3D printing can be used for all types of products, but there are nuances that will help you obtain the best part. One of those nuances is part positioning. Here, Randle Wood gives an example of what works and what doesn't in 3D printing part … [Read more...] about 3D printing part positioning with ABS material
Master Class
How to work with different materials in an additive print
To avoid a failed 3D print in extrusion 3D printing, temperatures must be maintained to a narrow range. But what happens when the print involves two different materials, such as plastic and wood? Some 3D printers do print with a wood type of … [Read more...] about How to work with different materials in an additive print
3 tips on optimizing additive support structures
Support structures can make or break a 3D print, but they are absolutely necessary, especially with parts that have complex geometries and overhangs. Optimizing support structures reduces print time and saves money on material costs. Support … [Read more...] about 3 tips on optimizing additive support structures
How to 3D print unbreakable threads
When it comes to making objects with an additive printer, the obvious or assumed natural part orientation is not always the best choice. Here's a good example of thinking about part orientation differently. When Zack Slezak, engineering intern at … [Read more...] about How to 3D print unbreakable threads
Tips on using 3D printing for tooling
One issue with 3D printing for potential users is justifying the expense. Tooling (jigs and fixtures) are often an expensive, time involved, but highly necessary aspect of manufacturing. By using 3D printers to speed up the development of … [Read more...] about Tips on using 3D printing for tooling
3D printing Master Class: How to get the look without the cost
Engineers can choose from a number of different methods to help their 3D printed parts simulate the look of various metals without spending a lot of time, effort, or money to do so. Carl Dekker, president of Met-l-flo Inc. discusses several … [Read more...] about 3D printing Master Class: How to get the look without the cost
Tips on using 3D printing to create molds for injection molding
3D printing experts and forecasters have frequently said that using 3D printing for molding can be a "killer" app. It's just not spoken about much in the media. But 3D printing offers an excellent way to test and validate a mold before you commit … [Read more...] about Tips on using 3D printing to create molds for injection molding
Tips on getting the properties you need from 3D printing materials
At this year's RAPID show, I had a chance to ask Carl Dekker, president at Met-l-flo Inc. on what engineers can do to ensure their chosen printing materials perform as expected once printed. Here are a few tips. … [Read more...] about Tips on getting the properties you need from 3D printing materials
Master Class: How to use 3D printing for injection molds
While not the most glamorous or "sexy" application for 3D printing, using this technology to obtain molds for injection molding is one of the key applications of this technology. Tom Charron, vice president at 3D Systems, discusses the materials … [Read more...] about Master Class: How to use 3D printing for injection molds
Master Class: Chuck Hull on the 3D printing industry
An important way to gain mastery is to learn from the master developers or users, those who developed a technology or an industry, or those who took a technology to a new level. One such master is Chuck Hull, the founder of stereolithography … [Read more...] about Master Class: Chuck Hull on the 3D printing industry