This is a post on various Additive Manufacturing technologies that we have been posting reviews of on LinkedIn.
Considering using 3D printing? Here’s how to get started
In this article David Ramirez explores the gradual shift to AdditiveManufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is quickly becoming the tour-de-force in our industrial progression. Using 3D printing and other state of the art technologies, we are not only enabling smart manufacturing, but also providing for customized products at scale. Utilizing it and other technologies like AI/ML, Blockchain, IoT, and AR/VR and other Mixed and Hybrid reality techniques, we are harmonizing the bind between the different silos of the product lifecycle – business processes, innovation, production, and marketing and sell.
“Born, not built” is our philosophy for innovation and engineering at Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO) for this new paradigm. Our first product, the smart helmet attests to this philosophy where we are using different 3D print technologies to build a Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to cater to multiple different use cases: industrial, construction, military, first responders, firefighters, urban and wellbeing.
To facilitate this, we are building a genAI driven process engineering platform called Mantra M5 to cater to the 5ms of make, manage, move, market and maintain activities. Additive Manufacturing nicely fits into our paradigm since it reduces waste, embraces the culture of innovation, facilitates scaling up and reduces the complexities in supply chain logistics – features that we are incorporating in Mantra M5 to enable actionable intelligence.
DECODING 3D PRINTING FILES: .STEP, .STL, AND .3MF EXPLAINED
A great article on 3D print file formats – STEP, STL and 3MF.
The best format for you depends on your specific needs.
– If you need a widely supported format for sharing complex CAD models, STEP is a good choice, but be aware of the file size and conversion potential.
– If you prioritize a simple and universally compatible format for basic printing, STL is the way to go, but keep in mind the limitations in detail.
– If you’re looking for a format designed specifically for 3D printing with embedded information for better control over the process, 3MF is a solid option, as long as software and printer compatibility are ensured.
We, at Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO) have been using STL as the basis but notice that when you need high resolution prints, the size of the STL file gets too large. Here, STEP is a better alternative but do not use if if you are sending files to an unknown contract manufacturer since parameters are also stored in step files that makes reverse engineering easy. 3MF is a recent format we are investigating, wherein color and slice parameters can also be transported, thus reducing preprocessing time while slicing.
Some noteworthy podcasts in the Additive Manufacturing Domain
- 3Degrees Discussions Podcast by Mike Vasquez – https://lnkd.in/gxRptRWW
- PTC‘s Onshape, a PTC Technology Masters of Engineering Podcast – https://lnkd.in/gW9my4_2
In the “Accidental” 3D Printing Company, Christina Perla, Co-founder & CEO of Makelab discusses the foundation of her company, the different print types as she discusses the future of additive manufacturing with the Chief Evangelist at PTC, Jon Hirschtick – https://lnkd.in/gR3qP4Xr
Ultrasonic separation of injection molded plastic parts
Wondering if this can be used to post process 3D printed parts to remove supports? Grant Michel?
This will be a gamechanger for Additive Manufacturing where a significant amount of manual labor can be saved if the scaffolding that “holds” the print in place could be automatically removed.
At Numorpho Cybernetic Systems (NUMO), this would expand our “born, not built” theme to simplify the creation of future products this cementing the approach to smart manufacturing and realizing the progression of Industry and Services 5.0.
Current slicing technologies will have to be modified a bit to enable breakaways at the connection points to supports to detach upon instituting ultrasonic vibrations. This should not affect the thin lattice fill between shells that is a key feature of 3D printing to reduce weight and optimize the function of the part.
NITIN UCHIL Founder, CEO & Technical Evangelist
nitin.uchil@numorpho.com