2008. Materialise NV launches Magics 12.1, the new version of its software for the Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) industry. Several new features in Magics 12.1 further increase Magics’ added value for RP&M professionals. Efficiency, quality and user-friendliness are the key words of this release.
The evolution of 3D printers driven by severe pricing pressures has made concept modeling and rapid prototyping affordable to most end users. Undoubtedly, the growing trend toward rapid manufacturing has taken the industry to the next level.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.testandmeasurement.frost.com), World Rapid Prototyping Equipment Markets, reveals that the market earned revenues of $300.0 million in 2006 and estimates this to reach $859.4 million in 2013. With prices of 3D printers ranging from $15,000 to $60,000, small companies find them extremely affordable to use for concept modeling and design optimization. In addition, the use of additive fabrication technology to directly manufacture the product has become increasingly popular, especially for low volume applications. Rapid manufacturing is particularly useful when the part complexity is difficult to conceive in traditional manufacturing processes. Hearing-aid application in the medical industry is an example that is worth mentioning. Rapid manufacturing is expected to become mainstream in the future, and eventually drive the growth of the rapid prototyping equipment market.
"Even though rapid prototyping has been adopted early on by the automotive and aerospace markets, research indicates that only a handful of companies, about 15 to 20 percent of the end users worldwide, have taken advantage of the various rapid prototyping technologies," notes Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst S.Vidyasankar. "This clearly demonstrates that the technology's potential has not reached the end users over the years, and thus highlights the need to elevate their awareness levels." End-user education should focus on the acquisition and cost of new equipment as well as the capabilities of various technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), jetted polymer techniques and their applications. With rapid manufacturing gaining interest among end users, it is imperative for equipment manufacturers to educate the users to ensure sustenance for the market and accelerate the growth of the rapid prototyping equipment market in the future. Furthermore, market participants may overcome this challenge by increasing their marketing efforts, participating in major industry events, and utilizing the Internet as a tool to keep end users as well as the industry abreast of the latest technological advancements within the rapid prototyping equipment market. "There is also an increasing interest and growing trend toward services within the rapid prototyping market," notes Vidyasankar. "Even though many participants work closely with service bureaus, customers have forced rapid prototyping equipment manufacturers to provide services, thereby creating key opportunities for rapid prototyping vendors to develop their own service departments that meet customer requests for short-run rapid manufacturing and rapid prototyping needs and thereby grow in business."
Source: thebusinessedition.com At the Sandusky Robot Games students entered a competition in which they must construct a robot capable of tossing a 40" inflatable ball over a set height. While they had many challenges in constructing such a device, they did make use of a 3D printer to manufacture certain necessary unique parts. The video shows the robot in action, successfully throwing the ball. This event demonstrates a likely scenario of the near future: While we cannot print whole functioning objects, we can 3D print parts. And those parts can be combined with others that were made using other techniques to form complete objects. So, it seems that it's going to be a lot of "assembly" for now, and we'll have to leave the "Star Trek" for later.
Throwing an inflatable ball over a 6-foot-6-inch overpass has taken on a new meaning for EHOVE students. For the second year in a row, students enrolled in EHOVE's College Tech Prep Engineering program entered the "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Overdrive" robotics competition. The nationwide contest requires the teams to build a robot that grabs and throws a 40-inch inflatable ball over a specific height while circling a track. The College Engineering Tech Prep class, a partnership between EHOVE Career Center and BGSU Firelands, has been working with local engineers and Plum Brook Operational Support Group to apply their knowledge of mechanical design, robotics and physics to the project. The timeline to build the fastest, most efficient ball launching robot? Six short weeks. "Students have had nothing else on the brain but this robot," instructor Jim McIntyre said. "They come into school with ideas about how to fix a problem we've encountered, and they are relentless in their pursuit of improvement. It's exciting to see their enthusiasm, and it's contagious. This contest has a lot of appeal in making engineering cool."
