USA-Based 3D Direct Metal Laser Sintering Services
In many of our early conversations with new customers, we emphasize one important principle of metal additive manufacturing: designing a part for traditional machining and designing one for metal 3D printing require different approaches. And by adapting a design for additive, you can lower a part’s cost and simplify the manufacturing process. The Engineering Process …
Read MoreDirect Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is one of the most familiar terms in metal 3D printing, but the phrase itself doesn’t perfectly describe what occurs during the actual process. “Powder bed fusion” is the broader and, technically, more accurate description. That distinction might seem like a small detail, but it helps clarify what is actually …
Read MoreWhile many companies still think of 3D printing primarily as a fast way to make a one-off prototype, i3D MFG focuses on production parts rather than quick-turn prototype orders or online upload-and-quote services. That difference requires the right mindset from the start. We’ve found that, for customers considering metal additive manufacturing for production parts, the …
Read MoreMaterial selection is one of the most important decisions in any part design. Engineers have to balance many different factors, including performance and cost. In traditional machining, that often leads customers to choose familiar materials like stainless steel or aluminum because higher-performance metals such as Inconel or titanium seem too expensive. In metal additive manufacturing, …
Read MoreMany engineers still think of additive manufacturing as a niche process mainly suited for prototypes or plastic components. But the truth is that metal 3D printing has become a viable option for production parts, and in the right applications, it can deliver better results than traditional machining. Of course, additive manufacturing is not a replacement …
Read Morei3D Manufacturing Expands Internationally with Acquisition of Burloak Technologies i3D Manufacturing (“i3D”), a business unit of BTX Precision, announced today the acquisition of Burloak Technologies, a leading provider of advanced metal additive manufacturing solutions. The acquisition expands i3D’s additive manufacturing capabilities and marks a strategic entry into Canada. Headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, Burloak Technologies is …
Read MoreAt i3D MFG, we’re always ready to help customers find efficient ways to utilize additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is now a practical production tool that has a wide variety of use cases. Manufacturers today need to identify where this powerful technique can fit alongside traditional processes to improve speed and manage costs. Learn four ways …
Read Morei3DMFG and ERA Industries Join Forces We are proud to announce that i3DMFG was acquired by ERA Industries October 6, 2023. Based in Chicago, IL, ERA Industries boasts a rich 40+ year history of precision manufacturing, with a focus on the most complex and tight tolerance component needs of the Aerospace, Defense and Medical end-markets. …
Read MoreRead more on “How To Be a Successful Additive Manufacturing Machine Shop” by Ian Wright. Our CEO Erin Stone discussed i3DMFG’s path to success in growing the facility over the last decade. https://lnkd.in/gqYAebS8
Read MoreExciting to see our customers grow in the aerospace and defense industry utilizing 3D printing. Check out this article from Payload.
Read MoreWith Thanksgiving quickly approaching we at i3D,MFG are so thankful for our continued customer support and loyalty. We couldn’t do it with out you! The last couple years have put a toll on every aspect of life and being able to make it through this time would not have been possible without our customers. So …
Read MoreCheck out the interview with Erin Stone, CEO of i3D,MFG. The Origin Story! Watch the Video Interview
Read MoreWhat Happens After the Print Completes? When we talk about additive manufacturing and Direct Metal Laser Solidification (DLMS®) the idea is usually around the printing of the part itself. What happens to the part once the build has finished printing? There are many different routes that can occur in post operations, some are able to …
Read Morei3D,MFG is very excited to announce that we are now printing in GrCop42. This new Copper alloy is perfect for rocket propulsion applications due to its high thermal conductivity and strength. Find out more by contacting us today!
