Tag: #3dprinting

AnkerMake’s New 3D Printer Makes Its Debut with the AnkerMake M5

The first 3D printer designed to improve the user experience by reducing printing time up to 70%. The AnkerMake M5 is available today on Kickstarter.com, starting at a super early bird price of $429.

“3D printers help us imagine a world where ideas and creative concepts can be instantly transformed into physical form. However, the reality is 3D printing can be slow, cumbersome, and difficult to figure out,” said Steven Yang, CEO of Anker Innovations. “AnkerMake is committed to removing these pain points so that artists, inventors, hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts can take advantage of a more practical tool to bring their creations to life.”

The AnkerMake M5 solves the most critical issues that have prevented 3D printing from becoming a more mainstream endeavor. These issues include slow print speeds, the need to constantly supervise printing for errors and a needlessly complicated user experience.

AnkerMake M5 3D printer techbuzzireland

The AnkerMake M5 solves these issues by delivering:

Quick and Easy Assembly

3D printing has never been this accessible. The M5 is designed is easy to set up in just three steps within 15 minutes. Several user-friendly features including 7×7 auto-leveling, PEI soft magnetic printing bed, auto-resume after power outage and printing notifications. These enhancements help the user focus completely on their prints instead of technical aspects and handcrafting.

A New Standard in Print Speeds

Thanks to its new PowerBoost technology, the AnkerMake M5 basic print speed is 250 mm/s, which can be used for printing jobs that require a smoother and more detailed finish. For faster print jobs, perfect for prototyping and less detailed finishes, the M5 can save even more time with an acceleration of the extruder up to 2,500 mm/s². In this print mode, the M5 can reduce the average print times by up to 70% in comparison to other 3D printers.

Stable, Quality Printing

The aluminum alloy die-casting design increases the weight of the base, reducing the center of gravity of the machine. The sleek design makes printing more stable and allows fast speeds and extreme acceleration. The installation error of the base is also reduced, improving the accuracy of the printing tool and surface even at high speeds with 0.1 mm precision.

AI Print Monitoring

The built-in HD camera will monitor print jobs for issues like layer splitting, spaghetti mess or nozzle plugging. When it detects an issue, the AnkerMake M5 will alert users. This feature helps avoid wasting time and valuable printing materials.

Live WebCam View With Time Lapse

Users can view live feeds of their print jobs from anywhere using the AnkerMake mobile app. Time lapse videos are also automatically generated after the printing job is complete. With an adaptive light-sensing algorithm, users can see the printer output clearly, even at night.

Smart, Connected Printing

The AnkerMake M5 can be seamlessly connected and controlled through both the AnkerMake mobile app and AnkerMake slicing software1. Multi-device management and remote messaging notifications enable the user to start printing from their smartphone or computer anytime, anywhere.

Additional Specs:

• 5X industry average print speed (250 mm/s in standard print mode)

• 2,500 mm/s² in accelerated print mode

• Can reduce average print time by up to 70 percent

• AI print monitoring with auto shut-off

• Integrated HD cam with remote viewing

• Supports WiFi and USB connectivity

• Easy filament loading and extraction with heat assist

• Magnetic base for easy removal and cleaning

• Weight: 12.4 kg / 27.3 lb

• Measurement: 502x438x470 mm / 19.76×17.24×18.50 inches

Price & Availability

The AnkerMake M5 3D printer is available on Kickstarter.com starting today for special, limited super early bird price of $429. The normal early bird price is $499

Quad Lock Accelerates Their Smartphone Mount Development with Ultimaker. #3Dprinting

 Ultimaker, the global leader in professional 3D printing, today announces that Quad Lock, an award-winning smartphone-mounting solutions provider from Australia, utilizes Ultimaker 3D printing solutions to keep up with the shorter product life cycles of smartphones. For Quad Lock it is key to react quickly when new smartphone models come to market that require different levels of protection and vibration dampening from a smartphone bike mount. To stay ahead of competition, Quad Lock uses 3D printing to speed up the development of new mounts. This led to the development of the award-winning Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, already trusted by millions of bikers worldwide to protect, and stabilize their new smartphones in extreme use conditions such as motorcycling. Imaginables, partner of Ultimaker in Australia, served as a support partner to Quad Lock delivering various types of Ultimaker 3D printers.

