Some major sports teams have official products, such as an official drink or service. But why not have an official 3D printer?
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will.i.am’s EKOCYCLE 3D Printer
Some months ago 3D Systems made the unusual appointment of artist will.i.am as their Chief Creative Officer. Now we see the first fruit from that move: the EKOCYCLE personal 3D printer.
Design of the Week: Armillary Sphere
This week’s selection is the amazing Armillary Sphere by Don Foley.
CreoPop: A Liquid Ink 3D Printing Pen
While the several existing 3D printing pen ventures appear to be successful, CreoPop hopes to shake things up with a breakthrough technology.
Tom’s Leveling Video
Thomas Sanladerer presents a video explaining how to level the bed on your 3D printer.
Personal 3D Printing: A Billion Dollar Market?
A new report from SmarTech suggests the personal 3D printing market will soon exceed one billion US dollars.
What Does “Experimental 3D Printing” Mean, Anyway?
The phrase “experimental 3D printing” has been used by several manufacturers, but what does it really mean?
Threeding’s 3D App Venture
3D model repository Threeding has done something interesting: they’ve created an app.
A Five-Extruder 3D Printer – With No Name
Last fall we reported on an unusual 3D printer that included an astonishing five separate extruders. Now they’re working on a new version, but it does not have a name.
van Straaten’s 3D Print Accessibility Strategy
3D print artist Eric van Straaten has developed a unique pricing strategy to enable more people to own a print of his incredible designs.
Will You Help the Ouaga Lab?
There are a great many Fab Labs in the world doing great things, but there’s one that you might want to support: the Ouaga Lab.
The Goliat Extruder
Several companies now develop and market high-performance 3D printing extruders. Poland-based Tytan 3D is one of them.
Hands on with the PRINTinZ Flexible Printer Plate
We managed to acquire a test flexible printer plate from PRINTinZ and performed many test prints with it.
Leapfrog’s New High-Speed 3D Printer
Leapfrog announced the Creatr HS, an evolved version of their Creatr 3D printer.
Design of the Week: DIY Material Testing Machine
This week’s selection is the amazing DIY Material Testing Machine by YouMagine designer Arjan.
ColorFabb’s Metal Filament: bronzeFill
ColorFabb has made a habit of introducing new and unusual plastic filaments for personal 3D printers, and now they’ve made a breakthrough with a metal filament: bronzeFill.
The Dirty Details on a 3D Model Theft
We’re reading a very detailed account of the theft and exploitation of a 3D model theft that recently took place – and was successfully resolved.
Construction Steelwork Makes its 3D Printing Premiere
Using the latest 3D printing techniques, or more accurately, ‘additive manufacturing’ – the Arup team has produced a design method for critical structural steel elements for use in complex projects.
GrowthObject’s Botanical Collection
Barcelona-based design firm GrowthObjects has released a set of botanically-inspired 3D printed jewelry.
Mary Huang’s Actually Wearable 3D Printed Shoes. No, Really!
We’ve all seen images of fantastic 3D printed shoes over the past couple of years, but if you were to look close and handle them, you’d find they weren’t particularly wearable. Now that’s set to change.
CGTrader’s Home Printable Contest
Are you up for a 3D design contest? If so, CGTrader has an interesting event for you.
Formlabs Introduces the Form 1+
More than a year after they introduced the Form 1, Formlabs announced the Form 1+, said to be an “extensive overhaul” of their previous model, the Form 1.
Structur3D Launches Discov3ry: The 3D Paste Extruder
As anticipated, new startup company Structur3D has launched their “universal paste extruder”, named “Discov3ry”.
Solved: Tetrahedral Finite Element Mesh Sculptures
We’re amazed by Todd Doehring’s Meshagons, which are 3D printable “tetrahedral finite element (FE) mesh sculptures”.
3D Printed Handles for Stone Age Tools
In the most absolute and ultimate technology contrast possible, researchers have 3D printed handles for primitive flint-knapped hand axes.
A Spectacular Paint of 3D Model
You know how to paint your 3D prints? Just spray ‘em! Nope – there’s a much better way we found at Redicubricks.
More Details on SpaceX’s 3D Printed Rocket Engine
We’ve found some additional details on SpaceX’s surprising 3D printed SuperDraco rocket engine.
Builder’s 3D Color Mixing Solution
3D printer manufacturer Builder has introduced a “Color Mixing” feature on their unique dual-feed extruder.
Monoprice Releases Dual Extrusion Video
Monoprice announced a very low-cost dual extruder 3D printer last month, but we didn’t know how well it worked until we watched this video.
The Pros and Cons of Proprietary 3D Printing Filament
Some folks have very strong feelings regarding the use of proprietary filament by some 3D printer manufacturers. Are those feelings warranted?
XYZPrinting Developing a Resin 3D Printer?
We’ve found some evidence that low-cost 3D printing entrant XYZ Printing is developing a SLA-style resin 3D printer.
