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  • Bridging Arts and Architecture with 3D Printing Innovation

    At its core, 3D printing is about possibility. It allows artists to push creative boundaries and communities to preserve architectural history. We’ve had the privilege of working on three projects that highlight how additive manufacturing supports both artistic expression and architectural storytelling. Here’s a closer look at how 3D printing is shaping arts and architecture in meaningful ways: From Wax Sculpture to Precision Print: Empowering Artistic Vision When local artist Daniel Kloc approached us with his hand sculpted wax models of top and bottom jaws, the goal was clear: preserve every detail while transforming the fragile originals into something more durable and scalable. We partnered with Selkirk Technology Access Center to scan and scale down the teeth with CAD. For printing, we selected Rigid 10K resin, which produced a high strength, high detail print that captured the texture and intricacy of the original wax forms. The material’s stiffness and dimensional stability made it ideal for supporting the artist’s next phase; a larger project we’re excited to see come to life. This collaboration demonstrates how 3D printing can serve as a bridge between traditional sculpting methods and modern fabrication. Artists maintain their hands-on creative process, while digital manufacturing ensures precision, durability, and repeatability. Preserving History: The Rossland Drill Hall Model Architecture tells the story of a community. In Rossland BC, that story includes the historic Rossland Drill Hall . Originally built as a military training facility during the gold rush era, the building later evolved to serve many different purposes; including hosting groups such as the Rocky Mountain Rangers, and even stepping in as a temporary school after local school fires. The Rossland Arts Centre Society, who intend to restore the building, reached out to see if we could create a detailed, 1:100 scale, 3D printed, pull apart model of the Drill Hall, in order to help share its story and be used as an educational tool. We chose to use MJF Nylon PA-12, for its strength, fine feature resolution, and clean finish; perfect for showcasing architectural details in a durable display piece. By translating architectural history into a physical model, 3D printing makes heritage preservation more accessible and engaging. . Honouring Human Rights Through Sculpture Art also plays a powerful role in commemorating history. A volunteer organization who are dedicated in fostering education about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, sponsored the construction of a statue honouring John Peters Humphrey. Humphrey who authored the first draft of the Declaration under the leadership of Eleanor Roosevelt, is depicted in the statue as both a man and a boy. The statue stands in Hampton, where he was born and now buried. So when Neil Brodie, one of the organizations volunteers, reached out to see if we could do a 3D print of the statue, we were excited to see the possibilities. We ultimately ended up choosing to print the statue in Clear V4.1 resin, allowing for exceptional detail and surface quality. After printing, Neil sourced a local to Hampton artist, who carefully hand-painted the piece, bringing depth and character to the final model. This project beautifully illustrates how modern fabrication and traditional artistry can work together, combining digital precision with human craftsmanship to honour legacy and inspire future generations. Building the Future of Arts and Architecture From sculptural art to architectural preservation and public monuments, these projects highlight the versatility of 3D printing across disciplines. Whether supporting an individual artist’s vision, helping a community protect its architectural heritage, or contributing to a monument with global historical significance, 3D printing is more than a manufacturing tool, it’s a creative partner. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways we shape the world around us. Layer by layer. Do you have a similar idea or project? Contact us today!

