Motorola Mobility, a Google company, is building a 3D printed modular phone, and has partnered with 3D Systems for commercial fulfillment. More »
The Captured Dimensions pop-up studio was located in the Smithsonian Castle and featured approximately 80 digital cameras all connected to 3D software. More »
Microsoft expanded their support for 3D printing by launching a Windows 8 app called 3D Builder. It includes a library of objects you can edit and 3D print. More »
3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced the availability of the Sense 3D scanner, the first 3D scanner designed for the consumer and optimized for 3D printing. More »
With rumors circling that 3D Systems will be purchased by IBM, the stock soars. We look at why IBM might be interested in the 3D printing giant. More »
Search Results for: 3d printer
Demonstrating the Versatility and Variety of 3D Printing [Video]
We know that 3D printing can be used to manufacture a variety of different goods, but until now we have not seen the range of items that can be born out of a single printer.
In the video below, Objet’s Sam Green showcases his collection of favorite 3D printed objects. These include:
- Single material printing of complex finished assemblies
- Multi-material 3D printing
- Combinations of rigid materials for art pieces and product design
- Combinations of rigid and rubber-like materials for household tools
- ABS grade engineering plastic for performance
I personally like the intricately designed snake skeleton and gear designs. Since the objects are printed fully assembled, there are no seams or joins but still very complex moving parts.
From Sam Green:
In short, inkjet-based 3D printing is the only technology that can really simulate the true look, feeland function of complex assembled goods. And this is thanks to the wide variety of materials and the inkjet process itself – which can simultaneously jet different materials from the separate inkjet head nozzles. This enables you to combine materials to create different color shades, different Shore A values and even simulate engineering plastic durability. It also allows you to selectively place different materials within a single model.
Via Objet
3D Printing Earns Top 10 Fastest Growing Industries, Beats Hot Sauce Production
IBISWorld produced its April 2012 special report on the Top 10 Fastest-Growing Industries. 3D Printer Manufacturing was #6.
Full ranking:
- Generic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Solar Panel Manufacturing
- For-Profit Universities
- Pilates & Yoga Studios
- Self-Tanning Product Manufacturing
- 3D Printer Manufacturing
- Social Network Game Development
- Hot Sauce Production
- Green & Sustainable Building Construction
- Online Eyeglasses & Contact Lens Sales
Named companies for 3D Printing were:
- 3D Systems Corp.
- Stratays Inc.
- Z Corporation
The report below suggests that 3D printer manufacturing will be $1.7 billion in 2012 growing to $3.3 billion in 2017. Read the full report below.
A Look Back at the History of MakerBot, 3D Printing Pioneer [Video]
MakerBot TV has kicked off its second seasons with a look back at the history of MakerBot Industries. Ramen noodles and pure adrenaline were the keys to early perseverance in 2009. As the first 3D printer units shipped, the team scaled from borrowed space and 1 employee to a dedicated office with a team of 85.
Watch the video below hosted by Annelise Jeske (@MakerBotTV).
3D Printing Changes the Game for Scientific Experiments [Video]
Researches are leveraging 3D printing technology to conduct new types of experiments, specifically by turning the container used in the experiment into a reactive material.
Leroy Cronin, a chemist at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, published their work in the April 15 edition of Nature Chemistry, including the method of generating custom labware made to suit individual researchers’ needs.
Looking beyond this experiment, Cronin sees 3D printing playing a pivotal role in scientific progress:
In the distant future, Cronin envisions that researchers and perhaps even ordinary consumers could download 3D printing programs similar to smart-phone applications. Such applications might instruct the printer to create a vessel that has a pre-programmed and fully tested chemical reaction built in.
The video below highlights the work of Cronin and his colleagues.
Via Nature.
Stratasys Merges with Objet to Create 3D Printing Powerhouse in $1.4 Billion Deal
Consolidation is in the air! Last week we saw 3D Systems acquire My Robot Nation. This week, Stratasys (NASDAQ:SSYS) announced a plan to merge with Objet Ltd. in an all-stock transaction valuing the newly combined company at $1.4 billion, according to a press release.
The combined company, which will retain the Stratasys name and operate under the name Stratasys Ltd., will have dual headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel, the locations of Stratasys’ and Objet’s current headquarters, respectively, and will be registered in Israel. The company will continue to trade on NASDAQ under the ticker SSYS. Scott Crump, co-founder, current chief executive officer and chairman of Stratasys, will become full-time chairman of the combined company. Upon completion of the transaction, the combined company will also form an executive committee comprised of four members of the board of directors whose duties will include overseeing the integration of Stratasys and Objet and implementing the combined company’s business strategy. Elchanan Jaglom, current chairman of Objet, will serve as chairman of the executive committee of the combined company.
We recently featured Stratasys’s Global 3D Printing Design Competition and Objet’s role in Hollywood Special Effects.
Stratasys beat analysts expectations for Q1 2012, pulling in revenue of $45 million compared to expectations of $42 million.
Stratasys classifies itself as “a leading manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems for prototyping and manufacturing applications”, and privately held Objet Ltd. as “a leading manufacturer of 3D printers for rapid prototyping.” Once merged, this entity will have an undeniable leadership position in the emerging 3D printing industry.
More details of the merger are available in an investor presentation prepared by Stratasys.
The merger story is also covered by Yahoo! Finance and the Wall Street Journal.
