– 3D printed hybrid Ekso Bionics robotic exoskeleton design awarded Bronze in the Social Impact Category

– Bespoke Braces given honorable mention in Professional Equipment category

3D Systems

3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today that two of its Bespoke design applications have been awarded by the 2014 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) from the IDSA and Core77. Both the 3D printed personal Ekso robotic exoskeleton and Bespoke Braces for hand and wrist were recognized, with the Ekso being awarded Bronze in the Social Impact category.

Recognizing excellence in all areas of design enterprise, these Design Awards celebrate the richness of the design profession and its practitioners. By recognizing the design inspiration of 3DS’ personalized medical device teams, the awards highlight the rapid progress being made in personalized healthcare for a variety of medical industries by 3DS.

“3D printing and scanning are allowing massive steps forward in the field of custom-designed braces that reflect and support a patient’s unique form,” said Andy Christensen, Vice President of Personalized Surgery and Medical Devices, 3DS. “The work and research being done by our teams represent the cutting edge in patient-specific treatments and it is satisfying to see that work being recognized for the design excellence that results.”

Tad Toulis, IDSA, 2014 IDEA Jury Chair, said “This year’s IDEA jury had a fairly audacious task: judging more than 2,000 entries. We saw a lot of design work that any designer would have been inspired by. Your work demonstrated the kind of creativity and passion the jury believed represents the best our profession can aspire to. Congratulations on your win!”

Bespoke Braces for hand and wrist, currently in its pilot phase, is a first-of-its-kind medical solution to scan, design, and print custom hand and wrist braces. In the Bespoke Braces process, a patient’s arm is scanned and data is transmitted to cloud-based servers where a brace design, customized by the patient and clinician, is created to match the shape of the patient’s individual anatomy. Each brace is then 3D printed using 3DS’ selective laser sintering (SLS) technology for optimal comfort, flexibility and durability. The Bespoke Braces system is comprised of an arm scanner, an iPad app, cloud software, a network of 3D printers, and four revolutionary arm brace designs. This service has recently been expanded to include custom scoliosis braces for children and young adults.

“This product is a strong example of when customization can be leveraged to its true potential, delivering an experience that is integrated, personal and strong application of additive manufacturing processes.” – Core 77 Jury

The robotic exoskeleton announced by 3DS in February 2014 is the first-ever 3D printed hybrid robotic exoskeleton robotic suit, created in collaboration with Ekso Bionics. To create a perfect fit for Amanda Boxtel, the paraplegic patient, engineers scanned the contours of Amanda’s thighs, shins and spine and created a personalized three-dimensional base to form the shape of the required assemblies. Sophisticated mechanical actuators and controls, manufactured and provided by Ekso Bionics, were then integrated with the more fluid components that were 3D printed from the customized scans to create the first ever bespoke suit. View Amanda’s exoskeleton in action here.

To find out more about 3DS’ vision of personalized surgery and medical devices, visit: http://www.3dsystems.com/solutions/healthcare

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About 3D Systems

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools and an integrated 3D planning and printing digital thread for personalized surgery and patient specific medical devices. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce functional parts and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

Leadership Through Innovation and Technology

•3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.

•3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.

•3DS invented the Color-Jet-Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.

•3DS invented Multi-Jet-Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry’s benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

ABOUT THE CORE77 DESIGN AWARDS

Recognizing excellence in all areas of design enterprise, the Core77 Design Awards celebrates the richness of the design profession and its practitioners. For our fourth year, we present 17 categories of entry, providing designers a unique opportunity to communicate the intent, rigor and passion behind their efforts. From client work to self-initiated projects, entrepreneurial to pro-bono engagements, we embrace a wide diversity of design enterprise: commercial, cultural, social, environmental, or discursive. We welcome projects in all these spheres and honor the time, effort and quality of the endeavors, no matter their provenance.

