日本技術情報センター List of News Articles

In this seminar, we will briefly explain various molding methods and techniques for plastic molds using metal 3D printers, key points and considerations in manufacturing, and examples of molding. Following that, advanced users utilizing metal 3D printers from EOS, 3D Systems, Sodick, and Matsuura Machinery will discuss cutting-edge mold manufacturing technologies and cases, as well as the factors behind failures and secrets to success. First, we will explain examples of low-cost, high-quality manufacturing techniques achieved through complex shapes and integrated molding, hybrid molding, and 3D cooling water pipe molding using EOS metal 3D printers at J-3D, which also lead to shortened lead times, weight reduction, and cost savings. Next, we will discuss ODEC's achievements in dramatically reducing lead times and costs in mold updates by manufacturing complex molds for resin molding with metal 3D printers, along with the latest molding examples and simulation technologies for internal structures (3D water pipes), flow, and temperature. Finally, we will provide specific explanations of the industry-leading mold manufacturing capabilities of Sanko Gosei using metal 3D printers, including remarkable reductions in mold cooling times through 3D cooling water pipe molding, and how porous molding effectively mitigates issues such as short shots and gas burn, as well as examples of reduced injection times.

The complex shape modeling, integrated modeling, lattice/honeycomb structure modeling, porous structure modeling, hybrid structure modeling, direct modeling from 3D data, as well as topology optimization and collaboration with generative design, which are difficult with conventional processing methods and technologies, enable the creation of innovative aluminum parts that are not found in traditional or other companies, rapid development, prototyping, and modeling of parts, dramatic reduction in the number of parts, ultra-lightweight and miniaturization, and significant reductions in costs, manufacturing time, number of processes, and number of workers. In this seminar, pioneering users such as J·3D, ODEC, and the pioneers of white copper, who are utilizing metal 3D printers to rapidly develop, prototype, and manufacture complex-shaped aluminum parts, will specifically explain the points and precautions for introduction and utilization, various modeling methods and technologies, unique next-generation AM technologies developed in-house, and groundbreaking modeling examples that significantly differentiate from other companies, sharing both success and failure stories. With the remarkable advancement of metal AM technology, the use of metal 3D printers for aluminum part modeling and manufacturing will become commonplace in a few years. The secrets to success will be explained in an easy-to-understand and concrete manner by instructors with numerous research achievements and abundant modeling experience, targeting those considering introduction, beginners with interest, and those who have just started working in the field.

With advancements in technology, a variety of ceramics 3D printers have recently been developed and introduced to the market, enabling the creation of complex shapes and integrated structures that were impossible with traditional methods and techniques. This includes the production of porous and hollow structures, lattice structures, and the innovative creation of ceramic parts, leading to short-term, low-cost, high-quality manufacturing, a significant reduction in the number of parts, and a substantial decrease in production processes and workforce. The adoption and utilization of these technologies are rapidly progressing. On the other hand, Canon has developed a high-performance ceramic material that excels in selective laser melting (SLM) using metal 3D printers, which suppresses "shrinkage" during firing. In June of last year, Canon and the Metal Research Institute collaborated to officially launch a contract manufacturing service for high-precision, complex-shaped ceramic parts using Canon's innovative ceramic materials and the 3D Systems metal 3D printer. In this seminar, we will provide a practical and easy-to-understand explanation of the development trends of Canon's ceramic materials compatible with metal 3D printers, the molding technologies using these materials, the characteristics of the parts that can be produced, the physical properties and features of the molded products, target areas, collaboration with the Metal Research Institute, and future material development and market strategies.