 Register photo/ABIGAIL BOBROW EHOVE college tech prep engineering students Tony Renwand, senior, left, and Jonathan Dangelo adjust parts on the robot that they, along with 19 other students, created to compete in a nationwide contest. McIntyre, his fellow instructor Steve Spriggs and the 21-member Mavericks team are up against 37,500 high school students. EHOVE team members are:
Costs can be up to $6,000 for an entry fee, which provides the team with a kit of parts including 12-volt motors, a controller, various electronic parts, a pneumatic system, a frame, wheels and mechanical components; $3,500 for additional parts; and a $5,000 entry fee for the FIRST Championship. "It is expensive, but I believe in its educational value," McIntyre said. "I see it as a chance for business and industry to give back and foster our workforce of the future." He said Sierra Lobo and representative Alex Yeckley have been generous to the group, as have several other local small businesses that donated between $25 and $1,000. The team faces its first championship event in March at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center Arena. "Your robot has to score the most points to win," senior Paul Bansek said. "The best part of this is the communication. Everyone has to talk and be able to communicate with no problems." Standard machine shop equipment, along with CNC (computer numerical controlled) machines, engineering software and a 3D printer were used to build the robot. "Everyone has the same task," Bellevue junior Adam Rectanus said. "The game's the same, but teams can take whatever approach they want to." Students joked around about naming the robot, but McIntyre would take no part of it. "It's not my job to name it," he said. "You guys have worked on it; the student should do it." Minor complications included trying to get the robot to release the ball and trying to get the ball not to roll off of the robot's arms. "We could duct tape it if we wanted," McIntyre said. "But I don't think that would be very professional." Following weeks of hard work, students fired the robot up to see what it could do. After a few attempts to get the ball over, the group let out delighted laughs and congratulated each other as the ball glided over its mark. "It's all about teamwork. It's not a one-person thing," South Central junior Cory Williams said. "It takes everyone to get it." http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2008/02/25/front/620346.txt http://www.fabbaloo.com/2008/03/robots-constructed-with-3d-printer.html
Z Corporation, the leading provider of 3D color printers and 3D scanning solutions, today named John M. Kawola as CEO. Previously executive vice president of sales, marketing and business development, Kawola has served as a vital member of the senior management team since the company’s first commercial launch 10 years ago. He succeeds Tom Clay, CEO since 2005, who is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities. Kawola has been integral to Z Corporation’s success in virtually every operations area during his decade-long tenure. The company’s first salesperson, Kawola led the globalization of the company’s sales, marketing and support organization, which includes 180 dealers in 40 countries. He has led all new product definition efforts, covering eight new hardware platforms and multiple material sets. He built and led business development, establishing new markets for 3D printing and 3D scanning in education, architecture, geographic information systems and entertainment. Due in large part to Kawola’s marketing vision, Z Corporation has become a market-leading brand signifying speed, color, and affordability.
About Z Corporation Z Corporation makes products that enable users to capture, edit, and print 3D data with unprecedented speed, ease, versatility and affordability. These products include the world’s fastest high-definition 3D printers — machines that produce physical 3D models from digital data in full color – and uniquely portable 3D scanners – handheld machines that digitize 3D surfaces in real time. Z Corp. technology is enabling a wide range of applications in manufacturing, architecture, civil engineering, reverse engineering, geographic information systems (GIS), medicine and entertainment. “I am grateful for our success to date and honored to pick up where Tom left off,” Kawola said. “The company is in a remarkably strong position in a growing number of industries, and our team is determined to bring Z Corporation to new heights in the years to come.” The transition marks a decade of Z Corporation success and increasing industry momentum. In the last year alone, for example, Z Corporation:
Kawola will report to Svenn Poulsen, CEO of the Contex Group, which is Z Corporation’s parent company. “John Kawola has been an integral part of the management team during Z Corporation’s remarkable growth,” Poulsen said. “His leadership, talent and results make him the obvious choice to lead the company going forward.” Prior to joining Z Corporation, Kawola held technical and sales positions with General Electric and Albany International Corporation. NASA's Langley Research Center has posted an invitation for solicitations for a "high resolution 3D printer". At first it may seem that this device might be headed to outer space, ready to rapidly produce any missing spacecraft parts during deep space missions. However, looking deeply to the specs specifies: 110 VAC power requirement. Of course, we all know that AC power extension cords simply aren't long enough to reach Outer Space. The competition closes on March 3rd 