March 2017 ~ CNC Infomation System

Using 3D printing pens for art

I'm not a huge fan of 3d printing pens (probably because I draw on pre-school level) but here are some people who use them to make some fine 3d pop art.

The apex of modern civilization: Pokemon figurines...

... and some useful things like this T-Rex skeleton:

Check their YT channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOvm1ePlttS6hWatuHThw_A

Their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/3dpenschool/

MakerBot MinFill

Makerbot presented their new software innovation that enables you to minimize and optimize the infill to save time and material. It can reduce material and time for some 30%. You will lose some structural integrity, but it is aimed at prototyping applications.

MinFill presentation video:

Makerbot news post with more detail:

https://www.makerbot.com/media-center/2017/03/20/introducing-makerbot-minfill

Here is the Minfill description:

Now you can bring your ideas to life faster for less with this major breakthrough in MakerBot Print. We’re proud to introduce MakerBot MinFill, a dynamic new Print Mode that is the first of its kind in 3D printing. Short for “Minimum Infill,” MinFill uses an intelligent algorithm to determine the absolute minimum amount of support needed for the inside of any 3D print.

As we’ve learned from professional users, not all prints need to be durable, dense, or heavy. When surface quality and print speed are more important, MinFill is a far more efficient option — especially for prints with a large internal volume.
Based on our testing, MinFill typically prints 30% faster using 30% less filament. With especially voluminous models, like spheres, we’ve seen MinFill print up to 80% faster. For professionals, that means faster early concept modeling, faster form studies, and more iterations in less time.

MinFill’s Benefits at a Glance
Professionals can accelerate early concept modeling, form studies, and iterations.
Educators can serve more students and classrooms while saving time and money.
Based on our testing, MinFill typically prints 30% faster using 30% less filament.*
The greater the internal volume of your print, the more time and money you save.
Compatible with MakerBot Replicator+, Replicator (5th Gen), and the Replicator Z18.

I'm still waiting to see some tests and reviews by independent sources. I also hope that this will be implemented on other platforms. Does anyone know of anything simillar?

NORTHWEST MACHINE TOOL EXPO 2017 -- SPRING Technologies highlights NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL 4CAM, Booth 758

SPRING Technologies will show Northwest Machine Tool Expo visitors how its "NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS 10" all-in-one digital suite can provide productivity-enhancing benefits in their CNC programming functions. The event will be held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland April 12 & 13, 2017. In Booth 758, SPRING Technologies is focusing on its most popular modules in the suite – NCSIMUL MACHINE and NCSIMUL CAM. "We are always excited about demonstrating NCSIMUL, particularly in one of the hubs for the aerospace industry," said Silvère Proisy, North American Operations Director for SPRING Technologies. "The results are compelling for our products, and it's enjoyable to see the moment when programmers understand this new level of advancement and benefits NCSIMUL can bring for a nominal investment."

NCSIMUL MACHINE

NCSIMUL MACHINE is an innovative CNC software solution providing realistic simulation of the machining process. Users can simulate, verify, optimize and review machine programs based on the actual characteristics of the machine tools. Three-dimensional graphics help to avoid machining crashes while powerful algorithms and embedded process-based knowledge enable cutting conditions to be optimized. NCSIMUL MACHINE verifies programs in three steps: investigates and corrects coding errors, simulates to locate collisions and correct motion errors, and validates the program. The benefits are many, including reducing the time spent on debugging programs; preventing the costly risk of spindle collision, tool breakage and scrap; and improving cycle times and process optimization efficiencies.

SPRING Technologies has also addressed the increased use of composite materials in manufacturing by developing NCSIMUL Composites and welcomes inquiries about this product at the Northwest Machine Tool Expo. New algorithms in NCSIMUL MACHINE enable the simulation of fiber lay-ups with the initial media, the already laid material and roller position taken into account. The software offers a realistic display of the complete 3D model of the final part, selectively displaying each layer.

