High-Volume 3D Printing Updates by Slant 3D

You’re about to explore the latest buzz in the 3D printing world with Slant 3D’s new updates! This article highlights a thrilling video by Slant 3D that covers everything from the intriguing debut of COBRA Golf’s 3D printed irons to a heated debate involving Scott Galloway.

Get ready to discover essential details about high-volume 3D printing, sustainable manufacturing, and digital warehouses. Slant 3D’s advancements bring you up-to-date info on reducing filament costs, optimizing shipping, and understanding market trends, all while delivering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving 3D printing industry.

$30 off $400+ Anycubic Products with code AC30OFF

Video Overview

Title: ‘3D Printing News | Beef with Scott Galloway | 10kg Spools? | Tensile Tester is Here’

Hosted by Slant 3D

Welcome to our comprehensive article summarizing the latest video from Slant 3D, titled “3D Printing News | Beef with Scott Galloway | 10kg Spools? | Tensile Tester is Here”. Hosted by the experts at Slant 3D, this video delves into some exciting updates and news within the 3D printing industry.

Introduction and Sponsor Mention

Tangled Filament

Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to another exciting episode of Layer by Layer, the show where we dive deep into the world of 3D printing and discuss its impact on various industries. Before we get started with all the thrilling updates, let’s pay the bills. Today’s episode is sponsored by Tangled Filament, a company dedicated to reducing the cost of filament to just $10 per kg. Tangled Filament offers high-quality PLA filament, available exclusively in black. You can check them out at Tangled Filament.com, where you’ll find the latest $15 per spool offer, which has been more popular than expected. Despite the high demand, Tangled Filament is continuously optimizing their production to ensure timely shipping and even managed to boost their output efficiency by 12% recently. If you’re in the market for some affordable yet quality filament, be sure to give them a look!

Buy Photon Mono M5 Get Free 1KG Resin

COBRA Golf Releases First 3D Printed Irons

Overview of COBRA Golf’s New Product

COBRA Golf has made waves in the sports industry with the release of their first set of commercially available 3D printed steel irons. These revolutionary irons, known as the Limit 3D irons, are the product of an innovative partnership with software company ENT, which specializes in computational design. This collaboration resulted in a compact player’s blade profile club that offers forgiveness levels comparable to oversized game improvement clubs, coupled with the feel of a forged iron.

Advantages of 3D Printed Irons

The 3D printing technique has enabled COBRA Golf to achieve a perfect balance between the look, feel, and performance of their golf irons. The level of precision achievable through 3D printing, specifically Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), ensures each iron is crafted to exact specifications. The use of lattice structures inside the clubhead, designed by ENT, contributes to a lightweight yet durable construction, enhancing the player’s performance.

Technology Used: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) was the chosen technology for manufacturing these golf irons. DMLS utilizes a high-powered laser to fuse metal powder into a solid part layer by layer. This process is highly beneficial for creating complex geometries that traditional manufacturing methods struggle to achieve. Despite previous use of HP’s Metal Jet binder jetting technology, COBRA opted for DMLS to better capture the intricate details necessary for their new irons, providing a polished finish and superior performance.

Discussion on Polymer vs. Metal Printing

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polymer Printing

Polymer printing, commonly known as FDM or FFF 3D printing, offers several advantages. It’s more affordable and accessible, making it ideal for prototyping and hobbyist projects. The materials, such as PLA and ABS, are generally cheaper and easier to work with. However, polymer prints can lack the strength and durability required for high-stress applications and may not meet the aesthetic or functional needs of certain industries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Printing

On the other hand, metal printing, including methods like DMLS and Electron Beam Melting (EBM), produces parts with superior strength and durability. These parts can withstand high temperatures and stresses, making them suitable for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications. The downside is the substantial cost—both in terms of machinery and materials—and the complexity involved in post-processing, which includes removing support structures and enhancing surface finishes.

Use Cases for Both Types of Printing

Polymer printing is predominantly used for prototyping, educational purposes, and consumer products. Items like household tools, toys, and even some artistic sculptures can be efficiently produced using this method. Metal printing shines in industries where part performance is critical, producing components like aerospace parts, custom medical implants, and high-end automotive parts. Each technology serves its own set of applications effectively, offering unique benefits catered to specific needs.

Shapeways Selling Their Software Assets

Details of the Sale to Autodesk Inc.

Shapeways, once a leader in the 3D printing service industry, has entered into an agreement to sell its software business to Autodesk Inc. This strategic move aligns with Shapeways’ ongoing efforts to explore new directions and possibly restructure its business model. The sale includes Shapeways’ proprietary software assets, previously integral in managing their print-on-demand services.