2008. Synopsis/Solicitation Combo - Feb 19, 2008 On-Line RFQ - Posted on Feb 19, 2008 New! General Information Solicitation Number: NNL08235968Q Posted Date: Feb 19, 2008 FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 19, 2008 Original Response Date: Mar 03, 2008 Current Response Date: Mar 03, 2008 Classification Code: 70 -- General purpose information technology equipment NAICS Code: 334119 - Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing Set-Aside Code: Total Small Business Contracting Office Address NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 144, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001 Description NASA/LaRC has a requirement for 1 each high resolution 3D printer for creating prototype modules and electronic packaging applications as follows: Capable of producing high-quality ABS models. Model material resolution must have thickness of 0.178 mm (.007 in.) or less with print width of 0.7 mm (0.028 in.) or less. Build size: at least 8 x 8 x 12 in. 110 VAC power requirement. Support material must be water soluble for easy removal. Must be network compatible (TCP/IP 100/10 base T) and Windows XP compatible. Must produce durable working models from ABS with the click of a button. Must run unattended and operate quietly with no noxious fumes or toxic materials that require venting and/or special handling. Must be useable in an office environment. Capable of packing multiple models within the build envelope to maximize efficiency. Fabrication should be a two step process: build cycle and water soluble support removal (no after-processing steps for increasing durability). Lab floor space dimensions should be about 3 ft by 3 ft or less. This notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, which is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ); quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Offerors are required to use the On-Line RFQ system to submit their quote. The On-line RFQ system is linked above or it may be accessed at prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=C&pin= . The information required by FAR Subpart 12.6 is included in the on-line RFQ. The Government intends to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12 and the Simplified Acquisition Procedures set forth in FAR Part 13. Questions regarding this acquisition must be submitted in writing (e-mail is preferred) no later than 2/26/2008. It is the quoter's responsibility to monitor this site for the release of amendments (if any). Potential quoters will be responsible for downloading their own copy of this notice, the on-line RFQ and amendments (if any). An ombudsman has been appointed - See NASA Specific Note "B". Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs link below. Point of Contact Name: Sandra S Ray Title: Contract Specialist Phone: 757-864-2413 Fax: 757-864-7709 Email: sandra.s.ray@nasa.gov Name: Deborah L. Ford Title: Contract Specialist Phone: 757-864-6755 Fax: 757-864-9097 Email: Deborah.L.Ford@nasa.gov www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=27101 I came across a large and truly amazing collection of photos taken from the recent Generator.X 2.0 event. The collection consists of 270 photos. While not all exhibits were created with 3D printing, all used modern fabbing techniques.
See rest at http://flickr.com/groups/gx20/pool/ The Southeast Region Career & Technology Center (SRCTC) will be offering its annual junior high summer academy in the areas of math, science, engineering and technology from June 9-13. Following a national initiative by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Institute, the classes will be more focused on engineering activities for kids than in the past. The classes will be held in Wahpeton and Oakes and run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Mechanical design courses offered will use computer numerical control equipment, which helps manufacture a variety of different parts, and a Dimension 3D printer. Using a cell phone as an example, Rood said the printer will print an exact replica of the cell phone in its full dimension via AutoCAD, a design and drafting computer program. The 3D printer is newer technology used to make samples of items before they go into mass production.With more and more programs being done in three dimensions, Rood said this printer should aid in visualization for the students. Usually used for smaller design projects, the printer can handle a maximum of 8 inch by 8 inch by 12 inch objects.
During the five day session, students will do some design work and printing. They will also get a shot at using different probes, censors and recording devices the center ordered for the physiology and anatomy portion of the class. After attending a trade show for the National Career and Technical Association in December, Rood discovered the new equipment and wanted to bring the technology back home. "I think the kids will have some great experiences with that," said Rood. "It's hands-on career exploration, really." As we've been recently announcing, 3D Systems Corp. has lauched a three-dimensional printer based on the company's multijet modeling technology. The product is dubbed the ProJet HD3000 3-D Production System. According to the Rock Hill-based company, the printer can be used in concept development, design validation, production of molding and casting patterns and other applications. This announcement was reviewd in "Projet hd3000 - high-definition 3d printer" post, and today we are ready to meet some more news from this company.
3D Systems Corp. plans to launch a three-dimensional printer for use in dental labs.
