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Office Depot Expands In-Store 3D Printing Customer Experience

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Office Depot, Inc. (NYSE:ODP), a leading global provider of office supplies and printing services, today announced that as a result of positive consumer feedback, it is expanding the 3D Systems Cube® 3D printing experience to 150 Office Depot stores nationwide.

Store associate will demonstrate the Cube’s innovative 3D printing capabilities, allowing shoppers to see the latest technology in action.

“We received an overwhelming response from our initial pilot program in Denver,” said George Hill, Office Depot’s Senior Vice President of Copy and Print Depot. “Customers ranging from tech buffs and entrepreneurs to marketers, educators and stay-at-home parents commented on how they would utilize 3D printing in their lives. With that insight, we knew we needed to expand the scope and offer these demonstrations to markets across the country. ”

As Office Depot continues to provide the most sought-after technology gadgets and services, customers can experience 3D printing demonstrations in stores in eight states or print on their own by purchasing the Cube or CubeX™ from www.officedepot.com.

The 3D Systems Cube 3D Printer is equipped with a contemporary design, tablet-like touch screen and 16 different color options, including two that glow in the dark. It prints objects up to 5.5” x 5.5” x 5.5” in size. Additionally, the CubeX 3D Printer boasts the largest print volume in its category and offers 18 different color options, including two that glow in the dark. It prints objects in all sizes up to 10.8” x 10.45” x 9.5”. The Cube 3D and CubeX 3D printers are available at Office Depot for $1,299 and $2,499, respectively.

Cities and stores currently offering the 3D demonstration include:

CALIFORNIA:

  • 1200 W VALLEY BLVD, ALHAMBRA, CA, 91803, (626) 943-0900
  • 5600 STOCKDALE HIGHWAY, BAKERSFIELD, CA, 93309, (661) 324-5457
  • 228 EAST BURBANK BLVD. , BURBANK, CA, 91502, (818) 848-2591
  • 685 WEST HERNDON AVENUE, CLOVIS, CA, 93612, (559) 325-3581
  • 1160 EL CAMINO AVE, CORONA, CA, 92879, (951) 736-9223
  • 5640 SEPULVEDA BLVD., CULVER CITY, CA, 90230, (310) 390-4023
  • 1761 EAST BAYSHORE RD, EAST PALO ALTO, CA, 94303, (650) 327-7600
  • 3535 HOLLIS STREET, EMERYVILLE, CA, 94608, (510) 547-9660
  • 16571 VENTURA BLVD., ENCINO, CA, 91436, (818) 907-1741
  • 18100 BROOKHURST ST, FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA, 92708, (714) 593-9658
  • 3804 W SHAW AVENUE, FRESNO, CA, 93711, (559) 274-0700
  • 5705 NORTH BLACKSTONE AVE, FRESNO, CA, 93710, (559) 447-1003
  • 1140 SOUTH HARBOR BLVD., FULLERTON, CA, 92831, (714) 879-9530
  • 11100 GARDEN GROVE BLVD., GARDEN GROVE, CA, 92843, (714) 534-6601
  • 515 W. BROADWAY, GLENDALE, CA, 91204, (818) 242-2582
  • 14501 OCEANGATE AVENUE, HAWTHORNE, CA, 90250, (310) 970-0226
  • 1240 VINE STREET, HOLLYWOOD, CA, 90038, (323) 957-1274
  • 2747 CAMPUS DRIVE, IRVINE, CA, 92612, (949) 724-8500
  • 5715 ALTON PARKWAY, IRVINE, CA, 92620, (949) 653-1928
  • 2268 FOOTHILL BLVD, LAVERNE, CA, 91750, (909) 392-8628
  • 4955 KATELLA AVE, LOS ALAMITOS, CA, 90720, (714) 220-0061
  • 2020 S. FIGUEROA STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90007, (213) 741-0576
  • 401 E 2ND STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90012, (213) 628-5000
  • 9527 WEST PICO BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90035, (310) 551-3006
  • 5665 W. WILSHIRE BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90036, (323) 965-0637
  • 15166 LOS GATOS BLVD, LOS GATOS, CA, 95032, (408) 356-3757
  • 1700 A ROSECRANS AVE, MANHATTAN BEACH, CA, 90266, (310) 725-0923
  • 725 WEST HUNTINGTON DRIVE, MONROVIA, CA, 91016, (626) 358-9794
  • 2559 VIA CAMPO, MONTEBELLO, CA, 90640, (323) 726-2725
  • 23961 SUNNYMEAD BLVD, MORENO VALLEY, CA, 92553, (951) 601-1352
  • 910 EL MONTE AVE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, 94040, (650) 964-8249
  • 19611 PARTHENIA STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA, 91324, (818) 727-7090
  • 10710 FIRESTONE BLVD, NORWALK, CA, 90650, (562) 406-8686
  • 3010 EAST 9TH STREET, OAKLAND, CA, 94601, (510) 534-2355
  • 1411 N. TUSTIN STREET, ORANGE, CA, 92867, (714) 769-7013
  • 1130 E COLORADO BLVD, PASADENA, CA, 91106, (626) 666-6900
  • 3250 BUSKIRK AVE., PLEASANT HILL, CA, 94523, (925) 934-9120
  • 1101 INDUSTRIAL RD, SAN CARLOS, CA, 94070, (650) 637-9200
  • 14331 PENASQUITOS DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92129, (858) 672-5616
  • 8255 CAMINO SANTA FE, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92121, (858) 558-2222
  • 909 MORENA BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CA, 92110, (619) 297-2582
  • 825 WEST E STREET, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101, (619) 238-4991
  • 8740 RIO SAN DIEGO DRIVE, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92108, (619) 291-1628
  • 2300 16TH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94103, (415) 252-8280
  • 33 THIRD STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94103, (415) 777-1728
  • 2926 ABORN SQUARE, SAN JOSE, CA, 95121, (408) 223-0100
  • 932 BLOSSOM HILL ROAD, SAN JOSE, CA, 95123, (408) 363-8002
  • 615 COLEMAN AVENUE, SAN JOSE, CA, 95110, (408) 294-9880
  • 1826 SOUTH NORFOLK STREET, SAN MATEO, CA, 94403, (650) 572-2561
  • 810 NORTH WESTERN AVENUE, SAN PEDRO, CA, 90732, (310) 221-0162
  • 1960 SANTA ROSA AVENUE, SANTA ROSA, CA, 95407, (707) 542-2582
  • 2301 EAST WILLOW, SIGNAL HILL, CA, 90755, (562) 427-6333
  • 11211 VENTURA BLVD, STUDIO CITY, CA, 91604, (818) 760-4414
  • 121 EAST EL CAMINO REAL, SUNNYVALE, CA, 94087, (408) 746-2040
  • 5533 N ROSEMEAD BLVD, TEMPLE CITY, CA, 91780, (626) 309-7594
  • 19100 HARBORGATE WAY, TORRANCE, CA, 90501, (310) 800-9022
  • 19800 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRANCE, CA, 90503, (310) 214-9179
  • 24313 CRENSHAW BLVD. , TORRANCE, CA, 90505, (310) 326-3291
  • 13721 NEWPORT AVE, SUITE 10, TUSTIN, CA, 92780, (714) 505-8900
  • 2227 PARK AVENUE, TUSTIN, CA, 92780, (714) 258-8859
  • 6440 C SEPULVEDA BLVD., VAN NUYS, CA, 91411, (818) 780-9916
  • 7500 SOUTH ALAMEDA STREET, WALNUT PARK, CA, 90255, (323) 587-2887
  • 15100 WHITTIER BOULEVARD, WHITTIER, CA, 90603, (562) 693-2990
  • 6227 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA, 91367, (818) 716-7770

