Bambu Lab announced a new “Creator Copyright Support” program.
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Rotoforge Explores Friction-Based Metal 3D Printing for Desktop-Scale Systems
The Rotoforge project is developing a low-cost, open-source, metal 3D printer based on the Ender-3 platform.
Erika Prints Offers Scrap-to-Filament Program to Recycle Desktop 3D Printing Waste
Want to recycle your 3D print scraps? There’s a way that can lower your material costs.
Design of the Week: Regent Seaglider
This week’s selection is the Regent Seaglider by Proto21.
Hybrid AFP-FFF Head For Thermoplastic Carbon Fiber
A new Chinese patent describes a robotic toolhead that blends automatic fiber placement with FFF for thermoplastic carbon fiber parts.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, January 11, 2026
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
Printing With the Planet: The Rise of 3D Printed Rammed Earth Architecture
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider how rammed earth, one of humanity’s oldest building techniques, is discovering new life through large-scale 3D printing and redefining what sustainable housing can look like. For most of human history, people built with the ground beneath their feet. Earth, compacted and shaped by hand, formed walls that were… Continue reading Printing With the Planet: The Rise of 3D Printed Rammed Earth Architecture
Sweet Robo Introduces ChocoPrint, a Commercial Chocolate 3D Printing Vending Machine
There’s another chocolate 3D printer option on the market: ChocoPrint.
AI Adoption in 3D Printing Should Accelerate Despite Early Failures and Skepticism
Where is AI going in the 3D print world?
Build List Aggregates Regional 3D Printing and Manufacturing Services in a Single Directory
Looking for a smaller, regional 3D print service? Build List can find that for you.
Patent Reveals Single-Sided Ultrasonic Levitation Printing
A newly published patent proposes a single-sided ultrasonic levitation printer that maintains contactless deposition even when obstacles and conveyors disturb the sound field.
Closed Loop Reference Method Optimizes FFF Accuracy
Researchers propose a new closed loop reference optimization for extrusion 3D printing.
Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 4
Our look at the Creality K2 Pro Combo 3D printer concludes with final thoughts. This is part four of a four part series, please read parts one, two and three. Creality K2 Pro Combo Final Thoughts Much like the smaller K2, the K2 Pro Combo’s packaging has been well thought out. Not only does it… Continue reading Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 4
Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 3
Our review of the Creality K2 Pro Combo 3D printer continues with a look at print results. This is part three of a four part series, please read parts one, two and four. Creality K2 Pro Combo Print Results The first job we sliced consisted of several calibration tests that we typically run, all combined… Continue reading Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 3
Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 2
Our review of the Creality K2 Pro Combo 3D printer continues with a look at setup, calibration, operations and software. This is part two of a four part series, please read parts one, three and four. Creality K2 Pro Combo Setup and Calibration When we flipped the power switch on the K2 Pro, it powered… Continue reading Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 2
Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 1
We’ve just finished testing Creality’s K2 Pro Combo 3D printer. This is part one of a four part series, please read parts two, three and four. Creality K2 Pro Combo Background Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., Ltd., better known as Creality, is one of the leading brands in desktop 3D printers, established in 2014. Creality… Continue reading Hands on with the Creality K2 Pro Combo, Part 1
Clay: Earth’s Abundant Material and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how earth-derived calcined clay cement is reshaping 3D printed construction by reducing carbon emissions, simplifying materials, and bringing buildings literally back to the ground they stand on.
One-Shot Camera Extrusion Optimization Targets High-Speed FFF
Researchers propose a one-shot, camera-based method to optimize extrusion for high-speed FFF.
Metalens-Based TPL Method Achieves 1,000× Print Speed Increase
There could be a way to dramatically scale up the two-photon lithography process.
Rising Microplastic Exposure Raises New Concerns for Filament-Swapping 3D Printers
There’s more dire news about microplastics.
3Drop Simplifies 3D Model Discovery by Searching Thingiverse, Printables, MakerWorld, and More
There’s another meta-search engine for printable 3D models you should try: 3Drop.
SharpaWave: The Robotic Hand that is the Wave of the Future for 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi connect the dots between a new mass-produced robotic hand, decades of end-effector engineering, and the expanding role of 3D printing in building smarter machines.
