Inspired by Star Trek’s “replicator,” a machine capable of synthesizing objects on demand, researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the University of California, Berkeley, have developed a new, potentially game-changing type of 3D printer. Instead of building objects layer by layer, as conventional 3D printing methods do, this new printer is able to print entire objects at once — using projected light to transform gooey resin into solid finished pieces. “We’ve invented a new category of 3D printing process inspired by the principles of computed tomography (CT),” Hayden Taylor, an electrical engineer at UC Berkeley, told Digital Trends. “CT is widely used in 3D medical and industrial imaging, but hasn’t previously been applied to fabrication. Our new process is called Computed Axial Lithography (CAL), and prints entire 3D objects into light-sensitive materials all at once. The process involves rotating a … [Read more...] about Real-life version of Star Trek’s ‘replicator’ 3D prints full objects in seconds
Industrial 3d printer reviews
Zortrax M300 and M300 Plus: Industrial-class 3D printers ideal for specialty applications
There was a knock on my door. A very wet, very cranky delivery guy had a huge crate on a hand truck. I didn't know it at the time, but the rain we were experiencing was the very early front for Hurricane Irma. The crate being delivered was the Zortrax M300 3D printer, a big, heavy, industrial-grade printer that, at the time, sold for about $4,500. The Zortrax was also about to go on a big adventure. This review has been 18 months in the making, during which the Zortrax M300 has had three homes and traveled more than 3,000 miles. The Zortrax M300 is an odd printer with a number of interesting strengths and frustrating weaknesses. Since it arrived, Zortrax dropped the price to $2,999 and introduced a Plus model for another $600 that overcomes many of the M300's limitations. In this review, we'll talk about both products. About a week or so after the crate containing the M300 arrived, I unpacked it and moved it onto my workbench. I used the auto-calibrate function to level (or, … [Read more...] about Zortrax M300 and M300 Plus: Industrial-class 3D printers ideal for specialty applications
Is MakerBot’s new Method 3D printer ready enough to save the company?
Beleaguered 3D printing firm MakerBot is attempting to put to rest the string of upsets and bad news that has plagued them for the past few years. From a rocky transition as paragon of the open source movement to a closed source vendor, from a proud-to-produce-in-America production line to offshore manufacturing, the company has lived through a major acquisition, management shake-ups (it went through four CEOs in four years), a class action lawsuit (now dismissed), and mixed reviews of its fifth-generation Replicator+ 3D printers. Today, though, the company hopes all that is in the past. MakerBot announced its Method 3D printer, in a category it calls "performance 3D printing," which it says "bridges the gap between desktop and industrial 3D printing by bringing features that were previously only available on industrial 3D printers to professionals at a significantly lower cost." The changing 3D printer market This is a story of both a company and a market in transition. … [Read more...] about Is MakerBot’s new Method 3D printer ready enough to save the company?
Stratasys Rolls out Industry Certification Program in North America, Designed to Bridge the Additive Manufacturing Skills Gap
MINNEAPOLIS & REHOVOT, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 18, 2018--Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a global leader in applied additive technology solutions, today rolled out a new industry certification program in North America – designed to more effectively bridge the skills gap it observes in the additive manufacturing industry. Engineered in conjunction with a consortium of top colleges and universities, the program aims to enable students to secure accelerated additive manufacturing credentials to improve employability and workforce readiness.This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418006006/en/Stratasys Additive Manufacturing-certified Jazmine Darden from Dunwoody College of Technology reviews the Fabrication Considerations module – and prepares on GrabCAD Print for the Stratasys F370 3D Printer (Photo: Business Wire)According to industry data, demand for certified additive manufacturing workers to … [Read more...] about Stratasys Rolls out Industry Certification Program in North America, Designed to Bridge the Additive Manufacturing Skills Gap
Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Review
The Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is the newest in a series of Sony phones made for those who want a phone of an almost lost kind: a compact and easily pocketable one.The XZ2 Compact is also the first “Compact” Sony with a 2:1 screen and the first with a nearly bezel-less display, so in many ways, this is Sony’s best effort in making the most out of an already small phone.But don’t be fooled and think compact means less powerful: this mini phone runs on the latest and most powerful Snapdragon 845 system chip while also having the same 19MP camera with support for 4K HDR videos as the flagship XZ2.So, how does it feel to use such a small phone in 2018? And are there any worthy alternatives? Stay with us to find out.DesignAbout as compact as an iPhone 8, but much thicker and heavier. Plastic back is practical, but not as shiny or elegant.The Xperia XZ2 Compact is all about size and comfort, but how small and “compact” is it when compared to other phones?The … [Read more...] about Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact Review