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What is Metrology Part 2: FARO https://ift.tt/2yib9DN FARO is a company doing a lot in terms of 3D measurement, imagining, and realization technology. They develop and manufacture leading edge solutions that enable high-precision 3D capture, measurement and analysis across a variety of industries including manufacturing, construction, engineering and public safety. Some of their goals include: enabling faster, more accurate, compelling and useable 3D documentation, accelerating execution timelines, minimizing in field 3D documentation & measurement times, shrinking margin impacting scrap & rework costs, as well as reducing product development risks. FARO’s global headquarters are located in Lake Mary, Florida. The Company also has a technology center and manufacturing facility consisting of approximately 90,400 square feet located in Exton, Pennsylvania containing research and development, manufacturing and service operations of our FARO Laser Tracker and FARO Cobalt Array 3D Imager product lines. The Company’s European regional headquarters is located in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia Pacific regional headquarters is located in Singapore. FARO has other offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland, India, China, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Australia and Japan. Today I will talk about the company and some of its products. Something of interest to me in terms of Faro is their insight & resources page. The Insights Center helps one find the information needed to explore, learn and master 3D technology in the industry. This page is telling in how FARO is committed to being an organization that wants to help educate others within the overall field of 3D technology. With them focusing on enabling others to do well, it also builds their brand name as well. They give access to free trials for different software tools they provide and interaction with specialists at live events. FARO is an organization that provides 3D metrology solutions to different companies. For more than 30 years, FARO Technologies, Inc. has been a company driven by a relationship between the creators and users of measurement technologies. FARO had its start between two friends working on their PhDs in biomedical engineering at McGill University in Montreal. Simon Raab and Greg Fraser founded Res-Tech on February 21, 1981, the name was changed to FARO two years later when they began developing technology and software to support advanced surgical and diagnostic methods. They introduced their first articulated-arm measurement technology in 1984, with additional models following in 1986 and 1988. In 1993 they repositioned the company to focus on the industrial space. FARO offers various hardware equipment to organizations. Their list of hardware products include:
The FaroArm is a CMM used for a variety of applications. The FaroArm is available in three different models with various system integrations. These include QuantumS, QuantumM, and QuantumE; with several laser line probe options. It is also available as part of a combined Super 6 Degrees of Freedom TrackArm solution, when integrated with a FARO Vantage laser tracker system, for large complex inspection applications. As the first portable CMM arm in the market to be internationally certified to ISO 10360-12 standards, FARO has the inspection tool solution, when accuracy is a must! Designed with consistency and reliability in mind, the FARO 3D measuring arm performs in a wide range of work environments including extreme temperatures, shop floors, and mobile environments. FARO Vantage Laser Trackers optimize workflow productivity for large-scale metrology applications including, but not limited to, assembly alignment, part and assembly inspection, machine installation and alignment, and reverse engineering. Both compact and portable; the Vantage line of laser trackers offers an array of features:
The FARO Cobalt Array 3D Imager is a metrology-grade non-contact scanner which captures millions of high resolution 3D coordinate measurements in seconds. The Cobalt Array Imager is equipped with dedicated on-board processors. The smart sensor allows multi-imager array configurations which expand the scan area to deliver rapid, automated and comprehensive inspection; dramatically improving cycle time. The actionable data is then displayed as simple go/no-go result or an easy-to-read dimensional deviation color map. The Cobalt Array Imager is designed for the factory floor so it can be used anywhere inspection is needed, thereby aligning to lean manufacturing principles of eliminating unnecessary movements and time. Cobalt delivers large measurements for dimensional inspection and reverse engineering applications on parts, assemblies, and tooling. Cobalt’s versatility supports a variety of deployment options including tripod, rotary table, robot, industrial inspection cells and multiple imager arrays. The Focus Series of 3D scanners consist of three laser scanners with different ranges: Focus 350 for long-range