For Local Motors' autonomous electric vehicle Olli 2.0, Italy-based CRP Technology manufactured two applications using Windform composite materials. As additions to the original Olli 2.0 model, the 3D printed parts have supported the individual approval for a project in Europe.

Computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software introduced by Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division provides the digital tools needed to prepare 3D-printed components for manufacturing using powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies.

USA — Additive Manufacturing company Desktop Metal has qualified D2 tool steel for the Studio System 2, an accessible metal 3D printing platform that offers customers an easy way to print high-performance metal parts in low volumes for pre-production and end-use applications.

A novel 3D metal printing technique from a Doncaster-based precision engineering business reduces the company's environmental impact and that of its customers. Agemaspark spent several years developing and trialling the new technology, which reduces cycle times for multi-impression mould tools.

3D printing company Stratasys announced that Danish shoe manufacturer Ecco is using their Origin One 3D printing technology to accelerate product development, allowing conceptual footwear samples to be reviewed early in the development cycle using 3D printed moulds and lasts (mechanical forms shaped like a foot) with resin materials from Henkel Loctite.

Hexagon has partnered with DED 3D printer OEM Sciaky, enabling its customers to optimise how they use its high-speed innovative Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (Ebam) printing process for high-value parts in G-code before deposition with accurate high-speed simulation and analysis.

Companies across many industries have come to the conclusion that additive manufacturing will make them less dependent on traditional supply chains. However, an essential pre-condition for this approach is that the post processing operations must comply with the requirements for volume production.

Simulation and digital twins developed by Siemens enable the start-up You Mawo in offering bespoke eyeglass frames in such a way that they are accessible, affordable, and sustainable for a broad market. The customisation process considers parameters such as design, a perfect fit for the person wearing the glasses and colour.

The Ultra High Viscosity Technology developed by Xaar is providing manufacturers with an array of new and practical production possibilities, the company announced.

Germany – Trumpf recently presented its new ‘TruTops Print’ software which aims at enhancing the efficiency of 3D printing without diminishing part quality. The highlight of this software is its ‘Z-segmentation’ feature which assists the 3D printer to generate thicker or thinner layers for each part depending on the importance of each segment.