The printer will produce wax-ups -- three-dimensional representations of the patient's teeth after dental work is completed. Users of the ProJet DP Production System can design a virtual wax-up using 3-D software and send the data to a system to print wax-ups in layers. Applications include crowns, bridges and partial frameworks. "We are delivering to dental labs a solution that gives them the ability to increase their productivity and improve the quality, consistency and delivery of their product," says Abe Reichental, chief executive. The system will be available to customers in the United States in March. 3D Systems makes machines that produce three-dimensional prototypes and working parts for a range of industries, from plastics to auto racing. The company moved its headquarters to Rock Hill in 2005. It cited the city's proximity to its customers and suppliers as well as the area's favorable business climate, tax benefits and lower cost of doing business. 3D Systems (NASDAQ:TDSC) had been based in Valencia, Calif. PTFE slippage
Melbourne impressionsby Vik Olliver: Being allowed to present RepRap at LinuxConf 2008 was wonderful, and thanks to all for the encouragement I got that really belongs with the RepRap team. So many new ideas, and very little time spent on repairs all considering. One that stood out was the idea of using RepRap to print braille, and to make relief maps with textured surfaces to assist the blind. I contacted the OLPC project to see if they would cooperate on ensuring an OLPC can drive the RepRap. Currently our software won't fit, and the OLPC is essentially python-driven so a re-write or novel way of printing the CAD files might well be necessary as things stand. Half-Way to Replication!And the last, and the most sugnificant message at the moment about the RepRap project is that it has reached the half of the long way to replication! With announcing this event the authors are surely worth receiving conratulations. That is a notable milesotne for us, RepRap project watchers. Ed and Vik have now fabricated half the V1.0 RepRap's parts, if counting them by type. For instance, now there are 8 corner brackets but that only counts as one "part" even if only one is made. The original post is hereDuring the past years the demand for functional models and small series of production parts was constantly growing and Fused Deposition Modeling technology exceedingly matches all the present-day requirements. It is a tremendously successful technology. HistoryFDM was developed by Scott Crump, and the machines are being sold since 1991 The conceptThe concept is that material is heated and then in controlled quantities deposited directly on previous layers. Eventually layers are built up to complete the entire part. Preparation Process
The X, Y and Z axes are operated when drawing the model in FDM Software one layer at a time. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)In brevi, ABS (FDM material) feeds into the temperature-controlled FDM extrusion head, where it is heated to a semi-liquid state. The head extrudes and deposits the material in thin layers onto a fixtureless base. The head directs the material into place with precision, as each layer is extruded, it bonds to the previous layer and solidifies. The designed object emerges as a solid three-dimensional part without the need for tooling. Fused Deposition Modeling technology advantages and disadvantagesDuring the Fused Deposition Modeling process three-dimensional objects are constructed directly from 3D CAD data. A thermoplastic material is extruded by temperature-controlled head layer by layer.
FDM FlowThe system operates in X, Y and Z axes, drawing the model one layer at a time. This process is similar to how a hot glue gun extrudes melted beads of glue. The temperature-controlled extrusion head is fed with thermoplastic modeling material that is heated to a semi-liquid state. The head extrudes and directs the material with precision in ultrathin layers onto a fixtureless base. The result of the solidified material laminating to the preceding layer is a plastic 3D model built up one strand at a time. Concluding, the key of FDM is an extrusion head:
FinishingMaterial changeover requires a few minutes of "flushing-out". Once the part is completed the support columns are removed and the surface is finished. Fused Deposition Modeling Video
Taken from www.ooeygui.com/?p=56 The Link Subsection is a quick way to list web page links which I recommend. All the links will redirect to different sites.
This is often used in the broader context of a topic, i.e. a page about a class project on Mars, might contain a with several links to NASA web resources on Mars, a link to several space observatories, etc.Recommended sites:
Every year in December american magazine The Economist publishes the collection of predictions about what could be possible in the upcoming year in the sphere of science and technologies. The predictions are gathered among famous poiticians, economists and scientists. The predictions about 3d-printers are also in the list. It seems that this year 3d-printer is really going to become an affordable thing for everyone who needs it's accomplishment.
People can prepare themself to be ready to impress friends with high-tech wizardry in 2008. Consider shopping for a three-dimensional printer will become an outstanding example of such an advance. As far as 3d-printers were well-established in sophisticated design studios and industrial duties, the price of basic 3D printers is likely to go under $5,000 in 2008. This opens them to home use.
