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Today’s top stories: A big (beta) update for OrcaSlicer, a minor update for PrusaSlicer, India launches a 3D printed rocket engine, 3D printed autonomous drones for the Air Force, and a cool, minimalist chess set!

🤩 Hobbyist 3D Printing

OrcaSlicer Update - V2.1.0 BETA Release - Link

The team over at the OrcaSlicer github released a new beta version of their software with a number of new features and fixes. Some of the big features are ports from BambuStudio that should make prints a little better, and should increase the quality of life of the software. Below are a couple of our favorites from the release:

• Ability to directly import models from Printables, Thingiverse, and MakerWorld. No more downloading, just open directly in OrcaSlicer!

• Ported the new Cross Hatch infill from BambuStudio and optimized the infill at low densities. Similar to gyroid and 3D Honey Comb, this new infill promises even better printing speeds.

• Some of the seam logic was fixed which had resulted in weird seam placement on certain models.

• Precise Z-Height. Now, even if the model isn’t a multiple of layer height, you can tell the slicer to make the print the exact height as the model was imported. Previously it could end up a fraction of a millimeter off due to layer height multiples.

• Multi-Device Management from BambuStudio was ported so now you can send one print to multiple printers in your print farm.

• Many more! Check the link in the tile above or the picture below for more.

PrusaSlicer Update - V2.7.4 Release - Link

Additionally, a new update was made to PrusaSlicer just yesterday. This was not as robust as the OrcaSlicer update outlined above but there were still two handy fixes in this release:

• Fixes to 3MFs generated by BambuStudio. They will now retain multimaterial painting when loaded.

• A fix so that downloading directly from Printables on MacOS and Linux now works properly.

🏭 3D Printing Industry

India launches nation’s first 3D printed rocket engine (4 minute read) - Link

India's space startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched the nation's first 3D-printed rocket engine on its fifth attempt. This semi-cryogenic engine uses a more storable fuel than traditional cryogenic engines, allowing for increased payload capacity.

The test flight reached an altitude of five miles before splashing down in the Bay of Bengal. The data will be used to develop their orbital launch vehicle. This launch is a major milestone for India's private space sector and demonstrates the potential of 3D printing technology in reducing production time and costs.

3D-printed engines can be built in 75 hours compared to 10-12 weeks for conventional methods. This technology also reduces the number of parts and overall production time.

RapidFlight secures $10 million US Air Force Contract for 3D printed Autonomous Drones (2 minute read) - Link

The US Air Force awarded a $10 million contract to RapidFlight for their 3D-printed autonomous drones. This collaboration aims to explore RapidFlight's technology for faster, cheaper, and customizable drone development. The 36-month contract involves designing, testing, and demonstrating the RapidFlight SPX drones for the Air Force.

The SPX is a Group 2 UAS with a 12-pound payload capacity and a 150-nautical-mile range. It has a modular design for various sensors and functionalities. RapidFlight's AgileAviation process promises to significantly reduce development time, delivering the initial SPX systems within seven months.

🔦 3D Print Spotlight

Minimal Chess Set - Kibosh on Printables.com - Link

Perfect for that chess player that is always on the go in your life! The board is made out of 4 panels which can stick together with 5×1mm magnets. The white and black spaces can be printed and glued in independently so no AMS is needed. Additionally, there is a printable box/case for the board and pieces so this thing is easy to pack up and bring with you any where. On top of all that, it looks absolutely gorgeous!

🔗 Quick Links

Deal of the Week

🛠️ $200 OFF - Snapmaker 2.0 Modular 3-in-1 3D Printer - Link

Not only can you 3D print, but laser etch, and CNC too!

This 3-in-1 printer, laser etcher, and CNC machine is now $200 off during the Snapmaker 8th anniversary sale. With it’s quick swap modules, this printer makes it easy to 3D printer, etch designs into wood with the laser module or do simple CNC jobs with the CNC module. Included is the 3-in-1 software for each of these functions, Snapmaker Luban.

Here are some highlights of the machine:

• Quick swap modular design

• 3D printing, laser etching, and CNC functions

• Up to 350mm X 350mm build volume

• All metal design

• Smart, 5 inch touchscreen

🤩 Recent Slicer Updates

• OrcaSlicer - 2.1.0 Beta - 5/31/2024 -(GitHub)

• Cura - 5.7.2 - 6/03/2024 (GitHub)

• PrusaSlicer - 2.7.4 - 4/5/2024 (GitHub)

• Bambu Studio - 1.9.1 Public Official- 5/12/24 (GitHub)

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You can always send an email to me, Alex, at [email protected]

Until tomorrow!