measurements up to 350m, Focus 150 for mid-range measurements up to 150m and Focus 70, perfectly suitable for short-term measurements up to 70m. With their sealed design, all S Laser Scanner models are certified via the industry-standard Ingress Protection (IP) Rating, and classified in Class 54 for environmental protection. The devices are built to safeguard against intrusions such as dirt, dust, fog and rain as well as other outdoor elements which typically occur in challenging scanning conditions. An extended temperature range allows scanning in extreme environments, such as deserts. Outside the previously outlined products within Faro’s portfolio, they have various photonics and optics based technologies. All of these technologies have complementing software. The organizations then provide these technologies to different organizations that would like to use them for different purposes. It is an all encompassing model of ingratiating a company to the field of 3D metrology and general metrology as a whole. This is a quick overview of some of their products as they are a major player within the field of metrology. We will continue to look into different organizations and technology within the metrology field. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 28, 2019 at 11:45PM
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Fraunhofer ILT Heads Up AddSteel: Development of New Materials for the Steel Industry through Additive Manufacturing https://ift.tt/2Ymlae0 The North Rhine-Westphalia Leitmarkt project AddSteel has just been announced, targeting digitalization of the steel industry. This project launch marks the beginning of a three-year project headed up by SMS group GmbH, a plant engineering company headquartered in Mönchengladbach. The AddSteel project team has already met with success in one of their initial projects, developing the first case-hardening and heat-treatable steel powders designed specifically for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) applications. Now, a main focus of AddSteel will be to qualify developed materials for metallic LPBF processes at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen. One impetus behind this project is declining sales for steelmakers in Germany—specifically in North Rhine-Westphalia. With progressive materials and technology, steelmakers will have the opportunity for a new advantage in the economy overall; however, this means meeting a wide range of demands for customers who may be involved in complex endeavors, requiring complex products that are lightweight, can be made more efficiently, and may be more affordable too (a good example would be crash-resistant parts for cars). Metallic 3D printing allows users to take manufacturing to the next level, creating high-performance components with better functionality—and increased sustainability for the steel industry. The AddSteel project ties in with the work scientists have been involved in at Fraunhofer ILT for the past few years, beginning with a prototyping method for LPBF which has now evolved into a comprehensive industrial process for fabrication of complex geometries in low batch volume. Using digital data also helps to improve part performance. Currently, LPBF is being used in applications like aerospace and medicine to make complex parts, but there are still limitations in producing case-hardening and heat-treatable steel, with a lack of qualified, suitable materials. Development of new steel materials is a serious undertaking, however, as it requires more than just refinement of technique and hardware. Researchers must possess all the correct elements in just the right combination, along with the help and resourcefulness of metallurgists.
AddSteel was created to solve these issues, with support from North Rhine-Westphalia’s Leitmarkt funding program, and the following partners:
Find out more about the project at formnext 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany, from November 19th – 22nd, at the Fraunhofer joint booth D51 in Hall 11. Fraunhofer ILT is a huge contributor to the realm of additive manufacturing processes, bringing forth so many other projects too—from sensor technology, to new techniques in the medical field, better precision and speed in 3D printers, lasers, and far more. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com. [Source / Images: Fraunhofer ILT] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 28, 2019 at 12:52AM BASF Commercializing Metal-Polymer 3D Printing Composite Material with iGo3D, MatterHackers, and Ultimaker https://ift.tt/2ZpoQg4 BASF 3D Printing Solutions, a subsidiary of German chemical company BASF that’s focused entirely on 3D printing, has been working to build up its materials inventory over the past two years. In 2017, BASF formed a partnership with Essentium for the purposes of developing more robust FFF 3D printing materials. A new partnership focuses on the industrial Ultrafuse filament family, which includes extra-strong Ultrafuse Z for the desktop. Now, it’s introducing a new Ultrafuse material: Ultrafuse 316L metal-polymer composite.
