3D PRINTING
for additive manufacturing
3D printing process, 3D printer, filament or printing material, etc. for modern mechanical engineering and special industries
Image: Fraunhofer IWU
Additive Manufacturing | Everything about 3D printing
There are some names for the 3D pressure such as additive manufacturing, generative manufacturing or rapid prototyping. after that 3D Printing process initially found its way into prototype production, is now well on the way to mass production. Here you will find a wide variety of 3D printing innovations such as 3D printing processes, -printer, Filaments or Materials etc. for modern mechanical engineering and special industries.
3D printing innovations 2023/2024
Find out about news from the up-and-coming 3D printing technology or the additive manufacturing processesHere you will find components made of plastic or metal, processes such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or stereolithography (SL) and 3D printers from Igus, Schaeffler, Systec or Voxeljet, among others. Don't miss out on any new developments in the industry for shaping your construction components.
Freeformer processes original plastic granules
08.10.2024 | At Fakuma 2024, Arburg's Freeformer 750-3X will produce complex functional components from a wide variety of plastic granulates in a special high-temperature version. These materials are specially certified for industries such as medical technology, electronics, mobility and aerospace.
UV protection for 3D printed components
28.09.2024/3/XNUMX | Diamant Polymer presents a solution for pore-deep impregnation of XNUMXD-printed components that offers permanent UV protection. With Dichtol AM UV Protection, additively manufactured workpieces can be effectively made gas- and liquid-tight and at the same time protected against UV radiation and discoloration.
110°C temperature-resistant SLS printing material
30.01.2024/3/110 | Igus is launching the first 230D printing material for polymer components with a temperature resistance of up to 80 °C. The new powdered material Iglidur i12 can withstand long-term use at high temperatures, is PTFE-free and approx. XNUMX% more wear-resistant than the classic PAXNUMX.
IR camera optimizes Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D printing
04.12.2023 | Powder bed-based laser beam melting (LPBF) allows for delicate and very complex structures and opens up ever new applications. The quality of the process depends heavily on the right temperatures. To measure these, the scientists at Fraunhofer ILT use an infrared camera from Optris.
Coating for powder bed based laser melting
November 27.11.2023, XNUMX | Powder bed-based laser melting allows components to be manufactured more innovatively, efficiently and even more sustainably. Schaeffler Aerosint's patented Selective Powder Deposition (SPD) technology enables the application of homogeneous layers from several material areas arranged next to each other.
3D printing resin increases lifespan
23.07.2023/3000/3 | With iglidur i3, igus presents the world's first XNUMXD printing resin for DLP XNUMXD printing of wearing parts. After curing, the construction platform is lowered by one layer so that the next exposure can take place. Tiny components are created layer by layer.
Lifetime of 3D printed parts in 30 s
23.07.2023/3/3 | igus introduces the world's first 0,2D printing resin for DLP XNUMXD printing of wearing parts. After curing, the construction platform is lowered by one layer so that the next exposure can take place. Layer by layer, tiny components like gears with XNUMX mm tips are created.
Ultra-fast polymer 3D printer
16.07.2023/3/3 | NexaXNUMXD has introduced the ultra-fast industrial XNUMXD printer XiP Pro, which is said to offer the highest daily production throughput and the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. It achieves this with exponentially faster printing speeds.
First elastomer for 3D printers Fuse
14.07.2023/90/3 | With the new TPU XNUMXA powder for the Fuse series from Formlabs, resilient, skin-friendly and affordable components for medical technology, manufacturing, mechanical engineering and the consumer goods industry can be printed in the manufacturer's SLS XNUMXD printing Fuse series.
Additive manufacturing for metal-ceramics
13.07.2023/3/3 | Schaeffler's multi-material XNUMXD printing system is based on a unique concept for the high-precision additive manufacturing of XNUMXD printed components in a combination of metals and ceramics. Carsten Merklein explains what is possible today maybe tomorrow.
