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Thai-based startup plans to launch 3D printed taxi motorcycles in Bangkok

Etran Group, is a Thai-based startup that is hoping to raise 300 million Thai Baht for starting a taxi service. It will use 3D printed motorcycles to run this taxi service, which starts as early as September this year.

There are many traffic hassles while driving that leaves the driver frustrated. There is always a constant gridlock of vehicles on the road in Bangkok. The bottlenecks make it absolutely difficult for motorists to reach their destinations on time.

The new transport system that the Etran Group hopes to launch on the roads of Bangkok, could well be the solution to the traffic jams, road hazards, pollution and problems faced by the drivers. This new startup is seeking raise about $8.6 million from a pre-Series A round to develop an exciting taxi service of 3D printed electric motorcycles.

Motorcycles are not so common in other parts of the world but in Thailand, they are the most convenient modes of transport. It is easier to move through stalled traffic and the driver can reach the destination faster in a two-wheeler than in a car.

Soranun Choochut, chief executive officer of Etran, explained in a press conference last week in which he introduced his venture. He said that they will rent the 3D printed motorcycles at half of their usual fuel costs which will enable drivers to gain a surplus income of Bt 36,000 a year. These new electric motorcycles are dubbed Etran Proms, and their drivers will be given a smart card which can be used to start the vehicle, get maintenance, and pay rental fees. The taxis will also be equipped with IoT technology.

Summit Auto Parts will be assembling the 3D printed Prom Etran vehicles. The motorcycle taxi will have a division between driver and passenger for better comfort. The 5,000-watt motors and batteries will be provided by Chinese suppliers, with which the vehicles will be able to hit maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) over a distance of 60 km (37 miles).

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3D printed metamaterials to create sound hotspots

Researchers at the University of Sussex have created 3D printed bricks that are used to create metamaterials. These metamaterials can be used to create sound hotspots that can monitor the direction of sound waves. This could be a big breakthrough for medical imaging and audio fraternity.

These printed blocks resemble the Lego kit more than some research project equipment. Professor Sriram Subramanian, Head of the Interact Lab at the University of Sussex said that they wanted to create devices that redirect and focus sound with the same ease which LCDs and projectors do to the light waves. The method adopted by the researchers has been published in Nature communications, where they explain how their findings are simple and cost-effective ways to create audio hotspots and ultrasonic haptics.

These 3D blocks work by a mechanism of the “coiling space”. The blocks can monitor the sounds by slowing them, redirecting them, and transforming them to varied kinds of sound fields.
These metamaterial made of 3D printed bricks can be used in numerous applications. From building an audio hotspot to fitting the device to the body of a patient to direct high-intensity ultrasound to destroy tumors in the body; it can be used in numerous fields.

Dr. Gianluca Memoli, also from the Interact Lab at the University of Sussex said that the metamaterial bricks can be 3D printed and then assembled together to create a sound field that can be used for a particular purpose. He further said that his team had demonstrated how the sound field could be achieved with only a small number of different bricks. Their metamaterial bricks could be easily used as a do-it-yourself acoustics kit.

The researchers are currently working on improvising the 3D printed metamaterials so that they can be reconfigurable. This could lead to the creation of better and affordable imaging systems.

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Hong Kong Police Department To Invest In 3d printing Technology to Solve Crime Cases

A drastic change can be expected in Hong Kong since the PD intends to invest on crime fighting possibilities of 3D printing technology. This will help in the prevention of deaths and bring the criminals to justice. Now, 3D printed models of the crime scenes will be printed and used while conducting investigations, trials, and court inquests.

Hong Kong’s police instructions bolster unit was set up in 1988, and throughout the years it has manufactured a sum of 18 distinctive scale models of structures and airplanes. These models give a reasonable perception of specific circumstances and the situations in which they occurred. A lethal firearm assault in Kowloon Bay in 2014, a hot air swell crash in 2013, and a 2010 prisoner circumstance on a transport in Manila are only three of the episodes whose examinations required the working of these scale models. As per Senior Inspector Chan Shun-wai, development of a model by hand can take up to seven days to finish. This procedure can now be extraordinarily quickened with the assistance of recently acquired 3D printers, which cost around HK $10,000 each.