COLORADO:

  • 8601 W CROSS DRIVE, DENVER, CO, 80123, (720) 922-8386
  • 3905 EAST EVANS AVE, DENVER, CO, 80210, (303) 300-0460

FLORIDA:

  • 8095 GLADES RD. SUITE A-1, BOCA RATON, FL, 33434, (561) 451-2403
  • 4901 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, BOCA RATON, FL, 33431, (561) 417-3900
  • 260 NORTH CONGRESS AVE. , BOYNTON BEACH, FL, 33426, (561) 738-1800
  • 651 N UNIVERSITY DR., CORAL SPRINGS, FL, 33071, (954) 752-2625
  • 9545 WESTVIEW DRIVE, CORAL SPRINGS, FL, 33076, (954) 757-7734
  • 6325 NORTH ANDREWS AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, 33309, (954) 772-4773
  • 1015 N.W. 13TH STREET, GAINESVILLE, FL, 32601, (352) 377-4003
  • 5301 W. 20TH AVENUE, HIALEAH, FL, 33012, (305) 362-8155
  • 10601 SAN JOSE BLVD SUITE 200, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32257, (904) 268-9656
  • 2050 SOUTH 3RD STREET, JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL, 32250, (904) 249-0084
  • 3245 N STATE ROAD 7, LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL, 33319, (954) 731-2055
  • 935 NORTH 14TH STREET, LEESBURG, FL, 34748, (352) 323-1880
  • 5191 OVERSEAS HWY, MARATHON, FL, 33050, (305) 744-5811
  • 8311 WEST FLAGLER STREET, MIAMI, FL, 33144, (305) 267-7251
  • 2690 CORAL WAY, MIAMI, FL, 33145, (305) 860-9484
  • 10576 SW 8TH ST, MIAMI, FL, 33174, (305) 485-4409
  • 1771 WEST AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL, 33139, (305) 531-1050
  • 1138 SAXON BLVD, ORANGE CITY, FL, 32763, (386) 774-1163
  • 7600 DR. PHILLIPS BLVD BAY 158, ORLANDO, FL, 32819, (407) 248-1163
  • 211 N DALE MABRY HWY, TAMPA, FL, 33609, (813) 871-6505
  • 6729 COLONNADE AVE, VIERA, FL, 32940, (321) 631-4424
  • 2627 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL, 33409, (561) 687-2600
  • 501 N. ORLANDO AVE. #201, WINTER PARK, FL, 32789, (407) 644-1218

GEORGIA:

  • 2126 HENDERSON MILL RD., ATLANTA, GA, 30345, (770) 493-6060
  • 2915 NORTH DRUID HILLS RD, ATLANTA, GA, 30329, (404) 329-8511
  • 2625 PIEDMONT ROAD SUITE 200B, ATLANTA, GA, 30324, (404) 467-7554
  • 2284 PEACHTREE RD, N W, ATLANTA, GA, 30309, (404) 355-4667
  • 859 SPRING STREET, ATLANTA, GA, 30308, (404) 898-1804
  • 1801 HOWELL MILL ROAD STE 350, ATLANTA, GA, 30318, (404) 352-0626
  • 400 GLYNN ISLES, BRUNSWICK, GA, 31525, (912) 265-5411