Impact on Shapeways’ Business Model

This sale marks a significant shift for Shapeways, which has historically relied on a dual-income stream from both its manufacturing services and its software solutions. Selling the software side of their business to Autodesk, a giant in 3D design software, could mean that Shapeways will focus more heavily on its manufacturing capabilities, possibly driving greater improvements in their service quality and production capacities.

Future Implications for the Market

For the market at large, this move could lead to increased innovation and integration of 3D printing capabilities within Autodesk’s suite of tools, providing enhanced solutions for designers and engineers. Conversely, Shapeways might streamline their operations, potentially lowering costs and enhancing service offerings. This could lead to more competitive pricing and faster turnaround times for consumers looking to leverage 3D printing services.

Debate on Producing 10kg Spools

Demand for Larger Spools

The call for larger filament spools, such as 10kg spools, has grown considerably. Larger spools mean fewer interruptions during large print jobs, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. For businesses and high-volume users, this can translate into significant time and cost savings.

Cost Considerations

However, producing larger spools comes with its own set of challenges. The raw material costs and the logistics involved in handling, storing, and shipping these giant spools can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the initial setup costs for manufacturing these spools would need a substantial investment, potentially increasing the overall cost of the filament.

Technical Challenges

From a technical standpoint, ensuring consistent filament quality across a 10kg spool is more complicated than with smaller spools. Issues like diameter tolerance and moisture absorption can become more pronounced and harder to control. These challenges necessitate advanced quality control measures to maintain the filament’s performance from the first meter to the last.

Introduction of a New Tensile Tester

Capabilities of the New Tensile Tester

A new tensile testing machine has arrived, adding a significant tool to the quality control arsenal. This machine measures the tensile strength and elongation properties of various 3D printed materials. It’s designed to pull the material apart until it breaks, providing detailed insights into its mechanical properties.

How It Benefits Quality Control

The introduction of a tensile tester is a game-changer for quality control in 3D printing. It allows manufacturers to rigorously test the strength and durability of their prints, ensuring they meet the required specifications for different applications. This is particularly important for parts that will undergo mechanical stress or are used in critical applications like healthcare or aerospace.

Implementation Timeline

The testing rig is expected to be set up and operational soon, with consistent testing to begin shortly thereafter. This timeline indicates that within a matter of weeks, customers can expect even higher standards of quality assurance from Slant 3D, leading to more reliable and durable 3D-printed parts.

SKU Matching Update to Etsy Plugin

Details of the Update

The Etsy plugin has received a significant update to allow for individual SKU matching. This enhancement enables sellers to associate unique SKUs with each product variant directly within the Etsy platform.

Benefits for Etsy Sellers

For Etsy sellers, this update simplifies inventory management and enhances the accuracy of product listings. It allows for better tracking and reporting of sales data, which can inform more effective stock management and sales strategies.

Impact on Inventory Management

This improvement will drastically reduce the likelihood of inventory mismatches and stockouts, providing a more reliable and seamless shopping experience for customers. For sellers, it means less time spent on administrative tasks and more time focusing on growing their business.

‘Beef’ with Scott Galloway

Context of the Debate

Recently, a somewhat heated debate has emerged involving Scott Galloway, a well-known figure in the tech and business community. Galloway has been vocal about his skepticism regarding the widespread adoption and profitability of consumer 3D printing.

Points of Contention

Galloway argues that 3D printing, much like consumer VR, remains a niche market and struggles to gain mainstream traction due to its perceived complexity and limited applications. He is skeptical about the feasibility of integrating 3D printing into everyday consumer use on a large scale.

Consequences for the 3D Printing Community

This debate has stirred discussions within the 3D printing community, challenging manufacturers and enthusiasts to address and counter these criticisms. While it brings to light some genuine concerns about the industry’s future, it also motivates stakeholders to innovate and prove the broader potential of 3D printing technology.

Conclusion

Summary of Key Updates

In this episode, we’ve discussed COBRA Golf’s pioneering 3D printed irons, the advantages and uses of polymer vs. metal printing, and Shapeways’ strategic shift in selling its software assets to Autodesk. We’ve also delved into the debate on larger filament spools, introducing a new tensile tester for enhanced quality control, and the beneficial update to Etsy’s SKU matching plugin. Lastly, the community’s reaction to Scott Galloway’s skepticism on 3D printing has been a hot topic.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the 3D printing industry is poised for significant advancements and increasing adoption across various sectors. As technology improves and costs decrease, more applications will emerge, further embedding 3D printing into our daily lives and industrial processes.

Call to Action or Final Thoughts

Stay tuned for more updates and innovations from Slant 3D and keep exploring the ever-evolving world of 3D printing. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a business, there’s always something new to discover. And don’t forget to check out Tangled Filament for your affordable, high-quality filament needs. Until next time, happy printing!

$30 off $400+ Anycubic Products with code AC30OFF