Exact Metrology, Inc. has recently received ISO 9001:2008 certification for its quality management systems. This certification verifies that the key processes Exact Metrology uses to deliver contract measurement services as well as sell and service … [Read more...] about Exact Metrology Receives ISO 9001:2008 Certification
Processes
Stratasys reports record year for system shipments
It looks like the Additive Manufacturing market is growing. Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS) marked its ninth consecutive year as unit market leader in the additive manufacturing / 3D printing industry, according to Wohlers Report 2011. Published by … [Read more...] about Stratasys reports record year for system shipments
Z Corporation technology streamlines development of Local Motors’ open source custom cars
Local Motors, the audacious company bringing mass-customization to the auto industry, is using Z Corporation technology to streamline development of its open source custom cars. The Phoenix-based company, spotlighted last week by the president, … [Read more...] about Z Corporation technology streamlines development of Local Motors’ open source custom cars
Why do we need a new “STL”?
Last year, the ASTM organization and AM vendors determined that a new file format with more features was needed. I interviewed the Chair of the ASTM F42 committee. Here is what Prof Hod Lipson of Cornell University … [Read more...] about Why do we need a new “STL”?
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
How to bring Senior Citizens into the digital age
A recent student project concerned how to create a computer system that is ‘user friendly’ for senior citizens. Here’s one student’s interesting approach using rapid prototyping to get the idea across. Many senior citizens struggle with this … [Read more...] about How to bring Senior Citizens into the digital age
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 to make injection molded parts look good
First, the bad news: injection molded parts are subject to a host of cosmetic flaws including sink, gate vestiges, ejector pin blemishes, drag marks, texture flaws, knit lines, burns, flash, and inconsistent coloring. The good news is that adherence … [Read more...] about How to make injection molded parts look good
Tips on selecting material for machining
In a previous Protomold Design Tip, we discussed rapid injection molding as an inexpensive way of trying out different materials before committing to a resin for full-scale production. In that tip we suggested using material spec sheets to narrow the … [Read more...] about Tips on selecting material for machining