ABOUT CORE77

Since 1995, Core77 has served a devoted global audience of designers ranging from students through seasoned professionals. Core77 publishes articles, discussion forums, and an extensive event calendar in addition to hosting portfolios, job listings, and a database of design firms, schools, vendors and services. Core77 also provides a gathering point for designers and enthusiasts alike by producing design competitions, lecture series, parties, and exhibitions.

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3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced on Tuesday July 8th, that the company ranked number 13 in Forbes’ list of the most innovative companies with a market capitalization under $10 billion. This distinguished ranking singles out the top 100 companies that demonstrated continued growth through innovation.

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The Forbes list is generated annually by measuring an “innovation premium” using a proprietary formula in collaboration between Forbes and Credit Suisse.

“Ranking 13 on this distinguished Forbes’ list of the most innovative companies underscores our commitment to accelerated innovations that advance 3DPRINTING 2.0 targets,” said Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS. “We are committed to making 3D printing affordable, fast and capable of meeting the most demanding performance requirements for a wide range of industrial manufacturing cases, personalized healthcare applications as well as desktop design and consumer needs.”

3DS is the leading provider of the most comprehensive and affordable 3D printing based products and services that are empowering individuals and transforming industries through constant innovation. 3DS is committed to expanding the realm of advanced manufacturing capabilities that enable practical and scalable digital craftsmanship.

Learn more about 3DS’ commitment to manufacturing the future today at www.3dsystems.com.


About 3D Systems

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools and an integrated 3D planning and printing digital thread for personalized surgery and patient specific medical devices. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce functional parts and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

Leadership Through Innovation and Technology

•3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.

•3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.

•3DS invented the Color-Jet-Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.

•3DS invented Multi-Jet-Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry’s benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

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3D Systems announced on May 29, 2014 that its ProJet® 3510 MP 3D printer and proprietary VisiJet®Pearlstone dental material have been verified by 3Shape for prosthodontic dental model production. Verified and integrated with 3Shape’s Model Builder software, 3DS’ ProJet 3510 MP is a proven solution for manufacturing prosthodontic dental models with accuracy, precision and push-button simplicity.

3Shape affirms that the ProJet® 3510 MP 3D printer and proprietary VisiJet®Pearlstone dental material:

  • Are the first and only 3D printer solution verified by 3Shape for ultra-high fidelity prosthodontic dental model production
  • Provides seamless integration with 3Shape Model Builder software for 3D model production with high accuracy, precision and ease of use
  • Offers online access to 3DS’ production facilities for on-demand model production.

“Since we installed our ProJet 3500 series printer with Pearlstone we have printed thousands of models with incredible consistency and accuracy.  It integrates seamlessly into the 3Shape digital workflow for the TRIOS intraoral scanner, and the post-processing labor involved with this printer is minimal,” said Rob Nazzal, CEO of Custom Automated Prosthetics. “Technicians are comfortable working with these models since they look and feel like stone, and the doctors love the superior fit of the all-digital restorations.”

The ProJet 3510 MP is part of a comprehensive, personalized digital thread for dental model production, starting with models designed in Model Builder software direct from intraoral scans or physical impression scans, and output seamlessly on the ProJet 3510 MP with VisiJet Pearlstone material. The VisiJet Pearlstone dental material is available in both a Matte Plaster and Glossy print mode with a 30 micron layer thickness, an average accuracy of 50 microns and a stone-like finish.

3DS has also integrated its production services capabilities into the 3Shape software solution, so that Model Builder users without access to a ProJet 3510 MP can simply select 3D Systems from a pull down manufacturing output menu in the Model Builder software and order dental models from 3DS production facilities. 3DS will print the models on the ProJet 3510 MP direct from the Model Builder file and ship to the customer.

“We have performed all of the integrated design work to ensure seamless integration with 3Shape’s Model Builder software as part of a comprehensive digital thread,” said Lee Dockstader, Vice President Business Development, 3DS.  “No other 3D printer has crossed this threshold and we are proud to announce our verification with 3Shape, as well as our production services capabilities to offer a proven dental model solution for Model Builder customers worldwide.”

