Rapid Ready Roundup: EuroMold Edition

In the course of my diligent efforts to keep you good people up to date on the state of additive manufacturing (AM), I come across many interesting news items. I’ll gather them up every so often and present them in a Rapid Ready Roundup (like this one). You can find the last Roundup here.

Today’s Roundup is focused on the happenings at EuroMold 2013. We already brought you news of 3D systems new product announcements. We’ll start today with some materials news from Stratasys. The company’s newest material is named Nylon 12, and it works in the Fortus line of AM systems. According to Stratasys, Nylon 12 offers up to five times greater resistance to breaking and better impact strength compared to similar materials. 

The company sees applications for its new material in aerospace, automotive, home appliance and consumer electronics. Nylon 12 also has potential for end-use products such as interior panels, covers, environmental control ducting and vibration-resistant components, as well as tools, manufacturing aids, and jigs and fixtures.

“Nylon is one of the most widely used materials in today’s plastic products, and among FDM users it has been one of the top requested materials,” said Fred Fischer, Stratasys materials product director. “It is also the first semi-crystalline material and the toughest material Stratasys has ever offered. We expect it to be used for applications requiring repetitive snap fits, high fatigue endurance, strong chemical resistance, high impact strength or press-fit inserts. This material offers users a clean, simple way to produce nylon parts with an additive process.”

Moving on, Mcor Technologies announced a breakthrough in production speed for their AM systems that could cut build times by up to half of current rates. The speed improvement is the result of a new software algorithm that can be applied to the company’s IRIS and Matrix line of 3D printers. According to the company, this step is only the first of many in the coming months meant to improve build times.

“In order to be widely adopted, 3D printers need to be faster, safer, more powerful, versatile, convenient and affordable, to purchase and operate,” said Dr. Conor MacCormack, co-founder and CEO of Mcor Technologies. “With this enhancement, we are yet another step closer to delivering on our vision of widely accessible, professional-class 3D printing.”

Next up, in addition to its new AM systems, EOS has announced its intention to move into the service bureau side of the 3D printing business. The new services offered begin with application development to assist businesses with determining the most practical and beneficial applications of AM for their businesses.

The company will also be offering quality management support to ensure high standards are met for 3D printed parts and end-use products, and advice on additional steps in the validation process. In addition, EOS is broadening its technical support capabilities with a remote access service to facilitate the diagnosis of errors, and work toward a quick resolution.

While not directly EuroMold related, below you’ll find a video that discusses the possibilities of additive manufacturing.

Sources: Stratasys, Mcor Technologies, EOS