Change Is Additive—Week of 3/17/2017
CHANGE IS ADDITIVE—A 3D Printing News Series by Fathom
Boeing Patents Virtual Library of 3D Printed Parts, U.S. Army Successfully Tests 3D Printed Grenade Launcher, Recycling Fishing Nets, Caterpillar Inc. Integrates Additive, Stratasys and Department of Veteran Affairs Launch 3D Printing Network
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?
Dutch Port Integrates 3D Printing for Maritime Development
Rotterdam, one of the most important port cities in Europe, will be integrating more 3D printing into the functioning of its central port. The port of Rotterdam is integrating an Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab, largely focused on metal 3D printing, in order to provide port-related companies with a collective location to accelerate developments in this area and to work together on applications for the (maritime) industry // Read More / / Watch Video
U.S. Army Produces and Tests 3D Printed Grenade Launcher
U.S. Army researchers announced the successful development, firing and testing of an almost entirely 3D printed grenade launcher. The weapon, named the Rapid Additively Manufactured Ballistics Ordnance (or R.A.M.B.O.), is comprised of 50 total parts, of which all besides the springs and fasteners were created using various 3D printing techniques. The project was largely an concept-testing effort, to ascertain the reliability and durability of 3D printed parts for future military use / / Read More / / Watch Video
Boeing Granted Patent for Virtual Library of 3D Printable Aircraft Parts
Boeing has attained a patent for a new virtual system that allows for the on-demand creation of 3D printed parts. The system is meant to function as a virtual library, storing FAA-approved part designs for use throughout the company and by some of its clients. The system is intended to accelerate the part replacement process for aircraft maintenance, as many aircraft components can be manufactured faster, at lower cost, through additive manufacturing / / Read More
Stratasys Partners with US Department of Veteran Affairs to Launch Collaborative 3D Printing Hospital Network
Stratasys announced a partnership with the US Department of Veteran Affairs, which will launch a collaborative 3D printing hospital network. Through this partnership, Stratasys will equip five Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in the US with 3D printers, materials and training. Utilizing this technology and support, the VA hospitals will accelerate development of custom orthotics, prostheses and anatomical models for personalized healthcare
Caterpillar Inc Partners with Additive Manufacturing Solutions Provider FIT AG
Global construction company Caterpillar Inc. has announced a three-year partnership with German additive manufacturing group FIT AG. The partnership is intended to yield 3D print aluminum and titanium parts for Caterpillar’s range of large-scale machinery
Turning Fishing Nets Into 3D Printer Filament
A UK startup is targeting fishing nets as a source of material to make more sustainable and recyclable 3D printing filament. Largely made of a single material that is widely used in 3D printing—Nylon 6—fishing nets are very well-suited for recycling / / Read More
Mushroom Cloud Lamp
This fully 3D printable design is available from Thingiverse / / Download
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Imagery and News Sources: 3Ders.org, 3Dprint.com, 3D Printingindustry.com, Port of Rotterdam, U.S. Army, Digital Trends, Stratasys, Boeing, Department of Veteran Affairs, Caterpillar Inc., Fishy Filament, Thingiverse, Protonik
