The latest developments in 3D printing technology and products have been on display this week in New York City at 3D Print Week.
The annual event, held April 13 to 17, featured displays of 3D-printed artworks, fashion, interior design, craft, toys, and other goods, as well as the latest 3D printers and scanners.
April 28 – Birmingham, UK:
3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment is becoming increasingly more affordable and versatile, entering a number of different industries and as a result driving UK manufacturing into the future.
From techniques such as laser sintering to fused deposition modelling, and building products from cars to football cleats, advanced technology is set to completely revolutionise manufacturing as we know it.
This year’s 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing Conference will focus on the benefits of investing in advanced technology; including reductions in time and costs; how to create an engaged workforce focused on the future of manufacturing, and what equipment is suited to you.
The conference will include case study presentations, problem solving debates and interactive sessions suitable for everyone, from the first time user to the more experienced manufacturer.
The must attend event if you are looking to explore how 3D printing and additive manufacturing can grow your business.
“The aim of 3D Print Week—to show the accessibility, fun and creativity of 3D printing — is really in line with our mission to make 3D a big part of everyday life,” said Peter Theran, Vice President, Global Consumer Products at company 3DS.
“We are democratising 3D printing and disrupting manufacturing and this event is a great place to showcase that.”
The trade show also featured over eighty speakers from the industry.
One of numerous events at the expo was entitled Future of 3D Printed Food, presented by 3DS’ Creative Director of Food Products Kyle von Hasseln.
Modern Meadows which is a corporation that produces meat and leather in laboratories, is also working on technology to 3D print leather and edible meat.
According to a 2013 TED Talk by Modern Meadows CEO Andras Forgacs, the production of leather and meat in laboratories is done by taking cells from animals via harmless biopsy, which are then isolated and multiplied in a cell culture medium.
“It’s environmentally responsible, efficient, and humane,” Forgacs says in the talk.
“It allows us to be creative.
“We can design new materials, new products, and new facilities.”
The Modern Meadows corporation is developing the technology for 3D-printed meat.
Meanwhile, the Systems and Materials Research Corporation, on a contract with NASA, has developed a 3D food printer for astronauts.
The Systems and Materials Research Corporation’s 3D food printer uses viscous food substances made from powder and liquid ingredients to print edible foods, with the first demonstrated meal being a pizza.
Future developments of the food printer will include an oven for cooking the food.
In the world of 3D-printed fashion, such items have included shoes, dresses, and jewellery.
3D Print Week was presented by Meckler Media, which is a producer of trade shows featuring the Bitcoin, Blockchain, robotics, and 3D printing industries.
Meckler Media will hold a 3D Print Week trade show in Melbourne from May 26-29, in Singapore from June 2-5, in Seoul from June 24-26, in Tokyo from October 7-10, in Zhuhai from October 15-17, in Santa Clara from October, 20-22, in Mumbai from December 3-4, in Shanghai from December 8-10, and in Singapore again from January 26-27.
