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Mar 30, 2017 | By David

An unusually high number of 3D printers have been launched in the last week or two, especially through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. There's also been lots happening elsewhere in the 3D printing world, with Stratasys, AM Ventures, and FATHOM all carrying out important additive manufacturing projects. Here are a few of the shorter stories from the last week or so that we didn't cover in full:

AM Ventures enters investment agreement with Exmet AB to develop technology for 3D printing amorphous metals

Strategic technology investment firm AM Ventures is hoping to provide funds that will help accelerate the development of Exmet AB's newest additive manufacturing technology. They are developing processes which allow for the 3D printing of relatively rare amorphous metal alloys. This funding will see their new functional products hitting the market much faster than previously possible. Amorphous metal alloys are also known as Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) or glassy alloys, and they differ greatly in structure from ordinary alloys like steel. This gives them unique properties that can be incredibly useful for various functions, but also means that manufacturing with the materials can be tricky. 

Exmet's new 3D printing technology will greatly expand possibilities for engineers and designers alike, with the potential for parts and components to be manufactured that are lightweight to an unprecedented degree. ''We are looking forward to support Exmet on their way to amorphous metal parts with completely new and unique properties'', said Johann Oberhofer, Executive Vice President of Technology at AM Ventures. "Our aim is not only to support through funding and technology, but also through our market access and management competencies which will be of significant help for Exmet.”

Massivit 3D to show off wide-format 3D printing capabilities at FESPA 2017

Massivit will demonstrate its capabilities at this year's FESPA event in Hamburg. All kinds of imaginative and innovative projects undertaken using its flagship Massivit 1800 3D printer will be on display for all to see. Prominent amongst them will be a giant (3.2 m) sculpture made to evoke ancient Greek mythology. Also taking pride of place will be a replica of the work done by 3D print provider OMUS for luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton. In collaboration with Sydney-based Composite Images, OMUS used a Massivit 1800 to create the world's first 3D printed pop-up store, promoting Louis Vuitton's latest clothing line. The visually striking store is over 9 meters wide, 10 meters long and 2.7 meters high, and was a huge hit with Louis Vuitton's design agency. FESPA 2017 takes place from May 8-12, and will be the largest international wide format event yet.

Stratasys partners with MTC to deliver advanced 3D printing technology

3D printing company Stratasys has entered into a partnership with the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), which is part of the state-funded Innovate UK initiative to take advantage of new technology in order to grow the economy. 3D printing will be the central focus of this new agreement. Stratasys is a particularly useful partner for the MTC, having recently released the groundbreaking Stratasys J750 full color, multi-material 3D Printer, which is an industry leader in color printing. According to Ross Trepleton, Group Technology Manager of component technology at MTC, "Additive manufacturing has been recognized as a key disruptive technology, and it continues to play an increasing role in realizing digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Right now, the MTC is developing the means to ensure that additive manufacturing is suitable for the end user, de-risking the technology for UK industry."

FATHOM to provide specialized on-site services to improve use of 3D printing technology

FATHOM is an advanced manufacturing company that has particular expertise in the field of 3D printing, and will soon be sharing its wealth of knowledge with other manufacturers. A new service it is offering will provide guidance to allow companies to take full advantage of what 3D printing technology has to offer. The potential services include order intake and management, inventory and production management, pre- to post-processing operations, preventive maintenance, basic 3D CAD support, and operation of other basic shop tools/equipment.

A bespoke service will be provided depending on the particular needs of businesses. ‘’We aim to anticipate and surpass customer needs as often as possible, and it became clear that this is a program whose value to clients is increasing,” said Rich Spott, Director of Support Operations at FATHOM in Oakland. “The support team at FATHOM is highly rated by its customers and we are proud to further expand the unique combination of products and services we offer to some of the most innovative companies in the world.”

Funeral home in Beijing uses 3D printed face masks to reconstruct bodies

The important process of restoring a corpse whose skull has been disfigured or damaged, ready for it to be displayed at a funeral, has been made a lot easier thanks to 3D printing. The Babaoshan Funeral Home in Beijing uses photographs to make a 3D model of what the face originally looked like, and then is able to quickly and cheaply print this out with a remarkably high degree of accuracy. This will replace the time-consuming process of restoring a face with wax or plaster, which sometimes took up to seven days and often left grieving friends of family members disappointed. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, partial repairs only take three hours with 3D printing methods, and an entire facial mask can be produced in just 10 hours.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

 

 

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