3D Systems, a primary vendor tasked with creating the 3D printing processes to be used to produce Project Ara phones from Google, shared some information via their blog this week about advances they are making in order to accommodate the project. Since Google thinks modular smartphones will have a key place in the future market, they are pushing for manufacturing processes that can handle millions, if not billions, of units being 3D printed. This means 3D Systems has had to re-think how 3D printing occurs and figure out how to scale it up for mass production.
One of the changes they are looking at is a move away from a “reciprocating platform.” Most 3D printers now move both the print head and the platform in the process of printing something new. This obviously produces a lot of movement and starting and stopping of the platform. 3D Systems is exploring ways to keep the platform part relatively stable, moving material in a continuous motion around a “racetrack architecture” to help speed up the production cycle.
In conjunction with Carnegie Mellon University and X5 Systems, the team is also working on development of conductive inks. These would be especially useful for something like the antenna in smartphone. Instead of having to install a wire, the antenna could just be printed onto a surface as a piece moves through the printing process. Work is also underway on being able to print much stronger materials. 3D Systems and the partners are also working on soft materials that could be used for the pieces that need to flex, like a button perhaps. To help produce a commercially viable product, the team is also working on being able to produce finished print jobs in a full spectrum of colors through combinations of cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white and clear materials.
3D Systems CTO and founder Chuck Hull says, “the combination of exponential creation technology with exponential information technology translates to unprecedented capability and adaptability for the consumer.”
source: 3D Systems
via: SlashGear
Come comment on this article: One of Google’s Project Ara suppliers shares a bit about 3D printing advances
One of Google’s Project Ara suppliers shares a bit about 3D printing advances
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