Manufacturing Soup
Additive design, 3D printing, Traditional CAD, Traditional CAM, Hybrid Machining, 3D Scanning, Scan Processing, Reverse Engineering, Inspection . . . Each discipline is evolving exponentially on its own, but each also crosses over into neighboring technologies, all contributing to the rapidly evolving world we refer to as “Manufacturing”. In studying the sciences, one can quickly come to the conclusion that all disciplines are subsets of Physics. When Biology, Math, and Chemistry students advance to high-level courses they realize how the sciences are interwoven, dependent on each other and all are powerful contributors to the study of Physics. In our world, it’s all about “Manufacturing”. Products like Mastercam, offering a “Subtractive Manufacturing” process, continues to improve its toolpathing capabilities in areas such as multi-axis machining, adaption of new cutting technologies, new toolpath styles, and evolving machinery capabilities for faster throughput, better efficiency and expanded tool life. 3D Printing, offering an “Additive Manufacturing” process, continues to grow in material options, printing efficiency, speed and reduction of cost. But consider how 3D Printers have limitations such as; part sizes, post-processing options, part accuracy, surface finish and supported materials. Remarkably similar parameters to consider when selecting new CNC machinery for Subtractive applications. Scanning and Scan Processing was [...]
Ultimaker Recently Announced PVA Removal Station
a reprint from https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/ultimaker-announces-pva-removal-station Ultimaker CTO Miguel Calvo introduces the new PVA Removal Station [Source: Ultimaker] In an unusual online announcement, Ultimaker revealed an upcoming cleaning station. The company now bills itself as the “number one maker of professional 3D printers”, and they’re likely correct on that count. They’ve fully transformed from the hobbyist background from their launch, some ten years ago. Now the company markets equipment for professionals in various industries and corporate environments. Their strategies to get there have been quite effective. For example, one strategy they used in the past was to offer equipment that automatically “found” each other on a company’s internal network to set up a 3D print workgroup. While that might seem like a simple technical feature, in practical terms it allowed a department to buy a workgroup of 3D printers without having to involve the IT department. For those in corporate environments, you know what that usually means. Turning on the new PVA Removal Station [Source: Ultimaker] It’s this style of detailed approach that seems to have been Ultimaker’s key to success. They carefully look at their clients and attempt to overcome their challenges. In the past year, they’ve tried to solve the [...]
Color Map Fitting Inside Control X
In this blog post, we are going to take a look at Color Map Fitting inside of Control X. Color Map Fitting is a useful tool for analyzing the tolerances of 3D scan mesh files, relative to the original model. The image above shows a CAD model of a crankshaft with the scan mesh superimposed on the model. The image below shows the Color Map Fitting. We first selected the flatness of the scanned mesh face. By turning on the checkbox for fitting deviation, the software will show how the scan data truly fits to the CAD model. Turning off the CAD model will give a better visual through the color map. In this example, we are setting to check for a flatness of 2 millimeters. What this means is that the worst-case scenarios for flatness are points that are plus or minus 0.4 millimeters. This means we should be well within tolerance. The colors indicate where the face is high and where it’s low. The resolution of the scanner comes into play and generally the edges are going to be where you see the majority of the deviation. Next, we can check parallelism to make sure that it’s within 5 millimeters. On [...]
3DGence Launches New Industry F421 3D Printer
3DGence recently announced the launch of their latest 3D printer, the new Industry F421 printer. This dual extruder 3D printer is designed for industrial applications where accuracy, speed, comfort, and safety of the entire 3D printing process are crucial. It offers: Enhanced, high-speed mechanics for high-temperature printing of advanced materials such as: PEEK, PEKK & ULTEM. Composite ready with reinforced components to handle sequential printing of end-use parts Large, user-friendly tablet oriented screen with enhanced workflow Standard safety features with e-stop, signal tower A range of connectivity options Please click the button below for more details. More Details
2021 3D Printed Ornament Challenge
Our annual 3D Printed Ornament Challenge Is On We had so much fun seeing all the creative designs in previous years that we couldn’t resist running this competition again. It's time to get your creative juices flowing and join in on the challenge to design your own 3D printable ornament. Not only will you have a chance to win an Amazon gift card to treat yourself, but you will also be able to give your unique creation to a friend or family member. We will print the winning designs and have the ornaments delivered before the holidays. There's no more meaningful gift than something that you created! Grand Prize will receive a $500 Amazon gift card, plus their 3D printed ornament. 2nd Place will receive a $200 Amazon gift card, plus their 3D printed ornament. All you need to do is get creative and start designing. Use your favorite tradition as inspiration and create an ornament that is fun, festive, and unique to you! Cimquest will use an internal vote to narrow the field down to 5 ornaments. The top 5 designs will be posted to our Facebook page for public voting. The design that receives the most combined likes will be the grand [...]
Introducing a New 3D Printer from XYZ Printing
XYZ Printing recently announced the release of their latest Selective Laser Sintering printer – the MfgPro236xS. The new MfgPro236xS allows a build volume of 230x230x250mm and is designed to meet the demanding requirement of aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and engineering companies’ applications. The MfgPro236xS comes with an open material platform option that makes it the ideal choice for on-demand manufactures, research institutions, and third-party material suppliers to become part of this ecosystem. Some of the specs include: 60 Watt laser 230x230x250mm (9"x9"x10") build volume 10% larger build area compared to MfgPro 230 Materials PA6, PA6FR, PA11, Carbon Fiber, PA12, TPU, FiberTuff Fastest Cooling Cycle in SLS 20% Power Refresh Rate for PA12, TPU Open Material Platform White parts easily dyes vibrant colors 12-month warranty included Extended warranties available For more details about this new 3D printer, please click the button below. More Details