Responding to customer demand, MH-110PCL negates the yellowish tint evident in the previous MH-100CL clear ink, enabling more transparent modelling.

As with the conventional MH-100CL clear ink, the pure clear MH-110PCL ink is not only limited to just clear output. It can also be combined with colour inks (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) to reproduce translucent colour effects.

MH-110PCL will be available in 4.8 L capacity ink bottles.

While on a job, Dorenbos, now an Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) certified Instructor, Assessor and Level 3, and SPRAT Level 3 and Instructor, decided to look for a better way to safeguard rope access riggings.

“As a veteran in the rope access industry, I understand the importance and the need of trusting your equipment. The greatest hazard in the industry is the constant strain of ropes under tension against sharp or abrasive edges – frayed ropes, in time, can be cut very quickly,” Dorenbos explains. “My 20-plus years spent on commercial ropes ultimately revealed the need for a better way to safeguard the riggings that support our ropes.”

Dorenbos took to his garage and used a whiteboard to refine his idea, drawing the overall dimensions of the products, and then used clay to shape several iterations of each product. He took his sketches and models to a design firm in Calgary, and together, they spent the next year prototyping, testing and finalizing the devices.

Dorenbos’ products, The Edge, Edge 90° and The Vortex, were 3D-printed using PA 12, a nylon, are lightweight and durable, and are in use by rope access technicians around the world.

“The Edge, Edge 90° and The Vortex are rope access edge management systems designed for the rope access and rope rescue industry to protect the ropes and increase the safety of rope access professionals,” says Dorenbos. “In industrial rope access, its important ropes are rigged in such a way to avoid contact with potential hot, sharp or abrasive surfaces that threaten the integrity of the life supporting rope access system.”

The products were designed to protect a technician’s ropes that would otherwise become worn when stretched over sharp and abrasive surfaces, peaks and crowns of structures by workers performing repairs and installations, which could lead to them snapping.

The Edge sharp edge management system is designed for use on varying sizes and depths of “kick-plate” found on industrial and commercial work sites. The Edge has been designed for use with wire rope rigging slings, nylon and natural fibre ropes as a physical barrier to assist in the protection of the slings or rope from coming into contact with the sharp edges of the kick-plate during normal use. When rigging steel rope slings over kick-plate, they are often damaged due to acute “kinking”. The Edge mitigates this problem by offering a rounded surface to rest upon. The Vortex is designed for ropes that are rigged through walkway grating and grid mesh. The Vortex was designed for use with nylon and natural fibre ropes as a physical barrier to assist in the protection of the rope system from coming into contact with the sharp edges of steel and composite walkway grating during normal use.

“When starting my business, 3D printing afforded me more opportunities to create reliable products more efficiently,” says Dorenbos. “3D printing enabled me to save hundreds of thousands of dollars in overhead costs compared to traditional methods. It also allows us to operate more sustainably and efficiently, only producing products as they are purchased.”

Ropes Edge uses HP’s Digital Manufacturing Network, a system of HP-endorsed digital manufacturers, to produce and deliver the products. Currently, Ropes Edge products are printed in the U.S., Australia and the U.K., and are shipped to rope access companies and professionals around the world.

“Although there is some work to get a vendor set up to print my products, the partners have been evaluated and qualified based on their end-to-end 3D printing capabilities for production at scale, as well as their manufacturing and quality processes,” says Dorenbos. “This means I have assurance on the quality of the products I’m selling.”

This article was originally published in the March 2021 issue of PrintAction.

The Axi2 builds on SynDaver’s first 3D printer, with the addition of WiFi, adjustable stage lighting and a rail-stabilized motion system to deliver dimensionally accurate and aesthetically pleasing prints.

The printer also includes a colour touch screen, large build volume, high performance toolhead, direct drive extruder and heated BL Touch automatic 25-point mesh bed leveling system to enable edge-to-edge printing. The magnetic, powder-coated PEI build plate allows prints to be easily removed and a run-out sensor detects when there is no more filament. The system pauses the print so the filament can be replaced.

The company is also launching a “trade up” program with the Axi2, which allows anyone who purchases a SynDaver 3D printer to trade it in to receive a credit toward a purchase of other SynDaver printers.

The Axi2 is now available for a list price of $1,995.

