BLOG

Additive MANUFACTURING
INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE

A 3D prototype created by a 3D printing machine

DLP vs. LCD 3D Printer: Comparison Guide

By Smart Factory Team | April 28, 2022

Advancements in 3D printing, along with product complexity and different types of available processes have made it challenging to select the right 3D printer for high-volume manufacturing. Digital Light Processing (DLP) and LCD are two commonly implemented resin-based 3D printing technologies. The following compares DLP vs. LCD 3D printers, their unique features, and the subtle differences.

Footwear Manufacturing Technology: Benefits of Smart Factory 3D Printing

By Footwear Team | April 20, 2022

Smart Factory3D printing enables companies to reduce labor steps, increase design freedom, and create opportunities for customization—here’s how:

3D-printed tooling

Five Advantages of 3D-Printed Tooling

By Hardware Team | April 18, 2022

3D printing can produce customized tools for traditional manufacturing processes and carry several advantages over standard tooling. When quickly replacing or customizing a tool, the right 3D printing solution will provide a fast, on-demand production solution.

3D printed orthopedic prosthesis

Applications of 3D Printing in Sports and Sports Medicine

By Footwear Team | April 15, 2022

When it comes to sports and sports medicine, using high-performance products can enhance athlete performance and recovery. 3D printing in sports and sports medicine products brings more customization and durability to improve the mechanical properties of current designs and support the development new innovations. The product enhancements created by 3D printing are also paving the…

3D printed model of the prosthetic spine

Medical Applications for 3D Printing in Modern Medicine

By Materials Team | March 31, 2022

The medical sector has been a pioneer in adopting 3D printing technology, with the first 3D printed dental implants and custom prosthetics manufactured in the 1990s. Over the years, 3D printing has captured the attention of the medical field and is projected to be worth $3.5 billion by 2025. Below, we discuss some of the…

jig and fixture

CNC vs. 3D Printing: Buying, Making, or Outsourcing Machined Jigs and Fixtures

By Smart Factory Team | March 29, 2022

Jigs and fixtures are ubiquitous in the manufacturing world. From aerospace engineering to consumer goods production, jigs and fixtures help companies improve their daily operations. Machinists use jigs to guide tools, while fixtures keep machined parts in a firm position. Together, jigs and fixtures benefit companies by: Increasing operational accuracy Reducing cycle times Simplifying assembly…

Additive manufacturing materials

Top Additive Manufacturing Materials by Industry

By Materials Team | March 17, 2022

Some of the first materials used for 3D printing were photopolymers hardened with UV light, as demonstrated by the Japanese inventor Hideo Kodama in 1981. The range of available additive manufacturing materials has significantly broadened over the past 40 years. These advanced materials have enabled the fabrication of many complex products in a range of…

Additive manufacturing techniques

Incorporating Additive Manufacturing Techniques: Pros and Cons

By Hardware Team | March 15, 2022

Manufacturers should consider the advantages and disadvantages of moving to an all-additive manufacturing model because a hybrid approach offers numerous benefits. This article will weigh the pros and cons to clarify that choice.

3D printer

What is DLP 3D Printing?

By Hardware Team | March 10, 2022

The capabilities of DLP printers allow for faster manufacturing of products like dental appliances, medical devices, and footwear and enable improvements in design and quality. DLP offers faster production speed, better surface finish, and isotropic material properties.

Models of 3D printed consumer goods

Environmental Sustainability of 3D Printing Consumer Goods

By Smart Factory Team | February 25, 2022

Customers are more environmentally aware and place greater value on sustainable consumer goods and businesses that adopt environmentally-friendly manufacturing strategies. Recent advancements in 3D printing polymers with bio-based materials or resins have made manufacturing more sustainable. Supporting high-mix, low-volume production for a wide range of products, including customizable consumer goods, medical devices, and dental devices.…