3D printing will empower nitty gritty rendering of the design of a specific area to be accomplished considerably faster than with difficult work, and this is a key preferred standpoint that Chan, a structural reviews graduate, perceives. “We require printers to develop complex structures to demonstrate the precision of the design,” he says. The case he refers to is the lethal fire in Fa Yuen Street in 2011, in which nine individuals disastrously lost their lives. The examination required each building and road slow down in the zone to be imitated steadfastly in small. As a result of the robotization of the 3D printing procedure and its premise on PC helped plan, the time required to make such countless window and door jambs could be definitely diminished.

And assisting with examinations, the scale models that are created by the instructions bolster unit likewise assume a pivotal part in the court. They permit judges to better comprehend the design of a wrongdoing scene, and the points of interest of witnesses’ declarations can be effortlessly tried and analyzed. The unit additionally develops models that are utilized by Hong Kong’s counterterrorism squad, with a specific end goal to arrange potential situations and give data about occurrences.

In spite of the fact that the advantages of utilizing 3D innovation for these circumstances seems self-evident, Chan still has questions about the degree to which it can supplant manual craftsmanship. “The completed item made by the printer is basically a bit of plastic,” he says, focusing on the requirement for additional workmanship by human turns keeping in mind the end goal to impeccably reproduce the material properties. His reservations are shared by head officer of the preparation bolster unit, Ku Chin-string. Asked whether a 3D virtual reality PC picture could work superior to anything a genuine scale show, he doubted the capacity of an observer to dependably review their own particular position utilizing just this non-physical portrayal.

In spite of the fact that these perceptions might be substantial, one might say that the present cost and many-sided quality of 3D printing when utilized as a part of such little scale extends as this may confine the officers’ perspective of its potential applications. As printing turns out to be increasingly open, and especially as its utilization in blend with 3D filtering turns into a more reasonable choice, the possibility to develop point by point recreations of any circumstance or condition could be perceived. We may wind up observing the execution of 3D innovation in police fill in as an ordinary event, and this innovation that we are so amped up for will likewise be contributing unobtrusively and indefatigably to guarding our lanes.

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Materialise, 2016 results indicate a 12% revenue increase in 2016

Materialise, a Belgium-based 3D printing and software company has revealed its results if the 2016 financial year. The results indicate growth and profits for the 3D printing company.

Materialise’s fourth quarter financial results reflect an increase of 12.3% of the total revenue (up to 31,477 kEUR). The company witnessed growth in all three divisions namely: Materialise Manufacturing, Materialise Software, and Materialise Medical. The company’s EBITDA increased from 2,979 kEUR to 4,455 kEUR.

Materialise Manufacturing, a segment of the company, reported the maximum gains with a revenue increase of 19.4% (up to 13,326 kEUR). This segment offers 3D printing and engineering services to the industrial and the commercial sectors. The manufacturing sales too increased over the past year. The company took the figures of i.materialise and RapidFit’s in analysing the results.

Materialise Software and Materialise Medical, also saw a significant increase from the last quarter of 2015. The company’s medical segments, i.e. the medical software, grew 29.8% and direct sales of its surgery solutions increased by 82.9%.

The company cites an aggregate increase in the revenues of research and development, sales and marketing, and general and administrative expenses. Though the R&D expenses decreased slightly, there was an increase in the S&M and G&A expenses.
Materialise stated that these increases reflect the strong managerial structure and support it has incorporated in its R&D and S&M divisions.

There was a decrease in the net other operating income, increase in operating profits and a decline in shareholder’s equity of the company.

For the full year, the company saw an increase in the total revenue in all the three segments. Chairman Peter Lyes said that the company had a very good quarter in this competitive environment. As stated in the press release, Materialise saw a total revenue increase of 12.2%, from 102,035 kEUR to 114,477 kEUR. Ley said the additive manufacturing market is growing stronger and the end part production would be the company’s area of focus.

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S2- A new FDM 3D Printer Launched By Stacker LLC

You might have heard about a 3d printer manufacturer called Stacker LLC whose first printer was brought in the market by Kickstarter in 2015. Now, this brand is all set to launch its new printer called the S2. This machine is basically an industrial grade FDM 3d printer that has 2 print heads. For now, this machine costs you around $4995.