Wizardry is the right word, for a 3D printer can really create any three-dimensional object, no matter how complicated, that you can design in a computer. Chain-mail, the coats of interlinking rings that were worn by knights of old, provides a beautiful example. You might think that to make chain-mail you would need a lot of rings, which you then join painstakingly to neighbouring rings, up and down, left and right. That’s how medieval armourers made them. A 3D printer can just print chain-mail, already all linked up; it emerges from the printer almost ready to wear.
The underlying process is quite simple. Objects are built up inside the printer (commercial models are about the size of a domestic fridge), thin layer upon thin layer as a printer makes repeated passes, following a sliced-up blueprint provided by the computer. The 3D form grows upwards, at a rate of about 5cm (2 inches) an hour, until it is done.
Different manufacturers have different approaches. Two leading companies, Z Corp and 3D Systems, offer a choice between powder and polymer as the material from which the object emerges. In either case, an inkjet printer creates the shape of the object, either by adding a glue to the powder, or by pumping out fine drops of polymer that are then cured by an ultra-violet lamp.
Add a 3D scanner and you can reproduce real objects, including your own head. The scan takes a few seconds. Then just wait as a copy of your head gradually grows inside the printer.
More serious uses for high-end machines include making models of buildings for architects, drug molecules for pharmaceutical companies and shoes for fashion companies. Extremely specialised machines can even print in titanium, using powdered titanium and an electron beam, making it possible to create usable one-off parts for aeroplanes and F1 racing cars. There is talk of machines that will print from powdered gold and shake up the jewellery-design business.
But the real fun will come as ordinary folk at home feel free to let their creativity run wild. If you can imagine it, you can make it.
“We are absolutely delighted with the Publish Postoverwhelming and positive responses we received from the CAD and engineering community for our new 3-D Production System,” said Abe Reichental, 3D Systems’ president and chief executive officer. “Just like SolidWorks users, many CAD software communities are benefiting daily from transforming their designs and ideas into physical, accurate and functional three-dimensional parts by utilizing 3D Systems’ Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing technologies. The positive feedback from SolidWorks World attendees validates our continued R&D efforts to deliver more high-performance 3-D Printing solutions to the marketplace.” Among the unique possibilities of ProJet HD 3000 the developers claim the ability to create parts (3-dimentional models to print) of intricate and complex form which had to be formed earlier from several separate parts and the existence of a few work regimes.
The company promises to begin the commercial delivery of ProJet 3-D Production System in March 2008. The facility will base upon the patented technology of Multi-Jet Modeling (MJM) which is considered among the new generation technologies by it's creators. It can be considered as a 3d printer for architects, 3d architectural printing tools, or 3d architectural modeling "printer".
"Printing" organs is a promising method of creating the necessary organs by printing them on special printers where the natural cells and sustances (growth factors) are used instead of ink. A study of american scientists clarified some important issues that had prevented earlier this technology to become mass, and implement it in clinical and laboratory practices. Biologists used the "ink" from the microspheres (ball), each of which contained between 10 and 40 thousand cells of a body. Three-dimensional printing done in a special substrate containing collagen. Once on the substrate, smashing microspheres, releasing cells that soon multiplied and formed intercell contacts and then substrate was removed. It was found that cells of different types in the correct ratio themselves are distributed as needed in the body. The authors note in the work that this process is entirely similar to those that occurs during embryonic body development. Thus, "Colored" printing of different types of cells (entering the exact location) is not required. It is sufficiently to print in "black and white", using a mixture of all types. Moreover, the typical periodic processes of the body launched self in printed organ alone after reaching the necessary development stage. Thus, the artificial heart, printed from chicken's kardiocytes, gradually began beating like natural. The study showed that printed organs recied by the process are very similar in structure and functional properties to natural. All this promises that printed organs will soon take a significant place in the arsenal of techniques and laboratory medicine.