NCSIMUL 4CAM

This module streamlines the existing CAM process to simplify CNC programming. It allows users to change, in one click, the target machine without any reprogramming efforts. From the main CAD/CAM program or machine controller G-code, NCSIMUL CAM generates programs for any machine tool that are verified and optimized without an external post-processor. It takes into account the kinematics of the machine tool, machine controller, cutting tools and conditions. This efficiency results in lead-time reduction from prototype to production and in repurposing legacy programs to new machines.

ABOUT SPRING TECHNOLOGIES

SPRING Technologies develops software solutions designed to optimize manufacturing companies' CNC machines to reduce costs and maximize productivity.
Its product NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS® provides a complete and integrated mastery of the production process from Methods departments to Workshop including NC programming, machining simulation, cutting tool management, CNC program management and real time machine status monitoring.
This unique approach simplifies the digital chain and provides needed tools and flexibility for the implementation of automated factories.

Based in France, Germany, PR China and the USA, the company was founded in 1983 and collaborates with manufacturers in aerospace and defense, transportation, energy, industrial equipment and medical devices, using CAM software's such as CATIA, NX, CREO, TOPSOLIDCAM, MASTERCAM,... Through its global network of resellers, SPRING supports its customers all over the world.

NCEXPERIENCE, NCSIMUL, Optitool and NCdoc are registered trademarks of SPRING Technologies.

PRESS CONTACT

Béatrice Fournie - Chargé de communication
SPRING Technologies
bfournie@ncsimul.com

Françoise Fouquet - Symphony Communication
ffouquet@symphony-communication.fr

SPRING and M-AeroTech (MARA) sign MOU at LIMA '17

SPRING Technologies and M-AeroTech (MARA) sign MOU during LIMA '17 Langkawi Exhibition. M-AeroTech is primarily responsible for implementing MARA’s aerospace initiatives and developing content for the Asia Aerospace City (AAC). Together, the two will collaborate on Human Capital Development by providing technical assistance for the development of training programmes and the training of Trainers (‘TOT’). Most importantly, both will facilitate Research & Technology through cooperation related to NCSIMUL Solutions (e.g. industry best practices) with companies and institutions in Malaysia and France.

SPRING and M-AeroTech signed a Letter of Intent (‘LOI’) on December 24th, 2016, in which M-AeroTech intends to purchase NCSIMUL Solutions for distribution in the training institutions in Malaysia.

M-AeroTech is a 100% owned subsidiary of MARA, a statutory body of the Government of Malaysia duly created under Majlis Amanah Rakyat Act 1966. MARA is the social and economic development engine of the Government of Malaysia possessing in-depth experience and well-established capabilities in human capital development, and fostering of entrepreneurship. MARA operates a holistic education and training system, ranging from technical & vocational to professional courses. In line with its mission, MARA seeks to strengthen its collaboration with industry to further improve its human capital development capability.

M-AeroTech has the primary responsibility of implementing MARA’s aerospace initiatives and developing content for the Asia Aerospace City (AAC). M-AeroTech focuses on developing industry-leading human capital, research and technology, and providing business consultancy, which address the specific requirements of aerospace and other strategically important sectors in Malaysia.

Using Common 3D Printers for Hard Science

Here is a great example on how simple 3d printers are being used by scientists to make low cost specialist equipment in field of chemistry.

Team of researchers form University of Helsinki used 3d printers to develop a chemical microreactor.

Gianmario Scotti, one of the researchers, published this video and the description:

In this video abstract we present a 3D printed polypropylene microreactor with an integrated stirring bar and nano-electrospray needle.

The nano-ESI needle is the ion source of our microreactor, and is used to couple it directly to a mass spectrometer. The microreactor is used to analyse chemical reactions with the mass spectrometer. The reaction is analysed as it happens.

We used polypropylene to 3D print the microreactor, because polypropylene is a very refractory polymer in the sense that it is neither affected by strong acids or alkaline solutions, nor by the great majority of solvents used in chemical synthesis.

This is the first 3D printed microreactor with an integrated ion source. It is also the first 3D printed microreactor with an integrated stir bar. These enable us to monitor the chemical reactions in real time.