ILLINOIS:

  • 392 EAST RAND ROAD, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL, 60004, (847) 670-4457
  • 7001 CERMAK ROAD, BERWYN, IL, 60402, (708) 484-9613
  • 6165 N. LINCOLN AVE., CHICAGO, IL, 60659, (773) 583-5301
  • 2928 N. ASHLAND AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL, 60657, (773) 868-6161
  • 5420 SOUTH LAKE PARK AVE, CHICAGO, IL, 60615, (773) 643-7474
  • 352 W. GRAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL, 60610, (312) 670-8200
  • 6 SOUTH STATE STREET, CHICAGO, IL, 60603, (312) 781-0570
  • 2722 GREEN BAY RD, EVANSTON, IL, 60201, (847) 475-2571
  • 8331 W. GOLF ROAD, NILES, IL, 60714, (847) 583-1895
  • 53 WEST NORTH AVENUE, NORTHLAKE, IL, 60164, (708) 409-8312

NEVADA:

  • 520 MARKS STREET, HENDERSON, NV, 89014, (702) 433-0442
  • 3636 WEST SAHARA AVENUE, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89102, (702) 222-1890
  • 9701 S EASTERN AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89123, (702) 407-8793
  • 10950 W CHARLESTON BLVD #130, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89135, (702) 838-4192
  • 5915 S. EASTERN AVE., LAS VEGAS, NV, 89119, (702) 736-1427
  • 6115 W. TROPICANA AVENUE, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89103, (702) 579-4623
  • 3840 S. MARYLAND PKWY, LAS VEGAS, NV, 89119, (702) 369-7490
  • 1435 W CRAIG RD UNIT B, NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV, 89032, (702) 642-2233

OREGON:

  • 2595 S.W. CEDAR HILLS BLVD, BEAVERTON, OR, 97005, (503) 626-7088
  • 18250 N.W. EVERGREEN PKWY, BEAVERTON, OR, 97006, (503) 617-1424
  • 604 SW WASHINGTON ST, PORTLAND, OR, 97205, (503) 417-8199
  • 323 SE MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD, PORTLAND, OR, 97214, (503) 234-2582
  • 9908 NE HALSEY STREET, PORTLAND, OR, 97220, (503) 251-5851
  • 10520 S.W. CASCADE BLVD., TIGARD, OR, 97223, (503) 620-2582
  • 15060 S.W. SEQUOIA PKWY., TIGARD, OR, 97224, (503) 639-3880

TEXAS:

  • 3802 BELTLINE ROAD, ADDISON, TX, 75001, (972) 243-4830
  • 2101 SOUTH LAMAR, AUSTIN, TX, 78704, (512) 442-0480
  • 4501 WEST BRAKER LANE, AUSTIN, TX, 78759, (512) 795-9700
  • 13201 RANCH ROAD 620 NORTH, AUSTIN, TX, 78717, (512) 249-2880
  • 2620 W. ANDERSON LANE, AUSTIN, TX, 78757, (512) 380-0196
  • 4615 GARTH ROAD, BAYTOWN, TX, 77521, (281) 837-8101
  • 5425 S. PADRE ISLAND DR. #151, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, 78411, (361) 994-9000
  • 11615 N CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, DALLAS, TX, 75243, (214) 373-9585
  • 2929 OAKLAWN AVENUE, DALLAS, TX, 75219, (214) 528-4500
  • 5111 GREENVILLE AVENUE, DALLAS, TX, 75206, (214) 365-9840
  • 8317 WESTCHESTER DRIVE, DALLAS, TX, 75225, (214) 750-3700
  • 5301 BELT LINE ROAD STE 108, DALLAS, TX, 75254, (972) 980-9775
  • 1313 GEORGE DIETER DR.,#B, EL PASO, TX, 79936, (915) 633-6100
  • 9801 GATEWAY WEST BLVD, EL PASO, TX, 79925, (915) 591-7613
  • 201 S INDUSTRIAL BLVD, EULESS, TX, 76040, (817) 399-0903
  • 3540 ALTA MESA BLVD, FORT WORTH, TX, 76133, (817) 346-2690
  • 4613 SOUTH HULEN SUITE B, FORT WORTH, TX, 76132, (817) 346-7600
  • 10217 KATY FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX, 77024, (713) 467-7807
  • 8202 KIRBY DR. #1240, HOUSTON, TX, 77054, (713) 660-8667
  • 10960 WESTHEIMER, HOUSTON, TX, 77042, (713) 783-3254
  • 3443 KIRBY DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX, 77098, (713) 522-9981
  • 17711 TOMBALL HWY, HOUSTON, TX, 77064, (281) 970-5555
  • 1401 NORTH LOOP WEST, HOUSTON, TX, 77008, (713) 869-8207
  • 435 SOUTH FRY ROAD, KATY, TX, 77450, (281) 398-1500
  • 27500 I-45 HWY NORTH, OAKRIDGE NORTH, TX, 77385, (281) 367-2766
  • 1701 PRESTON ROAD SUITE C, PLANO, TX, 75093, (972) 733-0221
  • 3713 COLONY DRIVE, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78230, (210) 641-6862
  • 15375 SOUTHWEST FREEWAY, SUGARLAND, TX, 77478, (281) 201-3929
  • 7608 DENTON HIGHWAY SUITE 340, WATAUGA, TX, 76148, (817) 427-4710

To learn more about the 3D printing offerings and associated products, available at Office Depot, visit www. officedepot.com and www.business.officedepot.com.

