Latest news with #FDM
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review: Pro-grade resin prints in smart, fast package
A few months ago, I reviewed the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer, a seriously feature-rich printer with a beginner-friendly price point. After a couple of years using 3D printers, I've developed a solid understanding of hobbyist-level 3D printing. However, stepping into the world of resin printing with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra was a completely different experience, challenging, fascinating, and full of new learning curves. 3D printing for the masses Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra with the Elegoo Mars Mate Air Purifier. Picture: Elegoo. With FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), safety primarily depends on avoiding burns from the hotend and bed, and ensuring your printer is in a well-ventilated area. Resin printing, however, introduces a whole new set of concerns. The Saturn 4 Ultra is a powerful, high-resolution machine, but like any resin printer, it uses photopolymer resin that is toxic in liquid form. That means gloves and a respirator aren't optional; they're essential. The first time I opened a bottle of resin, I was hit with a chemical smell that instantly reminded me this wasn't PLA. I had to reassess my setup quickly. A well-ventilated room became mandatory, and I received an Elegoo Mars air purifier from them. I also wore nitrile gloves religiously during every step, from pouring resin to removing prints and cleaning the vat. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra, alongside the Mercury XS Bundle, featuring cure and wash stations. Picture: Elegoo. Post-processing was another reality check. Washing prints in isopropyl alcohol and then curing them under UV light requires care and attention. Spills are easy to make and tough to clean if you're not prepared. I now keep a dedicated work surface covered in disposable pads, and I treat every step with caution. What I appreciate about the Saturn 4 Ultra is that Elegoo is clearly aware of these concerns. The carbon filter inside the unit helps mitigate some risks, but the user still bears the responsibility for handling the resin safely and adequately. Resin printing opens up incredible possibilities, but it demands respect. If you're coming from FDM like me, don't underestimate the learning curve, especially when it comes to safety. Protect your workspace, protect your health, and treat every print session with the seriousness it deserves. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D models printed in resin using the Saturn 4 Ultra. Pictures: Noel Campion; Elegoo includes a USB drive, resin tank, build plate, tools, and a quick-start guide. The Saturn 4 Ultra is of incredibly high build quality. It is sturdy, premium, and clearly well-engineered. Measuring 327 × 292 × 548 mm, it's not the largest resin printer available, but it strikes a balance between size and usability. The all-metal construction gives it durability and peace of mind, especially for those long overnight prints. At the heart is a 12K monochrome LCD, delivering an insane resolution of 11,520 × 5,120 with 19-micron X-axis accuracy. That means sharp details, crisp edges, and incredibly smooth surfaces. The amount of detail it captures, chainmail, facial expressions, and textures, is stunningly impressive. The tilting build plate is not typical on many resin printers, but it offers improved speed and reliability. After each layer, the plate tilts slightly, reducing peel forces. This enables faster printing (up to 150 mm/h), reduces stress on prints, and decreases failures, particularly for larger or more complex models. It also means fewer supports are needed, which is a huge win. Gandalf was printed on the Saturn 4 Ultra and hand-painted by Noel Campion. Picture: Noel Campion. The built-in AI camera enables remote monitoring of prints, detects failures mid-print, and cancels jobs as needed. Future firmware updates promise real-time notifications of failures. The camera is already a big help, especially during longer prints, where early intervention can save hours. However, I found the internal light wasn't great, and you can't see your print until it has been printed for a while. The printer has an industrial grey aesthetic. The laser-etched build plate drastically improves adhesion, and the dual Z-axis rails ensure minimal wobble. That stability is particularly evident in the surface quality, especially on taller models. The flip-back lid is excellent and certainly much better than lids that require removal and a designated storage space. However, there's no handle, and that does make opening it more difficult one-handed. I found a simple solution by printing a basic handle that I was able to stick to the front side with double-sided tape. If you've struggled with awkward lid placement during printing, you'll appreciate how convenient this is. The small vertical display works well, but I would have liked a landscape orientation a little better. The UI is also clean and functional, with a simple menu for print, tools, settings, and calibration. Speaking of which, resin calibration is handled brilliantly. Instead of running multiple test prints, the XP Finder tool allows you to print several exposure settings simultaneously, saving time and resin. Once you've identified the optimal exposure time for a particular resin, you won't need to do a calibration for it again. Finally, the redesigned COB + Fresnel light engine ensures even UV light distribution, eliminating blurry edges and uneven exposure. Combined with the 12K screen and stable Z-axis, this machine sets a new bar for mid-sized resin printers. It's fast, it's smart, and it prints stunning detail. Honestly, for a printer in this class, the Saturn 4 Ultra is seriously impressive. While the workflow can be messy, with multiple steps involved in the process, the level of detail it achieves on