Could you elevate your Approach with a Solid Plan from the Experts?

Challenge the status quo by asking yourself: Is your current additive manufacturing plan truly optimized, and how can you elevate it to new heights of success? 

Please prepare for enlightening insights as our experts share their valuable knowledge.

You'll hear from 4 expert panelists:

• Carl Douglass, CEO, DI Labs
• Brian Douglass, COO, DI Labs
• David Rosendahl, President & Co-Founder, MindFire Inc
• Kevin Carr, President, MasterGraphics

In this session, our panelists will analyze and exchange insights on:

1. How embracing Additive Manufacturing can reshape your product development approach, fostering agility and sparking creative ingenuity.
2. Why having a structured process for product development through Additive Manufacturing is not just advantageous, but essential.
3. How aligning your additive manufacturing strategies with your business goals can drive growth, boost efficiency, and amplify your competitive edge.

Whether you're a business owner, product manager, or industry professional, this webinar offers valuable insights and practical strategies for anyone seeking to enhance their additive manufacturing prowess.

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What you'll learn...

Uncover the transformative power of 3D printing in our webinar.  Learn how it drives revenue growth, revolutionizes product development, and enhances the customer experience.  Unlock the immense potential of 3D printing for growth and innovation in your business.

You'll hear from:

• David Tucker, Business Development Consultant, New Wave Manufacturing
• Carl Douglass, CEO, Di Labs
• Kevin Carr, President, MasterGraphics
• David Rosendahl, President, MindFire Inc., Moderator

In this session, our panelists break it all down and discuss:

1. What the terminology "solutionologist" means.
2. How to leverage additive manufacturing through a product development process beyond simple prototyping.
3. Where they see the largest opportunity for additive in developing new product portfolios.
4. David explains his customized innovation workshops that empower customers to maximize the potential of additive manufacturing.
5. The term, "creating a digital product portfolio", really means.

In the webinar, we addressed attendee questions on the potential and impact of additive manufacturing in manufacturing and businesses, while also exploring solutions to address customer challenges.

Watch this webinar recording now to start off on the right foot and get answers to questions you may have or may have not even thought of!

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What you’ll learn…  

In the third panel discussion of our three-part series, you’ll get answers to key questions from three additive manufacturing leaders who don’t shy away from the truth and have critical insights to share.  

You’ll hear from:  

• Kevin Carr, President, MasterGraphics
• David Tucker, Business Development Consultant, New Wave Manufacturing
• Michael Rosplock, Manager of Digital Manufacturing, Enerpac
• David Rosendahl, President, MindFire Inc., Moderator  

In this session, our panelists break it all down and discuss what is needed to leverage best-in-class 3D Print manufacturing processes with these five considerations:

1] Why it is imperative to write an effective proposal to convince the required executives and the technical team that new 3D print technology is a worthy investment. The need to justify the expenditure. 

2] The importance of designating a project lead and the value they bring to achieving effective implementation. 

3] The project leader's ability to focus on part development that leverages the additive manufacturing cell effectively. 

4] The need for understanding the proper AM cell setup and the expected production processes. 

5] The key to success also includes focusing on the factory blueprint layout that outlays the physical workflow from print to finish.

Watch this webinar recording now to start off on the right foot and get answers to questions you may have, or may have not even thought of!

What you'll learn...

In the second panel discussion of our three-part series, you'll get answers to key questions from three additive manufacturing leaders who don't shy away from the truth and have critical insights to share.  

You'll hear from:

• Kevin Carr, President, MasterGraphics
• Dennis Richards, CO, Certified Orthotist, 3D Stability
• Vince Anewenter, Director of Rapid Prototyping Consortium, Milwaukee School of Engineering
• David Rosendahl, President, MindFire Inc., Moderator

In this session, our panelists break it all down and discuss:

1) Why now IS the right time to invest in additive manufacturing and restore your supply chain (in the face of a looming recession).

2) Surefire ways to find and land profitable opportunities, assess cost-effectiveness and prove the value of AM.

3) The best ways to avoid common startup challenges and set yourself up for success.

4) How learning to design for AM will enable you to maximize your capabilities and profit.

5) Determine when/how to bring AM in-house and what to consider once you do!

Does the looming recession have you worried? Confused about the path forward for your business? Or terrified to make a costly misstep?

