#3DExpress: LFAM Robotic Printing Continues to Grow in UK With Rapid Fusion Center
It’s time once again for the #3DExpress! This time, see how large-format robotic additive manufacturing continues to take the world by storm with the unveiling this week of a new 3D printing center by Rapid Fusion. Then, learn more about COBRA’s new 3D printed golf club, and be sure to register for RAPID + TCT if you want to see it in person and maybe even win your own. After that, Daimler is teaming up with 3D Systems to facilitate the 3D printing of spare parts while RTFKT, Nike’s digital studio, is working with Zellerfeld on 3D printed shoes. Last but least, check out the world’s first 3D printed macaron! The perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Happy reading and have a great weekend!
Rapid Fusion Continues to Grow with 3D Printing Robot Demonstration Center
Robotic additive manufacturing continues to have its day in the sun. The latest proof of this comes from UK-based Rapid Fusion, which announced this week that it will be unveiling a state-of-the-art 3D printing robot demonstration center as it aims to take advantage and build upon a 25% increase in revenue. Rapid Fusion, built out of British service provider Evo3D, has been quite busy in the past year, completing a £750,000 investment drive that allowed it to create two new additive manufacturing platforms and build this facility in Exeter to show its solutions. The 5,000 sq ft unit will include the Apollo cell as well as the soon-to-be revealed ZEUS, showing the benefits of LFAM robotic printing. Jake Hand, founder of Rapid Fusion, confirmed, “There is a definite move in the market towards larger printing and more complex geometries and we’re not just seeing that from automotive and aerospace, but maritime and even construction where we’ve signed an exciting deal with Italian business Nanoo. With interest in our technology growing rapidly, we wanted to create a demonstration center that people could visit and see the cells in action. We can even do a few ‘prototype’ trials to prove the speed, accuracy and reliability of our solutions.”
Photo Credits: Rapid Fusion
New Golf Clubs Made With Additive Manufacturing
Do you remember COBRA Golf’s LIMIT3D clubs? Introduced last year, these are irons designed on a powder-bed laser fusion machine whose design has been optimized thanks to nTop. The integration of lattice structures has reduced the weight of the clubhead by 33%. This week, the company announced the launch of a new range next March: christened COBRA TOUR, it will include several clubs, also designed using the DMLS process. The aim is also to offer better weight distribution for quality performance. We’ll be sure to keep you posted on the launch!
Inside the LIMIT3D clubhead (photo credits: COBRA Golf)
Daimler and 3D Systems Team up for Remote 3D Printing of Parts
A new collaboration between 3D Systems and Daimler Truck was announced this week to facilitate the remote printing of spare parts. The collaboration combines Daimler Buses’ production and maintenance expertise in manufacturing parts for trucks, buses and coaches, with 3D Systems’ advanced 3D printing technology and materials. The goal is to enable Daimler Buses’ certified 3D printing partners to locally manufacture spare parts, such as pins, covers and inserts, for both in-engine and in-cab applications. Thanks to this solution, partners will be able to increase flexibility and efficiency, reducing parts procurement time by up to 75%. This will also contribute to reducing indirect costs, as truck, bus and coach transportation companies will be able to minimize vehicle downtime due to maintenance, improving profitability and operability.
Photo Credits: Daimler
RTFKT’s New 3D Shoe Project With Zellerfeld
RTFKT, Nike’s digital studio, has released its latest collection in collaboration with Zellerfeld, a 3D printed show manufacturer. The collection, called MNLTH X Blade Drop, features six sneaker models, including the RTFKT Dunk, CodeX Dunk and CYBR Stomper. The launch employs a system where customers can use MNLTH X tokens to purchase up to six pairs. This event marks the closure of RTFKT, acquired by Nike in 2021, after its founding in 2019. In addition, the collaboration with Zellerfeld enables the use of 3D printing technology, previously used in the Nike Air Max 1000. The company has also launched a platform where designers can upload and produce their own footwear designs, removing financial and logistical barriers. This gives consumers more options and allows creators to bring their ideas quickly to market.
*Photo Credits: RTFKT / Zellerfeld
The First 3D Printed Macaron
It’s a first on the global gastronomic market, and it’s all about additive manufacturing! French start-up La Pâtisserie Numérique is presenting a 3D-printed macaroon on its stand at the Sirha trade show until January 27. Designed on its Patiss3 food 3D printer, it’s a sweet reinvented, with now complex and hitherto unimagined shapes. The startup’s founder, Marine Coré-Baillais, explains, “This breakthrough opens up a new era for patisserie, where tradition and innovation meet to create unique experiences around one of the emblems of French gastronomy.” The macaroon is made from a special powder, itself derived from the recycling of macaron casses, i.e. shells with defects. Less food waste and innovative design: what could be more innovative?
What do you think of the new robotic 3D printing center from Rapid Fusion? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
