Jul 19, 2017 | By David

Here's a quick roundup of recent 3D printing news, to let you catch up on what you might have missed. A lot has been going on, with Sodick announcing new in-process correction technology for hybrid metal 3D printer, EIT getting FDA approval for its 3D printed spinal products, and more besides.

Spirit AeroSystems partners with Norsk Titanium for new 3D printing projects

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerospace parts, Spirit AeroSystems, has recently entered into a new commercial agreement with Norsk Titanium. The Wichita-based company, which has recently established two new machining centers of excellence to expand its manufacturing output, will be using 3D printing technology with Norsk Titanium to build structural titanium components for the commercial aerospace industry.

Norsk's proprietary plasma arc Rapid Plasma Deposition (RPD) technology will be implemented in order to construct the parts to a near-net shape. This will reduce waste, use significantly less energy, and reduce product costs by up to 30%. Around 30 percent of the parts Spirit produces for clients could be candidates for this RPD process, which has been in development since 2008.

According to Spirit President & CEO Tom Gentile. "Spirit has decades of experience doing this type of work for use internally. Now we can deliver that expertise to other customers around the globe... Reducing our material cost and our environmental impact is a win-win for Spirit, our customers, and the communities where we do business."

"As the Spirit and Norsk Titanium relationship approaches its 10th year, we reflect on the value of this partnership and the significant milestones achieved during the transition from R&D to production," said Norsk Titanium CEO Warren Boley. "We recently announced becoming the world's first FAA-approved 3D-printed structural titanium provider and Spirit is the ideal Tier 1 aerostructures partner to leverage this pioneering capability."

Emerging Implant Technologies gets FDA approval for full 3D printed cage portfolio

German medical device manufacturer Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH (EIT), which is exclusively focused on creating innovative technologies for spinal application, has announced that its spinal interbody products for ALIF, TLIF, PLIF and Cervical procedures have received full FDA approval. The company makes use of Selective Laser Melting 3D printing technology to produce its cutting-edge spinal implants and other surgical products.

EIT Cellular Titanium is a porous titanium structure that has been designed according to scientific insights on ideal pore shape and size to optimize bone ingrowth. In extensive clinical studies, the highly porous osteo-influential titanium scaffold for osseointegration has achieved excellent results in a short time frame. The implants have been used in over 10,000 cases in over 15 countries including Germany, France, Australia, Korea and the Netherlands, and EIT can now move towards full commercialization with the new FDA approval.

According to Guntmar Eisen, Co-Founder and CEO for EIT, “This is a major milestone for EIT. We look forward to bringing our unique technologies to the United States and partnering with top tier surgeons and institutions to bring the best results to patients that are in need of these devices.”

Sodick Announces New In-Process Correction Technology for Hybrid Metal 3D Printer

Machine Tool Manufacturer, Sodick, has announced the development of a new In-Process Correction System for their additive manufacturing platform, the OPM Metal 3D Printer.

Using a CCD camera installed within the machine, Sodick’s In-Process system aligns the OPM’s 500W fiber laser and 45,000 RPM spindle, and automatically corrects their positions and performs realignments when they become due in the maintenance cycle. Through use of this interior CCD camera, the precision of both the laser sintering and the milling process are significantly increased.

In addition to reducing the frequency of maintenance required by the OPM, this correction system ensures greater process accuracy. The improved accuracy of the machine further makes it possible to program a smaller offset, ultimately reducing the amount of machining time required by up to 25%. Sodick’s In-Process system thus makes it possible for customers to produce parts faster and more reliably, with less frequent maintenance. These far-reaching, productivity-oriented upgrades can be appreciated by nearly any OPM user, regardless of their application. 

NoMatterWhat presents first 3D printed 360 camera lens for iPhones

A new 3D printed panoramic optical kit for iPhones has been released by startup NoMatterWhat, an offshoot of software company Spincle. Inc. The optical kit enables the iPhone camera to take 360 degree pictures, by attaching a special lens to the front and rear cameras. The accompanying NoMatterWhat app stitches together the images in real-time for a smooth 360 experience, providing 6K resolution for still 360 photos and 4K resolution for 360 videos. The lightweight shell for the lenses was produced using 3D printing technology.

“We disagree (with) the monopoly in 360 photography. Current 360 photography is only in the hands of early adopters. For most consumers, there’s just not much accessibility in creating 360 moments. To own a 360 camera, you need technical skill. You need expensive investment in (a) device. You need to remember (to charge) your device before you go. It’s just not working,” said Tim Lo, CEO of NoMatterWhat. “Why do we have to buy extra devices when we already have two cameras in our pocket? We’re bypassing unnecessary devices. We use your own cameras to shoot 360. It’s a journey to get everyone involved.”

NoMatterWhat’s product will be available for pre-order on August 18, with prices starting at $35.99.

AM Ventures Announces Investment in Australia's Conflux Technology


AM Ventures Holding GmbH (AMV), sister company of EOS GmbH, reports that it has made a significant investment in Australian based Additive Manufacturing startup Conflux Technology. Conflux Technology specialises in functional applications for metal AM, particularly thermal components.

Conflux Technology engineering team has a combined 30 years of design for Additive Manufacturing and development experience. AM Ventures and Conflux Technology are launching this partnership with the patent pending Conflux Core heat exchanger, which it states has broad industry applications and represents the next generation in high efficiency thermal management technologies.

This investment marks a step change in Australia's AM capabilities, assisted through the Federal Government's innovation policy and partnerships with the CSIRO and Deakin University. "The advent of metal Additive Manufacturing is a global phenomenon," said Michael Fuller, CEO and Founder of Conflux. "With metal AM growth running at 40% CAGR, Conflux Technology is perfectly positioned to assist businesses across multiple industry sectors realise this potential. The Conflux Core heat exchanger technology is the perfect demonstration of our capabilities, and now, with the support from our partners AM Ventures and technical leadership of EOS, we look forward to expanding our reach and facilitating the growth of Additive Manufacturing."

AMV's Director of Business Development, Arno Held, is excited about an excellent addition to the company's portfolio: "We are particularly happy about this opportunity, as the Conflux team has impressively demonstrated how well it understands metal AM technology. Complex structures in challenging environments require not only the highest standard of machine technology to produce parts but also the best engineering skills to design the right products. Conflux' capabilities will become a great addition to our already excellent portfolio of Additive Manufacturing related companies."

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer Company

 

 

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