When we think about robots, the first thing that comes to mind are robotic vacuum cleaners. The reason is simple: they are the most "solid" demonstration of success of "consumer" robotics. So making one sounds like a good idea... at first.

But isn't it a bit counter productive - to build something that popular, something we can buy in a store at a commodity (small) price? Should we build something similar, but NOT a vacuum cleaner? Something like... a floor washer, perhaps? Yes, a robotic floor washer.

In this tutorial I am going to build a fully working prototype of a robotic floor washer. By "fully working" I mean that it is going to wash floor, instead of moving dirt around like most robotic "moppers" do. While by "prototype" I mean it is going to be the first step towards production-ready unit, but not a production-ready unit yet. Let me explain.

First of all, it is not going to be THAT solid. You can grab a robotic vacuum cleaner that you got from the store by any part, including wheels and bumper and lift it. It will not fall apart. Ours probably will. The reason is, to make a device "mechanically solid" is a separate task, and if we focus on it, then "robotic" tasks will become more difficult to achieve. So we are going to do what engineers usually do: first they build C3PO without the outside body, wires everywhere and so on. And only then they put a gold-covered outfit on it.

What is 3D printing?

In this article, we are talking not of desktop 3D printers like the Creatbot DE but about powders for the production of metal parts.

The Tula powder metallurgy plant Polema (part of the Industrial and Metallurgical Holding) has mastered the production of high-entropy alloys and NiCrAlY coatings for import substitution in aircraft construction and other industries. These alloys are suitable for the manufacture of products using 3D printing.

“This is not even a hypercar — it’s an ultracar,” — this is how race car driver Spyros Panopoulos prefers to call his brainchild, whose company is going to present the most powerful production car in the world, stuffed with 3D printed parts and ready to put to shame Formula 1’s SSC Tuatara and Bugatti Chiron.

3D printing startups often struggle. Despite growing demands and optimistic predictions, the pandemic negatively affected the industry: the material shortage, logistical problems, lockdowns and factory shutdowns form the conditions that are far from perfect. But new interesting ideas still emerge and it seems that the pandemic is far from being the main problem for startups. 

Technically, each of those businesses goes through similar stages: from searching for ideas and like-minded people to attracting investors and scaling up. But this article will not cover the product release but will rather be focused about the things that a startup would face out of its ‘garage’.

This is a moment when Joseph Prusa, a godfather of 3D printers with the kinematics named after him, released a 3D printer with a CoreXY kinematics. But his team isn’t planning to move away from an older solution. In this article we will talk about what the Original Prusa XL will look like, as can be seen in the pictures from the Formnext 2021 exhibition. 

Guerillas in the Powdery Mist

Imagine a world where learning transcends physical boundaries, where virtual classrooms become as interactive and engaging as their real-world counterparts. This is not a far-off dream but a tangible reality, thanks to the fusion of 3D printing technology and virtual glasses. In this article, we'll explore how 3D printed virtual glasses are revolutionizing the concept of virtual schools.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 3D scanning has emerged as a revolutionary tool, transforming the way industries operate. From engineering to healthcare, 3D scanners play a pivotal role in digitizing physical objects into precise 3D models. Whether you're a professional seeking to integrate 3D scanning into your workflow or a hobbyist exploring the realm of 3D printing, understanding the nuances of 3D scanners is crucial. This guide will navigate you through the essential factors to consider when purchasing a 3D scanner, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Metal 3D printing, also known as metal additive manufacturing, stands at the forefront of technological innovation, transforming the landscape of design, engineering, and manufacturing. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing processes, which cut away from a bulk material to create a part, metal 3D printing builds parts layer by layer directly from digital models. This process enables the production of parts with complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional manufacturing techniques. From prototyping to full-scale production, metal 3D printing offers unparalleled flexibility, efficiency, and customization capabilities, making it a game-changer for industries worldwide.

In the ever-evolving world of technology, 3D printing has emerged from a niche hobby to a mainstream tool accessible to enthusiasts and professionals alike. With the surge in popularity, the market is now flooded with budget-friendly options, making it challenging to select the right 3D printer. This article aims to guide you through the process, ensuring you find a printer that matches your needs without breaking the bank.

The TRILAB DeltiQ 2 is not just a 3D printer; it's a testament to the innovation and quality that TRILAB brings to the 3D printing industry. Founded on the principles of precision engineering and user-centric design, TRILAB has carved a niche for itself among 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. The DeltiQ 2, their flagship model, encapsulates the company's commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and accessible 3D printing solutions. This section explores the DeltiQ 2, shedding light on its inception and the ethos of its manufacturer.

In the vast and dynamic realm of 3D printing, the Intamsys Funmat Pro 610 HT emerges as a groundbreaking solution, specifically engineered for those seeking to harness the capabilities of high-temperature materials. This printer not only distinguishes itself through its remarkable material versatility but also sets new benchmarks for what professionals and enthusiasts alike can achieve in their 3D printing ventures.

CreatBot is a 3D printer manufacturer based in China. The CreatBot D600 is one of their most successful devices. This 3D printer can work with various materials, including demanding ones. It offers industrial-grade quality, high level of precision and large-scale 3D printing.

The newer version, the D600 Pro, was developed and released later, in 2018 (the original D600 has been available since 2016). It’s designed to work with an even wider range of materials, including Nylon and polycarbonate. 

Both versions feature a massive build volume of 600 x 600 x 600 mm and dual extrusion.

On the stand of the Samara National Research University named after academician Korolev, there are a number of interesting developments, including a mock-up of the AIST-3 satellite and parts of aircraft gas turbine engines obtained using 3D printing technologies.