In an effort to help ease the PPE shortage, in May, HP Canada announced it had formed a partnership with the federal government to supply 540,000 3D printed face shields to frontline healthcare workers. According to HP Canada, “this partnership marks the largest coordinated effort to establish a domestic supply chain for critical PPE at this scale.”

In order to fulfill the order, HP Canada enlisted nine members of its digital manufacturing partner network that specialize in 3D printing technology to mobilize their teams, technology, experience and production capacity to manufacture face shields for Canada’s frontline workers.  The nine partner businesses are spread across Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec and Alberta, and include Leo Lab, EXO-S and Proto3000. The shields began shipping out soon after the partnership was announced in May.

According to Mary Ann Yule, president and CEO at HP Canada, HP decided early in the pandemic to enlist its 3D printing team and digital manufacturing community with designing, validating and producing essential parts for medical responders and hospitals. In March, HP also announced that it was making 3D design files available for free to accelerate production of critical parts, including PPE.

“We knew we could step in with a 3D printed solution manufactured in Canada to help fulfill the urgent need for PPE, but couldn’t do it alone,” says Yule. “Thanks to the strength of our digital manufacturing community, we leaned on small and medium sized businesses across the country to quickly pivot their supply chain and outputs to focus on PPE.”

Reuben Menezes is marketing manager at Proto3000, a member of HP’s digital manufacturing partner network. According to him, as one of Canada’s largest 3D printing companies, Proto3000 knew that it would be going to work to help supply critical PPE amid the shortage experienced when the pandemic hit.

“We worked on getting our Health Canada approval to manufacture class 1 medical devices, and in tandem, the HP team quickly validated different designs and applications that could be 3D printed and once a final design was settled on for the face shield, as an HP production partner, we got to work on making them,” says Menezes.

The HP MultiJet Fusion 3D printing technology is used to create the headpiece of the face shield. Proto3000 has been using its HP MultiJet Fusion 3D printing technology in its ISO 9001:2015 service bureau for nearly two years, so it was a natural next step to start quickly creating PPE due to the printer’s speed, throughput and ability to 3D print with biocompatible materials.

“It is a binder jetting style of 3D printing that layers powdered PA 12 Nylon material, combines it with fusion agents and heats it to produce a very strong part,” says Menezes.

Photo: HP Canada

Menezes says a single printer can produce approximately 275 shields over an 11-to-16-hour period, however he notes that Proto3000 has multiple systems. At full capacity, Proto3000 can manufacture 1,500 to 2,000 face shields per day.

He adds that Proto3000 doubled its 3D printers to make sure the company would be able to produce the face shields as quickly as possible. The shields are being delivered to the Government of Canada, which is handling the logistics of where to distribute the critical PPE.

The shields have been approved for use by frontline workers by Health Canada. The process to get the shields approved was not a lengthy one, as the necessity for PPE was strong enough that the request was rushed by the federal government.

“HP Canada brought together industry experts and our digital manufacturing community to form a council which allowed us to respond quickly to the urgent need for PPE,” says Yule. “The Canadian federal government then expedited the process by moving to ensure COVID applications for licensing were processed quickly. I like to say we went from a dream and powder to face shields protecting Canadians in less than one month.”

According to Yule, the pandemic has led to a watershed moment for the 3D printing industry, as its benefits – speed, flexibility, sustainability and design capabilities – have allowed manufacturers to shift gears quickly amid the pandemic.

“Now, companies are developing new supply chain strategies for risk mitigation to address future pandemics and guard against volatile global economic trade cycles. Advanced 3D printing solutions can help organizations accelerate these strategies and will continue to shape the manufacturing landscape in Canada,” she says. “Increasingly, more companies are looking to transform their manufacturing capabilities, not only to remain competitive but to strengthen their response to demand for products made in Canada. It is fantastic to see local businesses joining forces to reinvent manufacturing in Canada. We are extremely proud to be able to support the healthcare industry during these unprecedented times.”

Menezes adds that the team at Proto3000 is happy to play its part in supporting the country amid the pandemic.

“We see all that our healthcare workers and essential staff are doing to keep us safe and keep the country moving, and we are honoured to be able to support them in any way we can,” he says.

ISO/ASTM 52915, Specification for additive manufacturing file format (AMF) Version 1.2, published in May, was developed by a group of experts in ISO’s technical committee on additive manufacturing, ISO/TC 261, in partnership with ASTM International.

