Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

3d printing

Custom earbuds made possible with 3D

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Formlabs and 3Shape are partnering to create a full lifecycle for creating on-demand custom earbuds, with the Form 2 3D printer and Phoenix in-ear scanner.

The human body is one of the most custom and unique shapes, and the ear canal is no exception, a truly custom-fit earbud can provide long-term wear, comfort, stability, noise reduction and noise cancellation from the environment compared to current comfort headphones.

“We’re seeing 2018 as the year custom earbuds will be available to most consumers,” said Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer at Formlabs.

[Read more…] about Custom earbuds made possible with 3D

3D printing gives design flexibility for bathroom manufacturer

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Kitchen and bath product maker Kallista has made a the spout of a tap produced using 3D Systems’ 3D printing materials and technology.

“Designers usually need to consider a manufacturing process and they have to design around that process,” said Bill McKeone, design studio manager, Kallista.

“3D Systems’ breadth of materials and technologies allowed us the freedom to create a unique, functional faucet (tap) which would not have been possible with a traditional manufacturing process.”

[Read more…] about 3D printing gives design flexibility for bathroom manufacturer

Hannover Messe: Software and additive manufacturing for the factories of the future

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Software and IT solutions will be high on the agenda at Hannover Messe 2018, which is no wonder in view of their pivotal role in connecting the individual links in the industrial value chain.

Integration and networking are central to the digital transformation of industrial production. For this reason, the exhibit categories “Automation” and “Digital Factory” will be a magnet for visiting professionals in April.

In halls 6, 7 and 8 the spotlight will be on IT solutions and integrated processes – in particular, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM, CAE, MES, ERP and PLM.  [Read more…] about Hannover Messe: Software and additive manufacturing for the factories of the future

Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

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If we were to think of robotics and automation as one industry – which we at this website in fact do – we could argue that it’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the world right now.

Certainly if we were to include software automation systems – such as robotic process automation – it would probably be the biggest.

But Robotics and Automation News tends to concentrate on physical machines – such as robotic arms or autonomous vehicles – which can be seen in a typical manufacturing or logistics facility.

And we try and understand what other sectors are most closely related to robotics and automation – manufacturing and logistics being two obvious ones.

[Read more…] about Fast-growing sectors within robotics and automation

3D printed parts keep production flowing at chocolate factory

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Dutch 3D service bureau, Visual First, is using FDM Nylon 12CF carbon-filled thermoplastic, supplied by applied additive technology solutions company Stratasys, to replace metal machine parts for its customer, The Chocolate Factory.

Using 3D print machinery replacement parts has significantly reduced machine downtime, ensuring production line continuity for the company.

Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, The Chocolate Factory runs a network of packaging machines, with the company’s daily throughput relying on the smooth operation of a simple, yet crucial, hook-shaped metal part that lifts wrapped bars onto a conveyer belt.

[Read more…] about 3D printed parts keep production flowing at chocolate factory

OR Laser launches new hybrid metal additive and subtractive manufacturing platform

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OR Laser has launched its new hybrid metal additive and subtractive manufacturing platform, the ORLas Creator Hybrid, and unveiled its new cloud manufacturing services at this year’s FormNext event.

FormNext, is into its final day in Frankfurt, and it’s where the great and the good of the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry congregate.

Traditionally the latest additive manufacturing developments are unveiled at FormNext, and this year has been bigger and better than years gone by, according to some visitors.  [Read more…] about OR Laser launches new hybrid metal additive and subtractive manufacturing platform

Luxembourg ‘leading the way’ towards the fourth industrial revolution

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The tiny country of Luxembourg is claimed to be “leading the way towards the fourth industrial revolution”.

Luxembourg may have one of the highest per capita GDPs in the world but it’s more a city than a country.

It has a landmass of about 2,500 square kilometres and a population of just over half a million.  [Read more…] about Luxembourg ‘leading the way’ towards the fourth industrial revolution

MarkForged raises $30 million in new funding from Siemens and Porsche for 3D printing system

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A company called MarkForged has raised $30 million in Series C funding to further develop its additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – technology. 

The company is said to use materials and methods which can produce components which are as strong as steel, and produce them 10 times faster.

The latest backers of MarkForged include Next47, which is the Siemens venture capital firm, Porsche, and Microsoft Ventures.  [Read more…] about MarkForged raises $30 million in new funding from Siemens and Porsche for 3D printing system

Additive manufacturing: It’s a matter of finding the right composition

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The terms “additive manufacturing” and “3D printing” are used interchangeably, although it seems additive manufacturing suggests an industrial context whereas 3D printing has become so widespread that it could be considered a consumer technology now. 

The majority of those who use such processes are, however, makers or manufacturers, meaning they’re on the supply side of the economy rather than the demand side.

Perhaps the reason why 3D printers are not yet completely in the consumer domain is that they’re not totally perfect. The high-end machines can probably get close to perfection, but not at a price point which can unlock consumer markets.  [Read more…] about Additive manufacturing: It’s a matter of finding the right composition

Adidas launches first trainers made at its advanced manufacturing plant SpeedFactory

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Adidas has launched the first major project to be created at its SpeedFactory facility in Ansbach, Germany.

The SpeedFactory features high levels of robotics and automation technology combined with 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing methods.

Adidas says the launch of the AM4 series heralds a “significant moment” for the brand in terms of the future of manufacturing, with SpeedFactory being a facility that will allow Adidas to explore, test and co-create with consumers, as well as constantly invent and reinvent design and define the future of how the brand creates.  [Read more…] about Adidas launches first trainers made at its advanced manufacturing plant SpeedFactory

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