First steel engine from the 3D printer
11.07.2023/3/3 | PTC has introduced the world's first micro-turbo engine, which was manufactured entirely with the 3,6D printer. The only assembly was developed in the CAD software Creo. The engine was printed with an EOS XNUMXD printer from the material Inconel. It weighs only XNUMX kg.
3D printing for the production of insect screens
14.03.2023/3/3 | An insect repellent was produced in a XNUMXD printer at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). The XNUMXD printer first encapsulates the insect repellent and shapes it into the desired shape. This can be a ring that the user wears on their finger, for example.
3D printing expertise
3D printer plastic | Additive manufacturing of plastic parts
Whether additive manufacturing, generative manufacturing or rapid prototyping, components are manufactured in these processes on a 3D printer. Now these are Printing process arrived a little further in the industry and is therefore also suitable for series and mass production. Here we present innovations and applications of the 3D printer for plastics before:
3D printer metal | Additive manufacturing of metal parts
The 3D metal printer Metal is becoming more and more common in manufacturing. Instead of waiting days or weeks for conventional processing, metal parts now almost immediately in hours and without extra Tools 3D print. Precision parts and assemblies can be manufactured quickly and inexpensively. The article presents novelties and applications of additive manufacturing for Metals before like the first steel engine in just one component.
3D printer templates
3D printing is also becoming increasingly popular in the hobby and private sector. Great popularity among the 3D printer templates For example, figures, miniatures, household items, spare parts or tools are popular. You can download the print files for the following 3D printer favorites by clicking on the image. Have fun with it.
3D printing material | Filaments from plastic to metal
The filaments and materials fAdditive manufacturing is constantly evolving. The current development status for material for 3D printing processes shows a increasing diversity and higher productivity 3D printermaterials that, last but not least, meet the often robust requirements of industry. In addition to sustainability, the components must also be increasingly high-performance. In this article, you will find out what is available and where the journey is heading.
3D printing technologies | Manufacturing processes of the future
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, encompasses a variety of manufacturing processes, all based on the same fundamental concept: building an object layer by layer. These include techniques such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (Dmls), to name just a few. You can find out what is behind the individual procedures here.
Components from the 3D printer
Components for additive manufacturing
ABB robot software for 3D printing
ABB robots for 3D printing can now be programmed in just 30 minutes. Functionalities were integrated into the simulation and offline programming software "Robotstudio" for this purpose. Thanks to the new software, companies no longer have to carry out manual programming.
Energy chains and linear guides made of plastic
The industry-proven linear guides and plastic energy chains from igus convinced Fabmaker to build them into a 3D printer for schools and training. However, before the educational printer project was started, the 3D printers available on the market were scrutinized.
Linear technology for precise 3D printers
If a company uses them to manufacture the components built into its own products, this is probably the best reference. i.a. all plastic parts that are installed in the 3D printers from HM-3D are manufactured on the same. Also on board is linear technology by Dr. kicker.
Tool changer for 3D concrete printers
Gimatic supplies the tool changing system for a 3D concrete printer. In addition to the 1D printing nozzle, the Printstones X3 currently has a tool for measuring the substrate on which it is printed. The tool changer is an important part of the system.
Applications and Industries
Additive manufacturing has revolutionized numerous industries by speeding up the production of prototypes, one-offs and short runs and reducing costs. Here are some of the industries where 3D printing is particularly popular:
- Automotive industry: In automotive engineering, 3D printing is used for prototyping, final part production, and tooling and jig creation. It enables faster product development and the realization of complex designs.
- Construction industry: 3D printing is increasingly being used for the creation of architectural 3D models and even for the additive manufacturing of entire building structures. This enables faster and more cost-efficient construction.
- Education: Schools and universities are using 3D printing to introduce students to the concept of design and manufacturing. This encourages creativity and innovation in the classroom.
- Aerospace: Due to its ability to create lightweight yet robust parts, the aerospace industry has embraced 3D printing. 3D printed parts can reduce fuel consumption and improve the overall efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft.
- Medical Technology: 3D printing process is used to create customized medical devices such as prostheses, hearing implants and dentures based on the 3D file. 3D printing technology is also highly valued for the production of a surgical 3D model and in research in the field of bioprinting.
