3D printing company Stratasys announced a collaboration with Adobe that gives artists and engineers using Adobe Substance 3D Painter a workflow that allows them to easily turn digital 3D renderings into 3D-printed models using Stratasys Polyjet 3D printing technology.

Germany — Zeiss and EOS collaborate in in-process monitoring for metal powder bed. The joint goal is to develop and market a powder bed monitoring system for 3D printing. A trained neuronal network is to automate analysis procedures and reduce costs.

Sweden — The supplier of hard, 3D printed metals VBN Components is on a growth trajectory. That is why the Swedish company recently moved in larger premises.

Blow moulds produced by Blomix are used worldwide. The Dutch company strives to meet highest quality demands while remaining flexible and economical. The recent investment in automated 5-axis machining centres from Hermle helps the company achieve these goals.

Software developer Open Mind has upgraded its Hypermill CAM software for machine- and controller-independent NC programming. These include optimisations for Virtual Machining, enhancements to the 5-axis strategies for better results in terms of surface quality, new options for 2D functionalities, as well as efficient innovations in the area of electrode manufacturing that deliver even more convenient and faster programming.

Spain – Ona has recently introduced Ona Iris, its latest die-sinking EDM range. The new range is capable of integrating digital tools and also offers a powerful graphics engine along with a 100 % digital, configurable, and programmable generator. It claims to be the first CNC in the market to provide its users with real execution of a die-sinking EDM job in 3D.

A research project conducted by the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering (WZL) of RWTH Aachen University investigates the use of sensors and artificial intelligence for model-based control in 3D printing. The aim of the project is to improve the quality of 3D printed series production.

Italy/Germany — As announced last year, Trumpf is now taking over the joint venture with Sisma in Italy completely. Up to now, the Ditzingen-based company holds 55 percent of the shares.

A partnership between 6K and Freemelt is to enable new E-PBF material options for advanced customers for aerospace, hypersonic and medical applications that require high-performing material properties.

On Site Gas systems used SLS technology and hand-painted models from Quickparts to create scale models for an enhanced tradeshow presence.