3D Metal Printing Newsletter

3D Printed Aluminum Motorcycle Frame
Weighs in at 13 lb.
Airbus subsidiary APWorks has developed a 3D-printed all-electric motorcycle. Dubbed the Light Rider, it's constructed from a proprietary aluminum alloy called Scalmalloy. The complete vehicle weighs a svelte 77 lb., including a 13-lb. frame. Scalmalloy is described as a corrosion-resistant material with the specific strength of titanium at a simultaneously high ductility. It is more than twice as strong as previously developed aluminum-silicon powders. Here's a datasheet flush with material properties for Scalmalloy.

This article on the website of electrek, a news site that tracks the transition from fossil-fuel transportation to electric, describes the algorithm used to develop the Light Rider's optimized structure to minimize weight while ensuring that the motorcycle's frame can handle the loads and stresses of everyday driving. The hollow frame allows for integrated cables and pipes for the vehicle's powertrain.

The article also includes an impressive photo gallery and a video.
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Rapid Growth projected for
Industrial 3D Printing Market
New market research from MarketsandMarkets predicts that the industrial 3D-printing market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.2 percent between 2016 and 2022. Leading the way will be growing demand for industrial 3D printing in the electrical and electronics industry. Laser metal deposition is expected to be the fastest-growing technology for industrial 3D printing during the forecast period. And, North America is expected to hold the largest share of the industrial 3D-printing market.
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Texas Metal Printing Video Showcases DMLS
Here's a quick 2 min.-23-sec. video illustrating direct metal laser sintering of Type 316L stainless steel, filmed at Texas Metal Printing, Alvin, TX. In use is a 3D Systems ProX 200 machine, which offers a build volume of 140 by 140 by 100 mm.
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3D Metal Printing All Over Rapid 2016
Committed to the future of additive manufacturing, 3D Metal Printing took part in Rapid 2016, the 26th edition of the largest conference and exhibition in the United States dedicated to 3D technologies.

Held in Orlando this past May, Rapid 2016 brought together buyers, sellers and end-users of design, prototyping, tooling and direct digital technologies, and featured additive-manufacturing experts speaking on groundbreaking processes, applications, materials and research. Interest in our new publication was high, and we look forward to sharing with our readers details on all of the new additive-manufacturing technology unveiled at the show.

3D Metal Printing is excited to be at the next Rapid, May 8-11, 2017, in Pittsburgh, PA. For details on this event, sponsored by SME, visit www.rapid3devent.com.
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