  • Tempus 3D Expands Its Materials Portfolio with Tough 2000 Resin V1

    Tempus 3D Expands Its Materials Portfolio with Tough 2000 Resin V1 At Tempus 3D, we’re continually expanding our material portfolio to help clients move from concept to production with confidence. We’re pleased to announce that we are now offering Tough 2000 Resin V1 — a high-performance SLA material engineered for strong, stiff, and durable functional parts. Why Tough 2000 Resin V1? Tough 2000 Resin V1 is formulated to simulate the strength and stiffness of ABS plastic, making it ideal for applications that demand: full data sheet at the bottom. • High rigidity • Minimal deflection under load • Long-term functional performance • Structural integrity in demanding environments Key Mechanical Properties • Tensile Modulus: 2,100 MPa • Ultimate Tensile Strength: 46 MPa • Thermal Expansion: 91 μm/m/°C These characteristics make it one of the most robust SLA materials available for engineering-grade applications. Ideal Use Cases 1️⃣ Functional Prototypes When you need prototypes that behave like final production parts — not just look like them — Tough 2000 provides the structural performance required for real-world testing. 2️⃣ Jigs & Fixtures Its stiffness and dimensional stability make it perfect for manufacturing aids where minimal flex is critical. 3️⃣ Housings & Structural Components For enclosures, brackets, and load-bearing parts that must maintain shape and strength over time. 4️⃣ Low-Volume End-Use Parts Where traditional tooling may not be economical, Tough 2000 enables short-run production with engineering-grade performance. Why This Matters for Our Clients At Tempus 3D, we focus on industrial-grade additive manufacturing and adding Tough 2000 Resin V1 allows us to: • Deliver stronger, more reliable parts • Expand into higher-performance engineering applications • Support clients in manufacturing, automotive, product design, and industrial tooling • Reduce iteration time while increasing real-world testing confidence For companies developing hardware, machinery components, or advanced product prototypes, this material bridges the gap between concept and production-ready performance. Let’s Build Something St ronger If your project requires: • Structural strength • Dimensional stability • Functional performance testing • Industrial-grade SLA precision Tough 2000 Resin V1 may be the right solution. 👉 Visit www.tempus3d.com or contact our team to discuss your next project. Tempus 3D — Engineering-Grade Additive Manufacturing. Tough 2000 V1 Technical Data Sheet Formlabs blog

  • Designing and printing custom safety signs

    I wanted to show off some of the signage we have been doing with our FDM printer. I detail my process step by step, from Canva to Makerlab to Bambu Studio The makerlab tool that makes the magic happen can be found here https://makerworld.com/en/makerlab/imageToKeychain?from=makerlab Want to explore how #3Dprinting can help you innovate and create? We are a Canadian manufacturing hub based in BC. Tempus is a #HP certified partner that leverages the power of 3D printing so our clients can make it possible. Contact us at info@tempus3d.com

  • Sustainability in Manufacturing | Fix it in post Ep. 02 ft. Kailey Allan

    In this episode, I'm at the Selkirk Technology Access Center joined by Kailey Allan, who in an Instructor with a background in engineering and industrial design, we are going to be discussing Sustainability in Manufacturing and Design. You can find her here https://www.instagram.com/wedge.workshop/ https://www.instagram.com/selkirkcollegedfab/ https://www.instagram.com/selkirkinnovates/ Want to explore how #3Dprinting can help you innovate and create? We are a Canadian manufacturing hub based in BC. Tempus is a #HP certified partner that leverages the power of 3D printing so our clients can make it possible. Contact us at info@tempus3d.com

  • Gain a Competitive Advantage with Industrial 3D Printing

    An increasing number of companies are embracing 3D printing as a strategic and cost-effective approach to manufacturing products. Among the many benefits are savings in cost of production, time to manufacture, quick iteration of prototypes, mass customization, and rapid delivery. Key Benefits of Industrial 3D Printing Accelerated time to market . Move from concept to production in days, not months. Additive manufacturing dramatically shortens lead times so you can launch faster and stay ahead. Mass customization and personalization. Easily produce custom parts and products without slowing down your workflow. From one-offs to small batches, customization is fast and cost effective. Single-step manufacturing. Intricate parts can be built in one step, including complex geometries and embedded parts like hinges and ball joints. Cost. Additive Manufacturing is a low-cost alternative to traditional manufacturing, especially for low-to mid-volume production runs, complex geometries or multi-part components. Local manufacturing. Avoid the delay and expense of importing parts from overseas or shipping long distances. Quality assurance. Tempus 3D has quality control processes and specialized equipment to ensure parts consistently meet specifications and certification standards. How Tempus 3D can help you meet your manufacturing goals Tempus 3D is an Additive Manufacturing Service Bureau serving Western Canada and beyond. Tempus uses the latest 3D printing technologies to turn your concepts into reality, whether you need quick builds, functional prototyping, or full production of end-use parts. The HP 5200 uses high-performance plastics to produce strong, low-cost, detailed, complex parts with best-in-class economics and productivity making industrial grade additive manufacturing more accessible than ever. Contact us today at info@tempus3d.com to discuss how we can help you meet your production goals.

