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Today in Sliced, our 3D Printing Industry news digest, we bring you the most recent business updates, partnerships, and acquisitions in the additive manufacturing sector.
This edition highlights new materials, reseller agreements, software advancements, and the resolution of a lawsuit between Slice Engineering and Anker Innovations Technology Co. Ltd.
Read on to discover the latest news from companies like Eplus3D, Roboze, Xact Metal, and more.
Business Deals and Acquisitions:
Starting off with business news, BIOPROTECE S.A., an orthopedic implant manufacturer based in Argentina, has enhanced its metal additive manufacturing capabilities by partnering with Eplus3D. The acquisition of the EP-M260 Metal 3D Printer has led to a significant 35% increase in market share for BIOPROTECE S.A. The company has shifted from traditional CNC machining to 3D printing, resulting in improved efficiency and shorter production times. They now produce 30% of their implants using advanced 3D printing technology, primarily in titanium, with plans for further expansion to meet growing demand and explore new materials.
Next, Snapmaker, a 3D printer OEM, celebrated its 8th anniversary with a Makerathon event and the launch of the Snapmaker Artisan Premium, a versatile 3-in-1 3D printer. Snapmaker also announced anniversary offers, including discounts, referral bonuses, and a video contest.
In another development, ceramic 3D printing company Lithoz has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) to enhance ceramic 3D printing capabilities for industrial users in the UK. This collaboration will enable MTC engineers to work with Lithoz’s CeraFab System S65 to design and manufacture intricate ceramic structures for various sectors.
AddUp, a metal additive manufacturing company, has introduced LevelUp, a new Service Department focused on enhancing customer support with training, co-design services, qualification support, maintenance, and process optimization.
3D Alliances, an AM consultancy based in Israel, has launched The IMPACT Program, designed to help AM companies optimize their sales strategies and channel networks for growth.
Another notable acquisition is the purchase of National Manufacturing Co. by PrecisionX Group, a portfolio company of CORE Industrial Partners. National Manufacturing specializes in precision deep and shallow drawn stamping, CNC milling, and value-added services for industries such as aerospace, defense, electronics, and medical.
New Materials:
AM 4 AM, a Luxembourg-based materials company, has enhanced the mechanical properties of its HiperAL aluminum alloy for additive manufacturing through patented cold plasma treatment. The material now offers impressive mechanical properties, making it suitable for demanding AM applications.
Nanoscribe and Advanced BioMatrix have partnered to introduce specialized bioresins for Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) 3D printing, aimed at advancing bioprinting capabilities for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Protolabs has launched PA 12 Glass Beads Smooth Grey for its Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing process, offering enhanced heat resistance and dimensional stability for various industries.
Novel Software:
Carbon, a US 3D printer OEM, has introduced AO Stack, a new software tool for its M2 and M3 printers as part of its Automatic Operation suite.
Don’t miss out on these exciting developments in the additive manufacturing sector, and stay tuned for more updates from the industry!
AO Stack, a new innovation from Carbon, is set to revolutionize dental labs by allowing them to print multiple DPR10 models in one unattended run, increasing model output by up to three times. This cutting-edge technology integrates seamlessly into daily operations and is supported by Carbon Academy. Available starting May 17, 2024, AO Stack requires software version 1.41 or above and can be accessed by contacting [email protected]
Brice Harkey, Senior Product Manager of Oral Health at Carbon, expressed excitement about the launch of AO Stack, calling it a milestone in their ongoing quest to provide transformative solutions to customers. By enabling up to three builds worth of models on a single unattended print, AO Stack offers the opportunity for an increase in overnight production capabilities without the need for additional hardware or oversight.
In addition to AO Stack, there have been other notable advancements in the 3D printing industry. Dyndrite, a 3D printing software developer, has introduced support for HP’s Multi-jet Fusion (MJF) and Metal Jet 3D printers with its new print preparation software. This software offers features like automated build preparation, advanced labeling, and fast nesting operations, all aimed at improving production speed, repeatability, and traceability. HP 3D printer users can join the Early Adopter Program for early access and testing of the software.
