Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
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Industrial 3D Printing Finally Gets Affordable: Formlabs’ Fuse X1 Could Change the Market
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine how Formlabs’ new US$85,000 Fuse X1 industrial 3D printer could accelerate the shift of additive manufacturing from a high-cost specialty process to a mainstream production technology.
ERDC Embeds Fiber Optics In LFAM Parts
U.S. Army ERDC researchers have shown that fiber optic strain sensors can be embedded during large format additive manufacturing without changing the basic print process.
Meshy Unveils Auto Split Feature as US$400M Funding Fuels AI Expansion
Two major news items from Meshy.ai this week.
Chinese Patent Combines Pellet Material Heating And Metered Feeding
A newly granted Chinese utility model proposes combining material heating, mixing and forced feeding inside one compact 3D printer hopper.
ELEGOO Launches H1 HT Filament Dryer with 85°C High-Temperature Drying
ELEGOO announced a new 3D printing peripheral: the H1 HT Filament Dryer.
3D Printed Shoes Could Require Dynamic Foot Modeling
There could be a lot more to the business of 3D-printed footwear.
Polymaker’s New HT-PLA Pro Outperforms PLA, ABS, PETG, and PC
Polymaker just released an extremely interesting new FFF material: HT-PLA PRO.
Mechanical Patent Detects FFF Material Flow Failures
System to mechanically detect material flow in the hot end [Source: Espacenet]
CGTrader Report Reveals 3D Model Marketplace Trends, AI Performance
CGTrader issued a rather interesting report on their customer activity.
Quantum Computing Emerges from the Shadows
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss how advances in quantum computing may accelerate materials discovery, transform manufacturing processes, and create new opportunities for the additive manufacturing industry.
Robotic AM Optimizer Targets Collision Free Toolpaths
A new robotic AM optimization method tries to keep complex multi axis prints smooth, accurate and collision free.
Nine Bambu Lab Patents Reveal Broader Printer Architecture
A collection of nine new Bambu Lab patents provides a detailed picture of several future 3D printer concepts.
Reverse-Engineered CAD Model of Prusa’s INDX System Appears Online After Accidental File Release
The CAD for Prusa Research’s INDX system seems to have been reverse-engineered.
Lumina Studio Uses Camera Calibration for Multicolor FFF 3D Printing
Lumina Studio provides an easy way to achieve accurate, full multicolor 3D prints.
Rocket Lab: An Emerging Leader in Aerospace
Charles G. Goulding explores how Rocket Lab has emerged as one of the few commercial space companies to successfully scale from innovative rocket development to a diversified aerospace manufacturing powerhouse.
Soy Hull Fiber PLA Filament Faces FFF Test
A new research paper examines whether soy hull fiber and PLA filament is workable for FFF 3D printing.
Eleven Problems With Volumetric 3D Printing
There’s been much talk about the incredible speed of volumetric 3D printing, but there are a number of issues with the approach.
Nano Dimension Cancels Shareholder Meeting as Four Directors and CEO Exit
Another week, another major development at Nano Dimension, which throws everything said previously upside down.
3D-Fuel Introduces FarmFuel, A Brilliant Packaging Solution
3D-Fuel has just announced FarmFuel, an incredibly innovative filament packaging system.
Building With Fans: The Participation Economy and the Future of Intellectual Property
Charles G. Goulding reveals why the next wave of innovation may come not from corporate studios, but from fan creators whose ideas are expanding fictional worlds in unexpected ways.
Firewall3D Watches Printer Hardware for Firmware Tampering
A proposed hardware firewall could independently catch a 3D printer behaving differently from its GCODE.
Prusa INDX Nozzle Specifications Questioned After Bondtech Material Disclosure
Controversy erupted over Prusa Research’s latest technology: INDX.
2K Buddy Automates Two-Part Resin Mixing for Cleaner 3D Print Finishing
A very handy 3D print accessory is coming to Kickstarter: 2K Buddy.
US Navy Tests Distributed 3D Printing Network for Spare Parts
The US Navy is testing a new way to 3D print spare parts.
Design of the Week: OOMWOO Open Source Robot Vacuum
This week’s selection is the OOMWOO Open Source Robot Vacuum by Makers Pet .
New Digital Twin Predicts LPBF Defects In Real Time
A new digital twin for metal AM can perform real-time defect prediction in Laser Powder Bed Fusion.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, July 19, 2026
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
How Universities Are Engineering Human Heat Resilience
Charles G. Goulding analyzes how university breakthroughs in human heat resilience open lucrative new pathways for manufacturing and engineering firms to claim the Section 41 R&D Tax Credit.
Which 3D Printer Companies Lobby the US Government?
Our story earlier this week about Stratasys’ government lobbying efforts got me thinking.
Entry-Level 3D Printer Sales Surge as Industry Revenue Climbs 32%
There’s a new 3D print industry report from CONTEXT, which now shows entry-level 3D printers as the biggest market segment.