Here are links to full research paper:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315119578_A_miniaturised_3D_printed_polypropylene_reactor_for_online_reaction_analysis_by_mass_spectrometry

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/re/c7re00015d#!divAbstract

Here is the printed reactor connected to a spectrometer and held with 3d printed jig

Proton and Neutron Open Source 3D Printers

Layer One, creators of Atom3D printer, have released two open source RepRap 3d printer. Proton and Neutron. They are open sourced under Creative Commons licence.

Proton has total volume of 38 cm x 28 cm x 37 cm, assembled weight of 4.25 kg and printing volume of 18 cm x 18 cm x 15 cm.

Proton assembly video:

Proton Thingiverse page:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2149685

Neutron is a delta configuration 3d printer. It has total volume of 32 cm x 33 cm x 54 cm, weight of 3.75 kg and printing volume of Ø14 cm x 20 cm.

Neutron video:

Neutron Thingiverse page:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2149660

You can also find both 3d printers on MyMiniFactory Atom3D page:

https://www.myminifactory.com/users/Atom%203D%20Printers

Full details on both printers can be found at company webpage:

http://www.atom3dp.com/zh/mini/

How to Convert Direct Feed System Into a Bowden Setup

Joe Mike Terranella published a video tutorial on how to change your direct feed extruder system into a Bowden 3D printer. He used his Hictop Prusa clone to change it from direct feed to a Bowden setup but you can see many useful tips that can be used for other machines also.

Here is the full tutorial video:

Full parts list is on the video description but he used this Bowden conversion thing:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1064150

Here is Joe's Twitter where you can follow him:

https://twitter.com/MoeJike

DIY rotational casting machine made from wood and 3d printed parts

If you want to expand your home manufacturing arsenal, here is a very useful machine that will enable you to make hollow objects from various types of resin.
This machine is easy and cheap to make from 3d printed parts and 15mm MDF sheets cut on a CNC machine. It was published on Instructables by Jorge Dorantes.
It is hand cranked, but it could probably be easy modified to run with a simple electrical motor.

All the files and instructions can be found at:

https://www.instructables.com/id/Rotomoldeadora/?ALLSTEPS

If you are not sure how this machine works, here is a demonstration video of a different rotational casting machine by TGS Props where they use two piece silicone mold and Smoothcast 65D resin to make, well ... raptor / alien eggs!

NCSIMUL 4CAM Wins German INTEC Award of 2017

Software for flexible CNC machining awarded to contribution of digitalization in mechanical engineering

Wetzlar – March 9, 2017

Great news for the SPRING Technologies team: The Company, which participated at the Machine Trade Fair INTEC for the first time, won the INTEC prize 2017 in the Enterprises of up to 100 employees Category for its future-oriented NC solution NCSIMUL 4CAM. With this software, existing NC programs can be converted to various machines with different controllers with just a few clicks, without the previously necessary reprogramming and manual reworking. The generated NC program is directly verified and optimized. As a result, the software provider promises an enormous time saving in programming, the possibility of flexible machine switches and thus increased productivity in NC production with continuous and digital processes.

Copyright: Leipziger Messe GmbH / Uwe Frauendorf

The award ceremony took place in the congress hall at Leipzig Zoo on the evening of the 7th of March. The award for Companies of up to 100 employees was given by Prof. Dr. Reimund Neugebauer, President of the Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research.

General Manager DACH from SPRING Technologies Herbert Schönle is delighted to have received the award: "For us as a software provider, the INTEC Award is a very special award because it shows the importance of NC digitalization process to solve machining challenges meeting Industry 4.0 requirements. With our innovative solution, we want to continue to strengthen the competitiveness of the machine tools and within mechanical engineering sector in Europe, because software and machine tools belong closely together. The fact that our solution was chosen as the best by a high-ranking expert jury is a special honor for us".

The participation in the trade show as a whole is also promising for SPRING Technologies. "On the first day we had very interesting and inspiring conversations in the booth. Participation at INTEC 2017 was the right decision", says Schönle.

The INTEC award also endowed the winners in in categories of companies of up to and more than 100 employees with 5,000 euros for innovations in the development of Digital Manufacturing. A panel of experts from different industries, research institutions, and trade associations and political figures selected winners according to the criteria of innovation and advantages gained. This took into account state of the art technology, contribution to Energy and resource efficiency, probable market potential and development expenditure and, finally overall future impact on Digital Manufacturing.