Click here for a consumer experience video of the Cube 3D printer in action.

About Office Depot, Inc.

Formed by the merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax, Office Depot, Inc. is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace – whether your workplace is an office, home, school, or car.

Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.

The company has combined annual sales of approximately $17 billion, employs about 66,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 59 countries with more than 2,200 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company’s portfolio of leading brands includes Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Viking, Ativa, TUL, Foray, and DiVOGA.

Office Depot, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.

Additional information about the recently completed merger of Office Depot and OfficeMax can be found at http://officedepotmaxmerger.com.

About 3D Systems Corporation

3D Systems is a leading global provider of 3D printing design-to-manufacturing solutions, including 3D printers, print materials and cloud-sourced, on-demand custom parts for professionals and consumers in materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and edibles. The company also provides integrated 3D scan-based design, free-form modeling and inspection tools. Its products and services replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing new products by printing real parts directly from digital input. These solutions are used to rapidly design, create, communicate, prototype or produce real parts, empowering customers to manufacture the future. More information on the company is available at www.3DSystems.com.

3D Printing in 3 Steps (Yes, Only 3!)

3D Printing in 3 Steps (Yes, Only 3!) | Staples.com

by Kevin Ackerman, Staples® Contributing Writer

Since it gives computer users the ability to produce tangible objects in a variety of materials and colors right from their desktop, 3D printing seems as if it would be technically complicated (or just magical). But in reality, it’s not all that different from printing in two dimensions on paper.

To produce a printed page, all computer users need is a document, a computer and access to a printer — and, of course, ink and paper. Likewise, printing in 3D only requires three similar things. Sure, the technologies differ, but that’s the basic gist, as these three steps explain.

Step 1: Develop a Concept

If you were to open a document file on your computer, hit some random keys on your keyboard and press Print, you’d have a paper printout — though it wouldn’t make much sense. With 3D printing, you can’t make a shape that easily, not even a poor one, so it’s worth beginning the process by putting some thought into your object.

Start by knowing what you’d like to print in three dimensions. If you don’t have an idea or concept, there are plenty of free suggestions online to get you started. Web sites like Thingiverse.com offer a library of pre-designed objects that you can print with any 3D printer to gain experience. Or you can be inspired by people who are already using 3D printing technology.

Phoenix-based sculptor Kevin Caron uses 3D printing to refine his artwork before making full-sized versions. "Mostly what I'm doing is proof of concept designs. You know, will it stand up, does it look right and are the proportions correct on it?” he says.

And Chris Considine, CEO and founder of Los Angeles–based CXC Simulations, uses 3D printing to prototype custom-designed parts for racing simulators that are so realistic, they are used by professional race car drivers. "We need 3D orienting to see if the part feels exactly how we want it to feel,” he says.” We went through about 30 versions before we found the one that was perfect for us. Other than 3D printing, there’s truly no way you could have done that without building it over and over again."

Step 2: Hop on a Computer

Once you know what you want to produce, it’s time to sit down at a computer and make it happen. 3D prints are most commonly generated from an STL or .stl file. Standing for “stereolithography” (what 3D printing was named when it was first invented), this file format is to 3D printing what the .doc file is to document output.

To open and manipulate an STL file, you’ll need computer-aided design (CAD) software. For decades, these programs have been used by everyone from architects to product designers, so there are many kinds of CAD software available.

SketchUp is a free modeling program designed to be straightforward and allow anyone to create three-dimensional renderings, whether simple or complicated. Likewise, Tinkercad keeps the design process easy by providing just three simple tools. It also runs in a Web browser and offers step-by-step design lessons to demonstrate how easy 3D printing can be.

Meanwhile, programs like AutoCAD are favored by many experienced professionals, having been used in the design and prototyping of millions of products throughout the years.

To run these programs, you don’t need a particularly powerful computer. Caron uses an HP desktop machine to create his digital sculptures. "It's not a big screaming gaming computer by any means,” he says. "It's just a small office computer and it handles the CAD program just fine.”

Step 3: Get Access to a 3D Printer

Most people assume they need to own a 3D printer to produce digitally rendered objects, but that isn’t true. Sure, owning a desktop 3D printer can put your designs within arm’s reach. But driving across town to pick up your objects at a Staples 3D printing service location or having them delivered by mail can be just as convenient for some businesses.

For example, Caron owns a CubeX™ commercial 3D printer. With the ability to print objects up to the size of a basketball, this device produces designs in plastic and in more than 4,000 different colors. He’s also used print-on-demand services to produce sculptures that he couldn’t make on his office’s machine.

"They’re breathtaking when you see them,” he says of the two acrylic sculptures. "The detail that I could view on the computer came out in the print — it just blew me away.” Caron is planning to scale his designs down and turn them into jewelry to sell. "I've gotten one back in a polished glass and it's stunning. You can’t tell it from gold other than by the weight."

If you are interested in using 3D printing but need help with these steps, visit one of our stores that offers 3D printing services (currently in Los Angeles and New York City). There, we can help you with all the steps, from getting in touch with designers to actual 3D printing. You can even get in our 3D printing photo booth and have your face put on a figurine.

