To meet the growing demands of industries ranging from automotive to education, 3D printing is breaking new ground. This article explores how safety standards are being set, racing technology is advancing, and accessibility for visually impaired students is improving through cutting-edge additive manufacturing solutions.

Elevating Industry Standards with Unmatched Safety and Precision

Safety Certification Leads the Way in Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen a significant leap forward as AddUp becomes the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to earn the prestigious ASTM Additive Manufacturing Safety (AMS) certification. This achievement underscores AddUp's dedication to safety and innovation. Over several years, AddUp collaborated closely with ASTM International to establish comprehensive guidelines that ensure safe operations within AM facilities. The rigorous audit conducted by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) focused on critical areas such as machine installation, grounding, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazardous waste disposal, powder handling, and facility cleanliness. By setting a benchmark for safety protocols, AddUp paves the way for other manufacturers entering the AM space.Paul Bates, Senior Lead at ASTM International AM CoE, praised AddUp's commitment, stating, "Their involvement in shaping these guidelines and willingness to undergo the inaugural AMS audit exemplifies their leadership in the industry." This certification not only sets a new standard but also reinforces AddUp's position as a pioneer in AM safety.

Revolutionizing Motorsports with Cutting-Edge Technology

Stratasys has solidified its role as the official and exclusive 3D printing partner for NASCAR, marking a pivotal moment in motorsports innovation. Under this long-term technical partnership, NASCAR will exclusively leverage Stratasys technology for designing and producing tools and parts across its organization. A state-of-the-art 3D printing lab will be established at the NASCAR Research & Development Center in Concord, North Carolina, featuring advanced printers like the F370, 450mc, F900 FDM, and NEO800 SLA. These technologies will support prototyping, aerodynamic testing, and production parts, enhancing both performance and efficiency.Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer at Stratasys, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, noting, "Our partnership accelerates production times and enhances part performance, showcasing the unique advantages of 3D printing in high-performance environments." Every NASCAR Cup Series vehicle now integrates Stratasys 3D printed components, such as NACA ducts and cold air inlet vents, illustrating the mutual benefits and broader impact on the automotive industry.

Accelerating Wind Energy Innovations with Rapid Prototyping

Gulf Wind Technology has embraced Stratasys' additive manufacturing solutions to revolutionize wind tunnel testing and design iteration. Inspired by Formula 1 racing's use of 3D printing, Gulf Wind adopted Stratasys Neo SLA technology, drastically reducing the design and fabrication cycle from 30-40 days to just 3-4 days. The Somos PerFORM Reflect material used in this process offers temperature resistance, stiffness, high strength, and ease of support removal, enabling the creation of specialized features like pressure taps for real-time airflow data.James Martin, CEO of Gulf Wind Technology, emphasized the transformative impact: "With Stratasys Neo® SLA, we can generate more data faster, streamline our design process, and take on projects previously out of reach. Additive manufacturing empowers our engineers to innovate with internal structures and pressure taps, capabilities unattainable through traditional methods."

Enhancing Education for Visually Impaired Students through 3D Printed Tools

Researchers at Monash University, in collaboration with the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, have developed free public guidelines to assist educators, specialists, and parents in creating 3D printed educational tools for blind and low vision students. These accessible guidelines facilitate the design and printing of curriculum-based models, educational games, adaptive tools, and tactile aids, promoting inclusivity and enhanced learning experiences.Sonali Marathe, President of the Round Table and Accessibility and Inclusion Manager at NextSense, explained, "3D printed models offer spatial and dimensional understanding previously inaccessible to visually impaired students. For instance, students can now explore architectural concepts through tactile models of iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Taj Mahal." This initiative aligns with emerging accessibility standards and supports organizations dedicated to vision impairment, ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.