Nov 9, 2017 | By David
We’ve got another round-up of today's 3D printing news for you, in case you’ve missed out on anything. Latest stories from the 3D printing world include Nuvasive launching a new implant, a collaboration between EWF and CECIMO, and more besides.
1. NuVasive launches new 3D printed implant
Leading medical device company NuVasive has announced the launch of a new 3D printed titanium implant, complementing its flagship XLIF range. The Modulus XLIF is a personalized implant for supporting spinal surgeries, continuing the company’s commitment to innovation in the field.
The new Modulus XLIF titanium implants are developed using 3D printing technology, to create an organic, porous architecture that mimics the porosity and stiffness of bone for reduced stress shielding. They employ an advanced micro-porous surface topography, which creates an ideal environment for bone in-growth. The personalized device’s optimized architecture can also enable improved imaging characteristics compared to traditional titanium interbody devices.
Surgical professionals have been making use of NuVasive products for over 15 years now. According to Kade Huntsman, MD, orthopedic spine surgeon with the Salt Lake Orthopaedic Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, “Surface architecture is an increasingly important part of the fusion process...The design of Modulus XLIF maximizes the potential of additive manufacturing through the combination of highly porous endplates with an optimized internal structure.”
2. EWF and CECIMO collaborate to accelerate 3D printing adoption
A major new partnership has been announced between the European Welding Federation (EWF) and CECIMO, the European Association representing the common interests of the Machine Tool Industries globally and at EU level. Together the two organizations will be working to support the implementation of 3D printing technology at all levels of the tooling eco-system, hopefully accelerating the process so as many companies as possible can take advantage of what additive manufacturing has to offer.
CECIMO brings together 15 national associations of machine tool builders, which serve approximately 1300 industrial enterprises in Europe (EU and EFTA and Turkey). The organization covers 98% of total Machine Tool production in Europe and about 36% worldwide. EWF, meanwhile, is focused on the certification and qualification of welding professionals, and has implemented innovative training methodologies at a European level.
The partnership should see EWF participating with CECIMO in the development of initiatives such as developing specific AM standards within the remit of EU regulations and producing new AM education curricula. The long-term goal is to bring qualification procedures in line with regulatory conditions as well as industrial interests.
3. Materialise releases new 3D printing suite
Software expert Materialise has announced the release of an update to its 3D printing software suites. Materialise Magics 22 and Inspector 3 are the latest versions, and they come with a range of new features intended to improve automation and productivity, not to mention optimization.
The new Magics suite has an improved workflow and better design optimization tools, which will enable an increase in speed and a reduction of material consumption. This version now allows the user to generate metal support structure much faster and create denser Laser Sintering platforms, as well as fitting more parts on stereolithography, DLP and FDM platforms.
Other new design features include the honeycomb structure, which reduces weight without sacrificing strength, and the shelling feature, which reduces material consumption without changing functional design. An upcoming module will also integrate simulation tools into the file preparation process, enabling a more thorough understanding of the 3D printing process to improve efficiency.
Inspector 3 now comes with the capability for online error detection, which means that the software analyzes build images in real time and the machine operator can immediately stop the build if errors occur.On top of all this, there is also an entirely new version of Magics. Materialise Magics Print Metal is specifically designed for metal 3D printing.
4. Metal 3D printing expert SLM Solutions partners with Authentise
SLM Solutions Group AG has recently signed a cooperation agreement with Authentise Inc. SLM Solutions, based in Lubeck, Germany, is one of the industry leaders in providing metal 3D printing technology. Authentise, founded in the U.S in 2012, provides powerful software solutions for the deployment of 3D printing technology in production. These include the 3Diax Modular Platform as well as the Authentise Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
This new collaboration should enable real-time production data from SLM Solutions’ 3D printing systems to be integrated into the 3Diax platform. This integration will enable customers across the industry to evaluate and analyze their production data in order to more effectively automate workflows. This will be particularly useful for series manufacturing.
According to Andre Wegner, Authentise CEO, ''The direct data access to SLM machines that has now been enabled can be combined with other functionalities of our 3Diax software modules to automate manual tasks. It is possible, for example, to automatically update an order status, or generate documentation that enables finished components to be traced back to source. Our 3Diax platform utilizes data in the sense of a self-learning system.''
5. Carbon announces SIL 30 resin, new bio-compatible 3D printing material
Carbon has announced the release of a pioneering new material that can be used in 3D printing as well as other manufacturing processes. Known as SIL 30, it’s a silicone urethane material which offers a unique combination of biocompatibility, low durometer, and tear resistance.
The properties of the resin make it perfect for the production of customized items that will be in direct contact with the skin over a long period of time (over 30 days), as well as short-term mucosal contact (under 24 hours). It opens up the possibility of 3D printing all kinds of specialized devices such as headphones, wristbands, and various attachments for wearables.
Carbon engaged with NAMSA, a leader in biocompatibility testing, to carry out biocompatibility testing consistent with the FDA’s recommendations. The SIL 30 resin was found to pass all relevant skin and mucosal contact tests, as were nearly all the rest of its resin products- RPU 61, EPX 81, RPU 70, CE 220, and UMA 90.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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