  • Robotics Part Consolidation - Optimized with 3D Printing

    Robotics and automation systems are becoming increasingly complex—yet the market demand is trending in the opposite direction: lighter, more modular, more reliable machines with drastically shorter development cycles . To meet these pressures, engineering teams are turning toward digital manufacturing workflows, especially industrial 3D printing , to rethink how robotic components are designed and built. One of the most powerful tools unlocked by additive manufacturing is part consolidation . This design strategy—reducing multi-component assemblies into fewer, multifunctional parts—transforms traditional robotics engineering by enabling faster iteration, reduced supply chain dependencies, and more robust machines suited for demanding industrial environments. This article explores how part consolidation benefits robotics design, how it supports module-based engineering  and reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS) , and how Tempus 3D helps robotics companies accelerate development using HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology Why Part Consolidation Matters in Robotics Robots and automated machinery rely on high-performance subsystems such as: Actuation housings Cable-routing channels Sensor mounts End-effectors and grippers Brackets and structural supports Gearbox and motor interfaces Pneumatic and vacuum pathways Traditionally, these assemblies may require machined aluminum, multiple brackets, fasteners, weldments, and purchased components , each introducing cost, lead time, tolerance stack-up, and potential failure points. Part consolidation solves these pain points by: 1. Eliminating multi-component assemblies 3D printing allows engineers to merge several components into a single part, reducing: Assembly time Fastener count Alignment issues Maintenance complexity 2. Reducing weight while improving stiffness Light weighting is critical for robotic arms, drones, and mobile platforms. HP MJF materials like Nylon PA12 offer high strength-to-weight ratios, enabling rigid parts without excess mass. 3. Improving reliability Fewer joints and interfaces mean fewer risks of: Loosening during vibration Sensor drift Moisture ingress Cable wear 4. Enabling more compact, integrated mechanisms 3D printing allows internal channels, snap fits, lattice structures, and complex geometry that are impossible or expensive with CNC or injection molding. 5. Accelerating design cycles Robotics companies iterate constantly. Additive manufacturing enables: Functional prototypes within days Rapid design-of-experiment (DOE) cycles Immediate implementation of improvements Module-Based Design for Robotics and Automation Modern robotics manufacturers are shifting toward module-based machine architectures —standardized building blocks that can be combined or reconfigured for different tasks. Examples include: Swappable gripper modules Reconfigurable end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) Sensor or vision-system pods Universal actuator or drive modules Interchangeable robotic “stations” for automation cells These platforms demand fast customization , short tooling lead times , and cost-effective low-volume production —areas where conventional manufacturing is slow and expensive. Additive manufacturing directly supports module-based robotics by enabling: Fast customization of module interfaces 3D printing allows quick adjustments to mounting geometry, connectors, airflow channels, or wiring pathways. Cost-effective small-batch production Modules that sell in batches of 10, 25, or 100 are expensive to injection-mold but perfect for MJF. Easy scaling and versioning Robotics companies often need: V1.0 for internal validation V1.1 for pilot deployments V2.0 for customer releaseAdditive manufacturing removes tooling constraints—each version can be updated instantly. Integrated functionality Modules can integrate: Cable routing Sensor pockets Cooling channels Structural ribs Embedded fastener seats All in one print job. Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS): A Perfect Fit for 3D Printing Reconfigurable manufacturing systems require machinery that can be quickly changed, scaled, or adapted  to new products or throughput requirements. Robotics is central to RMS—and 3D printing is what makes reconfigurability practical. 3D printing enables RMS principles by: 1. Making machine adaptations faster and cheaper Need a new bracket, sensor mount, or robot-cell fixture? It can be designed in the morning and printed by evening. 2. Supporting tooling that evolves with the product As workpieces change, 3D-printed tooling can evolve instantly. 3. Allowing custom geometry for edge-case scenarios Custom nests, fixtures, EOAT, and alignment features can be made for one-off or short-run applications. 4. Unlocking distributed, on-demand manufacturing Tempus 3D’s digital manufacturing platform allows robotics companies to print locally in Canada or ship across North America with consistent quality.HP - Optimized Drill Extraction Shoe Case Study 1: HP – Optimized Drill Extraction Shoe Example of complex internal geometry & load-bearing consolidation HP engineers re-designed a drill extraction shoe that originally required multiple machined parts. By consolidating the components into a single 3D-printed PA12 structure, they achieved: Lower weight  for reduced operator fatigue Improved chip evacuation  through internal channels Higher durability and reliability Fewer failure modes due to reduced assembly points Relevance to robotics: The same principles apply when creating robotic EOAT, end-effector substructures, or integrated cooling and pneumatic housings. Case Study 2: Aerosport – Redesigning a Rudder Trim System Example of improved performance through geometric freedom Aerosport leveraged industrial 3D printing to redesign a rudder trim system, taking advantage of: Integrated mounting features Lightweight structures Reduced part count Improved aerodynamic flow Relevance to robotics: Similar redesign strategies are common when developing lightweight robotic joints, drone components, or modular automation hardware requiring precise alignment and integrated functionality. How Tempus 3D Supports Robotics Manufacturers Tempus 3D works directly with robotics and automation companies across Canada and the U.S. to deliver: ✔ Fast, iterative prototyping Turnaround in as little as 3-5 days. ✔ Canadian, IP-protected manufacturing Keep your intellectual property safe while benefiting from fast lead times, consistent quality, and Canadian-based manufacturing you can trust. ✔ Design-for-additive (DfAM) guidance We help engineers identify consolidation opportunities, reduce weight, and improve manufacturability. ✔ Low-volume and bridge production Perfect for modular machinery and RMS solutions. ✔ Digital inventory & on-demand manufacturing Scale as needed—no tooling, no storage, no obsolescence. Conclusion Part consolidation through additive manufacturing offers robotics companies a powerful way to reduce complexity, improve performance, and accelerate development. When combined with module-based design and reconfigurable manufacturing principles, the impact becomes transformative—faster iterations, more adaptable machinery, and more competitive automation systems. Tempus 3D provides the tools, expertise, and production capacity to help robotics manufacturers bring these advantages to life.