Go from Concept to Reality

Some businesses would argue that 3D printing, whether it’s done in the office or at an outside service, is worth its weight in gold. "I can go from concept in my head to holding the part in sometimes as quickly as an hour,” says Considine. "It’s a very powerful thing for an engineer to have. It's liberating."

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3d printer Max

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3d printer Max

Features

nine0024
Print technology FDM
Printable area 600x580x700 mm
Layer thickness 0. 4; 0.6; 0.8; one; 1.2; mm
Print speed 20-300 mm/s
Number of printheads 1
Extruder direct
Printable area 600x580x700 mm
Nozzle diameter 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; one; 1.2; mm
Heated table yes
Calibration manual
Maximum extruder temperature 260/400°C
Maximum table temperature 120°C
Chamber temperature 80°C
Materials used PLA, ABC, PETG, NUL
Interfaces microSD card,
Software Cura. Goofoo
Country of manufacture China
Warranty 12 months
Net weight 180 kg
Dimensions 3D printer 825x865x1575 mm

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3D printers in military service - big overview

Overview: 3D printers in military service.

Source: https://all3dp.com/

The military industry has always been at the cutting edge of progress: many inventions either began their life as military or dual-use products, or, in the very first years after their appearance, were involved in this area . In this age of digital technology, this fate has not escaped 3D printing.

3D printers are actively used by military contractors and direct employees of all branches of the military. nine0162 In this article, we will talk about the use of 3D printing in the military-industrial complex around the world: from providing military equipment with spare parts, to operational printing of drones and buildings anywhere in the world.

In Russia

JSC "Federal Research and Production Center "Titan-Barricades", which develops missile systems and military vehicles, has bought and uses in prototyping a kit based on an XJRP SPS450B 3D printer. The kit consists of two devices: directly a 3D printer with a large print area, working on SLA technology, and a polymer curing chamber. nine0162

XJRP SPS450B 3D Prototyping Kit.
Source: http://pechat3d.ru/

The 3D printer is planned to be used to create miniatures of future parts, cases or mechanism assemblies. The first product made on this 3D printer was a prototype wheel with a tread.

Ilyushin specialists plan to produce some simple parts for the Il-112V military transport aircraft using 3D printing. nine0017

Model of the Il-112V transport aircraft.
Source: © ITAR-TASS

Together with specialists from the Voronezh Aircraft Plant (VASO), PJSC Il specialists use 3D-printed parts as test samples, which will be replaced with originals made by the classical method before departure. But in the future, it is planned to master the printing of simple components that will be installed on mass-produced aircraft. nine0017

Pavel Chernikov, First Deputy General Director of PJSC Il, said: “The IL-112V is being created from scratch, and many parts and components need to be improved during installation on the aircraft. We started using a 3D printer to see how right or wrong our calculations were. Such technologies allow us not to interrupt the finalization of finished products, which, in turn, significantly reduces the installation time of equipment and reduces the cost of the production process.”

JSC Research and Production Corporation "Uralvagonzavod" named after F. E. Dzerzhinsky purchased a 3D printer S-Max manufactured by ExOne. nine0017

ExOne S-Max 3D printer.
Source: http://3dtoday.ru/

This printer is designed for making sand molds. Molds are used for casting metal blanks. As the deputy chief metallurgist of NPK Uralvagonzavod said: “We will no longer have to manufacture expensive foundry equipment for experimental, new products and complex castings of small series. It will be enough for a designer to develop a 3D model of the required casting, according to which, also in 3D, the mold is made. The finished cores will go to the foundry. In addition, they can be transported to solve the problems of the corporation at any distance." nine0017

A sand mold produced by the S-Max 3D printer, used for casting metal blanks.
Source: http://3dtoday.ru/

This is not the first professional 3D printing system that Uralvagonzavod uses. In 2015, the company purchased a Fortus 400mc 3D printer manufactured by Stratasys Corporation. This printer is used in the production of parts for the T-14 "Armata" tank and other vehicles manufactured by Uralvagonzavod. nine0017

Tank T-14 ("Object 148") on the platform "Armata".
Source: OAO NPK Uralvagonzavod

Representatives of the company note that the introduction of 3D printing saves time and production resources. It is not required to spend forces on turning metal samples. If a part doesn't fit, it's easier to reprint it than remake it.

Russian Helicopters Holding, according to its CEO Andrey Boginsky, plans to 3D print about a hundred parts for rotorcraft by 2020. nine0017

Andrey Boginsky.
Source: © Yuri Smityuk/TASS

In 2018-2019, it is planned to conduct a series of bench tests in order to obtain all the necessary certificates for printed parts by mid-2020. In total, it is planned to test about a hundred parts and assemblies.

Compared to traditional parts, 3D-printed parts are lighter and their production will be deployed at the Kazan Helicopter Plant. As a result of the use of parts obtained by 3D printing, the holding plans to reduce the cost of products. nine0017

In the world

The road of army 3D printing is not paved with roses. When we hear about cool 3D printed military projects, we have to consider some of the challenges that come with doing them.