The machine is capable of producing both rigid and flexible material, and can create polypropylene-like surfaces. Honestly, the process the Connex500 uses is pretty complicated stuff, but you really only need to understand one basic fact: you will never again be missing a piece from your chess set. Hit the read link and get all the technical details on your next pricey purchase. When it came time for Joe Hebenstreit to buy a wedding ring for his wife-to-be, he stuck with what he knew. That didn't involve going to the neighborhood jewelry store or venturing into a Tiffany's. Instead, Hebenstreit simply designed the ring in CAD by himself and then printed out a three-dimensional prototype using a 3-D printer. "I designed it in 3-D, printed it out in wax, and then cast it in platinum at a high temperature casting place," Hebenstreit explains nonchalantly. "You can do a lot of cool things with 3-D printers," he continues. "They come up with new uses for them all the time." Granted, as the principal engineer for Palo Alto-based industrial design shop Frog Design, Hebenstreit has access to gadgets that most geek grooms can only dream of. But 3-D printers aren't just handy for making wedding rings. Armed with new capabilities, they're taking a central role in the rapid prototyping and even production of consumer products. The technology behind 3-D printers isn't new. Rapid prototyping machines have existed in myriad forms since the early 1980s, but the pace at which new capabilities and printing materials are being added to the machines is astonishing, says Scott Summit, the co-founder of San Francisco-based industrial design firm Summit ID. These printers typically work by spewing out successive layers of a given material to build a three-dimensional object, slice by horizontal slice. These end results aren't just prototypes or proof-of-concepts any more. As the technology has evolved, 3-D printers are now capable of printing out fully functional finished products. For example, according to Summit, battleships and aircraft carriers now make extensive use of selective laser sintering (SLS) printers, which can "print out" materials like titanium, cobalt chromium and polyamide, to fabricate spare parts on the spot instead of carrying huge warehouses full of replacements. And some manufacturers of 3-D printers even use their own products to create parts for the next generation of printers. "It's like the Terminator self-replicator machine or something," Summit says. "Machines are making the next-generation machines." The printer at Frog Design, which is used for more traditional modeling purposes, uses two materials: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic and industrial-strength glue. The glue is what enables the machine to build hollow or concave objects without letting them collapse in on themselves. These rapid prototyping printers are bringing an entirely very new mentality to design, where the user becomes a key participant in the creation of the product. Summit and Hebenstreit both cite hearing aids as one example of this new approach. "They stick some clay in your ear, it takes the shape of your ear, then they 3-D laser scan that and it gets fabricated by a 3-D printer," Summit explains. "It's kind of co-designed by your ear -- by your personal geometry." This personalized approach to design can also be a godsend for new designers trying to break into the business. Teaming up with those who own and operate 3-D printers, designers open a web store with little more than a handful of designs. A customer simply chooses the design he or she wants, a rented printer fabricates the product, a traditional 2-D printer creates a mailing label, and Fed Ex picks up the box and ships it to the customer. Companies like Freedom of Creation, which sells home furnishings, are already starting to experiment with this approach to doing business without relying on inventory or big capital investments. "(3-D printers) are basically like the new car that landed in everybody's driveway," Summit concludes. "(Every designer) wants to try them out and see what they can do." Richmond
Richmond - MeadWestvaco Corporation today announced it is expanding its portfolio of specialty print technologies by licensing a patented three-dimensional (3D) design and printing technology from Azuna LLC, based in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Azuna 3D technology produces high-quality, four-color imagery with uniquely deep dimensional effects on recycled polypropylene (PP) plastic substrate. MeadWestvaco will offer Azuna state-of-the-art specialty print technology through innovative consumer product packaging produced at its facility in Warrington, Pennsylvania for customers in the North American media and entertainment, beauty and personal care, healthcare and beverage markets. For more information about MeadWestvaco’s specialty printing services and Azuna 3D technology, contact Zane Peterson, director, Special Packaging, at (919)334-4105 or zane.peterson@meadwestvaco.com. About MeadWestvaco MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV) provides packaging solutions to many of the world’s most-admired brands in the food and beverage, media and entertainment, personal care, home and garden, cosmetics, and healthcare industries. The company has market-leading positions in its Consumer & Office Products and Specialty Chemicals businesses, and operates in more than 30 countries. MeadWestvaco manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards, and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, please visit us at meadwestvaco.com. About Azuna Azuna LLC, headquartered in Jenkintown, Pa., is a new media company providing patented 3D design and printing technology for high-end packaging, point of purchase, ad inserts, direct marketing, printing and promotional applications. For more information, please visit azuna.net. What is SLS?
