What happened this week in the additive manufacturing market? In this new 3DExpress we first introduce you to how a titanium 3D printed motorcycle frame has been incorporated into a Ducati bike. We’ll also find out about how 3D printing could be enabling cheaper houses by 2025, before taking a look at One Click Metal’s new metallic materials. Finally, we will learn about the new dental 3D printers from French manufacturer Prodways and 3D printed darts that are proving effective against Asian wasps. Happy reading and have a good weekend!
A 3D Printed Motorcycle Frame From Ducati
Did you know that Ducati’s Panigale V4 features a 3D printed titanium frame? The project was done by Angelelli Automobili, who designed the part in 2020. It has been redesigned and optimized for additive manufacturing using the company’s proprietary software, Alien Mesh Design. This program is based on generative design algorithms and topological optimization. Later, the Italian WEAREAM center 3D printed the frame. Each part of the frame was printed in one piece, eliminating the need for machining or welding. Ducati’s bike is currently on display at the EICMA Motorcycle Show, which runs through this Sunday in Milan.
Cheaper Homes Thanks to 3D Printing as Early as 2025
PERI 3D Construction is considered one of the forerunners in 3D home printing. Although the first 3D-printed building in Germany dates back three years, the company has been able to complete a total of 15 3D-printed constructions to date, and is growing in expertise. Until now, 3D home printing has not been competitive with traditional construction. According to PERI 3D Construction estimates, however, this will change by 2025. As early as next year, 3D-printed construction could be cheaper than conventional home building. This is due to developments all along the value chain. Not only have printing processes evolved, but so have materials. What’s more, 3D house printing offers interesting possibilities for architecture. Dr. Fabian Meyer-Brötz, Managing Director of PERI 3D Construction GmbH, sums up the necessary developments and the potential of 3D printing: “If we look at developments in the construction sector, it’s clear that as a sector we’re not progressing fast enough, but with small incremental improvements. The construction sector needs a leap in productivity comparable to what industry has achieved through digitization and automation. This is the only way we’ll be able to respond in the long term to the challenges of the future.”
Photo Credits: PERI 3D Construction
One Click Metal Introduces New Materials
German metal 3D printer manufacturer One Click Metal has announced the optimization of parameters for two new materials for use with its solutions. Namely, a recent LinkedIn post from the company announced that CoCR 2.4979 and A6061 – RAM 2 would now be available. The former is known for exceptional strength, corrosion resistance and temperature stability. One Click Metal notes that it is used in medical implants, aerospace components and high-wear applications. Meanwhile the latter, A6061-RAM2, is lightweight but strong with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and improved thermal conductivity. The company notes its use in aerospace, automotive and other high-performance applications.
Photo Credits: One Click Metal
3D Darts to Combat Asian Wasp Nests
The association Makers Bierzo has resorted to 3D printing to create a dart that could facilitate interventions by firefighters in the elimination of Asian wasp nests. This customized design has proven to be highly effective, allowing for a more precise and safer intervention, and reducing risks for the operatives. Makers Bierzo has produced more than a thousand units on a non-profit basis, collaborating altruistically to contribute to the protection of the environment and biodiversity, such as the conservation of bees. This innovation highlights how technology and social commitment can generate effective solutions to local problems, improving both community safety and the protection of Bierzo’s natural environment.
Photo Credits: Makers Bierzo
Prodways Introduces New Dental 3D Printers
We end this 3DExpress by talking about Prodways. The French manufacturer has announced the launch of a range of resin machines designed specifically for the dental sector. Called Dental Pro, this range is based on the DLP process and offers increased printing speed for higher productivity. Technical specifications vary depending on the model, although both the Dental Pro 200 and 100 offer a generous 3D printing volume of 300 x 445 x 2350 mm. Vincent Icart, CTO-CCO of Prodways Machines, said, “Our new dental 3D printers are a revolutionary solution for dental laboratories. They are designed to address the increasing complexity of dental applications, while offering faster production times and superior accuracy. This solution is specifically designed for dental labs that demand both efficiency and high quality in their production.”
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