At the beginning of the seminar, we will introduce Canon's latest developments in a groundbreaking high-performance ceramic material that excels in selective laser melting (SLM) for 3D printers, which suppresses "shrinkage" during firing, as well as the characteristics of parts that can be created using this method, layer manufacturing technology, target fields, contract manufacturing services, and our collaboration with Metal Research Institute, which has started a high-precision ceramic parts manufacturing service using metal 3D printers with this material. Following that, we will provide a clear explanation of the development trends of various ceramic 3D printers from world-class companies such as SKEFINE, Lithoz, and Sinto Advanced Ceramics, and how the latest manufacturing technologies enable the creation of innovative parts, rapid development, prototyping, and manufacturing of parts with complex shapes that were previously impossible with conventional processing methods and techniques, as well as hollow, porous, and lattice structures. We will also discuss various use cases, including the recent attention on high-speed, large ceramic 3D printers for the short-term and low-cost manufacturing of large parts and products. With the remarkable advancements in ceramic 3D printing/AM technology, manufacturing ceramic parts with 3D printers will become commonplace in a few years.

Recently, next-generation large-scale resin, metal, and ceramic 3D printers that achieve astonishing high-speed molding and low-cost, high-precision molding have been developed and launched in the market one after another. These printers are rapidly being adopted and utilized by advanced companies in fields such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, plants, defense, and social infrastructure for the manufacturing of large parts and products, production of components for large resin molds, as well as for parts and mold repairs and reverse engineering. In this seminar, we will discuss the development trends, features, and utilization technologies of the latest cutting-edge machines from Lobotics, a leading company in large resin 3D printers, along with domestic and international case studies and challenges. We will also cover the overview and features of the large ceramic 3D printer from SKEFINE, which can create the world's largest large parts, including its short-term molding technology and application examples. Additionally, we will present the short-term molding technology and case studies from Fuji High Frequency Industry, which is energetically utilizing the rapidly growing large metal 3D printer from Meltio, along with examples of low-cost and material reduction achieved through topology optimization. Lastly, we will provide a clear and concrete explanation for beginners about the latest molding technologies and case studies seen in Sankou Gousei, which has been utilizing a large hybrid 3D printer from Matsuura Machinery for eight years to produce various high-functionality and high-quality components for large resin molds, as well as mass production examples using those molds.

In the automotive and aerospace industries, efforts are rapidly advancing in material development and manufacturing technology aimed at further weight reduction to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This seminar will provide an easy-to-understand explanation for beginners about the trends in new material development at advanced companies that are energetically working towards ultra-lightweight solutions using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and ceramics, as well as complex shapes and integrated structures that are impossible with conventional processing methods and technologies, including 3D printing, lattice/honeycomb structure fabrication, porous structure fabrication, and 3D printing utilizing topology optimization. The lightweighting of parts that can significantly differentiate from conventional and competitor components is an urgent and critical issue, with intense technological development competition unfolding both domestically and internationally. 3D printing, which is seen as the next-generation manufacturing method for parts, offers a completely new perspective on additive manufacturing (AM) technology, enabling the creation of innovative and attractive lightweight components that are difficult to achieve with traditional processing methods and technologies, as well as realizing short-term, low-cost, and high-quality fabrication. Development cannot be expected to progress along the lines of existing technologies. By integrating lightweight materials with 3D printing and utilizing topology optimization, we can achieve astonishing weight reduction in parts.

Metal 3D printers can create complex shapes and integrated structures, 3D free-form piping, lattice and porous structures, and hybrid structures, which have been quite difficult with traditional processing methods and technologies. This enables the creation of innovative die-casting molds, reduces costs while improving quality, shortens development, prototyping, and manufacturing times, dramatically decreases the number of parts, lightens weight, significantly reduces manufacturing processes and workforce, and extends the lifespan of molds. In this seminar, advanced users J.3D and Cast Tech, who boast top-level technology in die-casting mold production using metal 3D printers in Japan, will explain in an easy-to-understand manner for beginners the specific molding techniques and case studies of high-functionality and high-quality die-casting molds, core pins, and inserts for die-casting molds produced with EOS-manufactured metal 3D printers, which suppress and prevent various defects and troubles traditionally encountered. They will share both success and failure stories. Additionally, we will introduce the recently popular topic of giga-casting, which has garnered attention in the United States and China. The production of molds using metal 3D printers has been rapidly increasing recently to address the various issues of defects in die-casting molds, which have been significant challenges, and to extend the lifespan of molds while significantly shortening molding cycle times.