Open Troubleshooting Guide For Common 3D Printing Failures
A new open 3D Printing Troubleshooting Guide could reduce failures across desktop and industrial workflows.
Palette 300 Enters Low-Waste FFF Market With Rotating 12-Nozzle System
AtomForm has launched a new multicolor 3D printer, the Palette 300.
Bambu Lab Did Not Patent an A2 Model
Bambu Lab was awarded a patent for what is not an unannounced A2 model.
Patent Proposes Magnetic 3D Printing Of Recycled FRP
A new patent outlines a way to recycle fiber reinforced plastics waste into magnetically aligned, FFF-printed composites.
The Boeing, Airbus Role Reversal and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Jacob Nolan examine how a shifting Airbus–Boeing rivalry, combined with 3D printing and tighter supply chain control, is redefining execution and advantage in modern aerospace.
PEEK/PEI Blends Tackle High-Temperature FFF Printability
A new study explores PEEK and PEI blends to make high temperature FFF more printable without losing performance.
Hitem3D Releases Version 2.0 With Integrated Texture Generation for Higher-Fidelity 3D Models
AI company Hitem3D has released a new version of their 3D generation service.
Panda Treat Add-On Allows Bambu Lab 3D Printers to Deposit Edible Materials
BIQU has released another highly unusual 3D printer add on, the Panda Treat.
Black Buffalo 3D Seeks Bankruptcy Protection in Competitive 3D Construction Market
A 3DCP equipment manufacturer has apparently filed for bankruptcy.
Design of the Week: Swimming Shark Automata
This week’s selection is the Swimming Shark Automata by Cults contributor AMAO.
Piezoelectric 3D Printed Resonators Enable Tiny Robots
Researchers demonstrated autonomous miniature robots that use piezoelectric-actuated 3D printed resonators to move and steer.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, January 4, 2026
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
3D Printing Enters the Oil & Gas Era: Aramco’s US$30 Billion U.S. Partnerships and the Additive Manufacturing Opportunity
Anthony Palumbo and Charles Goulding analyze how Saudi Aramco’s US$30 billion-plus U.S. partnership framework signals a strategic inflection point for additive manufacturing, positioning 3D printing as a core enabler of localized production, digital spare-parts supply chains, and advanced materials integration across next-generation oil and gas infrastructure.
Co Print Unveils Quadro, a Low-Cost Waste-Free Multicolor FFF 3D Printer
There is yet another waste-free desktop FFF 3D printer coming to market: the Co Print Quadro.
PollyPolymer Emerges as New Chinese Competitor in Industrial Resin 3D Printing
The West may face a new competitor in 3D printing, PollyPolymer.
COBOD Reveals Real-World Cost and Time Savings From 3DCP Project
Hints at the true cost of 3DCP have been published by COBOD.
Bambu Lab Signals New Product Path as 3D Printable Footwear Enters Crowdfunding
A curious announcement from Bambu Lab shows an interesting option to 3D print your own footwear.
T250 CoreXY Design Demonstrates Sub-Two-Minute #3DBenchy With Radical Motion and Cooling System
What is the world’s fastest 3D printer? It’s probably the T250.
Yale University and Forte 3D Co-Design the Hybrid Carbon Fiber Cello: A High-Note in Music and Technology
Charles R. Goulding traces how Yale University’s unique commitment to elite, fully funded music education and its collaboration with Forte 3D on a hybrid carbon fiber cello—supported by Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner and praised by Yo-Yo Ma—signals a pivotal moment where 3D printing, traditional craftsmanship, and live musical experience converge to expand access, durability,… Continue reading Yale University and Forte 3D Co-Design the Hybrid Carbon Fiber Cello: A High-Note in Music and Technology
What Was The Most Important Development in 3D Printing in 2025?
Today turns out to be the end of the year, so it is time to reflect on the past and look forward.
The World’s Greatest Banker Invests in US Innovation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi analyze Jamie Dimon’s recent Security & Resiliency Initiative (SRI), which strategically funds US defense and innovation projects.
Slant 3D Forecasts Deployment of 1.5 Million 3D Printers Over the Next Decade
Slant 3D expects to operate 1.5 million 3D printers in the next ten years.
