Reprint from 3dprint.com While most of us have either been the patient undergoing a surgical procedure or a loved one waiting and worrying, few of us have had to be on the other side as the trained surgeon, who often bears the responsibility of performing numerous delicate procedures with lives in his hands on a daily basis. Many of us are thrilled to hear about the innovations 3D printing offers to the medical world as people are saved with progressive implants and devices and quality of life is improved. 3D models are becoming more and more common not only for educating the patient on what is happening, but also for guiding surgeons in diagnosis as well as in treatment and the surgical process. Certain procedures may be completely new for a surgeon and while the 3D model is what he uses to study and practice on, it is probably the same 3D printed model that goes into the operating room with him and potentially shaves hours off the procedure, as well as plenty of stress. Vein of Galen malformation displayed in 3D model [Credit: Boston Children’s Hospital] Recently, at Boston Children’s Hospital, surgeons were looking toward several tricky pediatric procedures. Thanks to [...]

Learn how to reduce costs and improve production agility for silicone molds with 3D printed pattern. Silicone molding is a manufacturing process for parts used in prototyping, functional testing and short-run production. Obtaining good results out of the mold requires the use of strong, accurate mold patterns. These patterns are typically machined from metal or wood, but the process is usually time-consuming and expensive. An FDM 3D printed pattern (white) used to make a silicone mold and resulting parts for an MRI coil cover. Stratasys’ FDM-based (Fused Deposition Modelling) additive manufacturing solutions offer a better and more agile alternative for producing patterns for silicone molding. FDM 3D printed patterns are strong and won’t distort under molding pressure or break when they’re removed from the mold. They’re dimensionally stable too and can be used to produce numerous molds with accuracy. The best part of the story, however, is that FDM 3D printed patterns are usually significantly less expensive. Contact us today to learn more about 3D printing.

SME’s The Big M Conference returned to America’s manufacturing hub - Detroit, Michigan - for a two-day event illustrating the future of manufacturing. The conference gave industry leaders the opportunity to explore emerging technologies and innovations that are needed to create better solutions for businesses. Stratasys networking breakfast attendees experienced the design advantages and durability of 3D printed parts. Stratasys kicked off its participation with a networking breakfast, welcoming more than 20 high-level executives from different manufacturing companies for a discussion on the significance of additive manufacturing integration in today’s industrial segments. Attendees included some of the industry’s biggest players: plastic fabrication manufacturer, Midwest Rubber Company; induction heating and melting equipment manufacturer, Ajax TOCCO; and automotive and defense manufacturer, Precision Global Systems. Stratasys Midwest territory manager and networking breakfast presenter, Paul Carlson, noted that growth of applications in aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and other industrial verticals could eventually support a +$40 billion market over the next 15-20 years. Joe Gibbs Racing design engineer, Brian Levy, also presented at the breakfast. As one of the leading NASCAR racing teams, Joe Gibbs Racing is no stranger to success both on and off the track. Levy‘s team, a Stratasys automotive customer, has been involved with [...]

Stone-age hand-axes were a functional utility tool as well as prehistoric status symbol, demonstrating primeval man’s ability to adapt, innovate and use technology to improve his lifestyle and long-term existence. Among the stone-age community dating back to the Paleolithic Period some 700,000 years ago, hand axes were a sign of success, extraordinary skill and man’s ability to provide for his family. ‘Stone hand-axe’ number 6: Bringing together technologies from the farthest ends of human tool-making. Photo credit: Moti Fishbain In celebration of this historical milestone, these stone-age tools have received a contemporary 3D printing upgrade. In a collection entitled ‘MAN MADE’, designers Dov Ganchrow and Ami Drach have recreated a series of nine stone-age tools, in collaboration with leading 3D printer manufacturer, Stratasys. ‘Stone hand-axe’ number 5; Custom, ergonomic axe handle 3D printed in Stratasys VeroGray material. Photo credit: Moti Fishbain The MAN MADE series of hand-axes includes flint stones formed using the primeval method of knapping – the art of striking flint with another stone to create a new form. In the stone-age, this production technique was absolutely ‘cutting edge,’ requiring remarkable expertise and enabling primeval humans to learn life-changing new skills: the ability to cut meat, scrape [...]