“The AMF format offers great potential to support the further development of the AM sector and will become increasingly important in the industry in the coming years,” said Dr. Christian Seidel, committee chair and professor for manufacturing technologies and additive manufacturing. “AMF describes an object in such a general way that any machine can build it to the best of its ability, and as such is technology independent.”

Seidel also noted that the standard is both backwards compatible, allowing any existing STL file to be converted, and future compatible, allowing new features to be added as advances in technology allow.

The new jointly developed ISO/ASTM standard specifies the requirements for the preparation, display and transmission for the AMF. “When prepared in a structured electronic format, strict adherence to an extensible markup language (XML) schema supports standards-compliant interoperability,” notes the ISO. It does not, however, specify any explicit mechanisms for ensuring data integrity, electronic signatures and encryptions.

The new standard can be purchased from the ISO member in your country, or from the ISO Store.

“We are pleased to offer our customers the opportunity to bring 3D scanning into their operations,” Contex Americas general manager Steve Blanken said. “The SOL 3D scanner is the best in class and at price point that makes it a compelling option.”

The SOL 3D scanner is said to be well-suited for entrepreneurs, designers, and startups to capture their inventions and business ideas, and share them for prototyping, processing, pre-manufacturing, and funding. “Engineers, makers, and crafters also value the SOL 3D scanner for testing and customizing models,” Contex officials said. “Scanned objects can be shared and reproductions created without jeopardizing the original piece”.

The SOL 3D scanner provides one-touch simplicity and intuitive software, and is known for delivering high-quality scans. SOL is the flagship product from Scan Dimension, a division of Global Scanning A/S. The 3D scanner is immediately available through Contex’s North and South American distribution channel.

Through Ultimaker.com, hospitals can now learn the location of available 3D printing hubs nearby. And direct contact is offered with Ultimaker and local 3D printing experts and designers to advise and support on creating and obtaining the parts they need most.

Ultimaker has launched the following initiatives on Ultimaker.com:

1 Connect and Print:

Hospitals that face acute shortages of critical parts and that have approved 3D print designs and material specifications already available can directly connect with 3D printing experts nearby to send their 3D print requests to be printed. Ultimaker makes in-house 3D printing capacity available as well. A continuously updated map shows which 3D printing hubs are available nearby.

2 Design, Check, and Print:

If a hospital needs help designing parts and tools that run out and are now in limited supply, Ultimaker is making a team of highly motivated designers and application engineers available to support in designing and creating the desired part. This part is printed by the nearest 3D print hub and sent to the hospital as soon as possible. After testing and receiving approval of the hospital, the part is available for further 3D printed production.

“Hospital equipment parts might break or hospitals may run out of particular tools, for example,” Ultimaker co-founder Siert Wijnia said in a March 23 statement. “We are proud to see the 3D printing community come together to immediately print approved designs of objects that hospitals need right now. We hope these initiatives will help all hospitals understand where 3D printers, knowledge, and materials are available, so hospital staff can focus on what matters most: saving lives.”

“3D printing can make a difference,” added Jos Burger, CEO at Ultimaker. “We therefore invite all available 3D printing hubs equipped with Ultimaker 3D printers to make themselves visible through Ultimaker.com to accelerate the production of approved 3D printed parts, where they’re needed, when they’re needed. By unlocking the power of our network to support 3D print initiatives for hospitals worldwide, I am left humbled and honoured to be able to contribute in this challenging situation.”

“It’s a modest acquisition but it’s a really, really important one for us,” Steve Hoover, Chief Technology Officer, Technology Development and Commercialization, Xerox, said during the 2019 Investor Day. “The reality is today, a lot of the 3D printing that is done is for prototyping. When we look at this market, we’re going to come in with a differentiated set of technologies and solutions, and that’s the problem we’re focusing on.”

Founded in 2013, Vader Systems is a machine tool manufacturer and developer of liquid metal additive manufacturing technology. Its offerings include the Magnet-o-Jet Subsystem for hybrid manufacturing equipment integration, the Vader Polaris liquid metal AM system and the Ares Microsphere Production System for the production of spherical metal powders.

Details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Vader Systems’ homepage now redirects to Xerox’s Additive Manufacturing page.