well-designed 3D models is remarkable. Print quality Using the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra has been a game-changer for me in terms of print quality. Coming from FDM, I was used to seeing layer lines and having to sand and prep models just to get them ready for painting. But the Saturn 4 Ultra outputs detail so sharp and clean that it's genuinely addictive. The first time I pulled a model from the build plate, I just stared at it, tiny textures in cloaks, facial expressions, chainmail, things that would have been muddy or lost entirely on FDM just came through effortlessly. One of my favourite prints so far was a mini diorama of Gandalf and Gimli, and the quality was so crisp that it instantly pushed me to take more time with my painting. Usually, I'd rush the job, but seeing those details made me want to do them justice. I spent hours carefully layering washes and dry brushing to bring out the textures. It felt less like finishing a 3D print and more like painting a proper model kit. Honestly, I didn't expect a printer to reignite my artistic side, but here we are, I'm now actively hunting for new models just to see what this machine can do. FDM versus resin 3D printing Trying resin printing for the first time with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra really highlighted the differences between these two methods, not just in results, but in the entire user experience. FDM feels more mechanical. You're working with spools of filament, usually PLA or PETG, and it builds prints layer by layer using a heated nozzle. It's generally cleaner and simpler with less mess, no toxic fumes, and much easier post-processing. I could usually remove a print, peel off the supports, and that was it. Resin printing, on the other hand, feels more like a chemical process. You're pouring liquid resin into a vat, and your prints come out sticky and unfinished. Every print needs to be washed in alcohol and cured under UV light. The detail, though, is in a different league, especially with the Saturn 4 Ultra. You get finer resolution, smoother surfaces, and sharper features that FDM just can't match. But there's a trade-off: more safety precautions, more cleanup, and a steeper learning curve. FDM is ideal for creating functional parts and offers ease of use. Resin, however, is the go-to choice when visual quality is paramount. It's a shift in mindset and workflow. Verdict The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra delivers stunning print quality, smart features, and pro-level speed in a compact, well-built machine. It demands more care than FDM, but the results are worth every extra step. €498.99 (RRP) Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Centralised operational centre to deal with the FMD crisis set up
Farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the FDM crisis. farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the FDM crisis. Picture: CatherineAs foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to ravage the agricultural sector, farmers have welcomed the establishment of the centralised operational centre aimed at addressing the crisis. The centre will be activated today by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) in response to the widespread of FMD outbreak which is threatening food security and jobs in the country. ALSO READ: Will SA run out of beef and chicken? Animal disease hits SA's top producer — what it means for consumers A plan to address FMD RMIS is a not-for-profit organisation mandated to safeguard animal and public health, expand market access, foster inclusive growth, and ensure long-term industry competitiveness. Dewald Olivier, CEO of RMIS, said the plan was to guide the organisation in addressing the FMD situation in South Africa, with a strong focus on protecting red meat role-players to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the industry. Olivier said a designated RMIS veterinarian would lead the centre and also oversee a team of veterinary professionals and industry representatives, along with a specialist public relations and public affairs agency, forming the FMD working group. 'The FMD working group will be mandated to develop and implement a structured, timebound response to the outbreak, with medium- to long-term goals, including a focus on vaccination among other key areas,' he said. 'This is critical not only for the red meat sector, but also for South Africa's broader agricultural economy, as the outbreak impacts the entire red meat value chain and poses a threat to the dairy industry and other sectors connected to red meat production.' Olivier said another key aim was to establish public-private partnerships at various levels to support the understaffed public veterinary sector by leveraging private sector expertise and capacity. 'This is a defining moment for the red meat industry. RMIS was established precisely for a time like this – to provide coordinated leadership, technical expertise and practical solutions in close collaboration with government and industry partners. Our unified efforts will shape a more secure, sustainable, and competitive future for the industry,' he said. ALSO READ: R72m foot-and-mouth vaccine delivery due mid-June A partnership to fight FMD Frikkie Mare, CEO of Red Meat Producers Organisation as one of the founding members of the RMIS, agreed with the establishment of the centre. Mare said it was important to note that FMD was a state-controlled disease and the envisaged centre would not be there to take over the role of government, but rather to assist it in gathering data, proposing action plans for the control of the disease and to digitalise animal movement permits. 'We believe this is a step in the right direction for more effective control of FMD with a partnership between the government and industry,' said Mare. TAU SA general manager Bennie van Zyl has also welcomed the establishment of the centre and said fighting FMD was essential because it was also threatening dairy farmers. 