The Dimension 3D printer celebrates 10 years
Stratasys (Nasdaq: SSYS) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Dimension 3D printer line. Introduced in 2002 at $29,900, the Dimension 3D Printer opened new possibilities for designers; it is a reliable, compact, simple-to-use machine. Its introduction enabled designers to not only produce models for design verification, but also to test function because the printer uses... Read More
Bigger and Better
We’ve posted tips in the past regarding maximum part size, but since our moldable dimensions have continued to increase, we thought it was time for an update. Some of the figures that follow are simple and absolute; others may vary based on multiple factors. If your design seems to be approaching the limits, the best way to determine whether Proto Labs can mold it is to submit... Read More
Paramount Industries promotes high temperature laser sintering
More government agencies and manufacturers are sourcing laser sintering for direct part production. In contrast to traditional manufacturing methods, laser sintering can deliver plastic parts with highly complex geometries with impressive strength-to-weight ratios. In many cases, hundreds of parts can be directly manufactured from 3D CAD digital models long before tooling is available... Read More
First a jaw–medical applications of 3D printing
The news of a 3D printer-created lower jaw made of titanium powder has been populating the twitter-verse. While this is probably a first time attempt to actually implant something like this in a human body, 3D printer companies like EOS and others have been working on developing 3D printed implantable medical parts for several years. Layerwise, a specialized metal-parts manufacturer... Read More
3D printed car dashboard on display at SolidWorld World 2012
Objet Ltd. announced that it will showcase a full-size, 3D printed car dashboard from StreetScooter at this year’s SolidWorks World in San Diego from February 12-15. Shown for the first time in the United States, the five-foot wide fully-assembled dashboard prototype was created with multi-material printing, including Objet’s ABS-like Digital Material, and features a display... Read More
The ATOS Compact Scan – A New Breed of 3D Scanner
The ATOS Compact Scan accurately scans with detailed resolution at high speeds. This modern 3D scanner combines the latest ATOS Blue Light Technology and software into a compact design with an affordable price. Quickly measure and inspect castings, design models, forms, injection molded parts, interiors, prototypes, vehicles, and much more. Capture 3D, Inc. www.capture3d.com Read More
Use a smart phone to share digital microscope images
This is an innovative design—a plastic mount that connects smart phones to microscopes to digitally capture and share scientific images. This is such an innovative idea, that Proto Labs made the co-founders, Andy Miller and Tess Bakke, winners of the Proto Labs Cool Idea! Competition. Miller and Bakke think SkyLight, will have a big impact on global healthcare and science education.... Read More
Tips on Clips Part 2: Make it Snappy
Plastic’s ability to flex without permanently deforming allows molded parts to incorporate a variety of snap fasteners other than the common hooked cantilever clip. These include: • annular (round) snaps • torsional snaps, which store return force by twisting rather than bending • compressive snaps, which work by compressing and then returning to hold the fastener in place. Annular... Read More
3D printing’s stellar, amazing year
What a year 3D printing technology had in 2011! This approximately 25 year-old industry is enjoying a second round of “good buzz” thanks in large part to what have been labeled personal sized, hobby, or Maker units and the media fascination surrounding them. The BfB™ 3000 3D printer from 3D Systems in partnership with MADE IN SPACE in a zero gravity test flight While MakerBots,... Read More
3D printing used to “print” blood vessels
One of the more interesting aspects of 3D printing technology is how science is using it to spark a number of potential developments, for example, its use in medical application. Some scientists have “printed” non-functioning organs out of human-tissue like material. Now, a group of scientists from Five Fraunhofer-institutes are using 3D printers to develop biocompatible artificial... Read More