Read MoreI3D June News Greetings, As we find ourselves moving into summer, I3D would like to announce our upcoming plans for Summer. We’re thrilled to launch the opening of our new facility in Redmond, Oregon. As our machine numbers continue to grow, i3D is honored to provide the finest DMLM printing available. As the world continues …
Read MoreFirst off we want to thank our loyal customers throughout this pandemic, we wouldn’t be here without you. As we head into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, we wanted to let our customers know that we plan on working skeleton crews to allow our employees to be home with their families while still providing 24/7 …
Read MoreRemembering Our Heroes Greetings, As we head into Memorial Day weekend, i3D would like to recognize the sacrifice and service of the men and women who have served in the US military as well as those who continue to serve our country. Our brave service men and women have helped pave the road for Americans …
Read MoreWhat can be 3D printed? Talking Materials There are many options for metal materials in the world of 3D printing. The most common metals used to print parts are Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel, and Stainless Steel. Each of these metals hold unique properties that set them apart from one another. Depending on the desired use of …
Read MoreAdditive Manufacturing and Post Processing – A synergetic relationship In the world of Additive Manufacturing, 3D printing is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However there is something equally as important in AM, and that’s strong relationships with post processing vendors. Once a part has been 3D printed, they are often not complete …
Read Morei3D April News – COVID 19 Greetings, Over the past several weeks, life has changed for all of us. From social distancing to adapting to a new normal we all are adjusting to a different way of life built on hope, creativity, and community while bound by one question: “When is this going to end?” …
Read MoreCongratulations to Penn Electric Racing who placed third overall at FSAE Lincoln, along with second in the Autocross event, third in the Endurance event, and first in the Cummins Advanced Technology Award. I3D collaborated to create their in-hub 4- wheel-drive powertrain, with DMLS printed motor housings which improved performance. Penn Electric has been able to …
Read MoreHow 3D Metal Printing Works So how does 3D metal printing work? Sometimes it’s good to get back to the basics and explore one of the questions many people have about 3D printing. We have all seen the press, the hype and some of the incredible things 3D printing can do, but 3D metal printing …
Read MoreDelphi Precision Imaging Leads Additive Manufacturing Industrial CT Inspection One of our incredible partners, Delphi Precision Imaging has just released new videos and materials for their work in Industrial CT Inspection. They are leading the way in Quality Control and Inspection in the 3D Metal Printing industry (Additive Manufacturing). This comes at a critical time …
Read MoreI3DMFG Contributes To Industrial CT For Use In Additive Manufacturing I3DMFG has been mentioned in an article alongside Delphi Precision Imaging with regards to new part designs that would be impossible with traditional machining methods and require new measurement tools. Every day additively manufactured (AM) parts are being used in new applications as the industry …
Read MoreWe were recently notified by SEDS UC San Diego that they had a successful test with their Colossus First Hotfire rocket. EDS UCSD, or Students for the Exploration and Development of Space at the University of California, San Diego, is a collection of motivated, passionate students determined to complement our studies with meaningful projects. In the …
Read MoreI3DMFG Helped Sponsor A successful static rocket engine test by providing a 3D Metal Printed Injector for Colossus which used the Ignus-II engine! From the SEDS Post on LinkedIn: The test was conducted on June 16th, 2018 and marked the first successful attempt of a hot-fire of both Colossus and Ignus-II. This is a result …
Read MoreThe Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering 2018 exhibition May 21st – May 24th will have a display of a Part-to-CAD comparison of an additively manufactured Haynes 282 rocket chamber. This collaboration between Delphi Precision Imaging and I3D MFG will be on display at SAMPE 2018 Tuesday and Wednesday May 22-23rd at …
Read MoreI3DMFG and Delta P Design will be attending Shot Show 2018. Shot Show has been running for 40 years and is an annual tradeshow for shooting, hunting, and the firearms industry. It’s the biggest event of its type in the world. This year the show is January 23 – 26th and will be at the …
