Office-friendly metal additive manufacturing systems are on the rise. Next-Generation technology further simplifies metal 3D printing for low volume production with a breakthrough, two-step process.

In some areas of industrial manufacturing, AM is increasingly emerging from the shadows of conventional processes. But the big breakthrough in series production is still missing. We asked our 3D experts why.

UK — With the arrival of the Figure 4 Standalone 3D printer from 3D Systems, the Engineering Technology Group (ETG) now has an affordable solution for functional prototyping and low volume production.

Germany — Manufacturer of 3D printing equipment, Asiga, is partnering in Henkel’s Open Materials Platform to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in various industries with production-grade 3D printed parts that are both accurate and functional.

Germany — Novel hybrid process chains expand classic mould making to include the advantages of 3D printing. The Blöcher foundry is the first company from Europe to use a new 3D sand printing system.

Metal stamping and laser cutting deliver high quality precision components, but can also involve a complicated series of additional processes which add cost, risk and uncertainty to the supply chain. By introducing simplicity into the process, photo etching enables the cost-effective delivery of precision components, reducing risk and uncertainty throughout the supply chain, states Precision Micro.

Germany — Using selective laser melting, a research project has designed an internal combustion engine that is 21 percent lighter. In addition, a new design achieved better cooling characteristics and a more efficient oil circulation system.

Italy/Europe – Modena-based CRP Meccanica, an industry-leader in the field of high-precision CNC machining, now offers after-sales support, service, maintenance, and production-phase backup for Velo3D’s advanced additive manufacturing systems in Italy and Europe.

UK – To mitigate against the possible impacts of Brexit, UK-based 3D printing and measurement expert Renishaw has been focused on ensuring that its customers within the EU are able to receive optimal support from local offices.

An expert mouldmaker for the pharmaceutical industry can now produce more compact moulds thanks to the Streamrunner.