This week’s selection is the useful “The Ultimate Guide to Designing, Prototyping and Mass Manufacturing your Product Idea” by Jason Vander Griendt.
manufacturing
Book of the Week: 42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China
This week’s selection is the highly useful “42 Rules for Sourcing and Manufacturing in China” by Rosemary Coates.
3D Printing May Change Mass Manufacturing Expectations
I had a thought about how the integration of 3D printing into manufacturing may change how we think about products.
Fictiv Announces Overseas Option
Manufacturing platform Fictiv announced a comprehensive system for engaging with overseas providers.
Book of the Week: Additive Manufacturing Innovations, Applications and Advances
This week’s selection is the broad-ranging collection “Additive Manufacturing Innovations, Applications and Advances”.
Book of the Week: Manufacturing and Design: Understanding the Principles of How Things Are Made
This week’s selection is “Manufacturing and Design: Understanding the Principles of How Things Are Made” by Erik Tempelman.
Could Dedicated 3D Print Factories Be The Future?
As manufacturing moves more strongly into 3D printing, there is a question about how it will be implemented.
Is Mass Customization To Take Over?
There is now another form of manufacturing becoming available: mass customization. But will it become ubiquitous?
BEEVERYCREATIVE Makes Moves Toward Industry
BEEVERYCREATIVE seems to be taking steps to transform their market direction.
Convergence: The Changing Face of Manufacturing Services
There seems to be a pattern emerging in the world of manufacturing services, at least from a 3D printing point of view.
3D Hubs Makes it Official
3D Hubs’ journey is officially in another direction based on a policy change they’ve published.
Aleph Objects Shows How It’s Done
At CES Aleph Objects provided a demonstration we had not seen displayed to the public.
New Normal: The Permanent Beta
There’s a very powerful implication of the Carbon / Adidas shoe project that could change everything in the near future.
A 3D Printed Faucet Demonstrates Integration Possibilities
A new project by 3D Systems made me realize something interesting about 3D metal printing.
The Family of the Future Project
In spite of considerable press coverage and increasing use, 3D printing technology is still a mystery to many businesses. A new project hopes to change that.
There Really Could Be Something To HP’s Long Term Strategy
HP today made some interesting announcements that tell us quite a bit about their long term strategy, which just might work. HP is like the elephant in the room within the industry. They’re really big – financially. When they move, it’s important. While they are quite a bit smaller than the existing players in the… Continue reading There Really Could Be Something To HP’s Long Term Strategy
Elon Musk Not Using 3D Printing As Much As Suspected
SpaceX’s Elon Musk executed an “Ask Me Anything” session this week on Reddit, and revealed something interesting about their 3D printing use.
HP + Deloitte: Giving Tools Back to the Blacksmith
On Thursday, August 24th, 2017 in Silicon Valley, HP + Deloitte announced a new partnership. HP is known as one of the world’s leaders in technology development, and Deloitte is also a world leader in digital transformation, the process of taking a traditional company into a modern mode of operation. HP’s CEO Dion Weisler described… Continue reading HP + Deloitte: Giving Tools Back to the Blacksmith
Don’t Miss These 10 3D Printing Benefits! Save Time & Money Today
There are so many benefits to 3D printing.
Do Manufacturers Really Not Understand 3D Printing?
There’s something odd about how 3D printer companies are marketing these days.
Stratasys Gets a Big Opening for their Manufacturing Strategy
Stratasys has been making a number of hints that it wants move into the production manufacturing market, but now they have a huge opening to do so.
3D Hubs’ Distributed Manufacturing Concept
3D Hubs seems to have developed a new strategy for distributed 3D printing.
Implications of Formlabs’ Recent Announcements
What should we make of the two surprise announcements by Formlabs?
Could Blockchain be Critical for Future 3D Prints?
If you’ve been reading any tech material lately, you’ve likely heard of blockchain.
The Role of Hybrid Manufacturing in 3D Printing
Between the worlds of CNC machining and additive manufacturing (AM), there lies a bridge technology referred to as hybrid manufacturing. Hybrid systems combine both production techniques to join the benefits of subtractive and additive processes—the precision of the former with the freedom of the latter. One of the first companies to get hybrid manufacturing into… Continue reading The Role of Hybrid Manufacturing in 3D Printing
Another Industry Ripe for 3D Printing Advantages?
I’m reading a story about a 3D printed surfboard, and it suggests another, wider use of 3D printing tech.
Is Siemens in the Driver’s Seat on the 3D Print Bus?