Read MoreI3DMFG, Inc. has become the first Additive Contract Manufacturer in North America to put into operation an EOS M400.4. Along with this announcement is a white paper discussing the disruptive nature of Additive Manufacturing and why this is critical for manufacturers, both additive and subtractive. The EOS M400.4 An ultra-fast quad-laser system with a large …
Read MoreA UK Software company, Betatype, is pushing engineers to rethink and reimagine rocket engine design using 3D metal printing, or additive manufacturing. The most recent example comes from a Betatype engineer, Marten Jurg, who has applied this philosophy while working on his postdoctorate degree. Here’s exactly how they are pushing the boundaries of 3D printing: …
Read MoreWohlers Associates sends a questionnaire to service providers each year to help identify trends in the additive manufacturing (AM) service industry. One hundred service providers in 26 countries participated in the survey for Wohlers Report 2017. The industry as seen through the eyes of these companies is important because they represent a wealth of knowledge, …
Read MoreAerojet Rocketdyne is pushing the 3D printing envelope once again with their latest tests. They recently reported two milestones that have been reached in the development of the 3D printed AR1 rocket engine. Due to the outcomes of their testing, the AR1 rocket engine is now slated for certification by 2019 which will replace the …
Read MoreAerojet Rocketdyne Tests 3D Printed Thrust Chamber With Success Aerojet Rocketdyne, a California based company, announced that they have successfully completed a hot-fire test of their 3D printed thrust chamber. After the test, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Manufacturing Program Manager, Jeff Hynes, said, “truly transformative as it opens up new design possibilities and paves the way for …
Read MoreThe Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has been using additive manufacturing to build prototypes with polymers for quite a long time, so it seems fitting that they would unveil a new metal additive manufacturing system of their own. The system that AFIT designed enables them to digitally fabricate aerospace metal parts and is called …
Read MoreThe Use Of 3D Printing At Boeing The use of 3D printing at Boeing is alive and strong and here’s how they are using it. Leo Christodoulou is the Director of Structures and Materials, Enterprise Operations and Technology at Boeing (NYSE:BA). During a presentation at the recent Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace, Defense and Space conference he …
Read MoreThe Future Of Additive Manufacturing Last year, GE made headlines in the Additive Manufacturing world when they announced the purchase of Arcam AB and Concept Laser. This was the largest deal to date in the 3D printing industry. GE, somewhat of a newcomer to 3D metal printing, is now helping to push and define the …
Read MoreI3DMFG Featured On A2Z Manufacturing Magazine Cover I3D Manufacturing is the feature story and on the cover of the latest issues of A2Z Manufacturing Magazine. The story begins on page 26 and can be read right here. A2Z did an incredible 3-page story highlighting how I3D is leading the way for additive manufacturing as an ITAR …
Read More3D Printing Aerospace With Donald Godfrey Donald Godfrey of Honeywell is a pioneer is the additive manufacturing segment, and more specifically the use of 3D metal printing (DMLS) for Aerospace parts at Honeywell. He recently sat down for an interview (podcast) and discussed 3D printing Aerospace in regards to how rapid prototyping is providing incredible …
Read More3D Printing Will Change Design and Manufacturing In 2017 While much of the focus lately has been on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality as well as machine learning and big data, 3D printing (Additive Manufacturing) is developing into something just as significant. In 2017, experts believe that Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, will have a huge …
Read MoreCan traditionally manufactured rocket parts survive temperatures of almost 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit without melting? Can they sustain extreme pressures without breaking apart? Can they go from manufacturing to testing in 3 weeks?
Read MoreHistoric 3D Printed Rocket Engine Flight by Bagaveev Corporation I3D MFG 3D prints rocket thrusters in metal for Bagaveev Corporation. Bagaveev wanted to show how far the technology has moved and relevant Powder Laser Forging is by publishing a video on YouTube that shows their historic test of its 3D printed rocked engine flight.
