Touch a 3D Printed Dinosaur Skull During the UK “Dippy” Tour

Touch a 3D Printed Dinosaur Skull During the UK “Dippy” Tour
By Hanna Watkin

The Natural History Museum’s well known and much loved dinosaur skeleton, nicknamed Dippy, is going on tour in the UK. Visitors can now get hands-on with the dinosaur thanks to 3D printed replica skulls.

London’s Natural History Museum is the permanent home of the Diplodocus dinosaur, nicknamed Dippy. However, the popular dinosaur is now going on tour throughout the UK. As a result, a further five million people will have the chance to view the bones.

But not only will visitors get the chance to view the complete dinosaur, they’ll also be able to get up close to Dippy’s skull. Belfast’s 3D printing specialist Laser Prototypes Europe (LPE) was deployed to create eight exact replica skulls.

In order to do this, Dippy was laser-scanned from head to tail last year. This process captured the dinosaur’s exact size and shape including the smallest of details. LPE was then able to use the data to 3D print the replicas.

“Our process was perfect for recreating the complex free-form shape of Dippy’s skull, giving an exact copy of the scanned data,” explains Campbell Evans, sales director at LPE.

“The project was a really interesting one for LPE, as much of our work is for electronic housings, covers, connectors and everyday engineering components. It’s not every day we see a dinosaur coming through the doors, let alone eight of them.”

Dippy Visiting Seven Locations on the UK Dino-Tour

LPE 3D printed the replica skulls in a single piece from the scan data using lightweight, durable resin. As a result, each of the replicas weighs around three kilograms. By using 3D printing, it’s possible to avoid the traditional mold and cast process.

3D printing is viewed as a safe way to create models. As a result, visitors will be able to touch the replicas and get up close to Dippy during the tour.

Of the final eight skulls, two will be going on tour with the dinosaur. Meanwhile, five will be go to the Real World Science partner institutions for education and one will remain in London for research and study.

The tour began at the Dorset County Museum on the Jurassic Coast and will travel to seven venues, finishing up in Norwich, UK in 2020. Find out more about the tour by visiting the Natural History Museum website.

Source: The Irish News

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February 15, 2018 at 04:59PM
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TEVO Tornado 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here

TEVO Tornado 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here
By Tyler Koslow

The post TEVO Tornado 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here appeared first on All3DP.

February 15, 2018 at 03:05PM
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AnyCubic Photon 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!

AnyCubic Photon 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here!
By Anatol Locker

The post AnyCubic Photon 3D Printer: Review the Facts Here! appeared first on All3DP.

February 14, 2018 at 10:59PM
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New Concrete 3D Printing Technique Creates Weaving Structures in Thailand

New Concrete 3D Printing Technique Creates Weaving Structures in Thailand
By Anne Freier

The Thai cement manufacturer SCG has developed a special concrete material to 3D print structures with a unique weaving pattern. The 3D printed concrete technique offers improved structural integrity and a stunning aesthetic. 

Forget what you’ve learned about construction and architecture, concrete is taking on whole new shapes thanks to 3D printing. The Thailand-based cement manufacturer Siam Research and Innovation Company (SCG-SRI) has developed an unbelievably innovative concrete 3D printing technique.

Dubbed “Triple S”, the project combines traditional Thai craftsmanship with additive manufacturing, creating a stunning architectural structure. The Triple S design concept stands for Surface, Structure and Shelter.

The concept derives from a 250-year-old tradition of Thai folk handicraft, which was initially founded in the country’s previous capital Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. This old weaving pattern is a fish-like ornament made of coconut leaf, and is directly integrated into the concrete 3D printing process.

After the concrete block is printed, the weaving pattern is extruded and implemented into the structure, creating a structural truss that is able hold its own weight.

SRI first began using additive manufacturing to print cement material back in 2014. Ever since, it has established a portfolio of impressive designs like the 2015 “Helix” project, which is a range of outdoor shelter designs that resemble shells.

SCG 3D Printable Concrete Offers Structural Integrity and Weaving Aesthetic 

The company states that the primary challenge of the entire process is formulating the 3D printable concrete material. This cement is made from a special formulation that consists of powder and fiber materials.

