LEUVEN, Belgium, July 22, 2024 – Materialise, a global leader in 3D printing software and services, has acquired FEops, a Belgian company that develops AI-driven simulation technology to improve procedure efficiency and clinical outcomes for structural heart interventions. The acquisition will allow Materialise to expand its cardiovascular solutions with predictive simulation capabilities, advancing the personalized treatment of patients with heart diseases. The amount of the transaction was not disclosed. Increased mass personalization, enabled by 3D technologies, is enhancing healthcare by enabling tailored treatment plans and interventions that cater to the unique anatomy of individual patients, resulting in improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.

FEops combines predictive simulation technology and artificial intelligence, allowing clinicians to more accurately predict how transcatheter structural heart devices will interact with a patient’s anatomy. Materialise’s Mimics Planner for Structural Heart Interventions, an industry-standard solution for segmentation and anatomical analysis, planning, and design, enables the creation of accurate virtual 3D models based on medical image data.

With the integration of FEops, the Mimics Planner will offer a comprehensive solution for anatomy-based 3D planning and AI-based simulation, allowing clinicians to simulate the interaction between a medical device, such as a heart valve, and a patient’s unique anatomy. This advancement is set to transform patient care for structural heart diseases by offering a more interactive and AI-based solution for preparing heart procedures.

“At Materialise, we are pioneering the advent of mass personalization in healthcare, using advanced visualization and 3D printing technologies to deliver precise, patient-specific solutions,” said Brigitte de Vet, CEO of Materialise. “By integrating FEops’ advanced predictive simulation technology with our Mimics Planner, we are expanding our cardiovascular solutions to provide clinicians with comprehensive insights into patient anatomy. This integration will not only enhance the accuracy and efficiency of structural heart interventions but also improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.”

Historically, transcatheter procedures were reserved for the most complex cases and high-risk patients, but these procedures are becoming more common today. However, challenges remain in evaluating patient eligibility for transcatheter interventions and assessing potential risks and adverse events. Enhanced visualization and simulation technologies are essential in improving the clinical workflow, thereby expanding the availability of transcatheter procedures to a broader range of patients and improving overall outcomes.

Structural heart diseases, like heart valve diseases, represent a significant medical and economic challenge, being the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Currently, 47 million people suffer from heart valve diseases, and this number is steadily increasing. By 2030, the annual costs associated with adverse outcomes are projected to reach 70 billion USD globally.

Materialise is advancing mass personalization in healthcare by facilitating the creation of image-based virtual 3D models for pre-procedural planning, enhancing the precision and success of complex procedures. These models enable the creation of personalized medical devices, guides, and implants tailored to the precise anatomical specifications of individual patients. This level of personalization enhances patient outcomes and makes personalized healthcare more efficient and accessible to more patients.

About Materialise

Materialise incorporates more than three decades of 3D printing experience into a range of software solutions and 3D printing services that empower sustainable 3D printing applications. Our open, secure, and flexible end-to-end solutions enable flexible industrial manufacturing and mass personalization in various industries — including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, eyewear, art and design, wearables, and consumer goods. Headquartered in Belgium and with branches worldwide, Materialise combines the largest group of software developers in the industry with one of the world’s largest and most complete 3D printing facilities

For more information, visit www.materialise.com.

BUFFALO, NY, and MOUGIN, France, July 18, 2024 – PostProcess Technologies Inc., the first and only provider of automated and intelligent post-printing solutions for industrial 3D printing, announced today that Sam Heleba, MBA has joined their Board of Directors. Mr. Heleba will be serving on the board alongside other seasoned executives, who help guide the company with insights from their decades of pattern recognition developed from building and leading a variety of successful companies.