  • Build. Break. Rebuild. Modular Robotics with 3D Printing

    Robotics and automation are shifting toward a new design philosophy: machines must be lighter, modular, easily reconfigurable, and far quicker to deploy. At the same time, customers are demanding shorter development cycles, flexible automation cells, and systems that can adapt as their production needs evolve. This pressure has pushed engineering teams to embrace digital manufacturing workflows, particularly industrial 3D printing, as a core enabler of modular design and RMS architectures. Why Modular Engineering Is Becoming the New Standard Modern robotics platforms are moving away from bespoke, monolithic machines and toward standardized, swappable subassemblies. Examples include: • Interchangeable gripper modules • Swappable end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) • Vision-system or sensor pods • Universal actuator or drive modules • Modular automation “stations” that plug into larger cells These systems depend on interfaces and housings that must evolve rapidly as new features, accessories, or customer-specific requirements are introduced. Traditional CNC or molded parts simply can’t match the design agility required. How 3D Printing Enables Modular System Architecture Additive manufacturing—especially HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)—dramatically accelerates the development of modular hardware by enabling: Fast customization of interfaces and geometries Engineers can quickly revise mounting patterns, airflow features, wiring pathways, or connector housings without reinventing an entire production process. Cost-effective low-volume production Modules that ship in runs of 10–100 units are too small for injection molding, but ideal for MJF. Instant versioning and incremental updates V1.0 for testing, V1.1 for pilot programs, V2.0 for release— no tooling changes, no delays. Integrated functionality 3D printing allows multiple features to be built into one printed component: • Cable routing • Cooling channels • Sensor pockets • Structural ribs • Alignment features • Embedded fastener seats All produced in a single print cycle. Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems (RMS): Where Modularity Meets Flexibility Reconfigurable manufacturing systems require equipment that can be adapted, scaled, or retooled with minimal downtime. Robotics is the backbone of RMS, and additive manufacturing is what makes rapid reconfiguration possible. 1. Fast, low-cost adaptation New bracket? Revised mount? Updated fixture? Engineers can design it in the morning and print it that night. 2. Tooling that evolves with the product As product dimensions or features change, new tooling can be produced on demand without waiting weeks for machining. 3. One-off or short-run customization 3D printing shines in edge cases where only one or two custom parts are needed. 4. Distributed, on-demand production With Tempus 3D’s digital manufacturing platform, companies can scale production in Canada or ship across North America with consistent quality. How Tempus 3D Supports Modular & RMS Development Tempus 3D helps robotics and automation manufacturers accelerate development through: ✔ Canadian , IP-protected manufacturing ✔ Design -for-additive (DfAM) engineering support ✔ Rapid prototyping (3–5 day turnaround) ✔ On-demand scaling and no-tooling production ✔ Low-volume and bridge production for modular systems What it Conclusion Modular engineering and reconfigurable manufacturing systems are defining the next generation of robotics. Industrial 3D printing is the key enabler, allowing engineers to iterate faster, customize interfaces, and scale production without the constraints of traditional tooling. Tempus 3D delivers the speed, precision, and flexibility needed to bring modular automation platforms to market more quickly and cost-effectively