'This joint operation command centre is a very good thing and we support it' said Van Zyl. 'It is important that they actually have a well-functioning mechanism that can help the government to do what needs to be done. We hope that very soon the problem will be resolved. There is a need for everyone to play a role in addressing this problem.' Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen said his department was aware that there was a great deal of anxiety around the various outbreaks of FMD in several provinces. Steenhuisen said the department was working around the clock to address the issue. 'All infected properties are placed under quarantine and no movement is allowed into, out of or through that particular area of the farm,' he said. 'Large areas where individual notices cannot be served have been gazetted as disease management areas. And, of course, the same restrictions apply.' He said the government was embarking upon a vaccination campaign and has set aside more than R70 million for FMD vaccines to inoculate about 900 000 animals. NOW READ: Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak rocks South Africa's cattle industry
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
German farms to receive EU aid after foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
German farmers affected by a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) are eligible to receive financial aid from the European Union, the German Agriculture Ministry said on Tuesday. Germany saw its first outbreak of FDM in more than 35 years when the disease was discovered in a herd of buffalo in the eastern state of Brandenburg, just outside Berlin, in January. The European Commission subsequently ordered a 6-kilometre exclusion zone around the site of the outbreak, restricting the transport of animals from the area, while several countries announced bans on imports of German agricultural products. However, all tests for FMD in domestic and wild animals in the affected region have since been negative, enabling all trade restrictions to be lifted. On April 15, the country was officially declared free of the disease. To help them deal with the fallout, all dairy and pig farmers within the exclusion zone are eligible for EU aid, according to the ministry. Affected farmers can now breathe a sigh of relief, said acting Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, adding that the payments were "important for them to be able to carry on." He stressed that his goal had always been to prevent any farmer of having to give up due to the outbreak. The state of Brandenburg estimates the outbreak caused some €8 million ($9.1 million) in damages, with farmers forced to kill numerous animals. The European Commission is currently preparing guidelines to determine the exact amounts to be paid out, according to the ministry.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Truth Data Insights Announces Rebrand as Brazos Safety Systems
FORT WORTH, Texas, April 08, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Truth Data Insights, a leading provider of state-of-the-art Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) flight safety analytics and technology, is proud to announce its official rebranding to Brazos Safety Systems. This transformation marks a historic moment in the company's journey, aligning its brand identity with its evolving mission, expanded services, and growing customer base. "Today marks an important milestone in our company's evolution. Our new identity as Brazos Safety Systems reflects our vision for the future and the tremendous opportunity ahead to support aircraft operators with a broader range of solutions to address the ever-critical need for flight safety," said Peter Henrikson, President of Brazos. "For more than 10 years, we have grown to become a critical safety partner to a rapidly expanding list of leading aircraft operators, and as Brazos we will aim to expand our solution set to address more of the challenges around maintaining and improving flight safety." Based in Fort Worth, TX, the company has delivered FDM / FOQA solutions since 2015, adapting to rapid changes in the aviation industry. Today, Brazos Safety serves aircraft operators across sectors including emergency medical rescue, oil and gas, VIP, logistics, law enforcement, and executive travel. The Brazos team is comprised of avionics engineers, software engineers, flight data analysts and customer support staff capable of delivering high-quality FDM / FOQA analytics across a wide variety of aircraft types and configurations. "Brazos Safety is a leader in FDM / FOQA, having participated in innovative initiatives like the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's Rotorcraft Aviation Safety and Information Sharing (R-ASIAS) program as well as other initiatives by the Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA) and Helicopter Safety Advisory Conference (HSAC)," said Tom Nied, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Brazos Safety. As part of this rebrand, Brazos Safety Systems will launch a new visual identity, updated digital platforms, enhanced customer resources, and a revamped website at About Brazos Safety Systems Brazos Safety Systems is a leader in aviation safety, specializing in data-driven insights that enhance flight safety and operational efficiency. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the company continues to provide cutting-edge FDM / FOQA technologies to support safer operations for aviation professionals worldwide. View source version on Contacts Kendall SellersMarketing ManagerBrazos Safety Systemsksellers@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stratasys to Showcase its Leading Additive Manufacturing Ecosystem and Unveil New Solutions at RAPID + TCT 2025
