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Today’s top stories: Bambu Lab in revenue trouble with the A1 after US CPSC issues bulletin, OrcaSlicer Release Candidate has “cool” effect, Ricoh with a 3D medical device facility, and Apple may include 3D printed components in next watch.

🤩 Hobbyist 3D Printing

TikTok Refunds BambuLab A1 Sales After US CPSC Bulletin (3 minute read) - Link

Bambu Lab had previously recalled their A1 3D printers due to temperature control issues with the heatbed. This recall only applied to models sold before January 30th, 2024. They addressed the situation by manufacturing replacement parts, handling returns, and ensuring quality for affected customers.

However, a new challenge arose when TikTok, where Bambu Lab sells a good portion of printers, mistakenly issued refunds for all A1 purchases on their store due to a late recall statement from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The company now faces contacting customers who received refunds to discuss solutions. Bambu Lab emphasizes the importance of clear communication and building strong direct relationships with customers, as their efforts to resolve the original recall are complicated by this situation. Recovering their losses depends on customer goodwill, which remains to be seen.

OrcaSlicer Release v2.1.0 Release Candidate - Link

OrcaSlicer released its V2.1.0 Release Candidate early yesterday. In it there are many features and bug fixes that were seen in the V2.1.0 Beta (click for link to features). This release candidate also added a few new features and bug fixes.

The biggest and most noteworthy feature is an option to opt out of slowing down your print on the outer walls. This allows for outer walls to keep consistent speed through out the print which allows the print to keep the same outer finish for the entire model. This is extremely useful for those models where varying print speeds had caused your model to go from glossy, to matte, and back to glossy. With this option, you should be able to keep it one consistent finish the whole way through.

🏭 3D Printing Industry

Ricoh Launches State of the Art 3D Medical Device Manufacturing Facility (4 minute read) - Link

Ricoh launched a new 3D printing facility specifically for healthcare at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in North Carolina. This is the first of many planned locations aimed at improving patient care by giving hospitals easier access to 3D-printed anatomical models of patients' organs.

These models can be used for surgical planning, patient education, and improved communication between doctors and patients. Previously, hospitals faced challenges obtaining these models due to disruptions in workflow, long lead times, and regulatory hurdles. Ricoh's solution is a secure and FDA-approved on-site facility that allows for faster production times and increased collaboration between doctors and Ricoh staff.

The benefits of using 3D-printed anatomical models include reduced surgery times (by an average of 62 minutes), improved surgical planning that can lead to fewer complications, cost savings of around $3,720 per case, and educational opportunities for both doctors and patients. Additionally, these models can help doctors develop more informed approaches to procedures and patient care.

The new facility will also contribute to the development of a Medical 3D Printing Center of Excellence at Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Apple’s New Apple Watch May Use 3D Printed Components (2 minute read) - Link

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted a new Apple Watch Series 10 coming in Q4-2024 with a thinner design and larger screen and possibly using 3D printed components.

This follows a year of intense testing that improved 3D printing efficiency of the parts. BLT, a company that previously supplied equipment for 3D printing, will now be the direct supplier of these components. Kuo believes 3D printing offers cost advantages and predicts BLT's role will grow in the future, potentially even producing entire Apple Watch cases.

🔦 3D Printing Model Spotlight

reDesk Drawer Module - h3li0 on Printables.com - Link

As we generally work from home, we are always on the look out for great compliments to our desk and work space. Of course, we also have the requirement that it has great aesthetics as well. This set of drawers fits both of those. The creator has given some very specific instructions as the tolerances on this are very tight; be sure to follow them closely. Additionally, the creator has two other pieces that match this, an organizer and headphone stand. Be sure to check those out too!

🔗 Quick Links

🤩 Recent Slicer Updates

• OrcaSlicer - 2.1.0 RC - 6/17/2024 -(GitHub)

• Cura - 5.7.2 - 6/03/2024 (GitHub)

• PrusaSlicer - 2.7.5-rc1 - 6/7/2024 (GitHub)

• Bambu Studio - 1.9.2 Public Official- 6/11/24 (GitHub)

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

Until tomorrow!