The month of September 2021 saw a number of “world’s largest” and “world’s longest” claims regarding printers, factories, and bridges, alongside a return to in-person events withTCT 3Sixty和RAPID+TCT 2021，新的空间应用以及3D打印合作伙伴关系和收购。
继续阅读9月的杰出发展，其中涉及3D系统，Markforged，Nano Dimension，Shapeways，Terran Orbital，Amgta等。
解锁可持续空间探索
September began with the promise ofunlocking sustainable space exploration missions与小说material-efficien建设t ‘skeletal floor’ for a prototypeEuropean Space agency（ESA）月球定居点。由荷兰机器人金属3D打印公司制造MX3D，超轻质钢结构展示了MX3D技术的月球制造潜力，该技术可用于将来建造基于Regolith的结构。
“This is a remarkable achievement from MX3D, which further highlights the potential of this additive manufacturing technique for an increasing range of space applications,” said Advenit Makaya, ESA engineer. “The design flexibility, and the possibility to combine the printed structure with embedded monitoring systems, are worth investigating for applications in space structures.
“This technique could also be considered for the in-situ construction of infrastructure during sustainable exploration missions, by using metallic feedstock derived from the locally-available regolith.”
世界上最长，最大的发展
9月的第一个“世界上最大”和“世界上最长”的说法是荷兰市尼杰梅根（Nijmegen）的3D印刷混凝土行人桥，跨越29米reportedly the longest bridgeof its kind in existence.
该项目由Rijkswaterstaat设计师Michiel van der Kley为纪念该市的2018年欧洲绿色资本地位，并看到Tu Eindhoven,Witteveen+Bos,BAM和Weber Beamixbrought onboard to bring the 3D printed bridge to fruition.
The bridge trumpedTsinghua大学86-foot effort in Shanghai and was produced to showcase the design and sustainability benefits of utilizing concrete 3D printing methods to produce not only bridges, but also potentially houses and other buildings.
Meanwhile,Fraunhofer IGCV和binder jet system manufacturingvoxeljetannounced their intentions to build the最大的风力涡轮机3D打印机迄今为止，称为预先铸造单元（ACC）。该系统是专门为打印铸造零件所需的模具的GE’sHaliade-Xturbine, and will enter initial trials in 2022.
According to voxeljet, the ACC could reduce mold lead times by as much as 80 percent and will significantly lessen the parts’ carbon footprint by enabling them to be printed on-site.
“The 3D printed molds will bring many benefits including improved casting quality through improved surface finish, part accuracy and consistency,” said Juan Pablo Cilia, Senior Additive Design Engineer atGE Renewable Energy。“此外，通过减少加工时间和其他材料成本，由于优化的设计而减少加工时间和其他材料成本，砂粘合剂喷射模具或添加剂可节省成本。”
在其他地方，纳米和微卫星开发人员台轨道unveiled its intention to build theworld’s largest commercial spacecraft facilityin Florida at 660,000 square foot. Based on an artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled supply chain, the center will leverage 3D printing technologies for the production of thousands of different space vehicles each year.
The facility will be built on Merritt Island, an area that is home to a number of other 3D printing firms active in the space sector, such as off-world manufacturing specialistMade In Space那是acquired last yearby aerospace conglomerateRedwire， 和the likes ofFirehawk Aerospace,相对性空间， 和萤火虫航空航天。
3D系统获取Oqton
9月还看到了3D打印机制造商3D系统acquire AI-powered software specialistOqtonfor $180 million. By integrating Oqton’s Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) into its existing offering, 3D Systems is aiming to create a platform that is“有助于前进的AM”和increase its software income to $100 million by 2025.
Oqton’s software had attracted considerable interest within the 3D printing industry, after raising4000万美元的资金和促进several commercial partnerships在3D打印，机器人焊接和CNC加工中Prodways,EOS,Sisma,TRUMPF和Sandvik。
“We are excited about joining with 3D Systems,” said Dr. Ben Schrauwen, CEO and Co-founder of Oqton. “At the same time, we bring our deep expertise in AI, automation, robotics and machine learning, which will help our customers and partners to scale and connect different manufacturing processes in a wide range of healthcare, bio-tech and industrial market verticals.”
新电子3D打印过程
The month of September also saw a partnership bloom betweenNano Dimension，工业3D打印机的领先制造商，用于增材制造的电子产品（AMES）和Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation(IPA), to developnew freeform 3D printing and assembly processesfor the production of electromechanical systems.
