Category Archives: 3D Printing

GEFERTEC Introduces arc80X for 3D Metal Printing with WAAM

BERLIN, Germany, Mar 19, 2024 – 3D metal printing with Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is being used in an increasing number of applications. GEFERTEC, a pioneer in this area, is now expanding the range of available machines with its new arc80X series. This latest generation of machines is in response to widespread customer demand for the ability to produce larger parts with WAAM.

Larger assembly space and more automation

For the machine’s kinematics, GEFERTEC relies upon a CNC-controlled linear axis system, whose high precision ensures sustained process stability and repeatability throughout the entire assembly space. In the 3-axis version, the new production system has an assembly space of 2 x 2 x 2 m and can produce parts with a total mass of up to eight tons. The 5-axis version prints parts with a diameter of up to 0.9 m and a height of up to 1.4 m. In addition to the larger assembly space, this new generation of machines offers many other advantages. These include a higher degree of automation to improve production efficiency and reduce personnel requirements. Automated functions include integrated tool measurement, gas nozzle cleaning, wire cutting, and replacement of wear parts.

The new machine generation also scores points with refined process monitoring to ensure part quality. The process monitor records and stores all relevant data during the printing process. This allows comprehensive documentation for quality assurance and process optimization. An integrated pyrometer measures the part temperature and, together with active component cooling, contributes to optimal quality of the printed part. The optional inert gas box enables printing in a closed inert gas atmosphere. This allows the unit to process even sensitive materials such as titanium.

Process know-how as a service offering

In the past, many potential users of the innovative 3D printing process were reluctant to invest in their own machines. In many cases, this was primarily due to a lack of expertise within the company. GEFERTEC will also be offering a comprehensive service package for this in the future. With their extensive know-how, GEFERTEC process technicians and CAM engineers support customers in easily changing over their parts manufacturing process to the arc machines. Services include parts screening to review technical feasibility and to identify potential areas of increased efficiency. The GEFERTEC experts can also help in the qualification processes. This allows customers to make optimal use of the arc machine and start 3D printing with WAAM even without inhouse experts.

Proven machine design

GEFERTEC has retained the advantages of the previous machine generation in the new arc80X series. The machine is designed as a complete production system based upon the WAAM process. Traditional metal inert gas welding is used for the additive manufacturing of parts. The arc machines combine this with special CAM software and a Sinumerik control architecture. The process offers high build rates, and because wire is used as the raw material, handling is easy and the material is cost-effective. The machines are already being used extensively in industrial applications, such as mass production of turbine components in the energy sector.

About GEFERTEC GmbH

GEFERTEC offers complete production systems for 3D metal printing using the Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process. In these systems, traditional metal inert gas welding is combined with greater process expertise for the additive manufacture of parts, a reliable machine system, integrative CAM software, and process quality assurance. GEFERTEC is a fully owned subsidiary of the Berlin.Industrial.Group. (B.I.G.), with headquarters in Berlin and approximately 340 employees.

For more information, visit website.

Sigma Additive Renamed to NextTrip

SANTA FE, NM, Mar 18, 2024 – Sigma Additive Solutions, Inc. announced that it has changed its corporate name to, and begin operating as, ‘NextTrip, Inc.‘, reflecting the transition of the Company following its acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc., a travel technology company based in Sunrise, Florida.

In conjunction with the change, the Company’s common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market (NASDAQ) under the new ticker symbol “NTRP”, effective at the open of market trading on March 13, 2024. All stock trading, filings and market-related information will be reported under the new stock symbol going forward. No action is required from Sigma’s stockholders and the CUSIP number for the company’s common stock will remain unchanged. The Company has also changed its corporate Web address to www.nexttrip.com.

Bill Kerby, chief executive officer of the company, commented, “With the sale of all the legacy assets related to additive quality assurance and the close of the acquisition in December providing a clean structure, our business has fully transitioned to NextTrip. Accordingly, we will begin operating as NextTrip, including our corporate name and ticker symbol. We are now completely focused on our travel and travel media operations, giving legacy shareholders the opportunity to benefit from future growth.

“We are positioning NextTrip as an innovative player in the travel industry, leveraging over 200 direct relationships with blue-chip travel organizations, as well as major industry suppliers for air, hotel and other travel and travel-related services to ensure robust products and an offering of more than 2 million hotels worldwide. We are just weeks away from the full re-activation and roll-out of our travel booking platform, and the ramp up of marketing to our database of over six million customers. We are excited for the launch of our platform as we continue to see positive momentum for the travel industry, with historic high records of travelers expected to book hotels, flights and curated vacations in 2024. We will also be launching an end-to-end content ecosystem that uses AI-assisted travel planning while capturing advertising, building brand awareness, rewarding loyalty and driving bookings. This mix of owned and operated channels includes our own Travel Magazine platform housing a unique FAST TV (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) model – Compass.TV. The environment is designed to translate content into commerce, supported by some of the top influencers in the travel vlog world. We look forward to the launch and announcing some of our business milestones in the weeks and months ahead, as we work to build long-term value for all our shareholders,” concluded Kerby.

About NextTrip Holdings

Prior to its acquisition of NextTrip Holdings, Inc. (NextTrip) in December 2023, the company served as a provider of in-process quality assurance (IPQA) solutions to the additive manufacturing industry. It specialized in the development and commercialization of real-time monitoring and analytics known as PrintRite3D for 3D metal and polymer advanced manufacturing technologies.

