Direct Digital Manufacturing Tech Group Presents a Free Rapid Manufacturing Webinar

Join presenters Chris Huskamp of The Boeing Company & Pat Warner from the Renault F1 Team for an SME Direct Digital Manufacturing Tech Group sponsored Webinar titled:

The Rapid Manufacturing Revolution: Keys to Unlocking its Full Potential

Thursday, March 18, 2010 11:00 am
Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York)

These two industry experts will be discussing the requirements of transitioning Rapid Manufacturing from a niche process to a mainstream production method.  Topics will include:

• Identification of system needs
• Evaluation of material advancements required to span the "applications gap"
• Industry shortcomings and a base level of standardization for reported properties (and definitions)
• Design communities and parts without design for manufacturing and assembly  (DFMA) requirements

Click here to register.  It's Free!

3Dproparts to Manufacture Parts for Leading Helicopter Manufacturer

The folks at 3D Systems announced they have received a multi-year contract with a leading helicopter manufacturer to produce Selective Laser Sintered parts.  Production of the in-flight components will take place at a AS9100 certified aerospace manufacturing facility operated by the 3Dproparts Aerospace and Defense Division.

Read the full news release here.

Source: CNN Money

Shapeways | blog: Shapeways interviews Bre Pettis of Makerbot Industries

Shapeways | blog: Shapeways interviews Bre Pettis of Makerbot Industries

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Wired Looks into The Next Industrial Revolution

Tech magazine Wired recently posted this nice little video on their website as part of an article discussing how Open Source, the Online Global Marketplace and Do-It-Yourself attitudes are changing the rules of manufacturing.  Check out the full article here.

Burton Snowboards Utilizes Additive Manufactured Parts for The Board Of Beers

Customization is one of the biggest advantages Additive Manufacturing technologies have to offer.  Burton Snowboards recently utilized the durability of Selective Laser Sintering to create some unique items for a local brew pub at the request of Founder & Chairman, Jake Burton.  

The Shed Brewery in Stowe, VT is a favorite post Mountain destination for locals and tourists alike.  One of hottest items on the menu is the Sample Ski, a mini ski with 6 samples of The Shed's tasty nectar.  After years of irritation that there wasn't a Sample Snowboard, Jake asked the R&D crew to make some custom sample holders based on the Original hand-shaped boards he made back in the day.

Check out the full evolution of The Board of Beers here.

HP Plans Line of 3-D Printers

After a few years of rumors and speculation, Hewlett Packard has announced the launch of HP branded 3D Printers that will be manufactured by Stratasys, an established 3D Printer Manufacurer.  This could be a big step forward in bringing 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing closer to the mainstream with HP's presence in the personal and business printer market in addition to a speculated $15,000 price point.

Several sites and blogs have covered the announcement including Wired, PC World and The Wall Street Journal.  We'll keep you posted on further announcements and info.

3D Printed iPhone Cases Available From FOC and FreshFiber

Freedom of Creation has been pioneering the utilization of Additive Manufacturing technologies to create unique lighting, furniture and fashion accessories for several years now.  And they are breaking into new territory once again by teaming up with European design brand FreshFiber to create these cool 3D Printed iPhone Cases

The cases were launched at GITEX in October, check out the launch video here.

Sources: FOC, FreshFiber, Sufflegazine

uPrint Personal 3D Printer on Gizmag

Dimension's uPrint Personal 3D Printer was highlighted on technology watch site Gizmag for it's affordability to create and manufacture parts in the comforts of your home or small business.  The article includes a nice summary of the 3D printing process including a couple of videos of the printer at work and parts made on the uPrint.  Check out the full story here.

Objet Connex Receives Honorable Mention Award

Material ConneXion has named their MEDIUM Award for Material winners and the Objet Connex systems have received the Material of the Year Award Honorable Mention along with 10 other ground breaking technologies and materials.

Get the full press release here.

3D Bio Printer Developed

After 8 months of development, collaborative partners Invetech and Organovo have announced they will be shipping 3D Bio Printers to research institutions globally in 2010 and 2011.  Utilizing 2 print heads, the printer has been used to grow arteries that could be utilized in surgery.  Head on over to Gizmag to read the full article on this exciting technology.