It’s been a few years since Stacker, an accomplice of well-known 3D printing fiber provider colorFabb, ran an effective Kickstarter battle for the first Stacker 3D printer, which was followed in 2016 by the S4 3D printer. (No, the organization isn’t working in reverse; that machine had four print heads, while the fresh out of the box new printer has only two.) In the interim since its last item dispatch, the organization has had room schedule-wise to refine its advances to create the S2, a 3D printer specific for “instruction, assembling, and outline.”

Portrayed as a “substantial obligation, go anyplace, fabricated like-a-tank 3D printer that makes mechanical quality moderate for everybody,” the Stacker S2 is accessible for pre-arrange at $7,495, however, patrons of the new printer’s Kickstarter crusade can get the machine for essentially not as much as that. At the point when the crusade goes live later today, the initial ten timely riser benefactors will have the capacity to secure a S2 3D printer for just $4,995. These (and every single other) request will deliver with two moves of colorFabb fiber, and a client permit for Simplify3D (worth $149).

Noticing that the instruction, assembling, and outline proficient markets are right now served by customer level 3D printers that are regularly inadequate for clients needs, Stacker set out to construct a mechanical level added substance fabricating framework that could supply those business sectors with the item they truly require. “Most clients need a printer with greater dependability and less upkeep,” Stacker says. “They likewise simply need more from their printer: greater limit, quicker printing, and obviously better quality prints.”

Close by different points of interest, the double print leaders of the Stacker S2 permit clients to perform different printing operations that would not be conceivable with a solitary print head. These incorporate an extraordinarily created Copy Mode which bolts the X-hub for both heads, perfect for printing two indistinguishable questions in the meantime, and a Dual Color/Material Mode in which the two heads are the part for cleaner double shading and double material prints. This mode can be utilized for printing solvent backings, with a specific end goal to limit post-handling time.

The Stacker group says its new 3D printer is good with a scope of 3D printing materials, including semi-adaptable fibers, copolyesters, PLA, and claim to fame composite fibers. With colorFabb working intimately with Stacker, a considerable lot of the previous’ 3D printing materials will work with the last’s equipment. Stacker additionally says it has utilized top notch parts no matter how you look at it, including marked straight movement segments, a high-quality steel undercarriage, a calm 1000-watt control supply, and USA-made stepper engines.
Assessed conveyance for Kickstarter sponsor is May to June 2017, with transportation charges fluctuating from nation to nation. “Propelling another item is a test for any organization,” Stacker says. “With your help, we can make this new printer accessible sooner. We realize that sponsorship an organization on Kickstarter can have a genuine effect—we are here on account of our patrons. We truly value your support and that is a major motivation behind why we have come back to Kickstarter to dispatch the S2.”

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Markforged Mark Two 3D Printer Review

Markforged brand released Mark One a couple of years ago and it created a lot of buzz in the industry. The printer was well accepted due to its low cost and much-admired functionality. It is by far the best desktop 3d printer. Now, this brand has come up with its new release of Markforged Mark Two. This model has been addressed as the world’s first composite material 3D printer ever introduced in Indian market. We at Think3D will take full responsibility to introduce you to its amazing features and how it is different from other 3d printers in the industry.

Before we go further, it is important for you to understand what composite materials are?

Composite Materials are two independent materials with different physical and chemical characteristics. However, when these two different materials are brought together, it creates a new material with unique properties of its own. Composite materials have some amazing properties such as, they are:

• Stronger than other materials
• Lightweight
• Lesser in Cost

These materials are basically used to create buildings, aircrafts, outer bodies, and in defense. These materials are ideal when you require lightweight yet strong materials. Carbon Fiber and Nylon are the most commonly used composite materials.
So basically, Mark 2 has the tendency to work with composite materials and create new materials for multiple uses.

Before we go further, let’s talk about the specifications of the machine. The materials that this machine supports are Nylon, Fiber Glass, Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, etc. It has the build volume of 32 x 13.2 x 16 cm and the minimum layer height is 100 microns. It has got 2 extruders and no open source. No third party materials are supported by this machine. This machine supports three types of connectivity options such as USB, WiFi, and Ethernet.

Setting Up Markforged Mark Two

The printer comes in a labeled box and you can easily unpack it. The machine is finely packed in the box with every part very carefully placed so that no damage can happen to it in any way. The Pelican Case holds the nylon filament spool.