Read MoreGE Opens $40 million Center For Additive Technology Advancement With all of the big names getting the attention in 3D printing, many are surprised to learn that GE (General Electric) is also a big player. GE is pretty cautious when it comes to large investments in technology as they have seen trends come and go, …
Read MoreFDA Releases New Guidance For 3D Printed Medical Devices Due to concerns over the various qualifications processes and impact of different materials, the FDA has been slow to approve the use of 3D printing when it comes to medical devices and drugs. In order for the process to move quicker and more smoothly, the FDA …
Read More3D Metal Printing (DMLS) is getting bigger. In a recent article published by 3D Printing Industry, author Davide Sher highlights some of the reasons why the 3D Metal Printing industry isn’t shrinking or declining, it’s getting much bigger. One of the reasons the 3D metal printing industry is getting bigger is competition. When you see …
Read MoreAdditive Manufacturing (DMLS) has been a rising trend that has the potential to revolutionize nearly everything we manufacture from human organs to mechanical components to firearm parts. General Ellen Pawlikowski, Commander of the Air Force Material Command, compared the importance of additive manufacturing to other game-changing technologies like hypersonics, directed energy, and autonomy, stating, “If …
Read MorePiperJaffray released the results of their 4th Quarter 3D Printing Survey which can be found in our Library. Please download it and read the entire article as it’s a great deep dive into the current and future state of 3D metal printing. What they found for the 4th quarter was an indication that system demand …
Read MoreMarc Saunders, Director – Global Solutions Centres at Renishaw, recently discussed how Additive Manufacturing (AM), a specifically 3D metal printing, can give us the ability to create components from designs that would be nearly impossible to produce conventionally. As he points out, it’s not as simple though as having “unfettered freedom” to do whatever we …
Read MoreIn a recent article in the Dayton Business Journal, a good friend of ours, Chris Collins, published an article all about keeping Dayton ahead of the technology curve and one of the things leading that curve is 3D printing. The article discusses the fact that Dayton has always been seen as somewhat of a declining …
Read MoreWohlers Associates sends a survey to service providers each year to help identify trends in the additive manufacturing (AM) service industry. The 2015 survey asked for information about the respondents’ experiences in the calendar year 2014. (The 2014 survey was for 2013 calendar year.) The number of respondents continues to increase almost every year. This …
Read MoreWe have added two new case studies to our DMLS Resource Library. Major David Liu and others at the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT) have published groundbreaking studies based on Additive Manufacturing (DMLS) optimization of aircraft wings and lattice-reinforced penetrative warheads. Topology Optimization Of An Aircraft Wing For the additive manufacturing industry and specifically DMLS …
Read MoreMechanical Testing Of DMLS Parts We have a new white paper in our DMLS Resource Library that discusses mechanical testing of DMLS parts from one of the leading manufacturers of Electro Optical Systems (EOS).
Read MoreIntroducing Our DMLS Resource Library I3D MFG™ has put together an online DMLS resource library for anyone that wants to learn more about the industry, materials used, and actual case studies of DMLS in action. Here is what you will find in our library.
Read MoreAre companies successfully making 3D printed rocket parts? As the 3D metal printing industry continues to mature using technologies like Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) for bridge manufacturing using metals such as Inconel and Titanium, there has been an uptick in the number of successful 3D printed rocket parts.
Read MoreBridge manufacturing, or bridge-to-production low volume manufacturing, takes 3D printing and additive manufacturing to the next level by giving businesses an opportunity they would not have otherwise had in the marketplace.
