3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing

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.

Dual-curing represents an innovative approach that enhances control over the final properties of parts through a multistage curing process.

Plastic technology not only broadens designers’ creative horizons but also brings innovative approaches to manufacturing, sustainability, and user experience. Designers with a grasp of plastic technology can transform industrial design, creating groundbreaking products that meet manufacturing demands and environmental standards.

More manufacturers are turning to additive manufacturing to ensure consistent outcomes. But many may not fully grasp how or why they should incorporate it into their processes. If you’re continuously hitting roadblocks, production is slow, or you’re stuck with outdated technologies, additive manufacturing offers solutions. Utilizing it can help your processes by producing complex parts, reducing material waste, customizing products, boosting supply chain efficiencies, and enabling low-volume production.

The need to lower the steep costs of traditional manufacturing, involving expensive tooling and molds, makes advancing composite manufacturing a key research focus.