Rapid Ready Roundup: FIRST, Aerodef, Firearms, and Hershey’s

In the course of my diligent efforts to keep you good people up to date on the state of additive manufacturing (AM), I come across many interesting news items. I’ll gather them up every so often and present them in a Rapid Ready Roundup (like this one). You can find the last Roundup here.

We’ll start today’s Roundup with news from FIRST. If you haven’t previously heard of the organization, FIRST promotes STEM education with a number of different programs, the most popular of which is probably the robotics competition. 

A 3D printed part must be integrated into a functioning robot in order to be considered, and must be more than just cosmetic in nature. This year FIRST has added a 3D printing award to the competition. From the website:

The FIRST 3D Printing Award (3DPA) recognizes the creative use of 3D printing to provide innovative design solutions, resolve manufacturing challenges, enhance marketing solutions, and engage in community outreach. Sponsored by America Makes and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this award seeks to motivate teams to explore applications of 3D Printing that directly support the FIRST mission of inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders and to the FIRST vision of transforming the culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated.

Moving on, AM will be a major focus at the 2014 Aerodef Manufacturing Summit and Exposition, being held Feb. 25-27 in Long Beach, CA. The Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Resource Center (Booth 339) will display various parts built using AM, and Todd Grimm will be presenting two sessions each day on the benefits of AM for aerospace.

The morning session is for tactical information, including a look at the technology landscape, what’s available, and what manufacturers need to know to get started. Afternoon sessions will have a strategic focus, providing information on how to map out a plan to incorporate the technology, when to get in, and choosing technologies and services.

Next up, California is joining the push to regulate 3D printed firearms as part of its proposed “ghost guns” legislation. The “ghost guns” law intends to require background checks and gun registration for anyone building a gun using AM, or for anyone who purchases a weapon in pieces for later assembly. This effort joins a ban in Philadelphia, and the renewed Undetectable Firearms Act, in an effort to reduce the perceived threat of 3D printed firearms.

Last for today, 3D Systems and Hershey’s have teamed up to appeal to your sweet tooth. The multi-year agreement could lead to 3D printed sweets finding their way to stores near you, and to Hershey developing its own AM system to print out chocolate joy. 3DS says the move is part of its strategy to mainstream AM technology.

“We believe that innovation is key to delivering relevant, compelling consumer experiences with our iconic brands,” said William Papa, vice president and chief research and development officer, The Hershey Company.  “Whether it’s creating a whole new form of candy or developing a new way to produce it, we embrace new technologies such as 3D printing as a way to keep moving our timeless confectionery treats into the future.”

Below you’ll find a video featuring Sen. Chuck Schumer talking about the perils of undetectable guns.

Sources: 3DS, AmericaMakes, Businessweek, PRWeb