“By simplifying our operations, instilling a culture of continuous improvement, investing in growth areas and capitalizing on new and adjacent market opportunities, we anticipate that we can achieve flat to growing revenue by 2021, while driving continued annual adjusted earnings per share expansion, including at least US$4.00 of adjusted earnings per share in 2020, and delivering over US$3 billion of cumulative free cash flow over the next three years,” John Visentin, Vice Chairman and CEO, Xerox, added.

Suitable for a variety of engraving applications including signage,  industrial nameplates, personalized awards and gifts, the DE-3 comes bundled with new Dr. Engrave Plus software, which includes features such as .EPS and .AI filetypes support, leveling and drilling functions, and variable data printing. Dr. Engrave Plus also includes independent layer control and template creation tools that make the DE-3 suitable for industrial and manufacturing companies. As well, the system features updated nosecone technology for higher quality engraving on uneven material, a data buffer for offline engraving, and an included laser pointer designed for precise material alignment.

Roland explains users can connect the DE-3 via USB or LAN, allowing for increased flexibility in any environment. In addition, the included Dr. Engraving Plus design software lets users create new artwork or output existing files from popular design software packages to the DE-3 for an “out-of-the-box solution.”

Once 3D printed, the project was given a coat of paint for added realism. Seen emerging through the brick wall of the company’s Sutton-Coldfield premises, the elephant will serve as a permanent, high-impact creative installation.

Xaar will hold 85 percent of Xaar 3D Ltd shares with Stratasys holding 15 percent. In addition, Stratasys has been granted an option to increase its ownership in Xaar 3D Ltd to a total of 30 percent. Xaar 3D Ltd will hold all of Xaar’s high speed sintering assets.

“We are delighted to launch our partnership with Stratasys. This joint investment in the development of 3D printing technologies reinforces the value created by our R&D and continues our plan to diversify Xaar’s business,” says Doug Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Xaar and Chair of the Board. “We are also pleased to be working alongside a leader in the 3D printing space, who recognizes the value of Xaar’s technology and expertise.”

“We are impressed with the Xaar team’s achievements to date. We believe that the complementary assets of Stratasys and Xaar will enable Xaar 3D Ltd to develop solutions that further address customers’ additive manufacturing requirements for a broader range of production applications,” adds Scott Crump, Chief Innovation Officer, Stratasys.

The company describes additive manufacturing – or 3D printing – as a process in which a component is built up, layer upon layer, on the basis of digital three dimensional design data, through depositing or connecting of materials. It explains the next generation Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process as a professional production process, currently in the early stages of its development.

One of the most prominent benefits of additive manufacturing is shorter lead times, according to manroland, explaining the development and production of tools and moulds is completely eliminated. Corrections to prototypes or short notice design modifications are also possible, without problems. As well, there is less waste produced during the manufacturing of work pieces. Manroland says 3D printing provides very promising possibilities for designers regarding lightweight construction, which in turn means a reduction of materials used.

“Additive manufacturing additionally brings an immense optimization of inventories with it, because you can produce ‘on demand’. These benefits mean that our customers will profit both monetarily and also through time savings and faster processes. We can also guarantee long-term reproducibility of mechanical parts without the use of specific tools or casting moulds,” says Lutz Leonhardt, Vice President Global Supply Chain & Merchant Network at manroland web systems. “A lot of these processes are still not an option when it comes to mass production, however they are very suited to the production of conventional batch sizes in machinery and plant engineering.”

manroland web says it has developed an innovative business model for online trade over the past few years with the manroland web STORE and the B2B-trading platform, MARKET-X. Various manufacturing processes, which provide further benefits to the customer, can be implemented, depending on how pressing the deadline is, it notes.

Alexander Wachter, Vice President eCommerce, Remote Service, Customer Support at manroland web systems, says the company intends to permanently integrate additive manufacturing products into its e-commerce sector to help improve the availability of parts for its customers, as well as provide alternative procurement opportunities and shorter delivery time options.

“The integration of additive processes into our stocking strategy means we are developing a further important technological benefit when compared with all of our competitors, making us the strongest performing business partners for our customers,” Franz Kriechbaum, member of the management board at manroland web systems, adds.

The print head nozzles, explains Xerox, can accurately spray ink on objects as small as bottle caps and as large as football helmets. The printer can print on plastic, metals, ceramics and glass, eliminating the need for costly labels.
 
