AMUG May 2020

President’s Report

I hope this finds you safe and healthy.

We have all had a very challenging time with the pandemic. Yet, it is positive to see some signs of recovery.

It is encouraging to witness the assistance and support provided by so many, which are a great sign of humanity. It is fascinating to realize how fast things can change, such as the visible impact of globally reduced pollution. For better or for worse, I don’t think we will return to where we were. But we will be moving forward. Let’s just try to do that safely.

Your AMUG Board continues to move forward; it has not stopped working. We have overcome the consequences of what we needed to do— postpone the AMUG Conference. And now we are working to manage the changes that will impact next year’s event. As we all try to make the best of the pandemic-induced situations, please know that your board is actively evaluating how to make our users group even better—before, during, and after the 2021 AMUG Conference. There will be changes coming, and we will be reporting these through the newsletter, the website, and direct emails to our members.

We wish you and your families a safe and healthy road to a return to some semblance of normalcy. And yes, we are also very anxious to get back to the face-to-face conversations that are at the heart of what makes the AMUG Conference special. Please know that your AMUG Board is here for you,  and we’d love to hear from you!

Webinar Series: Exploring the Potential of Additive Manufacturing

As a way of continuing our engagement with customers, Forward AM has launched a series of 30-minute webinars on a variety of AM topics. The live sessions include a 20-minute presentation with a 10-minute Q&A session. Our webinars are held every other week—with special sessions in between from time to time. If you can’t make it, no worries, you can still sign-up to watch the recorded session.

Past webinar sessions include:

• Individualize your life – with our partner TWIKIT
• Design for Additive Manufacturing – showcasing BASF’s ULTRSIM^®3D, computer simulation software
• Protective Gear – What’s up in 3D printing? – focusing on lattice structures

Coming soon:

• Enabling flexible applications – with HP – June 3 @10am EDT
• Cost effective printing with metal filament at L3Harris – June 10 @11am EDT
• Tools, jigs & fixtures – practical examples – June 17 @10am EDT

For more information about our webinar series, please contact us at webinars@basf-3dps.com.

Register here to watch the recorded session.

Essentium Materials for Accurate, Fast and Safe Assembly Processes

Today, AM has evolved to the point where 3D printing is a viable substitute for many jigs and fixtures used on assembly lines. A number of materials can now meet manufacturing requirements while offering benefits over traditional tools including lighter weight, lower cost, and faster speed of production. 3D printed jigs and fixtures can increase worker safety and help eliminate repetitive motion injuries through the ability to design ergonomic, lightweight tools with an equal or better strength-to-weight ratio than machined parts.

Essentium offers a wide range of industrial-grade open-ecosystem materials to meet most any application and that stand up to the rigors of the toughest manufacturing environments. These include:

• PCTG and PLA: general-purpose materials offering stiffness and impact resistance to provide durability with affordability.
• Nylon and carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon such as PA, TPU 74D, and PA-CF: extremely impact, chemical, and abrasion resistant.
• ESD-safe filaments: non-marring, electrostatically dissipative materials specifically formulated for electronic manufacturing applications.
• TPU 95A and TPU 80A: thermoplastic urethane rubbers that balance superior elasticity with strength and tear resistance.
• High-temperature filaments such as PEEK and high-temperature nylons (HTN): for the most demanding applications.

Find out more at essentium3d.com.

Fixtures benefit from Essentium’s wide range of materials that meet manufacturing performance demands.

Webinar to Share AM Approach Built on Innovation and Experience

Join us for a webinar on Thursday, May 28, at 10:00 am (CDT) and learn how Renishaw’s history of product innovation and world-leading technologies across the spectrum of manufacturing are brought together in its approach to the challenge of AM.

We will cover in-house design, manufacture, and assembly of all Renishaw products to maintain the highest levels of quality, and we will discuss the vertical integration of its extensive experience in the fields of process setting, optics, positional control, digital gauging, and software. Renishaw has consistently been the most vocal advocate of seeing metal AM not as a technological island but as the logical next step in a more connected, efficient chain of “manufacturing enabler” processes.

Primary topics of discussion will be:

• Renishaw’s AM philosophy
• Demonstrate how our industrial metrology experience has informed our AM approach
• An overview of our approach to multi-laser processing

Registration is free; click here to attend!

