The Intuitive and High-Speed Form 4 by Formlabs
The Intuitive and High-Speed Form 4 by Formlabs Watch this recorded webinar where we delve into the world of cutting-edge 3D printing with the Formlabs Form 4. The Form 4 provides everything you’d expect from a Formlabs 3D printer, except now it does it 4x faster.
Why Post-Processing Is Important in 3D Printing
A reprint from https://www.3dnatives.com/ When we talk about 3D printing, it goes without saying that most would think first about the actual printing process. However, additive manufacturing comprises several stages, from modeling to final part, including design and optimization, slicing, 3D printing and post-processing. As post-processing is the final step, carried out after additive manufacturing of a part, it is the one that will dictate some of the final aesthetic and mechanical properties. But how can we benefit from post-processing? What are the different methods and what are they used for? Find out the answers to these questions, plus 10 reasons why post-processing deserves your full attention. #1: Ensuring Part Quality One of the reasons that post-processing is so important is because it helps to achieve the quality standards required for 3D printed parts. After printing, parts may show defects such as visible layer lines or surface imperfections. Post-processing includes steps such as sanding, polishing or sandblasting, which eliminate these defects and produce smooth, uniform surfaces. This ensures that parts meet quality requirements and can perform their function optimally. Machining is a post-processing method that removes material to ensure dimensional accuracy and optimum surface finish (photo credits: TPI Texas) #2: Improving [...]
Analyze Large Bores with Control X Geometry Deviation
The Geometry Deviation tool in Control X may be used to compare all the parameters of an analytic feature in a scan to the nominal CAD model. This tool provides the ability to thoroughly analyze cylinders whereby the values for both the nominal CAD model and the paired (scan) data are compared. In many cases, the most common feature to check is a cylinder. In this Metrology Minute we are going to show you how to do a thorough analysis of two bores using our sample part. In the example below, the Diameter represents the diameter of the nominal CAD model, and the Paired Diameter represents the diameter of the scan. The Position and Paired Position reference the differences in the cylinder center point location and the Direction and Paired Direction provide a comparative analysis for the centerline vector of the CAD cylinder as compared to the scanned (or machined) cylinder. Using this tool in conjunction with the Cylindricity GD&T tool can tell us anything we may need to know about the geometric integrity of the cylinders. So below, we can tell that the large bore is within Cylindricity tolerance but approaching values where it will be OOT. We can then turn on [...]
Swing into the Future: 3D Printing’s Role in Modern Golf
In the world of golf, precision and innovation go hand in hand. The quest for the perfect putter has led enthusiasts and professionals alike to explore various materials, designs, and technologies. Enter the realm of 3D printing—a groundbreaking technology that is redefining the boundaries of golf equipment. Please join us at one of our upcoming events: “Cimquest Manufacturing Expo: Teeing Up Innovation” on June 11th at our headquarters, located in Branchburg, NJ, and “Metal Optimization: An In-Depth Look into Xact Metal at Voxel” on July 9th at Voxel’s headquarters in Cincinnati, OH where we will explore 3D printings role in golf’s star; the putter. We have two exciting giveaways in addition to all the fun goodies you'll receive at the event: a Yeti Cooler filled with our partners' swag and a "one of a kind" 3D Printed golf putter! While we are doing golf giveaways and it is golf-themed, you don't have to love golf to attend! We will have multiple partners there to showcase their technology. In addition to our staff, experts from the following companies will be attending: Desktop Metal Formlabs presenting the new Form 4 UltiMaker HP Xact Metal These pros will be at the various stations throughout the expo and [...]
Overview of Silicone Molding 3D Printed Tooling
Traditional molds for silicone part production are CNC machined from blocks of aluminum or steel. These include two-part or multi-part injection molds for liquid silicone rubbers (LSR), or single cavity compression molds used with a heat-cured rubber (HCR) silicone sheet that is cured under pressure and high temperature. Normally these types of metal molds are used in mass production. However, when employed for prototyping, lead times of several weeks and upfront tooling costs of hundreds to thousands of dollars limit a designer’s ability to implement and test small changes in a mold design. Desktop 3D printing is a powerful solution to fabricate tools rapidly and at a low cost. It requires very limited equipment and enables skilled operators to focus attention on other high-value tasks. With in-house 3D printing, manufacturers and product designers can introduce rapid tooling into the product development process to validate design and material choices prior to transitioning to mass production. They can iterate quickly, accelerate product development, and bring better products to market. 3D printed tooling using Formlabs SLA resins offers many advantages to product designers across prototyping, small-scale production runs, and custom part production. Using 3D printed tooling, RTV two-part silicones are injected into a two-part or multi-part [...]
Accelerating Prototyping and Testing with 3D Printing
Established in 1906 and headquartered in Italy, Panelli Srl is a leading manufacturer of submersible pumps and motors. Thanks to recent investments in industrial automation and the extensive use of robotized assembly, Panelli can offer various products with high hydraulic characteristics. Historically, the company only used a traditional industrial 3D printer for prototyping, but materials costs were high. As a result, Panelli added the UltiMaker Method XL 3D printer, a cost-effective and comparable alternative, allowing the company to successfully achieve the dual goals of cost efficiency and superior quality in their prototypes. Prototyping and testing large parts that can withstand high impacts Panelli’s technical department employs 3D printing to prototype its pump components and ensure that all parts are up to specifications. The team currently uses a simple industrial 3D printer and needed to add another one to support its growing design and production needs. “We print very often, almost daily,” said Francesco Zamirri, mechanical designer at Panelli. “Especially when we need to improve the hydraulic performance of an existing range or create a new one.” However, traditional industrial printers can be rather large and expensive, both to operate and maintain. The team needed something more affordable and that would not require much [...]