The concrete needs to be able to dry fast and bond firmly to help twist it into the desired shape. And so, the company uses a formula that resembles bone, strong on the outside, but spongy on the inside. This makes it tougher and more resilient than other types of concrete material.

To showcase the value of the Triple S project, SCG is presenting wall-like structures measuring 3 x 3.5 x 3 meters. The design focuses on both the outer layer and inner truss, giving both sides of the concrete a unique aesthetic and structural functionality.

Moreover, the weaving pattern enables the outer surface layer to offer the structural performance as the inner truss. It also keeps the outer surface from having a delicate and vigorous appearance.

Overall, the SCG designs are more lightweight than traditional concrete structures because the method uses less material. It also provides a compressive strength greater than 45 MPa and the flexural strength greater than 80 MPa.

Last year, SCG also collaborated with Thai artist Anon Pairot to create outdoor terrace 3D printed furniture. Using this specially formulated concrete, Pairot created sofas and tables as part of the “Fluctuation of Precision” project.

Source: Arch Daily

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February 14, 2018 at 09:00PM
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Cheddar Man Reconstructed with DNA, 3D Scanning & 3D Printing

Cheddar Man Reconstructed with DNA, 3D Scanning & 3D Printing
By Hanna Watkin

A facial reconstruction of the oldest complete British skeleton, the Cheddar Man, is made from DNA analysis, 3D scanning and printing. 

In 1903, researchers discovered the skeleton of what is believed to be one of the early settlers of Britain in Somerset’s Cheddar Gorge. The skeleton became known as the Cheddar Man and researchers have long been trying to reconstruct its face.

The reconstruction of the Cheddar Man’s face was previously based on guesswork. It has long been assumed that the face of the man who lived 10,000 years ago was pale skinned and fair haired.

But thanks to modern technologies like DNA analysis, 3D scanning and 3D printing, the actual face of Cheddar Man is rather different to what researchers first believed.

In fact, Cheddar Man had dark skin with dark, curly hair and striking blue eyes. This update changes our understanding of how lighter pigmentation spread through Europe. Dr Tom Booth from Britain’s Natural History Museum, explains:

“Until recently it was always assumed that humans quickly adapted to have paler skin after entering Europe about 45,000 years ago. Pale skin is better at absorbing UV light and helps humans avoid vitamin D deficiency in climates with less sunlight.”

Cheddar Man Hits the Small Screen

Scientists from University College London (UCL) and the Natural History Museum worked together to use newly available DNA analysis, 3D scanning and printing to reconstruct the Cheddar Man’s face.

They began by drilling a 2mm hole in his skull to collect the ancient DNA. This information was then used by reconstruction specialists. A 3D scan was taken which helped create a 3D model of the skull.

For the printing stage, Minke Van Voorthuizen was enlisted. She used an Ultimaker 3 Extended machine and printed using PLA with PVA support pillars. The print took 13 hours as it didn’t need to be highly detailed. This printed model was used to protect the fragile fossil and provide the foundation for the reconstruction.

Researchers believe Cheddar Man emigrated from Africa via the Middle East when Britain was still connected to Europe. He was 5 ft 5″ and would have been a hunter-gatherer.

“Cheddar Man’s genetic profile places him with several other Mesolithic-era Europeans from Spain, Hungary and Luxembourg whose DNA has already been analyzed,” explains Professor Thomas from UCL.

“These ‘Western Hunter-Gatherer’s’ migrated into Europe at the end of the last Ice Age and the group included Cheddar Man’s ancestors.”

Cheddar Man has received a huge amount of attention from the British public and press. This Sunday, Channel 4 is broadcasting “First Brits: Secrets of the 10,000 Year Old Man”.

Via: TCT Magazine

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February 14, 2018 at 04:59PM
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Porsche is 3D Printing Metal and Plastic Spare Parts for Classic Cars

Porsche is 3D Printing Metal and Plastic Spare Parts for Classic Cars
By Hanna Watkin

Porsche is using 3D printing to reproduce classic car parts which are either extremely rare or extinct. The technology offers an economical way to produce spare parts of high-quality.

