HITS Makes History Again, Employing 3-D in Zoetis Million
SAUGERTIES, NY (August 6, 2014) – HITS, Inc, a company known for its world class Equestrian competitions, growing Endurance division, innovative leadership and positive impact on local economies, has done it again: Led by the vision and efforts of CEO Thomas Struzzieri, the organization announced 3-D printing will make an appearance in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix September 7, 2014.
HITS and longtime sponsor Zoetis – dedicated to animal health and veterinary scholarship, partnered with the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center at SUNY New Paltz. Together they created a jump in full 3-D, inspired by the Zoetis product Dormosedan Gel-- the leading non-narcotic sedation used safely for horses in surgical and diagnostic procedures. Spectators will witness the merging of an unforgettable sports’ event with ground-breaking advancements in design and science.
Zoetis Million jump designers worked closely with SUNY New Paltz’s Dean of the Science and Engineering Department Daniel Freedman, who is also the Advanced Manufacturing Center’s Director. Freedman and Kat Wilson, Assistant Director of the Center, have been a driving force in making the potentially world-altering impact of 3-D technology available in the Hudson Valley.
To create the 3-D jump--first, they measured the actual dimensions of the Product’s (Dormosedan) syringe. Using a 3-D computer-aided graphics program (CAD), Wilson modeled the jump’s visual appearance (Designed by HITS), reflecting the product’s. Then scaled it to 12 ft in length. Based on this, a three-dimensional full size model of the jump will be produced.
The total number of “printed” pieces that make up the over-sized syringe is 16. Remarkably, most viewers will not notice it’s a careful conglomeration. It appears as a single element.
For terrific insight into the process watch Think 3-D: The Story of 3-D Printing Presented by SUNY New Paltz.
Although the term “printing” is misleading. Instead of paper these machines are loaded with solid material — “spaghetti-sized plastic filaments, metal or ceramic powder,” Freedman explained. The material is then extruded from the device, “Building an object one layer at a time from scratch.”
They turn digital models on computer screens into solid objects in nearly any shape or geometric feature provided it can be designed in a computer file. It’s a process of layer upon layer printing using computer-aided design software (“A fancy glue gun” Freedman calls it).
Essentially that’s how the Zoetis’ Dormosedan 3-D jump will be created. The 3-D printing machine reads its design and stats from a computer file and “spools” layers of ABS (same material as Legos)-- corresponding to cross sections of the model. All will fuse to create the final, larger version, bringing jump design into the 21st century with it.
“As we begin to see glimmers of this technology coming into its own and being used to solve health and business problems--it’s a perfect moment to bring the two together [3-D Design and Zoetis] for this event,” said Struzzieri.
3-D technology has actually been used since the 1980s, but the number of printers and users increased dramatically in recent years. No longer sequestered in laboratories and manufacturing, 3-D printing is making headlines daily:
- Hip joints printed out of titanium, custom made for each patient.
- Saving baby’s life via the speedy manufacturing of medical devices.
- Surgeons frustrated by boy's inoperable tumor tackle the operation 3-D style.
- BMW uses 3-D printing to physically strengthen its car-plant workers--and produce car parts.
- Belgian insurance company’s 3-D service for those who lose their keys lets customers scan and save them on a secure server.
Applications are many, including architecture, construction, industrial design, automotive, aerospace, military, engineering, dental and medical industries, biotech, fashion, eye wear, education, food--the list is endless.
3-D printing is also considered a “green” technology because manufacturing products closer to consumers reduces the carbon footprint and energy expenditure. It can revolutionize sustainable innovation.
Products are manufactured quickly, accurately and often at a fraction of the cost. Price of the prosthetic hand New Paltz’s 3-D Printing Center created for a six year old boy? $20. Twenty-dollars.
From prosthetic limbs, internal organs and aircraft parts to fabricating sneaker designs, customized toys and Makerbots--3-D printing is generating new products, jobs and opportunities with the click of a button. For some it’s an art, others a life-saving innovation. But all agree 3-D printing is poised to transform the world we live in.
Likewise, HITS partners with sponsors who leverage technology to make their brands useful and meaningful in consumers' lives, such as Zoetis, and engage them more deeply with a brand's promise.
“Taking advantage of 3-D printing and the potential of intelligent machines at New Paltz exemplifies our company’s values,” Struzzieri added. “Showcasing the best equestrian competition, Zoetis’ products and SUNY’s 3-D Initiative at HITS’ Championship Weekend is an opportunity to link with students, community businesses and animal lovers everywhere.”
HITS is proud to give the public a look at the astonishing diversity of health, business and everyday uses 3-D can impact--and future products and services it will transform. Throughout HITS Championship, SUNY New Paltz’s Advanced Manufacturing Center will also feature an interactive exhibit of 3-D technology open to the public. There will be models, videos, guides and experts to answer your questions on 3-D printing-- how it could affect or help you in the future, too.
Join us!
For front row seats and the first glimpse of 3-D Equestrian style, plus other featured events (Including Charlie Daniels Band Concert and Harvest Food Fest) please
visit our website.