The speed of 3D print development over the past few years has frustrated and excited in equal measure. No one would deny the compelling vision presented by a technology that offers the chance to essentially manufacture on demand or the prototyping opportunities enabled by low cost desktop 3D printers. By Paul Croft, Director of 3DGBIRE and Ultimaker, and Founder of the CREATE Education project.

Specialist in desktop 3D printing, Ultimaker, announced at TCT ASIA the launch of Ultimaker Cloud. Ultimaker Cloud is a future ready platform that supports the professional 3D printing workflow. The first cloud services that are offered are remote 3D printing, unlimited access to the Marketplace, Marketplace ratings, and the possibility to backup user settings for remote access. 

Specialist in desktop 3D printing, Ultimaker, has announced that it has been selected by Airbus, to supply Ultimaker 3D printers, Ultimaker Cura software, and materials to use in its European facilities. Airbus will mainly use the Ultimaker portfolio for the direct, local production of tools, jigs, and fixtures, and printing lightweight design parts with composite materials.

By using 3D printed tools, jigs, and fixtures, Volkswagen Autoeuropa reduced cycle time operation, labour, and the need for reworking, while improving tool ergonomics. Furthermore, they achieve this at a tenth of the usual cost, the company estimated that they were on track to save €325,000 by the end of 2017.