3D Printing News ICYMI: GE unveils digital industry solutions, 3D Systems introduces SPINE Mentor, more

Jun 13, 2017 | By Benedict

Our second roundup of the week sees GE launching new products to advance digital industrial transformation, ProPhotonix delivering laser modules for 3D printing, and 3D Systems introducing a new medical 3D printing solution for spinal procedure training.

GE advances digital industrial transformation with advanced applications, edge-to-cloud analytics, robotics

Today at Minds + Machines Europe, GE lifted the lid on several new solutions built for industrial assets, environments, and operations for customers who use GE’s leading Asset Performance Management (APM) and ServiceMax industrial applications powered by Predix, GE’s platform for the Industrial Internet.

The product launch covered three main areas. These were:

GE Digital announcing the integration of ServiceMax field service management solution and Asset Performance Management portfolio to transform service operations, reduce cost, and eliminate unplanned downtime
GE Ventures launching Avitas Systems, a new venture that will transform inspection services with advanced robotics, data analytics, and artificial intelligence
GE Power releasing Predix-powered ‘Digital Utility’ to connect real-time machine and operations data with energy trading to drive more profitable utilities businesses

The new systems will also affect aspects of GE’s additive manufacturing operations. GE Additive will add Predix edge technology to its Concept Laser M2 cusing additive machines, allowing customers to remotely monitor and collect data from their machines while helping them analyze trends and uncover insights to improve asset performance and operations.

“Europe can lead the digital industrial era,” commented retiring GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt. “Investment in technology, such as automation, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence—along with new skills—can transform industry and drive productivity. GE has long been committed to Europe, and we are invested in its future.”

ProPhotonix delivers 50,000 laser modules for 3D Printing

ProPhotonix, a UK- and Ireland-based technology designer and manufacturer of LED illumination systems and laser diode modules, has just passed the threshold of delivering 50,000 laser modules for use in 3D printers and 3D scanners.

In a press release detailing the laser module milestone, ProPhotonix explains that it has developed strong relationships with some of the world's leading 3D printer manufacturers, designed cost-effective laser modules for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing.

ProPhotonix’ compact, UV, spot-generating laser modules have customizable optical characteristics that can be changed in accordance with the customer's needs. The company says its ability to manufacture to tight tolerances and conduct extensive testing prior to shipping ensures that the laser modules perform dependably.

“ProPhotonix' manufacturing expertise and the flexible design of its product along with our many years of experience with laser diode technology has allowed it to react quickly to this rapidly developing market,” said Jeremy Lane, Managing Director of ProPhotonix Limited UK. “We are pleased to have reached this milestone of laser module sales.”

3D Systems introduces Simbionix SPINE Mentor with 3D printed spine model

3D printing giant 3D Systems yesterday announced the introduction of of the Simbionix SPINE Mentor, a hands-on simulated training and practice tool for minimally invasive spine surgeries. The new training simulator includes 3D Systems' leading virtual reality simulation for true-to-life minimally invasive spine surgeries, offering a hybrid platform by utilizing a 3D printed spine, medical instruments, and virtually simulated images.

3D Systems says the SPINE Mentor is ideal for neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management surgeons to train for and practice procedures. The simulated experience purportedly provides a higher level of realism than cadaveric training, allowing medical professionals to hone their skills and build confidence prior to conducting surgery on patients.

The SPINE Mentor simulator was designed to enable a variety of spinal procedures such as lumbar puncture as well as the placement of catheters and wires. It consists of a 3D printed spine, a computer/monitor, and a highly realistic puncture pad with different anatomical layers including the Ligamentum Flavum.

“As the demand for simulators grows due to the reluctance of medical institutions to use animals in training, 3D Systems continues to invest in simulator development to satisfy the needs of this expanding market," said Kevin McAlea, Executive Vice President, General Manager, Metals and Healthcare, 3D Systems. “Our commitment to patient safety and our contribution to spinal surgery doesn't stop with training. In the operating room, our unique Direct Metal Printing (DMP) technology delivers precise spinal implants.”

Toronto-based start-up Ivory Digital Denture unveils denture 3D scanning and printing system

Toronto-based start-up Ivory Digital Denture is this week unveiling its concept for an integrated, patent-pending 3D scanning, modeling, and printing technology system that will enable the complete fabrication and precision fitting of dentures. The entire process takes just two hours.

Using a “clean and safe process that requires no laboratory intervention,” Ivory Digital Denture’s proposed 3D scanning and 3D printing system is intended to let patients be fitted for and receive a new set of dentures all in the same day—a process that normally requires five to eight appointments over a period of three to four weeks.

“The launch of the Ivory Digital Denture system will mark a major step forward in the advancement of 3D printing technology in the oral care industry,” says Ivory Digital Denture founder Shlomo Sharer, a practicing denturist for more than 20 years.

“The traditional denture fitting process is extremely labour intensive. Patients have little opportunity to direct the design of the prostheses in respect of their aesthetic needs and the process requires that the dentures be transferred back and forth between the clinic and the laboratory.”

The 3D printing process for the system has not yet been specified, though other companies have previously used resin printing for similar purposes.

The full unveiling of the new system will take place on Thursday.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

Maybe you also like:

www.3ders.org

3D printer and 3D printing news