As a classic car collector, there’s nothing worse than hearing that a part is no longer available. After an extensive hunt, this can often lead to a car being put out of action.

Porsche Classic, the branch of the company trying to ensure this doesn’t happen, has a solution to the problem. The company is using 3D printing to create parts. What better way to create extremely specific metal parts?

At the state-of-the-art warehouse, the company has around 52,000 parts and components built using traditional methods. However, 3D printing will help recreate those parts which are either very rare or no longer exist. In doing so, they’ll be reducing the time-intensive work for restorers.

So far, the company is working on nine parts and testing a further twenty parts to see whether they’re suitable for printing. One such model is the a release lever for a clutch on a Porsche 959. Only 292 of these parts were ever built, so they’re extremely difficult to come by.

Porsche used 3D printing technology to create the part and pressure tested it with three tons before installing it in a test car and driving it “extensively”. The part passed its tests with ease.

Go for a Ride in a Porsche Classic Built with 3D Printed Parts

To ensure parts meet the specifications of the original parts and are high quality, Porsche is relying on a selective laser sintering (SLS) printer for plastic parts.

Metal parts are all steel and alloy, produced with the selective laser melting process. Porsche explains this process, stating:

“A layer of powdery steel tool less than 0.1mm thick is applied to a processing plate in a computerised process. In an inert atmosphere, a high-energy light beam then melts the powder in the desired locations to create a steel layer.”

A 3D printed part is then built up, one layer at a time. So far, Porsche Classic is impressed with how the 3D printed parts perform during testing.

The company explains that the benefits are economical, reduce waste and warehouse storage space and that 3D design data or a 3D scan is sufficient for production to begin.

As a result, Porsche is now testing whether 3D printing is suitable for the production of a further twenty components, and we’re sure more parts are to come too. Visit the Porsche website to find out more.

Source: Top Gear

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February 13, 2018 at 10:59PM
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adidas and Carbon Announce 3D Printed AlphaEDGE 4D LTD Footwear

adidas and Carbon Announce 3D Printed AlphaEDGE 4D LTD Footwear
By Tyler Koslow

Following the release of Futurecraft 4D footwear, adidas and Carbon are collaborating again on the newly announced AlphaEDGE 4D LTD. This high-performance footwear is partially 3D printed with Carbon’s groundbreaking Digital Light Synthesis technology. 

Last year, the Massachusetts 3D printing startup Carbon took a major step towards serial production with the release of adidas Futurecraft 4D footwear. By offering scale and speed that is unprecedented in additive manufacturing, the collaboration showcases the possibility of using 3D printing to mass produce consumer goods.

Read more: Carbon Talks Adidas Collaboration and Bringing 3D Printing to the Serial Production Stage

Now, adidas and Carbon have announced the AlphaEDGE 4D LTD, the latest shoe 3D printed with the startup’s groundbreaking Digital Light Synthesis technology. Carbon’s distinctive process involves digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and specially formulated liquid resin. This technique enables extremely fast production of performance-grade objects, and has proven to be an industry game-changer.

adidas describes the AlphaEDGE 4D LTD as a “running silhouette that blurs the line between performance and streetwear”. The sportswear pioneer will use data-driven design to produce the shoe, making it customizable for the needs of each athlete. According to adidas, each pair offers sport specific comfort and support precisely tuned for running.

Carbon and adidas Run 3D Printing Innovation with AlphaEDGE 4D LTD Footwear

The newly announced AlphaEDGE 4D LTD follows recent news that Adidas Executive Board Member Eric Liedtke has joined Carbon’s board of directors. Similar to the Futurecraft 4D, adidas will use Carbon’s technology to produce personalized and data-driven midsoles.

adidas states in the press release:

“Using this breakthrough technique, adidas is able to create midsoles that are specifically tuned to provide superior, controlled energy return.   This innovative process signals the future of manufacturing, through which, at some point, adidas footwear will be able to be produced, bespoke to the individual needs of each athlete’s foot.”