Recently several 3D printer manufacturers have established relationships with Siemens. What does this mean?
One Way To Transform Products to 3D Printing
An innovative idea for a simple household object may hold the key to far greater use of 3D printing.
HP’s Deep Commitment to 3D Printing and the Distant Future
This week HP announced several things related to their 3D print strategy, but adding them up reveals they are quite serious about the technology.
World’s Largest 3D Metal Printing Facility Opens
Germany’s FIT AG has opened what is said to be the world’s largest facility for 3D metal printing.
Aerojet Rocketdyne Refines 3D Printing for Rocket Engines
As additive manufacturing (AM) is incorporated into the larger manufacturing ecosystem, the technology has to prove itself capable of standing up to more and more critical tasks.
How Do You Integrate 3D Printing into a Big Business? Ask Caterpillar
As 3D printing is increasingly being adopted as a tool used beyond rapid prototyping, businesses will be eager to learn how to incorporate it effectively.
iGo3D Strolls into the Manufacturing Business
European 3D print retailer iGo3D has inked a deal with Spanish 3D provider Sicnova 3D to provide manufacturing services.
Low Volume Manufacturing With 3D Printing: Local or Global?
I’ve been reading the details on yet another low volume manufacturing operation and am wondering where this is all leading.
Could 3D Printing Really Transform Logistics?
Some say the introduction of 3D printing to the logistics industry could be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”, but is it?
Meet the EU’s LASSIM Project
The EU is sponsoring a project that is attempting to create the “world’s largest hybrid manufacturing machine”.
What is SAP’s 3D Print Distributed Manufacturing System and Why is Roboze In It?
Italy-based Roboze announced they’ve joined the growing SAP Distributed Manufacturing program.
3D Systems Officially Announces Their Long Awaited Figure 4 Platform
3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems finally announced perhaps the worst-kept secret: the Figure 4 Production Platform.
Extreme 3D Printing Automation at Voodoo Manufacturing
Voodoo Manufacturing’s amazing project Skywalker portends an explosive robotic future.
In Germany, They’re Pulling 3D Printing, Not Pushing
A report from Germany shows an unusual development from a major firm demanding use of 3D printing.
Startling Stats From GE Regarding Use of 3D Printing Technology
I listened to a talk by a GE representative who explained why they see so much benefit in 3D printing, and it’s quite startling.
Type A Machines Steps on the Gas
Professional desktop 3D printer manufacturer Type A Machines announced an interesting contract manufacturing relationship that could indicate their plans.
3D Printer Manufacturers Take Note: How Stratasys is Guiding Their Machine Design
Stratasys is using a well-known manufacturing methodology to guide the development of their new equipment.
3D Printing Management Lessons: BigBox Ceases Production
The highly anticipated BigBox 3D printer project has ceased production, providing a wealth of advice for others contemplating marketing 3D printers.
Here’s Something More Kickstarter Projects Should Do
With the growing list of crowdfunding failures recently, it seems to me that these projects should have been taking steps to provide more assurance to their backers.
One on One With Mcor’s Conor MacCormack, Part 2
We had the rare opportunity to sit down with Mcor Technology’s CEO, Conor MacCormack at CES and find out what’s been happening with the company in recent months.
One on One With Mcor’s Conor MacCormack, Part 1
We had the rare opportunity to sit down with Mcor Technology’s CEO, Conor MacCormack at CES and find out what’s been happening with the company in recent months.
One on One With Stratasys’ Andy Middleton: Part 2
We had a chance to sit down with one of Stratasys’ key leaders to find out what’s happening at the 3D printing giant.
One on One With Stratasys’ Andy Middleton: Part 1
We had a chance to sit down with one of Stratasys’ key leaders to find out what’s happening at the 3D printing giant.
Siemens and Stratasys: More Than Just a Partnership?
I was very pleased to learn of Stratasys’ partnership with Siemens, but afterwards I’m wondering if there is more to this deal than meets the eye.
A Big Perspective On BigRep
We’ve been following the development of BigRep for some time now, and at this point the company is a significant player in the 3D space.
The Factory of the Future is Here. Are you ready?
At first blush, the factory of the future sounds like an airy concept. But the factory of the future is an idea that’s been around for a long time, and its actuality is being created right now.
Did Apple Already Develop a 3D Printer?
I’m now thinking Apple might create a 3D printer – but not in the way you suspect.
Another Major 3D Printer Manufacturer Steps into Industry 4.0
It’s contagious! Concept Laser has joined several other players in producing a “Smart Factory” based on their 3D printing technology.
