【3D Printing News】Heading to Formnext 2019! The Latest Technologies All Here!
The annual Formnext 2019 in Germany has successfully concluded. This international exhibition for new manufacturing technologies always sees major 3D printing brands vying for attention. Speaking of breakthroughs in 3D printing technology in recent years, the three most common technologies, SLS, SLA, and FDM, have mainly focused on a tug-of-war for precision and complexity. However, this healthy competition has significantly increased the usability of printed objects. The 3DMart special correspondent is once again personally bringing you the highlights: (Further reading: Beginner's Guide: Comparison and Principles of Common 3D Printing Technologies)
Metal 3D printing can be said to be the main highlight of this year. Many developers are dedicated to overcoming the shrinkage problems after 3D printing. All the items on the table are metal 3D printed products. The cross-section reveals delicate porous structures, making metal printed parts lighter and saving material.
This shiny, smooth T-Rex skull is also made entirely with metal 3D printing. The cost of producing a full-sized metal print like this is still quite high at present.
Why is this 3D-printed all-metal electric guitar displayed in the showcase so precious? Because it's a real instrument used by local rock singers for performances in concerts! This indicates that its application precision and sound quality have been recognized, making it a groundbreaking exhibit in metal 3D printing at the event.
Next, the exquisite "wax trees" showcased by the DWS light-curing 3D printer can be called a great helper for small-batch manufacturing. "Wax trees" are an important process before investment casting to metal, and before metal 3D printing becomes more mature, this is the most common way to convert 3D printed models into metal.
Since the wax tree directly affects the outcome of metal pouring, the 3D printed prototype is crucial. The blue jewelry sample is also one of DWS's 3D printing resins, forming a very delicate structure.
In addition to resin 3D printing, the final applications of FDM are also increasing. At the exhibition, from furniture to automotive applications, finished products can be directly utilized in large-scale development.
Next up is a heavy motorcycle model post-processed using SLS. From right to left, they are 3D printed, primed, and metal painted. The visual effect and detail are excellent, and even the super-fine suspended pipelines are perfectly intact.
The intricate structural applications that SLS is known for have also led to software advancements. For SLS 3D printing technology, filling the print volume as much as possible saves cost and time. However, such arrangements were previously optimized by engineers. In the new automated software, computers automatically calculate the most space-saving arrangements, not only successfully demonstrating the arrangement of samples on-site but also doing so 30 times faster than before!
The SLS 3D printed rhino also demonstrates different types of structural applications and effects, and emerging technologies also highly test the skills of designers, promoting global industry growth.
This year's design for full-color powder 3D printing is also impressive. Because it can achieve transparent effects, it performs excellently in prototyping bottle models. Such customized 3D printed bottle bodies shown in the image might appear in the near future, which again is thanks to the striking creativity of designers, making our special correspondent want to collect them too.
Finally, of course, we must visit our Ultimaker booth. The Ultimaker staff are holding recent industrial application cases. Many material manufacturers at the exhibition are also directly using Ultimaker 3D printers for development and testing, and as the general agent, 3DMart is honored.
Metal 3D printing is a key focus of development in recent years, while other 3D printing technologies are tending towards breaking limits and creating new possibilities. Just as the global 3D printing survey data released in 2019 shows, 67% of companies are now recognizing the rise of 3D printing. Now is the time to join the ranks of digital manufacturing! (Further reading: Global 3D Printing Sentiment Analysis! Which Country Ranks First?)
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