Fathom Celebrates National 3D Printing Day

Jeremy — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 19:22:18 +0000

3D Printing // From Curiosity to Industry Transformation

December 3, 2021

The historical timeline for the invention and advancement of additive manufacturing runs at a rapid, permeating pace from the early 1980s to today. 1980 saw the first rapid prototype technique patent application by Dr. Hideo Kodama of Japan, yet, unfortunately, this project that described a layer-by-layer approach to manufacturing was not pursued. Yet, Dr. Kodama’s work opened the flood gates for innovative, cutting-edge technological developments. In the span of one decade, half of the additive manufacturing technologies we use today—Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)—were invented by true industry pioneers who recognized and pursued a better path forward for the future of manufacturing.

“Just like the advent and rapid innovation of technologies like the internet, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing is at an inflection point of immense transformational developments. It’s humbling to have been part of setting a great foundation formed by revolutionary thinking by several forward thinkers dating back three decades. I am extremely excited about the future of the AM industry.” / / Scott Crump – Inventor of FDM & Co-Founder of Stratasys

For the past 40 years, industry innovators and leading-edge technology has proactively pushed the boundaries of innovative manufacturing solutions. The evolution of additive technology for rapid prototyping purposes has progressed into more downstream manufacturing applications. Additive manufacturing has turned countless concepts into impactful, industry-altering realities driven by speed, complexity and agility.

“In 2020, 3D printing will confirm its role as one of the most transformational and consequential technologies in the fourth industrial revolution.” / / Marco Annunziata – Forbes

Key Moments

1980: First rapid prototyping patent application attempt / / Dr. Hideo Kodama
1986: Stereolithography / / Charles Hull
1988: Selective Laser Sintering / / Carl Deckard
1989: Fused Deposition Modeling / / Scott Crump
1995: Direct Metal Laser Sintering / / EOS
1999: First 3D printed human organ
2000: Objet / / PolyJet
2016: HP / / Multi Jet Fusion

We are proud and honored to be a part of one of the most innovative industries. Fathom salutes the accomplishments of the 3D printing pioneers. With an expectation for the future—from today to beyond—we’ve assembled six technology highlights to celebrate 3DP Day, and bring more awareness to the history of our industry.

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing method that uses a UV laser and a resin to create parts. A single laser is directed to specific areas to cure the resin and create a solid pattern. SLA is popular because it can print parts with excellent precision.

SLA Parts In As Soon As Next-Day / / Get A Quote

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-based additive technology used to create models, prototypes and end-use parts in durable, engineering-grade thermoplastics. SLS is also capable of producing parts with finer details than most processes that use high-strength plastics.

SLS Parts In As Soon As Two-Days / / Get A Quote

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a filament-based additive technology distributed by a moving print head that extrudes a heated thermoplastic material layer by layer onto a build platform. FDM is ideal for building concept models, functional prototypes and end-use parts.

FDM Parts In As Soon As Next-Day / / Get A Quote

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or metal 3d printing is an additive layer technology that utilizes a laser beam to melt layers of metal powder on top of each other. DMLS prints parts with high accuracy with excellent surface quality and mechanical properties.

DMLS Parts In As Soon As Three-Days / / Get A Quote

PolyJet (PJ)

PolyJet (PJ) is photopolymer-based jetting process that distributes material droplets layer by layer and then immediately cures the materials with a UV light. PJ is capable of creating smooth surfaces, thin walls, and complex geometries using a wide selection of materials.

PJ Parts In As Soon As Same-Day / / Get A Quote

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) builds parts by repeatedly printing a thin layer of powder on a print bed. The inkjet array in the print carriage sweeps over the print bed, jetting two agents downward—a fusing agent and a detailing agent—ideal for printing complex, functional assemblies.

MJF Parts In As Soon As Two Days / / Get A Quote

The post Fathom Celebrates National 3D Printing Day appeared first on Fathom.

Fathom 4.0: Transforming the Future of Manufacturing

Jeremy — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:10:08 +0000

Hartland, Wis., November 10, 2020

In 2020, four legacy companies – FATHOM, Midwest Composite Technologies, ICOMold and GPI Prototype – combined to form Fathom, the largest privately held digital manufacturing company in North America. As each held important industry positions individually, together they are uniquely poised to lead the digital manufacturing revolution. Moving forward, the companies will operate under the brand, Fathom.

To fully understand and best serve our consolidated customer base, Fathom underwent an independent consumer research study which unanimously recognized Fathom for its responsive communication, speed, agility, and expertise. “This is a pivotal moment in our industry to drive innovation and change, the new Fathom has been formed to drive a differentiated and impactful customer experience,” stated Rich Stump, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Fathom. To simply be recognized is not enough – Fathom strives to be the absolute BEST at these important attributes which are critical to the success of its current and future customers.

Who is Fathom?

The future of manufacturing is changing and Fathom is leading that change by leveraging our proven differentiators to reimagine the customer experience. Built on Industry 4.0, Fathom is the development of enhanced solutions backed by 35 years of industry expertise. This enables Fathom to reimagine digital manufacturing by joining proven methodologies with new processes and technologies.

Fathom combines a broad array of advanced manufacturing technologies to provide a unique and impactful development process. We proactively push the boundaries of innovative solutions to turn concepts into reality. With clients ranging from industries within the Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Technology, Medical & IOT sectors, Fathom’s digital manufacturing capabilities are now integral to their product development process.

“We are very excited to announce and begin executing our Fathom 4.0 strategy. This differentiated strategy focuses on speed, problem-solving, adaptive customer technical responsiveness and manufacturing to customers’ specifications (project complexity). All of this is backed by the industry’s most talented team and extensive capabilities. We believe this strategy will position Fathom as the most unique and differentiated digital manufacturer in North America.” -Ryan Martin, CEO, Fathom

As experts in additive and traditional manufacturing, our in-depth expertise begins with a technology agnostic approach. This inventive approach is backed by over 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space where we utilize:

14 manufacturing production methods
6 additive manufacturing technologies
Over 90 industrial grade / large format additive systems
A combination of over 125 mills, lathes, presses & 3D printers
Domestic CNC
Urethane casting
Domestic and International Injection Molding
Enhanced model finishing and assembly

Working with Fathom provides immediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and prototyping. We simply bring it all together, we boldly make the investments in our business and leverage our expertise to problem solve and deliver high-efficiency outcomes every time for our customers. See the new Fathom at FathomMfg.com.

The post Fathom 4.0: Transforming the Future of Manufacturing appeared first on Fathom.

Jeremy, Author at Fathom