3D Printing News Roundup: OrthoPediatrics, Chromatic 3D Materials, Stratasys, Type A Machines, 3D printed fashion

Aug 30, 2017 | By David

Here's a round-up of recent events, to keep you up to speed with what's been happening in the 3D printing world. Recently we've seen a partnership established between OrthoPediatrics and Mighty Oak Medical, 3D printed fashion being displayed at a Seoul textile exhibition, and much more besides.

1. OrthoPediatrics and Mighty Oak Medical team up for 3D printed spinal implant systems

A major new collaboration has been announced between OrthoPediatrics and Mighty Oak Medical. OrthoPediatrics was founded in 2006 and is the only orthopedic company focused exclusively on providing a comprehensive product portfolio to the pediatric orthopedic market, improving the lives of children with orthopedic conditions. The company currently markets 21 different surgical systems, in over 30 countries. The partnership with Mighty Oak Medical will allow OrthoPediatrics to take advantage of the latter’s advanced screw placement technology, improving its entire range of medical devices.

Mighty Oak Medical is the manufacturer of FIREFLY Pedicle Screw Navigation Guides, which are 3D printed and patient-specific at each planned vertebral level. The FIREFLY Guides have the capacity to address significant market need for a navigation solution that does not rely on intraoperative radiation. OrthoPediatrics now has exclusive distribution rights for the FIREFLY Guides in the U.S. Pedicle Screw Navigation Guides can be used with any Spinal Deformity Correction system, including the OrthoPediatrics RESPONSE Spinal Deformity System

"This distribution relationship is going to highlight the stark differences between robotic and optical navigation systems, which can cost up to a million dollars and are highly complex and radiation heavy, with the 3D printed patient-specific disposable solution of FIREFLY. In the capable hands of the OrthoPediatrics team, we believe the FIREFLY Guides' validated 99.7% accuracy, combined with ease of use, should quickly bring a safe and reliable navigation tool to pediatric facilities across the United States", stated Heidi Frey, President of Mighty Oak Medical.

2. 3D printing start-up Chromatic 3D Materials gets NSF grant, advances to Minnesota Cup finals

Minnesota-based startup Chromatic 3D Materials has recently had a couple of big successes, hopefully helping it on its way to developing the latest cutting-edge materials for 3D printing. The company received a Phase 1 grant from the National Science Foundation, as well as advancing to the Minnesota Cup finals, the largest statewide startup competition in the country.

“The National Science Foundation supports small businesses with the most innovative, cutting-edge ideas that have the potential to become great commercial successes and make huge societal impacts,” said Barry Johnson, Director of the NSF’s Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships. “We hope that this seed funding will spark solutions to some of the most important challenges of our time across all areas of science and technology.”

Chromatic 3D Materials is currently focusing on developing the next generation of 3D printing materials, with a view to improving the durability of products manufactured using the technology.

3. Stratasys teams up with PADT to launch new Lockheed Martin Additive Manufacturing Laboratory in Colorado

Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies (PADT) recently announced that it will be partnering with Stratasys on the establishment of a first-of-its-kind 3D printing lab, the Lockheed Martin Additive Manufacturing Laboratory. It will be located in Denver, Colorado, at the Metropolitan State University. The facility will be dedicated to advancing use of 3D printing for creation of composite tooling applications addressing complex design and manufacturing requirements.

The lab gets its name from global aerospace and security giant Lockheed Martin, which has provided a major grant to fund the project. The centrepiece of the 3D printing laboratory is machines and other technology provided by 3D printing experts Stratasys, including the Fortus 900mc Production 3D Printer.

After being iniitially deployed at MSU Denver, the additive manufacturing curriculum will later become available for use by other academic institutions across the country. Additionally, PADT will work with MSU Denver, Lockheed Martin and other users to build a Fortus 900mc Users Group within the Rocky Mountain region.

4. Type A Machines introduces new 3D printer support and maintenance programs, adds new director to board

3D printer manufacturer Type A Machines has announced the roll-out of a range of new support and maintenance programs for its products, which include the huge Series 1 3D printer and the innovative PrintPod parallel production system. The newly released services are designed to help customers overcome issues, prevent downtime, and ensure peak operating performance, while increasing the productivity for 3D printing users and fabricators.

The services offered include a free Getting Started training for the Series 1 3D printer with a Type A Machines technician, and a Members Club loyalty program, which will cost $125 per year. For $499 per year, customers can get a Priority Service, which will provide faster assistance for when things go wrong, giving better turnaround for services and parts. For $780 a year, the Preventative Care package includes all the aforementinoed services.

Type A Machines has also announced a new addition to its board of directors. Kenneth “Hap” Klopp, founder of The North Face, will be joining Andrew Rutter, the company’s founder, and Mitch Huitema, previously of Apple and Handspring. Klopp acquired The North Face in 1968, serving as Chief Executive Officer for 25 years until its acquisition. A highly regarded business leader, he’s served on the boards and advisory boards of numerous entrepreneurial endeavors and is a frequent lecturer at major graduate business schools worldwide.

“Hap is a business pioneer with extensive experience building great brands, we’re excited to have him on the team,” said Andrew Rutter, Type A Machines Chairman and CEO. “We believe his experience, and passion for entrepreneurship will be extremely valuable as we grow and mature our business.”

5. 3D printed fashion on display at Seoul Textile exhibition

The 3-day international textile exhibition and preview show in Seoul is back again this year, held at the city’s Coex Mall. A total of 388 companies will be exhibiting, 131 of which are from outside South Korea. 3D printed clothes will be one of the most impressive and highly-anticipated parts of the fair.

Fashion brand BlackYak developed the ‘My Fashion Lab’ system some years ago, and it will be on display again at this year’s show. Its a clothing manufacturing system based on 3D printing technology, and it is capable of producting customized clothes for a user within an hour. Consumers first choose a 3D fashion design, which will then appears on a screen worn by a virtual avatar based on the measurements of the user’s body. This creates the best possible visual image of what the clothes would look like when printed and worn in real life, for customers to make a decision. After this is done, My Fashion Lab then begins its production process, using digital textile printing (DTP), followed by cutting out and sewing the cloth.

Lee In-ho, South Korea’s vice-minister of trade, who supervised and tried the process himself during the opening ceremony yesterday, said, “In the age of the fourth industrial revolution, textiles and the fashion industry will combine with Information & Communications Technology, entering a new era that truly centers on consumers.’’

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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