“3D Systems’ ProJet 3510 MP and Pearlstone materials produce accurate, precise and high fidelity prosthodontic dental models direct from 3Shape’s Model Builder software, providing our customers with a complete digital workflow,” said Rune Fisker, Vice President Product Strategy, 3Shape. “We are also pleased to add 3D Systems as a manufacturing output provider in our integrated software solution so our customers can order dental models direct from 3D Systems through our software.”

Objex Unlimited carries and services both the ProJet 3510 MP and VisiJet Pearlstone material. For more information, contact us or get a quote.

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About 3Shape

3Shape is a Danish company specializing in the development and marketing of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions designed for the creation, processing, analysis and management of high-quality 3D data for application in complex manufacturing processes. 3Shape envisions the age of “full digital dentistry,” and its 400 employees, including more than 175 developers provide superior innovation power toward reaching this goal. 3Shape’s flexible solutions empower dental professionals through automation of real workflows, and its systems are applied in thousands of labs in more than 100 countries worldwide, putting 3Shape technologies at the peak of the market in relation to units produced per day by dental technicians. With TRIOS®, 3Shape now brings its vast expertise and innovation power directly to dentists. 3Shape boosts its first-line distributor support network with a training and support force of over 50 in-house experts placed in 6 support and service centers strategically located around the globe. 3Shape is a privately-held company headquartered in Copenhagen, with the market’s largest team dedicated to scanner and software development for the dental segment based in Denmark and Ukraine, production facilities in Poland, and Business Development & Support Offices at several locations in Europe, in North America, Latin America and in Asia. For further information regarding 3Shape, please refer to www.3shapedental.com. Visit us on www.facebook.com/3shape, or view our mobile site onm.3shapedental.com.

About 3D Systems

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing centric design-to-manufacturing solutions including 3D printers, print materials and cloud sourced on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers alike in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, freeform modeling and inspection tools and an integrated 3D planning and printing digital thread for personalized surgery and patient specific medical devices. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce functional parts and assemblies, empowering customers to manufacture the future.

Leadership Through Innovation and Technology

  • 3DS invented 3D printing with its Stereolithography (SLA) printer and was the first to commercialize it in 1989.
  • 3DS invented Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing and was the first to commercialize it in 1992.
  • 3DS invented the Color-Jet-Printing (CJP) class of 3D printers and was the first to commercialize 3D powder-based systems in 1994.
  • 3DS invented Multi-Jet-Printing (MJP) printers and was the first to commercialize it in 1996.

Today its comprehensive range of 3D printers is the industry’s benchmark for production-grade manufacturing in aerospace, automotive, patient specific medical device and a variety of consumer, electronic and fashion accessories.

More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

 

(image caption: Prosthodontic dental model printed on 3D Systems’ ProJet 3510 MP with VisiJet Pearlstone material shown with 3D printed wax-ups made on 3D Systems’ ProJet 1200 with VisiJet FTX Green material.)

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  • Acquisition of 100 percent of the shares 
  • Expansion into new markets – life sciences, coordinate measuring machines (CMM) and surface metrology
  • Strong presence in Germany
  • Additional access to a world-wide reseller network
  • Integration of its precision calibration and measurement know-how

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LMI Technologies has signed an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares of GFMesstechnik GmbH  (“GFM”, www.gfm3d.com) – a leading supplier of 3D metrology products based in Teltow/Berlin. The acquisition will result in the integration of GFM by LMI Technologies under the LMI brand creating a strong presence in Germany and increasing product representation worldwide with the addition of the GFM reseller network.

