6 Ways Iowa State University’s Metal 3D Printer is Transforming Manufacturing in Iowa (and Beyond)

Iowa State University recently unveiled its new metal 3D printer, a ProX 300 from 3D Systems, to the world. Since then, many people are learning about the advantages of adopting metal 3D printing as part of the design and manufacturing process.
 
Iowa State has opened its doors and invited people to learn with them as they navigate this new technology. “We’re doing a lot of this research that no one can do at this point because the technology’s not out there yet,” said Dakota Morgan, a graduate student researcher.
 
6 Ways ISU’s Metal 3D Printer is Transforming Manufacturing

1. Metal 3D Printing helps companies build prototypes more quickly and cheaply. Researcher Chris Hill told KCCI, “This particular technology blows that barrier and destroys it, so now, I can make features, such as this lattice structure, which has internal chambers that I simply cannot machine. If I were to mold this part, I’d have to get a tool to mold it. It might be six to eight weeks to get it tooled. I can do this in hours.”
2. Patented powder layering system guarantees outstanding quality – According to an article in the Des Moines Register, “metal 3-D printers can create intensely intricate parts, such as molds with swirling cooling channels or parts erected in honeycomb patterns. Parts can be hollow, or include labyrinthine chambers because no drilling is needed.”
3. Metal 3D printing reduces the cost of molding process – instead of ordering from overseas, companies can manufacture molds locally, saving both time and money.
4. Excellent accuracy and repeatability – “Once a design is created, it can be stored indefinitely, and items can be printed, essentially, on demand, without the need to send off for molds or machining.”
5. Fully dense parts with superior mechanical properties – parts created can hold up in production environments against parts that were previously machined, researchers say. The patented powder layering system guarantees outstanding quality.
6. Allows manufacturers to take part in the “testing” process by working with CIRAS. "Let us make the mistakes, and we'll tell you about our mistakes," Hill said.

Moss was integral in helping Iowa State University choose the appropriate metal 3D printer for their needs. Moss’ partnership with 3D Systems allowed ISU to research, see similar machines and parts created by similar machines prior to investing in this technology. 

Learn more about the ProX 300 at Iowa State University:

READ: Des Moines Register - The Magic of 3-D Metal Printing

WATCH: Researchers Test 'Game Changer" in Manufacturing Industry

WATCH: ISU Brings 3D Metal Printing to Iowa Manufacturing