I’m now thinking Apple might create a 3D printer – but not in the way you suspect.
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A Most Unusual 3D Printing Corporate Takeover
Earlier this month all shares of 3D printer manufacturer Robo 3D was completely bought by an Australian mining company?
Multi-Nozzle Desktop 3D Printers Just Died
I’ve never been a big fan of dual (or more) nozzle 3D printers because of the problems inherent in the design, but now, perhaps, that style may be heading out with a development from Prusa Research.
CEL-Robox’s Unique Solution to The Retraction Problem: The Needle Valve
Cel-Robox’s desktop 3D printer has a feature I hadn’t noticed previously: needle valves.
Fabbaloo’s Buying Guide Expands
We’ve added a new section to our interactive Buying Guides: Events.
Arfona’s r.Pod Could Put a Dent Into Dental 3D Printer Companies
Brooklyn-based 3D printer startup Arfona has come up with a unique solution for dental applications: the r.Pod, and it could signal bad news for many dental 3D printer companies.
Could Custom Eyewear 3D Prints Become Widespread? Fuel3D’s New Scanner Might Make It So
Fuel3D announced a new “mirror” 3D scanner that could lead to advanced eyewear applications.
Lisa Federici – “It’s Ok to Be a Mom, an Entrepreneur, a Wife, a Student and an Employee All at Once. You Can Do This and You Can Succeed”
Lisa is the CEO of Scansite, a provider of 3D scanning, 3D inspection, and reverse engineering services, located in the Bay Area.
Two 3D Printer Companies Offer New Innovative Materials Products
There’s much competition in the world of 3D print materials, given the vast number of devices loose in the world. Innovation is key and two companies announced new products along that line.
A Metamaterial Demonstration Suggests Insane Future 3D Applications
I’m watching a video demonstrating a “meta material mechanism” and the mind boggles at what become of this concept.
Prusa Adds Sophisticated Calibration System
The Prusa crew have developed a rather sophisticated automated calibration system for their most recent desktop 3D printer, the Prusa i3 MK2.
Is Carbon Fiber Filament a Marketing Gimmick?
Running a small product design and 3D printing business, shookideas.com, I receive questions about carbon fiber filament almost every week.
Kúla’s 3D Camera Gadget is Almost a 3D Scanner
Reykjavík-based Kúla has produced a gadget that can – almost – transform any smartphone into a rudimentary 3D scanner.
Serious Implications to 3D Printing After GE’s Acquisition
A few weeks ago General Electric announced the acquisition of not one, but two metal 3D printing companies. The implications are quite serious.
Design of the Week: Scoop
This week’s selection is the elegantly simple “Scoop” by YouMagine contributor Zayak.
Stratasys, a Materials Company? Of course!
I got a chuckle reading a post on Seeking Alpha proposing that Stratasys might be changing into a materials company.
Robo 3D Updates Their Desktop 3D Printer Line With TWO New Machines
After several successful years, startup Robo3D has significantly updated their product line with a couple of sophisticated low-cost desktop 3D printers.
Hands on With Fiberlogy’s new FiberFlex 40D 3D Printer Filament
We obtained a small sample of Fiberlogy’s new FiberFlex 40D 3D printer filament and performed some basic testing.
MakerBot’s Peculiar, But Very Appropriate Announcement
This week MakerBot unleashed a series of announcements regarding their products, services and supplies.
Motivations Behind the 3D Printing Mergers: Some Beneficial, Some Devious
A new infographic portraying recent 3D printing industry corporate mergers prompts me to talk about the reasons why these things happen.
Interesting Extruder Concept is More Complex Than It Appears
An extruder concept proposed by Reddit contributor lxo96 poses some interesting questions.
UPS Opens Up More 3D Print Services
UPS announced a new 3D printing facility in Singapore, suggesting their 3D printing venture is working.