It’s Not Unlimited, But it’s Pretty Big
3DP Unlimited has announced the 3DP1000 Large Format 3D printer. They’re definitely not kidding.
Something’s Cooking at Rendor
There’s an ominous web page published by Replica Labs, describing something called “Rendor”. It seems to be a 3D scanning app.
How Much Filament Do You Use? More Than You Have?
Filament management turns out to be an important task when using plastic extrusion personal 3D printers.
The Two Things You Must Do For Successful 3D Printing
If you’re using a filament-based personal 3D printer, there’s two major things you must get right to succeed.
Walmart CEO Says Retail Giant May Buy 3D Printer Company
At an event during the re/Code Conference Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon hinted that his company might be in the market to acquire a 3D printing company.
LittleSLA Could Shake Up 3D Printing
A new resin-based 3D printer, the LittleSLA, hopes to provide an opensource option for those wanting to get into the high-resolution 3D printing technology.
3D Hubs Hits a Milestone
Crowdsourced 3D printing network 3D Hubs achieved a major milestone this week by accepting their 5,000th location. But there’s more to it than mere numbers.
How To Build Your Own 3D Printer from E-Waste
A new Instructables describes how one maker designed and built a working 3D printer using, well, junk.
SpaceX Takes a Huge Step with 3D Printing
If you are like us, you would have been watching SpaceX unveil their astonishing new spacecraft, the Dragon V2.
17-Year Old Creates 3D Printed Robot
Many people build robots using 3D printing, but this very unusual specimen was designed and printed by a seventeen year old from the UK.
Spooling Issues can Spoil Your 3D Print
Of the numerous issues that can fail your 3D print, spooling issues are among the most frequent.
A Printer Farm for Your 3D Printer
We’ve learned about an incredibly attractive new option for managing your 3D printer: SD3D’s “Printer Farm”.
SD3D’s Adaptive Build Environment
We’re checking out what could be the most unique and useful accessory any 3D printer owner might want: the Adaptive Build Environment by SD3D.
Creation Workshop from Envision Labs
Concerned that your favorite 3D model slicing software won’t work on your new resin-based 3D printer? There’s a solution for that.
Design of the Week: Bone Chair
This week’s selection is designer Joris Laarman’s Bone Chair, part of a seven-piece collection entitled, “Bone Furniture”.
Design of the Week: Unholy Cross
This week’s selection is freelance 3D artist Andrew Jerez’s “Unholy Cross”.
Abrasion-Resistant Filament for 3D Printers
igus announced trials of “tribo-filament”, which apparently is substantially more wear-resistant than other 3D printer filaments.
Is All 3D Print Slicing Software The Same? Apparently Not
We’re looking at a story from Simplify3D that apparently demonstrates their product can handle prints that other software cannot.
The Lix 3D Pen Printer Controversy
We wrote about a new Kickstarter project last week, the Lix 3D Pen Printer. But now some believe it cannot actually work.
BetAbram To Release House Printing Machine
Over the course of its nearly 30-year lifetime, additive manufacturing has been used to create a massive array of objects. Though while the technology has had a number of different applications, its ability to produce objects on a massive scale has only just begun.
The MOD-t 3D Printer
New Matter announced the development of their new USD$250 personal 3D printer, the MOD-t.
Alternatives to Thingiverse, For Upset Designers
With controversy brewing around the most popular 3D model repository, Thingiverse, some ask what alternative repos may exist. We found more than a few.
The Titan 1 3D Printer
Another resin-based personal 3D printer has been launched: the Titan 1.
Airwolf Announces the AW3D HDx
Airwolf introduced the AW3D HDx personal 3D printer that “prints engineer-grade materials”.
Morpholio’s 3D Pinup 2014 Competition
Design showcase app Morpholio is holding a competition – and there’s a special twist for 3D print designs.
E3Dv6 Hotend Released
E3D released the latest version of their high-performance hotend for extrusion-based 3D printers.
Do You Need AstroPrint™ ?
If you have an opensource-powered 3D printer, you might want AstroPrint to manage your 3D printing operations.
Is 3D Printing Technology’s Rapid Progress Hurting the Industry?
We’re wondering if the constant and rapid developments in 3D printing technology could hinder growth. But how could this be? There has never been a time in history when more 3D printing technology can be purchased at such low prices?
The Redpah 3D Model Repository
We’re checking out a new 3D model repository that recently launched: Redpah.
The Mamba 3D Printer
Soon to appear on Kickstarter is the Mamba3D, a new 3D printer designed by MyMatics in The Netherlands.
3D Printing With Micro-Robots?
We’re watching a video from SRI International, who have apparently been developing micro-robots that can assemble things.
Pirate3D’s Buccaneer Unboxed
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to receive your first 3D printer? YouTube video producer Eyeisman (Tom Rosato) has captured the experience for you when he opened up his first 3D printer, a Pirate3D Buccaneer.
Design of the Week: Airport Security Belt
This week’s selection is the Airport Security Belt by Norwegian Kris Cleven.
