Page 14 - 3D Metal Printing Fall 2018

3D Tech Update
printing of smaller parts with finer fea- tures and improved surface finish. This creates the ability to print parts similar to those produced with metal injection molding (MIM)—parts featuring sintered voxels as tiny as 240 microns in X-Y planes and by 45 microns in the Z plane. Users also can watch a live stream of the build, thanks to an in-chamber build- plate camera. And, new stackable shelv- ing (see photo) increases part capacity of the debinder and furnace for even greater throughput.
Desktop Metal: www.desktopmetal.com
New Version of
Instant Quoting for On-Demand Manufacturing
On-demand-manufacturing platform Xometry has released a new version of its Xometry Instant Quoting Engine, which provides instant quotes on 3D printing, sheetmetal fabrication, CNC machining and urethane casting. Key features in the new version include a redesigned summary view to help users quickly review their quotes, a part-level modification page that captures all changes in real time, and an always-visi- ble 3D viewer with instant design feed- back displayed directly on the model.
The redesigned summary view helps users quickly review the process, material, finish and other manufacturing require- ments for each part in their quotes. If any requirement needs modification, users can use the modify-part button to make the change. Also, in the part-level modifi- cation page, users can use the right side of the modification screen to specify all part requirements, and can scroll down to see all of their manufacturing options in one place. In addition, instant design feedback enables users to display manu- facturability feedback instantly and direct- ly on their models. They also can upload drawings to help identify manufacturing requirements such as threads, tolerances and critical dimensions.
Xometry: www.xometry.com
Latest Software Version Expands Build Preparation and Simulation
Simufact Additive, Version 4, focuses on build prepara- tion, build simulation and subsequent steps including heattreatment, cutting the base plate, removing sup- ports and hot isostatic press- ing (HIP).
With its workflow-oriented
user interface, the software
helps the user to identify the
best build orientation, com-
pensate final part distortion automatically below a given threshold, optimize support structures automatically, and predict manufacturing issues such as cracks, shrinklines and recoater contact.
The software also enables the user to calculate the temperature field for multiple parts on the base plate, including preheating of the base plate. And recognizing that support structures play a significant role in achieving first-time-right print results, Sim- ufact Additive offers integrated support structure capabilities, allowing users to visual- ize the support structures and perform basic operations, such as adjusting the density and angle of the supports.
Simufact Engineering GmbH: www.simufact.com
Collaborative Robots Feature Simple Setup and Programming
Universal Robots has debuted its e-Series line of collaborative
robots, as the UR3e, UR5e and UR10e robot arms boast built-in force/torque sensing, a host of safety features, and improved precision for rapid integration with a wide range of applications.
With a new built-in, tool-centric force/torque
sensor, the e-Series can handle cobot applica-
tions requiring force control, such as sanding,
buffing, polishing and deburring where force-feedback is paramount in order to obtain uniform results. Additionally, the force/torque sensor can measure mass and perform inspection processes or precisely detect contact. Increased repeatability of 30 microns in the UR3e and UR5e models and 50 microns in the UR10e makes the new cobots suitable for precise finishing, assembly and electronics tasks.
Also, redesigned intuitive and responsive touch capability expedites program development by reducing programming to a few clicks on a new lightweight, wide- screen teach pendant. At the same time, advanced users can utilize the new, external- ly accessible 500-Hz system bus to implement more complex motion-control algo- rithms or profiles, such as advanced machine-vision applications.
The user interface also includes the ability to program stopping time and stopping distance for protective stops.
Universal Robots: www.universal-robots.com
12 | 3D METAL PRINTING • FALL 2018
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