  • Prensilia and Elastico Disegno bring functionality and aesthetics to robotic prosthetics

    The design freedom and quality materials provided by HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solutions allow Prensilia and Elastico Disegno to create a robotic hand called ‘Mia’ In 2012, Prensilia set itself the goal of developing a robotic hand casing that was light, highly functional, aesthetically pleasing and structurally solid to protect the internal mechanical and electronic components of the device. For this project, Prensilia collaborated with Elastico Disegno to help them overcome the limits set by traditional production methods and other filament-based 3D printing technologies, such as the inability to perfectly adapt the external covers to the shape of internal mechanics, while maintaining exceptional surface quality. Elastico Disegno chose to use PTC Creo because it is able to design mechanical and anatomical parts in a single environment, thus accelerating development and minimizing the number of components required, flexibly size the product to adapt to any variation of the components, communicate directly with the technical development departments, and simply exchange data with the customer to speed up design operations. The result of this innovative project is Mia , a robotic hand equipped with sensors and connected to a trans-radial titanium implant (between the elbow and the wrist). The cables and electrodes that connect the muscles and nerves pass through the two bones of the forearm (the ulna and the radius) before reaching the robotic hand, returning the information captured by the fingers and improving movement. Due to the complexity of most of Mia's components, Prensilia and Elastico Disegno saw additive manufacturing as the only valid technology for this project. The external coatings of the hand and fingers are made with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology using HP nylon PA 12 material, which combines strength and structural support, as well as a surface finish able to guarantee the desired aesthetics from Prensilia. These components include wearing parts, such as buttons and snap fasteners, which have passed all functionality tests. The soft parts of Mia's fingertips are made from silicone molds, also made by HP Multi Jet Fusion and Nylon 12. According to Prensilia, replacing metal molds with plastic molds has reduced the investment required and production times, without compromising performance and external finish. Marco Controzzi, Founder of Prensilia, described their reaction to the final product. “The first time we tried Mia on a patient, the reaction was, ‘How light!’,” she said. “We reached the desired level of robustness thanks to the improvement of the internal mechanics and by 3D printing the external casing with HP Multi Jet Fusion, which allows for the combination of rigidity and surface finish.” Controzzi also sees the ability to rapidly iterate as a major advantage of HP Multi Jet Fusion technology. “Another important advantage offered by 3D printing to technological frontier products such as ours is the possibility of offering customers updated products,” Controzzi said. In 2019, Mia received the Red Dot Award, one of the world's largest and most important design awards for product design. Additive Manfuacturing with Tempus 3D As one of only a select few HP Certified Production Professionals in Canada, Tempus 3D can help you achieve the advantages of additive manuafcturing with Multi Jet Fusion. Contact us today to learn more about our on-demand 3D printing service. Note: original case study and photos courtesy of HP Read the full HP case study Explore more case studies and articles with Tempus 3D Printing Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion aditive manufacturing services with Tempus 3D

  • 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing: Top Digital Scanner and Software Picks