In the past, FFF was limited to just using thermoplastics. But BASF Ultrafuse 316L is a metal filament with polymer content, the latter of which acts as a binder during the printing process. The main polymer content, or primary binder, from the ‘green’ part is removed through catalytic debinding, which then results in the brown part of pure metal particles and the residual (secondary) binder. Industry-standard debinding and sintering processes take this secondary binder out of the brown part, while the metal particles combine. Post-sintering is when the material achieves its final hardness and strength properties – 316L stainless steel. Ultrafuse 316L was specifically designed for safe, cost-effective printing of fully stainless steel objects on open FFF 3D printers for metal tooling, prototypes, and functional parts. Now, BASF has begun to commercialize the material with a trio of companies – professional desktop 3D printing solutions provider iGo3D, 3D printing retailer MatterHackers, and desktop 3D printing leader Ultimaker.
The risk of defects is lower, and the success rate higher, when using Ultrafuse 316L due to the metal content being in the high 90% range, and an even distribution of metal in the binder matrix. In addition, the possible occupational and safety hazards that come with handling fine powders are significantly decreased with this material, because the metal particles are immobilized in the binder matrix.
The new Ultrafuse 316L metal composite filament is strong and flexible enough to be guided through complex material transport systems, and works with both Bowden and direct drive extruder types.
BASF will provide 3D printer processing guidelines and parameter sets for Ultrafuse 316L, in addition to on-site support and consultancy to make sure that the material is performing up to snuff on your choice of FFF 3D printer. But if you’re interested in learning more about how to use the material now, you can check out this tutorial from MatterHackers about BASF’s new Ultrafuse 316L: VIDEO Metal polymer materials will let a lot more people 3D printing stronger materials. However, it has to be noted that a completely new geometry will most probably not work the first time with this process. Shrinkage rates in parts vary across wall thicknesses, part sizes and even geometries. During the sintering, process parts will tend to not shrink uniformly. The currentl limitation with Ultrafuse is therefore the same one that affects binder jetting with metals. For series of the same parts this is very interesting currently and it should be a solvable challenge to make shrinkage more predictable. But, the sheer data involved to predictably predict part outcomes at many geometries and do then in software predictively deform parts would be vast. So solvable, but still a difficult challenge to undertake for these partners and the industry as a whole. Discuss this news and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below. [Images: BASF] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 27, 2019 at 01:18AM Researchers Create Dynamic Self-Assembly Process for Building Mobile Micromachines https://ift.tt/2YmFxfb A micromachine has the potential to maniupulate and probe the microscopic world, and can be made up of multiple chemistries, materials, or parts in order to address different functions, such as actuation, delivery, sensing, and transport. Its performance and functional modes can be commanded by the interaction and organization of its variable constituents, and it can be 3D printed, but it’s difficult to build programmable structural assemblies into mobile micromachines. A group of researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and ETZ Zurich published a study in Nature Materials, titled “Shape-encoded dynamic assembly of mobile micromachines,” in which they introduced a new directed, dynamic self-assembly process of building mobile compound micromachines, with specific configurations. The process use pre-programmed physical interactions between structural and motor units, and is driven by dielectrophoretic interactions (DEP) that are encoded in the 3D shape of individual parts. These DEP forces modulate the part’s 3D geometry in order to “encode precisely controlled distribution of electric field gradients around a body.” First, the researchers – Yunus Alapan, Berk Yigit, Onur Beker, Ahmet F. Demirörs, and Metin Sitti – programmed field gradients around a construct, so they could use DEP interactions to “drive the assembly of micromachine parts” at specific locations.