“This innovation opens up a path for creating customized products instantly at a time when the consumer’s appetite is all about personalization,” said Brendan Casey, VP of Xerox Engineering Services. “Imagine a sports fan coming home from a game with a helmet or ball that was personalized right at the stadium, or a retailer offering on-demand personalization on hundreds of different store items.”
 
Xerox explains it uses enhanced image-quality algorithms to direct the microscopic nozzles half the width of a human hair. By accurately spraying ink at distances of one-quarter inch, the printer is able to print on smooth, rough, slightly curved or stepped surfaces at print resolutions ranging from 300 to 1,200 dpi. The printer can handle up to 30 objects per hour, with the ability to scale for production.
 
“The real innovation here is that we can now print on items, such as steel water bottles with multiple curves, without the setup time and costs that analog printing such as flexography or screen printing require,” said Wayne Buchar, Chief Engineer, Xerox Engineering Services.

Xerox explains the ink jets are compatible with virtually any type of ink chemistry including solvent, aqueous and UV inks and can be operated at temperatures as high as 140°C, enabling jetting of specialized inks that meet demanding requirements. As well, the architecture of the Direct To Object printer features a flexible design for holders so that objects can be changed out easily.

3D printers and materials will represent nearly half the total worldwide revenues throughout the forecast, according to IDC, with software and related services also expected to experience significant growth. Revenues for computer-aided design (CAD) software are forecast to triple over the five-year forecast period while the market for on-demand parts services will nearly match this growth. IDC explains the gains in both software and on-demand parts printing are being driven by the rapidly expanding use of 3D printing for design prototyping and products that require a high degree of customization in non-traditional environments.

The use cases that will generate the largest revenues for 3D printing in 2016, according to IDC, are Automotive Design, Rapid Prototype Printing (more than US$4.0 billion) and Aerospace and Defense Parts Printing (nearly US$2.4 billion). IDC explains Dental Printing has also emerged as a strong opportunity in 2016.

“Customer spending on 3D printing capabilities is following the market away from mass market consumer printers towards holistic solutions that enable higher-end – and more profitable – use cases,” said Christopher Chute, VP, Customer Insights and Analysis, IDC. “As the market for printers, materials and services matures, IDC expects new 3D printing capabilities to enable a next-wave of customer innovation in discrete manufacturing, product design, and life sciences.”

IDC continues to explain that given the increased use of 3D printing for prototyping and parts production, it comes as no surprise that discrete manufacturing will continue to be the leading industry, generating 56 percent of worldwide 3D printing revenues in 2016. “IDC expects the worldwide 3D printing market to continue its rapid expansion over the next several years, driven by the need to reduce manufacturing cycle times and to reduce prototyping costs,” said Keith Kmetz, VP of IDC’s Imaging, Printing and Document Solutions research. “This growth will be fueled by an explosion of 3D printer manufacturers from around the world, seeking to capitalize on the anticipated growth in this market with faster printers that offer better quality output at lower prices.”

Healthcare and professional services will remain the second and third largest industries, according to the new report released on August 12, in terms revenues over the 2015-2020 forecast period, while retail will experience the greatest revenue growth, vaulting into the fourth position by 2020. Meanwhile, IDC predicts revenues from consumer 3D printing will grow modestly as this market has already matured.

The Worldwide Semiannual 3D Printing Spending Guide by includes revenue data available for more than 20 use cases across 20 industries in eight regions. Data is also available for 3D printing hardware, materials, software, and services.

Launched more than 10 years ago, the DMP-2831 is a laboratory tool for the development of inkjet deposition fluids and processes, with approximately 1,000 units placed worldwide in academic and industrial facilities.

The DMP-2850 includes an embedded 64-bit PC preconfigured with Microsoft Windows 8.1 and updated Drop Manager software. Two high-speed cameras with finer resolution optics provide superior images for drop-watching and print inspection functions. To accompany the hardware changes, the DMP-2850 will build on user accessibility and flexibility with an enhanced software platform.

Remote access API and open architecture enable remote monitoring of cameras and printer status. More options for complex printing will be available with feature recognition, auto registration functions, and support for multi-layer printing. Jetting evaluation and drop watching operations will also benefit from automated analysis.