The companies Profiroll Technologies, Bad Düben and Niles-Simmons Industrieanlagen, Chemnitz, share the first prize in the category of companies of more than 100 employees this year. Reiff Technische Produkte GmbH also won the prize for the best career programs for young talents.

INTEC takes place every two years in conjunction with the International Supplier Fair Z in Leipzig and is regarded as an important branch meeting for the Metalworking industry in Germany and Europe. More than 1,380 companies from 30 countries exhibited from 7th - March 2017, with a range of services in the fields of machine tools, metalworking processing, automated production systems, and technology solutions for industrial 4.0 production.

About SPRING Technologies

SPRING Technologies develops software solutions designed to optimize manufacturing companies' CNC machines to reduce costs and maximize productivity.

Its product NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS® provides a complete and integrated mastery of the production process from Methods departments to Workshop including NC programming, machining simulation, cutting tool management, CNC program management and real time machine status monitoring.

This unique approach simplifies the digital chain and provides needed tools and flexibility for the implementation of automated factories.

NCEXPERIENCE, NCSIMUL, Optitool and NCdoc are registered trademarks of SPRING Technologies. For more information, visit: www.ncsimul.com

Press contact:

Isabell Oerder

SPRING Technologies GmbH

Marketing & Communications DACH

( + 49 (0) 644 9223 40

ioerder@ncsimul.com

Patrick Schulze

Wordfinder Ltd. & Co. KG

(+ 49 (0)40 840 55 92 18

ps@wordfinderpr.co

Thomas reviews 12 different bed leveling sensors

Herr Sanladerer performed a serious testing run with 12 automobiling sensors and made a video with the results.

Tested sensors were:

M8, 2mm inductive sensor (5V)
M12, 4mm inductive sensor
M16, 8mm inductive sensor
M16, adjustable distance capacitive sensor
M16, 20mm capacitive sensor
David Crocker's IR sensor
SHARP analog sensor
Microswiches
BLTouch

Here is the testing video:

The conclusions were:

If you have an aluminum bed, I'd go for the 2mm inductive type
For a glass-only bed, the BLTouch is a good option
With a PEI sheet or other stick-on bed surface, David Crocker's differential IR sensor is also a great alternative
The capacitive sensors are too sensitive to use seriously, and the SHARP type is not precise enough.
Inductive sensors with larger trigger distances also work really well, but will need circuitry for adapting to 5V and are much larger than the 2mm type.

Detailed report with many interesting details can be found at:

https://toms3d.org/2017/03/02/autoleveling-3d-printers-9-myths-12-sensors-tested/

Lulzbot TAZ6 3D Printer Reviews Compilation

Lulzbot TAZ6 is a flagship machine and it comes at 2400 USD price point. Since I'm interested in it, I made a compilation of reviews so you can also check it out.

TAZ6 tech specs:

Print Surface: Heated borosilicate glass bed covered with PEI film
Print Area: 280mm x 280mm x 250mm (11.02in x 11.02in x 9.8in)
Top Print Speed: 200mm/sec (7.9in/sec)
Print Tolerance: 0.1mm (0.0039in) in X and Y axes. Z axis is dependent on layer thickness
Layer Thickness: 0.050mm – 0.50mm (0.002in – 0.02 in), Dependent on nozzle size
Capable Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA, wood filled filaments, Polyester (Tritan), PETT, bronze and copper filled filaments, Polycarbonate, Nylon, PETG, conductive PLA and ABS, UV luminescent filaments, PCTPE, PC-ABS, and more every day
Usable Filament Sizes: standard 3mm (0.1in)
Prints best with MatterControl and MatterControl Touch for a truly standalone experience

Here is Joel's review:

Here is MatterHackers review:

Here is a review by Thomas Sanladerer:

Review by XRobots:

Here is the TAZ6 homepage:

http://www.matterhackers.com/store/printer-kits/lulzbot-taz-4-3d-printer

Angus 3D Prints Big And Rugged Robotic Rover

Angus from Maker's Muse YT channel 3d printed this big and rugged robotic rover for off-road driving. It looks really great and can run for over an hour on LiPo batteries which drive 4 cordless drill geared motors!