If so, you're not alone.  Many companies are turning to additive manufacturing as a solution—and you can, too!  But in order to optimize your success with this technology, you'll need to know where to start and what steps to take to set yourself up for success.

Watch this webinar recording now to start off on the right foot and get answers to questions you may have, or may have not even thought of!

A common question I hear from my customers is, "What 3D materials are tough and which materials are best suited for certain applications?"  The second question I typically hear is, "What is the print speed?"  While not many new AM technologies are being developed, the same is not true with materials.  With innovations in 3D printing and materials development, entirely new business models are being unlocked.  3D printing is developing fast.  With ever-evolving technologies and materials, the range of addressable applications across industries has never been so varied or offered such huge opportunities.  No material can do everything.

The 3D Systems' Figure 4 DLP technology has been especially transformative.  Innovative new materials open up new production workflows for digital manufacturing.  Plastic printing materials are particularly versatile.  Listed below are industrial materials and applications applicable to the Figure 4 DLP technology.  These materials are a new class of additive materials with industry-leading UV stability.

Figure 4® Rigid 140C Black, Figure 4® Rigid White, Figure 4® Rigid Gray, Figure 4® Tough 60C White, Figure 4® Tough 65C Black, Figure 4® PRO-BLK 10: True production-class material; versatile rigid urethane-like material with an industry-leading combination of speed, accuracy and engineering-grade properties of strength, impact, and heat resistance.
GOOD FOR:  • Rapid prototyping • Functional assemblies • Snap-fit components • Consumer electronic components • Drill/tap applications • Master patterns for vacuum casting

Figure 4® 150C FR Black: 
GOOD FOR: • Aircraft interior parts • Consumer goods and electronics • Components requiring flame retardancy

Figure 4® FLEX-BLK 20 and Figure 4® FLEX-BLK 10: Extremely durable polypropylene-like parts Highest precision prototyping material with UV stability for production applications where mechanical properties fit.
GOOD FOR: • Prototyping • Functional testing • Low-volume production • Master patterns for RTV/silicone molding • Snap-fit assemblies

Figure 4® HI TEMP 300-AMB: High-temperature resistance for use in the harshest environments.
GOOD FOR: • HVAC, consumer appliances, motor enclosures, and other test or end-use components requiring high heat resistance • Low-pressure molding/tooling • Overmolding

Figure 4® RUBBER-BLK 10 and Figure 4® Rubber 65A BLK: High tear strength, malleable material for hard, rubber-like parts.
GOOD FOR: • Functional prototypes with rubber-like properties - Gaskets - Hoses - Seals • Low to mid-volume direct manufacturing of end-use parts • Strain-relief applications

Figure 4® MED-AMB 10 and Figure 4® MED-WHT 10: Materials with biocompatibility and autoclave stability for medical and industrial.
GOOD FOR: • Medical applications, including - Surgical drill guides - Splints - Anatomical or bone models • High-temperature applications

Figure 4® EGGSHELL-AMB 10: A rigid plastic for casting silicones to withstand injection at high temperature and pressure, but easy to break away. 
GOOD FOR: • Silicone castings • Customized end-use silicone parts • Low-volume production of silicone parts

With a better understanding of industrial materials discussed for the 3D Systems' Figure 4 DLP technology, I want to discuss the advancements in print speed.  Figure 4 offers ultra-high print speeds with 3 print modes, enabling up to 100mm/hour printing, some of the faster on the 3D printer market today.  The following is a good example from a service bureau printing aerospace check fixtures.  

• CHALLENGE: Deliver production-grade check fixtures for aerospace customer with a very fast turnaround.
• SOLUTION: Figure 4 with 3D Sprint software and Figure 4 TOUGH-GRY 15 material.
• RESULTS: 
  • 24 parts printed per tray
  • Print set up time - 7 minutes
  • Time to part in-hand - 91 minutes
  • Print time - 31 minutes
  • Post-processing - 60 minutes

To round out the key advancements of the 3D Systems' Figure 4, alongside the materials science and production-grade end-use parts at accelerated speeds, the new high-density part stacking feature of 3D Systems' 3D Sprint software allows efficient part nesting and optimized support generation to enable new efficiency in batch printing and post-processing.  Advantages of High-Density Vertical Stacked Printing over traditional methods 3D printing often leads to fast turnaround times without using expensive tooling.  Additive Manufacturing, AM serves as a great tool for prototyping and low/mid-sized production by using high-density vertical stacked printing.  Key drivers for stacked printing include:

