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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as  airplane  and  automobile parts  to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in  the 1980s  as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and  patient-specific models  to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...

Making Ammunition With Plastic Cartridge Casings

brass ammo
Although many components of firearms are made of plastic instead of metal, there’s been little success further lightening the load by making polymer-based cartridge casings for ammunition. Now, PCP Ammunition in Winter Park, FL, has used new materials and patented designs to develop plastic cartridges that offer comparable performance to brass cartridges and with less weight, according to PlasticsToday.
The U.S. military has been interested in plastic cartridges since the 1960s, but companies have struggled to make cartridges that could withstand the high pressures and temperatures associated with firing guns, according to PlasticsToday.
The new plastic casings (shown in the video above) weigh half of what the brass ones do, which makes the loaded cartridge about 25% less than a loaded brass one, according to PlasticsToday.
According to the PCP website:
This technology has the potential to revolutionize small arms ammunition. We are excited to work with the U.S. Military and reach out to the Sportsman Community to introduce our new products.

The company states on its website that they are currently working on production of the ammunition.Five calibers are available, and the ammunition satisfies the Sports Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute specifications. The plastic cartridges can be loaded with standard equipment for a wide range of bullets for ground and air tactical units. PCP Ammunition says in the video that the cartridges can be reloaded.

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The Future of 3D Printing and Healthcare

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