Soldiers get acquainted with FORTUS.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Quality certification problem. Many things that the army is supposed to produce using 3D printing are designed for harsh operating conditions, they are subject to high requirements for compliance with dimensions, geometry and quality, and an unsuccessfully printed part can lead not only to monetary losses, but also to the death of soldiers . This issue will most likely be resolved by certification of the 3D printers themselves. nine0017

Insufficient printing speed for the army. Even the most expensive 3D printer is not fast enough. There are also issues of privacy/security, copyright, and many other little things that are not obvious at first glance.

While these issues are being addressed, the US Department of the Navy decided to host a 3D printing hackathon. 12 organizations were invited to participate and showed their developments in the field of 3D printing for the Navy. According to the participants, fully or partially printed inventions: “Allow to improve the ability to maintain combat readiness.” nine0017

One of the new and memorable developments was the four-legged transporter robot (MeRlin). It turned out to be quite compact and can run, jump and walk up and down stairs. Three-dimensional printing made it possible to create, right in the supporting frame of the robot, a hydraulic manifold that serves to transfer energy to the robot drives. Those interested in robotics will find Merlin similar to the transport robots of Boston Dynamics.

The device of the robot MERLIN (Merlin).
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Aviation

A 3D-printed drone was launched from one of the British Royal Navy ships at sea, HMS Mersey. The device was created in collaboration with the University of Southampton.

Launch of a 3D printed drone. nine0021
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Body made of nylon, laser sintered. With a wingspan of one and a half meters, the drone weighs only three kilograms. The main task of this project was to create a small drone for exploring the surroundings, which can be quickly printed on board the ship.

The drone, named SULSA, was equipped with a small video camera. Management was carried out by researchers from Southampton using video cameras. The flight, with a range of 500 meters, lasted only a few minutes, but proved that 3D printed drones could be launched from the sea. nine0017

The route of the SULSA drone during a test flight.
Source: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/

3D printing solves the problem of ship capacity by allowing equipment to be printed at sea as needed. The only thing you need to have on board to print a drone is a 3D printer and a supply of nylon, which is disproportionately cheaper than a case made using traditional technologies, and takes up much less space. nine0017

The only downside is print speed, but this is expected to improve in the near future. Engineers from the American Army Research Laboratory (ARL) are trying to deal with this shortcoming. They are developing drones that can be made within a day. Engineers are building drones that can be used to assist soldiers in communication, delivery, and aerial surveillance.

Eric Sopero demonstrates his drone to US military personnel. nine0021
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Drones are made using off-the-shelf motors and propellers, but their body is almost entirely 3D printed. The maximum speed of the drone is 55 miles per hour. Drones can either be controlled by the operator from the remote control or operate in a completely autonomous mode. Work continues to reduce noise and increase flight range, maneuverability and payload.

The US Army is working with the Marine Corps to develop an unmanned vehicle parts catalog that can be downloaded to an employee's tablet. The software of this catalog allows you to order or 3D print a product directly from it. nine0017

American soldier with a drone.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

In addition to experiments with drones, 3D printing is also used in “big” aviation.

For example, the US Air Force has announced that it will 3D print toilet seats for military transport aircraft. The announcement comes after a scandal erupted when data were released that each toilet seat cost the Air Force $10,000 to replace. nine0017

Airplane seat for $10,000.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The public, which already believed that the government did not always save on military spending, was extremely outraged. After an investigation initiated by one of the senators, the military department announced that it would print toilet seats on 3D printers.

Why is the toilet lid so expensive? These covers were mass-produced by Lockheed Martin, and in 2001 this giant of the military industry stopped their production. In addition, the military department explained that the C-5 toilet seat is not only a cover, but also part of the lavatory wall, which is designed to protect the body of the aircraft from corrosion, which can be caused by urine. nine0017

According to the manufacturer, its high cost is due to the need to suspend the production of other goods. In the case of independent production of the Air Force, the spare part will cost only $300.

The manufacturer now claims that the US Air Force does not own the copyright to this cap. It is not known how this lawsuit will end, but the Air Force says that they will no longer buy this spare part, because they can make it themselves much cheaper.

As stated by the agency: “The use of 3D printing allows us to create parts that are no longer being produced, resulting in significant cost savings. ” nine0017

C-5 transport aircraft.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Another example of 3D printing was demonstrated by the Maryland Marines. Using 3D modeling and 3D printing, they made a $70,000 F-35 fighter jet part for just 9 cents. The Marines were assisted by Sam Pratt, a mechanical engineer in the design office of the Carderock Additive Technology Factory. nine0017

Sam revealed that he was with a support platoon in South Korea teaching CLB-31 Marines how to design 3D models and how to use 3D printing. His main task was to test the performance of 3D printers on marine vessels. He also taught employees how to use Solidworks CAD.

Sam Pratt talks to the Marines about 3D printing.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

When there was a problem printing a part needed to repair an F-35, a Marine officer offered to team up to cooperate. It turned out that the employees had already developed this part, but could not find the right dimensions. The fact is that they used a hobby-grade 3D printer and the free 3D editor Blender - Blender is ideal for implementing art projects, but it is difficult to create engineering products in it.

American Marine at the 3D printer.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Pratt helped with modeling and printing issues, the part was printed in PET-G.

Currently there are about 90 parts for ground vehicles that are approved for 3D printing in the military, you can download one of these parts and print it.

Large manufacturers are also moving forward and mastering 3D printing technologies. Thus, the giant of the aviation and military industry Lockheed Martin is actively investing in 3D printing. nine0017

Lockheed Martin uses 3D printing in its manufacturing processes, with over a hundred 3D printers in its arsenal for prototyping, tooling and printing finished products.

