In the last few years, 3D printing has come a long way from prototyping plastic parts. We’re seeing a wealth of new materials introduced. Plus, the technology is moving into actual production, now called additive manufacturing. These advances were on full display on the conference stage and on the expo floor during last month’s Atlantic Design and Manufacturing Show in New York City.
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| Here's a variety of 3D printed parts from 3DEO. (Image source: 3DEO) |
One standing-room-only session during the show was particularly illuminating. The panel, Using Additive Manufacturing to Process Novel Materials & Improve Product Performance, included leaders from innovative 3D printing companies. Panelists included: Felipe Castañeda, industrial designer and marketing manager at MakerBot, Cullen Hilkene, CEO of 3Diligent, Matt Sand, president of 3DEO, and Zakary Smith, business development engineer at Star Rapid. The session covered everything from emerging materials to the technology challenges and opportunities for additive manufacturing.
The session took on a number of pressing questions regarding 3D printing:Â Does it make sense for a designer/engineer to use several different 3D printing technologies, and where in the process do each of those formats fit? What new innovations and technological advancements have appeared in the last year with additive manufacturing?
Check out the session in this YouTube video, which is posted on the Design News Facebook page:
Rob Spiegel has covered automation and control for 17 years, 15 of them for Design News. Other topics he has covered include supply chain technology, alternative energy, and cyber security. For 10 years, he was owner and publisher of the food magazine Chile Pepper.
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