The team needed a way to program local gradients, and looked into how they could modulate non-electric fields around different geometries. Then, they were able to control the mobile micromachine’s self-assembly, which was influenced by electric fields, using a microvehicle as an example. It had a large, spherical, non-magnetic dielectric, body, with several smaller magnetic actuators surrounding it. When an electric field was applied in the Z axis, the large body was able to generate enough local electric field gradients so as to attract smaller microactuators; these acted as wheels, and the researchers could steer the microvehicle by simply changing the direction of the magnetic field. When they increased the number of microactuators, the microvehicle’s velocity also grew, but when the voltage was increased, the velocity went down. The researchers think this is due to increased mechanical coupling, during DEP interactions, between the microparticles and the substrate. At lower voltages, small DEP forces “led to a loose lubrication-based coupling phenomenon” that made it possible for microactuators to move freely around the pole. This means it’s possible to regulate the strength of the DEP forces between the microactuators and passive body to adjust their mechanical coupling, in order to control the microvehicle’s rotational degrees of freedom. The researchers used shape-encoded physical interactions to make programmable self-assembling mobile micromachines by developing frames that had specific 3D geometries to help generate electric field gradients. The framework, made with two-photon lithography, attracts microactuators to specific locations on the frame. In one example, they made a microcar with four-wheel pockets that generated DEP forces and helped guide the magnetic microactuators into said pockets. Within just second of applying an electric field, the microcar completed an on-demand self-assembly: the magnetic wheels inside the pockets went into a free rotation due to the vertically rotating magnetic field. The prototype was expanded in order to build reconfigurable micromachines, which are run by self-propelled micromotors. Self-propelled Janus silica (SiO2) microparticles with a gold cap were used to assemble these micromachines, and their DEP response and frequency-dependent self-propulsion made it possible to create mobile micromachines that featured self-repair and reconfigurable spatial organization. Then, the researchers defined the physical interactions between these mobile micromachines by expanding the shape-encoded DEP interactions in a two-level hierarchical assembly:
The research team was able to extend their current design into the manipulation of 3D microactuators, and micromachine assembly, and say that it even has the potential to be used with lab-on-a-chip devices for digital manipulation, sorting, continuous transport, and microfluidic flow generation.
This design strategy makes it possible to achieve programmable self-assembly through the use of micromachines’ shape-directed dynamic assembly, which will give scientists more control over functions and dynamics. Because the team was able to incorporate heterogenous components for actuation, cargo loading, and sensing in a single step, their work may make it possible for others to engineer multifunctional, multimaterial microrobots. The researchers will now focus on optimizing and expanding on “the irreversible assembly of micro-components” for better performance in applications that don’t use electric fields, such as in vivo biomedical applications. Discuss this research and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts below. [Source/Images: Phys.org] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 27, 2019 at 12:43AM
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Royal DSM Will Choose Ten Startups to Participate in the I AM Tomorrow Challenge https://ift.tt/2SGpRy0 Royal DSM, headquartered in The Netherlands, is a global company based on science and sustainable living—with serious dedication to 3D printing also, as they realize the incredible potential such technology offers so many industries around the world. Now, they are offering an acceleration program in large-scale 3D printing and additive manufacturing for startups and scaleups, with a focus on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and related software. The teams will also participate master classes, be exposed to ‘exclusive’ networking opportunities, and receive expert coaching sessions. The I AM Tomorrow Challenge, in collaboration with HighTechXL, Hexagon, and Ultimaker, chooses a limited number of companies to participate in the unique ten-week acceleration program meant to help launch new businesses or help existing ones evolve further. DSM offers funding or partnerships to some startups who complete the acceleration program, with applications accepted through August 8. Only ten companies will be chosen to attend, either at HighTechXL’s campus in Eindhoven or Boston, MA. While many industrial companies are just beginning to embrace the benefits of 3D printing, a rare few others have been in on the secret for decades—and DSM is one of those pioneers, at the forefront of AM processes for over 25 years with their Somos® products. With an eye to the future and the realization of how important new startups are to the ‘digital ecosystem,’ DSM is helping to mold the continued expansion of 3D printing in the next decades. The DSM team lists their reasons for creating the program:
DSM has already invested in over 50 companies spanning Europe, the US, and Israel since 2001. This is their ninth challenge for startups, and all part of their mission to build sustainability throughout the world.
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division is also working toward an end-to-end digital solution for AM processes, and they will be connecting with both DSM and partners in assessing and companies participating in the acceleration program that might be able to participate in development. Royal DSM continues to be a force in 3D printing, from collaborations with companies like Briggs Automotive Company to partnerships with FormFutura and development of materials for new 3D printing systems. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com. [Source / Images: DSM press release] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 26, 2019 at 08:15AM
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How to Design a High-Converting Ecommerce Landing Page https://ift.tt/2GxJRhl The goal of every ecommerce page is to sell. Nevertheless, sometimes you need a page that fits a particular stage of your sales funnel. That’s why landing pages are essential for every ecommerce marketing strategy. Landing pages seem to be very easy to design, and the market has plenty of intuitive tools that can help you prepare them. On the other hand, it takes some time and knowledge to create a high-converting ecommerce landing page. Read on to find out how to do that.