    Orthotics manufacturers are increasingly embracing industrial 3D printing to build custom orthotics for their customers. Creating custom orthotic insoles using 3D printing technology involves a combination of digital foot scanning, design software, and 3D printing hardware. Compared to traditional methods of manufacturing orthotics, digital manufacturing of orthotics results in higher accuracy, quicker manufacturing times, and reduced labor. Here's a guide to software providers and digital scanner manufacturers that are commonly used in the industry. Steps to Create Custom Orthotic Insoles Foot Scanning Othorics manufacturers use a digital scanner to capture a detailed 3D image of the patient's foot. This image will serve as the basis for the custom insole design. Modeling and Design Once you have a scanned image of the patient's foot, import the scanned data into orthotics design software. Use the software to create a custom orthotic design that meets the patient's specific needs, including arch support, cushioning, and corrective features. 3D Printing Once the design is finalized, send the model to a 3D printer. Choose the appropriate material for the insole, such as flexible polymers for comfort and support. Common materials include Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 for stiffer orthotics, and TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) for greater rebound and flexibility. Post-Processing After printing, some insoles may require post-processing, such as vapor smoothing to enhance material properties or adding top covers for additional comfort. Fitting and Adjustment Fit the 3D printed insoles to the patient and make any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and functionality. By combining accurate scanning technology with advanced design software, the creation of custom orthotic insoles becomes a precise and personalized process, with a quicker turnaround time and a more precise fit for the patient. Digital Scanners for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing There are a variety of companies that specialize in creating digital scanning technology to produce 3-dimensional images of the foot. These range from small scanners that attach to your mobile device to stand-on scanners capable of diagnosing specific foot conditions. The companies listed below are some of the more popular options on the market, listed in no particular order. Ellinvision Overview : Elinvision specializes in high-precision 3D scanning technologies applicable to healthcare and orthotics. They provide advanced scanning solutions known for their accuracy in capturing detailed anatomical data, essential for designing customized orthotic solutions that meet individual patient needs. Top Products : iQube , iQube S , S3DT Website : Elinvision LutraCAD Overview : LutraCAD scanners are advanced tools designed for capturing precise 3D images of the foot, essential for creating custom orthotic insoles. These scanners provide detailed measurements and accurate contours, ensuring a perfect fit for orthotics. Compatible with LutraCAD software, they streamline the workflow from scanning to design and production. The user-friendly interface and high-resolution scanning capabilities make LutraCAD scanners ideal for professionals seeking efficient and reliable solutions for orthotic manufacturing. Top Products : LX500 Compact , LX800 Plus , LXL1800 Website : LutraCAD pedCAT Overview : The PedCAT 3D scanner, developed by CurveBeam, is a specialized imaging device designed for foot and ankle diagnostics. It uses cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology to produce high-resolution, 3D images of the foot, providing detailed views of bone structure and joint alignment. The PedCAT scans the foot while the patient is in a natural standing position, which enhances diagnostic accuracy. Top Product : pedCAT Website : Curvebeam AI Scanpod 3D Overview : Scanpod 3D specializes in developing high-resolution 3D scanning solutions tailored for orthotics and medical applications. The Scanpod 3D Scanner is known for its accuracy in capturing detailed foot anatomy, facilitating the creation of custom-fit orthotic insoles with precise measurements. Some of the scanners also have auto-landmarking, measuring, and diagnostic capabilities. Top Product s: XSOL and XPOD  product lines Website : Scanpod 3D Volumental Overview : Volumental specializes in creating 3D scanning solutions for footwear and orthotics, focusing on enhancing customer fitting experiences. Their 3D Foot Scanner uses computer vision and machine learning to create accurate 3D models of feet, facilitating the design and production of custom orthotic insoles. Top Product : Volumental 3D Foot Scanner , Volumental online mobile foot scanning Website : Volumental Artec 3D Overview : Artec 3D offers high-precision 3D scanning solutions renowned for their accuracy and versatility in capturing detailed foot anatomy. The Artec Eva is a handheld scanner ideal for capturing medium to large objects, while the Artec Space Spider excels in capturing intricate details with high resolution, making them suitable for orthotics design and production. Top Products : Artec Eva , Artec Space Spider Website : Artec 3D Revopoint Overview : Revopoint offers cost-effective and portable 3D scanning solutions suitable for medical applications, including orthotics. The Revopoint POP 3 Plus is designed for ease of use and affordability, making it accessible for professionals seeking accurate 3D scans of foot anatomy for orthotics design and manufacturing. Top Product : POP 3 Plus Website : Revopoint Occipital Structure Sensor Overview: Structure Sensor specializes in producing scanning technology which converts your mobile device to a 3D scanner.   