Category Archives: 3D Printing

Oerlikon Balzers Selects AM-Solutions’ M1-Basic

UNTERMERZBACH, Germany, Mar 28, 2023 – To be more flexible in the surface finishing of additively manufactured components for prototypes and small series, Oerlikon Balzers, a technology brand of the Oerlikon Group, has purchased two M1 Basic systems from AM-Solutions for its laboratory in Liechtenstein. The all-round solution ensures high-quality surfaces, prior and after the coating process, with a result that can be reproduced at any time.

Oerlikon Balzers is a global provider of highly wear-resistant coatings that significantly improve the performance and service life of precision components, cutting and forming tools. The R&D department in Balzers, where thin-film coatings and future innovations are developed, has decided to equip its own laboratory with a system for the surface treatment – before and after coating – of conventional and additively manufactured components. Balzers’ industrial PVD coatings are then applied to the components and tested on abrasion and wear in the laboratory. The choice fell on two M1 Basic systems from AM-Solutions.

Shorter response times and simplified process testing in a lab environment

Especially in R&D, tests to ensure the process reliability and robustness are required which often requires numerous tests to be carried out.

Oerlikon’s production sites often have special customer requests and needs. It was therefore decided, that the R&D and Production Technologies department in Balzers also provides in-house surface finishing capabilities, such as the new M1 Basic systems, which help shorten project timelines.

System flexibility as an advantage

A decisive advantage of the M1 Basic used in Oerlikon’s Lab is that it can be integrated completely flexibly into processes. It is extraordinarily compact and has an integrated process water circuit that allows it to be used independently of a fixed location. “The M1 Basic is a system that offers a wide range of surface treatment options and is also absolutely flexible in use. For example, the work area can be divided into different segments so that different processes can run on the machine at the same time,” explains Simon Kresser, project engineer for mechanical pre- & post-treatment at Oerlikon. This allows different sample parts to be processed in one step. It is also possible to process components with different abrasives. For example, the surface can first be scrubbed and smoothed during a roughening step with aggressive media and is then finished to a high gloss with a fine polishing media.

The M1 Basic is also particularly user-friendly and is suitable for both individual parts and small batches. It has an intelligent controller and can be used as required thanks to the integrated software solution. To limit noise disturbance in laboratory, the M1 Basic works with a maximum of 78 decibels, only about as loud as a car.

For more information, visit www.solutions-for-am.com.

About Oerlikon Surface Solutions Division

Oerlikon is a leading global provider of surface and additive manufacturing solutions and services. The division offers an extensive portfolio of market-leading thin-film, thermal spray and additive manufacturing technologies, equipment, components and materials. Emission reduction in transportation, maximized longevity and performance of tools and components, increased efficiency and intelligent materials are hallmarks of its leadership. Pioneering technology for decades, the division serves customers with standardized and customized solutions across a worldwide network of more than 170 sites in 37 countries.

With its technology brands – Oerlikon Balzers, Oerlikon Metco and Oerlikon AM – Oerlikon’s Surface Solutions division focuses on technologies and services that improve and maximize performance, function, design, reliability and sustainability, which are innovative, game-changing advantages for customers in the automotive, aviation, tooling, general industries, luxury, medical, semiconductors, power generation and oil & gas markets.

The division is part of the publicly listed Oerlikon Group, headquartered in Switzerland, which has 12 000 employees and generated CHF 2.65 billion in revenue in 2021.

For further information: Innovative solutions with forward-thinking technologies | Oerlikon.

About Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH

For over 80 years, the privately owned Rösler Oberflächentechnik GmbH has been actively engaged in the field of surface preparation and surface finishing. As global market leader, they offer a comprehensive portfolio of equipment, consumables and services around the mass finishing and shot blasting technologies for a wide spectrum of different industries. Their range of about 15,000 consumables, developed in their customer experience centers and laboratories located all over the world, specifically serves their customers for resolving their individual finishing needs. Under the brand name AM Solutions, they offer numerous equipment solutions and services in the area of additive manufacturing/3D printing. Last-but-not-least, as their central training center the Rösler Academy offers practical, hands-on seminars to the subjects mass finishing and shot blasting, lean management and additive manufacturing. Besides the German manufacturing locations in Untermerzbach/Memmelsdorf and Bad Staffelstein/Hausen the Rösler group has a global network of 15 locations and 150 sales agents.

For more information, please visit www.rosler.com.

Stratasys Board Rejects Unsolicited Proposal from Nano Dimension

MINNEAPOLIS, MN & REHOVOT, Israel, Mar 23, 2023 – Stratasys Ltd., a leader in polymer 3D printing solutions, announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously rejected the unsolicited proposal it received from Nano Dimension Ltd. to acquire Stratasys for $18.00 per share in cash.

