3Dprinting /additive manufacturing (3DP/AM) has had a bit of an identity problem for the past few years. Is it a somewhat useful tool for makers, artists, and hobbyists? It is a tool for professional engineers to use for form, fit, and proof of concept needs? Is it a machine that will replace CNCs and other legacy manufacturing systems? Is it the third leg of manufacturing—subtractive, injection molding, and now additive?

At this year’s IMTS show in Chicago, what once was known as 3D printing is picking one direction and that one is additive manufacturing—machines that will actually be capable of working side-by-side with CNCs and injection molding systems to produce end-use parts.

The major additive manufacturing vendors introduced advanced additive systems specifically targeted at a manufacturing application, often aerospace and automotive.

Stratasys turned the Z axis on its side, which enables its newest extrusion based additive system to produce long, long, long parts. The Stratasys Infinite-Build 3D Demonstrator addresses the needs of aerospace, automotive and other industries for large lightweight, thermoplastic parts with repeatable mechanical properties.

Stratasys also introduced its Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator, which delivers 3D printing with an 8-axis motion system that enables precise, directional material placement for strength while also reducing the need to use speed-hindering support strategies. Siemens motion control hardware and PLM software deliver the multi axis control.

Proto Labs launched its overmolding service — expanding its rapid injection molding offerings. This new capability can produce 25 to 10,000+ custom overmolded parts in 15 days or less. Proto Labs claims the speed at which these parts can be created with its rapid injection molding services is unprecedented. The overmolding process uses engineering-grade thermoplastics and liquid silicone rubber materials to create overmolded prototypes and end-use production parts.

3D Platform introduced its Excel Series Platform at IMTS. The Excel series includes a parallel gantry configuration that can support multiple simultaneous processes including additive, subtractive, and robotics. The build table is initially 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft (1.2 x 1.2 x 2.4 m), but is expandable to almost any length by adding gantrys. The XL-Delta system is targeted at the additive production of tall items. The work area lets you 3D print an item that can be up to 2.5 m across and 2 m in height.

3D Systems has had a rough time of things with the downfall of the low-cost desktop 3D printers. At IMTS, the company hosted a news conference to announce it is on a new path—one firmly focused on developing systems for manufacturing production. 3D Systems has a number of acquisitions, which if well focused, will deliver a fairly complete manufacturing automation approach. The company has several hardware systems ranging from 3D scanning to metal additive production. It is also focusing on its Figure 4 manufacturing system. 3D Systems’ CEO, Vyomesh Joshi is also focusing on improving the services the company offers. During the conference, CTO Chuck Hull mentioned that 3D Systems is primarily a materials company to emphasize that additive manufacturing really begins with materials. Thus, you can expect 3D Systems to emphasize that area as well.

Joshi also introduced Jim Heppleman, president and CEO of PTC, to the stage where the two outlined how PTC’s CAD offerings will make it easier for design engineers to shift from CAD to additive and back while in the design phase. The changes coming to the software will mean you stay within a program while analyzing data that will improve the design of your part. This development is a step many users have wanted—a better integration between CAD and 3D printing.

Thanks in large part to all the hype from the desktop 3D printer phase of this industry, these companies have been able to develop innovative ways to build or grow parts rather than cut or mold. Additive manufacturing will become the third leg of a manufacturing production system; the proof is here now.

Leslie Langnau
llangnau@wtwhmedia.com