Additively manufactured part created with a RenAM 500Q.

Join Us for Webinar Wednesday: Additive Advantages in the Medical Industry – Insights from Implantcast

Register for our next edition of Webinar Wednesday on June 3, 2020, and learn how AM can be used in the production of medical parts. The medical industry was one of the early adopters of AM and continues to grow in the uses of the technology. AM has proven to be ideal for the making of implants and devices, and it accelerates the introduction of parts into the market. During the webinar, you’ll hear from Implantcast, a company that has successfully introduced AM implants for orthopedics and ramped up to full-scale production.

This webinar will introduce you to:

• Advantages of AM for orthopedic implants and medical devices
• Ways to use AM for producing medical parts
• Customization and large-scale production of implants

Click here to register for this free session.

For more information about GE Additive visit us at ge.com/additive.

Join our webinar to learn how AM can be used in the production of medical parts.

Advanced Manufacturing Olympics

The Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (AFRSO) is looking toward AM playing a critical role in the enterprise-wide sustainment process. We’re focused on how we can better use AM to create more efficient, effective, affordable, and scalable manufacturing solutions. At the AFRSO, we understand innovation like this doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It will require partnership and collaboration across government, academia, and industry to create these sustainment solutions.

In November 2020, the inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Olympics will seek to engage these diverse communities, bringing them together to tackle some of the Air Force’s most enduring sustainment pain-points. Be prepared to learn, engage, collaborate, and network. Bring your most innovative ideas to the table and help the Air Force advance to new heights in AM.

The Creaform HandyPROBE Next Elite

The HandyPROBE Next portable CMM provides measurement accuracy that is insensitive to the instabilities of any environment. Free of any rigid measurement setup, the portable CMM outperforms traditional CMMs on the shop floor. The C-Track optical tracker and wireless probe can be moved at any time during the measurement sequence and generate the same high-quality data.

This metrology inspection solution helps manufacturing companies eliminate inefficiencies in the manufacturing process and avoid unnecessary expenses.

A few key features of the HandyProbe Next Elite:

• Accuracy – Very high accuracy [0.078 mm (0.0031 in) across 16.6 m³ (586 ft³)]
• Speed – 80 measurements per second
• Wireless – No physical link between the probe and the system for maximum versatility
• Metrology acceptance – ASME B89.4.22 with traceability to NIST
• Each probe is delivered with a personalized certification and fully documented test results

To see our entire scanner lineup, visit our website, or click here to learn more about CATI.

Creaform HandyPROBE.

ExOne Launches #MakeMetalGreen Campaign

ExOne launched a new #MakeMetalGreen social media campaign to educate manufacturers about the sustainability benefits of metal binder jetting technology.

Campaign highlights include:

• New social campaign to focus on sustainability aspects of binder jet 3D printing technology, including shorter supply chains
• Updated design unveiled for company’s production metal printers, featuring green LED lighting to highlight the technology’s sustainability benefits
• New virtual reality experience now available to demonstrate a sustainable metal 3D printing factory in action, also to be showcased at IMTS 2020

“Now is the time for manufacturers to rethink how they manufacture metal parts and take a new look at how binder jet 3D printing can make metal parts and products more sustainably,” said John Hartner, ExOne CEO.”One important aspect of sustainability is shortening supply chains. Our technology can consolidate several parts into one, eliminating extra manufacturing steps, and also reduce the need for parts to be shipped around the world for final assembly.

Click here to learn more about the sustainability benefits of Binder Jet 3D printing.

ExOne’s new metal 3D printers, the X1 160Pro, left, and the X1 25Pro feature a modern new look and green LED lighting to highlight the sustainability qualities.

Open Collaborative Platform UNITE4COVID Launched to Accelerate Covid-19 Solutions

In response to COVID-19, the manufacturing industry continues to provide help to relieve the need for PPE and other safety equipment. To connect those who wish to help with those who seek help, DSM has launched a digital platform, UNITE4COVID.org. The platform makes finding solutions easy by providing transparency on approved COVID-19 solutions.