Sam Heleba

With over four decades of experience in the medical device and industrial sectors, Mr. Heleba emerges as a transformative force driving innovation and excellence. Currently President & CEO of Nissha Medical Technologies, headquartered in Buffalo, NY, USA, with nine device manufacturing plants worldwide, he also serves as Executive Vice President for the Medical Technologies Business Unit (MTBU) for Nissha Co. Ltd., a Japanese publicly held company based in Kyoto, Japan (TSE:7915). His visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to pioneering innovation continue to redefine industry standards and shape the future of the market. Mr. Heleba’s career began with a position in research & development and operations at Morton Thiokol, where his innate passion for innovation ignited. Advancing through crucial sales and marketing roles at Grace, Sam developed his expertise, preparing him for impactful global endeavors. His tenure as director of marketing at TYCO Healthcare (Covidien) showcased his ability to navigate complex landscapes and drive strategic growth initiatives. A graduate of the University of Vermont, Sam holds a B.A. in Chemistry, complemented by an MBA from Babson College, solidifying his multifaceted skill set and strategic acumen. Mr. Heleba has orchestrated over 25 strategic acquisitions throughout his career, catalyzing growth and expansion across both industrial and medical manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sam to our board of directors,” commented Jeff Mize, PostProcess CEO, “His expertise and track record of driving strategic growth in both the medical device and industrial sectors will be invaluable assets to PostProcess’s Board as we navigate the complexities of our industry and pursue new avenues of innovation.”

Mr. Heleba expressed his excitement about joining the Board, stating, “I am excited to join the board of Post Process in support of Jeff Mize and his team. Their technology and innovation are what attracted me to not only invest in the company but lend my help in fostering its growth.”

For more information about PostProcess, visit www.postprocess.com.

Ackuretta has announced the NFinity nitrogen generator, a game-changer set to transform the landscape of dental 3D printing post-curing.

Unlocking Superior Results for Dental Professionals

Imagine crafting dental applications with unparalleled clarity, smoother surfaces, and enhanced strength – all within your existing workflow. This is the reality Ackuretta brings to dental labs and practices with the introduction of NFinity, designed to work seamlessly with their CURIE Plus UV curing station.

The Science Behind the Magic: 95% Nitrogen Saturation

The NFinity nitrogen generator optimizes the CURIE Plus UV curing process by creating a near-oxygen-free environment (95% nitrogen purity) within the curing chamber, eliminating the need to use uncontrollable methods like vacuum and glycerin, which significantly enhances UV light absorption. Curing in a nitrogen-rich environment makes a significant difference:

1. Unmatched Aesthetics: The higher nitrogen concentration ensures even better light absorption, resulting in dental appliances with superior color transparency and smoothness.

2. Boosted Mechanical Properties: NFinity users can expect up to a 25% improvement in the strength and durability of their 3D printed applications like splints, crowns and dentures.

3. Consistency in Every Print: The 95% nitrogen environment guarantees uniform curing, eliminating variations that can occur with less controlled methods like glycerin or water submersion.

Streamlined Workflow, Enhanced Safety

Gone are the days of cumbersome nitrogen tanks or messy glycerin baths. NFinity produces unlimited curing cycles of 95% purity nitrogen on demand, fitting seamlessly into any dental workspace. This not only streamlines the workflow but also significantly enhances safety in the dental office or lab.

Elevating Ackuretta’s FLOW Resins

The NFinity doesn’t just improve curing – it unlocks the full potential of Ackuretta’s certified FLOW resins. Dental technicians can now achieve:

• Improved aesthetics for FLOW Hard Splint applications.

• Increased mechanical properties for FLOW Denture products.

• Enhanced durability for long-term temporaries using FLOW C&B.

A New Era in Digital Dentistry

As the dental industry continues to embrace digital solutions, innovations like NFinity pave the way for more efficient, high-quality patient care. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, Ackuretta empowers dental professionals to deliver results that were once thought impossible.

Discover how NFinity and CURIE Plus can revolutionize your dental 3D printing workflow here.

About Ackuretta

Ackuretta is a global manufacturer of high-precision 3D printing solutions for dental professionals. Their high-quality ‘plug-and-play solutions bring the world of additive manufacturing and same-day dentistry to their global network.