Consistent with its fiduciary duties, and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, the Stratasys Board of Directors carefully reviewed and evaluated the proposal. Following the review, the Stratasys Board concluded that Nano’s proposal substantially undervalues the company in light of its standalone prospects and is not in the best interests of Stratasys and its shareholders.

Stratasys’ Board and management team are confident that the company’s standalone plan will create significantly greater value for its shareholders than the Nano proposal. Stratasys recently delivered its sixth consecutive quarter of profitability on an adjusted basis despite a challenging economic environment, and the company remains laser focused on executing its strategy and managing its operations to effectively deliver sustained, profitable growth.

J.P. Morgan is acting as financial advisor to Stratasys, and Meitar Law Offices and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz are serving as legal counsel.

About Stratasys

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, fashion and education. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.

To learn more about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com.

ARRIS Unveils Structural Flax Fiber Composites

BERKELEY, CA, Mar 23, 2023 – ARRIS, the advanced manufacturer enabling high-performance thermoplastic composites at scale for mass-market products and industrial applications, announced that it has a new sustainable fiber material offering.

Sustainability and innovative material development are at the core of everything ARRIS does as the team scales Additive Molding for a production capacity in the millions to meet demand (recent announcement). Additionally, ARRIS has doubled its in-house material production capacity as of February 2023 to support growing customer programs.

The ARRIS R&D team has been developing natural-fiber composites with high-performance capabilities to complement its already available bio-nylon resin material being used with carbon and glass fiber for products today.

“Since we started, our R&D team has been researching and investigating recycled, recovered, and natural fibers, as well as recycled, bio-based, and bio-synthesized polymers that help brands achieve necessary sustainability initiatives without sacrificing the best-in-class performance their customers have come to expect,” said Bert Mannhalter, ARRIS vice president of research and development. “I’m excited to reach this breakthrough in processing flax fibers. Though it’s been used for cosmetic parts such as veneers and paneling, we now see a way to use these fibers for true structural applications.”

Since flax fiber is <5% of the CO2e footprint compared to carbon fiber, these advanced composites have a massive impact on further reducing CO2 emissions.

ARRIS recently earned the 2023 BIG Innovation Award in January for the third year in a row, as well as the 2022 LEAP (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) Award in December. ARRIS has also ranked as one of Fast Company’s “10 Most Innovative Manufacturers” in 2021.

About ARRIS

Founded in 2017, ARRIS is a global manufacturing technology leader headquartered in Berkeley, CA. Their revolutionary design, materials, and manufacturing platform lets brands completely reimagine their products. They simultaneously leverage the highest strength and stiffness to weight carbon fiber composites, the game-changing functionality of integrated electronics, and the task-specific properties of metals, resins, and other materials.

For more information, please visit https://arriscomposites.com/.

Endeavor 3D Joins HP Digital Manufacturing Partners List

DOUGLASVILLE, GA, Mar 22, 2023 – Endeavor 3D, a leading additive contract manufacturer, has been promoted to HP Digital Manufacturing Partner. From its origins, Endeavor 3D has set out to change the world of manufacturing.

Endeavor 3D is committed to providing innovative solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and open up new possibilities for engineers, designers, and researchers for additive manufacturing in North America. To systematically create advanced additive manufacturing processes that not only meet industry standard certifications but exceed quality management protocols, enabling volume production at their facility in Douglasville, GA.

HP and Endeavor 3D; Chris Reeves, Ramon Pastor, Devin Mourey, Phil Arnold, Wayne Davey, Tim Marchbanks, & Tibor Gyorfi

“Endeavor 3D is demonstrating the power of using 3D printing to reimagine manufacturing,” said global head of sales and go-to-market, 3D Printing Solutions, Wayne Davey. “The combination of Endeavor’s vision and expertise with HP’s 3D printing capabilities gives customers a path to scale sustainable production and realize business results. We are excited to see the market impact Endeavor 3D and its customers deliver.”

Previously a member of the HP Digital Manufacturing Network (DMN), this recent invitation-only certification positions Endeavor 3D globally as one of the premiere providers of best-in-class Multi Jet Fusion part quality and manufacturing expertise. HP DMN members awarded with the HP Digital Manufacturing Partner distinction are certified by HP with a rigorous evaluation and onsite assessment.

“Joining this short list of HP Digital Manufacturing Partners is an important milestone for our company,” said Endeavor 3D CEO, Phil Arnold. “Our deep relationship with HP continues to expand with a singular shared vision, to support the next generation of designers, engineers, and manufacturers with our experienced relationship-centric team of skilled additive professionals and full manufacturing capabilities. The foundation of our operation is to offer end-to-end prototyping and production services 24-7 that exceed existing quality standards.” Endeavor 3D’s 65,000 square foot, award-winning facility in Douglasville, GA is exclusively devoted to advanced additive manufacturing technologies and is outfitted with state-of-the art, in-house testing laboratory equipment and quality control systems.