This high-performance shoe will be available in core black, grey, aero, and ash green, and will cost $300 per pair.

The AlphaEDGE 4D LTD is currently available for reservation via the adidas App, and can be picked up at adidas’ Santa Monica and Culver City stores on February 17. For the moment, the partially 3D printed footwear will only be available for reservation in the Los Angeles area.

A limited amount will also be available on the adidas website. The AlphaEDGE 4D LTD will also be available in three retail locations across Los Angeles. This includes the following sneakerhead shops: Nice Kicks, Bait, and Undefeated.

If you’re interested in getting your hands on these sleek kicks, you can find more information on the adidas website.

Source: adidas

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February 13, 2018 at 09:05PM
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US Luge Team Hunting Olympic Gold With 3D Printing

US Luge Team Hunting Olympic Gold With 3D Printing
By Anne Freier

For this year’s Winter Olympics in South Korea, the US Luge team worked with Stratasys to create custom sleds using additive manufacturing technologies.

The XXIII Winter Olympic Games 2018 have officially begun. They are taking place in Pyeongchang in South Korea, the second time the country has hosted the games.

Stratasys, the 3D printing and production company, has worked with the US Luge team to rapidly prototype their sleds using additive manufacturing technologies.

“The Olympics represent the pinnacle of human achievement and we are excited to see how additive manufacturing can push the limits of what’s possible, and hopefully break a few records along the way,” says David Dahl, applications engineer at Stratasys.

“There may even be be broad adoption as teams start to realize the benefits they can achieve from this technology whether it’s prototyping, tooling, or the creation of functional parts like pedals and steering wheels.”

3D printed sled in collaboration with Stratasys. (Image: Stratasys)

US Luge Team Finds 3D Printing Cost-Effective way to Improve Aerodynamics

Using a 3D printing approach, the US Luge team managed to cut the time required to design the sled model. In addition, they were able to continue to improve aerodynamic features of the sled. This may allow them to create an overall vastly improved sled.

Upon finishing the design, the team then printed the tools necessary to create the sled. Traditional methods to fabricate composites can be slow and expensive. Meanwhile, 3D printing is a cost-effective and faster method to create functional sports equipment.

Overall, it allowed the team to tailor the sled designs to each athlete’s body. In turn, this has a dramatic effect on comfort and ergonomics.

Additive manufacturing is already being employed elsewhere to improve 3D sports technologies and equipment. The technology has previously been used to print surfboards, enhance the safety of NFL helmets, and it also allowed German Paralympic cyclist Denise Schindler to take part in the Rio De Janeiro Paralympics using a 3D printed leg prosthetic.

Source: Stratasys

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February 13, 2018 at 06:59PM
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Prototyping Tools for Space Walks with Zortrax 3D Printers

Prototyping Tools for Space Walks with Zortrax 3D Printers
By Anne Freier

3D printing with a Zortrax M200 has made it easier for NASA engineers to create vital tools for space walks to repair the International Space Station.

Don’t Miss: Zortrax M200 Review: The Best 3D Printer Workhorse

In order to keep the International Space Station (ISS) performing smoothly, astronauts occasionally have to replace or repair parts on the outside of the station. More than 200 spacewalks have been carried out to date.

Astronauts require stable, reliable tools to fix the parts. These are designed by the NASA Johnson Space Center engineers in Houston, and fabricated using Zortrax M200 and M300 3D printers.

NASA tends to provide tools for the ISS upfront. These are usually designed to meet to-be-expected challenges and failures. Both, the conditions as well as the technical requirements for the tools are known upfront.

In addition, the agency is also providing tools for off-nominal tasks, i.e. those which are unexpected. These tend to be a real challenge as they have to be created on short notice. However, with the help of 3D printing NASA has been able to more rapidly prototype and print the necessary tools.

The core challenges the NASA tool design team has to meet include ensuring that the tools can be used by an astronaut in a suit with pressurized gloves. Further, the tools need to work in harsh space climates and their design has to reflect intuitive usage.