Backlash to MakerBot’s Patents Grows
The knowledge that MakerBot has apparently patented designs given to them by their community is spreading and some folks are upset.
iMakr to Open Manhattan 3D Printer Store
iMakr, perhaps the first independent 3D printer retail store, announced expansion to New York City.
Has MakerBot Crossed The Line? For Some, Yes
Controversy this week regarding MakerBot’s aggressive patent filings. Why the controversy? Because the concepts were originally donated by supporters in good faith to further the cause of 3D printing. And now MakerBot has patented them.
Trinity Labs Closes
3D printer manufacturer Trinity Labs announced that it’s closing its doors forever.
Two For One 3D Printer Sale?
Need a 3D printer? How about two? We found a deal where you can get two different 3D printers for one price.
IBM Computes New Polymers; Usable for 3D Printing?
IBM announced the discovery of two new classes of polymers, the first discovered in decades. We’re wondering if they have any applicability to 3D printing.
i.Materialise Offers New Ceramics
3D print service i.Materialise announced the availability of several new ceramic colors.
Windform Used to Build Generative Orthotics
In conjunction with MHOX Design, CRP Group has created bespoke orthosis to correct misaligned limbs.
MakerBot’s Digital Store Opens
As promised in their January announcement, MakerBot made good on their promise to open a digital store for 3D models.
3D Printed Materials Acts as a Functioning Liver
The dream of 3D printed human organs got slightly closer to reality with the development of 3D printed tissue that mimics liver functions.
Shark Material Produced by 3D Printing
Shark skin is quite rough yet allows rapid swimming, for those of you who haven’t been up close with the notorious fish, but now the nature of the skin has been duplicated with 3D printing.
Is Google or Apple Developing a 3D Printer?
Rumors echo through the interwebs suggesting that Google AND Apple are developing 3D printers. But are they really?
PrintToPeer Powers 3D Hubs
Cloud-based 3D operations startup PrintToPeer has partnered with 3D printer crowdsource network 3D Hubs to vastly simplify use of the network.
Cube 3 and CubePro Now Available For Pre-Order
To no one’s surprise, Cubify finally made their latest 3D printers available – for pre-order.
A Recursive 3D Printer?
People have worked on the idea of self-replicating 3D printers for years now. But what would happen if that goal were achieved?
Autodesk’s Spark Causes Collateral Damage?
Last week Autodesk announced Spark, an initiative to standardize things 3D printing, and a “reference 3D printer” using those specifications. We think this could be trouble for some.
PrintrBot Reveals a CNC Router Product
PrintrBot has been selling a startling number of low-priced 3D printer kits recently, but now they’re branching out into a completely new product line: CNC Routers.
Staples Cranks Up 3D Print Services in the USA
Staples first announced a 3D print service in Europe in 2012, which later launched in 2013. Now they have a USA-based service.
Monoprice’s Low Cost 3D Printer
The online retailer known for low prices now sells what seems to be a pretty decent 3D printer – for a great price.
Autodesk’s Spark Initiative
Autodesk announced a new initiative they call “Spark”. It’s an “open 3D printing platform” that could change many things in 3D printing.
Design of the Week: 3D Printed Apron
This week’s selection is Luis Rodriguez Alcalde’s 3D Printed Apron.
The Zeus 3D Copier?
It’s called “The world’s first ALL-in-One 3D Printer for professional use” and it just might be.
More 3D Printed Airplanes?
3D Systems announced they’ve shipped a huge number of machines to the aerospace industry. What could this mean?
Oxfam Partners with MyMiniFactory
3D printing is powerful and can, like atomic power, be used for good and evil. Today we’re learning about one of the good uses.
You Can Now 3D Print Personalized Insoles
RSscan and Materialise have teamed up to create RSPrint, a new joint venture that is capable of scanning human feet and 3D printing custom insoles that precisely fit the scanned human.
MakerBot’s Digital Reconstruction Patent
We’ve uncovered a very curious patent application from MakerBot that seems to indicate they’re developing an automated way to reconstruct broken objects.
Florea’s 3D Printed Mobile House
3D print artist Iona Florea has produced another amazing work of art using his unusual 3D printing techniques.
Making Long Duration 3D Prints More Reliable
The most spectacular 3D prints are often those that take a significant length of time to print. But how do you ensure the print completes?
MakerBot’s Color-Changing Extruder Patent
The buzz today comes from a new MakerBot patent that claims an ability to change filament on the fly – within a single extruder.
A New Universal 3D Paste Extruder
Soon to launch will be Structr3D Printing’s “universal paste extruder” that could enable many personal 3D printers to extruder some very unusual materials.
Rezvani Supercar Uses 3D Printed Components
In the past year a good number of car companies began experimenting with 3D printing, wondering how it could help their performance, manufacturing and design. For automotive startup Rezvani Motors 3D printing was key to saving weight in its BEAST 500 supercar.