The HP Multi Jet Fusion platform has been a game-changer for the manufacturing sector. Capable of producing precise, detailed structures faster and much more affordable than conventional processes, this 3D printing technology enables an agile production framework that many industries are adopting. Endeavor 3D is already engaged and collaborating with leaders in the aerospace, automotive, and medical device market offering PA 12, PA 12 White, PA 11, and TPU materials required for product development and production applications.

Endeavor 3D is currently offering prototyping and production services enabled by its HP Jet Fusion fleet, with plans in the near future for further expansion.

About Endeavor 3D

Endeavor 3D is a leading end-to-end service provider of additive manufacturing solutions, specializing in product development, production and quality control of critical parts and assemblies in the medical device, consumer products, aerospace, and transportation markets. As a proud HP digital manufacturing partner, Endeavor 3D is one step closer to their goal of changing the world of manufacturing.

Learn more at www.endeavor3d.com.

About HP 3D Printing

HP’s 3D printing solutions are opening the doors for a digital reinvention of the global manufacturing sector, with a strong focus on end-to-end supply chain solutions in both software and hardware that are customer-centric and design led.

The new HP Jet Fusion 5400 Series including the HP Jet Fusion 5420W Solution enable entirely new production applications. The new solution enables consistent, high-quality production of white parts, and provides the benefits of HP’s robust, manufacturing-ready Multi Jet Fusion platform, including industrial-grade reliability, low cost per part, and enhanced manufacturing predictability.

HP’s Metal Jet S100 Solution provides industrial production capabilities, integrated workflow, subscription and service offerings – an unprecedented level of technical and business advantages for customers, helping them achieve their goals for business transformation. The modular solution enables build units to travel between four different stations, meaning users can continually run production at scale for mass metals production.

Essentium Parts On-Demand Launched for AM

AUSTIN, TX, Mar 22, 2023 – Essentium, Inc., a worldwide leader in industrial additive manufacturing (AM), today announced the launch of Essentium Parts On-Demand (EPOD,) an in-house production service grounded in its High Speed Extrusion (HSE) 3D printing technology. The service offers manufacturers access to Essentium’s engineering expertise and open AM ecosystem of solutions for fast and cost-effective production of parts at scale.

The prospect of an economic downturn makes companies more cautious about overextending themselves as they face potential revenue declines. However, while CFOs are rethinking capital expenditure, demand for parts continues to rise. The EPOD service offers customers the benefits of HSE printing and access to Essentium’s entire ecosystem without increasing capital expenditure. With EPOD, customers can use Essentium’s engineering-grade filaments and employ EPOD’s “polymer-to-part” services to make parts from custom filaments formulated and made in-house.

Early customers of the EPOD services are already experiencing benefits. One oil and gas industry customer used HSE printing capability and capacity to print PEEK parts, while an Aviation Technical Operations industry customer utilized the polymer-to-part solution to produce 100+ housings made of a custom material with flame resistant properties.

The EPOD service operates nine HSE 3D printers and plans to expand to 15+ by the end of 2024. The faster printing speeds of HSE printers lead to significant cost advantages for customers compared to other machines. Results from a market survey of 40+ part production shops worldwide showed that EPOD provides cost benefits for 100% of the geometries and materials surveyed, setting it apart from 13 other industrial extrusion-based service providers.

Joe Anguiano has been appointed as the sales director of EPOD to drive growth and customer satisfaction. Before his current role, Joe held senior sales positions within the AM industry.

Said Joe Anguiano, sales director of EPOD: “Ongoing economic and geopolitical turmoil is taking its toll on manufacturers, who have been forced to delay capital expenditure and seek alternative means to procure parts. EPOD services will allow manufacturers to use the HSE platform, including high-performance materials, to produce parts at the right economics without capital investment. Educating new users on AM will also be critical to help them make the leap from prototyping to industrial-scale production. It’s a win-win for manufacturers and the AM industry.”

About Essentium, Inc.

Essentium, Inc. provides industrial 3D printing solutions that are disrupting traditional manufacturing processes by bringing product strength and production speed together, at scale, with a no-compromise engineering material set. Essentium manufactures and delivers innovative industrial 3D printers and materials, enabling the world’s top manufacturers to bridge the gap between 3D printing and machining and embrace the future of additive manufacturing. Essentium, Inc. is AS9100 certified and ITAR registered.

For more information, visit https://essentium.com/.