Change Is Additive—Week of 2/3/2017
CHANGE IS ADDITIVE—A 3D Printing News Series by Fathom
3D Printing Hydraulic Robotic Components, Additive for Blue Origin, 3D Printed Medical Components, Replicating Complex Natural Structures
With so many weekly developments in a fast-changing industry like additive manufacturing, the headlines can really stack up. To cut through the clutter of 3D printing news, check out these staff picks of the week. What do you think is the most impactful development?
3D Printing Helps MIT Scientists Build Translucent Hydraulics
Scientists at MIT have used 3D printing to create a transparent hydraulic claw that can function underwater, so far having been tested for scooping up live fish. With a soft, flexible and translucent structure, MIT thinks the hydrogel-based device could be adapted for innumerable applications / / Read More / / Watch Video
3D Printed Bat Bot Mimics Animal Movement
The B2 Bat Bot was designed by robotics engineers with a number of biological principles in mind, specifically leveraging of the design freedom of additive manufacturing. Its wings consist of carbon fiber bones, 3D printed plastic ball-and-socket joints and a 56-micron-thick silicone skin that covers the internal “skeleton,” which, with micro-motors in the robot’s backbone, power the bots flight // Read More / / Watch Video
Blue Origins Liquid-Fueled BE-4 Rocket Engine Utilizes Additive Manufacturing to Make Boost Pump Components
Blue Origin, the space venture project of billionaire Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, will include additive manufacturing in the production of its next-generation rocket engine, known as the BE-4. According to a recent update from the company, one of their critical engine parts, the Ox Boost Pump, leverages 3-D additive manufacturing to make many of the key components. The housing is a single printed aluminum part and all of the stages of the hydraulic turbine are printed from Monel, a nickel alloy. This manufacturing approach allows the integration of complex internal flow passages in the housing that would be much more difficult to make using conventional methods. The turbine nozzle and rotors are also 3-D printed and require minimum machining to achieve the required fits” // Read More
3D Printed Titanium Sternum Implanted in Patient
A British patient has successfully been fitted with a 3D printed titanium partial rib cage in Birmingham, UK. The 3D printed structure, created by Australian government research institution CSIRO was 3D printed and cleaned, then coated with a porous substance in order to best bond with the recipients existent bone / / Read More
Ferrari Considering 3D Printing Pistons
Ferrari has begun public talks of integrating 3D printed metal components inside its next F1 car. A steel alloy would be produced in a honeycomb structure to create a new piston design, intended to reduce weight and increase strength, as part of a new Turbulent Jet Ignition System / / Read More
Holo Clock
This unique clock is fully 3D printable and available from Thingiverse // Download
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Imagery and News Sources: 3Ders.org, 3Dprint.com, 3D Printingindustry.com, MIT, University of Illinois, F1, Ferrari, Next Dent, Blue Origin, ekaggrat, Thingiverse
