Autodesk has announced its research project Bernini focused on developing generative AI for professional geometric workflows, capable of generating multiple functional variations of a 3D shape from a given input. Named after the famed 17th Century Italian sculptor and occasional architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, in its first experimental guise, the software is capable of generating functional 3D shapes from a variety of inputs including 2D images, text, voxels and point clouds, although at this stage is not available for public use. Autodesk says that the Autodesk AI Lab within Autodesk Researc ..read more

Protolabs has increased its 3D printing production capability in Europe with two new HP Multijet Jet Fusion 5600 Series systems installed at its Putzbrunn facility in Germany. Launched in November 2023 at the Formnext event, Protolabs is one of the first European companies to put the 3D printers to work in round-the-clock production. Andrea Landoni, EMEA 3DP product manager at Protolabs, said: “In order to maintain our pioneering role within the industry, we have always prioritised the continual expansion of the machine park at our European 3DP Centre. “This acquisition demonstrates that we ar ..read more

Mantle has announced the release of its new material, 420 Stainless Steel, a chemical equivalent to traditional stainless steel for 3D printing steel tooling. This material addition improves speed in the manufacturing process while reducing labour requirements and is especially useful in industries that require corrosion-resistant tooling, such as the medical industry. Use of 420 Stainless Steel allows manufacturers to produce production-grade tooling during the prototyping and product development process, meaning that the overall time of producing steel tooling for variation part moulding is ..read more

Stratasys has announced the release of its SAF HighDef Printing capabilities as well as its new 3D printer, the H350 Version 1.5 (V1.5), with both intended to improve service and performance. SAF HighDef Printing will be part of a firmware update compatible with the H350 V1.5 as well as previous H350 printers, available at no additional cost for Stratasys customers. Stratasys says that the new H350 V1.5 printer features improved sensors and remote service capabilities, making it easier to operate and service than previous models, and will come with the firmware update already installed. The ne ..read more

As more goods get shipped around the world, Loadhog is redesigning transit packaging for sustainability. Emilie Eisenberg learns more about the company’s focus on greener, more ergonomic alternatives In goods transportation, the pressure is on for manufacturers to ship in as environmentally friendly way as possible, while delivering products free from damage in easy to handle containers. Experts in goods handling Loadhog has been making specialist transit packaging since 2023, moving stock for brands like Sky, the NHS and Pets at Home. Investing in a 3D printer from SYS Systems has allowed Loa ..read more

With 2024 predicted to be the ‘Year of AI’, Autodesk’s State of Design & Make Report finds designers and engineers feeling positive about the technology and confident about harnessing its powers, writes Stephen Hooper Autodesk’s annual State of Design & Make report has just been released and contains a lot of good news. Increasing adoption and growing trust in artificial intelligence (AI), tied to confidence in resilience and optimism across design and make industries are the top findings. These are based on surveys and interviews of 5,399 global business leaders, futurists and experts ..read more

Finding a way to document and market very expensive products without compromising on security is easier said than done. Emilie Eisenberg hears how Taiga Motors turned to software platform Zea for help For electric powersport company Taiga Motors, creating a comprehensive parts catalogue was the natural next step in its design workflow, but protecting confidential data was just as important. The Canadian off-road vehicle company, based in Montreal, is best known for its snowmobiles, electrifying the vehicles for a more sustainable experience. A rise in the popularity of its products meant the c ..read more

With a cobot hand sufficiently dextrous to perform sign language, Tatum Robotics hopes to help DeafBlind people around the world achieve improved powers of communication It’s hard to comprehend a world where your entire means of communication is based on touch alone, but this is the reality for those with combined sight and hearing loss. A tactile form of sign language – tactile signing – where the DeafBlind person places their hands on top of another person’s signing hands in order to feel and read their movements is key to their ability to converse and learn about the world around them. As a ..read more

EOS has launched its used polymer take-back programme aimed to reduce material waste and has also added EOS Aluminium AISi10Mg to its Responsible Products portfolio. It has partnered with Agiplast, a specialist company in the regeneration of high-performance polymers, to create VIRTUCYCLE, which transforms used polymer materials into recycled high-performance injection moulding granules using sustainably sourced energy. EOS performed a third party verified life cycle analysis on the programme to verify its positive impact, confirming that 1kg of polymer material was turned into 0.945kg granule ..read more

Keeping Hasbro’s pipeline of new toys flowing is a serious business. Stephen Holmes speaks to members of the company’s Spark R&D team, responsible for bringing exciting concepts to life and integrating new technologies that keep playtime fun The list of brands owned by legendary American toy maker Hasbro brings childhood memories flooding back. From Transformers to My Little Pony, and from Operation to Risk, few companies have such a rich heritage on which they can draw. There are also numerous toys and games ready and waiting in the wings for a periodic resurrection, such as Beyblades and ..read more