Patent Proposes Self Retracting FFF Nozzle Guard
A newly published Chinese patent proposes an unusually elaborate way to protect an FFF 3D printer nozzle when the machine is idle.
MarineLab3D Provides On-Demand Parametric 3D Models to Boat Owners
There’s a new 3D model repository: MarineLab3D.
Metal 3D Printed Hulls Face Implosion Tests
Researchers have put metal 3D printed pressure cylinders through a rather unforgiving test.
Retracting Sensor Patent Targets Cleaner Filament Monitoring
A newly granted Chinese utility model patent proposes a self-cleaning, retractable filament sensor for FFF 3D printers.
CRP Group Launches UniqTrust Digital Authentication System for 3D Printed Parts
CRP Group has introduced CRP UniqTrust protocol, a method to identify 3D printed parts.
Tougher Elastomers On The Way
Researchers have found a way to make flexible 3D material far more durable.
Make It Like Beckham: From World Cup Stardom to the Next Generation of 3D Printed Innovation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at how Beckham’s global brand, the explosive growth of soccer in North America, and advances in 3D printing are converging to create new opportunities for innovation and business.
PA12 Tire Rubber Composites Get SLS Stress Test
Researchers have tested PA12 and ground tire rubber composites for Selective Laser Sintering.
Chinese Patent Proposes Unusual Magnetic FFF Platform
A newly granted Chinese utility patent describes an unusual FFF 3D printer arrangement combining a magnetically driven platform, a rotating work area and a vertically actuated extrusion head.
The Funbox, a Kid-Focused Desktop 3D Printer
Hong Kong-based Ugee announced a new desktop FFF 3D printer specifically designed for kids: the Funbox.
Adidas’ New BB.01 Raises Questions About Its Long-Term 3D-Printed Footwear Strategy
Adidas has just released yet another 3D-printed shoe design, but are they going about this in the wrong way?
How Women Shaped the Evolution of Soccer, and How 3D Printing Could Shape Its Future
Charles Goulding and Lia Palumbo examine how women transformed soccer and why athlete-informed 3D printing could help create more personalized footwear and protective equipment for the women’s game.
AM Texture Control Moves Toward Programmable Materials
A new review proposes that crystallographic texture is becoming a design variable in metal additive manufacturing.
Vibe Coding Is Coming to 3D Printing
Vibe coding is now hitting the 3D print world.
INSTATIQ Patents Method for Difficult Concrete Printing
INSTATIQ has patented a construction 3D printing system designed to place concrete directly against existing walls and other awkward building features.
Stratasys Discloses US$70K in Federal Lobbying for Defense and STEM Funding
Stratasys just disclosed US$70K in US federal government lobbying expenses. What might that mean?
Inside Parker’s CIRCOR Aerospace Deal and Its 3D Printing Potential
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe analyze the strategic fit between Parker and CIRCOR Aerospace, highlighting how advanced 3D printing technologies could drive innovation, efficiency, and valuable R&D tax incentives.
PVDF MEX Study Shows Big Porosity Gains
A Greek led research team has found a practical way to improve 3D printed PVDF parts.
Hands On With Even More PollyFab 3D Printed Shoes
We’ve been testing a whole bunch of 3D printed shoes from PollyFab.
World’s Largest Concrete 3D Print Nears Completion
A bit of a milestone in 3DCP: the world’s largest 3D printed structure is about to be completed.
Nano Dimension Shareholders to Vote on Board Changes Amid Biotech Merger Dispute
The fun at Nano Dimension has not ended!
Design of the Week: NX2 Long Range Flying Wing
This week’s selection is the NX2 Long Range Flying Wing by YouTuber Neuroautics.
Blockchain Monitors Resin Printer VOC Emissions
Researchers connected blockchain verified IoT monitoring to resin 3D printing safety data.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, July 12, 2026
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
Coherent Photonics LLC and the Expanding World of Photonics
Charles G. Goulding highlights how pioneering advancements in photonics manufacturing can be enhanced with 3D printing and qualify for substantial R&D tax incentives.
Is Desktop Resin 3D Printing Too Risky for Casual Users?
Is it time to exit desktop resin 3D printing?
MakerWorld Removes Over 1,000 Models in Crackdown on Inappropriate Content
Bambu Lab is cleaning up MakerWorld.
Kentstrapper Unveils Mille Large-Format FFF 3D Printer with 1-Cubic-Metre Build Volume
Kentstrapper announced a massive new FFF system, the Mille.
Patent Proposes New Method to Reduce CoreXY Ringing
A new Chinese patent application suggests a more sophisticated way to stop ringing on high speed CoreXY 3D printers.
Laser AM Advances Shape Memory Alloys For 4D Printing
A new research paper maps how laser additive manufacturing is bringing shape memory alloys closer to practical 4D printing.
Hands on with the Sunlu AMS Lite Heater
We were able to test SUNLU’s new Bambu Lab A1 accessory: the AMS Lite Heater.
Manuven Launches AI-Powered Qualification Platform to Streamline AM Production
Manuven is a new organization offering “qualification as a service”.
