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3d printing general

SNL Creative Named Production Partner for Wilson Airless Gen1

By 3d printing general

WILSON® ANNOUNCES PLAN TO SELL FIRST-EVER, 3D-PRINTED BASKETBALL

 

 

CHICAGO (Feb. 7, 2024) — Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announces the release of the Wilson Airless Gen1TM – the innovative, first-of-its-kind 3D-printed basketball that never needs to be inflated. Building off the success of the Airless Prototype debut last year, the limited-edition Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball will be available for purchase on Feb. 16.

 

“We were overwhelmed by the excitement from our Airless Prototype, and we knew it was time to bring t

 

his rare, first-of-its kind innovation to the world,” said Kevin Murphy, General Manager, Team Sports at Wilson. “Wilson has gone where no brand has gone before with the release of the Airless Gen1 basketball, further inspiring the next generation of sports innovation.”

 

The Wilson Airless Gen1 has similar functionality to the prototype, however over the last year, the Wilson Labs team has taken the steps to increase performance and streamline the manufacturing process. The basketball nearly fits the performance specifications of a regulation basketball, including its weight, size and rebound (bounce). While the Wilson Airless Gen1 is crafted for play, it is truly a coveted, technology-infused product meant to create and inspire a new community of innovation enthusiasts and basketball hype curators alike.

 

The main updates to the Wilson Airless Gen1 include:

  • Improved functionality: Upgraded lattice design for more consistent performance and bounce. T
  • he ball still includes the same see-through lattice with eight panel-like “lobes.”
  • Streamlined manufacturing: Holes integrated within the channels to help speed up the manufacturing process, making it faster to create each ball. The basketball remains airless and does not to be inflated.
  • Enhanced customization: Each ball will have a built-in label for customization and will feature the exact, limited number in which it was produced.
  • Color variety: In addition to the recognizable jet-black colorway of the prototype, the Airless Gen1 will also be available in brown and natural white.

 

The Wilson Labs team leveraged the same game-changing process to create the Wilson Gen1 Airless basketball with key partners: General Lattice provided computational design services for elevated customization, DyeMansion provided color and finishing solutions, EOS provided technical oversight and a roadmap for mass production, while SNL Creative was the primary manufacturing hub for this first launch.

 

Limited units of the Wilson Airless Gen1 will be available exclusively on Wilson.com beginning Friday, Feb. 16 for $2,500. Fans can also experience the product at Wilson’s on-site activation at NBA Crossover in Indianapolis from Feb. 16 – 18. To learn more, please visit Wilson.com and follow along @wilson and @wilsonbasketball.

 

About: Chicago, USA-based Wilson Sporting Goods Co., part of Amer Sports Corporation, is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. The Company brings more than a century of innovation, history and heritage across many sports including Racquet Sports, Baseball, Softball, American Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer and Golf.

 

In Basketball, Wilson is the supplier of Official Game Basketballs for the National Basketball Association® (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association® (WNBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association® (NCAA) for March Madness and the Final Four, Basketball Champions League (BCL), Basketball Africa League (BAL) and FIBA 3×3.

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SNL Creative proudly announces the Addition of DyeMansion’s Powerfuse S and DM60 Full Color Systems

By 3d printing general, Automotive, Manufacturing

SNL Creative has a reputation for developing high value products with Industrial 3D printing. Their vision is where 3D printed products are part of our everyday life. In the next phase of their on demand manufacturing solutions, SNL Creative teams up with DyeMansion to deliver Vapor Polishing and Dyeing across the suite of the AM technologies; Including SLS and FDM.

 

The Power of Vapor Polishing

Vapor Polishing is a post-process technique that evenly relaxes the molecular chains of the surface layer resulting in smooth surfaces.

