In this week’s Top 5 series, we spotlight innovative developments in the realm of 3D printing, beginning with an insightful interview featuring artha, a French startup dedicated to enhancing the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired. Co-founder Louis de Veron elaborates on their groundbreaking invention—a lumbar belt outfitted with a camera that discreetly attaches to glasses. This device aims to revolutionize how individuals perceive their surroundings, promoting autonomy, safety, and a sense of freedom for users.
Next, we explore Polymaker’s latest innovation, CoPE, a co-polyester blend that offers a competitive alternative to PLA. This new material showcases superior printing capabilities, particularly in fine details and challenging structures. A high-speed print test reveals that CoPE could outperform traditional PLA in various conditions.
We then take you on a tour of a futuristic housing project in Austin, Texas, where Lennar and ICON have teamed up to construct a 3D printed neighborhood. Comprising 100 homes, the community is designed for energy efficiency, featuring solar panels and metal roofs, alongside stylish interiors reflecting the versatility of 3D printing in construction.
Additionally, a video from Formlabs demonstrates their recent software update which simplifies support removal during the post-processing phase. The new bundled supports feature makes it easier to detach supports and enhances surface finishes, streamlining the user experience.
Lastly, we delve into a thought-provoking discussion at MIT between President Sally Kornbluth and Professor Stefanie Mueller, focusing on the potential of customizable 3D printing to transform manufacturing practices and sustainability efforts.
For further insights into artha’s 3D printed device for the visually impaired, you can explore more details here.