Let’s define a landing pageA landing page is the first touchpoint for new visitors. It’s a place where marketers direct recipients in their social media, email marketing, Google Ads, and many other types of campaigns. Its goal differs depending on the campaign’s purpose. Also, it’s designed to achieve a certain action from the visitors. Although some other types of pages can also become a landing page due to their use in a campaign, there are a few specific characteristics of a high-converting ecommerce landing page.
Simply put, landing page traffic is targeted, so it comes from a buyer’s history or other sources of data about customers. Moreover, a landing page needs to have one objective and a clear design. It doesn’t have to be meticulously optimized for search engines because its traffic is generated via different channels. A product page can be entered via search engine page results, third-parties or directly from a browser, it can also be more complex. It encourages shoppers to buy a product and gives more information about it in a description. A product page can have a section with opinions and recommendations. So, it can educate about the product and the brand, while being designed for visitors interested in shopping. A landing page has to be dedicated to a certain campaign. The point of creating a landing page specifically for the purpose of a given campaign is that most first time visitors are not ready for purchasing. Therefore it can increase the return on investment when it comes to ad campaigns.
The advantages of ecommerce landing pages:
8 tips for creating a high-converting ecommerce landing pageUnfortunately, there is no single guide that would fit all online stores. But there are a few tips that every marketer should take into consideration when designing a strategy including the usage of a landing page.
Tip #1: Define your target groupBy knowing who are you going to direct your campaign to, you will be able to design a personalised landing page suitable for segments of customers. You can not only personalize special offers and recommendations, but also text and visuals. Depending on demographics and interests you can adjust the communication. The more you know about your recipients, the better. Use all available sources of knowledge (for example, Google Analytics, Customer Relationship Management systems, social media reports) to get more data and find out more about people you want to get into the next stage of your sales funnel. For example, ETQ store prepared a specific landing page dedicated to the latest men’s collection.
Tip #2: Choose one objectiveDepending on the purpose of a given campaign, an ecommerce landing page should have one goal and a form adjusted to it. There are several types of landing pages, so when focusing on the one you should keep it in mind while designing. You can use several elements that can help you achieve your goal. For example, if you build a subscribers base for your newsletter, you can use a simple sign-up form on your squeeze page. Customize the call-to-action and labels to make it the most efficient for your audience.
Another idea is to create an ecommerce landing page dedicated to each segment of your existing customers. You can personalize discounts, for example, depending on how many transactions a given shopper has already made.
Tip #3: Get straight to the pointFocus on the goal of a given landing page. Use only one call-to-action so that visitors can be sure what action you expect them to take. CPJ uses minimalistic design and shows CTA button with simple encouragement “Order Now”.
Minimise distractions, like sliders, pop-ups, chatboxes, too many social media icons, and other links, to draw attention to the main point of the page. These additional elements can be helpful on the home page, but they are not supposed to appear on a landing page. Customers should be able to get all the essential information and perform the action effortlessly.
Tip #4: Use high-quality visualsIt’s an absolute must-have. To attract customers you need to show beautiful images or videos to make your landing page uncluttered and aesthetic. High-quality visuals are extremely important, especially when you present your products because they create the first impression of your website. They represent professionalism and engage potential shoppers. In the end, a picture is worth a thousand words. Let it speak to your advantage. Abbott combined beautiful nature pictures with products’ packshots and suitable colors.
Tip #5: Build trustAs this might be the first touchpoint for potential customers with your brand, you should first and foremost build up trust. Add a logo of a well known and trusted company that supports your online payments. Consider implementing chosen testimonials and reviews on a product page to add some credibility to your online store. On Beats headphones’ landing page you can not notice information about their award.