Metal 3D printers are becoming increasingly diverse, with relatively affordable low-cost machines available for several tens of millions of yen, as well as binder jetting technology that enables mass production of parts. High-speed, large-scale machines for creating large components and products are continuously being introduced to the market, and prototypes of magnesium parts and the production of copper components, which were difficult to manufacture with existing technologies, have also begun. Metal 3D printers eliminate the need for molds by directly producing products from 3D data, allowing for complex shapes that were previously impossible to create using traditional processing methods, including integrated complex shapes, lattice and porous structures, hollow structures, and hybrid structures. This enables the creation of innovative metal parts and molds that are not available from traditional or other companies, significantly shortens prototyping and manufacturing times, drastically reduces the number of parts, and achieves lightweight miniaturization, as well as reductions in manufacturing processes and workforce numbers. Using metal 3D printers, we provide easy-to-understand explanations for those considering the development of attractive new products, the creation of new businesses, differentiation from existing products, significant reductions in prototyping and manufacturing times, dramatic reductions in the number of parts, and cost-effective lightweight complex-shaped components, as well as for beginners who are interested in these topics. The world is energetically investing in metal parts and mold manufacturing as the leading technology for the next generation, and mass production of parts has also begun in earnest. Manufacturing parts with metal 3D printers will become commonplace in a few years.

Copper, which has a high reflectivity for lasers and quickly dissipates the thermal energy from laser irradiation, was quite difficult to shape using metal 3D printers. However, recently developed pure copper and copper alloy materials with high laser absorption rates and excellent 3D printability have made it possible to manufacture high-performance copper components using metal 3D printers. With metal 3D printers, complex integrated shapes, lattice/porous structures, and hybrid manufacturing that were impossible with conventional processing methods can now be achieved, leading to the creation of innovative copper components, rapid development and prototyping of parts, significant reductions in the number of parts and improvements in quality, lightweight and compact designs, cost reductions, and a substantial decrease in the number of processes and personnel involved. This has led to increased adoption and utilization in applications such as heating coils, heat sinks, heat exchangers, motor coils, and electronic and electrical devices. The leading user, TK Engineering, has introduced four metal 3D printers in a short period for the manufacturing of heating coils and other components, producing a wide variety of copper parts with astonishingly short production times, high quality, and low costs, continuing to make significant progress. This seminar will provide a clear and concrete explanation, including success and failure stories, for those considering the use of metal 3D printers for copper component manufacturing, as well as for beginners who have an interest or curiosity in this area.

In the automotive and aerospace industries, efforts are rapidly advancing in material development and manufacturing technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions through further weight reduction. This seminar will provide an easy-to-understand explanation for beginners about the trends in new material development at advanced companies that are energetically working towards ultra-lightweight solutions using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and ceramics. It will cover various additive manufacturing (AM) and manufacturing technologies, as well as product examples that utilize these materials, including complex shape integration that is impossible with conventional processing methods, lattice/honeycomb structure fabrication, porous structure fabrication, and topology optimization using 3D printers. The lightweighting of parts that can significantly differentiate from conventional and competitor components is an urgent and critical issue, with intense technological development competition occurring both domestically and internationally. 3D printers, which are seen as the next generation of part manufacturing, offer a completely new perspective on AM technology, enabling the creation of innovative and attractive lightweight parts that are difficult to achieve with traditional processing methods, while also realizing short-term, low-cost, and high-quality manufacturing. Development cannot be expected to progress along the lines of existing technologies. By merging lightweight materials with 3D printing and utilizing topology optimization, astonishing weight reduction of parts can be achieved. We encourage you to take on this challenge.

With advancements in technology, a wide variety of ceramics 3D printers have recently been developed and launched into the market, enabling the creation of innovative ceramic parts that were impossible with traditional methods and technologies, as well as facilitating short-term, low-cost, high-quality manufacturing, which is being rapidly adopted and utilized by leading companies. On the other hand, Canon has developed a high-performance ceramic material that excels in suppressing "shrinkage" during sintering for use in selective laser melting (SLM) metal 3D printers, attracting attention. In June of last year, Canon and the Metal Research Institute collaborated to officially launch a contract manufacturing service for high-precision, complex-shaped ceramic parts using Canon's innovative ceramic materials and leveraging 3D Systems' metal 3D printers. This seminar will provide a practical and easy-to-understand explanation of the development trends of Canon's ceramic materials compatible with metal 3D printers, the molding technology using these materials, the characteristics of the parts that can be produced, the physical properties and features of the molded products, target areas, collaboration with the Metal Research Institute, and future material development and market strategies.