By the end of the project, the partners hope that Nano Dimension will be able to integrate the innovations into its proprietary蜻蜓LDM 3D打印系统, which is specialized to fabricateelectronics such as printed circuit boards（PCB）。
Oliver Refle, Head of the Additive Manufacturing Department at Fraunhofer IPA, was optimistic about the partnership: “This brain trust will allow both parties to instantly analyze and improve processes by sharing ideas, data, and expertise, was we develop the next generation of 3D inkjet printing with the goal of creating new and better processes and integrations for the ultra-accurate printing of new high-performance electronic devices (Hi-PEDs).”
New print management software
September also saw the ongoing return of in-person events within the 3D printing sphere with RAPID+TCT 2021, where标记announced thelaunch of its new Eiger Fleet print management software。The cloud software is designed to help manufacturers adopt and scale 3D printing within their existing workflows, while enabling users to supervise and automate their Markforged machines from afar.
According to Markforged, the latest addition to its Eiger software portfolio will “transform AM from a small-scale operation into a globally-connected, distributed manufacturing fleet.”
RAPID+TCT 2021 also saw the unveiling of机器人Prometheus 3D printing slicer， 新的3D printing materials and software partnerships从Stratasys， 和additions toFlashorge USA’s“multi-generational” portfolio。
The life-cycle of 3D printed aerospace parts
Midway through the month, theAdditive Manufacturer Green Trade Association(AMGTA) launched its latest research project, a生命周期评估（LCA）将3D打印的航空航天组件与传统制造的航空航天组件进行比较。LCA试图使用18种不同的环境指示器通过两种方法制造的喷气发动机低压涡轮机（LPT）支架的摇篮与宽度环境的影响进行比较。
Each stage of the LPT bracket’s production will be scrutinized by the indicators, which include factors such as material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and eventually, end-of-life.
Returning to the moon?
更多太空新闻和国防承包商Lockheed MartinharnessedMakerbot的METHOD X 3D printer todesign and test elements of an AI-powered lunar roverthat could be deployed duringNASA’smission to return to the moon. The contractor’s Advanced Technology Center (ATC) 3D printed prototypes of the vehicle’s systems housing and sensor mounts capable of withstanding the harsh realities of space, from searing desert heat to UV or moisture exposure.
“The rover we have at ATC is a testbed that we designed and developed in-house,” said Aaron Christian, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Lockheed Martin Space. “This affordable modular testbed allows us to make quick changes using 3D printing to change the design for other applications and just extreme environment autonomy needs.”
Printing living brain cells
A study outlining the successful活着的小鼠脑细胞的3D打印also made the headlines in September, conducted by the蒙特利尔大学,Concordia University， 和theFederal University of Santa Catarina。
Using their self-developed Laser-Induced Side Transfer (LIST) bioprinting technology, the scientists produced sensory neurons which remained alive two days after printing, during which the team was able to run numerous tests to measure the capacities of the printed cells. The team believes their development is promising for bioprinting’s potential regarding disease modeling, drug testing, and implant fabrication.
Another day, another SPAC
September continued the 3D printing Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) merger trend of 2021 with two major deals reaching completion. First up, 3D printing service providerShapewayscompleted its merger with blank check firmGalileo Acquisition, closely followed by 3D printer OEMvelo3ddebut on the New York Stock Exchange following its merger with颚式大火收购公司。
Shapewaysdeal saw the firm receive $103 million in gross proceeds, including a $75 million common stock PIPE, with the combined company renamed Shapeways Holdings (SHPW). Velo3D’s deal, meanwhile, delivered around $274 million in total net proceeds and saw the combined company listed under the ticker “VLD”.
The past year has seen a激增SPAC合并在3D打印行业中，快速半径,Fathom Digital Manufacturing,EssentiumMarkforged和Redwire所有兑现该法案。
2021年TCT的回归
终于，9月看到了return of the TCT 3Sixty showto the NEC in Birmingham in a somewhat scaled-down version of previous editions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite lower exhibitor numbers, there was still plenty to see at this year’s show.
For instance,E3D推出了新的FFF 3D打印机热台范围，RapidChange Revo,光中心displayed its recently launchedLC OpusLCD 3D printer， 和3D系统展示了其材料投资组合的最新成员，VisiJet Wax Jewel Red。Elsewhere,Materialisedemonstrated thelatest version of its Magics software和its long-awaitedBluesint PA12技术, whileFillamentumpresented its first 100 percent biodegradable filament for 3D printing,NonOilen。
Read more about thekey takeaways from the trade show floor, partnership announcements, and applications cases on show at TCT 3Sixty here.
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特色图片显示a rendering of Lockheed Martin’s AI-powered lunar rover. Image via MakerBot.
