Patrick Tetzlaff’s Post

Gave Up On 3D Printing? I read an article this morning that referred to 3D printing as a dead end. The thrust of the article is that 3D printing has failed to deliver on it's promise to displace traditional manufacturing methods. The tone of the article surprised me. At Design Department Incorporated we utilize a wide range of 3D technologies both on internal equipment and through outside suppliers. I am impressed with advancement in the 3D printing. Here are a couple of very specific recent examples: 1. We purchased a Bambu Labs X1C FDM printer. The X1C is fast, reliable, prints in multiple colors and was purchased for ~$2k. I had been sour on lower cost FDM printers but the X1C made me realize that progress in this space continues. 2. We recently ordered some soft parts for a new medical device printed by Inkbit corporation. I was suspicious as the parts are 30A durometer. Getting 3D printed parts this soft in the past has been nearly impossible. The samples arrived and have exceeded our expectations. 3. We have also been utilizing Form Labs SLA printers for years with impressive results and outstanding overall reliability. Form Labs offers a wide range of resins and recently launched the Form 4 promising significant increases in print speed. 3D printing is far from dead, and although it's ability to fully displace traditional manufacturing methods is overblown, 3D printing is an invaluable tool for design, development, and low volume prototyping. Go Deeper: See below for the article that started this post and feel free to message me or comment if you have other thoughts. https://lnkd.in/ernYi6_4

I'm replying just now because your post just appeared in my LinkedIn feed. And I'm replying that way, becuse of LinkedIn character per comment limitation. Anyway, I am the author of that article... -- EDIT -- Before you read any further, I just want to let you know that this matter has now been resolved. Mr. Patrick Tetzlaff has posted the right comment below, for which I am very grateful. 👍 -- END -- You say you are surprised. That makes two of us. I never would have guessed that my article would lead someone to conclusions like yours. I respect that. But I still think that the article says something different. As I mentioned – I base this on the fact that I wrote it myself. So let put the record straight: 1. I don’t give up on 3D printing. 2. I write a lot about 3D printing. For a long time. Sometimes critically. But always honestly. 3. It’s not 3D printing that "failed to deliver on its promise to displace traditional manufacturing methods." It’s the companies selling 3D printers that did. That’s what the article is partly about. 4. 3D printing as a technology not only did not fail – it exceeded all expectations. 5. Companies creating the 3D printing industry have often failed. Not all and not immediately, but generally they have. They promised things they could not deliver. First during the "consumer 3D printing revolution," and now during the "industrial 3D printing revolution." 6. The article is about something else… The article is about how companies focus on showcasing fancy 3D prints instead of putting stronger effort in adapting their technologies to the expectations of industrial clients. Damn, it really is written there. There's even a YouTube video attached as an example... I don’t want to start any feud, but in the review of the article on how to fix the 3D printing industry, I was put into the category of those who want to shut it down. Not cool, Sir.

Innovative News: Utility Maintenance Workers in Roseville Utilize 3D Printing for Efficiency The City of Roseville is taking a leap forward in utility maintenance by employing 3D printing technology. Traditionally known for its applications in building affordable and quick housing solutions, 3D printing is being used by Roseville's maintenance division to enhance efficiency and reduce costs significantly. This forward-thinking approach sets a new standard for utility maintenance, demonstrating how technological advancements can be harnessed for practical, day-to-day applications. The use of 3D printing in utility maintenance allows for rapid prototyping and customized part production, leading to faster repairs and a more resilient infrastructure. This innovative step not only boosts operational efficiency but also cuts down on material waste and overall expenditure. The move by Roseville's maintenance division showcases the broader applications of 3D printing beyond the commonly known domains, highlighting its potential to revolutionize various industries. Are you intrigued by the limitless possibilities of 3D printing? At HappiBuffalo.com, we specialize in creating unique 3D printed collectibles that capture the imagination. Whether you're a hobbyist or looking to add something special to your collection, we have something for everyone. Visit our website to explore our diverse range of 3D printed products and discover the future of collectibles. Explore More: [HappiBuffalo.com](https://lnkd.in/eD4xzM2i)

3D printing is revolutionizing industries. Here are 5 essential best practices for achieving remarkable results with this technology👇 1) Understand the technology. Before diving into 3D printing, it's crucial to understand how it works. This includes knowing the different types of 3D printing technologies and materials available. 2) Choose the right 3D printer. Not all 3D printers are created equal. Depending on your project, you may need a specific type of printer. Research and choose the one that best fits your needs. 3) Design for 3D printing. 3D printing has its own design rules. Understanding these rules can save you time and resources. Use CAD software that's specifically designed for 3D printing. 4) Post-processing is key. After printing, your object may require post-processing. This can include cleaning, removing supports, and surface finishing. Don't overlook this step. 5) Always be testing. 3D printing is a process of trial and error. Always be testing and iterating on your designs. This will help you achieve the best possible results. Remember, 3D printing is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the process and keep learning. 🚀 Image Credits : Dobot Robotics