With validated and calibrated workflows, an open system, and outstanding training and customer support, Ackuretta is a unique, competitive, and accessible player in the industry.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA, July 16, 2024 – Fugo Precision 3D has launched the Fugo Model A, the world’s first centrifugal 3D printer, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of additive manufacturing. This groundbreaking technology offers ‘layerless’ printing with unprecedented sub-30-micron accuracy and throughput up to ten times faster than traditional stereolithography (SLA) printers.

Fugo Model A

The Fugo Model A integrates multiple post-production processes into a single machine, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency for manufacturers. With its all-in-one system, users can print, wash, dry and post-cure parts, streamlining the entire production process. “Our patented centrifugal printing technology is not just an improvement over existing systems; it is a complete rethinking of what 3D printing can accomplish,” said Bryan Allred, founder of Fugo 3D. “With the Fugo Model A, we expect to help manufacturers build higher quality parts at a lower cost.” Fugo Precision 3D unveiled the Fugo Model A at the recent Rapid + TCT show in Los Angeles with an incredible response from attendees. In addition to increased speed and throughput, Fugo is emphasizing the Model A’s ability for precision printing with sub-50-micron accuracy in all dimensions.

“Since the advent of SLA and DLP technology, the single greatest problem with these printers has been the need for a mechanical means to spread the infinitely thin layers. With the Fugo Model A, we have solved this problem as our technology does not use any mechanical means to create layers during printing,” said Sasha Shkolnik, CTO.

The Fugo Model A is a multi-application printer that works with a diverse range of photopolymers. Fugo is targeting current high-volume manufacturers with 3D printing as a critical element of their production lines to become its early adopters. Fugo is taking reservations for the Model A today and plans to deliver the initial commercial production machines in Q1 of 2025.

About Fugo 3D

The one 3D printing innovation that changed everything. Discover speed, scale, and precision with Fugo Precision 3D. Our Fugo Model A machine is the world’s first and only ‘layerless’ 3D printing technology, enabling industry leaders to more cost-effectively custom print parts en masse. Groundbreaking technology with limitless potential.

For more information about Fugo Precision 3D, please visit https://fugo3d.com/.

ZHENGZHOU, China, July 16, 2024 – FLSUN, a global leading pioneer in Delta 3D printing, is thrilled to announce the launch of Flsun T1. To celebrate this launch and make this new technology accessible to a wider audience, FLSUN will offer an exclusive early-bird special on July 15. As the latest addition to FLSUN’s FDM 3d printer lineup, T1 is a more affordable model but delivers ultimate user experience.

Lightning-fast Print Speed

Thanks to the high-temp hot end kit, new HT dual-gear direct extruder, high-speed motor and CPAP high-pressure turbo fan, T1 achieves a maximum printing speed of 1000mm/s and an acceleration of 30000 mm/s², namely about 2 times faster than its counterparts. Its maximum flow rate of 90 mm³/s is nearly three times higher than others in its class.

More Possibilities for Creativity

Delta structure not only guarantees stability and precision but also allows for a larger print area. Boasting a build volume of 260 x 260 x 330mm, T1 is able to create larger parts or multiple parts at once, giving you more possibilities of creation. The printer also comes with self-developed FlsunSlicer software, which gives you to full access to 3D printing parameters and allows you to create your own files within the system.

User-Friendly Collaborative System

A collaborative system makes a printer much easier to use and truly helps free your hands. The T1 uses dual sensors—a weight sensor and a pressure sensor—for precise bed leveling with a button press. An integrated AI camera, which can be mounted inside or outside the printer, offers real-time monitoring and time-lapse photography from anywhere. Additionally, the optimized input shaping algorithm ensures smooth, flawless model surfaces by minimizing vibrations.

Price and availability

FLSUN T1 will be available at FLSUN official store from July 15, 2024 to July 31, 2024 with an early bird price starting from $499.