Healthcare professionals, organizations, institutions and companies looking to protect their patients, employees, and customers can access UNITE4COVID to see and request solutions. Solution providers can utilize the platform to share ideas, solutions, capacity, and more.

UNITE4COVID is an open, industry-wide platform and is being adopted by a range of organizations and manufacturers. The platform is highlighted on the World Economic Forum’s COVID Action Platform as a key effort from the manufacturing community to better connect those with a need to a global network of solution providers.

Join the effort by visiting UNITE4COVID.org.

Join UNITE4COVID, an industry-wide collaborative marketplace and forum designed to provide PPE and other safety equipment to healthcare professionals. (video)

SLM Solutions Concludes Successful Webinar Series, Announces Student Design Contest

SLM Solutions Americas recently wrapped its spring webinar series. Vice president of sales and marketing, Winthrop Sheldon, said, “Webinar attendance was outstanding! We had a great time putting the content together and interacting with attendees. We are the pioneers of metal additive; we are passionate about helping all metal AM users through sharing our expertise and recommendations in using the technology.” The webinar recordings are available for free on SLM Solutions’ website, topics include:

• Laser Overlap: The Success to Multi-Laser Technology
• 4 Advantages of True Open Architecture in Additive Manufacturing
• Understanding the Effects of Process Parameters on the Melt Pool Profile
• Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Safe Approach to Powder Handling

SLM Solutions is also working to continue the expansion of its Additive Alliance Against Corona initiative. Over 30 companies have already joined and are ready and willing to support projects that fight the spread of COVID-19. As part of the alliance, SLM Solutions is also calling on engineering students to submit their product or industrial design ideas that could help fight the COVID-19 virus. Three winners will receive a cash prize, and the first-place winner will have their part printed and featured in SLM Solutions’ 2020 Formnext booth. For more information and to submit your designs, visit the Additive Alliance Against Corona webpage.

View the Recorded Sessions from Dyndrite Developer Council 2020

On April 21-22, 2020, Dyndrite held its inaugural online Dyndrite Developer Council (DDC2020) event. With keynotes from Dyndrite, sponsors HP and NVIDIA, and Todd Grimm, the event set the stage for continued development in the additive industry. Presenters from companies from across the industry included Aon3D, Aconity3D, Plural, 3D Systems, Ansys, Desktop Metal, and more.

The executive panel hosted by Carl Bass, ex-CEO of Autodesk, delivered ‘Views From the Top’ with the CEOs of SLM Solutions and Dyndrite, and senior management from EOS, ExOne, and HP. This lively panel discussed what’s next for the industry and how business models could change going forward in a post-pandemic world.

View the keynote and panel session recordings from DDC2020 now.

Stay tuned for our next event: Dyndrite Investor day – Bringing AM startups and Investors together.

Carl Bass, one of many that shared insights in the DDC2020 event.

Making Better Design More Accessible

Bringing a new product to market has always been challenging, even more so amid a worldwide pandemic and slow-motion economy. The companies developing the products will soon buy needed solutions that lower cost while bringing the best designs to light, faster. To make their jobs easier, Stratasys just launched the J55™ 3F printer. It’s a full-color, multi-material printer that lets designers take an idea and turn it into something that’s virtually indistinguishable from the final product, in the shortest time possible.

This might not seem that different from what’s possible with our enterprise-level J850 printer. The big change is the smaller footprint and the affordable price, making a great design tool much more accessible.

Check out the new J55 and its novel features at Stratasys.com.

The Stratasys J55 3D printer.

3D Printing Is Advancing, and The Cool Parts Show Has the Stories

The Cool Parts Show, Additive Manufacturing’s video series devoted to interesting and unusual 3D printed parts, is releasing new episodes to showcase how AM is advancing even in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

In videos posting throughout May, co-hosts Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson check in with four companies featured in previous seasons: Tangible Solutions shares how its implant business is growing; Cobra Aero describes how a pause in its regular work led to a redesign opportunity for AM; Fitz Frames shows how its custom glasses have been converted into PPE; and Spectrum Dental illustrates what it’s like to be one of many manufacturers contributing to the effort to 3D print test swabs. Watch new episodes at TheCoolPartsShow.com.

Special episodes of The Cool Parts Show will revisit subjects of previous seasons.