- art and design: Artists and designers use additive manufacturing to create unique and complex artworks and designs that would not be possible using traditional methods.
- Retail: Many retailers are using 3D printing for fast and inexpensive prototyping, customized products and even final product production.
- energy sector: 3D printing is also used in the energy industry, for example to manufacture components for wind turbines or for specialized tools and equipment in the oil and gas industry.
Let's take a closer look at the following applications:
3D concrete printer for individual building material
What if: When building your own home you could create individual concrete parts according to your wishes and also reduce CO2 at the same time? The Printstones start-up knows how to do this. A tool changer from Gimatic provides the necessary flexibility.
3D educational printer for school and training
Technology-savvy startups are more daring than other companies to implement emerging technologies into new, marketable products. Fabmaker has also developed a 3D educational printer. When selecting the functional elements and components, the employees rely on linear technology from Igus.
3D printed microstructures for cochlear implant
Scientists have developed a novel cochlear implant based on Nanoscribe's 3D microfabrication of microstructures. Microstructures produced using 3D printing release steroids via the smallest structures. The implant design was designed to reduce residual hearing damage from lead insertion trauma.
Corona viruses from the 3D printer
Viruses are so tiny that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. And only a few microscopes are able to detect viruses. Researchers at the University of Würzburg have therefore printed the first biologically correct 3D model of the corona virus in a 3D printer.
Artificial heart valve from the 3D printer
In a research project, Fergal Coulter produced a bio-inspired artificial heart valve using 3D printing. This article describes how a dispenser from the Eco-PEN series from the Viscotec subsidiary Preeflow is used for CT measurement in additive manufacturing.
3D printing sand molds for metal casting in e-mobility
The 3D printing of sand molds for cast parts with subsequent casting is now also finding its way into the automotive industry in the production of components for electromobility. Voxeljet China has now gained experience in the field of additive manufacturing of molds with an OEM.
Manufacturer know-how for additive manufacturing
There are a number of leading companies in the 3D printing industry that specialize in the manufacture of 3D printers, components and filaments. Some of them are:
Igus is a manufacturer of special filaments for 3D printers, especially those designed for mobile applications. The company also offers a comprehensive 3D printing service as a 3D printing service provider with an online 3D printing configurator.
3D printing service – online and fast
Igus has been building the division for a few years additive manufacturing with 3D printing, film development & Co. A brand new service life calculator for 3D printed parts is available, which calculates wear-resistant and lubrication-free parts online in just 30 seconds. And there is an online 3D printing service for XXL parts up to 3 m in size. With 4K for 3D, the Cologne-based company offers a Multi-material printing for multifunctional components. You can find these and all other new additive manufacturing products from Igus here.
3D printing filament and material - durable
3D printers at igus also produce components with different filaments. In the 2-component 3D printingprocess, various material properties can be easily combined. So e.g. B. components gain a special rigidity and high wear resistance. The latest new development is the igus 3D printing filament Igumid P190. A carbon fiber reinforcement makes it extremely stiff and strong. The article introduces you to these and other new developments.
The special machine construction of the Schaeffler Group, Special Machinery, provides equipment for additive manufacturing, including multi-material 3D printing systems for unique material combinations.
Multi-material 3D printer with limitless potential
The Schaeffler Group presented at the Automatica 2023 a novel system for additive manufacturing for industry. The multi material 3D printer offers a limitless potential for unique material combinations and functional integration, free design creation and fast market reactions in additive manufacturing.
Other manufacturers:
- 3D Systems, founded by Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography, the manufacturer offers a wide range of 3D printers, materials and services.
- EOS is a leading provider of industrial SLS and DMLS 3D printers and related materials.
- Formlabs is a leading supplier of SLA 3D printers and offers a variety of resin materials.
- HP is known for its Multi Jet Fusion technology (MJF 3D printing process) and also offers a range of materials specifically for 3D printers.
- Materialise offers a variety of 3D printing services and software and has an extensive range of materials.
