European aviation giant Airbus has long been at the forefront of implementing 3D printing technology in manufacturing processes. As well as rapid prototyping, more than 1,000 final production plastic and metal parts have been used on various aircraft including the A350 and A320 since 2015. The company has recently reached another milestone, as it debuted the first 3D printed part that will be visible to passengers. A 3D printed spacer panel was installed in the cabin of a A320 jet, which is being operated by Finnair.
Lire la suite : Airbus installs first visible 3D printed part in Finnair A320 passenger cabin
BMW demos futuristic S1000RR motorcycle with 3D printed chassis and swingarm
Like many other major automotive companies around the world, BMW is increasingly implementing 3D printing into its operations. The German manufacturer is using the technology to quickly develop advanced prototypes at various stages of the design process, as well as investing in 3D printing research and even using 3D printing for final-phase series production. The latest prototype developed with the technology is for a motorcycle, known as the S1000RR. The bike has a 3D printed chassis, as well as a 3D printed swingarm.
Lire la suite : BMW demos futuristic S1000RR motorcycle with 3D printed chassis and swingarm
Après l'impression 3D, l'impression 4D ?
Le terme d'impression 4D est employé dans le cas d'une impression 3D à partir de matériaux dits « à mémoire de forme ». Ceux-ci sont programmés pour changer de forme dans le temps - la quatrième dimension dont il est question ici -, sous l'effet de la température, par exemple. Si certains chercheurs ont su s'inspirer de la nature pour arriver à leurs fins, d'autres comptent sur une technique d'impression ultra-précise.
Bugatti to trial additively manufactured titanium brake calipers
By using Selective Laser Melting, Bugatti and Laser Zentrum Nord report that they have been able to produce a complex structure which is significantly stiffer and stronger than would be possible with any conventional process (Courtesy Bugatti)
Lire la suite : Bugatti to trial additively manufactured titanium brake calipers
Reconstruire et démocratiser l’Histoire grâce à la 3D
De nombreuses initiatives montrent aujourd’hui comment l’impression 3D vient en aide à l’Art et l’Histoire, que ce soit pour créer des formes complexes et des œuvres inédites, pour éduquer un public encore plus large ou au contraire préserver des artéfacts plus anciens voire même leur redonner vie.
Lire la suite : Reconstruire et démocratiser l’Histoire grâce à la 3D