Desktop Metal 3D Printing Services Aid in COVID-19 Pandemic
by Jillian Crocker, Administrative Assistant In the midst of a pandemic, hospitals and medical facilities have felt a huge impact as many have exhausted their medical supplies. Many are searching for strategies and others available to help. Many facilities are working incredibly hard to create essential equipment to aid in the fight and eradication of the spread of COVID-19. To aid in the cause, Desktop Metal is offering its services to medical equipment manufacturers and those making “critical medical parts.” They are opening up access to their technology resources and providing free 3D printing services. The desired part must meet the guidelines put in place by Desktop Metal and deemed an “urgent need in the medical community.” Part Guidelines by Desktop Metal Desktop Metal systems work best with small, complex metal parts. Please follow the guidelines below for parts that are needed. Part must be able to be used in 17-4 Stainless Steel Part size should be smaller than 2cm x 2cm x 2cm - When requesting the part needed, you must fill out this form and answer the following questions: Explain what the part is and what it is used for. The quantity needed. Does this part meet the specifications and Part [...]
Non-Contact inspection – Webinars on Demand
Non-Contact inspection: Review scanner specs for accuracy and resolution parameters. • Import the nominal CAD model and scan into Control X. • Discuss batch processing many scans, unmanned. • Discuss how Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) may be used to automate the complete process by integrating with your CAD system. https://cimquesttv.wistia.com/medias/ltcs92zoqo?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
Non-Contact inspection – Webinars on Demand
Non-Contact inspection - Webinars on Demand Comparing the scan of a manufactured part with its nominal CAD model. • Review scanner specs for accuracy and resolution parameters. • Import the nominal CAD model and scan into Control X. a. Duplicate the CAD datums on the scan and perform a datum alignment. b. Once aligned, produce color maps, whisker plots, 2D and 3D dimensions, GD&T and a final inspection report. • Discuss batch processing many scans, unmanned. • Discuss how Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) may be used to automate the complete process by integrating with your CAD system. https://cimquesttv.wistia.com/medias/ltcs92zoqo?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
HP and Partners Utilize 3D Printing to Battle COVID-19
HP has organized globally with its digital manufacturing community to help with the shortage of medical supplies. More than 1000 3D printed parts have already been delivered to local hospitals. To support these efforts, they have developed a website with files that are vetted for public use. And, those in need of parts or help with medical applications and design can also request help on the same website. Currently, they have several designs which are ready for the public now including: Face shields - a high-need personal protection item. Brackets to hold the shield and comfortably fit the wearer are a critical component. Hands-Free 3D-Printer Door Opener - Door handles are among the most germ-infested objects in houses, hospitals, factories, and elderly homes. Mask Adjuster - Helps relieve ear pain for hospital staff who need to wear masks for long periods of time. HP is also working on other items such as face masks, ventilators, and nasal swabs and are working to get these products and others tested and validated. As soon as they are released they will be added to the website. HP is also coordinating with government, health, and industry agencies in numerous countries to ensure a synchronized and effective approach. [...]
Nexa3D Ultrafast 3D Printing
Let's take a look at the new ultra-fast 3D printer from Nexa 3D, the NXE 400. Engineers are always looking to get their designs to market faster. While 3D printing has accelerated product development, most traditional platforms are still fairly slow for large parts and batches. The NXE 400 3D printer brings revolutionary speed to engineers with the ability to print 1 vertical inch every 2 1/2 minutes. Let's dive into the process. To begin, this platform is based on a unique process called Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing, or LSPc. It starts with the rapid projection of light from an advanced LED matrix engine, which channels through light guides to ensure uniformity across the build area. From there, the light travels through an LED mask where it gets pixelated, ensuring edge-to-edge part consistency and accuracy. The final leg of the process entails a flexible, self-lubricating membrane that allows each printed layer to solidify while suspended. This completely eliminates the need for traditional extraction tilting. Thermal management is integrated as well to overcome the heat build-up from high-speed printing. The combination of all this enables the NXE 400 to vastly improve your cycle times. And since the speed of output is based on vertical height, [...]
HP 3D Printing Technology Reveals Cost and Weight Savings
A 3D printed quick changeover insert printed with Multi Jet Fusion for HP's Sprocket assembly line. HP has revealed further cost and weight savings within its print and packaging businesses thanks to the internal application of its 3D printing Multi Jet Fusion additive manufacturing technology. As the company continues to scale its ‘HP on HP’ program, more than 100 components of its Indigo 2020 press portfolio have been manufactured with 3D printing, while a reduction of 5007 parts across 84 different part numbers on its packaging lines has also been recorded. HP on HP was initiated in 2018, with the company first targeting its Multi Jet Fusion hardware, before expanding the application of 3D printing technology across its various other business units. The recent announcement of HP’s Indigo 2020 portfolio of presses highlighted this implementation of 3D printing, with redesigns of components generating a 90% weight saving, as well as reductions in its carbon footprint, production time and energy, and material consumption. Meanwhile, on the packaging side of the business, the roll-out of 3D printing has helped to achieve $111k within a year. HP on HP: How the internal use of 3D printing is shaking up one of the world's biggest [...]