Crawling 3D Printer Patent Targets Large FFF Parts
A Chinese patent application describes a crawling FFF 3D printer that can print beyond a fixed build volume.
Feeling the Heat: How Major HVAC Companies are Benefitting from Global Heat Waves
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi reveal how extreme heat is accelerating air conditioner replacement cycles, driving investor interest in HVAC companies, and positioning 3D printing as a key manufacturing solution.
PETG Flexural Optimization With Taguchi And ANN
A Moroccan research team mapped how common FFF settings drive PETG flexural behavior and then used a neural network to predict the best tradeoffs.
BIQU Introduces Panda Sense Pro, But Does It Really Work?
BIQU has released another oddball 3D print accessory: the Panda Sense Pro.
Five 3D-Printed Reef Habitats Deployed Off Italy’s Coast
Several 3D-printed structures now make up an artificial reef in Italy.
FlashForge Patent Describes a Method for Smoother Toolhead Docking
FlashForge has patented a new way to make detachable FFF toolheads dock more reliably.
A Jurassic Park Moment for 3D Printing?
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe show how a successful 3D printed incubation platform for bird embryos could mark a “Jurassic Park moment” for additive manufacturing, opening new possibilities in both wildlife restoration and life sciences.
INDX Toolchanger Nears Wider Shipping
Prusa Research says Bondtech’s INDX Founder’s Edition is now shipping, and the standard INDX Conversion Kit for the Prusa CORE One+ is next.
SUNLU’s Planned U.S. Factory Could Lower 3D Printer Filament Prices
SUNLU is to open a manufacturing centre in the USA.
Inkbit Patents New 3D Printing Process
Inkbit has published a patent application that describes a different kind of material chemistry for inkjet additive manufacturing.
Cleared for Takeoff: How the FAA’s eIPP Could Propel Aerospace 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how the FAA and DOT’s new eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP) could accelerate Advanced Air Mobility while creating fresh opportunities for aerospace 3D printing leaders such as BETA Technologies.
New Physics Model Targets Better Powder Layer Formation
A new research paper proposes a physics based control model to improve powder layer formation in powder bed AM.
BigRep SE Announces Sale, Delisting, and Liquidation
It looks like some big changes at BigRep are underway.
New ParamaCraft Lite Tool Lets Users Generate Personalized 3D Designs
Bambu Lab added a new feature to their MakerLab section: ParamaCraft Lite.
US Prosecutors Call on Bambu Lab, Creality, and Flashforge to Adopt 3D Printer Blocking Technology
US Prosecutors sent an official letter to major 3D printer manufacturers calling for blocking technology.
Design of the Week: Unbeatable Tic Tac Toe Machine
This week’s selection is the Unbeatable Tic Tac Toe Machine by Printables contributor Alex Krasno.
LS2N Publishes Raw-Earth 3D Printing Dataset For Construction AM
A French lab has posted a raw-earth 3D printing dataset that could push construction 3D printing closer to robust automation.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, July 5, 2026
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
The Printed Body Comes to the Met
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe spotlight how 3D printing has transformed fashion’s most iconic stage, from Met Gala showpieces to custom-built mannequins designed to reflect the diversity of the human body.
Hi3D announced a new “3D print workflow” for AI-generated models.
Hi3D announced a new “3D print workflow” for AI-generated models.
3D Printable Map Service Map2Model Shuts Down After Legal Notices
Map2Model is now gone!
Voron Trident R2 Updates Motion And Assembly
Voron has released Trident R2, a design refresh that focuses on belts, idlers, and motion alignment.
SprintRay Patent Targets Replaceable LCD Resin Screens
SprintRay has been granted a patent for a replaceable screen cartridge.
MIT Improves Alloy Modeling With Smarter AI Sampling
MIT researchers say they have found a more efficient way to train machine learning models that predict how complex metal alloys will behave.
Creality Explores Future 3D Printer Concepts Through Survey on Multinozzle Systems
Creality has issued an interesting 3D printer operator survey, and it hints at what might be coming.
Prusa Updates Open Community License With Plugins
Prusa Research has rolled out Open Community License (OCL) v1.1, looking to make open hardware sharing more practical for everyone.
Chinese Patent Targets Magnetic Flexible Print Beds
A Chinese utility model patent attempts to claim a magnetic flexible print platform — a feature that has been common in desktop FFF machines for many years.
How Florida SkillBridge Is Helping Veterans Bring Additive Manufacturing Skills Into Civilian Industry
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss how Florida’s innovative SkillBridge initiative connects transitioning service members with employers seeking skilled talent to help meet growing production demands and record aerospace backlogs.
3D Printing Inconel 939 Without Cracking
A new research paper examines what actually works when attempting to 3D print turbine-grade parts in Inconel 939.
Support-Free Horizontal FFF Overhangs with Wave-Based Toolpaths
Researchers have shown a way to 3D print horizontal FFF overhangs without supports.
Operators Discover Signficant Issue with the Flashforge Creator 5 Pro
It seems that the new Flashforge Creator 5 Pro has a potential safety issue.