Coming to the connectivity, this machine as mentioned earlier can be supported via Ethernet, Wifi or USP port. It is best to run it with wireless since you can keep the machine anywhere in the workshop and get the work done. The accessories of the machine can be found in an accompanying box and setting up of the machine is also very easy and uncomplicated.

At the rear of the machine, you will find a power switch. When you will press that switch, the machine will boot up, allowing a small light appear at the small touch screen of the machine.
Unlike other desktop machines that are available in the industry, this one is more interactive with the customers. There is a panel that allows the user to easily operate all the functions of the machine.

So, when you switch on the machine, first you need to connect it to the Ethernet or Wifi. After getting appropriate internet connectivity, the machine will itself update to its latest firmware and get ready for printing. It is a wise machine and does not mess up with SD card or other such contraptions. The machine easily handles all the tasks for you.

On successful establishment of the internet connection, now you can begin with the set up of the machine. With every Mark Two Machine comes a system guide that will assist you in knowing about all kinds of set-up options and processing of the machine. It could be feeding the filament through the machine’s casing or adding an inbuilt platform and leveling it, you can find it all clearly mentioned in the system guide.

While setting up the machine, you might come across bad leveling which itself is a critical problem. The build plates in the machine are solid aluminum billet which comes with special coating for better coordination of the machine. Thus, the leveling part has to be done very carefully if you need better results from your machine.

Unlike other FDM machines, this one has got three point magnetic location mechanisms that keep a perfect hold on the build plate. You can do the adjustment with the help of the screws beneath these locators. It is just a matter of few minutes to carry out this task.

Your selection of material will guide you in setting the level of the bed against nylon nozzle and fiber nozzle. You will require a little tuning and if done properly, you will get best results with the printer. What’s worth noticing here is that not every build requires bed leveling. Mark Two suggests that when the building is done with the fiber, you need to level the bed after every couple of jobs whereas; the building done with Nylon does not require frequent leveling. Moreover, you can keep it consistent for more than 10 jobs. We have personally tested this theory and it runs really well.

Before you commence with the printing process, it is important to apply some glue on the build platform. The glue will keep the object from sticking up to the build platform. Also, you can easily pick up the printed object with the help of a sharp fine knife.

The software of this machine is browser based. You can open it in the Google Chrome and take the processing forward.

Working Of Markforged Mark Two

As you know, this machine support composite materials, there are two nozzles where one is for Nylon and other one is for the fiber. There are two tubes that are available to supply the material for 3d printing. The thin tube is for the carbon fiber whereas the thicker tube is for the Nylon.

There are two filaments each for the materials that are supplied by the extruders. Once when the materials are supplied to the machine, you can use the touch screen to manage the prints.

After receiving the print instructions, the machine begins with its processing and in a matter of some time, you can get amazing results.

Post Processing

Every 3D machine requires some post processing assistance. Same way, Markforged Mark 2 also requires immediate attention after the completion of the printing process. The parts have to be separated manually. It all depends on how you have done the placement and orientation of the parts. If you were careful while placing the parts, you will have to endure less post processing pain.

The build plate has accommodated the object so it is quite obvious that it will need immediate cleanup. You can simply pick up the plate, clean it a little and place it back to where it belongs.

The objects that are created with fibers are done excellently. Mark 2 is a filament based machine so it is not created to provide very fine details. But anyways, this machine can do great justice with its printed objects. Whatever maximum you can expect from a desktop 3d printer, this machine will gladly provide.

Conclusion:

This machine has really gathered a lot buzz in the market. The first thing that it has got multiple connectivity options which allow the user to use the machine with utmost comfort. Unlike a local machine, you can be at a distance from the machine and still use it. The machine accepts multiple print requests at the same time and also provides you a clear view to monitor the processing of the objects. The software infrastructure is also brilliant.

The machine has highly professional management and file handling infrastructure. All the controls are available on the touch screen and this machine is highly user-friendly. Every change can be easily managed and new STLs can be easily uploaded. For whatever task that you are planning to do, it can be easily done with the help of this machine.

Now, let’s talk about the USP of this machine which is its tendency to support composite, especially fiber material. The machine also supports Nylon material which makes it even bigger hit in the industry. This machine has really raised the bar of desktop 3d printers with its amazing feature line and great potential.