At the beginning of the seminar, we will introduce Canon's latest developments in a groundbreaking high-performance ceramic material that excels in selective laser melting (SLM) for 3D printers, which effectively suppresses "shrinkage" during firing. We will discuss the characteristics of parts that can be fabricated using this method, layer manufacturing technology, target fields, contract manufacturing services, and our collaboration with Metal Research Institute, which has started a high-precision ceramic parts fabrication service using metal 3D printers with this material. Following that, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of the development trends of various ceramic 3D printers from world-leading companies such as Eske Fine, 3DCeram Sinto, and Lithoz. We will cover the innovative manufacturing technologies that enable the creation of complex shapes that were previously impossible with conventional processing methods, as well as the production of hollow, porous, and lattice structures. This includes examples of innovative parts creation, rapid part development, prototyping, manufacturing, significant reductions in the number of parts, lightweight miniaturization, and reductions in manufacturing processes and workforce. We will also discuss the recent attention on high-speed, large ceramic 3D printers for the short-term, low-cost manufacturing of large parts and products, sharing both failures and successes. With the remarkable advancements in ceramic 3D printers and ceramic AM technology, the manufacturing of ceramic parts using 3D printers will become commonplace in a few years.

Recently, next-generation large-scale resin, metal, and ceramic 3D printers that achieve astonishing high-speed molding, low-cost, and high-precision molding have been developed and launched in the market one after another. These printers are rapidly being adopted and utilized by advanced companies in various fields such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, plants, defense, and social infrastructure for the manufacturing of large parts and products, production of components for large resin molds, as well as for parts and mold repairs and reverse engineering. In this seminar, we will discuss the development trends, features, and utilization technologies of the latest advanced machines from Lobotics, a leading company in large resin 3D printers, along with domestic and international case studies and challenges. We will also cover the device overview and features of the large ceramic 3D printer from SKEFINE, which can create the world's largest large parts, as well as its short-term molding technology and application examples. Additionally, we will present the short-time molding technology and case studies of Fuji High Frequency Industry, which is energetically utilizing the rapidly growing large metal 3D printer from Meltio, along with examples of low-cost and material reduction achieved through topology optimization. Lastly, we will provide a clear and concrete explanation for beginners about the latest molding technologies and case studies observed in Sanko Gosei, which has been utilizing a large hybrid 3D printer from Matsuura Machinery for the production of various high-functionality and high-quality large resin mold components for the past eight years, including mass production examples using those molds.

Metal 3D printers are becoming increasingly diverse, with relatively affordable low-cost machines available for several tens of millions of yen, as well as binder jetting technology that enables mass production of parts. High-speed, large-scale machines for creating large components and products are continuously being introduced to the market. Furthermore, the prototyping of magnesium parts and the manufacturing of copper components, which were difficult to produce with existing technologies, have begun. Metal 3D printers eliminate the need for molds by allowing products to be created directly from 3D data. They enable the creation of complex shapes that were impossible with traditional processing methods, as well as lattice and porous structures, hollow structures, and hybrid structures. This leads to the innovative creation of metal parts and molds that are not available from conventional sources, significant reductions in prototyping and manufacturing time, drastic decreases in the number of parts, lightweight miniaturization, and reductions in manufacturing processes and workforce. Using metal 3D printers, we provide easy explanations for those considering the development of attractive new products, the creation of new businesses, differentiation from existing products, significant reductions in prototyping and manufacturing time, dramatic decreases in the number of parts, and cost-effective lightweight complex-shaped components, as well as for beginners who are interested. The world is energetically investing in metal parts and mold manufacturing as the leading candidate for the next generation, and mass production of parts has also begun in earnest. Manufacturing parts with metal 3D printers will become commonplace in a few years.