There are several reasons why Lockheed Martin uses 3D printing:

  • Reducing the time of production of products - up to 80%;
  • Reducing the weight of parts - up to 40%;
  • Proven reliability of parts in difficult conditions;
  • The most important thing is the possibility of an additional increase in production in the near future. nine0004

For example, it takes 18 to 20 months to manufacture fuel tanks for spacecraft using traditional technologies. The production of such a tank by 3D printing takes two weeks. In this case, a better uniformity of the structure of the tank elements is achieved. The tanks are manufactured using a Sciaky printer using EBAM (Electron Beam Direct Manufacturing) technology, in which a bar of metal material is heated by an electron beam.

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Lockheed Martin uses 3D printing in its manufacturing processes.
Source: https://all3dp. com/

Lockheed Martin's 3D printed products have already passed the lab testing stage and are in active use. Some of them travel around our solar system: the Jupiter-exploring Juno satellite has eight 3D-printed brackets, and the Orion spacecraft uses high-pressure printed valves. nine0017

Fleet

South Korea is 3D printing loudspeaker grilles for aircraft carriers. Shipping these gratings from Europe took up to seven months and cost $612 each. The printed part is made in 4-5 hours and costs about $35. Printing parts reduces their cost and production time, and localization of production reduces dependence on foreign supplies, which may be delayed or become unavailable for various reasons.

General Electric has contracted with the US Navy to develop software for rapid 3D printing of spare parts for ships, aircraft and other critical military installations. The contract, worth nine billion dollars, is designed for four years and provides for the creation of technology "digital duplicates" - a complex of software, base models and hardware. This technology will be used both for those spare parts that are no longer manufactured, and for new parts of ships and aircraft. nine0017

Concept Laser M2 3D printer printing with metal powder.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The project is being implemented in two stages: at the first stage, software and hardware parts will be developed, at the second they will be combined into a complex capable of quickly creating the necessary products using laser metal melting technology (DMLM).

Ammunition and small arms

The US Army has designed and 3D printed a fully functional grenade launcher called "R.A.M.B.O". The development of the grenade launcher took about six months. He fires 3D printed grenades

R.A.M.B.O. grenade launcher
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The grenade launcher consists of 50 parts, all of which, with the exception of springs and hardware, are printed on a 3D printer. nine0017

3D printed parts of the R.A.M.B.O.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

R.A.M.B.O. demonstrated characteristics similar to the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher made in the traditional way.

A US Marine team is 3D printing and testing small explosive containers that can be used on the battlefield. nine0017

3D printed container for explosives.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The development of small arms began in the private sector, with the most primitive pistols. On the Internet, you can find drawings of products such as the sensational Liberator. The first 3D printed pistol was printed on a professional Stratasys Dimension SST printer. The gun is chambered for 9 caliber rounds.mm and is charged during assembly.

A gun whose main components are made of plastic and printed using a 3D printer. Frame: YouTube.
Source: YouTube

The very possibility of obtaining weapons using 3D printing so excited the public that the drawings of the "Liberator" were removed from the public domain, and in the United States a ban on 3D-printed weapons was introduced. nine0017

Solid Concepts has created a replica of the .45 Browning M1911 pistol, the Solid Concepts 1911 DMLS, using selective metal laser sintering. The first sample withstood 50 shots, later ones are capable of firing 600 shots without visible damage.

A working replica of a .45 Browning pistol M1911 - Solid Concepts 1911 DMLS, made by selective metal laser sintering. nine0021
Source: Solid Concepts Inc

Recently, the ban on the distribution of 3D printed weapons was lifted by a court decision. So, it is now possible to print weapons in the USA, with some restrictions: they can be no more than 50 mm in caliber and models cannot be freely available. This ban was easily circumvented by Defense Distributed, which posted models of their rifle for sale on one of the online services.

M4 rifle from Defense Distributed.
Source: https://depositphotos.com/

“Our models are not in the public domain because customers pay money for them,” a company spokesman said.

Uniforms and protection

The Vatican decided to use 3D printing technology for the production of traditional Swiss Guard headdresses. nine0017

Swiss Guard.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The Swiss Guard is the personal guard of the Pope. From time immemorial, their form was made of metal, but now they have decided to keep up with the times. A 3D printed helmet will be significantly cheaper and, more importantly, lighter.

3D printed helmet prototype.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The helmets are made of PVC and bear the coat of arms of Pope Julius II, who founded the Swiss Guard in 1506.

The US military turned to the creators of the Iron Man costume, a movie character, for help in creating uniforms for the soldier of the future. The military commissioned Legacy Effects to develop and print the prototype components for the TALOS Special Outfit Kit. nine0017

TALOS will contain a cooling system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the suit, a tactical display and an integrated exoskeleton.

The concept of the uniform of the future - a set of special uniforms TALOS.
Source: http://3dprintingindustry.com/

The studio team will join the large team already working on the project, which includes bioengineers, combat veterans and technologists. nine0017

Building

The US Army Research Engineering Team printed a large building in just 21 hours. The area of ​​the building is 47.5 square meters. The barrack-style building is the result of a three-year US Army Construction Engineering Research (ACES) program with a laboratory in Champagne, Illinois.

3D printed barracks.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Such a short construction time means that such temporary structures will become more affordable with the development of 3D printing. These buildings can be used as housing for refugees or temporary housing in case of natural disasters.

