Case studies, five projects bringing 3D printing into industry
Five real projects in maintenance, product development and education. Spare parts in 24 to 48 hours instead of 4 to 6 weeks, iterations in one day instead of 2 to 3 weeks.
Topics
Spare parts and supply chain
Analysis by Svetozar Kolesar
OEMs have produced millions of 3D printed parts. What does that mean for suppliers in the region?
BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, GM, Ford, Daimler Buses, Porsche, Toyota and Honda are building their own additive manufacturing. What it means for...
Reverse engineering and 3D scanning, from a part without a drawing to a new part
When no drawing exists for a part, reverse engineering is the way to a CAD model. What the process from scan to new part looks like, which scanning method to use when, what is legally allowed, and how 3D scanning checks a printed part.
Latest news
Prague fire brigade prints its own station gear on a Prusa CORE One L
The Fire Rescue Service of Prague runs a Prusa CORE One L at its central station to make mounts, protective parts and tool holders on site. Prusa says in-house replacements for items such as helmet brackets cost 90 to 95 percent less than original vendor parts. The offline-capable printer also fits Czech public-sector cybersecurity rules.
Ohio hub seeks US suppliers for small drone parts, additive manufacturing eligible
The Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace & Defense in Ohio is looking for US companies that can supply components and manufacturing services for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The initiative is run by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) and is aimed in particular at manufacturers based in Ohio. Providers of additive manufacturing processes are eligible in principle, provided they meet the required quality and certification standards. The call shows that drone supply chains in the US are looking for local production capacity, and that additive capacity can be part of the offer. The teaser does not name a deadline, budget or volume, so details should be checked with the NCDMM directly.
Reshoring gives buyers options, but who pays AM suppliers for readiness?
An analysis of US reshoring data argues that customers may value the option to produce domestically more than a firm commitment to do so. Suppliers such as service bureaus carry the cost of being ready, while buyers keep the flexibility. Private equity consolidation and mixed results at Protolabs and Xometry show where the money is flowing.