• Productivity and Efficiency: by utilizing the full build height (350 mm) and stacking parts, more parts can be printed.  With 3D Systems' additive manufacturing workflow software, 3D Sprint, stacks can be easily generated and supported to maximize packing density, reduce post-processing, and decrease labor times.
• Strut Array Generation:  Quickly generate and replicate strut supports throughout a stack within 3D Sprint.  The open, sparse strut network maximizes solvent washing, air drying, and post-cure process effectiveness for batch manufacturing.
• Overnight Printing and Cadence: For manufacturers that do not work around the clock, there is a lot of wasted time at night that could be used for printing parts.  Prints can be planned more efficiently to improve throughput in a single day by printing less frequently, but with a larger yield.  If build times are too short, technicians would get overwhelmed from replacing builds for many printers.
• Automation Compatible: Another method for improving the efficiency of the entire workflow is by using automation.  With pinpoint contact strut supports allowing for quick removal of supports, automation can be used to clean, dry, and cure stacks of parts without human labor.  Multiple wash stations can be used for cleaning parts.

If you want to know more about the advancements of vertical stacking with the 3D Systems solutions please click the following: 3D Systems Application Brief - Industrial Stacking

If you want more information in general, feel free to visit us at www.mastergraphics.com or contact me directly at barb.miller-webb@mastergraphics.com

If you’re like most businesses, you’ve got numerous questions about additive manufacturing—perhaps even a few misconceptions, too. You’re wondering: 

• Why should I be excited about adopting additive manufacturing?
• Can it really provide a competitive advantage?
• How would it help solve my customer challenges?
• What if it doesn’t work for me?

We created this webinar to answer these questions and many more.  

In the first of our three-panel discussions, you’ll hear from additive manufacturing leaders who will answer these questions and MORE—all from their own experience. How they started. What they learned. What mistakes to avoid.
You’ll hear from:

• Peter Koostra, Director of Engineering, RE3DTECH
• Kevin Carr, President, MasterGraphics
• David Rosendahl, President, MindFire Inc., Moderator

Watch the webinar recording now to gain insights into:  

• The unexpected reasons organizations are adopting additive manufacturing for a competitive advantage
• How companies start their additive journey (often through diversification), and the surprising lessons learned along the way
• Which approach to additive manufacturing doesn’t work
• Answers to questions that our webinar attendees had about expanding solutions to customers’ challenges 

Whatever the 3D print technique is, some kind of post-processing will be needed to make the part complete. Whether it be removing supports, using ultraviolet light to make a part strong, removing excess powder, or making a part smoother. I would like to review the optimal methods that MJF and SLS printing use to complete the Additive Manufacturing process. The methods (especially those automated) can increase productivity, create higher cost-efficiency, improve component performance, and faster implementation.  

After the unpacking process, the first step in post-processing is CLEANING, removing the excess powder in MJF/SLS printing. 

Media blasting systems need significant airflow to work properly to remove the unsintered loose powder, which can be accomplished with a sandblaster. 

There is an extensive list of sandblasters that are on the market and these machines can be classified into four categories:

• Benchtop media blasters
• Floor top media blasters
• Tumbling blast cabinets
• SLS/MJF-specific depowdering blast cabinets

Benchtop blasters are recommended for users on a budget, typically with small to medium-sized print volumes and pricing up to around $1,000.  

Floor top blasters are generally over $1,000 and offer a larger working space and are considered industrial quality.

Affordable SLS Face-Off

Full disclosure that I run a business that resells Sinterit 3D printers, however, know going into this at the end both systems earn high praise.  The reason I wanted to write this is that I believe both these systems are revolutionary and open 3D print applications that until their introductions were not obtainable without 100K plus in investment.  When you figure in all the needed support solutions for these SLS printers, the price to fully implement both these systems are around 30-35K.

The FUSE 1 printer is $18,499 and Lisa X $21,900 however, this is before adding post-processing equipment, material management solutions, etc... Know going into this, that you will need the right workflow to effectively implement the printers.  It also must be noted that the Lisa X was introduced in 2022 to expand Sinterit's portfolio from the Lisa Pro.