Furthermore, Berlin-based industrial parts sourcing platform MakerVerse has unveiled its Technology and Material Advisor, a digital tool designed to help users select optimal Additive Manufacturing technologies and materials based on project requirements. With choices across more than twenty properties, designers can easily find suitable materials for both metals and polymers. The advisor includes detailed data sheets for nearly forty materials to facilitate informed decision-making.
Elsewhere, AdditiveLab and AddUp have collaborated on AddUp Manager 7.6, an advanced build preparation software for metal AM. This updated version includes a dedicated simulation engine for the FormUp 350 Powder Bed Fusion machine, enhancing accuracy by predicting stresses and deformations before printing. AddUp Manager allows users to fine-tune variables, customize melting strategies, and visualize laser trajectories, aiming to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and elevate the efficiency of metal 3D printing processes.
In the realm of innovative 3D printing applications, fashion tech designer Laura Civetti, in collaboration with Juanda Cabrera, has created Trinity, a bio 3D printed dress that showcases the potential of bio-based materials in the fashion industry. This dress integrates material properties and human body requirements through computational design, resulting in a versatile material surface. Additionally, architecture and design studio IOUS Studio collaborated with WASP to create Fusion, a 3D printed ceramic wall cladding inspired by the sea and showcased at SaloneSatellite during Milan Design Week.
In other news, Incredible 3D has surpassed 3,000 successful 3D printed implants, solidifying its position as an industry leader in India and Southeast Asia. The company specializes in cranial, maxillofacial, and orthopedic implants, collaborating with surgeons nationwide to enhance patient recovery and rehabilitation. Additionally, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received over $10 million in funding from NASA to develop advanced materials for hypersonic applications, focusing on materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and extended flights.
amsight, a data management and analytics software provider, recently won the Digital Innovation Startup Competition organized by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Recognized for its data-driven software that optimizes costs, quality, and resource efficiency in the AM process chain, amsight was awarded €7,000 and a coaching budget. Furthermore, DyeMansion has launched the Black Diamond Finishing Hub, a rapid 3D printing solution aimed at automating post-processing tasks for enhanced efficiency. A new global online platform now offers Vapor Smoothing, Blasting, and Black Coloring services for PA11 and PA12 materials from any powder bed 3D printer. With a quick turnaround of just 2 working days and no minimum order requirements, this platform complements DyeMansion’s existing hardware and On-Demand Finishing services. Initially launched from Munich and Austin, the hub will expand worldwide through DyeMansion’s global production partner network by year-end, allowing partners to integrate from launch and establish their own hubs via the platform.
In other news, Slice Engineering has resolved a patent dispute with Anker Innovations Technology concerning Slice’s Adaptable High-Performance Extrusion Head for Fused Filament Fabrication Systems. Following the settlement, Slice Engineering can now focus on their core business and customers, serving a global customer base across various industries.
Meanwhile, Xact Metal has partnered with 3Dees Industries to expand access to metal 3D printing solutions in Central Europe, specifically in Czechia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. By introducing laser powder-bed fusion technology, this collaboration aims to enhance accessibility and affordability of metal additive manufacturing for small-to-medium size companies in industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, and healthcare.
Envision Racing in Formula E has chosen Roboze for advanced 3D printing solutions to optimize component production with advanced materials such as Carbon PA PRO and Carbon PEEK. This strategic partnership aims to enhance performance, reduce manufacturing errors, improve efficiency, and advance sustainability efforts in the fully electric World Championship racing series.
Lastly, Frankfurt has announced Formnext Chicago 2025, expanding the AM trade fair to the US market in alliance with AMT and Gardner Business Media. Scheduled for 8-10 April 2025, Formnext Chicago aims to showcase the complete industrial process chain for AM and introduce the benefits of AM to new US companies and industries, fostering business connections and expanding Mesago Messe Frankfurt’s tailored AM events globally. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
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