As previously disclosed in the company’s filings with the SEC, the Company completed its acquisition of NextTrip in December 2023. With the sale of assets related to its additive quality assurance now complete, the Company’s business has transitioned to that of NextTrip. The impending corporate name and ticker symbol change is intended to further align the Company with the new business.

NextTrip is a technology-driven platform delivering innovative travel booking and travel media solutions. NextTrip Leisure provides individual and group travelers with vacations to the most popular and sought-after destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and across the world. NextTrip Media platform – Travel Magazine offers a social media platform for viewers to explore, educate and share with friends their “bucket list” travel. Additionally, NextTrip is launching an end-to-end content ecosystem that uses AI-assisted travel planning capturing advertising, building brand awareness, rewarding loyalty and driving bookings.

For more information, visit www.nexttrip.com.

EOS M 290 1kW Metal AM System Launched

KRAILLING, Germany, Mar 15, 2024 – EOS, the leading supplier of responsible manufacturing solutions, has launched the newest member of its EOS M 290 family, the EOS M 290 1kW. This new Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) metal additive manufacturing (AM) platform is introduced with serial production in mind.

EOS M 290 1kW AM System

The EOS M 290 1kW is ideal for a wide range of industries including space, energy, and mobility/transportation. These industries typically leverage copper and copper alloys, where the challenge of 3D printing copper applications, like heat exchangers and inductors, is overcome with the powerful laser and other technologies and materials working in tandem. At launch, EOS Copper CuCp and EOS Copper CuCrZr materials are fully qualified on the system, and additional materials will be added to the machine compatibility portfolio later in 2024.

GBZ Mannheim GmbH & Co.KG sample copper heat inductor components produced with the 1kW additive manufacturing system.

“Our award-winning EOS M 290 is one of the most widely used metal AM machines in the world, and now the family is growing. Interestingly, the EOS M 290 1kW was developed by EOS’ AMCM group as part of its custom AM portfolio. The call to further commercialize this platform was exceptionally strong due to market demand, so now we are slip-streaming it into EOS’ broader portfolio.” says Monica Smith, EOS metal product line manager.

The EOS 290 1kW features:

  • Build volume: 250 x 250 x 325 mm (9.85 x 9.85 x 12.8in)
  • Powerful: One (1) 1,000-Watt laser
  • Productive: A volume rate of up to 55.4 (cm³/h)
  • Scanning speed: up to 7.0 m/s (23 ft./sec)
  • Focus diameter: ~ 90 µm

EOS M 290 1kW AM System

One early adopter of the technology was GBZ Mannheim GmbH & Co.KG, a specialized manufacturer of inductors and other highly engineered components to the automotive industry. “Additive manufacturing and the new one-kilowatt technology allow us to design and manufacture copper inductor applications that are more capable, durable and now produced in one piece with no soldering points,” said Thomas Corell, managing director at GBZ Mannheim. “The core elements of inductor applications are now integrated in a single build, and the results are much higher optimization of the cooling channels, lower power consumption during the product lifecycle, and we are seeing great reproducibility on the production-side of things.”

The EOS M 290 1kW is immediately available for purchase.

GBZ Mannheim GmbH & Co.KG sample copper heat inductor components produced with the 1kW additive manufacturing system.

About EOS

EOS provides responsible manufacturing solutions via industrial 3D printing technology to manufacturers around the world. Connecting high quality production efficiency with its pioneering innovation and sustainable practices, the independent company formed in 1989 will shape the future of manufacturing. Powered by its platform-driven digital value network of machines and a holistic portfolio of services, materials and processes, EOS is deeply committed to fulfilling its customers’ needs and acting responsibly for the planet.

For more information, visit www.eos.info.

Velo3D Q4 Results, Conf Call on Mar 26, 5PM ET

FREMONT, CA, Mar 15, 2024 – Velo3D, Inc., a leading additive manufacturing technology company for mission-critical metal parts, announced that it will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2023 financial results after the market close on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

The company will host an earnings conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results at 2:00PM Pacific Time / 5:00PM Eastern Time the same day. The US dial-in for the call is (877) 704-2771 and (201) 689-8732 for non-US callers. Please ask to be joined to the Velo3D call.

The live webcast of the call can be accessed from the Events page of the Investor Relations section of Velo3D’s website at ir.velo3d.com, along with the company’s earnings press release and presentation which will be posted prior to the start of the conference call.

About Velo3D

Velo3D is a metal 3D printing technology company. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has a unique ability to improve the way high-value metal parts are built. However, legacy metal AM has been greatly limited in its capabilities since its invention almost 30 years ago. This has prevented the technology from being used to create the most valuable and impactful parts, restricting its use to specific niches where the limitations were acceptable.

Velo3D has overcome these limitations so engineers can design and print the parts they want. The company’s solution unlocks a wide breadth of design freedom and enables customers in space exploration, aviation, power generation, energy, and semiconductor to innovate the future in their respective industries. Using Velo3D, these customers can now build mission-critical metal parts that were previously impossible to manufacture. The fully integrated solution includes the Flow print preparation software, the Sapphire family of printers, and the Assure quality control system—all of which are powered by Velo3D’s Intelligent Fusion manufacturing process. The company delivered its first Sapphire system in 2018 and has been a strategic partner to innovators such as SpaceX, Honeywell, Honda, Chromalloy, and Lam Research. Velo3D has been named as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for 2023.

For more information, please visit Velo3D.com.