- Prusa Research, founded by Josef Průša, is known for its high quality, affordable FDM 3D printers and filaments.
- Stratasys is a pioneer in the 3D printing industry and known for the FDM and PolyJet 3D printers. The manufacturer also produces a wide range of filaments.
- ultimaker produces FDM 3D printers and a wide range of filaments.
- Voxeljet specializes in industrial 3D printing systems and service offerings, particularly for the foundry and production sectors.
3D printing knowledge
The history of 3D printing
The history of 3D printing began in the 1980er years ago, when Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute filed the first patent for a rapid prototyping system. Shortly thereafter, in 1986, US engineer Chuck Hull founded 3D Systems and developed stereolithography (SLA). Mr. Hull is also responsible for inventing the STL format, which is still widely used today.
In the 1990er Over the years, other 3D printing technologies have been introduced, such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) by Scott Crump, who later founded Stratasys, and selective laser sintering (SLS) by Carl Deckard at the University of Texas. These technologies have greatly expanded the possibilities of additive manufacturing and led to its increasing use in prototyping, model making, and tooling.
In the 2000er Over the past few years, additive manufacturing has become increasingly widespread, particularly with the advent of desktop 3D printers. In 2005, the Reprap project started with the goal of creating self-replicating printers. This led to a proliferation of open source 3D printing technologies. In the decade that followed, companies like Makerbot and Ultimaker introduced affordable desktop 3D printers, making 3D printing accessible for home use and small businesses, such as printing spare parts.
Today, the 3D printing process is used in a variety of industries such as medical technology, the automotive industry and aerospace.
A few numbers on additive manufacturing
According to the Wohlers Report, overall global growth in additive manufacturing is increasing 2023 by 18,3%. According to Million Insights market report, the global 3D printing market will be worth USD 2030 billion by 76,17. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global 3D printing market was worth US$2022 billion in 18,33 and is expected to reach US$2030 billion by 105,99.
10 trends in additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing has made significant advances in recent years. Here are some of the most important trends for 2023:
- Application-oriented manufacturing: By optimizing 3D printers, peripherals and post-processing, throughput is maximized and costs reduced, making additive manufacturing economical.
- bioprinting: This area of additive manufacturing is gaining momentum as more advances are made in the creation of living cells and tissues. This has the potential to revolutionize the medical world, from organ transplants to personalized medicine.
- Digitalization: The physical supply chain is connected to a digital process chain. This enables more collaborative, transparent and efficient supply chains.
- Hybrid manufacturing systems: Hybrid machines that combine additive and subtractive manufacturing techniques are becoming increasingly popular. These machines allow simultaneous additive manufacturing (adding material) and subtractive manufacturing (removing material) to achieve better surface quality and more accurate parts.
- mass production: Although additive manufacturing has traditionally been used for prototyping and low-volume production, there is increasing interest in using additive manufacturing for mass production. Advances in print speed, automation and process control are making this increasingly possible.
- Metal 3D Printing: Three-dimensional metal printing is growing rapidly as more and more industries – from automotive to aerospace – discover the benefits of producing complex metal parts.
- Multi-material 3D printing: Printing with multiple materials at the same time is becoming more and more common. As a result, products with different physical properties can be produced in just one printing process.
- Sustainability: With increasing concerns about the environmental impact of manufacturing, greener materials and processes are becoming increasingly important in 3D printing.
- Software Development: Improving software for 3D printing is critical to advancing additive manufacturing. This includes solutions for design, simulation, process management and quality control.
- Improved training and Education: As additive manufacturing continues to grow, there is an increasing need for skilled professionals in this field. Therefore, educational programs and certifications for additive manufacturing are becoming increasingly important.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates three-dimensional objects from digital models by adding material layer by layer until the desired design is achieved.
Sources: This article is based on information from the following companies: 3D Systems, ABB, BCN3D, Dr. Tretter, Fergal Coulter, Formlabs, Gimatic, Igus, Marting Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Nanoscribe, Nexa 3D, Printsontes, PTC, Schaeffler, University of Würzburg, Voxeljet.
