Top 5 Videos: Palaeontologists Use 3D Printing to Complete Skeleton of Prehistoric Bear
It is once again Sunday, which means it is time for the week’s top 5 3D printing videos! This week’s content features another Inside 3D Tour at 3D Printing company XJet’s headquarters, how additive manufacturing’s contributions in the field of Paleontology help preserve prehistoric species, the world’s largest 3D printer printing rockets, predicting the 3D Printing trends of 2023, and a discussion on the regulations of 3D Printed guns in America. Don’t miss out on the newest events in the world of 3D Printing! Happy Sunday, and as always, hope you enjoy!
Top 1: Palaeontologists Use 3D Printing to Complete Bear Skeleton
One of the oldest sciences, palaeontology, specifically the palaeontology library at the Heritage Center, uses 3D Printing to fill in parts of animal skeleton specimens, which is more cost-effective and efficient than having artists sculpt clay manually. The first partially 3d printed specimen, a dawn bear about the size of a racoon, is now on display. Palaeontologists have only found this species in southwestern North Dakota. Check out the video to learn more!
Top 2: 3Dnatives Visits XJet’s Headquarters
Once again, the 3Dnatives’ team went to Rehovot, in Israel, to visit the headquarters of XJet, as well as their additive manufacturing site. There, we were welcomed by Yair Alcobi, CEO of XJet, who told us about the current state of the company and its key objectives. Later, we spoke with Hanan Gothait, President & Founder of XJet, who explained what the patented Nano Particle Jetting technology is all about. Finally, we closed the visit with an interview with Guy Zimmerman, Business & Marketing Executive at XJet, who took us through the company’s manufacturing plant to discover its solutions and the most outstanding applications of the NPJ technology.
Top 3: U.S Senators Detail the Dangers of 3D Printed Guns
Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) joined MSNBC reporter Andrea Mitchell to discuss their proposed legislation that aims to criminalize the posting, sharing, and downloading of “do it yourself” blueprints and instructions for 3D printers to create guns or firearm accessories. These 3D printed guns pose a significant danger due to several factors. Firstly, they lack serial numbers, making them untraceable. Secondly, with just $200, anyone can acquire a 3D printer capable of producing a functional firearm. Additionally, these weapons are undetectable by metal detectors, increasing their potential harm. Lastly, they are easily accessible to individuals who would fail a background check under normal circumstances. Senator Markey emphasizes that “ghost guns” represent an emerging threat, with unknown possibilities as technology continues to evolve. Representative Moskowitz echoes this sentiment, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address this evolving landscape.
Top 4: World’s Largest 3D Printer Prints Rockets
Relativity Space, a company specializing in additive manufacturing, has incorporated 3D printing into their rocket manufacturing process. Tim Ellis, the CEO, emphasizes the significance of 3D printing in their rocket development. Their initial launch, the TN one, was predominantly 3D printed, with 85% of the rocket utilizing their custom 3D printers and aluminum alloys. While specific components like electronics and seals were not 3D printed, the majority of the rocket benefited from this technology, enabling quicker design iterations and data acquisition. Although the first launch did not achieve orbit, it paved the way for Relativity Space’s next endeavor: constructing the larger and reusable Tran R Rocket. Ellis also shares his ambitious long-term vision of leveraging 3D printing to establish a presence on Mars, drawing inspiration from SpaceX’s mission. Check out more in the vide below!
Top 5: Key 3D Printing Trends for 2023
In 2023, four key trends will drive additive manufacturing (AM) forward, according to 3D printing company Materialise. These include the rise of smart, distributed manufacturing, a focus on cost reduction, a shift from process to workflow automation, and increased emphasis on data security and integrity. Addressing these trends will enable companies to scale up 3D printing operations and promote wider adoption in industrial manufacturing. Watch the video below for more details on these trends:
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*Cover photo credits: First News at Five
