Amsterdam is now home to the world’s first-ever 3d printed bridge constructed by four robots in just six months. The additive manufacturing project was a collaborative effort between MX3D, a Dutch start-up focusing on 3D metal printing, researchers at Imperial College London and The Alan Turing Institute.
Australia’s dedicated submarine sustainment organisation, ASC, partnered with the CSIRO and DMTC Limited, has turned to cold spray 3D printing (additive manufacturing) to maintain and repair its fleet of Collins Class submarines.
Throughout human history there has been, and still is, a number of methods used to manufacture custom parts. Today, modern manufacturing sees 3D printing and CNC machining as the most common ones. In fact, both utilise computer numerical control (CNC), which developed from traditional milling methods after the Second World War.
With the rapid growth of 3D printing technology, many would agree it has become the first choice for a host of industries. On the other hand, CNC machining is still considered a reliable standard and you will not find much nowadays without the involvement of CNC machining
When you think of additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it’s more commonly known, there is a tendency to immediately think of plastic products. However, increasingly metals are being used in additive manufacturing processes and in the last few years metal 3D printing has gone from strength to strength.
In powder form, a variety of metals can be used in 3D printing processes enabling a whole host of components to be made more easily. Consumer products, aerospace components and medical aids are now being routinely produced using metal additive manufacturing processes.
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