Another Major 3D Printer Manufacturer Steps into Industry 4.0
It’s contagious! Concept Laser has joined several other players in producing a “Smart Factory” based on their 3D printing technology.
Printlab’s Educational Focus
UK-based PrintLab produces a one-stop site for educators working with 3D printing with students.
What’s This? Sculpteo Adds 2D Technologies?
3D print service Sculpteo announced the availability of a laser cutting capability. What does this mean?
Cathy Lewis – “With a Focus on the Customer and Real Application Requirements, This Industry Has a Fantastic Future”
Cathy Lewis was the Chief Marketing Officer for 3D Systems from 2009 to mid 2016. Before that, she used to be the CEO for Desktop Factory from 2006 to 2009, placing her as one of the pioneer in the 3D Printing industry as we know it today.
BREAKTHROUGH: World’s Darkest Material, Vantablack, Successfully Applied to a 3D Print
Surrey Nanosystems, producers of the amazing Vantablack dark material informed Fabbaloo they have successfully coated a 3D printed object with the world’s darkest material.
3YOURMIND’s Powerful 3D Printing Meta-Service
I’m taking a look at 3YOURMIND, a Berlin-based startup that provides simplified ways to access 3D printing services for industrial and professional use.
Ultimaker Scores Massive Loan Agreement
The European Investment Bank announced a huge €15M (USD$17M) loan to Ultimaker; this should enable many things to happen.
Multiple Surprises in the Lightning UV DLP 3D Printer
A newly launched desktop resin-based 3D printer, the Lightning, includes a couple of surprising features.
Rocket Crafters use Ingenious 3D Printing Technique
It’s always amazing to see others leverage 3D printing in unexpected ways. One company doing so is Rocket Crafters.
3D Printing Cocktail Gadget Suggests New 3D Printing Technique
I’m looking at a curious 3D printing system called “Print A Drink” and wondering where this approach could go.
Design of the Week: Wiffle Ball Bat Holder
This week’s selection is the practical Wiffle Ball Bat Holder by Portland-based JPGrind.
Yet Another Gigantic 3D Printer?
Ingersoll Machine Tools announced plans to develop a massive 3D printer in association with the US Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Additive Manufacturing At IMTS
At the beginning of this week I headed to Chicago for IMTS.
Avante’s Experiments with 3D Printed Injection Molds
Avante Technology has been experimenting with producing effective 3D printed injection molds and apparently has achieved some success.
Carbon’s Massive Expansion
Two years ago, few had any idea about Carbon, the 3D printing startup that’s now rapidly expanding across the globe.
An Interview with Filaments.ca
We spoke with a regional 3D printer filament provider to find out the latest.
All About the Inexpensive Cetus Desktop 3D Printer
We spoke with Tiertime’s Jason Wu, product manager of the new Cetus desktop 3D printer to find out more about this inexpensive device.
Proto-Pasta’s Surprising Matte Fiber PLA
Proto-Pasta has introduced a curious new line of PLA-based 3D printer filament: Matte Fiber HTPLA.
Authentise Releases 3D Printing Analytics Module
Companies with fleets of industrial 3D printers could get much value from a new module in Authentise’s 3DIAX suite: analytics.
Optomec Announces Three New Metal 3D Prints, Including CNC Hybrids
Optomec announced three new metal-capable 3D printing devices in a new line of equipment.
How 3D Printing Has And Will Affect Sports
3D printers have made custom manufacturing easy and inexpensive.
3D Platform Unleashes Not One, But TWO Gigantic 3D Printer Concepts
3D Platform has long been known as a producer of “huge” 3D printers, but the word “huge” will have to be replaced after this announcement.
EnvisionTEC Files Suit Against Formlabs
Ouch! EnvisionTEC has launched a patent infringement lawsuit against Massachusetts-based Formlabs.
3D Print Entrepreneur Disappears in the Philippines
An entrepreneur pioneering a cost-effective method of 3D printing building structures has disappeared in the midst of a scary corporate situation in the Philippines.
