Understanding Refresh Rate in SLS 3D Printing
Understanding Refresh Rate in SLS 3D Printing Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a powerful technology that allows for the creation of high-quality, industrial-grade parts. One of the key factors in achieving optimal print quality and efficiency with SLS printers, such as the Formlabs Fuse Series, is the refresh rate. The refresh rate refers to the ratio of new powder to recycled powder used in each print cycle. This balance is crucial because it impacts both the material properties of the printed parts and the overall cost-effectiveness of the printing process1. The refresh rate is adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune it according to their specific needs and workflows. For instance, a 100% refresh rate means using entirely new powder, while a 0% refresh rate would use only recycled powder. However, using recycled powder over many cycles can degrade material properties, so finding the right balance is essential. Formlabs provides recommended refresh rates for their SLS powders, but users can tweak these settings to optimize their processes1. Choosing the right refresh rate involves considering several factors, including packing density—the arrangement of parts within the build chamber. Higher packing densities mean less unsintered powder, which can be recycled more efficiently. For example, if the packing density is [...]
Swing Bridge Reverse Engineering Simplified with Geomagic Design X
Swing Bridge Reverse Engineering Simplified with Geomagic Design X A swing bridge in a coastal dock system was decommissioned after being twisted. A ferry company needed it operational for car parking but faced a dilemma: closing the bridge to test it could jam it if it wasn’t functioning. Unable to test physically, they created a digital twin using a long-range laser scanner and simulated the bridge’s motion if closed. Scanning a swing bridge This approach, led by OR3D and Service Manager Robert Wells, used a Trimble X12 3D Laser Scanner to capture the bridge’s details and Geomagic Design X to create a CAD model for simulation. A two-person team completed 120 high-definition scans in one day. The data was checked in Trimble RealWorks and uploaded into Geomagic Design X, where Sean Kean modeled the bridge and its components. Accuracy of the essence Modeling and data processing took a few days due to complexity. “Once we modeled the bridge in Design X, we ran the simulations, and saw the bridge was going to collide in a certain position,” Kean explains. “That gave the company the confidence to try it for real.” The simulation predicted a two-to-three-millimeter collision, confirmed in real-life. “We wouldn’t have been [...]
Solid Hole Selection – Mastercam 2025
Solid Hole Selection - Mastercam 2025 Mastercam 2025 introduces significant enhancements to the Solid Hole Selection feature, which is integral for those utilizing Hole Making and Process Hole toolpaths. The changes associated with this update create a more efficient, precise, and controllable hole selection. The Solid Hole Selection update encompasses many new behaviors for selecting holes such as simplified selection rules, multiple hole types are allowed in a single toolpath, and segment selections from the same hole are always joined together into a single feature. Other features include solids history selection and selection across multiple solid bodies, as well as a unified selection experience when working with native Mastercam solid hole features or imported neutral CAD formats. To find out more about Solid Hole Selection in Mastercam 2025, contact us today. Learn more about the Top Mastercam 2025 enhancements.
What’s New with Shining 3D Scanners
What's New with Shining 3D Scanners Einscan HX and HX2 (Reverse Engineering) The HX is an excellent scanner for reverse engineering. For the scanning and reverse engineering of many part sizes and shapes, the Einscan HX (and soon, the HX2) are an excellent choice. Stay-tuned for HX2 info. when it becomes available. The HX and HX2 are hybrid scanners. While holding 40 micron total tolerance in laser mode, this scanner model can also scan using structured light and can capture color/texture. Freescan Combo | Combo Plus (Reverse Engineering and Inspection) Roughly the size of a cell phone, the Combo and Combo Plus are excellent for both metrology and reverse engineering. The Combo Plus offers roughly double the scanning speed over the Combo. These are both metrology-grade scanners, offering 20 micron accuracy and up to 50 micron resolution. When used in HD mode, these scanners can create a single scan with multiple resolutions captured. So when scanning an object that has a specific location with high detail, the Combo or Combo Plus is ideal for capturing both sets of features in a single scanning session. Additionally in IR mode, this scanner does an incredible job at scanning organic shapes and since it [...]
Design X Go – Reverse Engineering for Mastercam has arrived!
Design X Go – Reverse Engineering for Mastercam has arrived! The ‘Bridge’ from Scan or Point Cloud data to fully machinable models in Mastercam If you’ve ever programmed a Step file that was ‘AutoSurfaced’ from a mesh or point cloud, you’ve likely experienced the many challenges associated with this process. Design X Go supports traditional CAD modeling capabilities to generate the most basic, 2-axis part to the most involved, multi-axis part, from scan data. From Mesh to Part to Mastercam’s pocketing toolpath to ‘clean’ 2-Axis code! Same capabilities in the surfacing and multi-axis environment! From Mesh to Part to Mastercam’s Blade Expert toolpath to ‘clean’ 4-Axis code! Register for our Webinar on October 29th, 2024. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT to see how Design X Go can provide outstanding reverse engineering capabilities for designing and programming parts when you don’t have a CAD model. Register Today
HP 3D Printing and Cimquest: Innovating Custom Solutions for J-DAMMIT
HP 3D Printing and Cimquest: Innovating Custom Solutions for J-DAMMIT In September, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) and its Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials, STORMWERX, once again hosted the Joint-Defense Advanced Manufacturing Meeting for Innovation and Transition Summit, better known as J-DAMMIT. J-DAMMIT brings together experts from industry, academia, government, and the armed forces to explore and demonstrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies that support defense needs. The event includes hands-on demonstrations in areas such as robotics, additive manufacturing, CNC machining, hybrid manufacturing (CNC and DED), augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR), and smart factory technologies. Through demos, collaborative discussions, and hands-on experiences, it’s a key opportunity for networking and learning about how these innovations can be applied to support military operations and the modern Warfighter, as well as the broader defense industry. The event took place at Harrisburg University, and offered hands-on opportunities focused in the UPMC Health Sciences Tower. The facility is HU’s newest addition to its campus: A state-of-the-art, 11-story, 260,000-square-foot education and research tower in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which includes the University’s advanced manufacturing labs and reception spaces. The Project: Custom Sunglasses for J-DAMMIT Cimquest's Jim Snodgrass was involved in the planning and organization of J-DAMMIT and [...]