The complex shape modeling, integrated modeling, lattice/honeycomb structure modeling, porous structure modeling, hybrid structure modeling, direct modeling from 3D data, as well as topology optimization and collaboration with generative design, which were difficult with conventional processing methods and technologies, can lead to the creation of innovative aluminum parts that are not available from traditional or other companies. This includes rapid development, prototyping, and modeling of parts, dramatic reductions in the number of parts, ultra-lightweight and compact designs, and significant reductions in costs, manufacturing time, number of processes, and workforce. In this seminar, pioneering users such as J.3D, ODEC, and the pioneers of white copper, who are utilizing metal 3D printers to rapidly develop, prototype, and manufacture complex aluminum parts, will provide specific explanations on key points and precautions for implementation and utilization, various modeling methods and technologies, unique next-generation AM technologies developed in-house, and groundbreaking modeling examples that significantly differentiate from other companies, sharing both success and failure stories. With the remarkable advancements in metal AM technology, the use of metal 3D printers for aluminum part modeling and manufacturing will become commonplace in a few years. The secrets to success will be explained in an easy-to-understand and concrete manner by instructors with numerous research achievements and extensive modeling experience, aimed at those considering implementation, beginners with interest, and those who are new to the field.

In this seminar, we will briefly explain various molding methods and technologies for plastic molds using metal 3D printers, key points and considerations in manufacturing, and examples of molding. Following this, advanced users utilizing metal 3D printers from EOS, 3D Systems, Sodick, and Matsuura Machinery will discuss cutting-edge mold manufacturing technologies and cases, as well as the factors behind failures and secrets to success. First, we will explain molding cases that have achieved low-cost, high-quality manufacturing techniques and shortened lead times through complex shapes and integrated molding, hybrid molding, and 3D cooling water pipe molding using EOS metal 3D printers at J-3D. Next, we will discuss ODEC's achievements in drastically reducing lead times and costs in mold updates by manufacturing complex molds for resin molding with metal 3D printers, as well as the latest molding cases and simulation technologies for internal structures (3D water pipes), water flow, and temperature. Finally, we will provide specific explanations of Sanko Gosei, the industry leader in plastic mold manufacturing technology using metal 3D printers, including remarkable reductions in mold cooling times through 3D cooling water pipe molding, and how porous molding effectively suppresses and prevents defects and troubles such as short shots and gas burns, along with examples of reduced injection times.

With advancements in technology, a wide variety of ceramics 3D printers have recently been developed and launched into the market, enabling the creation of innovative ceramic parts that were previously impossible with traditional methods and techniques, as well as facilitating short-term, low-cost, high-quality manufacturing, which is being rapidly adopted and utilized by leading companies. On the other hand, Canon has developed a high-performance ceramic material that excels in suppressing "shrinkage" during firing in laser direct metal deposition using metal 3D printers, attracting attention. In June of last year, Canon and the Metal Research Institute collaborated to officially launch a contract manufacturing service for high-precision, complex-shaped ceramic parts using Canon's innovative ceramic materials and leveraging 3D Systems' metal 3D printers. This seminar will provide a practical and easy-to-understand explanation of the development trends of Canon's ceramic materials compatible with metal 3D printers, the molding technologies using these materials, the characteristics of the parts that can be produced, the physical properties and features of the molded products, target areas, collaboration with the Metal Research Institute, and future material development and market strategies.

Recently, next-generation large-scale resin, metal, and ceramics 3D printers that achieve astonishing high-speed molding, low-cost, and high-precision molding have been successively launched into the market. These printers are actively being adopted by advanced companies in fields such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, plants, defense, and social infrastructure for the production of large parts, large products, components for large resin molds, as well as for parts and mold repairs and reverse engineering. In this seminar, we will discuss the development trends, features, and utilization technologies of the latest advanced machines from Lobotics, a leading company in large resin 3D printers, along with domestic and international case studies and challenges. We will also cover the overview, features, and molding technology of the large ceramics 3D printer from SKEFINE, which can mold the largest parts in the world. Additionally, we will present the short molding technology and case studies of Fuji High Frequency Industry, which is vigorously utilizing the rapidly growing large metal 3D printer from Meltio, including examples of low-cost and material reduction achieved through topology optimization. Lastly, we will provide a clear and concrete explanation for beginners about the latest molding technologies and case studies observed in Sankou Gousei, which has been using a large hybrid 3D printer from Matsuura Machinery for the past eight years to produce various high-functionality and high-quality components for large resin molds, including stories of failures and successes related to mass production using those molds.

