Fictiv, a manufacturing bureau based in San Francisco, recently announced updates to its 3D printing service to better serve its industrial customers. The company has added 14 new materials specifically tailored for advanced engineering applications. These materials range from high-temperature options like Ultem 9085 to biocompatible choices such as ABS-M30i. Additionally, Fictiv has introduced a range of optical SOMOS materials catering to various industries, including automotive, industrial, consumer products, and medical applications.
According to Riley Hall, Director of Additive Manufacturing at Fictiv, the company is committed to providing industry-leading 3D printing solutions for both research and development purposes, as well as high-volume production needs. The expansion of materials not only offers cutting-edge lead times for 3D printing, but also provides customers with more options at a cost-effective price point.
The newly added materials offer advanced properties to meet the demands of various applications. For example, Ultem 9085 is known for its strength, heat resistance, and chemical durability, making it suitable for aerospace, automotive, and industrial contexts. Ultem 1010, on the other hand, exhibits high heat and chemical resistance and is often utilized in industries that require sturdy, high-temperature-resistant components.
Other materials include TPU 88A, a flexible and rubber-like material ideal for crafting elastomeric parts and impact-resistant items. Nylon 11 Fire Retardant is known for its fire-retardant properties, ABS-M30i is an ABS thermoplastic optimized for medical purposes, Nylon 12 is a durable material commonly used for tough functional prototypes and end-use parts, and ST-130 is a specialized material for crafting soluble tooling for carbon fiber layup.
Fictiv has also made improvements to its digital supply chain and quote-to-order platform, making it easier for customers to access advanced additive manufacturing. Customers now have the flexibility to choose production times, configure infill density, and specify threaded insert specifications. Additionally, Fictiv is expanding partnerships with additive manufacturers like Jabil Additive to offer competitive pricing for larger quantity orders.
In October, Fictiv plans to introduce Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) 3D printing technology, which promises rapid printing, high resolution, and diverse materials suitable for scalable production.
Overall, Fictiv’s updates aim to simplify access to advanced additive manufacturing and facilitate product development for businesses and innovators across all stages. The company’s commitment to providing industry-leading solutions and its expanding range of materials demonstrate its dedication to meeting the needs of its industrial customers.
In the next decade, the additive manufacturing sector will face numerous engineering challenges. These challenges, which will require innovative solutions, are crucial for the industry to continue its growth and development.
One of the key challenges in additive manufacturing is the need to improve the quality and consistency of printed parts. Currently, there can be variations in the structural integrity and surface finish of 3D printed objects. This can limit the functionality and reliability of these parts, particularly in critical applications such as aerospace and medical devices. Engineers will need to work on developing better control and monitoring systems to ensure that every printed component meets the required specifications.
Another significant challenge is the scalability of additive manufacturing. Although 3D printing has made significant progress in recent years, it is still limited in terms of size and quantity. To truly revolutionize industries like automotive and construction, where larger and numerous parts are required, engineers will need to overcome the limitations of current 3D printing technologies. This may involve developing new printing techniques or finding ways to integrate additive manufacturing with traditional manufacturing processes.
Material selection is yet another challenge in the additive manufacturing sector. While there is already a wide range of materials available for 3D printing, it is important to continually expand this selection to meet the needs of different applications. Moreover, engineers will need to focus on developing new materials with improved properties such as better heat resistance, mechanical strength, or enhanced conductivity. This will enable the production of more functional and durable parts through additive manufacturing.
Furthermore, sustainability is a growing concern in the additive manufacturing industry. Although 3D printing has the potential to reduce material waste compared to traditional manufacturing methods, there are still environmental considerations to address. Engineers will need to explore ways to reduce the energy consumption of 3D printers, optimize material usage, and develop sustainable recycling methods for printing waste. This will ensure that additive manufacturing becomes a truly eco-friendly solution.
In conclusion, the additive manufacturing sector will face several engineering challenges in the coming decade. These challenges include improving part quality, scalability, material selection, and sustainability. Overcoming these challenges will require innovative thinking, collaboration with various industries, and continuous research and development efforts. Nonetheless, addressing these challenges will pave the way for the widespread adoption of 3D printing and its integration into various sectors of the economy.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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