Wohlers Associates helps organizations take advantage of technologies and strategies that enhance the rapid product development and manufacturing process.
Unless otherwise noted, posts are authored by Terry Wohlers.
While additive manufacturing is a great technology on its own, it’s important not to overlook how useful it is when complementing other manufacturing methods. Take casting, for example. Metal casting is a method of production that has been around for thousands of years, which attests to its effectiveness – but that doesn’t mean it has no room for improvement. Additive manufacturing has shown itself to be an intriguing new way…
By Clare Scott In August 2023, researchers at Texas A&M University announced that they would begin work on a project involving the 3D printing of medications for pediatric patients. The project is being funded by a grant of about $3 million from the National Institutes of Health. Why is this significant? Pediatric health care is quite different from adult health care. Because of frequent size and weight changes, children require…
By Clare Scott If you’ve been attuned to the additive manufacturing world, you’ve likely heard of Divergent Technologies. The California-based company is known for using AM to produce sports cars. As far back as 2015, Divergent unveiled its first concept car, known as the Blade. The car’s chassis was made using 3D-printed aluminum alloy, and it eventually evolved into the Czinger 21C, which is being manufactured in a small production…
By Clare Scott Although COVID-19 is still in existence, the world is slowly getting back to normal after the worst of the pandemic. Many lives were saved thanks to dedicated medical professionals – and additive manufacturing. AM may be the unsung hero of the pandemic, as it quickly came to the rescue when supplies were desperately needed. From face shields to respirators, AM was used to rapidly and inexpensively create…
By Clare Scott Dentistry has come a long way in the last several years – and it’s largely thanks to 3D printing. Dental 3D printing and “digital dentistry” have changed the way that dentists and orthodontists acquire implants and molds. With this technology, dentistry is faster, less expensive, and overall easier on patients. If you ever had braces or a retainer, for example, you may remember the messy, putty-like substance…
Additive manufacturing can be an extremely useful technology, but it isn’t a “push-button” process, despite some misconceptions. Without careful planning and design, AM can be more expensive and time-consuming than it needs to be, especially when it comes to series production. This is where design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) comes in. DfAM is a technique used to optimize designs to be 3D printed, reducing material and weight while creating often-intricate…
by Terry Wohlers and Clare Scott On May 25, 2023, Desktop Metal and Stratasys announced a proposed merger that would form the largest additive manufacturing company in the world. The transaction is valued at $1.8 billion, with the deal expected to close in Q4 2023. A merger has the potential to create a more competitive entity. Together, the two companies offer eight different AM processes that involve metal, polymer, composites,…
by Clare Scott In April 2023, NASA and The Ohio State University published a scientific paper about the development of a new alloy for additive manufacturing. Called GRX-810, the alloy is an oxide dispersion strengthened alloy, meaning that it is strengthened by tiny particles containing oxygen atoms and spread throughout it. GRX-810 is an example of a superalloy. Current superalloys for AM can withstand temperatures of up to 1093°C (2000°F).…
By Clare Scott Additive manufacturing (AM) has been making a significant impact on healthcare for several years. While some of that impact comes in the form of research advances, AM also offers many benefits directly at the point of care (PoC). One well-known use for 3D printing in healthcare is the creation of anatomical models. Using increasingly detailed patient scans, physicians can print precise replicas of tumors or areas that…
Δ
ASTM unites with the Wohlers brand to build on its market influence and access to top AM industry decision-makers worldwide.
Under the leadership of the R&D team, the AM CoE partners plan and conduct coordinated R&D projects, prioritized annually and targeted to expedite...
Provide a comprehensive program that educates and trains the additive manufacturing workforce at all levels, while continually incorporating new advances...
