3D Printer Weekly Buzz: April 2024, Edition 2

1. Elegoo Introduces the Saturn 4 Ultra and Saturn 4 Resin 3D Printers

• New 3d printing Product Release

🌟 Elegoo has launched new models of their resin 3D printers, namely the Saturn 4 and Saturn 4 Ultra. The Saturn 4 Ultra is the larger model, while the base Saturn model resembles the GKTwo printer. Both models feature a flip-up lid and come with Elegoo's new Tilt Release technology, which speeds up printing and reduces suction effects. Pre-orders for both printers are now open, and they are expected to ship in June/July. Price-wise, the Saturn 4 is priced at $319, while the larger Saturn 4 Ultra costs $449, which includes an AI monitoring camera and the new Tilt Release feature.

Key features of the Saturn 4 include a 10-inch 12K Mono LCD, COB + Fresnel Collimating Lens, Auto Leveling & Intelligent Mechanical Sensor, User-Friendly Structure & Advanced Cooling System, and a large print size of 218.88×122.88×220 mm³.

Key features of the Saturn 4 Ultra include the same features as the Saturn 4 along with the additional AI Intelligent Monitoring & Power-Loss Resume Printing.

2. University of Maine Sets a New World Record with FoF 1.0 - The Revolutionary Large-Scale 3D Printer

• 3d printing technology innovation

🌟 In a staggering display of technological prowess, the University of Maine (UMaine) has unveiled its groundbreaking FoF 1.0 3D printer, shattering its previous Guinness World Record. This remarkable achievement propels sustainable manufacturing into a new era.

The FoF 1.0 defies expectations by enabling the printing of colossal objects, measuring an astonishing 96 feet in length, 32 feet in width, and 18 feet in height. Astonishingly, it accomplishes this feat at a rate of 500 pounds per hour, revolutionizing the potential for eco-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing in various sectors.

Industries such as national security, affordable housing, bridge construction, ocean and wind energy, and maritime vessel fabrication stand to benefit tremendously from the capabilities of the FoF 1.0. This cutting-edge printer seamlessly transitions between different processes and even collaborates with the ASCC's MasterPrint, contributing to groundbreaking research.

The commitment of Senator Susan Collins is evident in her securing of over $93 million in support for UMaine's manufacturing initiatives, facilitating remarkable advancements, including BioHome3D, sustainable housing, and lightweight structures for national security. The establishment of the GEM Factory of the Future, a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to sustainable manufacturing and the exploration of innovative materials, is imminent, poised to further elevate UMaine's achievements.

3. Czech Republic Makes Waves with Eiffel Tower 3D Printed from Marine Trash for Olympic Showcase

• 3d printing and sustainable development

🌟 In a laudable effort to combat ocean pollution and promote environmental awareness, a Czech company has embarked on a groundbreaking venture. By harnessing recycled ocean waste, this company aims to 3D print a massive 14-meter-high model of the iconic Eiffel Tower for a local Olympics event in the Czech Republic.

To bring this ambitious project to life, the company employs a novel printing filament composed of plastic waste meticulously collected from the shores of Thailand. The collected waste undergoes a rigorous process, including sorting, cleaning, desalination, and drying by Thai fishermen. A Swiss company then transforms the material into granules, which a Czech organization converts into 3D-printing filaments.

While this innovative endeavor presents challenges due to the material's tendency to crystallize and potentially damage the printer, the benefits far outweigh the risks. The recycled filament offers favorable qualities, a lower price point compared to traditional materials, and an abundant supply.

The resulting Eiffel Tower model, consisting of 1,600 3D-printed pieces reinforced with steel rods, will utilize the equivalent of 800,000 plastic bottles. This project serves as a remarkable demonstration of this environmentally friendly approach and seeks to raise public consciousness regarding the pressing issue of ocean pollution.

4. Passion Meets Technology: Embracing the Challenge of 3D Printing a Metal Lightsaber

• Outstanding 3d printing works by 3d printing enthusiasts and creators

🌟 After watching a demo video of how Matt Denton created a custom lightsaber using LEGO minifigures and electronics, Youtuber 3D Printing Nerd has also created the world's first 3D printed metal LEGO lightsaber. The parts were 3D printed using metals such as stainless steel, tool steel, aluminum and titanium. Tapping the HSS parts proved challenging and required the help of a local machine shop. Electrical parts were welded together using a variety of assemblies. Metal parts were assembled using JB Weld epoxy. Electrical isolation was necessary to prevent grounding or short circuiting. Programmed the Arduino IDE to control the lights and sounds of the lightsaber. The metal looks very cool and unique.

With this endeavor, the path to becoming a "Jedi" takes on intriguing new dimensions.

5. Could 3D Printed Homes Ease Ohio's Affordable Housing Shortage?

• Buzzworthy Banter: Trending Topics in 3D Printing

🌟 In response to the pressing issue of the affordable housing shortage in Ohio, Sustainable Concrete Innovations, a construction company, has taken a pioneering step by successfully constructing the state's inaugural 3D printed house in Wapakoneta. Their ambitious vision extends beyond this achievement, with plans to build three to six more homes this year and an additional 20 homes next year using 3D printing technology.

Pantheon Innovative Builders in Youngstown and Vitruvian in Columbus have also started exploring 3D printing technology for housing, while Cleveland's city council contemplates procuring a large-scale 3D printer. The introduction of 3D printed homes holds tremendous potential in tackling the persistent affordable housing crisis in Ohio.

These innovative homes depart from traditional stick frame constructions, utilizing concrete as the primary building material. While challenges related to weather resistance and reinforcement persist, 3D printing offers substantial cost and construction savings. It reduces the required workforce, materials, waste, and construction time, resulting in an estimated 20% reduction in costs compared to traditional homes.

However, it is important to note that the technology, akin to groundbreaking advancements in the past, presently stands at an early stage of development, akin to early mobile phones. Extensive research and investment are crucial to fully realize the potential of 3D printed homes in the Ohio housing market. Nevertheless, industry leaders like Sustainable Concrete Innovations are pioneering the way, serving as beacons of progress in the field of concrete 3D printing.

In light of these transformative endeavors, the question remains: Could 3D Printed Homes Ease the Housing Shortage?