Sinterit states the Lisa X is 10X faster than the Lisa Pro.

Whether you are a prototype shop, manufacturing support, or product development, SLS at this price is game-changing. 

                   Fuse 1                                                                          Lisa X

First note — both use Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology.  SLS is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that uses a high-power laser to sinter small particles of polymer powder into a solid structure based on a 3D model. SLS 3D printing has been a popular choice for engineers and manufacturers for decades.  Low cost per part, high productivity, and established materials make the technology ideal for a range of applications from rapid prototyping to small-batch, bridge, or custom manufacturing.

Until the launch of these products, if you needed strong parts at a lower investment point most users leveraged Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).  The advantage of SLS is in most cases the printing is faster, the parts are stronger isotopically.  Additionally, the SLS printing process most notably discards the need for support material (as there is unsintered powder all around the object being printed) facilitating the creation of complex and interlocking forms and allowing the packing of parts in a print "box" to increase throughput 10-20X faster than FDM/FFF.  There are of course high-end FDM machines that increase speed but when comparable price points, these units bring capability in-house never attainable before.

Comparison 1: Build Chamber Size
Lisa X: 13" x 7.1" x 5.1"
Fuse 1: 11.8" x 6.5" x 6.5"
Overall, build volume very similar

Comparison 2: Materials
Lisa X: 9 materials - variations of nylon (11 & 12), TPE, and TPU, ESD powder
Fuse 1: 2 materials - Nylon 12 and Nylon 11
Lisa X has a wider range of materials — however, the Fuse runs the most common SLS materials. One additional note, Lisa X has the ability to hook up gas to improve the output of materials such as PA11.

Comparison 3: Price
Lisa X: $21,900
Fuse 1: $18,499
As mentioned above, once you add the needed support equipment both systems range between 30-35K

Comparison 4: Speed
Lisa X: Full Build at 11% Density — est. 35 hours (with cooling)
Fuse 1: Full Build at 11% Density — est. 49 hours (with cooling) 
Lisa X excels and can be upwards of 30% faster.  When you increase your pack density the difference becomes greater.  The real note, is the speeds 10-20X times faster than tabletop FDM/FFF printers.

Comparision 5: Print quality — PA12
Lisa X: Very good quality SLS parts with nice surface finish, strong thin walls.
Fuse 1: Very good quality SLS parts with very good mini hole features.
Once again, both systems offer a high-quality part for the price point and nice output.  A true step up from FDM/FFF.

                                    
                     Fuse 1 Part                                                        Lisa X Part

Comparison 6: Part Cost PA12
Lisa X:  $ 150kg
Fuse 1: $ 100kg

The Lisa X is more expensive for material but due to its higher refresh ratio, the operating cost for both systems is similar.  The Lisa X is an open system so you have more flexibility to use different media to possibly reduce your cost.

In the end, they are both viable and very good systems.  If you are running multiple desktop FDM units and/or outsourcing SLS parts, this could be your ticket to a faster turnaround time.  I would also assume reduce your overall cost as well. There are some additional differences so I encourage you to do your research more and for Lisa X we can certainly help you understand its strengths and weaknesses better.

These are game-changing — take the time to look closer. 

If you want more information on the unit, feel free to visit us at www.mastergraphics.com or contact me directly at kevin.carr@mastergraphics.com

Over the years, there have been many myths about 3D printing. One of these myths is that it would completely replace injection molding or CNC.  While 3D printing is capable of an incredible range of applications, it doesn't have to replace everything you're currently leveraging.  3D printing serves as a flexible and innovative supplement to your existing technology.

Are you curious about what the actual use cases for 3D printing are and how you can leverage them and get optimal results?

Here's your chance to find out!

Experts from leading 3D manufacturing companies such as MasterGraphics, Re3DTech, Graco, and Enerpac will come together to share their knowledge and secret recipes for success.

Throughout the webinar, the keynote speakers will share with you:

The benefits of introducing more 3D parts into your company mix.
How additive manufacturing can improve your supply chain.
Actual case studies on how people utilize 3D printing for TRUE Additive Manufacturing.

You'll also get a chance to meet and network with seasoned professionals.