Rapid Prototyping refers to the creation of quick representations of final products from an initial idea and taking it through successive iterations until the final form is developed without tooling or molds. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the most popular Rapid Prototyping mechanisms in which a laser beam selectively fuses or sinters powder materials, nylon, elastomer etc. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) can provide your manufacturing business with a leading edge by producing rapid plastic or metal prototypes that closely match their molded counterparts. SLA vs SLS The primary advantage of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) over Stereolithography is that it builds prototypes in nylon material. It is possible to make structurally functional parts such as living hinges, functioning springs, snap fit components with nylon material using Selective Laser Sintering. The process in itself is very simple and there is no molds or tooling involved. The nylon material used in SLS can be easily machined, drilled and tapped unlike those used in SLA, which are brittle as they are built with liquid photopolymers and cured with UV light. They continue to cure once complete and as a result become more brittle as time goes on. Since being patented by Dr. Carl Deckard in 1989, the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology has become one of the most popularly utilized processes for rapid prototyping and product development in manufacturing industries. Selective Laser Sintering has become a very reliable and trusted form of rapid prototyping due to its structural properties. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is particularly useful when the design is complex, customized, needs to be functional or requires short run production.  ProcessIn the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process, 3D parts are created when an infrared laser beam sinters and fuses powdered materials. The final object is created by repeatedly fusing thin layers using the laser beam. This process also known as additive manufacturing producing parts that gradually increase in size until they reach the prescribed size. These prototypes are created directly from the STL file obtained from 3D CAD models. The most beneficial characteristic of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is how durable and functional the materials are. These materials include versions of the original DuraForm and DuraForm glass-filled (GF), which are nylon-based materials that create highly durable and functional plastic prototypes. Other Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) materials available are Flex Plastic for elastomeric, rubber-like parts, and LaserForm, which makes metal prototypes. AdvantagesResearch and development has been progressing to bring newer selective laser sintering (SLS) materials to the market. These materials are such that they require no post processing steps whatsoever after building and this offers a distinct advantage over stereolithography (SLA). This however does not mean that these materials cannot be processed. All of the selective laser sintering (SLS) materials can be finished in multiple ways. They can be painted, plated, drilled, tapped, or even machined. This allows for a higher grade of appearance to these parts thus giving users an unlimited potential to use them. According to the statement by Defense Tech, the University of Illinois has developed inks to create nano-scaled three-dimensional structures. The characteristic size of the elements produced by the printing has already reached 225 nm. It is planed to bring the size up to 100 nm.
New technology will have applications like fuel microelements and gas sensors.
For those wo are not familiar to the technology that this blog will cover upon here is a short introduction. 3D printing is a technology that uses special printers for solid object creation. How they work: The printers build each model layer by layer, starting at the base. For each iteration, a thin layer of powder is spread over the entire building area. Then, a print head similar to that of an inkjet printer prints a layer of binder onto the powder plane. The colorful binder bonds with the powder to create a solid layer of your object. You can think of the complete model as a stack of 2D images that were printed onto the powder. When the process is finally finished with the top layer, the model will be completely enclosed in a matrix of powder that will be removed during the excavation process. The printing process: First there must be acquired a 3D model. You can create one using Mayo, Rhino, Inventor, AutoCAD, ProE, and other 3D modeling software. The model file must be converted to a suitable format. These include .zbd, .stl, .bld, .ply, .zcp, .sfx, .zec, and .wrl and others. Next, there should ber reserved time on the printer, where the model is going to be printed. Sometimes it is needed to arrive at the lab in order to review the model with specialists and to make sure that printing the model is feasible (for example, you can't print something with paper-thin walls). If the model looks good, they will open the model using the specialized software where it can be resized and positioned before it is sent to the printer. Next, the printer prints the model. Printing can take less than an hour for very small parts up to many hours for large ones. After the print completion, a staff member scoops and vaccuums away the powder matrix to reveal the model. After the model is removed from the printer, it is blasted with a fine stream of air in the depowdering station. This process removes more loose powder, especially powder in holes or crevices. Finally, the model needs to be infiltrated with wax, cyanoacrylate, epoxy, or an elastomer. The neccessary structural integrity for the model is provides by ths; without infiltration the model can be very easily scratched, chipped, and cracked. Features:
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It is great to discover that more and more people people are inventing unique applications of 3D printing technology. For example, a certain Lou Amadio writes in his blog that he wishes and deserves to print toys for his son who is four years old, or at least recreate replacement components for those toys inevitably broken or eaten by kid. But his approach promises to become much more extreme then you might consider: he's not only going to print the toys, he's creating his own specialized 3D printer to do it with! By following the RepRap project he has designed the Fabr. instead According to Lou's blog post.