Challenges in 3D Printing Despite its transformative potential, 3D printing faces several challenges that must be addressed to achieve widespread adoption. One of the most significant hurdles is the high cost of advanced printers and materials, which can limit accessibility for smaller businesses and individuals. While desktop 3D printers have become more affordable, industrial-grade machines often require substantial investment. Material limitations are another concern. Although the range of printable materials is growing, it remains restricted compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This limits the use of 3D printing for specific applications where specialized properties are required. Additionally, the production speed of 3D printing is slower than conventional mass-production techniques, making it less efficient for large-scale manufacturing. Quality control and consistency are ongoing challenges, especially when printing complex geometries. Variations in material properties or printing errors can result in defects, requiring rigorous testing and validation. Moreover, the need for skilled operators and designers to manage 3D printers and optimize designs adds to operational complexity. However, ongoing research and development are addressing these challenges. Improvements in printer technology, material innovation, and streamlined processes are making 3D printing more accessible and efficient. Overcoming these obstacles will pave the way for 3D printing to reach its full potential across industries.

Optimizing Creativity: 3D Printing's Role in Model Manufacturing The Creativity Conundrum Architects, designers, and engineers often grapple with the challenge of bringing complex models to life within stringent time and budget constraints. The quest for a solution that doesn't compromise quality is ongoing and critical. Advanced Techniques to the Rescue The evolution of 3D printing technology offers a beacon of hope. Advanced tools and techniques in 3D printing have emerged as pivotal in manufacturing detailed models cost-effectively, without sacrificing the quality that professionals demand. Balancing Efficiency with Artistry These innovative 3D printing strategies enable a seamless balance between efficiency and artistry. By utilizing state-of-the-art materials and precision printing capabilities, intricate designs are rendered with exceptional accuracy and detail, ensuring that every aspect of the original vision is preserved. Cost-Effective Precision The strategic application of these advanced 3D printing methods significantly reduces both the time and cost involved in model manufacturing. This efficiency allows for greater experimentation and iteration in the design process, fostering creativity and innovation without the pressure of prohibitive costs. Conclusion: Empowering Design and Engineering For architects, designers, and engineers striving to push the boundaries of their creative endeavors, embracing these advanced 3D printing techniques is not just an option—it's a necessity. This approach not only maintains high quality and precision but also ensures that artistry and efficiency coexist harmoniously in model manufacturing.

Beyond Prototyping: The Untapped Potential of SLA 3D Printing (https://lnkd.in/gU2D-KpF) Think SLA printing is just for prototypes? Think again! At Precision Hub 3D Labs, we leverage SLA's capabilities to produce high-quality end-use parts. Here's why SLA is more than just prototyping: Unmatched Accuracy & Finish: Achieve tolerances and surface quality that rival traditional manufacturing techniques. Small Batch Production: SLA is ideal for low-volume production runs, allowing for customization and on-demand manufacturing. Wide Range of Applications: From engineering components to medical devices, SLA parts can be functional and durable.

AUDI ADOPTS STRATASYS FULL COLOR MULTI-MATERIAL 3D PRINTING TO ACCELERATE AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN

What Is 3D Printing? In today's video, let's deep drive into the 3D printing world. At its most basic, 3D printing is a manufacturing process in which material is laid down, layer by layer, to form a three-dimensional object. (This is deemed an additive process because the object is built from scratch, as opposed to subtractive processes in which material is cut, drilled, milled, or machined off.) Although 3D printers employ a variety of materials (such as plastic or metal) and techniques (see "How Does 3D Printing Work?" below), they share the ability to turn digital files containing three-dimensional data—whether created on a computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) program, or from a 3D scanner—into physical objects. What Are the Benefits of 3D Printing? With 3D printing, designers have the ability to quickly turn concepts into 3D models or prototypes (a.k.a. "rapid prototyping"), and implement rapid design changes. It lets manufacturers produce products on demand rather than in large runs, improving inventory management and reducing warehouse space. People in remote locations can fabricate objects that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. From a practical standpoint, 3D printing can save money and material versus subtractive techniques, as very little raw material is wasted. And it promises to change the nature of manufacturing, eventually letting consumers download files for printing even complex 3D objects—including, for example, electronics devices—in their own homes. 3D printing is the perfect option for small volume parts to test the market, test the assembly function and product design with low cost and low risks, as long as the parts sell well, then you can consider to make injection molding for high volume production. KTM can offer you a tailor solutions from Prototyping parts in low volume parts to Tooling & Production for high volume parts to provide the best and the most effective solutions for your project. please feel free to reach me out at any time.