  1. Improved Aesthetics: A deep dye process with vivid colors that are scratch, UV, and heat resistant.
  2. Enhanced Functionality: Easy to clean sealed surfaces that are resistant to Chemicals. Improves flexibility and durability of 3D printed parts. Reduces part roughness by 80% and Reduces friction by 33.8%
  3. Certified Safe and sustainable: Food and skin contact compliant. A sustainable process for sealed surfaces. FDA certified for your Food and Beverage applications. Prevents parts against bacteria growth. A reproducible and traceable process that is ISO certified for end user applications.

3d printed shoes

The Art of Dyeing

Dyeing is another valuable post-processing technique that goes hand in hand with vapor polishing. It involved adding color to the 3D printed part and offers a set of diverse advantages.

  1. Customization and Branding: Limitless color choices from standard color databases or custom made colors.
  2. Color coding and identification: In industries like health care and manufacturing, color coded parts can be used for easy identification, sorting, and assembly.
  3. Enhance UV resistance: Dyes can provide UV resistance, preventing color fading or degradation when expose to sunlight. This is crucial for outdoor and Long-term applications.

3d printed fashion

The Synergy of Vapor Polishing and Dyeing

When combined, vapor polishing and dyeing yield an impressive synergy that adds value to 3D printed parts. The smooth pristine surface achieved through vapor polishing serves as an idea canvas for dyeing, ensuring the colors are vivid, consistent, and long-lasting. This combination is particularly advantageous for producing consumer goods, intricate prototypes, and industrial components.

3d printed basketball

Unlocking the Future Life-Like Prosthetics with Color 3D Printing by Stratasys

By 3d printing general, Uncategorized

Stratasys J750 color 3D printing is unlocking the future of special effects (SFX) and stop motion animation industries with life-like prosthetics. One of the most recent advancements is introducing color 3D printing technology, particularly with the Stratasys J750 system. This groundbreaking innovation revolutionizes how artists and technicians create life-like prosthetics, intricate stop-motion animation sets, and stunning SFX elements.

The Stratasys J750 is a high-end PolyJet 3D printer, known for its ability to print in multiple materials and colors simultaneously. With over 500,000 color combinations and a wide range of material properties, the J750 empowers artists to create realistic textures, gradients, and transparencies for their projects. The printer’s layer resolution, as fine as 14 microns, enables the production of intricate and life-like details that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional methods.

Revolutionizing life-like prosthetics: the Stratasys J750 has been instrumental in advancing 3D printing for SFX and animation. Makeup artists can now design and print complex, realistic-looking prosthetic pieces, such as skin textures, wounds, or even entire facial structures, with remarkable precision. These 3D printed prosthetics not only save time and resources but also provide an unmatched level of detail, allowing filmmakers to tell stories with greater authenticity.

Transforming Stop Motion Animation: In the realm of stop motion animation, the J750 has made a significant impact by allowing animators to rapidly produce detailed, multi-colored, and textured puppets, sets, and props. The ability to print intricate and movable parts, such as facial features or limbs, has streamlined the animation process and enabled the creation of more expressive characters. The J750’s precision and versatility have opened up new creative possibilities, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in stop motion animation.

Special Effects Breakthroughs: Beyond prosthetics and animation, the J750 is also redefining the SFX industry by enabling artists to print realistic props, such as weapons, vehicles, or even entire miniature sets, in stunning detail. The technology’s ability to produce vibrant, multi-material prints has made it an invaluable asset for creating captivating visual effects that captivate audiences.

Conclusion: The Stratasys J750 color 3D printing system is truly revolutionizing the special effects, life-like prosthetics, and stop motion animation industries. By offering unprecedented levels of detail, color, and material versatility, the J750 is enabling artists and technicians to push the boundaries of their creativity and bring their visions to life like never before.

3D Printing Trophies

By 3d printing general

SNL Creative is a leading 3d printing manufacturer making waves in the industry with its innovative 3D printing technology. Using a range of 3D printing methods, including SLS, FDM, and color 3D printing, SNL Creative can create custom trophies that are beautiful and durable.

