Metrology Minute – Control X Plot Comparison
The Control X Plot Comparison Tool will analyze the thickness, curvature, and angle of Measured data (point cloud or mesh) and uses color mapping to display the results. You can also pinpoint specific point locations on the model to return actual values for the plot being reviewed, at those specified locations. One of the unique aspects of this tool is it does not require Reference data. All calculations utilize a single Measured mesh or point cloud for the analysis. Measuring Wall Thickness If you want to ensure the top blade edge of the turbine shown below never drops below a .050” wall thickness, you can deploy the Plot tool, and use both color maps and selected points. Control X can return the wall thickness at specified locations. For the image shown below, the min and max Range is set to +/-.050”, meaning if the color is dark red, the wall thicknesses for each blade is, at least .050” thick. You can see where one of the analysis points near the blade’s edge where the thickness does drop below .050”. By increasing the Min/Max Range to +/-.100”, you can see how the color map now appears much more revealing as to what is actually [...]
Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) Using SOLIDWORKS & Control X
This blog post will explore the Product Manufacturing Information (or PMI) model generated in Solidworks and how it may be used to automate the inspection process in Control X. PMI is a fairly new tool that enables manufacturing information to remain with CAD models through downstream applications. Traditionally, the Control X user would need to enter all dimensional and datum information manually. By implementing PMI, all manufacturing information flows seamlessly from CAD to inspection, thereby accelerating the complete process and minimizing the risk of entering wrong values. The manufacturing information controlling the inspection process is entered just one time and is used throughout the design and inspection process. In this example, we have a Solidworks model of a connecting arm. The model contains PMI information. Specifically, it shows the features that will be used as datums, GD&T callouts for Flatness, and standard dimensions with tolerances. In Control X, we can import the Solidworks model containing the PMI information. The import shows if the three datums, six dimensions with tolerances assigned, and two GD&T callouts, along with the native CAD model, have all successfully imported into Control X. Control X refers to the nominal CAD model as the REF or Reference data and the [...]
Unlimited Tomorrow Makes High-tech Prosthetics More Accessible
Medical device startup develops and manufactures its TrueLimb® robotic prosthetic device by leveraging HP’s MJF 3D printing technology and working with partners including ABCorp and Singularity Group. Learn how medical device startup Unlimited Tomorrow recently partnered with ABCorp to additively manufacture components for the TrueLimb® robotic prosthetic. ABCorp operates a fleet of HP Jet Fusion 5210 3D printers and utilizes them to provide Unlimited Tomorrow with more consistent parts, faster and less expensively—enabling them to scale and ultimately fulfill their global mission of augmenting the human body with better technology. Download the case study below. Thank you for Signing Up Download the Desktop Metal Material Guide Please complete this form to access the PDF Download. Please correct the marked field(s) below. * 1,true,6,Lead Email,2 1,false,1,Zip Code,2 *Required fields Note: It is our responsibility to protect your privacy and we guarantee that your data will be completely confidential.
Desktop Metal Secures Major Contract with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Desktop Metal recently announced a three-year, multimillion-dollar contract with the Veterans Health Administration to develop, test, and manufacture a variety of 3D printed healthcare products with a revolutionary new FreeFoam™ material. Under a contract with the Veterans Health Administration, Desktop Metal will develop, test, and manufacture a variety of 3D printed healthcare products with a revolutionary new FreeFoam™ material. Shown here, FreeFoam parts can be 3D printed at a fraction of their final desired size and expanded when ready for use, minimizing storage and warehouse needs and allowing for custom foam products. (Photo: Business Wire) FreeFoam is currently being printed exclusively on the ETEC Xtreme 8K top-down DLP printing system, with broad commercial availability slated for 2023. ETEC is Desktop Metal’s industrial polymer brand. The VA will receive an Xtreme 8K, as well as a variety of other equipment, in addition to development and design support for the project. The initial contract award, for $2 million, has the potential to grow to $7 million after successful phase-gate deliveries. “Desktop Metal is proud to partner with the Veterans Health Administration on this visionary project to advance health care, logistics, and decentralized manufacturing with our new 3D printing technology at production volumes,” said [...]
Desktop Metal Installs Over 1,100 Metal Additive Manufacturing Machines
Desktop Metal has installed over 1,100 metal Additive Manufacturing machines (Courtesy Desktop Metal) Desktop Metal, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, has announced that it has now installed over 1,100 Additive Manufacturing machines worldwide. Of the installed machines, more than 80% are reported to be for the Binder Jetting (BJT) process. “As the highest throughput process in 3D printing, Binder Jetting is the Additive Manufacturing technology that will truly take the industry into mass production at high volumes,” stated Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal. “Our 3D printing systems are already being used to manufacture powertrain components, automotive interiors, oil and gas, food h equipment, hydraulics and some of the most advanced aerospace and nuclear parts.” The company’s portfolio includes: The Production System™ P-50 The X160Pro™, used in the production of both metal and ceramics The Production System™ P-1 The InnoventX™ The Shop System™ The Studio System™ An open house to showcase the performance capabilities of the Production System P-50 will be held next month. Manufacturers are invited to register today for this special event to see the performance capabilities of the Production System P-50 on-site at the Burlington, MA headquarters. Limited space is available. Date: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 Time: 10 [...]
2022 3D-Printed Ornament Design Challenge Winners
This holiday season marks our fourth annual 3D-printed ornament challenge and we are wrapping up the competition. We would like to congratulate the winners for their unique and creative designs. First place went to J-Da Toribio from the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center for her Jack Skellington ornament. She won a $300 Amazon gift card to treat herself to something special just in time for the holidays. And the second-place prize went to Marcus Mitchell for his very cool Space Ball ornament. Marcus won a $100 amazon gift card! We will also be 3D-printing these ornaments and sending them to the winners so they will have a keepsake of their special designs for many years. Thanks to all who entered this year's contest. 1st Place, Jack Skellington ornament, J-Da Toribio, Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center. The final 3D-printed first-place ornament, ready to be mailed to the winner. 2nd Place, Space Ball, Marcus Mitchell. The final 3D-printed second-place ornament, ready to be mailed to the winner.