Aug.19, 2013
Japanese government and private companies plan to develop the next generation 3D metal printer which will dramatically change the current manufacturing patterns.
While U.S. companies currently dominate the market, Japan hopes to launch 3D Printers with highest quality to meet international standards.
In collaboration with major heavy industry manufacturers, universities, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to launch a new research and development team in 2014 to develop 3D metal printers. Japanese companies own the technology of turning solid metal into fine metal powder, therefore Japan could give full play to the advantages of this technology.
Currently 3D printers are used to print mainly plastic items. But the new generation of 3D printers will be able to "copy" engine and airplane parts. Japanese government introduced an economic development strategy in June and announced it would focus on research and development of 3D printers. These printers are expected to be released within several years.
Currently the United States dominates the 3D printer production. The two biggest companies in the world, Stratasys and 3D Systems hold 70 percent of global market share. Germany, China and the United Kingdom have also reinforced their effort in the development of 3D printers. Japan had a slow start, but it hopes their technological capability and the development of 3D metal printers could help them to catch up with other countries in 3D printing development.
Posted in 3D Printers
Maybe you also like:
- 3D printed prototypes help Microsoft to form the idea of Surface
- Bringing 3D printing into schools for job training
- Building an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with additive manufacturing
- BEGO licenses Renishaw for 3D printing in dental sector
- Videos: Tumblr, Vimeo and Makerbot founders' Brilliant Brunch at SXSW 2013
- Weapon hacking: making this one piece, 3D printed mini crossbow at home
- MakerBot hiring for 50 positions
- Customization at reach: Sandboxr's 3D Design-to-Print on Kickstarter
- Kinect Fusion to help doctors visualize 3D brain scans
- Stratasys launches Objet30 OrthoDesk 3D Printer for smaller labs and clinics
- Luxury at reach with Shapeways' addition of Premium Silver
- 3D-printable gun project plans to launch search engine for profit
- 3D printing experience at Alfa Romeo stand in Geneva Motor Show 2013
- Design Guide: how to optimize technical ceramic prototypes using 3D printing
This is very cool. I am eager for the day when a 3D Printer can print solid hardened steel cutlery.
Bertrand BUSSON wrote at 8/19/2013 10:14:13 PM:
OK, but there are many more patents filed in 1000 for 3DS EOS and Stratasys are German inventors and Lichtenfels/Krailling/Ditzingen – Concept Laser GmbH, EOS GmbH (Electro Optical Systems), and Trumpf Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH + Co. KG have updated and extended their patent license agreement from 2006. The new agreement gives Concept Laser GmbH all license rights to sell LaserCUSING products worldwide, also retrospectively if necessary. The parties have agreed to keep details of the license agreement confidential. must invent something else for example, a print head that can use liquid metal in an absolute vacuum