Custom 3D Printed Boot Liners Emerge as Potential New Market for Additive Manufacturing
A new 3D print application has appeared: boot liners.
Safran’s Big Bet on India and the Future of 3D Printed Engines
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at how Safran’s full-engine tech transfer to India and its deep investment in additive manufacturing signal a major shift in global aerospace power. Europe is boosting defense spending, and that shift is giving serious momentum to companies with proven strength in propulsion, avionics, and next-generation manufacturing. Safran sits… Continue reading Safran’s Big Bet on India and the Future of 3D Printed Engines
New Free Looprint Utility Enables Hands-Free Batch Production
Looprint could be one of the most useful free utilities for Bambu Lab 3D printer operators.
Anycubic Launches Kobra X 3D Printer With First-of-Its-Kind “3D Print Guarantee” Program
Anycubic has launched a very unusual “3D print guarantee” along with their new Kobra X 3D printer.
Design of the Week: iPhone Fold Replica
This week’s selection is the iPhone Fold Replica by MakerWorld contributor Subsy.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, December 28, 2025
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
The Biotech Investment Backstop — And What It Means for 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi demonstrate how biotech is getting a boost from stronger pharma buyers, smarter use of 3D printing, and new OBBBA tax incentives that make early-stage R&D far easier to fund.
Teen 3D Printing Success Sparks Misconceptions: Why Most Makers Won’t Earn Millions
A recent story suggests anyone can make huge money with their 3D printer. It’s not that simple.
Stratasys–Novineer Partnership Brings Toolpath-Aware Generative Optimization to GrabCAD
Stratasys announced a very interesting partnership with Novineer.
Wireless Sensing In 3D Printed Metals: Magnetoelastic Inclusions
New research proposes wireless, embedded sensing for 3D printed metal parts using magnetoelastic and thermomagnetic inclusions.
Start Small, Think Global: The Case for Early Expansion
Charles R. Goulding advocates that setting up international business operations at the early stages of a company’s growth can greatly impact its success in the future.
Magnesium 3D Printing Edges Closer To Clinical Use
A new review examines how magnesium containing materials and additive processes could turn patient specific, resorbable bone repairs into reality.
Korean 3D Printer Makers Struggle as Low-Cost Chinese Systems Dominate Market
I’m reading a Korean business news story on 3D printing in that country.
Gaza: Rebuilding Buildings and Bodies With 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi make the case that, as Gaza faces the dual task of reconstructing shattered infrastructure and restoring lives, 3D printing offers a disruptive, scalable bridge to rebuild both buildings and bodies.
Machine Learning Predicts LPBF Defects By Surface Angle
Researchers report a machine learning approach to predict LPBF defects from up-skin and down-skin angles, suggesting there might be angle-aware process control for metal AM.
Developer Releases “Simplified Open Community License” in Sharp Critique of Prusa’s New OCL
The Open Community License announced by Prusa Research last week has inspired an even simpler alternative, the Simplified Open Community License.
MX3D Spins Off ArtLab to Serve Growing Demand for Large-Scale Printed Art and Custom Structures
MX3D has made an interesting move by setting up a subsidiary.
NDAA 2026 Expands Additive Manufacturing Mandates While Banning Use of Chinese-Made AM Equipment
The new US National Defense Authorization Act includes quite a few statements on additive manufacturing, some of which will affect product sales.
Caracol and Weber: A Strategic Match in LFAM
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi report on Caracol’s move to acquire Weber and its implications for the future of large-scale 3D printing.
New Guidelines Expand Shotcrete 3D Printing Geometry
A new study codifies process rules that make shotcrete 3D printing more reliable and more ambitious.
Red Flags Suggest Caution for the K-100 SLS 3D Printer Launch
Surprise! There’s a new 3D printer on Kickstarter, but this one uses SLS, not FFF.
Recent Patents Suggest Creality Is Building a Broad Intellectual Property Portfolio
Creality seems to be patenting a great deal of intellectual property.
Creality Quietly Introduces New “Spark X” Brand Focused on Automated, AI-Enhanced 3D Printing
Creality quietly announced something called “Spark X” last week.
Design of the Week: Huge 3DCP print
This week’s selection is a gigantic 3DCP print by Urbacon Trading & Contracting.
