3D printed parts perform in actual racecars
3D printing is no longer confined to the lab: Nissan Motorsports just announced that it used additive manufacturing for parts that are currently used in several of their V8 super cars. Nissan’s announcement is the most recent one in a series of news releases about the use of 3D printed parts in actual racecars. More at 3Dprint.com
3D print: Forecasters assess the industry’s potential
From simple toys to complex aerospace components, 3D printing is revolutionizing the production methods and supply chains all over the globe. While speculating about the future is easy, finding ways to assess the actual potential is not quite as simple. Louis Columbus has summarized the most important market research publications in his blog. More at A Passion for Research
GE uses new electron gun for 3D printing
News about GE’s plans to print parts of their turbines for the GEnx engines and the new GE9X engines has sparked great interest throughout the industry. The engines will be used in Boeing’s Dreamliner and 747-8 aircraft. Now, new details have emerged: GE will use a new breakthrough technology, a type of electron beam melting (EBM) developed by the Italian aerospace company Avio together with Sweden’s Arcam. More at 3Dprint.com http://3dprint.com/12262/ge-ebm-3d-printing/
Spinning platform for smaller scale scanning and printing
Blacksmith, a startup from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, has introduced the Blacksmith Genesisa, an all-in-one 3D printer, scanner, and copier. The machine uses a rotating platform for printing and scanning, which brings a series of advantages such as smaller-scale and faster printing. More at Gizmag http://www.gizmag.com/blacksmith-genesis-3d-printer-scanner/33376/
Ultrasonic 3D printing potentially extends sensors’ lifespan
A new technology may protect sensors from force, corrosion or simple wear and tear. Until now, embedding sensors in metal casing has been problematic, since the high temperatures used in the process have caused damage to some of the sensors. The new technology, ultrasonic additive manufacturing, a solid-state printing process uses sound waves to merge layers of metal. More at 3Dprint.com
Seufert presents new transparent packaging
The German company Seufert Transparente Verpackungen GmbH (STV) introduced a new transparent packaging solution for bottles and flacons. STV’s new packaging can incorporate low migration inks and R-PET materials with up to 85% recycled material as well as carbon neutral printing, thus offering an environmentally friendly solution to its customers. More at Packaging Europe
Latest issue of Labels & Labeling now online
The issue provides a preview of the Labelexop Americas 2014 from September 9 to 11, 2014, in Rosemont, Illinois, including the program and a detailed list of exhibitors. Other articles take a look at new technologies such as a new mineralized resin technology. More at Labels & Labeling