Tip #6: Highlight benefitsIf you offer any extras, you should inform people about them. To get more shoppers you can offer discounts for returning customers, free shipping or any other benefit. You have the opportunity to attract customers in a few seconds. This is the place to highlight all the advantages of your online store. Amazon presented all the significant pros of its wedding registry service.
Tip #7: Pay attention to the user experienceA landing page, like every other website, has to be optimized for the best possible user experience. Besides intuitiveness mentioned before (clear CTA) and beautiful visuals, you should check the page’s loading time and make sure it’s created with responsive web design.
Tip #8: Trigger shopping impulsesCreate urgency to give visitors no time for hesitation. If you offer a special deal for returning customers or any other promotion, you should make it temporary and inform them about it on your landing page. A great way to do so is to place a countdown timer on it. Make your offer irresistible! No worries – online landing page editors (like GetResponse) provide such elements. Tesco used a countdown which creates excitement. It was followed by two clear CTA buttons.
Think twiceLast but not least. Make sure your landing page links directly to a campaign. If there is no connection between an ad and the link shared with it, you might cause frustration for your customers. Do not deceive and manipulate your recipients with inadequate ad creations to get traffic on your landing page. Remember that your real goal is conversion. Even if you have an excellent home page and detailed product pages, you still need an ecommerce landing page for your campaigns. To convert more efficiently and increase sales, you should remember about the sales funnel and build a relationship with your potential customers.
By reaching the right target group with accurate content you can increase ROI, CTR and in the end get more customers. Make the buyer’s journey as intuitive and personalised as possible. Creating a landing page according to the aforementioned tips is not enough to fully succeed. You need to constantly test and optimize landing pages in order to improve the results of your campaigns. The more you find out about your target groups and their preferences, the better landing pages you can provide. Don’t wait any longer – start designing your ecommerce landing page today!
Author: Paweł Ogonowski Pawel is the co-founder of Growcode, the first conversion rate optimization System as a Service that guarantees revenue growth for B2C online stores. With 10+ years of ecommerce experience, Pawel has been helping companies (e.g., Limango, Virgin Mobile, Eniro, 4F, Showroom, Budapester) leverage data from their online channels to improve user experience that results in higher conversion rates, average order value and customer lifetime value.
The post How to Design a High-Converting Ecommerce Landing Page appeared first on GetResponse Blog - Online Marketing Tips. Printing via GetResponse Blog – Online Marketing Tips https://ift.tt/2Xap2TD July 26, 2019 at 07:32AM Germany: Research Shows Good Response from Students Using 3D Printed Dental Traumatology Training7/26/2019 Germany: Research Shows Good Response from Students Using 3D Printed Dental Traumatology Training https://ift.tt/2LHSdr3 Authors M. Reymus , C. Fotiadou, R. Hickel, and C. Diegritz explore the uses of 3D printed models in dental traumatology training, with their findings outlined in the recently published ‘3D printed model for hands-on training in dental traumatology.’ For their study, they used an SLA printer to create a 3D printed model of a dental patient’s maxilla, mimicking several different traumatic dental injuries. Being able to create accurate models exhibiting significant trauma offers a host of benefits to dental students who can take their time in a deliberate learning mode rather than waiting to rush in to see what could be a relatively small number of injured patients on-site. This also accentuates the enormous amount of learning gained from lectures. The hope is that more knowledge can be gained about dental traumatology, as the researchers point out that dental accidents are often treated by general dentists who may not have an adequate education or experience to deal with such cases overall. The researchers wanted to make a model that was not only realistic but would allow for students to practice both diagnosis and treatment too. They also wanted to design a product that would translate from educational settings to dental clinics. With these hands-on tools available, the authors also created another level to their study regarding the use of dentaltraumaguide.org, offering the resource to only half of the students participating in the study—and comparing their knowledge. The model was designed and 3D printed as follows to show dental trauma for a 16-year-old boy:
The 32 undergraduate students were tasked to work on the case, even simulating a conversation with the mother of the injured boy as they practiced asking the correct questions about the accident, as well as advising on post-traumatic behavior. Upon examining the 3D printed model, they were given information about every tooth, and asked to offer the following:
The assessment was considered in these areas:
And while their goal was for such a workflow to be easily transferred to another dental school, they would need to own a CBCT and a stereolithographic printer, along with software that could be offered free. The 32 students were asked to evaluate the model, with 57 percent reporting it to be ‘very realistic,’ and 43 percent choosing ‘rather realistic.’