What’s a Good Set of 3D Printer Filament?
You have a desktop 3D printer capable of 3D printing many different materials. What should your filament supply look like?
The 3DP Pivot
How smaller 3D printing brands are shifting to thrive in the industrial market.
Fabbaloo to Provide Free Support to 3D Print Initiatives
One of the main reasons this blog exists is to promote and grow 3D printing technology. Today we’re announcing a new program to help make that happen.
Indmatec Reaches Beyond 3D Printing Mere PEEK
Germany-based Indmatec is developing a powerful new high-temperature desktop 3D printer for advanced prototyping.
Design of the Week: Pokeball Aimer
This week’s selection is the useful – to Pokemon Go players – Pokeball Aimer by MyMiniFactory contributor Jon Cleaver.
Another Major Player Enters the 3D Printing Filament Market
Nexeo Solutions has begun marketing a line of 3D printer filament, marking the first venture into 3D printing by the global chemical distributor.
Sightline Maps Produces Instant 3D Printable Terrains
A new project hopes to provide an ability for educators to create any type of 3D contour maps.
Beyond the New 3D Printing Materials
The era of extremely limited 3D printer material selection seems to be ending, but what might the next materials challenge become?
What Is “Industry 4.0” and How Does 3D Printing Fit Into It?
I’ve been hearing more mentions of “Industry 4.0” and “3D Printing” in the same sentence. What does this all mean?
Are Users Discovering Full Color 3D Printing?
Full color 3D printing is definitely not for everyone. There are those who do use it, but are there many more who don’t yet know they should?
Printr’s Intelligent Dual Extrusion Wiping Feature
Netherlands-based Printr released a new slicing feature for their Formide system that increases the reliability of dual extrusion 3D prints.
It Appears CX5 is a Success
CX5, a sculptable 3D printer filament, appears to have surpassed their launch goals and will become a product.
Could the Bunker be a Transformational 3D Printing Product?
I’m looking at the Bunker, a 3D printing accessory designed to manage 3D printer filament, but it seems this device is far more than it appears.
Unbelievable Media Coverage of 3D Printing
This morning I noticed a story from an obscure website detailing an announcement from 3D Systems about a product they introduced three years ago!
BioPrinting Breakthrough in Ireland
Researchers at Trinity College in Dublin have worked out a new process for 3D printing live, complex bone structures.
Behind the Within Reach Design Challenge
Something really exciting is happening right now in the 3D printing industry. It’s called the Within Reach Design Challenge (#WithinReach3DP Challenge on social media).
Waiting for Transparent Aluminum 3D Printers
Among the infinite variety of materials in our world is a very peculiar substance known as Aluminium oxynitride, or as some call it, transparent aluminum.
BREAKING: General Electric to Acquire Both Arcam AND SLM!
Today General Electric announced plans to acquire two metal 3D printing companies, Arcam and SLM Solutions.
Thermwood’s Monstrous 3D Printer and CNC Hybrid
CNC maker Thermwood announced a very unusual device: the LSAM, which combines CNC and 3D printing technologies.
Seven Ways That 3D Printing Companies Are Promoting Their Businesses
Promoting a 3D printing company is more challenging today than ever before due to the huge number of companies in the space.
An Ineffective 3D Printing Stunt
I’m reading reports of a new Guinness World Record for the “largest 3D print ever”. But this is a pointless exercise.
Design of the Week: Box Microscope
This week’s selection is the Box Microscope kit by Cults3D contributor Callen.
The Sintratec Kit: Low Cost Nylon Powder 3D Printing
If you’re seeking a way to 3D print complex structures in nylon, there are a few choices, but one of the least expensive is Sintratec’s 3D printer kit.
How Do You Implement 3D Printing?
While some readers might think getting into 3D printing is as simple as buying a machine and powering it up, that’s definitely not the case for industry users.
Blueprinter Having Difficulties?
We’ve received evidence that Denmark-based Blueprinter may be having financial issues.
