ICYMI: The energy sector may be newer to additive manufacturing, but they are catching up quickly. Last week we saw new facilities to scale the 3D printing of batteries and critical parts for gas turbines representing significant investment to accelerate the application of additive manufacturing. The medical community also saw progress toward true bioprinting with the announcement of clinical trials in Australia of two 3D biofabricated implants. Supporting the technology’s growth, two process leaders, 3D Systems and Nano Dimension, announced additions to their executive teams.
Here’s a quick look at these stories and more.
iSEEK3D for 3D-Printable File Shape Search Online: Until now, if you ever find yourself searching for a 3D-printable file or requesting a quotation from a cloud platform for fabrication, then you are expected to upload your CAD files. The requirement of uploading digitized geometry has effectively knee-capped the viability of 3D printing repositories and cloud fabrication quotation services. iSEEK Corporation’s 3DShapeIndex.com offers a solution to this dilemma with iSEEK3D, a new downloadable application that processes CAD files locally to perform secure shape searches online. iSEEK3D is a lightweight Windows application that installs on your computer in under a minute.
Hybrid 3D Printing Part of Nearly $30 Million Initiative for Gas Turbines: PROENERGY announced a $28.8-million investment on an advanced manufacturing initiative, starting with the recent acquisition and proven application of a hybrid 3D printing machine. As part of the company’s vertically integrated aeroderivative power services, PROENERGY is creating a robust supply of critical parts for LM6000 gas turbines.
Prototek Acquires Prototype Solutions Group: Prototek has acquired Prototype Solutions Group (PSG), a provider of quick-turn prototyping in CNC, additive and cast manufacturing located in northern Wisconsin. PSG becomes the third Prototek location in Wisconsin where it joins Midwest Prototyping, Prototek’s additive manufacturing division headquarters, and Prototek, Grafton, a sheet metal and machining operation, adding additional capabilities and capacity to Prototek’s Midwest operations.
Sakuu Opens New Battery Printing and Engineering Facility: Sakuu, developer of the world’s first 3D printed solid-state battery, announced the opening of a state-of-the-art multi-faceted engineering hub for its battery printing initiatives in Silicon Valley. This multi-million dollar buildout follows the recent opening of Sakuu’s battery pilot line facility currently producing batteries for clients and the company’s successful follow-on funding round of 62M earlier in the year.
BellaSeno Starts Two Clinical Trials of Resorbable Scaffold Implants: BellaSeno GmbH announced the start of two clinical trials of its resorbable scaffolds using additive manufacturing technologies in Australia. Sponsored by its Australian subsidiary BellaSeno Pty. Already, recruiting has started in Brisbane, Australia.
Dale Baker, ex-General Electric Executive, Joins Nano Dimension as President of the Americas: Nano Dimension Ltd. announced Dale Baker will join the Company as President of Nano Dimension – Americas, where he will head the expansion of Nano Dimension’s U.S. operations as well as lead worldwide sales activity and execute on the Company’s current organic and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) growth strategy. Mr. Baker will report to Zivi Nedivi, Global President of Nano Dimension. Mr. Baker is replacing Sean Patterson, who is leaving to take a position as a COO of a printed circuit board manufacturer.
Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Collaboration with GA-ASI for UAS Tooling: Baker Industries and Lincoln Electric Additive Solutions (LEAS) announced a new strategic relationship with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) on a research and development project exploring the feasibility of wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) for producing steel layup tooling used in the manufacturing of composite lamination for GA-ASI’s unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
3D Systems Names Michael Turner as Chief Financial Officer: 3D Systems announced that Michael Turner will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective August 29, 2022. He will report to President and CEO, Dr. Jeffrey Graves, and will lead the company’s global finance organization, including accounting and controllership, financial planning, tax, treasury, and investor relations.
