3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

Additive Manufacturing (AM) emerges as a transformative technology with the potential to redefine design paradigms and manufacturing processes across various industries, especially when using metal materials.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) are developing a resin that could be used for 3D printing to produce custom-made lenses at lower costs and with increased accessibility.

Polyurethane (PU) is a highly adaptable polymer recognized in the biomedical field. Its ability to be tailored by adjusting its soft and hard segments grants it superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility.

In this webinar, titled “Revolutionizing Thermoforming: Unleashing Efficiency to Drastically Reduce Mold Production Time & Costs“, you will learn how to achieve rapid validation by testing shapes and delivering first parts up to 65% faster with 3D printed molds.

Family and multi-cavity tools are two different approaches, and the choice between them can significantly impact production, efficiency, cost, and flexibility.

Cornell engineers, in collaboration with students and cutting-edge technology, have developed creative solutions to address maintenance challenges. Rapid prototyping and 3D printing have enabled the fabrication of customized components for underwater applications.

While 3D printing with polymers and metals has dominated discussions, composites have quietly emerged as a significant player in additive manufacturing (AM). Combining the strength of metals with the lightness of polymers, composite materials are reshaping the landscape of 3D printing, particularly in fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology.

The University of Maine has unveiled a polymer 3D printer four times larger than the world’s biggest –– which is also on its campus. UMaine researchers foresee using it to print houses, boats, and infrastructure and to develop military vehicles.

Four-dimensional (4D) printing, an extension of 3D printing, incorporates the dimension of time into the fabrication process, enabling the creation of structures that can change shape in response to external stimuli.

Plastics have evolved beyond their ubiquitous presence in everyday products to become intelligent. The fusion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is launching the era of “smart plastics.” These materials aim to revolutionize the functionality and efficiency of plastics in healthcare, automotive, and consumer products.

New resins lacking thermal measurements may face challenges in meeting regulatory standards and entering the market. However, the use of AI can streamline the introduction of these resins by potentially halving the time needed for testing and regulatory approvals.

4D printing is an evolution in the manufacturing process that incorporates the dimension of time into 3D printing.