These scanners offer a cost-effe ctive solution for capturing precise foot data, facilitating the creation of custom 3D-printed insoles. The Structure Sensor is widely adopted in the orthotics and prosthetics field. Top Products:   Structure Sensor 3 , Structure SDK 3.0 Website : Structure.io Apple iPhones and Orthotics Apps Overview: The LIDAR cameras in newer iPhones and iPads create precise 3D scans of objects, including feet. For orthotics manufacturing, the LIDAR sensor emits light pulses that bounce off the foot, capturing detailed measurements and contours. This data is processed by specialized apps, transforming it into an accurate 3D model. One example is the Comb app, which converts the scans into orthotics models. Comb also provides a scanning fixture which helps create accurate 3D scans of the foot. Website: Combscan Design Software for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing There are various software options available that convert digital scans into designs for orthotic footwear suitable for 3D printing. Here are just a few of the many choices. Fit360 Overview: Fit360 is a cutting-edge 3D scanning solution designed for creating custom orthotic insoles. Using advanced scanning technology, it captures precise foot measurements and contours, ensuring a perfect fit. Fit360's portable and user-friendly device quickly generates detailed 3D models of the foot, which are then used to design and manufacture personalized orthotic insoles with 3D printing technology. This technology enhances the comfort and effectiveness of orthotics by providing accurate data on foot structure and pressure distribution, leading to better support and alignment for users. Website:   https://fit360ltd.com/ Gespodo Overview: Gespodo is a leading provider of 3D scanning and printing solutions for custom orthotic insoles. Utilizing advanced scanning technology, Gespodo captures accurate and detailed foot measurements, which are essential for designing tailored orthotics. Their system ensures a precise fit by analyzing foot structure and pressure points, resulting in insoles that offer superior support and comfort. Gespodo offers the Footscan 3D mobile scanning app with the FootCAD3D design software that designs custom footbeds based on teh scan. Website: https://podo.gespodo.com/en/ Leopoly Overview: Leopoly's LeoShape is a versatile 3D modeling and design software tailored for creating custom products, including orthotic insoles. It offers an intuitive interface that simplifies the process of designing personalized 3D models, making it accessible for users with varying levels of expertise. LeoShape's powerful customization tools allow for precise adjustments based on detailed foot scans, ensuring a perfect fit and enhanced comfort for orthotic insoles. The software supports integration with various 3D scanners and printers, streamlining the workflow from design to production. Website: https://leopoly.com/leoshape/ LutraCAD Overview: LutraCAD software is designed for creating custom orthotic insoles with precision and efficiency. It features advanced modeling tools that allow for detailed customization based on individual foot scans, ensuring a perfect fit. The software integrates seamlessly with various 3D scanners and printers, including their own line of scanners. LutraCAD's intuitive interface makes it accessible to both professionals and newcomers in the orthotics field. Service Providers for 3D Printed Orthotic Manufacturing Most orthotics companies outsource the manufacturing of their 3D-printed insoles to guarantee precision and the use of top-quality materials. By partnering with 3D printing service providers, these companies can access a broad selection of industrial-grade materials with superior material properties, without needing to invest in their own 3D printers. Additionally, 3D printing service providers are capable of mass production, delivering dozens or even hundreds of orthotics within days of ordering. This collaborative approach not only enhances the quality of orthotic solutions but also accelerates the delivery of customized products to patients, ultimately improving their comfort and mobility. 3D Print your Orthotics Insoles with Tempus 3D Partner with Tempus 3D for your orthotics digital manufacturing services. Tempus 3D has experience in manufacturing custom orthotics for the Canadian market, using industry-leading HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. Offering experience, precision, and guaranteed quality, Tempus ensures your orthotics are manufactured on-time and on-spec. Tempus 3D  is an HP Certified 3D Printing service bureau located in British Columbia, Canada. Tempus offers 3D printing services using HP MJF  technology, Sinterit  SLS technology, and Formlabs  3D printing technology to offer Nylon PA 12S, TPU, and a wide variety of resins including clear resin in house. Tempus serves clients across Canada and the US, and has next day shipping to most locations in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Victoria, Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