3d printed trophies

SNL Creative is an industry leader in the rapid production of custom trophies and awards, and one of the ways they achieve their high-quality results is through the use of silicon molding. Silicon molding is a process that allows SNL Creative to create custom trophies with intricate designs and details that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods.

The silicon molding process involves creating a mold of the desired trophy design using silicone rubber material. The mold is created by pouring the silicone rubber over a master pattern of the trophy, which can be made using various methods, including 3D printing. Once the mold has cured, it can be used to create multiple copies of the trophy design, each with the same level of detail and precision as the original.

Using silicon molding allows SNL Creative to create trophies with a wide range of shapes and sizes, from simple designs to complex, multi-part trophies. The process is also cost-effective, as the mold can be used to create multiple copies of the trophy design without the need for additional setup or tooling costs.

In addition to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, silicon molding also allows SNL Creative to create trophies with a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and resin. This allows for greater customization and flexibility in the trophy design, as well as the ability to create trophies that are both beautiful and durable.

Overall, the use of silicon molding is just one of the many ways that SNL Creative is pushing the boundaries of trophy design and production. Whether you’re looking for a simple trophy or a complex, multi-part design, SNL Creative has the expertise and technology to create a stunning final product that you’ll be proud to display.

SLS, or selective laser sintering, is one of the 3D printing methods used by SNL Creative. This process involves using a high-powered laser to melt and fuse small plastic or metal particles together, creating a highly detailed and accurate final product. SLS is perfect for creating trophies with complex shapes and designs that need to be strong and resistant to wear and tear.

FDM, or fused deposition modeling, is another popular 3D printing method used by SNL Creative. This process involves melting and extruding thermoplastic materials to create layers that build up to form the final object. FDM is ideal for creating trophies that are both lightweight and durable, making it a popular choice for sporting events and other competitions.

Color 3D printing is also a specialty of SNL Creative, allowing them to create trophies with vibrant and eye-catching colors. This process involves using a 3D printer that can print in full color, using a combination of CMYK ink cartridges to create a wide range of colors and shades. Color 3D printing is perfect for creating trophies that need to stand out and make a statement.

Overall, SNL Creative’s use of 3D printing technology is revolutionizing the trophy industry, allowing for greater customization, precision, and durability than ever before. Whether you’re looking for a traditional trophy or a completely unique and custom design, SNL Creative has the expertise and technology to create a stunning final product that you’ll be proud to display.

SNL Creative 3d printing for stop motion animation

By 3d printing general

Stop-motion animation is a painstaking process that brings characters to life, one frame at a time. SNL Creative, a renowned 3d printing studio, has adopted Stratasys J750 color 3D printing technology to revolutionize the creation of their stop-motion characters, significantly enhancing their storytelling capabilities.

The Stratasys J750 is a full-color, multi-material 3D printer with high precision and color accuracy. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, SNL Creative has transformed the way they create intricate stop-motion characters and sets, allowing them to push the boundaries of imagination.

Traditionally, stop-motion animation relies on handmade puppets and sets, which can be time-consuming to produce and difficult to modify. With the Stratasys J750, SNL Creative can now design and print character models and sets with incredible detail and vibrant colors, reducing the time spent on manual labor. The 3D printer also enables them to create multiple variations of a character’s facial expressions or interchangeable body parts, which is essential for stop-motion animation.

The versatility of the Stratasys J750 extends beyond just the wide color range. The printer can handle a variety of materials, allowing SNL Creative to print flexible, rigid, and translucent parts in a single print job. This capability has opened up new possibilities for creating stop-motion characters with a more lifelike appearance and dynamic movements, contributing to the overall quality of the final animation.

Moreover, using 3D printing for stop-motion animation has facilitated rapid iteration and experimentation. If a character design isn’t working as intended, SNL Creative can quickly modify the design and print a new version without having to start from scratch. This efficiency enables the animation team to focus on perfecting the storytelling aspects of their films, rather than being bogged down by the limitations of traditional fabrication techniques.

