Three additive manufacturing vendors recently introduced new printers. And even though a couple of these new printers can fit on a table, they can be used for rapid manufacturing applications. … [Read more...] about A look at the latest 3D printers
Leslie's blog
A better file format for 3D printing–AMF–now available
The STL file format has been useful to translate CAD files into printable objects, but it limits design creativity. A new file format--AMF--has just been approved by ASTM F42. It offers more features than STL to meet the advanced capabilities of … [Read more...] about A better file format for 3D printing–AMF–now available
Know the risks before targeting the 3D printer “maker” market
The "maker" market, "citizen designer" market, is hot. For some vendors of professional Additive Manufacturing (AM) machines, it is the perfect opportunity to grow and build the AM market. Other vendors are not convinced that pursuing this market is … [Read more...] about Know the risks before targeting the 3D printer “maker” market
What’s lacking when working with 3D printers in education
Education is listed as one of the target markets by the major 3D printer vendors. The reasons for working with educators are evident--teach students early about this technology, train them for future employment. Unfortunately for the students, … [Read more...] about What’s lacking when working with 3D printers in education
How do we grow the AM market?
Based on discussions I had with various vendors at the 2011 RAPID show, I would not be surprised to see the Additive Manufacturing (AM) industry head down two paths. One path focuses on the needs of the engineer, such as getting product to market … [Read more...] about How do we grow the AM market?
Is convenience the killer app for additive manufacturing technologies?
The good news is that the spotlight is definitely on additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, primarily because of the newest hobbyist systems that cost $1600 and less. The bad news is that this attention could lead to disappointment (again) for … [Read more...] about Is convenience the killer app for additive manufacturing technologies?
A tale of two markets
3D Systems Corporation is getting bigger, now going from the NASDAQ Global Select Market to the New Your Stock Exchange, new ticker symbol will be DDD. This move will likely bring greater investment in the company, and greater growth opportunities. … [Read more...] about A tale of two markets
Why is 3D printing for the home so hot?
Here's an interesting video showing why so many people are so interested in 3D printing for home use. Rapid prototying of the Future … [Read more...] about Why is 3D printing for the home so hot?
The killer app for 3D printing: people who just want to make things
Everyone is wondering what will be the great application that will propel rapid prototyping/ 3D printing into a huge industry. The answer is people who just want to make things. While the 3D/DC conference in Washington recently was focused on … [Read more...] about The killer app for 3D printing: people who just want to make things
Key question of the day: Why did 3D Systems buy Deelip Menezes’ products?
As many of you know, 3D Systems has bought Sycode and now Print3D, both from Deelip Menezes. According to some reports, the company has also hired him to start up a 3D Systems office in India. Sycode is primarily for CAD programs; the software … [Read more...] about Key question of the day: Why did 3D Systems buy Deelip Menezes’ products?