The process of building a 3D printer.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The building looks like an ordinary house, but in the future such buildings can be given any look. Such buildings are also more energy efficient than traditional ones - they require less energy for heating and cooling.

ACES cuts the amount of building materials used in half. Reducing the need for labor is 62%, compared with the construction of plywood structures.

Laying concrete mix with a construction 3D printer. nine0021
Source: https://all3dp.com/

ACES allows buildings to be printed using local materials.

Self-Sufficiency

A collaboration between the US Army Research Laboratory and the Marine Corps has led to the development of a technology to make 3D printed PET filament from plastic waste such as water bottles.

According to the military, water bottles and plastic packaging are the most common litter on the battlefield. Both US and allied forces produce large amounts of this waste, and the ability to recycle it will reduce the cost of transporting raw materials. The filament obtained from recycled materials, provided that it is properly cleaned and dried, is completely equivalent in tensile strength to its analogue from primary raw materials. nine0017

Joint work of employees of the Research Laboratory of the US Army and the Marine Corps.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

A plant is being developed, housed in a standard shipping container, that will allow the production of filament from waste.

The US Army is also developing food printers. Their advantages are obvious:

  • the possibility of reducing the cost of food, compared with the traditional delivery of rations from abroad;
  • the possibility of compiling an individual menu, in accordance with the preferences of each soldier;
  • the possibility of individual balancing of the diet, depending on the dietary needs of each soldier.

The printer, like classic 3D printers, stacks components in layers.

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3D printed food.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The printer uses the ultrasonic agglomeration method to 3D print small snacks.

Electronics

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell have developed a new way to 3D print conductive components for radar systems. They have created a new type of ink that allows radars to be made using 3D printing. nine0017

Electronic components obtained by 3D printing.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The development was sponsored by Raytheon, one of the defense industry companies.

According to the developers: “The use of this technology makes it possible to obtain cheaper and more versatile systems than those obtained by classical methods. This technology has obvious advantages in the military sphere, but it can also be used in civilian industry, for example, in the production of weather stations or unmanned vehicles. The main problem was obtaining ink with desired properties, capable of working with high-frequency radiation.” nine0017

Applying ink to a plastic plate.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The 3D printer is equipped with two heads with different operating principles. One applies the ink by spraying, the second fixes them by microvibration. Radar system components such as a voltage controlled capacitor (varicap), phase shifter (for electronic control of phase array radar systems) and frequency filters can be manufactured using this technology. nine0017

The ink material is based on nanoparticles that can be injected into molten plastic and then solidify with it, creating conductive structures.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory teamed up with American Semiconductor to create a silicon-polymer memory chip.

Using 3D printing technology, they have developed a new ultra-flexible chip with built-in sensors.

Dan Berrigan holding the new flexible chip.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

According to American Semiconductor, the thickness of the silicon wafer is 2000 angstroms. This tiny chip can measure humidity levels, temperature, muscle fatigue, and so on. This makes it ideal for use in new technologies for monitoring the well-being of wounded soldiers or the elderly.

Not only research laboratories, but also industrial giants are engaged in the technology of flexible electronics production. nine0017

Apple, Boeing and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology formed an alliance to collaborate with the US Department of Defense in the field of flexible electronics.

The goal of the alliance is to have high quality flexible electronics by 2020.

The Department of Defense plans to provide a consortium called the FlexTech Alliance with $75 million over 5 years and raise $96 million in additional funding.

Smart clothes.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

The consortium includes 96 companies, 11 specialized laboratories, 42 universities and 14 state and regional organizations. The key partners of the consortium are Apple, Boeing, General Electric, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Motorola Mobility, Qualcomm and many others. Partner universities include Cornell, Harvard, Stanford, New York University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. nine0017

Practical applications will be primarily focused on military targets, such as uniforms with vital sign monitors. Pressure sensors can also be installed on vehicles to monitor deformation in key areas.

The civilian application of such microcircuits will help athletes control body function and improve performance, and people suffering from cardiovascular disease, control and prevent seizures. This technology will allow hospitals to monitor their patients en masse. nine0017

Concepts or Looking Ahead

British scientists and engineers are working on growing military drones using chemical technology.

Hydroponic chemputter.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Military developers explore all possible and impossible technologies. In this case, they are working on a "chemcomputer". “Chemputer” is a registered trademark of BAE Systems. The technology is being developed by Professor Lee Cronin of the University of Glasgow and is a 3D printing of biomaterial drones and aircraft. nine0017

Unlike classic 3D printers, a chemputter performs chemical reactions at the molecular level, creating everything from electronics to wings.

Drone prototypes.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

While British scientists are inventing new technologies in printing for the military department, simple makers are creating weapons of the future using ordinary 3D printers. nine0017

So, David Wirth created a hand railgun in his workshop.

David Wirth with his railgun.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Possibly inspired by the computer game Quake, he created this weapon using CAD, a 3D printer and an Arduino platform. The railgun can use aluminum or graphite bullets as ammunition, firing them at a speed of 250 m/s. The design is based on six huge capacitors, which, with a total weight of about nine kilograms, store more than 1800 joules of energy for each shot. The railgun also consists of batteries, two parallel contact rails and a pneumatic ammunition supply system. nine0017

Diagram of a railgun by David Wirth.
Source: https://all3dp.com/

Conclusion

3D printing technology is increasingly used in the military.

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