Many dentists and orthodontists rely on 3D printing today for digital dentistry, dentures, and even grafts for issues like alveolar augmentation. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com. [Source / Images: ‘ 3D-printed model for hands-on training in dental traumatology’ Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 26, 2019 at 05:03AM Betatype and nTopology Use Metal 3D Printing and Intelligent Design to Increase Productivity7/26/2019
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Betatype and nTopology Use Metal 3D Printing and Intelligent Design to Increase Productivity https://ift.tt/2yb5yPL 3D printing consultancy company Betatype specializes in optimizing metal AM production applications to deliver functional components for customers in many industries, including consumer goods, automotive, and medical. Recently, the company, based in London, published a new case study that explains how it teamed up with software company nTopology to create and manufacture a functionally optimized, 3D printed part for a rocket nozzle. Betatype recognizes that collaborating with companies in industrial sectors, as well as the AM industry, can help produce better project results, with higher standards, than companies working alone can sometimes manage. Its recent partnership with nTopology is a perfect example of how collaboration was able to increase productivity in metal 3D printing.
The project at the center of this collaboration was a test part for a rocket nozzle, and was created specifically to show how companies can integrate different solutions through partnerships. nTopology used its own nTop Platform software to help design the rocket nozzle part’s base mechanical structure, converting the part’s 3D model into an implicit one. Then, the design was optimized through the use of nTopology’s advanced simulation and topology optimization tools. Finally, Betatype’s software technology was applied to great effect, before the part was 3D printed. Additive manufacturing offers material, shape, and structure control in one process, and Betatype’s Engine data processing platform helps maximize these capabilities to the fullest extent. The platform helps users manage, manipulate, and generate CAD and CAM data for multi-scale 3D design, in order to create higher fidelity for complex parts – not easily manufactured with conventional technology – at each scale of 3D design. By combining technology from both nTopology and Betatype, the two companies were able to optimize the design of the complex rocket nozzle part for metal laser powder bed fusion 3D printing. Together, they achieved a major increase in part productivity – a 28% reduction in build time, down from 25 hours to 18.
Betatype fabricated the rocket nozzle test part out of titanium on a Renishaw AM250 3D printer. The nTop Platform’s capabilities highlighted how applying intelligent design can improve a part’s functionality, while also making sure that it is fit for its ultimate purpose. But the input from Betatype showed that design alone only gets you part of the way, and that metal 3D printing, complex functionality, and intelligent design is a winning combination. Discuss this news and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below. [Source/Images: Betatype] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 26, 2019 at 01:42AM
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Dutch Design Label Freshfiber Launches New Collection of 3D Printed Nylon Lamps https://ift.tt/333hAZQ Dutch lifestyle brand and design label Freshfiber has long been on board with 3D printing applications in the consumer goods market – it’s been selling 3D printed products in its stores for a decade now. Last year we told you about the Amsterdam company’s collection of 3D printed Apple Watch bands, and we were just informed that Freshfiber has recently launched a new collection of 3D printed lighting. Freshfiber’s creative director, Matthijs Kok, explained that the company’s international network of designers works to create watch bands, phone cases, and lighting, with all of the products designed and manufactured in Europe.
