The opportunity to examine sample parts of 3D printing is crucial for potential users to assess the value of the technology to their particular application.
At Additive Manufacturing trade exhibitions it remains common for example parts to be displayed under glass with much more focus on demonstrating the machines that made them. Unless AM hardware produces good, purposeful and valuable things, then the machines are of no interest at all.
The only way for designers and engineers to assess the potential of AM is to examine the parts that it makes. Although the design and production process of AM is digitally driven, the ultimate output is (in every sense of the word) material. Material needs to be handled.
This is especially true of SLS technology, where the parts not only display excellent strength, accuracy and surface finish, but also have dynamic material properties which means that purposeful behaviour can be designed in to parts.
This is an evolving library of videos showing various types of SLS sample parts being handled to illustrate their quality and potential design behaviour. Whilst viewing them, it is important to try and set aside what the objects actually are. The key is to focus on the qualities being illustrated and imagine what else this behaviour might be applied to?
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