Iterate quicker with 3D printing
The latest generation of smartphone cameras hold multiple lenses, image stabilization, and AI software which rivals the sophistication of professional SLR cameras. However, they don’t always stabilize and perform well when mounted on motorcycles that produce high levels of vibration. To stay leading and have new products in market quickly that solve these issues, Quad Lock developed a flexible research, design and development process that is based on iterating quickly and gather lab and field test feedback almost as quickly as they can design and print a new part. Various types of Ultimaker printers were used to print prototypes strong enough to withstand hours of testing on a vibration test rig, from which the team gathered valuable feedback and data. This resulted in the Quad Lock Vibration Dampener, an innovative smartphone mount that fully protects and stabilizes the newest generation of smartphones models in extreme use conditions.

Chris Peters, Co-founder & Chief Innovation Officer: “In some instances, it was possible to produce multiple design iterations in a single day, which inspired new levels of creativity and ingenuity in the team. Ultimaker’s 3D printing solutions helped us design a unique product with much lower development cost and time. The quick feedback loops and high strength of the 3D printed physical components allowed us to develop a solution that now serves millions of bikers across the globe. Additive manufacturing technology is here to stay and fully embedded in our design, prototyping and production processes.” 

Jürgen von Hollen, CEO at Ultimaker: “3D printing has become a genuine transformative business solution and Quad Lock’s award-winning Vibration Dampener project is an exciting proof point. This team has discovered the level of flexibility and sustainable value they can achieve with flexible technologies like 3D printing, which sets the company up for great continued success. They are in a market where things change at a fast clip. Their deployment of 3D printing is exemplary and no doubt one of their keys to continued market leadership.” 

The new McLaren 720S includes 3D printed parts. #3DPrinting #McClaren720S

Along with aerospace, robotics and education, the automotive industry remains one of the key sectors adopting and embracing 3D printing.  Not only does the industry use the technology for components and tooling equipment, but also for the customisation of parts, for example, wall panels, bumpers and car doors. 

3D printing functional parts has become more prevalent in the automotive sphere, especially with the adoption of additive manufacturing technology, Selective Laser Sintering. However, the ultra-lightweight McLaren 720S has made the headlines because of its completely exposed exterior made from carbon fibre, combined with the use of 3D printed parts to improve vehicle performance. 

We look at the people behind the innovation, the differences it makes to high-end vehicle functionality and why the McLaren 720S could mark the start of a new age in the manufacture of high-performance cars. 

McLaren 720S Light-weight advantages 

Specialists in aftermarket carbon fibre and ECU tuning, 1016 Industries works on exclusive and exotic cars across the world and has already used 3D printing technology for prototypes and the production of spare parts. They worked alongside Abushi to produce the main parts for this ultra-lightweight 720S sports car. 

The fully functional parts of the special edition model are up to around 9% lighter than the original factory model, with the combined use of 3D printing and carbon fibre dropping its weight from 1,419 kg. Founder of 1016 Industries, Peter Northrop says that the main aim was to see how 3D printing and carbon fibre processes could work together in auto design. The new model is the result of ‘years of extensive field testing and design validation. He states that it’s no secret that 3D printing makes way for more ‘nimble manufacturing’ but the process has also allowed engineers to apply improvements to the ‘quality and precision of each functional part’.  

How were the 720S parts made? 

Typically, automotive parts manufacture is an extensive process incorporating the use of conjoined pieces for the making of the panels. However, using an extremely high-resolution resin 3D printer used for creating large scale models, the 720S components were made in just 120 hours and with one single piece, which helps to strengthen the structure of the part. 

The research and design process adopted by 1016 also provided ways to adapt the printing to scaled manufacturing development. 1016 used Computational Fluid Dynamics to help improve ergonomics, an especially important feature for performance sports cars. The 3D printed parts on the vehicle include the inner bumper structures, outer door wings and the hood and as linkages within the wing kit. 

The full process, which resulted in thousands of hours of engineering, means that prototypes as well as final designs were able to be produced. The company now plans for tooling to be made via 3D printing for the moulds of the 720S and possibly other performance cars it works on in the future. 

3D printing in the auto industry

As the call increases for greater performance in standard vehicles, as well as performance cars, 3D printing makes way for the production of more ‘performance enhanced’ features, and an improvement in the overall production process with the use of 3D printed tooling equipment. For example, Volkswagon’s Autoeuropa factory which began using 3D printing for tool production a few years ago, now uses it predominantly for inhouse tooling production of jigs and grips to help cut costs from 70% to 95%, as well as reducing lead times.  

