Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM)

German RepRap LAM launched its production ready 3D printer. LAM is aiming to achieve injection molding like part quality.

Liquid additive manufacturing (LAM) is an additive manufacturing process in which liquids (or low-strength materials) can be additively processed, such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR) or polyurethane (PU). In the future, other liquids are conceivable. The technical characteristics of the LAM printed objects and the injection molding process are almost identical. Further advantages include high process speeds and distortion-free 3D printing of any component.

L280 Model Shown here 

Specifications:

References:
Germanreprap.com

HP Showcased MJF Technologhy in Vancouver

For the first time i got a chance to check out HP's Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology at an event in Burnaby BC. Attendees got a chance to to listen to the experts from HP. We also got a chance to ask questions, look at the 4200 series machine and some of the printed parts.

The event was organized by HAWK RIDGE SYSTEMS. Hawk Ridge is reseller of HP 3D machines. They opened up an office in Richmond BC recently.

Some websites are classifying HP as SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) method, which is not correct.
Although MJF is one of the Bed-fusion methods but very different from SLS. I have written a blog about MJF and SLS processes in the past, please check out my previous blogs.

According to HP Team:

• MJF Parts are superior in strength as compare to any other process e.g. SLS, FDM.
• Prints are Watertight.
• Printing speed is huge advantage as whole surface is cured in one single pass.
• Printing cost is also very affordable. One full build cost roughly around $1000. The material cost around $200-300/kg depending on model of the machine.
• Recently HP launched two models (HP 500/300) for prototyping, cost of the machine is around $60k according to the rep at the event. Production system is close to $200k. More accurate Quote can be achieved from the reseller in your area.
• Thanks to voxel control on each slice you can achieve vivid colors and countless color schemes in your prints.    

Other Consideration:

• Noise level of the system is on the high side, You don't need earplugs but you don't want to sit next to it whole day.
• Infrared spew quite a bit of heat, system should not be housed in a small room without any ventilation. Otherwise no special exhaust system needed for the machine.
• Like all other powder based methods, MJF parts would need some sort of Bead-Blasting after printing.

Thanks to Hawk Ridge and HP team for putting together the event.

Selective Toner Electrophotographic Process

Stratasys is developing a new Bed Powder Fusion process at one of its subsidiary "Vulcan Laboratories Inc". The process is called "Selective Toner Electrophotographic" Main aim is to develop a process to address the need of high volume production of metal products.

Six Basic Steps of the Process

1. Charging.
2. Exposure.
3. Developing.
4. Transferring.
5. Cleaning. 
6. Fusing.

“Our team will bring a unique perspective to solving many of the issues from an end-user perspective,” comments David K. Leigh, CEO of Vulcan Labs, Inc. “We’re looking forward to delivering new solutions for customers to take control of their applications, while having the tools in place to manage their own quality.”

References:
Stratasys.
Research Gate.
 

  

Single Pass Jetting

From Desktop Metal

Another variant of Metal Jetting combined with Polyjet in the works by Desktop-Metal. This is ultimate solution for high volume metal parts production as per DM. The method claimed to be 100 times faster and 20 times cheaper than current laser based systems in the market.

 

References:
DesktopMetals.com

HP Launches Metal Jet Printing

HP's Metal Jet Printing method is very similar to Single-pass jetting announced by Desktop Metal (DM) few months ago. Most of the new methods are targeting to address the printing speed as this is one big hurdle in progressing additive manufacturing to next level. Few variants of metal jetting methods have been announced during the span of last couple years, HP's Metal-Jet being the latest.
Focus is to offer more affordable solutions. These methods may not be able to print highly detailed parts but certainly offer more affordable solution for industry at large. Metal-jet methods have been serving tooling and fixturing needs in the industry very successfully.

References:
HP

High Speed Sintering

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the most popular technology when it comes to professional level Additive Manufacturing, Because of its capability of printing fine details and accurate parts. Material choices, low material cost and recycle ability of left over material are also apparent advantages.
Similarly Polyjet technology is also being used widely in the industrial level Additive manufacturing again because its own particular strengths.