At 30 employees and €5m annual revenue, GFM is a pioneer in the development of structured light metrology since 1995 and was one of the first companies that worked closely with Texas Instruments to integrate their DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology into highly accurate 3D measurement products such as their leading MikroCAD instruments. GFM focuses on small volume measurement (as small as 1mm) with very high accuracy (100nm) suitable for surface analysis of micro texture or inline inspection of electronic, medical, or pharmaceutical parts with microscopic detail. GFM’s 19 years of working with customers to solve their measurement challenges has allowed them to develop extensive application knowledge and advanced 3D measurement algorithms.

“GFM’s knowledge of instrument design and ultra precise measurement will be integrated across LMI’s structured light HDI and Gocator product lines – enabling amazing new levels of performance for demanding applications requiring very high resolution.”, states Terry Arden, CEO. “GFM staff will continue on by joining the LMI team and building 3D scanner products that focus on ease of use allowing customers to realize the benefits of 3D and achieve better business results.”

Dr. Frankowski, founder and President of GFM, is committed to assuring the integration of GFM with LMI. “I am pleased to know that customers, resellers, and staff will benefit from a larger organization who is a proven and dedicated supplier of 3D scanning and inspection products in a variety of industries. LMI is a very talented organization who understands how to develop and support high volume, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships necessary to grow 3D market share.”

With the addition of GFM, LMI will expand into new markets such as life sciences and surface metrology by leveraging GFM’s existing reseller channel network, building on its customer base, and delivering next generation scanner products suitable for volume and OEM customers.

 

LMI Technologies Inc. 

At LMI Technologies, we are passionate about developing innovative 3D scanning and inspection technologies that solve complex problems in a simple way. We take our knowledge and experience from working over 35 years in the field and connect our customers to 3D solutions that enable them to achieve better business results. We build our products from the chip level up: from concept, design, to manufacturing. Today, many of the world’s largest companies rely on the expertise, innovation, and reliability built into every LMI 3D product. LMI Technologies is part of the AUGUSTA Technologie AG group – a publicly listed German company whose focus is in the area of vision technologies.

For more information, please visit www.lmi3d.com.

 

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Sometimes technological developments are born out of necessity—you have a need, you fill it. But other times technological developments trigger new needs and ideas altogether. 3D printing, for example, really got people thinking about highly customized, highly complex parts. Now, we’re putting it on the fastest track yet to fulfill the promise of highly personalized, mass volume production with 3D printing.

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3D Systems is proud to release some of the first details about our new high-speed, continuous fab-grade printer, an advance that sets a new bar for mass-customization product manufacturing. Whereas 3D printers typically utilize a moving printhead on a stationary bed, the high-speed, continuous fab-grade printer puts the print bed in motion on speedy track system under a set of stationary printheads. The result is a 3D printing assembly line: many products printing at once, all unique, all in full color and multi materials. Parts in varying phases of completion move in a continuous flow. When a part is done, it exits the track for post-processing and a new print bed takes its place. This is high-speed, custom, continuous, and fully automated  manufacturing at its best.

 

This new standard in 3D printing is the engine behind the production of module shells for Google’s Project Ara, the initiative to create a modular smartphone that reflects each person’s unique style as well as choice of functional modules. With this level of speed and accuracy, people will be able to customize the look of their own phone to an extent never before possible. But the high-speed, continuous fab-grade printer’s potential doesn’t stop at cell phones. Take a look at this video to see how far 3D printing has come and how quickly it’s going forward with this high-speed fab-grade platform for the future.

 

This is part of a series of videos from 3DS that demonstrate how its fab-grade printers can manufacture thousands of parts at speeds comparable to traditional injection molding operations. Look at how 3DS is already breaking speed limits today with fab-grade 3D printers that effectively match and exceed the productivity of traditional injection molding in the direct manufacture of functional parts. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of just-in-time, high volume, flexible additive manufacturing using the company’s precision Stereolithography (SLA®) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS®) advanced manufacturing printers, enabling manufacturers to produce functional, precision parts in seconds, without the need for tooling or a lengthy supply chain.

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