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3D printed organs set to become ‘reality in two decades’

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Biotech firms are making progress in developing 3D-printed organs, with recent breakthroughs aiding the production of increasingly intricate tissues. Companies like Vital3D are tackling the challenge with cutting-edge technology, and seeing remarkable results.

In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology for the field of organ transplantation. Doctors are already using 3D-printed skin for burn treatment and wound healing, and this year has seen the first successful use of 3D-printed cartilage for ear reconstruction.

Now, amidst rising demand for organ transplants and a dire shortage of donor organs worldwide, researchers are working toward using 3D printing to produce even more complex structures, like livers, hearts, and kidneys. [Read more…] about 3D printed organs set to become ‘reality in two decades’

Can 3D printed organs alleviate shortages of kidneys for transplants?

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Rising kidney transplant demands underscore a pressing global health concern. While 3D-printed organs promise a potential solution, challenges in printing speed and accuracy persist. In this Q&A interview, Vidmantas Šakalys of Vital 3D provides valuable insights and hints at a “transformative solution on the horizon”.

The increasing demand for organ transplants paints a dire picture of the global health industry. According to the Global Observatory of Donation and Transplantation, 2021 witnessed an overwhelming 144,301 organ transplants, marking an 11.3 percent surge from 2020 with this number gradually increasing each year. Alarmingly, out of this figure, approximately two-thirds were kidney transplants.

In the United States alone, out of almost 90,000 US citizens on the wait list for a kidney transplant in a given year, only around 25,000 receive one, with 17 individuals losing their battle against time every day, succumbing to the consequences of extended waiting periods. [Read more…] about Can 3D printed organs alleviate shortages of kidneys for transplants?

Benefits of Using Sculpteo 3D Printing

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In a world where innovation drives progress, 3D printing has emerged as a game-changing technology. Sculpteo is reshaping industries from aerospace and healthcare, to fashion and automotive.

Among the many service providers, Sculpteo is a pioneer. They offer a wide array of cutting-edge solutions to individuals and businesses alike.

We’ll explore the multitude of benefits it brings to the table. These benefits range from rapid prototyping and cost-efficiency to customization and sustainability. [Read more…] about Benefits of Using Sculpteo 3D Printing

New RoboDK software ‘simplifies robot programming by demonstration’

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RoboDK, a Canadian-European robot programming software company, has released the design and assembly instructions of the TwinTrack Probe.

Available from September 2023, the cost-effective tool allows users to easily record complex paths in RoboDK with an off-the-shelf HTC VIVE tracker and a simple 3D printed tool.

As the robotics market continues to evolve and more businesses are turning to robotic automation, there is a move away from traditional programming methods. [Read more…] about New RoboDK software ‘simplifies robot programming by demonstration’

WPI researcher receives $600,000 grant to develop 3D printable robots for search-and-rescue operations

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researcher Markus Nemitz is the recipient of a $599,815 CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to develop an innovative architecture for low-cost custom robots capable of traversing challenging terrains by swimming, crawling, climbing, and diving through hostile and confined spaces as part of search-and-rescue operations.

Nemitz, an assistant professor in WPI’s Department of Robotics Engineering, will focus on developing small and flexible 3D-printed robots with integrated fluidic circuits that can be rapidly fabricated for specific disasters.

His five-year project will involve testing these robots in a miniaturized model that will be built at WPI and replicate parts of the Tham Luang cave in Thailand where flooding trapped 12 members of a youth soccer team and their coach in 2018. [Read more…] about WPI researcher receives $600,000 grant to develop 3D printable robots for search-and-rescue operations

ZVerse partners with 3D Systems to provide more access to expertise

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ZVerse, the developer of a CAD as a Service platform for digital manufacturing, is partnering with 3D Systems, a provider of parts manufacturing services.

The strategic alignment will provide 3D Systems’ customers with access to ZVerse’s network of certified designers who can lend their expertise to optimize file formats – facilitating desired final parts.

Theseservicesincludeeverythingfromdesignmodificationstorevisingfileformats to ensure the final part matches the customer’s requirements. [Read more…] about ZVerse partners with 3D Systems to provide more access to expertise

Volkswagen takes first step on road to 3D car production

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Volkswagen will use a new 3D printing process to print design elements such as individualised gear knobs in small production series and is pressing ahead with the development of the technology for mass production.

Volkswagen is using the “HP Metal Jet” process, which it claimed to simplify and speed up metallic 3D printing. The biggest advantage claimed: productivity improves fifty times compared with other 3D printing methods and depending on the component.

Together with printer manufacturer HP and component manufacturer GKN Powder Metallurgy, Volkswagen  presented the new process for the first time at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

[Read more…] about Volkswagen takes first step on road to 3D car production

Top 10 additive manufacturing and 3D printing companies

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Although we’ve called this a top 10, it’s not really in any particular order – it’s just a list of 10 of the most well-known and perhaps most highly regarded additive manufacturing or 3D printing companies. 

If anything, it’s an impressionistic understanding of the market, taking into consideration size of the company, number of clients and general reputation.

We have not included software-only companies or providers of marketplaces without any hardware of their own – we’ve tried to concentrate on companies which manufacture 3D printers and the materials that they require.  [Read more…] about Top 10 additive manufacturing and 3D printing companies

Airbus chooses Stratasys system to 3D print components for new aircraft

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Stratasys has been chosen by Airbus to supply 3D printing and additive manufacturing systems for the production of components for aerospace company’s new plane. 

Airbus has already used the Stratasys FDM 3D Production System to produce 1,000 flight parts for use on its A350 XWB aircraft.

The 3D printed parts use a resin called Ultem 9085, which is certified to an Airbus material specifications to have a high strength to weight ratio and to be resistant to flame, smoke and toxicity – necessary for aircraft interiors.  [Read more…] about Airbus chooses Stratasys system to 3D print components for new aircraft

Video: Dassault Systèmes to launch integrated new platform for 3D printing

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Dassault Systèmes is planning to launch an integrated 3D printing platform in the next few months, according to a senior executive at the company. 

In an interview with RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com, Philippe Bartissol, vice president, industrial equipment industry, Dassault Systèmes, says the the initiative will be announced in the next two months.

The initiative will “address the complete ecosystem of 3D printing”, says Bartissol, adding: “It will not be only one customer using our platform extensively.

“It will be several players from several fields jointly working on one platform, with payment possibilities and delivery possibilities as well.”  [Read more…] about Video: Dassault Systèmes to launch integrated new platform for 3D printing