Materials

A team of researchers at Oregon State University, led by Devin Roach, has developed a revolutionary technique for 3D printing materials that can change shape. The material is programmed and once printed, it moves like muscles. These materials, known as…

PETG, or polyethylene terephthalate glycol, is a thermoplastic that is one of the most widely used polymers in additive manufacturing. Notably, it is a popular choice for filaments and fused deposition modeling because it combines both the simplicity of PLA…

As the additive manufacturing market continues to evolve, innovation is essential to unlocking new possibilities. This means constantly improving machines and software, as well as developing higher-performance materials capable of meeting the growing demands of users. Something to which French…

Materials are, and always will be, the core of additive manufacturing. But being able to pick the right one for the right application, and making it with the right process, is a constant challenge for many looking to adopt the…

Axtra3D is one of the up-and-coming companies on the AM landscape, having made a name for itself internationally with its Hi-Speed SLA systems. The proprietary Hybrid PhotoSynthesis polymerization (HPS) process and the flagship Lumia X1 solution are indicative of Axtra3D’s…

Known for its reddish-orange hue, copper is a popular metal due to its exceptional physical properties. These characteristics have made it a key material in a variety of industries, from electronics to the creation of end-use parts. With advances in…

When specific or superior properties are needed in 3D printed parts, composite 3D printing is often used. The resulting parts are stronger than certain metals and offer high performance. Composites are defined as two materials that are combined to achieve…

Directed energy deposition (DED) is one of the more versatile metal additive manufacturing technologies. Used for everything from large metal parts to repairs, the process is gaining popularity in different sectors. One area where we are particularly seeing a growing…

Metal additive manufacturing is finding its way into more and more industries, from aerospace and marine to electronics and automotive. It enables the design of more complex, lightweight and durable parts. Copper’s excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, resistance to atmospheric…

If asked which two trends have been dominating the polymer 3D printing sector, the answer would be obvious: pellets and large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). In recent years, we have seen machines getting larger for even more applications in sectors like…

The United States pioneered the use of additive manufacturing in the defense sector, and their Department of Defense (DoD) continues to fund additive manufacturing research to this day. Through the Office of Naval Research (ORN), the DoD awarded a $4.5…

The term pellets, in the context of plastics, refers to small granules of various shapes (small cylinders or discs) made of polymer or a polymer blend. These are used as a raw material for the manufacture of finished plastic products…