Settore Industriale: Defense

Metal 3D Printing in Space: How Close Are We to Real Production?

Metal 3D Printing in Space: How Close Are We to Real Production?

Metal 3D printing in space is still experimental. Suborbital experiments show potential but last only a few minutes, insufficient for complex processes. The first metal objects have been produced on the ISS, demonstrating long-term feasibility. However, challenges such as thermal control, power supply, structural integration, and material quality are slowing down the application

How does the army print in mission?

How does the army print in mission?

Additive production is revolutionizing military logistics, reducing supply times and costs. The Camp Lejeune model shows how targeted training and technological integration allow for the printing of critical parts in the field, saving up to 99.81% compared to traditional methods.

Can AI read defects in LPBF metal?

Can AI read defects in LPBF metal?

An artificial intelligence model developed by KIMS and Max Planck Institute predicts the mechanical properties of metal components produced with LPBF, analyzing pore morphology without destructive testing.

90% uptime? The truth about industrial 3D printers

90% uptime? The truth about industrial 3D printers

The real uptime of industrial 3D printers exceeds 90%, with less than 73 hours of annual downtime. Metrics such as MTBF and MTTR are essential for evaluating reliability. The difference between hobby and industry lies in construction details: robust frames, mechanical auto-leveling, and automation reduce dead times. The main causes of downtime are thermal instability, mechanical wear, and human errors.

Does the US Navy 3D print spare parts? Here's how

Does the US Navy 3D print spare parts? Here's how

The US Navy introduces a “material maturity” framework to certify 3D printed materials, reducing logistics lead times by 70% and integrating additive parts into the supply chain without compromising safety or reliability.

Why is the 3D market split into two?

Why is the 3D market split into two?

The 3D market is splitting: on one side entry-level systems under $2,500 are growing over 30%, on the other high-end industrial platforms are struggling. Three sectors are driving demand: aerospace, defense and healthcare. China records strong increases in metal PBF. Business models are differentiating: providers are targeting specific segments to stay competitive. Future growth

Polyamide for 3D printing: why traditional PA is no longer enough (and what to use today)

Polyamide for 3D printing: why traditional PA is no longer enough (and what to use today)

Technical polyamides offer excellent performance, but their printing complexity often makes them impractical. SP4 CF15 from 3DBooster was created to solve this paradox: 8.5 GPa rigidity, thermal resistance up to 180°C, and open-air printability without advanced setups.

Can AM revolutionize the transport of nuclear fuel?

Can AM revolutionize the transport of nuclear fuel?

Additive manufacturing could revolutionize the transport of spent nuclear fuel, reducing costs and production times for critical components such as impact limiters. Technologies like FFF and PBF allow for complex geometries and savings of up to $1.7 million per cask. Studies by Orano and UNC Charlotte confirm technical feasibility, but specific regulatory standards are still lacking.

High-temperature ceramics: which AM process to choose?

High-temperature ceramics: which AM process to choose?

Additive manufacturing of high-temperature resistant ceramics requires careful selection of the process: melt-infiltration, CVI, or PIP, each with advantages and limitations in terms of cost, speed, and complexity. Cellular structures reduce weight and material but can compromise structural integrity. Advanced materials such as SiC and multi-oxide composites offer high performance but at

How Lightweight Reticulated and Foamed Structures Work: A Technical Overview of Advanced Composite Materials

How Lightweight Reticulated and Foamed Structures Work: A Technical Overview of Advanced Composite Materials

New IFAM technique combines foam and 3D structures for lightweight, high-performance, low-cost composites, with energy absorption up to 10x higher.

Resilience and Hidden Costs: How Geopolitics Is Redesigning Global Supply Chains

Resilience and Hidden Costs: How Geopolitics Is Redesigning Global Supply Chains

The resilience of global chains is becoming crucial for economic sustainability. Geopolitics reveals hidden costs related to distances, logistics, and systemic fragility. Companies are reconsidering production localization and additive manufacturing to reduce risks and improve self-sufficiency.

How Functional Grading Works in Industrial Additive Processes

How Functional Grading Works in Industrial Additive Processes

Functional grading in industrial additive processes enables the creation of components with variable properties in a controlled manner, modulating the thermal energy during deposition. Thanks to sensors and real-time feedback, the process allows gradual and precise transitions of mechanical characteristics, without interruptions or the need for assembly. This innovative technology finds app

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