By embracing the Stratasys J750 color 3D printer, SNL Creative has made tremendous strides in the world of stop motion animation. The technology has not only streamlined their production process but also unlocked new creative possibilities for animators. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, there’s no doubt that we’ll see even more impressive stop motion animation films in the future, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Wilson Sporting Goods 3d Printed Airless Basketball

By 3d printing general

Wilson Sporting Goods Co., a leading sports equipment manufacturer in the US, has revealed an experimental prototype of an airless basketball, believed to be the first of its kind in the industry to be 3D printed. Wilson collaborated with General Lattice, a Chicago-based 3D design company, EOS, a 3D printer manufacturer, and DyeMansion, a post-processing company, to create the ball. The prototype aims to show that a basketball can be produced without requiring inflation and demonstrate the potential of additive manufacturing techniques in the sporting goods sector. KJ Martin of the Houston Rockets showed the prototype’s playability during the first round of the AT&T Slam Dunk contest at a recent NBA All-Star game.

Wilson-Airless-Prototype-emerging-from-SLS-3D-printer

The GL Labs team at General Lattice worked closely with Wilson to develop the prototype using its computational design tools and workflows, streamlining the design and iteration process. The ball was printed using an EOS P 396 SLS 3D printer. DyeMansion added finishing touches, such as DeepDye Coloring and VaporFuse Surfacing, to create the ball’s outer skin and a smooth finished surface. The ball’s structure consists of a see-through black lattice with eight panel-like lobes.

 

The Wilson airless basketball is part of a trend of additive manufacturing in the sports industry. In 2021, Adidas partnered with Carbon to produce the 3D printed 4D midsole, the 4DFWD, using digital light synthesis (DLS) 3D printing technology. Later that year, Adidas and the Marcolin Group collaborated to produce the 3D CMPT, 3D printed sports glasses weighing only 20g, with a retail price of $415 during their limited release run from August 2021.

SNL Creative is proudly offering EOS SLS 3d printing for applications and materials requiring such rigorous used cases.

SNL Creative Acquires EOS P396 SLS 3D Printing System

By 3d printing general
[Huntington Beach, CA] – SNL Creative Inc. is proud to announce the acquisition of a state-of-the-art EOS P396 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing System. This advanced technology allows for creating of highly intricate and complex parts through laser sintering and melting various powdered production-grade materials.

sls 3d printing

The EOS P396 SLS Printing System is a significant addition to SNL Creative’s current technology offerings. It will significantly enhance the company’s ability to produce volume production components, highly intricate parts, and prototypes. The system’s advanced features, fully dense build in X, Y, and Z, high-speed printing, and monitoring capabilities provide our customers with the ability to produce parts faster and more cost-effectively while maintaining the highest accuracy and quality.

 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this advanced technology to our customers, as it will allow us to scale AM production while delivering qualified results to our clients,” said CEO Lindsey Zindroski. “The acquisition of the EOS P396 SLS Printing System is a testament to our commitment to providing our customers with the most innovative and cutting-edge technology available in the industry.”

 

Some benefits of using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology include the following:

 

Complex geometries: Having no support structures. The SLS technology allows for the production of complex and intricate parts that may not be achievable using other 3d printing technologies and traditional manufacturing methods.

Scalable Production: taking advantage of the full build envelope gives the ability to scale volumes of part per build operations

Material options: SLS technology supports various materials, including nylon, glass-filled nylon, polystyrene, TPE, and TPU.

Certified Bio-Compatible Parts: SLS-printed parts are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for end-use hardware and certified for medical applications.

Batch production: SLS technology enables the production of multiple parts in a single build, making it a cost-effective solution for small- to medium-scale production runs.

Post-processing: SLS parts can be further processed and finished, such as sandblasting, painting, or dyeing.

Reduced waste: Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, SLS technology produces minimal waste, reducing material costs and improving the overall sustainability of the manufacturing process.