Sure, it is a sort of promotion for Polymaker PC-Max filament but still it is very well executed project.

Files for this robot can be found at:

https://gumroad.com/l/obZtP

3d printed flexible springs make it jump over some obstacles

R-CNC DIY CNC Mill with 3D Printed Parts

RoMaker from France developed and published the R-CNC mill plans. It is made from 3d printed parts and aluminum structure elements. It looks easy to make with well documented build instructions. The cost of it should be relatively affordable and cheap to make. Eletronics is based on Ramps 1.4

Other key features:

It also has 4 rubber pads at each angle, anti-vibration and anti scratch.
The electronics are integrated into the machine and it has a front USB port to connect a computer to the Ramps 1.4 if necessary without dismantling everything.
Clean installation thanks to dragchains
The pressure of all bearings on the square tubes is fully adjustable
Very high torque for Y moving thanks to a nema motor 23 multiplied by 3 with pulley 20×60 teeth
Integrated LED lighting
Easy mounting with printable drilling templates
Tested successfully on wood and plastic at 700mm / min and passes of 2mm, the measurements are perfect at 5 / 100th of mm, the diagonals of the squares are equal, the round ones are round!

Thingiverse page:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2159840

Project homepage with detailed descriptions and instructions:

http://www.makerfr.com/en/cnc/r-cnc/

Cool vintage omnidirectional speaker design you can 3d print

While checking out new designs on Youmagine, I found a 3d printable copy of vintage omnidirectional Harman Kardon HK-25 loudspeakers. Each speaker consists of a top and bottom part. The bottom is designed to hold a 50mm "metallic" driver speaker that can be found in many cheap "iPod" speaker docks.

This will probably bi my next 3d print for a small home sound system.

Here is the link to Youmagine where you can find the files:

https://www.youmagine.com/designs/hk-25-omnidirectional-loudspeaker

Speakers were designed by Jason J. Gullickson: https://www.youmagine.com/jjg

It makes me wonder what is the copyright law on industrial design?

Steve Builds a DIY Enclosure for His Prusa i3

Steve published his build instructions for plywood and acrylic enclosure to encase his Folger Tech Prusa i3. The overall size is 19.5" wide x 22" tall x 23" deep.
Very useful DIY project for noise reduction and temperature control.

Here is the video of the construction process:

Instructables page:

https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printer-Enclosure-With-Lights/

Steve's homepage:

http://www.thecarmichaelworkshop.com/

Finished enclosure:

Upcycle your old Prusa into a laser cutter

Jon aka. Dr3vil used a parts form old Prusa Mendel and made a close chamber DIY laser cutter / engraver. He documented his project on Thingiverse.

Jon writes:

I wanted to add a laser cutter/engraver to my shop and decided it would make a good design challenge based on recycling a Prusa Mendel - Essentially a frame of 5/16” threaded rod and 8mm rod with LMU88 bearings. The CAD models had to be simple to print, make what you can, buy what you absolutely must, and source locally. Ultimately this project is a primer for building gen III of my 3D printer and a larger gen II laser of many watts. As such I’m sharing an ‘as-is’ , ‘it got me to operational’ dump of the project STL’s, sanding and part prep will be required.

Firmware is Marlin configured for CoreXY. It was helpful to set a dummy thermistor value as this allows using the print bead and hot-end outputs as switches from gcode (M104 S100 and M140 S100, send S0 to turn off). The fans and laser power supply are switched, as usual fan PWM modulates the laser through M106.

Gcode generation is either by Jtech Inkscape plugin or 305 Engineering’s raster generator. For engraving PCB’s I ended up modifying 305’s code, borrowing a page from Jtech. The first change was having laser off moves run at full speed, since acceleration is handled in firmware this shaves a lot of time off the job. The second change was to have a pause when turing the laser on or off as to allow the edges of the burn to be more defined, 200ms was enough. Finally adding pre and post geode safe the machine when done and get in position.

