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
3D Printers
Multicolor 3D printing cuts time and cost of R&D for Stanley Black & Decker
Stanley Black & Decker uses Z Corporation 3D printers to help make its tools feel good in the consumer’s hand, and ultimately trigger a purchase. Look and feel are every bit as important as specifications to consumers who need a hammer, drill, … [Read more...] about Multicolor 3D printing cuts time and cost of R&D for Stanley Black & Decker
New Bits from Bytes printer lets you experience “personal manufacturing”
3D Systems (NYSE: DDD) launched a new desktop 3D Printer, the BfB™ 3000 plus at RAPID 2011. This affordable printer ($3900) is available for immediate delivery. According to 3D Systems, this printer opens up a new world of creativity. Quick and … [Read more...] about New Bits from Bytes printer lets you experience “personal manufacturing”
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?
15,000 vs 9 million–why are there so few AM machines at work
One of the key talking points here at the Rapid show is why aren't more engineers using these prototyping systems? Many feel it is insufficient knowledge about why you would want to use them. There are about 15,000 prototyping systems in use. … [Read more...] about 15,000 vs 9 million–why are there so few AM machines at work
Multi-material aids in the correction of club foot
Objet Geometries Ltd., will be showcasing its multi-material 3D printers at the RAPID additive manufacturing event in Minneapolis at booth 104. The Connex multimaterial 3D printers can rapidly build prototypes from a range of 65 materials and can … [Read more...] about Multi-material aids in the correction of club foot
Architecting a hybrid building
There was a time when architectural models were made out of balsa wood or cardboard, and took weeks to cut and shape and glue together. Those days have been replaced by overnight deliveries of drawing-perfect models. The Southern California … [Read more...] about Architecting a hybrid building
Autodesk 123D: For those interested in exploring personal manufacturing
While Autodesk 123D is targeted at those who have no experience with CAD (and who are now being labeled as "makers"), there’s no reason engineers with one of the “maker” type 3D printers, such as MakerBot, RapMan, and others could not use it. … [Read more...] about Autodesk 123D: For those interested in exploring personal manufacturing
For the love of music, Innovator finds a way to protect guitars from wear
Musicians usually have great fondness for their instruments, so protecting them from wear and tear is important. Bob Glass developed a unique guard to protect his acoustic guitar with the aid of rapid prototyping. Here’s his story. Some time ago I … [Read more...] about For the love of music, Innovator finds a way to protect guitars from wear
Trek accelerates design cycles with 3D printer
Award-winning bicycle manufacturer now produces four times as many prototypes as before while speeding time to market. Prototyping plays a crucial role in all phases of Trek’s product development cycles. Industrial designers, mechanical engineers, … [Read more...] about Trek accelerates design cycles with 3D printer