About SNL Creative

SNL Creative is a leading provider of Additive Manufacturing Services. The company has a proven track record of delivering innovative and practical solutions to its customers. It is committed to staying at the forefront of technology and advancements in its field.

SNL Creative offers Stratasys J735 the latest in color 3d printing technology

By 3d printing general

Design and manufacturing are transforming, and 3D printing technology is at the forefront of this change. SNL Creative is part of the Stratasys preferred partner network. Stratasys, a leader in 3D printing, has published a whitepaper detailing the impact of this technology on the industry.

color 3d printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, allows designers and engineers to create complex shapes and structures in a matter of hours rather than the weeks or months required by traditional manufacturing methods. This speed and flexibility have opened new possibilities for product design and development, allowing companies to bring innovative new products to market faster and at a lower cost.

One of the key advantages of 3D printing is the ability to quickly and easily create prototypes. This saves time and allows designers to test and refine their ideas rapidly. With the ability to print in a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, and even human tissue, designers can create accurate and functional prototypes that closely mimic the final product.

In addition, 3D printing is also revolutionizing the way that products are manufactured. Companies can quickly ramp up production and respond to changing market demands by eliminating the need for tooling and other traditional manufacturing methods. This also enables companies to produce low-volume, highly customized products, which is not feasible with conventional manufacturing methods.

3D printing is also having a profound impact on the supply chain. By allowing companies to produce products locally rather than relying on overseas manufacturing, 3D printing can reduce lead times and improve quality control. This can create new business opportunities and revitalize local manufacturing communities.

In conclusion, the revolution in design brought about by 3D printing is transforming the industry and providing new opportunities for companies to innovate and succeed. With its speed, flexibility, and versatility, 3D printing has the potential to change the way we design and manufacture products forever.

https://snlcreative.com/services/3d-printing/polyjet/

https://www.stratasys.com/en/resources/whitepapers/revolution-in-design/

 

3 Reasons Why You Should Choose a 3D Printing Partner Like SNL Creative Over Buying Your Own Printer: Quality, Capability and Cost-Effectiveness

By 3d printing general

3D printing is a powerful and versatile technology that can revolutionize how we create and manufacture products. While there are many reasons to invest in a 3D printer for home use, there are also many benefits to working with a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative. This blog post will explore why you should consider using a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative instead of buying your 3D printer.
First and foremost, a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative has access to the latest and most advanced 3D printing technology. This means that you can be sure that your designs are being printed to the highest standards of quality and accuracy. A basic 3D printer for home use will usually have a 0.2mm precision, which is not sufficient for some projects, but with SNL Creative, you will have access to more accuracy and higher quality.

Another benefit of working with a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative is that they can handle large and complex projects. A 3D printer for home use may not be able to handle the demands of a large project, but a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative has the resources and expertise to handle even the most complex projects. This means you can trust them to deliver high-quality products that meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Furthermore, a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative offers a wide range of services, including design and prototyping services, which can help you take your ideas and designs to the next level. This can be especially useful for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to bring new products to market or improve existing ones. In addition, they also offer 3D printing courses and design services, which can help customers learn more about the technology and create even more complex designs.

Another benefit of working with a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative is that they offer cost-effective solutions. A 3D printer for home use can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of materials and maintenance. However, a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative can provide affordable and cost-effective solutions that can help you save money in the long run.

Finally, a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative can help you save time and effort. Instead of spending hours figuring out how to use a 3D printer and troubleshoot problems, you can send your designs to a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative and let them handle the rest. This means you can focus on other important tasks and leave the 3D printing to the experts.

In conclusion, while there are many reasons to invest in a 3D printer for home use, there are also many benefits to working with a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative. With access to the latest technology, the ability to handle large and complex projects, a wide range of services, cost-effective solutions, and the ability to save time and effort, a 3D printing partner like SNL Creative can help you bring your ideas and designs to life in a matter of days.