Change Is Additive—Week of 2/10/2017
CHANGE IS ADDITIVE—A 3D Printing News Series by Fathom
New 3D Printers, BMW Invests in Metal 3D Printing, Lightweighting FDM Parts with Simulation Software, Harvard & MIT Create Tunable Porosity
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?
The New Stratasys F123 Series of FDM-Based 3D Printers Designed for Collaborative Teams
Stratasys has introduced a line of professional-grade, team-friendly FDM 3D printers. The Stratasys F123 Series 3D printers have been specially developed for complete rapid prototyping workflow in office or design workgroup environments. The F123 Series consists of the F170, F270 and F370 3D printer models, all of which are compact enough to fit in an office and equipped to take designers through the complete prototyping workflow, from initial concept verification, all the way to design validation and final product performance.
Fathom’s Seattle production center has the new F370 running! Read more about the new line in Fathom’s launch announcement // Read More / / Watch Video
MIT & Harvard Scientists Create Tunable Porosity
Using a ceramic foam ink, scientists from Harvard and MIT report the development of a new method for 3D printing materials with tunable porosity on both micro- and macro-scale. Controllable porosity is a significant breakthrough and could potentially be used to 3D print lightweight structural materials, thermal insulation and tissue scaffolds, among many other applications / / Read More / / Watch Video
3D Printed Prosthetic Hand Controlled by Brain Signals
Researchers at the University of Wollogong claim to have used 3D printing and a new neuro-connected interface to create a realistic robotic hand that can be controlled by brain signals. The 3D printed prosthesis was developed at UOW by a team that included Professor Gursel Alici and Dr. Rahim Mutlu and was unveiled at an international electromaterials symposium at the university’s Innovation Campus today / / Read More
BMW Headlines Investment Round for Metal 3D Printing Startup
Desktop Metal, a 3D printing startup based in Burlington, Massachusetts, has raised $45 million in a Series C investment round from investors including automotive powerhouse BMW. Desktop Metal plans to launch its first commercially available printer in late 2017.
“Advances in metal 3D printing are driving innovation across a wide range of automotive applications and we are excited to work with Desktop Metal as part of our vision in adopting additive manufacturing at BMW,” said Uwe Higgen, Managing Partner of BMW i Ventures. “From rapid prototyping and printing exceptional quality parts for end-use production, to freedom of design and mass customization, Desktop Metal is shaping the way cars will be imagined, designed and manufactured” / / Read More
Stratasys, Dassault Systèmes Develop Design Tools to Optimize FDM 3D Printed Production Parts
Stratasys announced a new partnership with French multinational software company Dassault Systèmes, in an effort to increase the efficiency and strength-to-weight ratios of 3D printed parts through advanced product simulation software. Together, the companies will develop tools for optimizing FDM 3D printed parts for a range of applications, including in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
More information about the collaboration will be revealed during a joint webinar on February 16, 2017. The webinar, called “Simulation-Driven Design and 3D Printing with Dassault Systèmes and Stratasys” will reportedly address the early solution capabilities of their next-gen design tools / / Read More
Gyroid Cube
This unique cube is fully 3D printable and available from Pinshape / / Download
To start a conversation about a project or discuss a quote for 3D printing, CNC machining, urethane casting, rapid tooling, injection molding or R&D contract services, send us a request for quote. Fathom is also an authorized partner of Stratasys. Get a quote for a professional 3D printer today!
Imagery and News Sources: 3Ders.org, 3Dprint.com, 3D Printingindustry.com, Stratasys, BMW, Hardvard, MIT, CNET, Google, Lowes, Pinshape, Solidworks, Dassault, University of Wollogong
