Smart Molding International 2-2024

39 www.smart-molding.com additive manufacturing Digital light processing machines produce high-quality results faster than many other plastic 3D printing technologies and the range of materials available allow a variety of resins to be processed and easily swapped, making DLP ideal for research settings and makerspace environments alike. The Envision One offers academic institutions an approachable opportunity to offer students hands-on experience with design and manufacturing concepts as well as the up- and downstream implications for innovation, product development, and supply chains. Across the Board Investment 3D printing is disruptive across a broad range of industries. While 3D printers may be looked at as a commodity, industries from automotive to aerospace and from machine design to consumer products, build intricate shapes with digital light processing – touching nearly any industry students may enter as future professionals. Regardless of academic discipline, 3D printing applications are diverse, and the impact far reaching. From classroom projects to engineering innovations and makerspace services to research labs, incorporating additive manufacturing on campus is an investment in technology, processes, and people. Offering hands-on experience with a game-changing technology in a reliable system that rapidly produces high-quality parts relevant to a wide range of disciplines and subject areas within the university environment is an all-inclusive investment. Jumpstarting Student Projects From race teams to art shows, on-campus 3D printing allows students to put their creative designs and innovations on display. The design freedom of 3D printing gives student e n g i n e e r i n g t e a m s a competitive advantage to develop solutions for challenges of lightweighting, performance efficiency, and cost-effective production. The high-quality results and surface finish of DLP prints deliver parts with precise tolerances in less time. The on- demand, tooling-free nature of 3D printing allows teams to iterate as needed. DLP printers, known for smoo t he r, more organ i c surface finishes, are also used to create art pieces with precise details or molds for larger installations. Empower creativity and innovation on campus and let students reach their highest creative and technical potential with ETEC digital light processing. Incubating the Business Community Institutions of higher education serve as reference points to incubate disruptive technologies and implement road- to-adoption strategies for the local business community. Developing 3D printing expertise allows knowledge transfer to foster innovation partnerships and provide opportunities for the businesses in your area to benefit, especially small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs). The increasing adoption of 3D printers in industry will continue to drive demand for 3D design and process skill sets. Graduates with experience with additive technologies are increasingly sought after by a wide range of employers. Offer the expertise of your institution with market-ready solutions that incubate local innovations and nurture the job market for your future graduates. Easy to Get Started Students learn to solve problems with hands-on experience, and ETEC offers systems that perform with industrial reliability but are easy-to-operate without complicated installation requirements. Bringing in accessible additive manufacturing technologies spreads an innovation mindset that has even led to on-campus improvements, like printing replacement residence hall lamp knobs or electronics boxes for the IT department. The software-controlled process offers an easy-to-adopt approach, allowing the machine to be operated like a tool without hours of training or adjustments needed. Design files are uploaded into Desktop Metal software for auto orientation, support generation, and printing parameter assignment. And switching materials for flexible production is as simple as pouring resin into a clean material tray. DLP 3D printers like the Envision One perform at speeds and qualities that create an exciting environment for students to relate to their projects and learn with direct experience. About ETEC ETEC is a leading global provider of professional-grade 3D printing solutions. As the original inventor of digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology, ETEC has one of the most advanced portfolios of precision polymer printers and materials in the market today. Supported by more than 130 issued and pending patents, ETEC also has extensive range of resins for its platforms. In all thousands of customers across a broad range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and jewelry have relied on ETEC solutions for more than two decades. The company’s solutions are used for prototypes, tooling and low-volume to mass production. ETEC https://etec.desktopmetal.com The Envision One features patented Continuous Digital Light Manufacturing Technology, which enables the ability for continuous printing (all pictures: ETEC)