Additive Manufacturing At IMTS
At the beginning of this week I headed to Chicago for IMTS.
Stratasys Announces Bold Strategy: Two Key New Concepts Unveiled
Today 3D print giant Stratasys announced a bold new strategy focused on industry that will no doubt have a significant effect on manufacturing in the future.
Additive Industries is Hiring – and a Lot More
Metal 3D printing startup Additive Industries seems to be succeeding, judging by their need for immediate hiring.
MakerBot’s Factory Shift Is Essential And Not Surprising
MakerBot CEO Jonathan Jaglom announced a major shift in the company’s manufacturing strategy: outsourcing.
How Stratasys’ New J750 Changes The Product Development Game
The most interesting things about the J750 multimaterial and multicolor 3D printer is not the hardware, in my opinion, but instead it’s the effects it has on business processes.
Autodesk’s Project Escher Attempts To Combine 3D Printing With Other Manufacturing Processes
This could be a very big deal: Autodesk has taken up the challenge of opening up 3D printing to a much wider audience with Project Escher.
Standards Still Lacking For Industrial 3D Printing
I’m reading an article by Robert Grace discussing the state of standardization of 3D printing within the industrial space.
The Most Interesting 3D Printing Innovation At CES May Have Been From 3D Systems
Hidden deep within the not-quite-football-field-sized 3D Systems booth at CES was something that might change manufacturing.
What Happens When Your 3D Printer Isn’t Enough?
There are many people today who have taken the personal technology step to acquiring their own 3D printer. But what happens when you need to do more than it can do?
3D Printing Stocks Remain Low, But Is This Due To China?
The stock price of many publicly-traded 3D printing companies remains flat or even low. Could China be the cause?
3D Printing and the Future of Manufacturing
3D printing has changed production processes for the better and has transformed what was originally a prototyping tool into one that engineering firms now utilize to make final products, too.
Jazz Musician Needs 3D Printing Assistance
Musician Paul Hirsch has been developing a new type of “wholetone-tuned panpipe”, but now requires assistance to determine how to 3D print them in production form.
Senvol Explains Where to Locate Your 3D Printer Farm
Annie Wang and Zach Simkin of Senvol presented some interesting logic regarding how companies should consider organizing their 3D printing infrastructure for optimum efficiency.
EOS Partners With GF Machining Creating Interesting Possibilities
Industrial 3D printer manufacturer EOS has partnered with GF Machining Solutions, and we think the results could be quite interesting.
The Difference Between 3D Fabrication and 3D Construction
With several larger 3D printing experiments taking place, it’s now becoming clear there are two distinct styles of 3D printing: Fabrication and Construction.
The HEFT: Designed With 3D Printing
A simple snow shovel attachment project made extensive use of 3D printing technology to develop a unique product.
NightHawk: The First Mass Produced Headphone Component From Sculpteo
AudioQuest and Sculpteo have teamed up to bring us the first mass produced headphones containing a 3D printed component.
VoxelJet Discovers New Manufacturing Angle
VoxelJet are well-known for their massively-sized industrial 3D printers. But the size actually enables lower cost manufacturing.
Additive industries Introduces… Something?
Down a central aisle at Euromold we discovered a mysterious box from Additive Industries. We stopped by to find out what’s in it.
3D Printing or Injection Molding?
This could be the question if you’re thinking of making many copies of an object: Should you 3D print or injection mold.
Free Additive Manufacturing Introductory Course
Are you in a business faced with a transition to 3D printing technology? There’s a course for that.
Near-Instant Product Manufacturing via 3D Printing
WHYcase demonstrated the true power of 3D printing by creating a brand new manufactured product in only 7 days.
Stop Comparing 3D Printing to Mass Production!
It’s time to make it clear to everyone who asks: 3D printing isn’t mass production.
3D Printing Simplifies Manufacturing In Ways You Didn’t Realize
We found an unusual method of leveraging 3D printing technology to simplify the process of manufacturing: Through RFPs.
3D Printing Really Does Change Manufacturing
An interview with David Patrick of Shark Wheel dramatically shows in how 3D printing has utterly changed manufacturing.
3D Systems Releases Details About Its High Speed 3DP Production Line
Sometimes technological developments are born out of necessity—you have a need, you fill it. But other times technological developments trigger new needs and ideas altogether.
Additively Assists Your Additive Manufacturing
A startup company hopes to simplify connecting with and selecting a 3D printing service provider for industrial parts.