3D printing to help improve sports car performance 

When it comes to sports vehicles like the McLaren 720S, other manufacturers, such as Porsche, has also incorporated the technology into their prototype production. More recently, the company created 3D printed aluminium pistons for the engineering of its iconic 911 GT2 RS model, in partnership with mechanical engineering company, Trumpf, MAHLE. The inclusion of the 3D printed pistons supports greater efficiency to boost the Horse Power of the vehicle. Frank Ickinger, Porsche project team leader said that the technology makes it possible to reach 30 PS more power from the 700 PS biturbo engine, and the same time, efficiency is improved. 

A new era in 3D printing for performance vehicles? 

The overall developments in 3D printing across the auto industry have been impressive, however, as the first to use ‘000’ carbon fibre features, together with additive manufactured parts, the engineering of the McLaren 720S potentially marks one of the most exciting developments in 3D printing. 

Along with the prospect of producing vehicle body components in large scale manufacturing processes and plans to do more with 3D printed components for the other high-performance vehicles it works on, the story for 3D printing for performance has not come to a conclusion yet. Coupled with mainstream vehicle manufacturing’s commitment to 3D printing adoption and continued research, it looks like we can certainly expect further developments all round in the automotive sector. 

How 3D Printers Took Over And What Makes Them So Special

Data shows that 3D printing was happening as early as the 1980s. However, the commercial use of 3D printers was not widely adopted until the late 2000s. In the late 90s and early 2000s, the focus of making 3D printers shifted to address small commercial needs. This meant that the printers had to be more user-friendly and, most importantly, affordable. 

In 2007, 3D Systems released the first sub $10,000 3D printer. In hindsight, this looks expensive, but back in the days, it was a great deal that placed the entire industry under immense pressure to develop affordable commercial printers,There is a business printer supplier for Adelaide that offers to rent a printer for small businesses.


Just under two years later, the first commercial 3D printer entered the market. The machine, BfB Rapman, was based on the RepRap (replicating rapid prototyping) technology developed at the University of Bath in England by Dr. Adrian Bowyer. In a few months, Makerbot and dozens of other companies released consumer printers, with the prices falling to less than $1000. 

Today, additive manufacturing has become mainstream, with the machines being super affordable, more efficient, and versatile. You can get a superb 3D printer for as low as $300 for printing home toys and other models. On the other end of the spectrum, scientists are pushing the limits with 3D-bioprinting of functional human organs like the bladder and kidneys. 3D printers are expected to get even better with the current technological advancement. The $13 billion+ industry is also looking at significant growth, with data projecting a CAGR of over 26% by 2024. 


Types Of 3D Printers

 

Below are three of the most popular types of 3D printing:

1. Stereolithography (SLA)

 

Stereolithography printing started with original 3D printing back in the 80s, and it’s still relevant to date. The printers work through a process known as photopolymerization to create hardened plastic structures from liquid resin. The models from these printers have incredibly high levels of detail. They usually have tight tolerance and smooth surface finishes making the printer ideal for functional parts, molds, and patterns. SLA printers are commonly used in short-run production, dental application, functional prototyping, rapid prototyping, jewelry prototyping, and concept modeling.

2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

 

Selective Laser Sintering printing forms solid structures from nylon powders using a high-power laser. SLS printers work really well to produce the desired structures without the need for dedicated supports. Selective laser sintering printing does a great job of showing complex geometries. The structures from this printer also have excellent mechanical characteristics.

SLS is widely used for functional prototyping and custom manufacturing 

3. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

 

This is the most popular 3D printing technology at the consumer level, thanks to its cost-effective nature. The printers exclude plastic filaments through a hot nozzle where the plastic is melted before it’s applied layer-by-layer to create a platform and ABS and PLA are the commonly used materials in FDM printers. FDM is commonly used for basic models and simple prototyping.

What Are The Benefits Of 3d Printing?

 


1. Cost-Effective

 

The upfront cost of acquiring a 3D printer may be high, but the running expenses are usually affordable. This is one of the most significant benefits of 3D printing, and it sets printers apart from formative manufacturing processes. You don’t need operators to monitor the process at all times. You could set up the machine and let it do the job on its own. This effectively cuts down on unnecessary wages and expenses. 3D printing also minimises wastage. The machines use materials accurately on each part.

2. Rapid Prototyping

 

Compared to machining prototyping, 3D printing is so much faster. This makes it both convenient and cost-effective. It’ll speed up your prototyping process allowing you to create structures in a matter of hours.

