Can 3D printed polymers reinforced with chopped or continuous fibers be a suitable replacement for metal parts? In this episode, Julia Hider and Stephanie Hendrixson discuss at least three scenarios where this is taking place--and two of them happen to involve training devices related to aerospace. (Possibly a precursor to printed composites replacing metals on flight-worthy aircraft?) Then, our hosts dive into blockchain and its usefulness for protecting and distributing 3D printable files.

 

This episode is brought to you by CompositesWorld.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

• How Werco replaces metal aircraft components with 3D printed composites.
• A flight simulator body 3D printed with chopped carbon fiber-reinforced ABS on The Cool Parts Show
• Our previous episode of AM Radio on finishing of 3D printed parts with Scott Francis of Products Finishing
• The Cool Parts Show episode that put a 3D printed composite bracket up against its machined steel counterpart
• A characterization of blockchain technology by Modern Machine Shop editor emeritus Mark Albert
• CoreLedger's blockchain-based system for distributed manufacturing via 3D printing
• How VeriTX aims to build a blockchain-based marketplace for aerospace parts
• A recap of the controversy between Disney and TikTok creator Andrew Martin