3D Printed Steel Retrofits For Historic Masonry Walls
Researchers propose 3D printed steel reinforcement to discreetly strengthen vulnerable unreinforced masonry.
Who’s The Biggest In 3D Printing, December 21, 2025
Once again we take a look at the valuations of the major 3D printing companies over the past week.
The Rise of Additive Power: Pratt Whitney’s U.S. and India Breakthroughs
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi showcase how, with faster GTF repairs and India’s rising role, Pratt Whitney is proving that 3D printing now drives engine design, not just prototypes.
Prusa Research Reworks Its Open-Source Approach
Prusa Research seems to be taking a step away from traditional open source principles.
Siemens Offers Free Solid Edge Community Edition for Makers Seeking Advanced CAD Tools
Looking for a free advanced CAD 3D modeling tool? Solid Edge offers a free version.
3Dsynth Launches Online Vase Generator That Outputs Direct GCODE
I’m trying a new online tool for 3D Printing, 3Dsynth.
Researchers Propose Force-Based Monitoring For Extrusion AM
A new study outlines how force sensing can monitor extrusion-based 3D printing in real time, promising earlier defect detection and fewer scrapped builds.
Why Food 3D Printing Still Isn’t Practical
Will food 3D printing ever work?
Backed by Strong Finances, Bambu Lab Unveils Major Community Fund for Ambitious Maker Projects
Bambu Lab anmnounced a new grant program for makers that could provide huge amounts of money for unusual projects.
Nexa3D Awarded New Resin Viscosity Patent Despite Company’s Collapse
Nexa3D has been awarded a patent!
Inside GE Appliances’ Big Bet on Local Sourcing and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi show how GE Appliances’ sweeping new supply chain investments and growing use of 3D printing are reshaping U.S. manufacturing from the ground up.
Laser Heating Speeds Carbon Fiber 3D Printing
A new study explores laser-heated rapid 3D printing of carbon fiber machine parts to lift speed and strength.
Why TVOC Meters Can Mislead: False Alarms When Testing 3D Printer Emissions
Be careful when you decide to measure the pollution emitted by your desktop 3D printer.
Iowa Firm Finds Niche Making Obsolete Components With 3D Printing
I’m reading about an interesting angle to make use of 3D printing for small-scale manufacturing.
Automated 3D Print Farm Achieves China-Level Costs, Raising New Questions
There has long been the idea that 3D printing will “bring back manufacturing”, but is that ever going to happen?
How Automation and 3D Printing Are Rewriting the Commercial Laundry Playbook
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi show how automation and 3D printing are reshaping the commercial laundry industry and the companies driving that shift.
Hybrid Layer Heights Boost FFF Strength And Efficiency
Researchers propose hybrid layer thickness to lift PLA part strength while cutting energy use.
Do Multicolor 3D Printers Redefine Desktop FFF Priorities?
Does print speed really matter anymore?
printpal Milestone Signals Shift From Traditional CAD to AI Modeling
printpal announced they’ve hit a significant milestone.
Bambu Lab Awarded Patent for Intelligent Speed-Adjusting Method
An interesting patent has just been awarded to Bambu Lab related to print quality.
Reshaping Aerospace Supply Chains: Inside the TriMas–Tinicum Transaction
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe explain how Tinicum’s buyout of TriMas Aerospace signals a push toward smarter, more agile manufacturing where additive tech becomes a quiet force multiplier.
Orientation Drives Surface Roughness In FFF, mSLA, PJ, SLS
A new materials study shows how build orientation shifts surface roughness across four popular polymer AM processes.
Free 3D Splitter Tool Simplifies Breaking Large Models Into Printable Segments
There’s a new tool for printing very large objects: 3D Splitter.
ShapeScan Workflow Enables Rapid Creation of Custom 3D Printed Holders Using Images
I’m trying out a new online tool to produce outlines for designing custom 3D printed holders.
Recent Announcements Highlight Maturing Role of 3D Printing in Industry
Multiple recent announcements confirm the reality of 3D print technology in manufacturing.
Design of the Week: Horus
This week’s selection is the massive Horus Lupercal by Reddit contributor HammerDoris40k.
Plasma Coatings Tune Recycled Composite Filaments For FFF
Researchers used atmospheric plasma to tune recycled composite filaments for FFF.