  • Biesse Advances it's Design and Development with HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D Printing Technology

    How Biesse has increased design freedom, improved speed-to-market, and met customer requirements more quickly and more profitably with industrial 3D printing technology. The Biesse Group was founded in Pesaro, Italy in 1969 by Giancarlo Selci. The company offers modular solutions from the design of turnkey systems for large furniture manufacturers to individual automatic machines and workstations for small and medium-sized businesses. The company has a variety of subsidiaries which design, manufacture and market a full range of technologies and solutions for the wood industry, including furniture, windows and other wood components. Biesse has also recently expanded to plastic processing machines, with solutions designed specifically for this growing market. Challenge “ Within Biesse, we have a business unit entirely dedicated to the supply of machines that allow edging “ , says the company's technical and prototype office manager, Marco Mencarini. “ They allow the application of plastic or wood to the edges of the furniture. As you can imagine, our machines have to support a diverse set of assembly needs. To support them, we need to create a wide range of highly customized parts and tools. ” Some Biesse edgebanding machines operate at very high speed and consist of many moving parts that help the customer guide the edge through the assembly using supports, channels and guides. In many cases, these production aids have to be tailored to the beading material used.The challenge they faced was the ability to quickly and affordably design and build these customized pieces. Solution Biesse uses a variety of manufacturing processes in it's product development, including 3D printing. “We’ve worked with 3D printing since late 1990’s, primarily for rapid prototyping,” says Mr. Mencarini. “The HP Jet Fusion 3D Printing Solution allows us to do much more, including helping us bridge the lead-time gap of making metal molds and even allowing us to produce final parts, especially in short-runs that would be impossible to profitably manufacture otherwise.” As 3D printing has matured, they have continually explored new opportunities. When HP launched its first HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printers, Biesse became one of the first to adopt an HP Jet Fusion 3D 4200 printer. The company chose HP because HP's Multi Jet Fusion technology meets a variety of needs. In addition to simple models, Biesse wanted a more efficient way to create functional prototypes of its various mechanical components, including connecting rods, pulleys, sprockets, couplings and other parts. An example is the gear box pictured below. The part initially required multiple manufacturing technologies, including injection molding and computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Biesse's engineers wanted to assess whether the part could be redesigned using 3D printing. The design and manufacturing team optimized the geometry of the part in ways that couldn't be made with traditional manufacturing processes, such as CNC machining and injection molding), creating a part that was more efficient and less expensive part to produce usign HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. Result With creative part redesign and HP Multi Jet Fuison 3D printing processes, The Biesse team was able to reduce the lead times required to create and improve their products. They found significant productivity gains over other other 3D printing technologies and over traditional manufacturing techniques. This technology allows Biesse to beta-test a series of parts in hours rather than weeks. The quality of the parts features excellent surface quality, allowing Biesse to sandblast and paint parts comparable to other parts that are injection molded or computer numerically controlled (CNC) machined. Biesse compared the cost and time savings to manufacture a series of 100 of these mechanical parts with HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), CNC machining, and injection molding. Their results showed significant advantages of MJF over traditional manufacturing processes, as summarized below. HP Multi Jet Fusion CNC Injection Molding cost: 100% cost: 300% cost first year: 700% lead time: 1 day lead time: 20 days cost from year 2: 20% lead time: 90 days This case study, originally published by HP and Biesse, shows the potential for additive manufactuing with HP Multi Jet Fusion technology to revolutionize the manufacturing industry, saving companies significant time and money. Additive Manufacturing with Tempus 3D As one of only a select few HP Certified Production Professionals in Canada, Tempus 3D can help you achieve the advantages of additive manufacturing with Multi Jet Fusion. Contact us today to learn more about our on-demand 3D printing service, or get an online quote . Note: Case study and photos courtesy of HP and Biesse. Read the full HP case study Explore more case studies and articles with Tempus 3D Printing Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion aditive manufacturing services with Tempus 3D

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