3DP Applications

3D Printing Industry Review of the Year April 2018

In April 2018, automotive and architecture dominated on the 3D printing applications front.

This month, 3D Printing Industry also became an official media partner of AMUG, one of the most exclusive groups in the industry – and we featured big releases from the likes of Stratasys, BMW, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Markforged.

3D Printing Industry as media partner of AMUG

As official partner of the 2018 Additive Manufacturing User Group (AMUG) event in St. Louis, 3D Printing Industry was privileged to get the inside track on the latest tips tricks, and industry trends from the show floor. Speaking with exhibitors including ANSYS, Renishaw and Carbon, our Editor in Chief Michael Petch also gathered some exclusive insights into expectations for the year.

In 2019, 3D Printing Industry is to renew its media partnership with AMUG for a second year, and will continue to provide exclusive insights from the show.

30 years celebrated at AMUG 2018. Photo by Michael Petch.
30 years celebrated at AMUG 2018. Photo by Michael Petch.

BMW’s multimillion investment in additive

In business, demonstrating its commitment to the technology, BMW invested €10 million its Additive Manufacturing Campus, which is set to open in the coming year. Later the same week, the company showcased some of its capabilities in the 3D printed BMW S1000RR chassis, which went on to become one of the most shared articles of the month.

Detail of the BMW S1000RR 3D printed chassis. Photo via Visor Down
Detail of the BMW S1000RR 3D printed chassis. Photo via Visor Down

Feeding into an undercurrent that ran through many of this year’s trade shows, software also proved to be a popular topic this month. In particular, our review of software simulation, for metal deformation at the UK’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), and the development of dddrop 3D printers, became a well circulated article.

Evolve Additive Solutions, the company behind the new Selective Toner Electrophotographic Process (STEP) 3D printing, exited stealth-mode, and Stratasys launched PBF spinoff Vulcan Labs.

the U.S. Navy also announced its commitment to rely on 1,000 3D printed parts by the end of the year.

The jury’s still out though on whether this was achieved or not.

Going large with thermosets and architecture 

In large scale 3D printing, Magnum Venus Products provided Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) with the means of processing new thermoset materials.

And EDG, a New York city based architectural design studio, revealed how it had been using 3D printing to restore classic building facades.

Render of a facade produced with 3D printing. Image via EDG.
Render of a facade produced with 3D printing. Image via EDG.

Markforged starts shipping Metal X

In terms of 3D printer launches this year, Bostonian manufacturer Markforged commenced shipping of its Metal X 3D printer. First announced over a year prior at CES 2017, this shipment was tipped to be “the first of many” for the company throughout 2018.

Sample parts made on the Markforged Metal X 3D printer. Photo via Markforged.
Sample parts made on the Markforged Metal X 3D printer. Photo via Markforged.

Think these applications, 3D printing companies and stakeholders warrant a 3D Pritning Industry Award? Make your nominations now for 2019. 

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Looking for a fresh start in the new year? Visit 3D Printing Jobs to get a head start.

Featured image shows BMW’s 3D printed S1000RR chassis. Photo via Visor Down