Six Thoughts on Stratasys’ Blockbuster Industry Announcement
I’ve been thinking more about the implications of Stratasys’ industrial 3D printing announcement last week.
Two Curious Printer Features on the Deltatower
Recently we examined machines from Deltatower, a Swiss-based manufacturer of large-sized delta 3D printers.
Dyze Design’s New DyzeXtruder GT
Montreal’s Dyze Design has released a new version of their 3D printer extruder mechanism and it seems to include many interesting design features.
Socks for your 3D Printer Nozzle?
E3D announced a new product: HotEnd Socks. Is this a necessary item?
WI3DP Offers In-Person Networking Meetup
The Women in 3D Printing group has scheduled a meetup for September in the Bay Area.
Tips for Attending A 3D Print Trade Show
Whether you’ve been to one or not, if you’re reading this publication you more than likely will at some point in your career. Here’s our tips to get the most out of the experience.
The 3D Printing Business Directory
There’s an interesting new service you might be interested in joining: the 3D Printing Business Directory.
Jenny Chen – “We Believe That People, And Not Technology, Are The Driving Force Behind Technological Revolution”
Jenny Chen is the mind behind 3DHeals. One of the goals of 3DHeals is to educate the community about applications and innovations using 3D Printing in the healthcare industry.
One Tip You Must Know: The Cold Pull Technique
The truth with a desktop 3D printer is that you will definitely be performing service on it. But there’s one easy technique you must master.
Prometheus: A New Two-Material Option for Single Extruder 3D Printers
Canada-based DisTech Automation announced the impending arrival of their new Prometheus dual-extrusion solution.
Kloner3D’s Fascinating Twin 3D Printing System
Kloner3D is a Florence, Italy-based 3D printer manufacturer producing now eight machines, including the amazing 240Twin machine.
Into the Mailbag: Fabbaloo’s Incoming Message Periodic Review
As a very popular 3D print blog, we tend to receive a ton of messages from the public. Some of them are “interesting”.
“No Smokers, Pets or 3D Printers, Please”
A discussion on Reddit focuses on a very unusual apartment rental advertisement that mentions 3D printing. But what does this mean?
Have You Tried ASA 3D Printer Filament?
Among the small explosion of new 3D print materials is a substance you may not have considered: ASA.
Optomec’s New Micron-Level 3D Printing Capability
Optomec announced an improvement in their Aerosol Jet Technology that permits production of very small structures.
Design of the Week: Sneakers I
This week’s selection is the surprisingly practical Sneakers I by Recreus3D.
The RoVa4D Smashes Funding Goals at a Sweet Spot
We described ORD’s innovative RoVa3D multicolor desktop 3D printer some weeks ago, as launched with a fundraising campaign. How did they do?
Leasing or Buying Your 3D Printer?
I’ve just noticed that Type A Machines now offers leasing programs for acquiring their equipment, but is this something you should consider?
Hands On With Afinia’s ES360 Desktop 3D Scanner
This week we had the chance to test out Afinia’s ES360 tabletop 3D scanning system.
An Update on the 3D Monstr
Since I’ve been writing about large-format 3D printers lately, today we are revisiting 3D Monstr’s line of 3D printers.
ExOne Makes Big Changes at the Top
ExOne swapped out their CEO this past week, suggesting possible changes in strategy.
The Metal Powder Business Expands Due To 3D Printing, But Only So Far
It seems that metal producers have noticed this pattern and have been gearing up for more sales.
NONSTOP: Stratasys’ New Infinite Build 3D Concept
As part of Stratasys’ blockbuster announcement, they unveiled an entirely new 3D printing concept, the Infinite Build 3D Demonstrator, which prints SIDEWAYS!
Two 3D Printer Liquid Adhesives You Can Buy
The eternal problem of extrusion-based desktop 3D printers is bed adhesion. Here are two commercial solutions specifically designed for that purpose.