The 3D printed prototype of an EVA GoPro casing. (Image: NASA)

NASA Made an EVA GoPro Case on a Zortrax 3D Printer

Usually, the process is kicked off by an astronaut calling in the needed tool. A team quickly assembles to establish the requirements of the part and create CAD concepts.

In addition, 3D printing has enabled the team to immediately print and test prototypes for further enhancement of such tools. Once the final concept is selected, the team ensures that the tool meets the demands of a space environment.

The engineers then continue to remove the support structures on a design and install inserts where needed. Once printed, the tools are further tested.

One example of a printed tool for the ISS is the Eva GoPro casing which lets astronauts hold onto a high definition camera on spacewalks.

Among the main materials used for 3D printing of space tools at NASA are Zortrax’s Z-ABS, Z-HIPS, and Z-ULTRAT.

Before using additive manufacturing, NASA used to create prototypes using metal. The procedure would usually take longer and did not allow for the same speed of completing tool test phases. With 3D printing, the prototyping time frame can take anywhere from three weeks to three years, depending on the complexity of the design as well as the urgency of it being needed.

NASA engineers have been using the Zortrax M200 since 2015 and the M300 since 2017. As of 2018, the printers had a run time of more than 3,000 hours combined.

Source: Zortrax

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February 13, 2018 at 04:59PM
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How MUN MED Set Up a Low-Cost 3D Printing Medical Unit

How MUN MED Set Up a Low-Cost 3D Printing Medical Unit
By Hanna Watkin

MUN MED 3D is the first 3D printing biomedical laboratory housed at the Health Science Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Its founders have some tips for how others can create their own.

Michael Bartellas and Stephen Ryan came up with the idea of a 3D printing laboratory during their time as medical students. The students became interested in how 3D printing was being used in medicine.

In order to learn more, they both bought 3D printers and began printing and designing models for medical use. However, this wasn’t enough and they applied for a grant at their university which supports initiatives that involve teaching.

The students spent months preparing an application and were awarded the funding. With this grant, they could buy an Ultimaker 2+ and LulzBot Taz 6, hire an engineering co-op student and find space in the Health Science Centre in St. John’s.

MUN MED 3D was born and it’s been an unstoppable force since then. To name just a few of their achievements, Bartellas explains to Ultimaker that they’ve now employed three co-op engineers. They’ve also collaborated with ten medical divisions, published scholarly work, and presented research locally and nationally.

Better yet, they’re able to reach out to the local and international communities through teaching, support the STEM curriculum, and also produce prosthetics. That’s not all though, MUN MED 3D has 35 completed or ongoing projects.

Create Your Own 3D Printing Medical Laboratory with Bartellas’ Tips

For anyone interested in creating their own 3D printing medical laboratory, Bartellas has a few tips. Firstly, he suggests you should know about 3D printing before embarking on a project involving the technology.

As well as reading everything you can, Bartellas suggests hands-on action. He explains that he played around with a Micro M3D and a range of software for months. During this time, he learned the important skill of converting CT and MRI scans to 3D renderings.

Bartellas suggests that if you’re trying to set up a medical lab with the help of collaborators, having them hold and see how useful the models are in person is a useful factor. Finding and printing relevant medical models is a must.

However, more importantly, perhaps, is finding a mentor who believes in you and your vision. Bartellas also suggests connecting with as many interested people as possible. It doesn’t matter whether they’re engineers, teachers, students or clinicians.

Once the MUN MED 3D lab was set up, prototyping for free ensured people received high-quality finished prints. Bartellas suggests that you budget for this as it’s a useful tool for encouraging people to use the lab.

“Once you have demonstrated your usefulness as a research partner, through high-quality professional work, it will be easier to arrange a cost-sharing strategy for future projects,” he explains.

A few more useful tips include finding solutions and designing prints which are achievable. This helps build trust between yourself and those you’re collaborating with.

Bartellas ends by encouraging you to develop your team and to produce scholarship to get your name out there. The more you do this, the more you’re likely to find funding. Inspired by the MUN MED 3D lab? Find more of Bartellas’ useful tips over on the Ultimaker website.

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February 13, 2018 at 02:59PM
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