Periodically we will be showing you potential service providers and resources for your rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing needs. Here's an interesting video from a Michigan company, PTI Engineered Plastics. PTI is a full-service thermoplastic … [Read more...] about A closer look at injection molding
Medical
If you draw it, will it “print”?
The processes involved in Additive manufacturing (AM), including 3D printing, stereolithography, polyjet, and fused filament fabrication, all promise design freedom. This technology has not replaced traditional manufacturing yet. So, many parts will … [Read more...] about If you draw it, will it “print”?
CNC machining speeds the development of custom gearwheels
Michal Zalewski is a multitalented guy – a successful software engineer by day, and robotics hobbyist in the evening and on weekends. He became serious about robotics almost six years ago, and quickly realized that the most significant limitation is … [Read more...] about CNC machining speeds the development of custom gearwheels
3D scanner software – a step closer to automatically recovering design intent
The U.S. Air Force and DRS Technologies, a supplier of defense electronic systems, commissioned the University of Oklahoma to study developments in scanners in reverse engineering projects. The authors examined several 3D scanning software packages. … [Read more...] about 3D scanner software – a step closer to automatically recovering design intent
Laser scanners take accurate measurements fast
The goal in most design projects—find a way to develop the most accurate products, quickly and easily (or easily enough) and run with it. The need for speed, however, often conflicts with the need to take accurate measurements along the way—an … [Read more...] about Laser scanners take accurate measurements fast
Tips on Clips
One of the many benefits of plastic resin is the ease with which it can be molded into complex shapes. This often allows a single part to replace two or more parts made of other materials. Among the complex features that can be molded into a plastic … [Read more...] about Tips on Clips
3D printing—without supports
Many additive manufacturing processes (AM) and 3D printing designs require the use of support structures during part build. Either the geometry cannot stand on its, own or the material needs support during curing. But support structures frequently … [Read more...] about 3D printing—without supports
Latest Cool Idea! Winner: RoughRider® Wheelchair
Proto Labs has chosen Whirlwind Wheelchair International as the latest recipient of its Cool Idea! Award. Proto Labs – a leading online and technology-enabled manufacturer of quick-turn prototype and short-run parts – will help the company launch its … [Read more...] about Latest Cool Idea! Winner: RoughRider® Wheelchair
Is 3D Systems move a signal of 3D printing consolidation, already?
By now you know that two major players in the 3D printing market have shaken things up a bit. 3D Systems has added Z Corporation to its list of acquisitions, which now number 22 that the company has made in the past couple of years. Do I say “another … [Read more...] about Is 3D Systems move a signal of 3D printing consolidation, already?
Stratasys offers monthly lease for complete 3D printing package
In early October 2011, I covered a story of a 3D printing company that announced a rent/lease program for its printers and asked would others take up the idea. One company has. Stratasys (NASDAQ:SSYS) just announced it will begin leasing bundled … [Read more...] about Stratasys offers monthly lease for complete 3D printing package