For files and instructions go to:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2120327

Keep in mind that it is a work in progress...

3D Printable Flexible Memory Structures by Peng Jin

Peng Jin used NinjaFlex filament to produce flexible structures with memory effect that can be used for various applications from architecture to art.

Project description:

Taking advantage of the TPE (specially formulated thermoplastic elastomer), I did a series of study with my Printrbot Simple Metal, testing out both the limit of the material and the printer. Such as printing larger volume with a relatively smaller printer which could offer better accuracy, and print flexible material with bi-stable units to create shape-memory structure. I applied all the ideas from these studies to my architecture design afterwards, creating products and spaces with flexibility and adaptability, as wells as new ways of interaction between human and product, even more, between individuals with these potential produces.

You can find full project info at:

https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-PRINTED-SELF-MEMORY-STRUCTURE/

Can you make a DIY 3D printed car engine belt?

Mike designed and 3d printed the engine belt for his car. It took him several attempts.

Did it work?

Here is the full video:

It basically works for a minute on low RPM before it disintegrates, not practical for driving but nice experiment. Someone could probably improve on this idea and try different materials.

Mike's blog:

http://www.mikeandlauren.com/

How to develop your 3d printer by Diego Porqueras

Here is an interesting talk on how to design and develop your own 3d printer. You must watch it if you are interested in a process since it is very informative.

Talk summary:

Diego Porqueras invented the Bukobot and Bukito 3D printers. Bukobot’s wildly popular Kickstarter campaign raised four times the requested funds, helping Diego open a Southern California hackerspace store, Deezmaker.
But how do you design a 3D printer? Where would you even start? In this talk, Diego discusses the hardware design space of 3D printers, associated software challenges, and the basics of 3D printer operation.

Here is the video of the talk:

Make your own DIY vacuum thermoformer

DajoM from Instructables published all the files and instructions needed to make a low cost DIY vacuumformer / thermoformer that fits on your desktop. You can use it to make plastic molds or patterns for production of larger series of objects.
It is made from laser cut plywood and uses ceramic plate for heating. Several parts are 3d printed.

Video demonstration:

All the files and instructions can be found at:

https://www.instructables.com/id/THERMOFORMER-VACUUM-FORMER-PATTERNMAKEKER/

Boston, MA – March 1, 2017

SPRING Technologies, a worldwide leader in delivering dedicated CNC software solutions that enable the optimal use of CNC machines, has joined AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. AMT represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members. Its members are comprised of those who design, build, sell and service manufacturing technology. In addition to advocacy, workforce development, research and other supportive services, the organization also owns and manages IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show.

“Our alliance with AMT will prove to be a valuable resource for our company in the years to come,” said Silvère Proisy, General Manager of SPRING Technologies - North America.

SPRING Technologies’ flagship product is its innovative software platform NCSIMUL SOLUTIONS, which allows manufacturers to manage the complete machining process including G-code processing (NCSIMUL CAM), G-code file simulation (NCSIMUL MACHINE) and cutting tool management (NCSIMUL TOOL).

# # #

ABOUT SPRING TECHNOLOGIES
SPRING Technologies develops software solutions designed to optimize manufacturing companies' CNC machines to reduce costs and maximize productivity.

This unique approach simplifies the digital chain and provides needed tools and flexibility for the implementation of automated factories.

Based in France, Germany, PR China and the USA, the company was founded in 1983 and collaborates with manufacturers in aerospace and defense, transportation, energy, industrial equipment and medical devices, using CAM softwares such as CATIA, NX, CREO, TOPSOLIDCAM and MASTERCAM. Through its global network of resellers, SPRING supports its customers all over the world.

NCEXPERIENCE, NCSIMUL, Optitool and NCdoc are registered trademarks of SPRING Technologies

PRESS CONTACTS

Silvère Proisy - SPRING Technologies Inc. - General Manager - sproisy@ncsimul.com

Lynn Gorman - Lynn Gorman Communications LLC - lynn@gorcomm.com

Béatrice FOURNIE – Communication Manager SPRING Technologies - bfournie@ncsimul.com

CNC Infomation System

Source of knowledge CNC system and information technology.

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