News About Shops & AM Advancements

The Additive Report tells the stories of companies that use and advance 3D printing technologies. Below are examples of the articles currently posted on the AR website:

• DI Labs, a Minnesota 3D printing shop, takes an ‘innovative’ approach to meeting customers’ needs and is planning to expand its offerings. Read it here.
• Generative design software, unshackled by the constraints imposed by other design software, is being touted as a good match for AM processes. Read it here.
• PLUS: AM’s use for lightweighting cars; finalists named in a global contest to design/prototype a mechanical ventilator; wire-arc AM … and more.

If you don’t receive the magazine, please subscribe at our website.

DI Labs President Carl Douglass talks about the company’s expansion plans.

New TCT 3Sixty Dates Announced

TCT 3Sixty, our flagship UK event for 3D printing & additive intelligence, has been postponed to 2021.

After careful consideration, and with the safety and wellbeing of our teams, exhibitors, and visitors at the forefront, TCT 3Sixty will now take place June 29 – July 1, 2021, at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, as a result of the unprecedented times and uncertainty surrounding the global Coronavirus pandemic.

This means 2021 will now mark the debut for our reimagined UK event. Visitors can expect a multi-stage conference program offering 360-degree insights into the evaluation, adoption, and optimization of AM technologies, whether you’re choosing a process for the first time or wanting to learn how to maximize your current toolkit. There will also be a host of interactive features, pavilions, content, and networking events, including a meetings program and learning seminars.

Until then, you can stay connected with us digitally and keep up with the latest TCT 3Sixty news via TCT Magazine.

 TCT 3Sixty, postponed to 2021, will offer 360-degree insights on AM technologies.

July 22-23: 5th Annual 3D Metal Printing Experience—A Virtual Event

Stay tuned for details on 3DMP’s July 22-23 virtual event, the 5th Annual 3D Metal Printing Experience, offering top-notch presentations and networking opportunities. New to the schedule: Penn State’s Tim Simpson, who will share Design for AM, a three-part mini-course. Other confirmed speakers: Mark Barfoot, director of additive manufacturing programs at EWI; Travis Hanson, manufacturing engineer at Stratasys Direct; Cullen Hilkene, CEO of 3Diligent; Francisco Medina, associate professor and director of technology and engagement at UTEP/W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation; Mark Norfolk, president of Fabrisonic; and Shannon Van Deren, president of Layered Manufacturing and Consulting.

Read the Spring 2020 issue of 3D Metal Printing—just delivered and online at 3dmpmag.com—for the latest material developments as well as informative editorial on aluminum AM, achieving process repeatability, medical AM, and much more.

www.3dmpmag.com

Spring 2020 issue features a roundup of material developments and details Carpenter Technology’s new Emerging Technology Center (ETC) in Alabama.

Software Bridges the Shift from Prototyping to Production for AM

AM has matured to the point where software is becoming key to further adoption. An interview with Radhika Krishnan, executive vice president, Software Healthcare and Digitization at 3D Systems, offers insight into developments in software as AM becomes part of a hybrid manufacturing environment.

Listen to the podcast or read the transcript here.

Radhika Krishnan, executive vice president, Software Healthcare and Digitization at 3D Systems.

Latest Issue of DE Focuses on Simulation and Pandemic Response

The May 2020 issue of Digital Engineering includes a special focus on both innovative approaches to simulation and updates on industry efforts supporting the healthcare industry during the current pandemic. Senior Editor Kenneth Wong takes a look at the art of distortion compensation when it comes to simulation for AM applications. We’ve also provided coverage of 3D printing efforts to create personal protective equipment and ventilators for the medical industry.

You can download the May issue of Digital Engineering here.

May issue of DE features innovative approaches to simulation and industry efforts to respond to the pandemic.

LAUNCHING – THE D3D 30

We’ve used our industry connections and legendary D3D Community to produce a list of the 30 latest pieces of technology that we believe are going to change the way the industry designs, develops, and manufactures products.

The D3D 30 launches on June 1, 2020, in DEVELOP3D Magazine— read it anywhere; get it here.

June issue of DEVOLOP3D features the 30 technologies that will change design, development, and manufacturing.