Materials

Thanks to its diverse benefits, 3D printing offers many opportunities for companies to break with their usual production routines and make them more efficient. But the technology does not come without its share of challenges. Many attempts fail due to…

A plastic is a material made from synthetic or semi-synthetic compounds that is malleable (capable of changing its shape). Most plastics on the market are entirely synthetic and are commonly derived from petroleum chemicals. However, given the growing concern for…

Thanks to machine learning and 3D printing, researchers at the University of Toronto have developed nano-architected materials that combine the strength of carbon steel with the lightness of polystyrene foam. 3D printing, which facilitates the creation of such innovative materials,…

Sometimes, you may want a part to be transparent for aesthetic reasons, and other times, transparency is a functional necessity. In either case,  3D printing’s flexibility in terms of design, materials and processes makes it possible to create parts with…

Recent advances in materials science have led to new solutions in architecture and design. In a recent example, a team of researchers in California has developed polycatenated architectural materials (PAMs), which are capable of interweaving to form unique 3D structures.…

Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) have developed a new approach that integrates 3D printing with machine learning, specifically for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Essentially, the model allows them to create simulations useful for verifying…

AFU, a French company specializing in machining, has been investing in metal 3D printing since 2014 to expand its capabilities and produce more complex components. Now equipped with three machines, it has worked for two years on copper parametrics, and…

When it comes to strong parts, one of the most important choices that can be made is the material. Although the process of course plays an important role, the material used is what determines many of the characteristics of the…

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…