1. JuggerBot 3D Works with AFRL on Hybrid Manufacturing
On September 26, JuggerBot 3D and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced a new collaboration. The project focuses on hybrid additive manufacturing, with $4 million in funding from the U.S. Congress. The goal is to develop and validate a system that combines pellet-fed extrusion with resin-based deposition technologies. This initiative is expected to revolutionize the production of composite manufacturing tools in the defense and aerospace industries.
Team up with MSU and ORNL
JuggerBot 3D has partnered with Mississippi State University's Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to advance their project. The collaboration leverages the expertise of these labs in Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF) and Direct Ink Writing (DIW) for composite manufacturing. This partnership is set to enhance the project's development with cutting-edge technology and specialized knowledge.
Integrating Extrusion and Resin Technologies
The project aims to develop and validate a system that integrates dual-component resin and pellet-fed material extrusion technologies. The system will demonstrate additive manufacturing capabilities up to 360 cubic feet. ORNL will contribute advanced software for optimized tool path generation, while ACI will handle material data testing and system validation through strict parameter evaluations. This project promises faster, more cost-effective tool production, marking a key step toward widespread composite manufacturing in aerospace and defense.
2. A$AP Rocky Launches 3D-Printed PUMA Sneakers
Renowned rapper A$AP Rocky has teamed up with PUMA and Carbon 3D to release a new 3D-printed shoe: the A$AP ROCKY x PUMA Mostro 3.D Men's Shoes. Personally designed and marketed by A$AP Rocky, the shoes are made using Carbon's resin printing technology. This release pays tribute to the iconic Inhale sneakers, which first debuted at New York Fashion Week.
Cost-Effective Integration of 3D Printing in Shoes
The company believes slip-ons and slides are the best types of shoes for 3D printing. These designs allow for the entire shoe to be made from a single material using one 3D printing process. In contrast, traditional shoe manufacturing requires producing and assembling various components. By eliminating multiple production steps and materials, this method boosts efficiency in shoe production.
Carbon Leads the Way in 3D Printed Footwear
Carbon primarily uses DLS technology for 3D printing shoes, showcasing its commitment to the field. In addition to its partnership with PUMA, Carbon has also teamed up with Adidas. These collaborations with major shoe brands help Carbon gain valuable experience, positioning the company to advance even further in the 3D-printed footwear industry.
3. Biden Targets 3D Printed Guns, Boosts School Safety
President Joe Biden signed and announced a new executive order this past Tuesday. The order addresses two major concerns: the rising threat of 3D-printed guns and machine gun conversion devices (MCDs), and the need to improve live-fire training in schools to reduce injuries. This initiative is part of a broader effort to curb gun violence in the United States.
MCD Lead to Significant Safety Problems
MCDs, made through 3D printing, are small, cheap to produce, and easy to distribute. They can turn semi-automatic guns into fully automatic weapons, increasing the risk of gun violence. In response, the U.S. has formed a special task force to detect, intercept, and seize illegal firearms and conversion devices made with 3D printing. The task force focuses on tracking and cracking down on the online sale of these illegal weapons, addressing the growing threat to public safety.
Developing Safer School Gun Drills
The Biden administration is working to develop live-fire training that minimizes trauma for students. New guidelines are being established for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to assess the appropriateness of these training programs. The aim is to ensure that students engage in live-fire training at the right age, helping to reduce unnecessary psychological harm.
4. Exactech Uses 3D-Printed Tibial Implants for First Ankle Surgery
Dr. James Lahman from St. Luke's University Health Network in Easton, Pennsylvania, has successfully performed the first ankle replacement surgeries using Exactech's Vantage Ankle 3D and 3D+ tibial implants. The success of these surgeries highlights the significant role of 3D printing technology in ankle replacements, providing better solutions for future patients needing this procedure.
3D Printing Enhances Ankle Surgery Outcomes
Exactech's 3D-printed implants mimic the structure of trabecular bone, with heights ranging from 10 to 30 millimeters. This design promotes better integration between the implant and surrounding tissue. The 3D-printed implants can seamlessly connect with existing bone components, effectively enhancing the stability of the tibial component. This advancement provides a valuable reference for future surgical methods.
Upgrading Ankle Replacement with 3D Printing
Unlike traditional surgeries, the use of 3D-printed ankle implants enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of procedures. This innovation offers patients better treatment options, leading to improved outcomes. 3D-printed ankle implants mark a significant advancement in orthopedic surgery and pave the way for future developments in ankle replacement technology.
5. 3D Printed Multi-Floor Homes in Netherlands
Recently, the Netherlands is set to break new ground in traditional 3D-printed housing by developing and launching multi-floor 3D-printed homes. The Project Milestone team will use the design of a boulder-shaped 3D-printed house built in 2021, featuring an organic boulder design that blends seamlessly with the surroundings of Boschuil, Eindhoven neighborhood.
3D Printing with Traditional Construction
The team will use 3D printing technology to create houses with a reinforced concrete-like structure, featuring segmented designs. These segments will be transported to the construction site, where workers will assemble the basic structure of the house. Additionally, interior finishes and some exterior work will also be completed by hand. This approach demonstrates a successful combination of 3D printing technology with traditional construction methods.
Being Popular in the Future Market
3D-printed homes are revolutionizing the construction process while also enhancing efficiency. The Project Milestone team represents a growing trend towards diversity in home building. Currently, these 3D-printed houses are available for sale, with prices ranging from €570,000 to €655,000 (approximately $630,000 to $730,000). The project is set to begin in early 2025, with completion expected by mid-2025.
