Additive News & Insight

Announcement

i3DMFG 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. …

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Happy Thanksgiving

With 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 …

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What Happens After the Print Completes?

What 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 …

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Now Printing in GrCop42

i3D,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!

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Remembering Our Heros

I3D 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 …

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Holiday Season

First 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 …

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Remembering Our Heroes

Remembering 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 …

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What can be 3D printed? Talking Materials

What 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 …

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Additive Manufacturing and Post Processing – A synergetic relationship

Additive 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 …

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i3D April News – COVID 19

i3D 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?” …

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i3D Collaboration with Penn Electric Racing

Congratulations 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 …

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How 3D Metal Printing Works (Video)

How 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 …

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Delphi Precision Imaging Leads Additive Manufacturing Industrial CT Inspection

Delphi 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 …

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I3DMFG Contributes To Industrial CT For Use In Additive Manufacturing

I3DMFG 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 …

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Successful Rocket Test: SEDS UC San Diego

We 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 …

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I3DMFG Helps Sponsor SEDS Static Rocket Engine Test

I3DMFG 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 …

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Delphi Precision Imaging & I3DMFG on Display at SAMPE

The 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 …

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I3DMFG and Delta P Design Attending Shot Show 2018

I3DMFG 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 …

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I3DMFG First With EOS M400.4 + White Paper

I3DMFG, 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 …

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Reimagining Rocket Engine Design With 3D Printing

A 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: …

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2017 State of Additive Manufacturing – Wohlers Report

Wohlers 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, …

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Significant 3D Printed Rocket Engine Milestone Reached

Aerojet 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 …

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Aerojet Rocketdyne Tests 3D Printed Thrust Chamber With Success

Aerojet 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 …

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Air Force Institute Of Technology Unveils New 3D Printer

The 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 …

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The Use Of 3D Printing At Boeing

The 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 …

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The Future Of Additive Manufacturing

The 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 …

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I3DMFG Featured On A2Z Manufacturing Magazine Cover

I3DMFG 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 …

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3D Printing Aerospace With Donald Godfrey

3D 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 …

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3D Printing Will Change Design and Manufacturing In 2017

3D 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 …

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Historic 3D Printed Rocket Engine Flight by Bagaveev Corporation

Historic 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.

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News: GE Opens $40 million Center For Additive Technology Advancement

GE 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, …

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FDA Releases New Guidance For 3D Printed Medical Devices

FDA 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 …

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3 Big Reasons Why Metal 3D Printing Is Growing

3D 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 …

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U.S. Air Force General Proclaims Additive Manufacturing As A Massive Game Changer

Additive 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 …

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PiperJaffray Report: Metal 3D Printing A Bright Spot In The 4th Quarter

PiperJaffray 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 …

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3D Printing Is Here To Stay

In 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 …

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Current Trends In The Additive Manufacturing Industry

Wohlers 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 …

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New Case Studies: Additive Manufacturing (DMLS) Optimization Warheads And Aircraft Wings

We 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 …

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New! Mechanical Testing Of DMLS Parts

Mechanical 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).

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I3DMFG DMLS Resource Library

Introducing 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.

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3D Printed Rocket Parts? Yes!

Are 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.

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Can 3D Metal Printed Rocket Parts Hold Up To Stress Tests?

As 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 …

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3D Printing Survey Points To Strong Demand For Investors

There 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 …

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DMLS Stands Out as 2015 Focal 3D Printing Technology

DMLS 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”:

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Why 3D Printing is Predicted to Produce 50% of Parts & Components

3D 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 …

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3D Printing Takes the Cost of Complexity to Zero

3D 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, …

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Just How Small Can DMLS Print?

Just 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™ …

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Is DMLS Metal Powder the Real Thing?

Is 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 …

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Heat Sinks are an Ideal DMLS Application

Heat 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 …

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DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING (DMLS) FOR CAVITIES AND CORES

You 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 …

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DMLS Matures from Rapid Prototyping to Production Parts

DMLS 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 …

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Direct Metal Laser Sintering offers Optimal Medical Implant Synergy

Direct 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 …

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3D Printed Maraging Steel Prosthetic Parts Save Time & Money

3D 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 …

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Oregon Welcomes i3D MFG™ 3D Metal Printing

Oregon 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 …

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3D Printed “Buzzing” Handlebars on Your Titanium Bike

When 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 …

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i3D MFG™ 3D Prints Titanium Bicycle

i3D™ 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 …

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Additive Manufacturing for Firearms

Additive 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, …

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Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace

The 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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