There are many small metal parts in use today that don’t necessarily need to be metal — but for decades, machining these components from a metal blank has been the fastest, most cost-effective way to make them. 9T Labs has developed a composite manufacturing process utilizing 3D printing that aims to challenge this. By applying thermoplastic and continuous carbon fiber to reinforce the material only where needed, the company can create parts that are much lighter and even cheaper than a metal alternative, while still being strong enough to do the job. In this episode of The Cool Parts Show, we pit a composite bracket for a helicopter hinge against its machined steel counterpart.

This episode brought to you by Carpenter Additive. https://www.carpenteradditive.com/

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

- 9T Labs https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- The Red Series technology and applications for this solution https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Other examples of 3D printed brackets https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Another lift test with a composite 3D printed hook https://www.additivemanufacturing.med...

- Wagner Machine in Norton, Ohio, site of the lift test https://wagnermachine.com/

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