3D printing is a powerful technology with the potential to significantly change the practice of medicine. In the field of structural heart disease, this rapidly evolving technology can make a powerful impact. Limitations of two-dimensional imaging and added benefits of 3D printing Current conventional cardiac imaging modalities such as echocardiography (EKG), cardiac computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) primarily utilize two-dimensional (2D) methods that require significant expertise and experience to interpret. In the field of pediatric or congenital cardiology, complex structural heart disease requires precise anatomical delineation before intervention. Consider a heart no larger than a walnut with multiple levels of abnormal connections. Using standard methods of visualization, whether by echo, CT or MRI, the interpreter essentially “reconstructs” a three-dimensional (3D) image from multiple slices or sweeps through this complex heart. By and large, this method works well for the structurally normal heart or for “simple” lesions (1); however, the challenges of interpretation and potential for errors are compounded for heart lesions of moderate or great complexity (1). Three-dimensional methods of visualization such as 3D echo, volume or surface rendering give the added perception of depth, but they are fundamentally limited by 2D displays on which they are viewed. Thus, complex, [...]

There is a new FDM material from Stratasys called Nylon 6. The Nylon family of polymers is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in manufacturing. Nylon 66 was created in 1935 by DuPont as a synthetic substitute for silk. This synthetic plastic could be stretched into a fiber that increased in strength as it was stretched. Notable uses were toothbrush bristles, women's stockings and parachutes for the U.S. military during WWII. Shortly afterward; engineering resins based on nylon 6, 66 and copolymers were developed. These thermoplastics provided a powerful combination of properties, including: Today Engineering-Grade Nylon resins are used in a broad range of applications that require high tensile strength and durability. Industries encompass; automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, consumer, and recreational goods. Easy modification makes them practical for this diverse assortment of uses. Specially formulated for FDM printing, Nylon 6 delivers the best combination of strength and toughness among all Stratasys FDM materials. It combines the strength of ULTEM 9085 with the toughness of Nylon 12. With Nylon 6 engineers now have an ideal 3D Printing material to create low volume end-use parts requiring high tensile strength and durability or to produce prototypes that look and respond like the final product. Nylon [...]

Designers at Hong Kong-based toy manufacturer Toy State International found a way to utilize 3D printing in ways that were beneficial and supportive to their business needs. The recently begun to use the Stratasys F370 3D Printer to create drone prototypes. Prior to using an FDM 3D printer, Toy State would outsource their functional prototyping projects, leading to a much lengthier time-to-market for products developed by the company. But with the F370 incorporated into the design and verification process, the team is now empowered to be more responsive to projects in a collaborative environment. This is evident in their recent project to create a drone that is strong and stable enough to withstand wind in mid-air, while light enough to fly with all the electronic components embedded. Watch the full story below. For more information on our full line of Stratasys 3D printers, please click the button below. [button link="https://cimquest-inc.com/products/stratasys-3d-printing-solutions/" color="default" size="" stretch="" type="" shape="" target="_self" title="" gradient_colors="|" gradient_hover_colors="|" accent_color="" accent_hover_color="" bevel_color="" border_width="1px" icon="" icon_divider="yes" icon_position="left" modal="" animation_type="0" animation_direction="down" animation_speed="0.1" animation_offset="" alignment="left" class="" id=""]More Info[/button]  

Now you can bring your ideas to life faster for less with this major breakthrough in MakerBot Print. Introducing MakerBot MinFill, a dynamic new Print Mode that is the first of its kind in 3D printing. Short for “Minimum Infill,” MinFill uses an intelligent algorithm to determine the absolute minimum amount of support needed for the inside of any 3D print. Not all prints need to be durable, dense, or heavy. When surface quality and print speed are more important, MinFill is a far more efficient option — especially for prints with a large internal volume. MinFill typically prints 30% faster using 30% less filament. With especially voluminous models, like spheres, MinFill has printed up to 80% faster. For professionals, that means faster early concept modeling, faster form studies, and more iterations in less time.   MinFill’s Benefits at a Glance Professionals can accelerate early concept modeling, form studies, and iterations. Educators can serve more students and classrooms while saving time and money. Based on testing, MinFill typically prints 30% faster using 30% less filament.* The greater the internal volume of your print, the more time and money you save. Compatible with MakerBot Replicator+, Replicator (5th Gen), and the Replicator Z18. * MinFill’s [...]

Stratasys has been continually evolving and improving its range of PolyJet 3D printing materials for over 13 years. Today, PolyJet materials cover the widest scope of Rapid Prototyping and Design Verification requirements. No other technology is able to achieve the true product and final part realism that PolyJet technology today enables. The video below illustrates the progression of the 3D printed materials. For more information on our Stratasys line of 3D printers, please click the button below. [button link="https://cimquest-inc.com/products/stratasys-3d-printing-solutions/" color="default" size="" stretch="" type="" shape="" target="_self" title="" gradient_colors="|" gradient_hover_colors="|" accent_color="" accent_hover_color="" bevel_color="" border_width="1px" icon="" icon_divider="yes" icon_position="left" modal="" animation_type="0" animation_direction="down" animation_speed="0.1" animation_offset="" alignment="left" class="" id=""]More Info[/button]