US: https://us.store.flsun3d.com/products/flsun-t1
EU: https://eu.store.flsun3d.com/products/flsun-t1
CA: https://ca.store.flsun3d.com/products/flsun-t1
AU: https://au.store.flsun3d.com/products/flsun-t1

About FLSUN

FLSUN, headquartered in Zhengzhou, China, is a global leader in 3D printing that dedicated to help anyone bring their ideas to life. Their products include FDM printers, accessories, filaments, and intuitive 3d printing software, with users ranging from DIYers, enthusiasts, and manufacturers to engineers, designers, medical workers, and architects, etc. FLSUN’s printers are now importing on a global scale to over 150 countries and regions.

For more information, visit https://flsun3d.com/.

ROCK HILL, SC, July 15, 2024 – 3D Systems announced that National Additive Manufacturing & Innovation Company (NAMI), an additive manufacturing company based in Saudi Arabia, has purchased multiple 3D Systems 3D printing technologies — DMP Factory 500, DMP Flex 350 Dual, and SLS 380 — to support its recently announced collaboration with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). Through this initiative, NAMI will leverage the power of 3D printing to create a localized supply chain for spare parts for SEC, the largest producer, transmitter, and distributor of electrical energy in the Middle East and North Africa. As part of the project, NAMI will create a digital inventory system intended to not only reduce production time but also physical storage requirements and cost. 3D Systems’ additive manufacturing solutions, including its metal and polymer 3D printing technologies as well as NoSupports printing strategies developed by its Application Innovation Group, are renowned for enabling the efficient production of precise end-use parts. The combined expertise of NAMI and 3D Systems’ industry-leading 3D printing technology will help deliver high-performance components such as pump impellers, fuel burners, motor fans, heat sinks, and heat exchangers while reducing SEC’s physical inventory requirements. This will enable SEC to mitigate supply chain risk while lowering costs and driving efficiency.

“Our additive manufacturing solutions have demonstrated their value for improving supply chain efficiency and accelerating innovation across a variety of industries,” said Reji Puthenveetil, EVP, additive solutions and chief commercial officer, 3D Systems. “The combination of reverse engineering designs for obsolete parts and additive manufacturing helps extend the uptime and life of equipment. NAMI’s engineering and application capabilities combined with the power of our industry-leading 3D printing platforms will be invaluable tools to catalyze the collaboration with SEC. I’m looking forward to seeing how this work will not only benefit SEC but also the services it provides to its customers.”

NAMI is a joint venture between 3D Systems and Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (Dussur) to play a pivotal role in realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to build localized additive manufacturing production capabilities with an initial focus on the defense, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

“Since NAMI’s inception, we have made significant progress in expanding the use of additive manufacturing within the region,” said Mohammed Swaidan, chief executive officer, NAMI. “Our collaboration with SEC reinforces our commitment to address the energy sector, and 3D Systems’ technology and applications expertise form the foundation of a transformative solution. The work we are doing with SEC will not only enhance the reliability of SEC’s supply chain but also drive substantial cost efficiencies and operational improvements.”

According to Research and Markets^[1], the additive manufacturing market in the energy sector was valued at $2.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $17 billion by 2032. Additive Manufacturing is well-recognized for its ability to shorten design cycles and deliver high-quality, reliable, and high-performance components that meet or exceed design criteria. 3D Systems has extensive experience helping customers in this high-tech, fast-paced industry meet these goals through its additive manufacturing solutions comprising materials, 3D printing technologies, software, and services. As a result, energy companies can increase fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and reduce greenhouse gases.

About 3D Systems 

More than 35 years ago, 3D Systems brought the innovation of 3D printing to the manufacturing industry. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace & defense, automotive, and durable goods.