The complex shape manufacturing, integrated manufacturing, lattice/honeycomb structure manufacturing, porous structure manufacturing, hybrid structure manufacturing, direct manufacturing from 3D data, as well as topology optimization and collaboration with generative design, which were difficult with conventional processing methods and technologies, can lead to the creation of innovative aluminum parts that are not found in traditional or other companies. This includes rapid development, prototyping, and manufacturing of parts, dramatic reductions in the number of parts, ultra-lightweight and compact designs, and significant reductions in manufacturing time, costs, processes, and workforce. In this seminar, pioneering users such as J·3D, ODEC, and the pioneers of white copper, who are utilizing metal 3D printers to rapidly develop, prototype, and manufacture complex aluminum parts, will specifically explain the key points and precautions for introduction and utilization, various manufacturing methods and technologies, unique next-generation AM technologies developed in-house, and groundbreaking case studies that significantly differentiate their parts from those of other companies, sharing both success and failure stories. With the remarkable advancements in metal AM technology, the use of metal 3D printers for aluminum parts manufacturing will become commonplace in a few years. The secrets to success will be discussed by instructors with numerous research achievements and extensive manufacturing experience, providing clear and concrete lectures for those considering implementation, beginners with interest, and those who are new to the field.

At the beginning of this seminar, we will focus on the research and development related to ceramics 3D additive manufacturing that the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology has been working on. We will discuss 3D additive manufacturing, powder preparation for manufacturing, debinding and sintering processes, as well as case studies of ceramics 3D additive manufacturing centered on alumina and reaction-sintered silicon carbide. Next, we will introduce Canon's latest developments in high-performance ceramic materials that significantly reduce "shrinkage" during sintering, which excel in selective laser melting (SLM) for 3D printers. We will also cover the characteristics of parts that can be manufactured using this method, layering technology, target fields, contract manufacturing services, and collaboration with Metal Research Institute, which has started high-precision semi-conductor part manufacturing services using metal 3D printers with these materials. After that, we will have advanced explanations from instructors of Shin-Toh V-Ceramics and As One about the development trends of various ceramics 3D printers from world-leading companies 3DCeram Sinto and Lithoz. We will discuss the latest additive manufacturing technologies that enable the creation of innovative parts, rapid part development, prototyping, and manufacturing, significant reductions in the number of parts, lightweight miniaturization, and reductions in manufacturing processes and workforce through the production of complex shapes, hollow and porous structures, and lattice structures that were previously impossible.

In aerospace, automotive, and other fields, rapid advancements in material development and manufacturing technology are being made to achieve further weight reduction aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This seminar will provide an easy-to-understand explanation for beginners about the trends in new material development at advanced companies that are energetically working towards ultra-lightweight solutions using lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, and ceramics, as well as various additive manufacturing (AM) and manufacturing technologies and product case studies utilizing these materials through complex shape integration, lattice/honeycomb structure fabrication, porous structure fabrication, and topology optimization with 3D printers, which are impossible with conventional processing methods and technologies. The lightweighting of parts that can significantly differentiate from conventional and competitor parts is an urgent and critical issue, and intense technological development competition is unfolding both domestically and internationally. 3D printers, which are seen as the next-generation manufacturing method, offer a completely new perspective on AM technology, enabling the creation of innovative and attractive lightweight parts that are difficult to achieve with existing processing methods and technologies, as well as realizing short-term, low-cost, and high-quality manufacturing. Development cannot be expected to progress along the lines of existing technologies. By merging lightweight materials with 3D printing and utilizing topology optimization, astonishing weight reduction of parts can be achieved. We encourage you to take on this challenge.