Shapeways reveals an important milestone in its journey with 20 million parts produced using 10 different printing technologies and 90 different materials and finishes.
After several years of activity in the 3D printing industry, Shapeways is the proud production partner of over a million customers across 160 countries. The online manufacturing company has reached an important milestone in its journey. A milestone that reveals it has already produced more than 20 million parts using 10 different printing technologies and 90 different materials and finishes.
From the most exotic to the most complex 3D printing applications, the company says it can scale on-demand manufacturing across a wide range of industries. In a recent communication, Shapeways shares the manufacturing process of three unique applications: smart beehives, rugged device mounts for off-road vehicles and hydrometer for brewing craft beer.
Protecting Bees with 3D-Printed Smart Beehives
For BeeHero, smart hives are the key to ensuring that bees thrive while optimizing hive productivity. To that end, the company relies on sensors and data science to help beekeepers and farmers quickly predict and prevent problems. The sensors in the BeeHero smart system are housed in two 3D-printed halves produced by Shapeways using Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] material and selective laser sintering (SLS) technology for added flexibility, durability and strength.
The materials used were accepted by the bees, which has contributed to successful deployments and promising results, as real-time pollination monitoring has proven to increase crop yields by up to 30% on average.
Ruggedized Off-Road Device Mounts
When it comes to sturdy device mounts that withstand the rigors of off-roading, 67 Designs has delivered tens of thousands of quality systems all over the world. The idea for a highly durable iPad mounting device came from the realization that existing solutions were unwieldy, unrealistic and aesthetically unappealing.
67 Designs designed and Shapeways then test-printed prototype iterations, which ultimately led to the creation of the production MagMount G3. This high-end device features a magnet array for better iPad alignment and attachment during off-road adventures. The collaboration with Shapeways encompasses the use of Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] material and industrial-grade additive manufacturing to produce a reliable solution. The teamwork also supports 67 Designs’ desire to bring a greener product to market while bolstering “made in America” goals with avenues for production in local markets.
Brewing Better Beer Requires Lightweight, Durable 3D-Printed Parts
When it comes to brewing craft beers at home or professionally, there’s a lot of different techniques, fermenters and equipment for improving quality and taste. At Tilt Hydrometer, what started as a homebrewer’s vision has evolved into a game-changing device that monitors beer gravity and temperature in real-time for instant adjustments to the fermentation process.
After experimenting with expensive plastic milling technology, the company enlisted Shapeways to produce prototypes and final parts at a 10x cost savings. Using additive manufacturing, Tilt Hydrometer successfully encased sensitive electronics in lightweight, flexible and durable plastic material available from Shapeways in a rainbow of colors for easy multiple-batch monitoring. As a result, tens of thousands of homebrew and professional brewery customers around the world now rely on the Tilt Hydrometer and its intuitive mobile app to create ideal brewing conditions.
As scaling demands intensify, Shapeways also provides customers with access to traditional manufacturing offerings, including injection molding and urethane casting services.
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