More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

About NAMI

NAMI is an additive manufacturing company in Saudi Arabia that was launched in November 2022 by 3D Systems and Dussur. They aim to be a top five additive manufacturing service by 2030 and localize manufacturing in the industrial and medical sectors by providing a digital manufacturing platform that facilitates access to reliable industrial-grade technologies and application engineers, maximizing local adoption of 3D printing.

For more information, please visit www.nami3dp.com.

^{[1] Research and Markets, “Global Additive Manufacturing in the Energy Industry Report 2024: A $2.6 Billion Market in 2023 is Projected to Reach $17 Billion in 2032 – Latest Trends, Opportunities, Challenges, and Outlook” (March 7, 2024).}

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN and REHOVOT, Israel, July 15, 2024 – Stratasys Ltd., announced today the launch of the groundbreaking DentaJet XL, the latest innovation in dental 3D printing technology. This new high-speed 3D printer is the latest addition to the DentaJet series, designed to further improve dental lab productivity and reduce costs with its larger resin cartridges, large print tray, Super High-Speed mode, and minimal post processing workflow.

The new Stratasys DentaJet XL Printer for high-volume dental labs, cutting labor costs and time needed for printing. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The Stratasys DentaJet XL solution is engineered specifically for digital dental labs that must deliver high volumes of applications without sacrificing quality, helping them overcome significant challenges in finding and retaining qualified technicians as they work to meet growing market demand,” said Ronen Lebi, vice president, Stratasys Dental. “It is the most efficient production solution we have developed to date, geared to produce highly accurate crown and bridge, implant, and aligner models and surgical guides simultaneously at scale.” The new PolyJet multi-material 3D printer is designed to run in a production setting with minimal human intervention. With advanced software print prep and print management features, as well as unattended printing and curing, labs can reduce up to 90 percent of their labor costs. The introduction of new printing modes and larger cartridges results in up to 67% lower cost per part. This new printer can be integrated with new validated, fast and large batch post processing workflows for support removal. It also allows for printing two materials simultaneously. And it can improve lab productivity and lowers costs making it the “go-to” solution for large volume production labs around the world.

“Incorporating the DentaJet XL 3D printer into our laboratory has significantly improved our digital workflow,” said James Dobson, vice president, digital production, Dobson Ortho Laboratories and one of the first to implement the solution. “With its large print tray, 4X larger resin cartridges, and hot-swap capabilities, we have already achieved significant material and labor savings. Creating print jobs has become extremely fast and simple with the automatic part nesting features. Furthermore, its sealed resin system ensures a healthier workplace for our team.”

The new Stratasys DentaJet XL Printer for high-volume dental labs, cutting labor costs and time needed for printing. (Photo: Business Wire)

“The new Super High-Speed Mode allowed us to significantly increase our production of clear aligners by nearly 50%, without adding any additional labor and at a much-reduced cost per part,” said Prof. Armando Razionale, Airnivol, and one of the first customers implementing the solution in Europe. “Plus, by integrating the DentaJet XL with the automatic support removal workflow, we are saving a tremendous amount of time and labor in the final stage of production. It’s almost like we added a virtual lab technician.”

The first DentaJet XL customers were able to achieve notable production results:

• Up to 16 implant cases (surgical guide and model) in 6 hours 30 minutes
• Up to 102 crown & bridge models in 4 hours 31 minutes
• Up to 28 orthodontic models in 6 hours 37 minutes
• Up to 36 aligner arches in 2 hours 14 minutes

Notable features of this new solution include:

• Uninterrupted printing, even for the largest jobs with 4kg resin cartridges and hot-swap.
• Significantly reduced print prep times and integrated fleet management with intuitive GrabCAD Print software.
• Increased production speed of clear aligner arches by up to 30 percent with a super high-speed mode.
• Dual-material printing, which allows labs to increase output by printing two materials at once.
• Efficient post-processing with integrated third-party workflows for large batch support removal. This streamlines processes and saves time and labor.

For more information on the DentaJet XL and to schedule a demo, please visit www.stratasys.com/dentajet-xl.

About Stratasys

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. 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.