Kris Kleven has spent decades in engineering. First, he did demanding engineering projects for Schlumberger, Emerson, and others in the oil and gas industry. Later, he worked at NBC Universal and other firms in theme parks and Oshkosh in heavy-duty vehicles, and now he does engineering with his own firm. Given his deep flow and […]
The second half of July brought major developments across Asia’s additive manufacturing sector. Highlights included India’s first private orbital launch powered by 3D printed engines, a billion-yuan ownership change at a Chinese cold-spray AM specialist, Korea’s first certification for metal AM repair, and continued momentum in consumer hardware and footwear. China Chaozhuo Aviation Technology’s founders
There’s a version of Coachella most people never see. Not the stage. Not the crowd. Not even the music. It’s everything built around it: the spaces where artists host, brands activate, and experiences are designed down to the smallest detail. Looking back at this year’s festival, one of the most interesting examples of 3D printing
We’re starting with the winners of two America Makes project calls in this first 3D Printing News Briefs of August! Then we’ll move on to AM quality control for aerospace, and research from the University of Waterloo. We’ll finish with some interesting 3D printed chairs. Read on for all the details! America Makes Announces Winners
A few weeks ago, I visited Professor Alexander Kaplan at Luleå University of Technology. Originally from Austria, Kaplan has spent more than 20 years at the university working on the physics of lasers, welding, and additive manufacturing (AM). While reviewing his recent research, I came across a paper from his group on something that sounds
Connector manufacturer TE Connectivity now uses 3D printing for catheter shafts. These medical device components are now lower in cost thanks to additive manufacturing. Catheters are often coated in polymer jackets, with different thicknesses, lengths, and materials being used at different areas of the catheter. TE’s Advanced Technology Group at their Galway, Ireland-based PROPELUS Prototype
In the 1990 classic in economic strategy, The Competitive Advantage of Nations, business theorist Michael Porter wrote, “Most commentators on the Italian economy have persistently underestimated Italy, because they have applied American, German, or Japanese norms to an economy with a very different structure.” According to Porter, “The Italian success in fragmented industries and in
The US Department of Defense (DoD) finally seems to be implementing a strategy it has spent years refining, centered on bringing its international allies and partners more into the fold when it comes to its long-term industrial objectives. This strategy overlaps with another one involving similarly increased engagement with companies outside of DoD’s typical supplier
Xaar has been quietly enabling more and more 3D printing firms to use novel materials and processes through its print heads. The company provides application support and knowledge to unlock new ways of depositing material accurately. Rather than sell a plethora of devices using its print heads, Xaar wants to enable others. Its Nitrox heads
Pretty much everyone is aware that, over the last several decades, Western nations have continuously ceded control over manufacturing supply chains to China. It has been less widely appreciated that critical mineral supply chains have also been subject to a parallel trajectory of increasingly lost ground by the West, but the world is starting to
