This week we invite you to discover the partnership between Ford and Carbon that enables the automaker to design complex and innovative car parts. The company can quickly and easily produce prototypes, spare parts and finished parts that are lighter and more efficient. You will also see the new sneaker from Adidas, which stands for the combination of additive manufacturing, robotics and textile innovation. You will also learn how to make a ukulele yourself using a 3D printer and how satisfied Desktop Metal’s customers really are. Enjoy watching!
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Top 1: Partnership between Ford and Carbon holds potential for the automotive industry
As you probably know, car manufacturer Ford has been using additive manufacturing for years to speed up its prototyping phases, but also to produce finished parts. To this end, the company works in particular with the manufacturer Carbon, which is behind the DLS photopolymerization technology. Carbon has launched a series of videos titled #AskAnAdditiveExpert to give users of their machines maximum practical advice. In this video, Carbon asked Ellen Lee, Technical Leader of Additive MFG at Ford Motor Co., some questions about how and when 3D printing can be used to develop automotive applications. You’ll learn about the issues Ford faces when deciding whether to use additive manufacturing or a conventional process, how the company thinks about the design of its parts, and how it chooses its 3D printing technology.
Top 2: Adidia’s new FUTURECRAFT.STRUNG SNEAKER
Renowned sports equipment manufacturer Adidas recently announced the development of its FUTURECRAFT.STRUNG sneaker, which combines both 3D printing and unprecedented textile innovation. The company is introducing a robotic arm capable of placing the fibers of a sneaker on the vamp according to data and properties provided by an athlete. This makes the shoe more comfortable and completely personalised. The sole is 3D printed on a carbon machine with a lattice structure. The result? A lightweight, high-performance sneaker suitable for running. However, you still need to be a little patient before you can buy the boot as Adidas plans to launch the boot in late 2021 or even early 2022.
Top 3: 3D printed ukulele
In this video, two employees from Digitec.ch test out the instructions for a 3D printed ukulele from Instructables. For this you need access to a 3D printer that has at least a construction volume of 17 cm x 7 cm and a height of 15 cm. You will also need the following materials: a kilogram of ABS or PLA, a guitar tuner and soprano ukulele strings. You will also need the following supplies to successfully complete the project: a Phillips screwdriver, a 10mm wrench, superglue, and sandpaper. After obtaining all the materials and tools, the next step is to download the files. You can choose between two options. Either you print the ukulele in one piece or in two pieces. After that, the ukulele needs to be assembled.
Top 4: IGO3D and the 3D printing of a rim tree
We already know that the automotive industry is one of the sectors where additive manufacturing has become an integral part. We recently published a ranking of the 3D printed applications of the major automotive companies. IGO3D shows that 3D printing is not only useful for components that are integrated into the vehicle, but also for add-on parts such as a rim tree. The part was first traced with Tinkercad, then printed with 100% infill from PETG. Watch the video to see how the part is used.
Top 5: How satisfied are users of Desktop Metal?
There are many additive manufacturing technologies on the market today that are compatible with a variety of materials. Metals are one of them, and in recent years this process has increased rapidly. Many manufacturers have envisioned metal 3D printing solutions based on the MIM process: the machines are more accessible than those based on a laser process and the parts produced have the same mechanical properties. Desktop Metal, recently listed on the stock exchange, is one such manufacturer. She has developed two metal additive manufacturing solutions to give manufacturers a reliable and durable way to design even the most complex parts. In this video you will hear feedback from various users of these machines from all industries and from all over the world.
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