3D Printing Roundup: QuickCast, 3D Homes, Dental Solutions, Robots, SpaceX

1. SpaceX Teams Up with Velo3D for 3D Printing

SpaceX has announced a new partnership with Velo3D, licensing its 3D printing technology and investing $5 million to bolster technical support. Velo3D, known for its expertise in metal powder bed fusion 3D printing systems, will play a vital role in enhancing SpaceX’s aerospace initiatives, particularly in the manufacturing of spacecraft. This collaboration is poised to significantly advance SpaceX's capabilities in the aerospace sector.

Providing Metal 3D Printing Solutions to Other Customers

In addition to supporting SpaceX, Velo3D is extending its advanced 3D metal printing technology to other clients. Initially developed for SpaceX, this cutting-edge technology is now recognized as one of the most advanced solutions in the industry. Velo3D’s commitment to sharing this expertise will benefit a broader range of customers, enhancing manufacturing capabilities across various sectors.

Expertise in a Range of Advanced 3D Printing Materials

Velo3D excels in a range of advanced 3D printing materials, particularly those used in the aerospace industry. For instance, Copper GRCop-42, developed by NASA, is gaining traction for rocket engine manufacturing. Additionally, molybdenum alloys, including the Hastelloy family, offer exceptional corrosion resistance and can withstand high-temperature environments, reaching up to 1200°C. These materials enhance Velo3D's capabilities in producing components that meet the rigorous demands of aerospace applications.

2. QuickCast Air - New 3D Printing System

QuickCast Air is an innovative 3D printing system designed for investment casting, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. Patrick Dunne emphasizes that this system marks a significant advancement in 3D printing technology. He points out that one of the primary challenges for foundries is the high cost of 3D printing materials, which typically range from $90 to $120 per kilogram, compared to around $10 per kilogram for injection molding wax. This price disparity often halts discussions about adopting 3D printing. However, QuickCast Air addresses these issues by lowering costs, enhancing efficiency, and offering a practical solution for the casting industry.

Complex Geometries with Minimal Material

QuickCast Air allows for the creation of complex geometries with minimal material, using 95% air and only 5% plastic. According to Patrick Dunne, despite the higher material costs, this approach cuts part costs to about $5—half the price of traditional wax. This combination of efficiency and cost-competitiveness makes QuickCast Air a game-changer for 3D printing in investment casting.

Traditional Manufacturing to Digital Technologies

Recently, the hybrid approach is showing how traditional manufacturing can be transformed through digital technologies. As Patrick Dunne explains, "You’re taking an old, established process like investment casting—known for its access to nearly infinite alloys at an affordable scale—and merging it with cutting-edge digital tools like 3D printing." QuickCast Air blends the best of both worlds, offering enhanced efficiency, material flexibility, and cost savings in modern manufacturing.

Come to the Success of Real-world Applications

QuickCast Air is already proving its value in real-world projects, such as the "orbital lift." According to Patrick Dunne, "They prioritize high performance, which 3D printing delivers—complex geometries, liquid oxygen and methane manifolds, convergent and divergent nozzles, and more. These components involve extensive casting." The orbital lift is even connected to a Formula One car. "That’s an investment casting pattern made using QuickCast, resulting in a titanium casting from that pattern," Dunne added, underscoring the technology’s precision and versatility.

3. Amerimix's 3D-Printed Home 

Amerimix recently completed the successful 3D printing of three homes in Shiner, Texas, using its AMX300 3D Printing Mortar Mix. This achievement marks a significant step forward in making 3D-printed homes more feasible, efficient, and high-quality. The project demonstrates the potential of 3D printing technology to revolutionize the construction industry by streamlining the building process and improving overall outcomes.

New Standard for Long-using House

The 3D-printed homes in Shiner, Texas, were part of a collaborative effort between Amerimix and PERI 3D Construction. This partnership led to the successful execution of the project, showcasing the potential of 3D-printed houses in the future. The homeowners remarked, “We’re not just building houses; we’re creating homes that elevate living standards with cleaner lines, superior finishes, and greater durability.” This statement highlights the promising future for 3D-printed homes as a viable and innovative solution in the housing industry.

Build House in Speed and Efficiency

Using the custom-formulated AMX300 3D Printing Mix, a 1,200-square-foot home took about six weeks to complete, while a 1,500-square-foot home was finished in just three to three and a half weeks. The faster timeline for the larger home was achieved by adjusting the 3D printer’s settings, speed, and print time, significantly improving efficiency. This demonstrates how varying materials and optimized settings can lead to the construction of durable, long-lasting, and sustainable homes for the future.

4. HeyGears works with Pac-Dent for Dental 3D Printing Solutions

HeyGears recently announced a partnership with Pac-Dent, enhancing their 3D printing capabilities in the dental industry. In this collaboration, Pac-Dent supplies Rodin Titan and Rodin Sculpture 3D printing resins for HeyGears’ UltraCraft A2D and UltraCraft ChairSide Pro 3D printers. This synergy not only showcases HeyGears' expertise in 3D printing but also highlights Pac-Dent's specialization in dental solutions, ultimately providing improved performance for the dental industry.

High-Quality Solutions to Dental Professionals

We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Pac-Dent,” said Peiyan Gui, CEO and Co-founder of HeyGears. “By combining our expertise in 3D printing technology with Pac-Dent’s resin formulations, we are empowering dental application providers with the tools to meet their production and performance needs.” This close collaboration opens up significant possibilities for future dental laboratories and practical applications in the field, providing a valuable pathway for the industry's growth and development. 

Use for Versatile Dental Application

The Rodin Titan and Rodin Sculpture resins are specifically designed for dental restoration applications. Rodin Titan is ideal for full arch long-term restorations and provisional dentures, offering exceptional durability and performance. By validating these resins with HeyGears’ UltraCraft printers, the partnership aims to enhance the production of these critical dental solutions, resulting in improved fit, aesthetics, and overall patient satisfaction.

5. Astorino - a Safer and Affordable Educational Robot

Kawasaki recently unveiled its new educational 3D printer, Astorino, which combines advanced technology with affordability. Designed to provide students hands-on experience, Astorino helps them develop valuable skills in the robotics field. This practical learning tool aims to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing the next generation of robotics professionals for the growing demand in the sector.

Lightweight, Cost-Effective, Safe

What sets Astorino apart from traditional educational machines is its 3D printing capability, with remarkably low printing costs. Weighing only 12 kg (26.4 lbs), it's lighter than standard educational models, making it highly portable. Equipped with a six-axis system, Astorino allows students to safely learn complex robotic movements and programming without the associated safety risks, offering a cutting-edge solution for hands-on robotics education.

Preparing Students for Robotics Careers

In the U.S., there are currently around 174,000 robotics engineering positions, with a projected 6.41% growth over the next five years. The Astorino 3D printer provides students with hands-on experience and advanced robotics skills, preparing them for these expanding opportunities. Not only do students gain valuable expertise, but companies also benefit from a more qualified pool of talent in the robotics field.