The unique lighting collection consists of three different lamp designs: the Fold, the Flux, and the ZooM, all of which are 3D printed and hand-finished. To create the premium collection, Freshfiber married modern 3D printing methods with delicate designs and high-quality materials. Each design comes in different sizes and models, such as floor, suspended, or table, and would look great in any space – residential or otherwise – looking for a more contemporary feel. Pre-orders, which are expected to begin shipping this September, can be placed on the Freshfiber website. The versatile Fold Lamp, which was designed by Kok himself, is simple but attractive, and basically combines two lamps into one. Kok was inspired by “atmospheric illumination” in his design, with an urge to make a lamp that can be adjusted to its particular surroundings. The steel base makes it possible for the nylon lampshade to rotate a full 360° around the light, and the lamp can create a strong, functional light, in addition to an indirect light that shines through the overlapping layers; this softer light is better for a less bright ambiance. Users can control both the direction and the intensity of the €248 Fold Lamp, which makes it very flexible. Designer Gabi Potsa created the aerial Flux Lamp, which comes in both a suspended pendant version for €215 and a table version for €281. Both versions feature “harmonious lines and smooth geometric curves” for a major statement piece in any room.
The final lamp in the Freshfiber collection is the ZooM Lamp, designed by Michiel Cornelissen in both medium (€149) and large (€223) sizes. The semi-transparent structure, which efficiently transmits light while also shielding users from the bright glare of the bulb, is created by “hundreds of repeating elements” which come together in a series of “interlocking spirals.” It was created as a programmable object in generative design software, and has an interesting texture – it holds its form like a solid object, but has a flexible texture almost like textiles. While all of the 3D printed Freshfiber lamps are beautiful and unique, I think my favorite one is the Fold Lamp – it almost reminds me of a flower starting to bloom. But the Flux Suspension Lamp, with its organic shape, is a close second. However, while the lamps themselves are very attractive, I don’t find the prices such – I think the most I’ve ever spent on a lamp is $70, which translates to about €63. But as always, take my opinion with a grain of salt, as I’ve mentioned multiple times on 3DPrint.com that I don’t tend to spend a lot of money on clothes and furnishings. One generally gets what one pays for, and I’m sure that the 3D printed lamps from Freshfiber, each of which is a made-to-order piece, are of far higher quality than any lamp I’d pick up at a nearby big box store. Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below. [Images: Freshfiber] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 26, 2019 at 12:42AM 3D Printed Snakeskin Shows Potential for Industrial Use in Mechanical Traction https://ift.tt/2JSEs6Q In ‘Exploring Convergence of Snake-Skin-Inspired Texture Designs and Additive Manufacturing for Mechanical Traction,’ US researchers outline their findings in a study where they made an interesting choice for experimenting with 3D printing materials. Studying snake-skin scales from the Python regius species, the authors translated the hexagonal scale patterns to laser-powder bed fusion (L-PBF) manufacturing technique on 420 stainless steel. As the researchers point out, nature offers a ‘vast database of robust designs’ for scientists to work from in creating many different forms and structures. Taking inspiration from evolution, today we can glean details from plants and animals that have survived due to strength and resilience.
Translating such textures to steel is an ambitious endeavor, but the team persevered in studying the movement of larger snakes and what ultimately becomes a ‘walking’ pattern as their skin ‘manages friction’ for high performance in mechanical traction.
For those who are not that familiar with snakes, it may be surprising to find out that every one of them has a different ‘profile’ and arrangement of patterns, leaving the researchers to examine many different shapes, patterns, distributions, and positioning of fibrils. The researchers also discovered that the microscale directional textures they were able to produce with L-PBF printing exhibited an ‘inherent’ likeness to the snakeskin—offering promise regarding applications like mechanical systems—and especially those requiring mechanical traction. The design was comprised of five hexagons located centrally and then four smaller hexagons on each side. For this study, the team was interested in assessing the viability of 3D printing for making the designs, comparing surface roughness and the quality of frictional performance. No post-processing was included for the 3D prints, meaning that the micro-texture was created during the movement of fabrication. The research team found this discovery to be ‘noteworthy and distinguishing’ since such surface roughness is desirable.
This certainly is not the first time researchers have taken a cue from nature in regards to 3D printing, with many different designs inspiring everything from fashion to electrically conductive parts to materials like liquid polymers. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com. [Source / Images: ‘ Exploring Convergence of Snake-Skin-Inspired Texture Designs and Additive Manufacturing for Mechanical Traction’] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com July 25, 2019 at 11:27PM |
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