Read MoreAs part of it’s AR1 booster engine project, Aeroject Rocketdyne put some 3D printed rocket parts under fire. The parts were subjected to a round of hot-fire tests in preparation for an AR1 engine production by 2019. Can 3D Printed parts hold up to such strenuous and exhaustive testing? A little background. Aerojet Rocketdyne is …
Read MoreThere continues to be strong demand for the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry, as pointed out in a recent report from market research leaders PiperJaffray. The research included 79 industry respondents and revealed why they feel bullish on 3D printing and additive manufacturing as a continued growth market for investors. Here are some of …
Read MoreDMLS Stands Out as 2015 Focal 3D Printing Technology What makes Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) a leading 3D printing technology in 2015? It’s not new news that DMLS prints metal 3D parts. Here are some new exciting new trends that Steve Heller, 3D specialist for the Motley Fool found “incredible”:
Read More3D Printing Predicted to Produce 50% of Parts & Components A recently released Gartner study found that 3D printing is not only widely used for rapid prototyping and product development, but that ” it (3D printing) was starting to play a significant role in short run production of finished products.” What evidence does Gartner have to …
Read More3D Printing Takes the Cost of Complexity to Zero Whats is the definition of “game changer” for metals manufacturing? Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), a 3D printing process that eliminates binding agents and uses 400-1000 W lasers to melt micro powders together, layer by layer until a 3D CAD model of a part is built, …
Read MoreJust How Small Can DMLS Print? 3D metal printing is in its element when it comes to production parts at micro scales. While machine development is focusing on creating DMLS paltforms that can print parts over 14″, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), current DMLS capabilities are perfect for small, complex parts. 3D printing enables i3D MFG™ …
Read MoreIs DMLS Metal Powder the Real Thing? The short answer is YES. The longer version is, that DMLS powder performance is highly dependent on the expertise of the machine operator and 3D engineering design. i3D™ Manufacturing specializes in DMLS powder performance and applications. As the EOS Material Process Applications (MPA) partner, i3D™ is proactive in …
Read MoreHeat Sinks are an Ideal DMLS Application Conformal cooling channels manufactured out of 6061 Aluminum open up amazing possibilities for heat sink applications. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) metal 3D printing cost effectively allows aerospace, oil & gas, and automotive engineers not only to easily manufacture cooling channels, but to produce conformal micro channels that traditional …
Read MoreYou needed your Injection Mold Tooling when? Yesterday?? The Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process has been rapidly gaining recognition as perhaps one of the most powerful technologies available in the additive manufacturing world. The recent material parameter developments coupled with outstanding resolution and speed of fabrication are making DMLS cavity and core inserts a very successful tool that can be used to …
Read MoreDMLS Matures from Rapid Prototyping to Production Parts Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing was featured first as an excellent rapid prototyping tool and then as a new manufacturing advancement in two 3D Printing Industry News items over the past two days. So which is it, prototyping or production parts? The fantastic news for …
Read MoreDirect Metal Laser Sintering offers Optimal Medical Implant Synergy Spinal implants manufactured using 3D metal printing, or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), have been the standard OEM sample to highlight complex latticed geometries. The question being, have any of those cool looking implants been used in the real world? Great new for all DMLS users …
Read More3D Printed Maraging Steel Prosthetic Parts Save Time & Money Additive manufacturing using maraging steel offers reductions in traditional manufacturing material consumption, labor and machine time. Maraging Steel, or Tool Steel is commonly used in the prosthetics industry because of its durability and strength. Those same material qualities also make it expensive to machine …
Read MoreOregon Welcomes i3D MFG™ 3D Metal Printing Why would a new small business opening in The Dalles, Oregon be newsworthy to Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Magazine? Aerospace is big in the Pacific Northwest and the UAV/UAS giant Insitu is located 20 minutes from i3D™ Manufacturing’s Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) factory. 3D metal printing has …
Read MoreWhen INDUSTRY and Ti Cycles designed their entry for the Oregon Manifest bike design project, their vision required next generation technology and exotic metals that would then be hand-crafted by artisan bike makers into a premier urban commuter bicycle. Creating a beautiful balance between local artisan and new technology meant designing in a completely different mindset …
Read Morei3D™ Manufacturing joined INDUSTRY and Ti Cycles in creating a 3D printed titanium bicycle as Portland’s entry for the 2014 Oregon Manifest Bike Design contest. 3D printing is a perfect solution for those wanting to manufacture a tailor-made product. Whether aesthetics, function, weight reduction, design innovations, or exotic metal cost effectiveness are the goals, additive manufacturing …
Read MoreAdditive Manufacturing Helps Oregon Firearms Industry Stay Innovative With big game hunting season winding down in Oregon, it seems appropriate to give a nod to our friends in the firearms industry. Oregon has a long and rich history in firearm accessory manufacturing. Its premier manufacturers epitomize innovation and quality – think Warne Scope Mounts, Nosler, …
Read MoreThe Critical Role of Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace Applications: The Aerospace industry has been integrating DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) in its structural applications for years. Other industries are now jumping on board with this cutting edge technology (oil and gas, medical, military, auto…). While typical applications revolved around standard objects such as brackets and ducts using investment casting- the future …
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