3. More customization options

 

3D printing allows designers to create more complex and detailed models. Besides the basic structures like toys, you can print detailed gaming miniatures and architectural models. This is especially true when you are using printers like Selective Laser Sintering and Stereolithography.

4. Accessible

 

3D printers are becoming more accessible by the day. There are so many consumer-level printers retailing for less than $1000. Additive manufacturing companies also provide detailed printing services using some of the best machines in the industry at very competitive prices.

5. Environmentally friendly 

 

Wastage of materials is little to non-existent when using 3D printers. The same cannot be said for traditional manufacturing processes.

6. Risk Reduction

3D printing allows companies to acquire prototypes of projects like complex buildings before investing their funds. This reduces the risk of pouring millions of dollars on a project only to find out that it doesn’t meet the desired expectations at a later stage.

Additive manufacturing has come a very long way. Not only are the current printers affordable, but the performance has also increased tremendously. It’ll be very interesting to see what the future holds for this industry.

What is 3D Printing and How it Works

It seems like everyone from the Caribbean to the gigantic glaciers of Antarctica is talking about 3D printing these days, but what does it mean? Christened as “The next face of technology” by experts, 3D printing has become a lingo across industries such as health, manufacturing, and even construction. What’s more, a particular company in the healthcare domain has attempted to recreate a man’s face using 3D printed bone. Sounds fancy.

3D printing has been around for decades. In the past, the craft was expensive and only left to big industries. Today, 3D printers are available to the average consumer. With as little as £500, you can buy a 3D printer and start building your designs. That said, let’s cover everything you need to know about 3D printing. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be more than ready to start “printing” commodities.

 

What’s a 3D Printer?

These are sophisticated, next-generation machines that can build everyday things. They can produce different types of objects, in other materials, all from one device. With a professional hand, the team at PRTWD.com explains that you can turn your designs into a physical product. A 3D printer can make anything from plastic toys, machine parts, ceramic parts, or even (one day in the future) parts of the human body. These printers replace conventional factory production lines with a single machine, just like smartphones replaced landline phones. With a 3D printer, the sky’s the limit!

What 3D Printing Means

Commonly termed additive manufacturing, 3D printing builds layer by layer: this is different from conventional manufacturing that assembles other parts or uses moulds. When it comes to 3D printing, many people have a hard time understanding the basics. Here’s a simple exercise to help you know it:

 

  • · Head over to your home printer and switch it on
  • · Print any text on the paper
  • · Take a microscope and observe the text

 

After using the microscope, you’ll quickly note that the letters don’t just stain the paper —they’re sitting lightly on the surface of the page. Now pay attention; this next part is essential. If you print the same page a few hundred or thousand times, the ink will build layers on top of each other. This, in turn, creates a solid 3D model of each number or letter. This idea of building a physical form out of small layers is how 3D printers work.

3D Software

 

The success of 3D printing relies on different software architecture. Luckily, these tools are available in the market. Many vendors supplying 3D printers also provide software guides to help consumers in their printing. If you’re a beginner, experts recommend starting with Tinkercad. Tinkercad is free and is compatible with major internet browsers. Even better, Tinkercad offers beginner tutorials for the novice printer. It also has an in-built feature to help you export your models as printable files.

Best Examples of 3D Printing

3D printing encircles several forms of materials and technologies. Why is this so? As mentioned above, many industries have adopted 3D printing as a means of material production. That said, you can view 3D printing as an assemblage of diverse industries with many different applications. Here are some examples:

 

  • prosthetics
  • dental products
  • re-building ancient artifacts
  • movie props
  • Industrial products (prototypes, functional end-use parts, etc.)

3D Printers: How they Work

3D printers function relatively easier than you think. First, you start by designing a 3D object on your computer software. Second, connect your 3D printer to your computer, and press ‘print.’ Finally, sit back and watch everything unfold. Sounds easy, right? You’re mistaken. You’ll need to have some fundamental basics in 3D printing before you can make your designs. But once you understand it — the sky’s the limit/

Benefits of 3D Printing

3D printing production provides more benefits compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The services include those related to design, cost, time, among many. Here are two main advantages of 3D printing:

 

  • Flexibility: With 3D printing, you can design and print better designs than traditional manufacturing processes.
  • Print on Demand: 3D printing doesn’t require spacious areas to stock inventory, unlike conventional manufacturing processes. This way, you save on space and costs as you don’t need to print in bulk unless required.

