BetAbram To Release House Printing Machine

Over the course of its nearly 30-year lifetime, additive manufacturing has been used to create a massive array of objects. Though while the technology has had a number of different applications, its ability to produce objects on a massive scale has only just begun.

In an effort to push the envelope of 3D printing’s scale, Slovenian startup BetAbram claims it will be ready to ship three scaffolding-based printer models by the end of this summer, each capable of building houses.

Starting with a 3x4-meter model, Abram’s printers grow to a medium 6x12-meter frame and an enormous 9x16-meter frame in the largest incarnation. Though each model begins with a 2-meter height limit, the designers say the printer can be configured to build much larger structures.

In order to build their structures BetAbram’s machines use what appears to be a liquid concrete material. As in all other deposition AM processes, a structure emerges as successive layers of concrete are built one atop another. Although the process for building concrete AM structures seems fairly straightforward, BetAbram has yet to detail the curing time required before successive layers can be built and whether their machines can build geometries beyond rectangles.

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by Site Admin via Fabbaloo

Windform Used to Build Generative Orthotics

In conjunction with MHOX Design, CRP Group has created bespoke orthosis to correct misaligned limbs.

Developed over a year-long period, MHOX Design used generative design methods to create objects that can integrate appropriately with the human body.

Unlike traditional design methods that create a shape based on the designers wants, generative design uses a set of inputs and algorithms to determine a products final form.

To build their new orthosis, MHOX engineers began by gathering a 3D scan of their patient’s limb. With an accurate model of their patient’s limb, designers merged that information with a unique algorithm to complete a digital model of the custom prosthetic.

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by Site Admin via Fabbaloo

Rezvani Supercar Uses 3D Printed Components

In the past year a good number of car companies began experimenting with 3D printing, wondering how it could help their performance, manufacturing and design. For automotive startup Rezvani Motors 3D printing was key to saving weight in its BEAST 500 supercar.

Built upon the chassis of an Ariel Atom, the BEAST is a 703kg (1,550lb), 500 HP sprite capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 2.7 seconds. Featuring a six-speed manual transmission, Rezvani’s auto leverages a combination of lightweight construction, aerodynamic optimization and advanced construction techniques to create a prototype for the future of automotive manufacturing.

In building the supercar, architect Fardess Rezvani used 3D printing to build the car’s front diffuser, mirrors and lights. In addition to the use of digital manufacturing in the creation of its smaller components, the BEAST’s construction leveraged CNC milling to create its carbon fiber body. According to Rezvani, CNC was used to create an accurate 3D model of the BEAST; from this model engineers fashioned molds for all of the car’s carbon fiber panels, a key element in keeping the BEAST’s weight down.

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by Site Admin via Fabbaloo

Cheap 3D Printed Lens Could Help Detect Disease

Researchers at the Australian National University have created an inexpensive 3D printed lens that can attach to a smartphone and detect some skin diseases.

Traditionally, lenses are manufactured by using a grinding and polishing method, or through the pouring of gel materials into pre-fabricated molds. While these methods have been very effective, they’re also quite complex and expensive.

To bypass this costly construction ANU researchers began exploring how clear liquids can bend light and act as a lens when stabilized. Remarkably, through their research the ANU team developed a completely new method for manufacturing lenses that requires only an oven, a silicon polymer and a glass slide.

In a modest tone, lead researcher Dr. Steve Lee stated, “What I did was to systematically fine-tune the curvature that's formed by a simple droplet with the help of gravity, and without any molds.”

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by Site Admin via Fabbaloo

Ten 3D Printed Sustainable Homes Produced in 24 Hours

An experimental revolution is underway in China to use 3D printing techniques to build houses. This rapid construction process was demonstrated to build ten small houses in 24 hours predominantly from recycled materials. The company behind it is Suzhou-based construction materials firm Winsun.

Although the initial houses produced may look a little on the plain side. They do, however, show the potential for an evolution in new building materials and 3D printing construction processes to achieve rapid construction. This modular construction method is akin to concrete wall construction which has been around for many years. However, this process does offer the potential of complete onsite construction methods for the assembly of sustainable and affordable homes.

Rather than use labour intensive bricks and mortar construction, the developed system extrudes a mix of high-grade cement and recycled glass fibre which are deposited in layers. This process is similar to traditional extrusion 3D printing processes.

Starting with an architectural CAD design, the tool paths are produced considering insulation materials, plumbing, electrical lining and windows, which can later be outfitted once the underlying structure has been assembled. The diagonally reinforced print pattern leaves plenty of air gaps to act as insulation.

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by Site Admin via Fabbaloo