Online purchases can now be made in the official Canadian Ultimaker Web store and consumers can also visit the Shop3D showroom in Brampton, Ontario, where consumers can purchase the Ultimaker Original+, Ultimaker 2, Ultimaker 2 Go, Ultimaker 2 Extended, Ultimaker Filaments, Add-Ons and Spare Parts from Shop3D.

“With the growing interest in 3D printing in Canada we realize more and more how suitable our 3D printing is for this territory – great service and local support are of the utmost importance here,” said Siert Wijnia, founder and CTO of Ultimaker. “It is therefore important that we select the right local partners. We have full confidence that, together with Shop3D, we will be very successful in Canada.”

Ultimaker focuses on producing products that make 3D printing accessible to all, with desktop printer models that based on open source programming.

“Canada has always been a central hub for creativity and avant garde thinking. A mentality that fits perfectly with the Ultimaker community,” said Kenneth Wan, CEO of Shop3D. “As such, Shop3D is delighted to form this new partnership with Ultimaker so that Canadian engineers, designers and makers have access to the best 3D printers on the market paired with unbeatable local support without cross border hassle.”

“This partnership with PAC is a tremendous stride forward in our commitment to our members, to forge the linkages that will help them create compelling new products and applications that meet the pressing needs of key end users,” said Peter Kallai, Executive Director of Canadian Printable Electronics Industry Association (CPEIA).

PAC explains its 2,200 members come from all sectors of the packaging industry, including retailers, consumer brands, package manufacturers and services, waste management and government. The association explains printable and organic electronics are providing new ways to manage inventory, track shipped items, better maintain product freshness, monitor medication usage, identify packing materials for re-cycling, and turn consumer packaging into an interactive platform.

PAC continues to explain its collaboration with CPEIA includes a priority to address waste. For example, the association explains, a third of the world’s food goes to waste. The PAC Food Waste initiative is investigating waste in the supply chain and looking at ways to extend product shelf life through innovations in packaging. PAC NEXT, meanwhile, is looking at ways to identify sustainable solutions that can lead to zero packaging waste.

“A key aspect of our mandate is to drive progressive change in the packaging value chain through leadership, collaboration and knowledge sharing,” said James D. Downham, President and CEO of PAC. “Intelligent packaging enabled by printable electronics could drive one of the greatest advances to reduce waste in the packaging industry since the widespread adoption of recycling programs.”

Built on HP Thermal Inkjet technology, Multi Jet Fusion, according to the company, features a unique synchronous architecture to address the commercial viability of 3D printing.

HP states Multi Jet Fusion is 10 times faster than the fastest technology in market today based on its ability to image entire surface areas versus one point at a time. The company’s proprietary multi-agent printing process, utilizing HP Thermal Inkjet arrays, simultaneously apply multiple liquid agents that combines accuracy, resiliency and uniform part strength in all three axis directions.

The company also explains Multi Jet Fusion is able to manipulate part and material properties, including form, texture, friction, strength, elasticity, electrical, thermal properties and more – well beyond other 3D print processes.

HP has also started the HP Open Customer Engagement Program to work with users to extend the capabilities of the HP 3D Print platform, which will include a certification process for partners to drive materials innovation.

HP also introduced its vision for the future of computing and 3D printing by unveiling its new Blended Reality ecosystem. This ecosystem is underpinned by two key advancements, including Multi Jet Fusion and what the company calls Sprout by HP. Sprout is described as a first-of-its-kind Immersive Computing platform that combines an advanced desktop computer with an immersive, natural user interface.

“We live in a 3D world, but today we create in a 2D world on existing devices,” said Ron Coughlin, Senior VP, Consumer PC & Solutions, HP. “Sprout by HP is a big step forward in reimagining the boundaries of how we create and engage with technology to allow users to move seamlessly from thought to expression.”

Combining a scanner, depth sensor, hi-resolution camera and projector into a single device, Sprout by HP allows users to take physical items and merge them into a digital workspace. “We are on the cusp of a transformative era in computing and printing,” said Dion Weisler, Executive VP, Printing & Personal Systems, HP. “Our ability to deliver Blended Reality technologies will reduce the barriers between the digital and physical worlds, enabling us to express ourselves at the speed of thought – without filters, without limitations.”