 

3D printing is changing the manufacturing processes in many industries. Today, many companies in different sectors are embracing the 3D printing process. Even better, 3D printers are now accessible even to the average consumer. This way, you can start making your designs and selling them to consumers. Over to you!

 

Technological advancements within Fashion – how is It driving growth #3DPrinting #Tech #Fashion #AI

From the textiles used in garment manufacturing to creating a sustainable supply chain, technological advancements are set to innovate fashion in countless ways. For a long time, the processes used in the fashion sector have remained remarkably unchanged. In the coming years, however, we can expect big things!
As of 2020, fashion generates an estimated $664b revenue, making it one of the biggest industries in the world. Because of this, technological innovations within this sector are set to be nothing less than world-changing and, if implemented correctly, technology in fashion could make an unfathomable change in creating a greener, cleaner world.
From big data to Blockchain technology, let’s take a look at the innovations that we can expect to see in the world of fashion over the coming years and consider the monumental difference that they are going to make.

Novel fabrics

Over recent years, we’ve made some big steps towards more ethical fabric practices. However, new fabrics such as vegan leather are actually damaging to the environment due to their high plastic content. In answer to this, scientists have been developing new novel fabrics, such as lab-grown leather and sustainably produced ‘super-strong’ spider silk.
Tech giant, Google, is also getting involved in this new era of fabric creation. The Google ATAP (advanced technology and projects) lab is currently working on the creation of touch-responsive textiles that are made from conductive threads. These fabrics are being developed further, and there are even plans for colour-changing fabric development within the ATAP lab. These fabrics will be designed to change colour in relation to moods, settings, or temperatures.

Artificial Intelligence

From customer service to inventory tracking, Artificial Intelligence is already becoming a powerful tool that brands can use to predict trends and get ahead of the game. Virtual wardrobes and automated wardrobe planning tools allow users to get creative with their shopping—improving the user experience while also giving brands access to unique, instant, customer data.
AI is also set to personalise the world of fashion down to the finest detail. Some brands are already utilising online ’fit engines’ that help users find the perfect style and fit for them. Say goodbye to the ‘one size fits all’ approach—thanks to AI, the world of fashion is about to get more personal than ever before.

Blockchain

Associated most with the record-keeping of bitcoin technology, blockchain tech is set to revolutionise the way the fashion is shipped, traced, and recorded. Each ‘Block’ within the blockchain is made up of specific pieces of data that store unique digital information about a transaction. This information includes the date and time of the transaction, as well as the monetary value of the purchase.
In the world of fashion, blockchain technology is an up and coming way in which brands are improving their supply chains. Every movement of a product on a supply chain will be recorded on the blockchain, creating a physical-digital link between each product and their digital identities. This unique link means that fakes will be obvious and therefore counterfeiting can be easily detected. Any attempt to divert goods can also be easily tracked in a blockchain system.

3D printing

Speaking of colour-changing technology, those working in the exciting field of 3D printing are also currently working on the development of colour-changing fabric. Using ‘photochromic inks’ that changes colour when exposed to certain wavelengths of UV light, scientists are developing garments and jewellery pieces that have the ability to shift between hues. The first success in this field was the creation of a ring that can be programmed into numerous customisable colours.
As well as colourful innovations like this one, 3D printing is working to innovate the textile industry in many other ways. From accessories to women’s trainers, the possible 3D printing creations seem to be limitless!
3D printing has been used in the realms of runway fashion for a while now. Think back to 2010, when Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen made a statement with her “Crystallization” top, a geometric garment which was 3D printed from white polyamide. Over the next few years, 3D printing will no longer be confined to the catwalk but implemented on a much larger scale as part of the standard fashion supply chain.
From sustainability to the empowerment of individuals, technology is destined to revolutionise the textiles industry on every scale. With increased productivity and ultimate user understanding, the world of fashion will be re-modelled over the coming years and, thanks to technology, the end result will be more efficient, greener, and uniquely suited to every shopper out there.

Sources

https://techpacker.com/blog/design/top-7-fashion-technology-trends/
https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/apparel/how-apply-new-technologies-apparel
https://3dinsider.optitex.com/fashion-supply-chain-technology-rises-challenge/
https://www.statista.com/outlook/244/100/fashion/worldwide
https://www.irisvanherpen.com/haute-couture/crystallization