News

3D Printing in the Defense Industry: A Revolution in Naval Shipbuilding

The defense industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, and recent developments indicate that 3D printing technology can bring significant changes to naval shipbuilding. Manufacturers of the Virginia-class submarines have successfully implemented this revolutionary method, opening up new possibilities in traditional manufacturing processes.

Thanks to 3D printing, components made from copper-nickel and other specialized alloys can be produced faster and with greater precision. This not only results in a significant reduction in production time but also leads to drastic cost savings.

The successes achieved in the defense sector show that 3D printing technology not only saves time and money but also increases manufacturing flexibility and allows for the rapid prototyping of unique components. Based on the success in naval shipbuilding, it is expected that the technology will become widely adopted in other industries in the near future.

3D Printing with Used Coffee Grounds: Recycling in Future Technology

Most coffee enthusiasts typically dispose of their used coffee grounds after their morning brew; the eco-conscious might opt for composting. However, a recent study suggests a new sustainable method: using them for 3D printing! Michael Rivera from the University of Colorado and the ATLAS Institute states, “You can make a lot with coffee grounds. If you no longer need them, just grind them again and use the grounds for printing anew.”

With the rise of 3D printers, environmental concerns have also grown, especially regarding the materials used for printing. However, coffee grounds are naturally biodegradable and compostable. Rivera was inspired when he realized the amount of bio-based materials we often waste.

During his research, Rivera utilized coffee grounds that were used for making espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. The grounds were dried in sunlight, then mixed with water, xanthan gum, and carboxymethyl cellulose powder. The resulting paste was loaded into a modified 3D printer, and no heat was required for the printing process.

The finished objects are as strong as unreinforced concrete. Rivera's team has crafted decorative pendants, espresso cups, and planters from this new material. Further applications of this technology include biodegradable capacitive touch sensors.

The Future of Housing: Michigan's Pioneering 3D Printed Home Nears Completion

Michigan's first 3D printed home, located in Detroit's Islandview neighborhood, is nearing completion. Spearheaded by the nonprofit Citizen Robotics, this two-bedroom, one-bath house has been under development for three years, with printing commencing last October. The U.S. industry is still in its infancy, but many believe 3D printing is the future of construction due to its cost-effectiveness and energy-saving potential.

Evelyn Woodman, co-founder and communications director of Citizen Robotics, emphasized the innovative approach to home building. The construction process involves a refurbished robot from the auto sector creating the exterior walls and other parts using a "cementitious 3D printable mortar." These components are then assembled on-site.

Bryan Cook, from Detroit-based Develop Architecture, highlighted the digital nature of the process, from design to actual printing. The flexibility of the industry is evident, with various materials, including concrete, mortar, and even mushrooms, being used for printing.

Zachary Mannheimer, founder and chairman of Alquist 3D, pointed out the efficiency and sustainability of 3D printing. The method is faster, requires fewer workers, and is more cost-effective. Moreover, the materials used are more durable than traditional concrete.

Citizen Robotics envisions 3D printing as a transformative tool in construction. The organization is exploring ways to streamline the entire homebuilding process. The anticipated cost of constructing the house is $265,000, with an expected sale price of $224,500.

Across the U.S., nearly 100 3D printed homes exist, and this number is predicted to grow annually. Mannheimer emphasized the need for innovation in the housing sector, which hasn't seen significant changes in over a century.

The Detroit project is set to be completed by year's end. Despite some delays due to permit acquisition and city requirements, Citizen Robotics remains optimistic about the future of 3D printed homes in Detroit and other Michigan cities.

The Future of Architecture: Sugar-Based 3D Printed Pavilion at Singapore Design Week

Unveiled at Singapore Design Week, the Altostrata pavilion designed by Mamou-Mani Architects is entirely 3D printed from compostable polylactic acid (PLA) derived from sugar. Created using the new mobile 3D printing platform, Fab.Pub, Altostrata was showcased at the FIND – Design Fair Asia from September 21-23, 2023. The pavilion's eco-friendly panels made from sugar minimize waste and consumption, while its flexible design allows for repurposing. Fab.Pub aims to revolutionize circular technology, promoting the use of local, renewable, and recyclable materials. Arthur Mamou-Mani stated that the goal of Fab.Pub is to establish a global movement enabling local-scale fabrication. Altostrata hosted various talks during Singapore Design Week, and its next stop will be Dubai Design Week.

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Dental 3D Printing: Market to Reach $13.09 Billion by 2030

According to the report "Dental 3D Printing Market by Type (Desktop 3-Dimensional (3D) Printer, Industrial 3-Dimensional (3D) Printer), Product (Equipment, Material), Technology, Application, End-Use - Global Forecast 2023-2030", the dental 3D printing market is projected to reach $13.09 billion by 2030, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.19%. The report was prepared and published by 360iResearch.

Among the market segments, the Desktop 3-Dimensional (3D) Printer held the largest market share of 68.95% in 2022, followed by the Industrial 3-Dimensional (3D) Printer. In terms of products, equipment (3D Scanner & Printer) led with a market share of 60.26% in 2022, while materials (metal and plastic) ranked second.

In the technology category, Vat Photopolymerization commanded the largest market share of 51.24% in 2022. Regarding applications, Prosthodontics led with a market share of 42.40%, followed by Implantology.

In the end-use category, dental clinics held the largest market share of 54.15% in 2022, with dental laboratories coming in second. Regionally, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa led with a market share of 42.23% in 2022, followed by the Americas.

The report also presents a market share analysis, profiles of leading companies, and forecasts and trends for the market. 360iResearch points out that the growth of the dental 3D printing market is attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable materials and technologies, as well as the proliferation of digital manufacturing technologies.

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