According to a recent survey published in the 2018 edition of Sculpteo’s The State of 3D printing, those surveyed are using this technology to: --Accelerate product development (39%). (In 2017, this figure was 28%, yet still the number one reason … [Read more...] about How are engineers using 3D printing / additive manufacturing?
FAQs
Can you build electronics into sensors using additive technology?
A couple of additive developers do offer ways to add electronics into the additive build cycle to create components, such as sensors. One example is a fiber optic strain sensor, made through the technology offered by Fabrisonic. The Fabrisonic’s … [Read more...] about Can you build electronics into sensors using additive technology?
Where does additive manufacturing add value in manufacturing?
Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM), and most laser powder based fusion as a technology, will deliver a number of benefits if used well. Part of the issue is the need to think outside the design box and take advantage of the unique way AM builds … [Read more...] about Where does additive manufacturing add value in manufacturing?
What are your finishing options for a metal 3D printed part?
Most 3D printed or additively made metal parts will need additional finishing or post-processing to achieve a suitable surface finish. The media, compound, and equipment used affect how much material is removed. In general, most finishing … [Read more...] about What are your finishing options for a metal 3D printed part?
7 points to consider with 3D printing versus injection molding
Any decision to use 3D printing, machining, or injection molding should begin with the answer to one key question-- “How will the part be used?” Are you looking for a concept part or a final production part? Are you testing a material? Are … [Read more...] about 7 points to consider with 3D printing versus injection molding
What plastic materials are suitable for large format additive manufacturing systems?
Large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems are machines that produce very large parts, way larger than the more typical 6 in. to a foot sized parts. Large parts are often multiple feet in length or width. Large format additive systems … [Read more...] about What plastic materials are suitable for large format additive manufacturing systems?
Why does additive manufacturing require special materials?
The additive process creates parts differently than either machining or injection molding. Additive processes tend to be low- or no-pressure process compared, for example, to the high pressures of injection molding. Additive manufacturing often … [Read more...] about Why does additive manufacturing require special materials?
Tips on selecting plastic materials for additive manufacturing
Building parts using additive processes depends on selecting the right material for the additive process, the design, and the end-use application. Additive manufacturing differs significantly from classic processes such as injection molding, and … [Read more...] about Tips on selecting plastic materials for additive manufacturing
How to design to get the most out of Multi Jet Fusion
As with any additive manufacturing system, Multi Jet Fusion has its own set of limitations and considerations when designing for the build process. In many ways designing for Multi Jet Fusion is similar to designing for other powder bed fusion … [Read more...] about How to design to get the most out of Multi Jet Fusion
What is bioprinting?
A number of people dream that one day 3D printing will be used to create functional organs that can be transplanted into a human, solving the organ transplant shortage and help save millions of lives. We are nowhere near that point, and may not be … [Read more...] about What is bioprinting?