The newest Factor 4 material: Industrial 3D printing with PPS CF
The newest Factor 4 material: Industrial 3D printing with PPS CF Introducing the latest innovation in industrial 3D printing: UltiMaker PPS CF. This cutting-edge material is reinforced with 10% carbon fiber, which significantly enhances its chemical resistance, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. These properties make it an ideal choice for demanding applications in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, where parts are often exposed to harsh environments and high temperatures. UltiMaker PPS CF stands out as a cost-effective alternative to high-end metals and PEEK, offering substantial benefits such as lightweighting, reduced material waste, and increased design freedom. This material not only helps in creating durable and efficient components but also contributes to more sustainable manufacturing practices. One of the key advantages of UltiMaker PPS CF is its compatibility with the UltiMaker Factor 4 and print core HT. This ensures precise and reliable 3D printing results, allowing professionals to achieve high-quality outputs consistently. The material’s robustness and versatility make it suitable for producing a wide range of parts, from functional prototypes to end-use components. Whether you’re working on automotive parts that need to withstand corrosive substances or aerospace components that must endure extreme temperatures, UltiMaker PPS CF provides the performance and reliability required [...]
Metrology Minute – Utilizing Color Maps for understanding machining outcomes
Utilizing Color Maps for understanding machining outcomes Consider this airfoil. It was programmed and machined on a 5-Axis mill, using a single setup. The ball mill was able to travel completely around the shape, during the machining process and therefore blending the top and bottom of the surface didn’t need to be considered. Our job is to inspect the airfoil and make suggestions to the CNC Programmer and Tool Designer to optimize the machining process. So, the first step is to review a color map of the machined part as compared to the nominal CAD model to see where we start losing tolerance. The image below shows the datum alignment of the machined part’s scan to the nominal CAD model. Once aligned, our color mapping analysis can commence. Using Control X, we generate a color map, using a Specific (nominal) Tolerance of +/-.010” and a Min and Max Range of +/-.025”. The green geometry shown in the color map are areas of the model that fall within our acceptable tolerance band. But those areas that are trending to yellow/orange/red fall somewhere between +.010” and +.025”. We can see from the image above that the forward section of the blade is trending [...]
How 3D Scanning Can Be Used in Mining
Miners face dangerous environments, extreme locations, and fluctuating demand. Efficiency and safety are top priorities, and 3D scanning technology may help achieve these goals. It redefines data acquisition for tunnels, shafts, stockpiles, and mills by offering speed and accuracy. 3D scanning is more efficient than traditional methods, capturing more data in less time with minimal disruption. It uses non-contact methods to gather data from risky or hard-to-reach areas, enhancing safety. 3D scan of an underground tunnel. 3D scanning software facilitates data processing for various applications like wear analysis, volumetric load scanning, spatial visualization, and reverse engineering. Exploring its advantages may help you understand the benefits for your mining operation. Efficiency With 3D scanning, mining companies can acquire accurate information about operations up to 10 times faster. They can map tunnel profiles, stockpile volumes, pits, and caves in minutes without much expertise. The digital data set can be accessed and analyzed later, reducing interruptions and downtime. Sectioning, a time-consuming surveying process, can be done in minutes with 3D scanning, allowing surveyors to produce thousands of sections quickly. Accuracy 3D scanners capture millions of data points to create precise 3D models of mine locations and equipment, improving accuracy over original plans. These scans [...]
Designing and Producing Hand Orthosis With Artus3D and the Fuse Ecosystem
Designing and Producing Hand Orthosis With Artus3D and the Fuse Ecosystem Artus3D, based in Ridderkerk, the Netherlands, offers orthotists an all-in-one solution for creating hand orthotics. With seven years of experience, they initially outsourced their 3D printing but faced challenges with reliability and shipping times. This changed when they discovered the Fuse 1+ 30W selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer and TPU 90A Powder, allowing them to bring production in-house. This move gave them more control over their production, saving both time and resources. Intuitive Digital Workflows The Fuse 1+ 30W printer, designed for maximum output and minimal waste, enabled Artus3D to produce orthotics rapidly and efficiently. Their software simplifies the design process, allowing orthotists to create custom hand orthoses with basic 3D printing knowledge. Users can adjust designs, select materials, and print orthotics in-house or order them directly from Artus3D. Once designed, the orthotic can be ordered from Artus3D or exported as an STL for printing. The software will automatically generate a proposed hand orthosis, at which point users can adjust designs. Then, Broxterman says, “You select the material you want to print in. There are some settings preset. The software gives a preview of how it thinks the orthoses should look. From there, you [...]
Reaching Solutions by Scanning for 3D Printed Prosthetics
Healthcare providers use 3D printing to enhance training, optimize pre-surgical prep, and create personalized tools. TTSH uses versatile resins for realistic prostheses. Transforming Patient Care at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Medical 3D Printing Centre Emergency surgeries need swift responses, making third-party vendors impractical. TTSH established an in-house 3D printing lab for timely, accurate solutions. The Centre, operational since 2020 and launched in 2022, 3D prints organ models for clearer medical explanations and surgical tools for practice. It uses Formlabs’ Form 3B+ and Form 3BL printers with biocompatible materials. The Challenge In 2022, 73-year-old J. F. Lian, battling skin cancer, had most of his nose removed. TTSH offered him a 3D printed nose, identical to the original, as a pilot project. Skin cancer survivor Mr. J. F. Lian with his 3D printed face model and prosthetic nose. The Solution A colleague suggested 3D printing a prosthetic nose for Lian. Dr. Yam, always pushing boundaries, agreed. In November 2022, TTSH custom-designed and printed a resin nose based on Lian’s face scans. The process involved creating a 3D print file from CT scans, printing, cleaning, curing, and finishing the model. Dr. Yam aims to make 3D printing more accessible to patients. [...]
Biggest 3D printing farm in Finland Aalto University’s Innovative Workshop
Biggest 3D printing farm in Finland Aalto University’s Innovative Workshop Aalto University in Espoo, Finland, hosts the country’s largest 3D printing workshop, equipped with 35 UltiMaker 3D printers. This workshop, led by Hector Velasquez, integrates traditional and digital manufacturing techniques, allowing students to explore and innovate in fields like fashion, architecture, and product design. The collaboration with UltiMaker has significantly enhanced students’ creativity and innovation, providing a dynamic learning environment with a wide range of materials, including PLA and TPU. Photo: Wenla Nwajei The workshop emphasizes practical learning, where students independently design and produce 3D printed pieces, taking responsibility for their projects from start to finish. This hands-on approach fosters creativity and innovation, enabling students to tackle complex 3D printing projects. The interdisciplinary nature of the workshop encourages collaboration among students from various fields, promoting a lively exchange of ideas and the development of new innovations. Aalto University’s investment in 3D printing research and training has positioned it as a significant player in the global 3D printing field. The workshop’s impact on students’ creative learning and innovation is profound, demonstrating the limitless possibilities when combining knowledge, skills, and technology. This commitment to education and innovation ensures that Aalto University remains at the forefront of 3D printing [...]