The new store, amazon.com/3dp, is described by the company as one of the largest online destinations for 3D printed products, including jewelry, toys, home décor and fashion accessories. The Website features search tools, interactive 3D preview functionality and a product personalization widget.

“The introduction of our 3D Printed Products store suggests the beginnings of a shift in online retail – that manufacturing can be more nimble to provide an immersive customer experience. Sellers, in alignment with designers and manufacturers, can offer more dynamic inventory for customers to personalize and truly make their own,” stated Petra Schindler-Carter, Director for Amazon Marketplace Sales.

With the store’s 3D product preview function, customers are able to rotate a virtual product 360 degrees. After an item is personalized and a customer has finished the checkout process, the item is 3D printed on-demand by a manufacturing provider and shipped directly to the customer.

The store includes customizable items sellers for under $40, such as cufflinks, bobble head figurines and funky wine glass holders, while in $100 price range, customers can design customized fashion accessories like pendants, earrings and necklaces.

Amazon’s 3D Printed Products store also provides an entry point for designers, designers and manufacturers to offer print on-demand product designs.

3D Systems (3DS) of South Carolina develops 3D printers, as well as related materials and IT infrastructure, to create products with plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles, among others. The tools provided by 3DS – including stereolithography – are typically used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce real parts. The company utilizes Xerox print heads for a range of its multi-jet systems, such as the ProJet series 3D printers.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with an innovative partner of the caliber of Xerox and expect that acquiring some of the Xerox Wilsonville engineering team, together with their state-of the-art development labs and selected licensed IP, to catapult our 3D printers’ development and manufacturing capabilities forward,” stated Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems. “This bold step is consistent with our belief that we must act quickly and decisively to extend and cement our marketplace leadership position by taking full advantage of the window of unprecedented opportunity in front of us.”

As part of the agreement, 3DS expects to add more than 100 experienced Xerox engineers and contractors specializing in product design and materials science to its global R&D team and immediately begin to operate its own facility within the Xerox Wilsonville campus. “This deal takes advantage of Xerox’s world-class capabilities and expands our relationship with 3D Systems in the exciting and dynamic 3D printing industry,” stated Kevin Warren, President of Xerox Strategic Growth Initiatives. “It emphasizes how we are leveraging our expertise while we continue to evolve our business model and pursue strategic growth opportunities.”


Xerox will maintain ink and print head development resources along with research relevant for digital printing and the 3D markets. In connection with this investment, 3D Systems expects to increase its annual R&D expenditures by approximately 75 percent to 100 percent over the next few years as it completes certain Xerox related engineering services commitments.


“The stronger our marketplace leadership, the more powerful our economic model becomes,” stated Reichental. “Simply put, a solidified position translates directly to higher revenue, higher profitability and greater earnings power over time and we are willing to sacrifice short term earnings to get there faster.”

“Start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business owners may not have the capital to purchase a 3D printer on their own, but they may have a need to show prototypes to their current and potential customers,” said Michelle Van Slyke, Vice President of Marketing and Small Business Solutions at The UPS Store. “By offering 3D printing capabilities in-center, we’re able to help further our small business customers’ opportunities for success.”

The UPS Store will deploy uPrint SE Plus machines produced by Stratasys, starting in San Diego, but expanding to additional cities in the U.S.

Using a Objet Connex500 3D printer, a flute was crafted in three parts in 15 hours. The printer is the first device to be able to jet multiple materials which make up the flute. Only the springs required for the keys were added. The flute is made out of three materials: One of the the body of the instrument, another for the mouthpiece, and a third for the seals in the keys.

See a video of the flute’s production below:

Stratasys produced its first 3D printer in 2003 and last year broke through the US$15,000 barrier with its entry-level machine, which fits on a desktop. The machines build 3D objects by a process called FDM (fused deposition modeling). In essence, layers of thermoplastic are laid down based on CAD specs to form a three-dimensional prototype. The final product can be used in models, or even to create production parts.

“We believe the time is right for 3D printing to become mainstream,”
said Stratasys Chairman and CEO, Scott Crump. “We also believe that HP’s
unmatched sales and distribution capabilities and Stratasys FDM
technology is the right combination to achieve broader 3D printer usage
worldwide. HP has made a similar move in this market before, capturing a
dominant position in large-format 2D printers. Together we hope to
repeat this success with 3D printers.”