Company to highlight critical applications and use cases, and lead discussions on how customers are using additive manufacturing to transform design, tooling and production EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. & REHOVOT, Israel, April 03, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS) today announced its product and speaker lineup for RAPID + TCT 2025, North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, taking place April 8–10 in Detroit, Michigan. The company will unveil multiple new solutions and materials, host live product demonstrations, and present in a dozen conference sessions—all focused on helping manufacturers transform their operations across the manufacturing lifecycle. Visitors to booth #2501 will experience Stratasys' full additive ecosystem in action, featuring six 3D printers across five technologies, over 120 printed parts, and a range of software, materials, and post-processing solutions. "Additive Manufacturing stands at an important crossroads as manufacturers across the globe decide on the right path forward during a period of opportunity, risk and uncertainty," said Rich Garrity, Chief Business Unit Officer, Stratasys. "The need for AM has never been greater and the team looks forward to discussing in Detroit the clear advantages of integrating additive into the manufacturing floor to lower costs, increase efficiency and overcome challenges such as supply chain stability." Stratasys will unveil its new Neo800+™ stereolithography printer and PolyJet ToughONE™ material live on the show floor, reinforcing the company's commitment to developing solutions that deliver production-grade performance, repeatability, and efficiency. The show will also feature a dedicated PolyJet ToughONE functionality station, including drill and pull testing, and an air hockey table demonstration using printed components—highlighting the strength of the material and just several of the applications that could be developed within a single system. In addition, Stratasys will spotlight CALLUM SKYE, a low-volume, luxury EV developed using Stratasys technologies, demonstrating how additive manufacturing can scale from concept design through end-use production. Stratasys will also introduce several new products and materials across its FDM® and P3™ DLP platforms at RAPID + TCT, expanding its additive capabilities for high-demand applications in aerospace, electronics, industrial manufacturing, and healthcare. New FDM announcements include: VICTREX AM™ 200, a high-performance PEEK-based material offering excellent mechanical strength, heat resistance, and chemical durability for applications such as aerospace brackets and industrial tooling. PC-ESD, a polycarbonate blend with electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties, designed for static-sensitive applications in electronics assembly and production environments. New P3 DLP announcements include: GrabCAD® Print Pro for Origin, rounding out Print Pro's availability across all Stratasys technologies, enabling streamlined print preparation and enhanced workflow control for Origin users. A new ESD photopolymer, Loctite 3D IND3380™ ESD , delivering electro static-discharge-safe properties for parts used in automotive tooling, industrial machinery, and aerospace components. Throughout the event, Stratasys leaders and customers will take the stage to share how additive is being used to solve real-world challenges. Key sessions include (all times Eastern Daylight Time): Tuesday, April 8 8:30-10:00 a.m.: Yoav Zeif, "AM Impact: View from the C-suite Panel," SME Mainstage 10:30-11 a.m.: Anirudh Krishnakumar, "Maximizing 3D Performance: Leveraging IoT and OEE for AM Success," TechHub Stage, #3720 11-11:30 a.m.: Fadi Abro, "Accelerating Innovation for Customers: F3300 and Its Impact to Ford's AM Capabilities," Room 430A 11-11:30 a.m.: Neil Hopkinson, "Mindful Manufacturing™ in Action: How SAF Re-life Turns AM Waste into Profitable Parts," Room 413B 11-11:30 a.m.: Conrad Smith, "Innovation to Industrialization – Approaches Throughout the Manufacturing Process", AeroDef Room 1-2 p.m.: Yoav Zeif, "Afternoon CEO Keynote: State of the AM Industry and Customer Panel on Real-world Applications," SME Mainstage Wednesday, April 9 11-11:30 a.m.: Jesse Roitenberg, "AM and Workforce Development: Stratasys and SME Impact on the Next Generation," Room 413A 2:30-3 p.m.: Guy Shirazi, "Stratasys PolyJet: Like You've Never Met Before," Tech Hub Stage, #3720 2:30-3 p.m.: Andrew Graves, "Neo SLA Models for Advanced Aerospace Wind Tunnel Testing," Room 410A 2:30-3 p.m.: Adam Donfrancesco, CALLUM, "Revolutionizing Low-volume Production: AM in the Development of the CALLUM SKYE" Room 430A Thursday, April 10 10:30-11 a.m.: Victor Gerdes, "Secure Scaling of AM: Mitigating Cyber Risks in 3D Printing," Room 411C 11-11:30 a.m.: Eric Yeung, "Fire the 'Laser' by Austin Powers. SLA Productivity Enhancement Beyond the Laser", Room 413A Noon-12:45 p.m.: Angelo Tardugno, "3MF: The 3MF File Format for 3D Printing: Applications, Extensions and Integrations", SME Theater Stratasys' full presence at RAPID + TCT includes hands-on product demos, technical talks, and curated tours for students and professionals. To schedule a meeting with the team or view the full event agenda, visit About Stratasys Stratasys is a global leader in additive manufacturing, transforming how things are made with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing. Through its connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys delivers competitive advantages at every stage of the product lifecycle. The world's leading organizations trust Stratasys to streamline production, accelerate innovation, and improve efficiency. For more information, visit follow Stratasys on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, or visit the Stratasys blog. Stratasys reserves the right to share material non-public information using its website and social media channels, as per SEC Regulation FD. View source version on Contacts Media ContactsErik SniderStratasys+1 Chris ReeseStratasys+1 Investor Relations Contact Yonah LloydStratasys+972 74 745
