Revolutionizing 3D Printing: The Formlabs Form 4
In a recently published article by Time.com titled "The Best Inventions of 2024," Time.com discusses that while 3D printing is a game-changing technology, overall, it's pretty slow. That is all changed, however, with the Formlabs' Form 4 and now Form 4L. In their article they discuss how this desktop-sized 3D printer boasts print speeds up to five times faster than its predecessor. It uses powerful LED lights and a custom LCD to turn liquid resin into solid layers quickly. Projects that once took overnight can now be completed in hours, making it a viable replacement for traditional injection molding. This speed allows for multiple iterations in a day, enabling hardware developers to take more design risks and bring better products to market1. The Formlabs Form 4 is a game-changer in the world of 3D printing, offering unmatched speed and efficiency. With the ability to deliver parts in under two hours, it significantly outpaces previous models. This is made possible by its advanced LED and LCD technology, which rapidly cures resin layers, ensuring quick and precise prints. In terms of accuracy and reliability, the Form 4 excels. It maintains high dimensional accuracy and surface finish, which is crucial for creating detailed prototypes and end-use [...]
Major 3D Scanning Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Opportunities
Major 3D Scanning Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Opportunities Precision is crucial in civil engineering, but measuring and surveying can be time-consuming. 3D scanning has revolutionized this by providing accurate, data-rich models quickly, enhancing efficiency in various tasks. In this blog, we explore key areas where 3D scanning can improve precision, efficiency, or insight. Bridges and Tunnels Bridge Bearings: 3D scanning in different seasons shows structural movement, helping identify and replace faulty bearings. Bridge Strikes: Scanners determine if a truck exceeded height limits or if the bridge has settled. Bridge Repair: 3D scanning creates accurate CAD models for planning repairs, extending the lifespan of aging infrastructure. Roads and Highways Safety Inspection: Mobile 3D scanning must flag low barriers caused by resurfacing. Maintenance and Repair: It must identify road dips and create cross-sectional drawings for accurate material estimates. Industrial Facilities Chimney Inspection: 3D scanning must provide complete data on chimneys. Cooling Towers: It must monitor for cracks and safety issues. Furnaces: It must deliver precise data on furnaces without risking survey teams. General Infrastructure Safety Structures: 3D scanning must reverse engineer and remanufacture assets like fire escapes. Complex Assets: It must create accurate models for unique structures. RAAC Inspection: It must assess degradation in reinforced [...]
Design X Go: Reverse Engineering for Mastercam Has Arrived
Design X Go: Reverse Engineering for Mastercam Has Arrived Join Cimquest or this educational webinar to explore how Design X Go can serve as both a 2D and 3D CAD system as well as a reverse engineering tool to create machinable CAD models from scan data (mesh or point cloud) and is the bridge from scan or point cloud data to fully machinable models in Mastercam. Recap of our Design X Go Webinar – Reverse Engineering for Mastercam Applications This week, we introduced the brand new Design X Go (DXGo) product in a 60 minute Webinar. So I decided to make this month’s Metrology Minute focused on this awesome new reverse engineering product and how it can add value to any Mastercam user. I wanted to take a moment here to thank Steve Weaber, from our awesome Mastercam support team, who assisted me by providing the Mastercam toolpath files used for the Webinar. We presented three scenarios where DXGo can greatly enhance the productivity of a Mastercam user. 3D Modeling without the presence of a mesh or point cloud – DXGo can function very much like the Part Modeler of any of the modern-day CAD products. We demonstrated the [...]
SLA 3D Printing – How Pixel Size Impacts Accuracy, Feature Size, Surface Finish
SLA 3D Printing - How Pixel Size Impacts Accuracy, Feature Size, Surface Finish In the realm of 3D printing, resolution is a frequently discussed but often misunderstood topic. With the rise of various 3D printing technologies and manufacturers, the conversation around resolution has become even more complex. One critical aspect of this discussion is pixel size, especially in the context of Stereolithography (SLA) and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printers. Pixel Size and Its Importance Pixel size in 3D printing refers to the smallest feature that a printer can reproduce within a single layer. In MSLA 3D printers, which use an LCD screen to selectively mask light and cure liquid resin, the resolution is typically measured by the number of pixels across the screen’s long axis. The general assumption is that smaller pixels result in higher resolution and better print quality. However, the reality is more nuanced. Beyond Pixel Size: What Really Matters While pixel size is an important factor, it is not the sole determinant of print quality. Surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and minimum feature size are the tangible outcomes that most users care about. These characteristics are influenced by a combination of factors, including material properties, optical settings, and mechanical consistency. For [...]
Formlabs launches large format 4L series; opens up SLA & SLS 3D printers to third party materials.
Formlabs launches large format 4L series; opens up SLA & SLS 3D printers to third party materials. Formlabs, a leader in 3D printing technology, has announced the launch of the Form 4L and Form 4BL, their latest large-format SLA 3D printers. These new models promise blazing fast speeds and exceptional print quality, catering to a wide range of applications from prototyping to production. Alongside these printers, Formlabs is also opening its SLA and SLS platforms to third-party materials, providing users with unprecedented flexibility and control. Key Features of Form 4L Unmatched Speed: Capable of large-scale prints in under six hours, with printing speeds up to 80 mm/hour. Large Build Volume: Nearly five times larger than the Form 4, allowing for the production of bigger parts and higher volumes. High Efficiency: The new cartridge design reduces plastic waste by 63% and speeds up resin dispensing. Versatile Materials: Compatible with over 23 materials, including durable, rigid, biocompatible, and flame-retardant options. Comprehensive Ecosystem: Includes new accessories like the Resin Mixer, Resin Tank, Build Platform, Resin Pumping System, and Finish Kit and Form Wash L for post-processing. Learn more about the Form 4 Series 3D Printers Developer Platform and New Material Pricing Formlabs is [...]
3D Scanning for Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Maintenance Overview
3D Scanning for Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Maintenance Overview Civil engineering and infrastructure are complex and costly. Maintenance of structures like highways and bridges requires addressing operational complexity, material scale, and safety. 3D scanning provides accurate site information to tackle these challenges. This blog explores how 3D scanning aids these projects, its benefits, and the technology involved. Uses of 3D Scanning in Civil Engineering and Infrastructure 3D scanning in civil engineering involves assessing large infrastructure. Common applications include: As-built modeling: Captures accurate models of structures for inspections and repairs. Reverse engineering: Recreates accurate 3D models of structures with lost or incomplete documentation. Mobile inspection: Evaluates extensive roadways or rail lines for safety concerns. Monitoring: Tracks progress during large-scale projects. Advantages of 3D Scanning 3D scanning is preferred for on-site data capture due to: Access: Captures data from hard-to-reach structures. Safety: Reduces exposure to dangerous areas. Speed: Faster than manual measurements, improving efficiency. Accuracy: Provides highly accurate data, minimizing human error. 3D Scanning Devices for Civil Engineering Depending on the application, teams may use different scanners: Terrestrial laser scanners: Stationary devices using LiDAR to capture detailed 3D models from a fixed position. Metrology-grade laser scanners: Portable devices capturing high-detail data quickly, meeting rigorous accuracy [...]