Uncovered: 4 AXYZ’s Secret 3D Wood Machine
For some time now we’ve been hearing rumors of a mysterious “wood machine” from a mysterious company called “4 AXYZ”. Now we know a lot more about it.
The Project That Wouldn’t Exist Without 3D Printing
We ran across a new product that apparently would not have happened were it not for the availability of 3D printing technology.
Ultra-Fast 3D Printing?
A surprise announcement from ORNL and Cincinnati Incorporated hopes to revolutionize 3D printed manufacturing. But how?
Confirming the Other Half of 3D Printing
The science of 3D printing was conceived some 30 years ago with intentions of becoming a new form of manufacturing. By 2014, that’s clearly happened. But after attending the opening event of NYC’s first 3D Printshow last night, we have another thought.
Sculpteo’s Factory Button
If you’ve been learning about 3D printing, you’ll know that the best things to print are those that are one-offs. Unique, custom items that are made once for someone. They’re special and “fit” only one use or person. If you want to make many of an item, you should not 3D print but instead… Continue reading Sculpteo’s Factory Button
Lulzbot Simplifies Life for a Mouthguard Manufacturer
We’re reading a case study in which manufacturer Megalodon Sports managed to save considerable cash and time by 3D printing prototypes of their new mouthguard product. Now, we know you’re thinking that this is going to be one of those standard stories where a manufacturer saves thousands by moving their prototyping from expensive CNC… Continue reading Lulzbot Simplifies Life for a Mouthguard Manufacturer
What Does A Big Company Do With 3D Printing?
We’re reading a very interesting interview by Joris Peels, who spoke to Prabhjot Sing, General Electric’s Manager of GE Additive Manufacturing Lab at GE Global Research. The thought we had was: how does a very large company make use of 3D printers? Readers who have personal devices obviously have very different usage patterns. Here’s… Continue reading What Does A Big Company Do With 3D Printing?
Battle of the 3D Printer Manufacturers
The opening of MakerBot’s new factory has us wondering about their main competition’s manufacturing capability. 3D System’s Cube is now selling at Staples online shop, with intentions of being sold in each physical store location. We suspect the Cube is manufactured overseas in China, where large-scale manufacturing is commonplace and inexpensive. It also provides… Continue reading Battle of the 3D Printer Manufacturers
U.S. Losing its Edge in Additive Manufacturing?
For the last few decades, American companies have dominated and advanced the field of additive manufacturing to its current state. However, in a recent report from industry analyst Terry Wolhers, America’s dominance in additive manufacturing could be waning. In preparation for Wohlers Associates annual Wohlers Report,the analysis firm hase released some data that might… Continue reading U.S. Losing its Edge in Additive Manufacturing?
Manufacturing in 3D Printing’s Future?
We’re reading a post by Joel Hans, managing editor of Manufacturing.net where he postulates the future of 3D printing in manufacturing plants. This got us thinking about manufacturing versus personal 3D printing. Fabbaloo readers are quite familiar with personal 3D printing and sometimes wonder why this amazing technology isn’t used more by manufacturing plants.… Continue reading Manufacturing in 3D Printing’s Future?
Advanced Manufacturing Seminars
If you happen to be in Anaheim, California in mid-February (and who wouldn’t?) you might want to check out the Advanced Manufacturing Seminar conference, taking place from February 12-14 at Anaheim’s Convention Center. The event is part of a much larger conference, the Automation Technology Expo WEST, which features “thousands” of suppliers. The event… Continue reading Advanced Manufacturing Seminars
Knocking off a few Gas Stations…
I’m guilty of conceiving elaborate plans and trying to make them perfect from the start. Seeing this, my father once said to me, “Son, you have to knock off a few gas stations on the way to the perfect crime.” What he tried to instill in me is that you have to be moving forward,… Continue reading Knocking off a few Gas Stations…
How Will 3DP Affect Your City?
An interesting piece in the Houston Business Journal written by Molly Ryan contemplates the effect of 3D printing on the city of Houston’s manufacturing sector. Her investigation showed what most non-technical folks soon discover about 3D printing: you can make almost anything, but it will be more expensive than traditional manufacturing techniques. In other… Continue reading How Will 3DP Affect Your City?
China Concerned About 3D Printing?
We know the vision: consumer owns an advanced 3D printer. They buy 3D designs online and print out their desired objects onsite within moments. Ta da! We also know the implications of this vision: Dead factories, fewer trains and trucks hauling finished goods around, perhaps a slightly greener world, more 3D designers and fewer… Continue reading China Concerned About 3D Printing?