You can use 3D printing to create casting molds, but there are several limitations inherent with the printers. However, alternatives are emerging, such as the use of paper for some casting applications. By Dr. Conor MacCormack, CEO, Mcor … [Read more...] about Paper 3D printing: an alternative for casting applications
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Creating a life-saving skull plate with Geomagic technology
According to recent news, the FDA recently approved the use of a biocompatible form of PEEK for medical applications. This application tells how medical researchers used Geomagic 3D technology, including haptic devices, to design a life-saving skull … [Read more...] about Creating a life-saving skull plate with Geomagic technology
What it takes to achieve a low cost desktop 3D printer for engineers
The question of when will more engineers use 3D printers may be answered this way—when the price per prototype drops, some say to as far down as less than $1.00 a part. At least that’s what Ezra Zygmuntowicz, CEO, founder, and “hacker” (his words) at … [Read more...] about What it takes to achieve a low cost desktop 3D printer for engineers
10 predictions for 3D printing
What do you think will be the top developments in 3D printing in 2013? Tuan Tranpham, North American Channel Manager, Stratasys Ltd., recently posted some of his predictions. I agree with many of them. Consumer 3D printers probably have … [Read more...] about 10 predictions for 3D printing
Geomagic Spark–a New Approach to Designing from Scan Data
One of the trends in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is an acceleration of useful tools that capture data more easily and convert it to 3D CAD data, for later build on a 3D printer. One of the more interesting recent releases is … [Read more...] about Geomagic Spark–a New Approach to Designing from Scan Data
Ford Motor Co., exploring the usefulness of 3D printing
Ford Motor Company bought many of its engineers a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic. On the one hand, this is a great development, for the company and the engineers will discover just how useful 3D printing technology can be. On the other hand, a Thing-O-Matic? … [Read more...] about Ford Motor Co., exploring the usefulness of 3D printing
3D printers and Digital Rights Management
In my humble opinion, too many bloggers state that you can “simply print whole products” from your maker-style 3D printer. The video below takes a little too much license with such statements. As an engineer who covers this industry, I know such … [Read more...] about 3D printers and Digital Rights Management
A brief review of the 3D printers of 2012
The avalanche of popular news stories has propelled 3D printing into the minds of consumers. However, the major manufacturers of 3D printers have released a number of systems for professional uses. Here’s a quick look at what became available this … [Read more...] about A brief review of the 3D printers of 2012
Choose from more than 1 million colors for your 3D printed parts
The two professional level 3D printers that build parts in color are the Zprinter from 3D Systems and the Iris from Mcor Technologies. Earlier this year, Mcor Technologies announced its Iris full color 3D printer at the Rapid show and recently at … [Read more...] about Choose from more than 1 million colors for your 3D printed parts
3D printing with ceramics–more than artistry
The ultimate success of 3D printing technology depends heavily on the materials these printers can use. While some are exploring the potential use of lunar like materials for space applications, back on earth, ceramic powders have been undergoing … [Read more...] about 3D printing with ceramics–more than artistry