High Speed Sintering Process

Professor Neil Hopkinson invented and patented new method by marrying these two methods called "High Speed Sintering". Here is how it works.

• Layer of powder is spread as per slice thickness.
• Infrared absorbable ink is spread only in the areas where slice will be built.
• Bed is irradiated with infrared Lamp.
• Ink absorbs the energy and melts the underlying particles. 

   Mr Neil who is now director of 3D Printing at Xaar is working on commercialization of the technology in collaboration with Voxeljet . Learn more about the technology at the link below.
Xaar High Speed Sintering

The clip below shows how it works

The process when fully commercialized promised to bring speed and affordability to the high end Additive manufacturing. When it comes to use of additive in mass production, speed is one major hurdle and that is what some of the new processes are trying to improve on.

Voxeljet announced the commercialization of the technology  

References:
Xaar.com
Voxeljet

Are you in the Market to buy a 3D Printer.

It is the most asked question. In my Rapid Prototyping class students usually gathers around me in the very first lesson and i am bombarded with the same question again and again. A lot of my visitors are curious about the prices of the machines. People from the industry want to get an unbiased review and would like to know which machine they should buy.
As 3D industry is multiplying day by day, big players are jumping in to grasp the marketplace and more focused technologies and brands are surfacing, A clear ONE answer to the question is not possible. When people ask me, my first response usually is a question "If you are an automotive expert and someone comes to you out of the blue and asks " I want to buy a car which one should i buy". Do you have a clear answer for this person. Obviously, you want to know a bit more about the needs of the person and why he/she want to buy a car before you can try to come up with a possible answer. And that applies here as well, One should have at least some idea why do you want to buy a 3D printer.

Well! for all my industrial and more professional friends it is a very crowded market for a lot of different users so i would recommend having a chat or meet in person and i would love to share my views and reviews. I can certainly help you in narrowing down the choices.

For my hobbyist friends, i would suggest watching the following video.

 Few more considerations:

• Generally closed console printers performs better than open concept.
• Delta design might serve you better If you are in for bigger volume and not super conscious about the quality.
• For those who are willing to spend a bit more and looking for professional machines like quality, I recommend Ultimaker.
• BCN 3D has better design for those who are looking for Dual-Extrusion capability.
• FormLabs is a great choice for Resin based category, best fit for smaller highly detailed parts. 

Let me know if you have question. Comments are welcome.
   
References:
RcLifeOn Youtube channel
Ulimakers
BCN 3D
FormLabs

Pellet Extrusion 3D Machines

When it comes to FFF 3D printing, changing or adding of filament during the print is always challenging. The problem becomes more apparent when printing large size 3D models. Answer lies in pellet extrusion. Titan Robotics  recently introduced 3D machine with Pellet Extrusion capability at Rapid + TCT 2018.
The loading of more pallets during the print is as easy as 123, just pour some more when ever it runs out. Auto re-loader can be attached to machine to keep it going unattended for ever, all these equipment are already available and being used for Injection and Blow molding machines.

If you remember about a year or so ago First 3D printed car was printed on  CINCINNATI 3D machine over the weekend on one of Pallet Extrusion machines.

References:
Titan Robotics Inc.
Rides with Chuck.

Another Entry in Some What less Crowded Segment.

Competition in Inkjet segment about to get fierce as award winning KEYENCE Agilista 3000 enters the Polyjet or InkJet market of professional grade 3D printing machines. With more material choices and water soluble support material, it is going to give one heck of completion to the market leaders like Stratasys and 3D systems. Learn more about the technology here 
The Japanese brand is entering the market to compete against well established Objet from Stratasys and Multijet from 3D-Systems.

Features:

• High temperature Model material can resist up to 100 degree C.
• Water soluble Support material.
• Layer height: 20 microns.
• Build volume: 200 x 210 x 297mm

References:
Keyence