GE Additive Manufacturing donates 3D metal printer to Ohio State

The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, is one of eight universities worldwide to receive a 3D printer as a part of the GE Additive Education Program. The Concept Laser Mlab cusing R metal printing machine will be used in the welding engineering program in Ohio State’s College of Engineering.

GE created their Additive Education Program in 2017, planning to invest $10 million throughout five years to develop pipelines of future talent in additive manufacturing.

In addition to Ohio State, GE awarded 3D metal printers to:

• Auburn University
• Boston University
• Iowa State University
• North Carolina State University
• University of Cincinnati
• University of New South Wales
• U.S. Naval Academy

www.ge.com/additive; www.engineering.osu.edu

Boeing HorizonX invests in Morf3D

Hoping to spur the company’s advances in strong, lightweight aerospace components, Boeing HorizonX has invested in Morf3D, an El Segundo, California-based metal-based additive engineering and manufacturing company.

Since its 2015 founding, Morf3D has produced 3D-printed titanium and aluminum components for Boeing satellites and helicopters. With this investment, Morf3D will collaborate with Boeing to further develop manufacturing processes and engineering capabilities.

“This investment will enable us to increase our engineering staff and expand our technology footprint of EOS M400-4 DMLS systems to better serve the growing demands of our aerospace customers,” Morf3D CEO Ivan Madera says.

Boeing’s HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio specializes in technologies for aerospace and manufacturing innovations, including autonomous systems, energy storage, advanced materials, augmented reality systems and software, machine learning, hybrid-electric and hypersonic propulsion, and Internet of Things connectivity. www.boeing.com; www.morf3d.com

Stratasys, Lockheed Martin, PADT to engineer 3D printed parts for Orion

Additive technology solutions company Stratasys Ltd. and Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies Inc. (PADT) are teaming with Lockheed Martin Space to deliver 3D printed parts for NASA’s Orion spacecraft.

Production-grade, thermoplastic 3D printed parts for NASA’s Orion vehicle are produced at the Additive Manufacturing Lab at Lockheed Martin in conjunction with PADT, which employs Stratasys 3D printers and materials.

Using advanced materials such as Ultem 9085 resin and Antero 800NA, a PEKK-based thermoplastic incorporating electro-static dissipative (ESD) functionality, NASA could make 3D-printed parts that perform in the extremes of deep space. Antero offers heat and chemical resistance, along with the ability to withstand high mechanical loads.

“Working with PADT, Stratasys, and NASA has enabled us to achieve highly consistent builds that move beyond the realm of prototyping and into production,” says Brian Kaplun, manager of additive manufacturing at Lockheed Martin Space. “We’re not just creating parts, we’re reshaping our production strategy to make spacecraft more affordable and faster to produce.” www.lockheedmartin.com; www.padtinc.com; www.stratasys.com/aerospace