With the increase in use of desktop 3D printers in professional offices comes another issue: air quality.
Kerry Stevenson
Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!
Made In Space Begins 3D Printing PEI/PC on the ISS
Earlier this year, we spoke to Made In Space President Andrew Rush about some of the new exciting projects that the company is working on.
The Mankati E180 Professional Desktop 3D Printer
China-based Mankati has a new, powerful professional desktop 3D printer on the market: the E180.
3D Printed Toys are Financially Feasible, Just Not How It Was Imagined
A study published in Technologies examines the effect of 3D printed toys, specially at MyMiniFactory.
3D Hubs Dramatically Revamps their Trends Report and Reveals More Truths About 3D Printers
Each quarter 3D Hubs has published an extensive statistical report on 3D printer trends based on their comprehensive usage data, but this time it looks significantly different.
Simplify3D Goes 4.0 With a Ton of New 3D Printing Features
3D print software Simplify3D has been updated to version 4.0, which contains a boatload of very powerful 3D print control features.
Forecast 3D To 3D Print Up To 600,000 Parts Weekly with HP Equipment
Longtime 3D print service company Forecast 3D is set to launch a new manufacturing center featuring HP 3D print gear.
Want To See a 3D Printer? Hit a Maker Faire Near You!
Although inexpensive 3D printers have been available now for a few years, some readers of Fabbaloo may never have seen one in person.
On Demand 3D Printed Vehicles?
The US Navy has 3D printed an entire submersible vehicle!
Solidscape Announces the S500 High Precision Wax 3D Printer
Wax 3D printing is a specialty focus within the world of 3D printing and now there’s a powerful new 3D printer for wax casting applications.
Water Displacement 3D Scanning? Will This Work?
I’m reading a research paper on a very unusual method of 3D scanning solid objects.
Bitonti Technology’s New 3D Generative API
There are 3D print fashion designers, and there are fashion designers who go a bit farther. One of them is Francis Bitonti.
Six Ways to Strengthen 3D Printed Parts
Some say 3D printed parts are not strong, but they can be made much stronger than you suspect.
Intact.design Offers Online FEA Service
Serious part designers can’t do without Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Design of the Week: Golden Gate Bridge
This week’s selection is the massive Golden Gate Bridge model by Reddit contributor TheOrangeWolf.
The Many Meshmixer Tutorials
If you haven’t used Meshmixer, you should.
3D Printer Maintenance: The Forgotten Activity
While there are many prints emerging from 3D printers, there is usually insufficient maintenance being performed on machines.
The Challenge of Robotic 3D Printing
What will it take for robotic-based systems to dominate 3D print mechanicals?
Leasing Your 3D Printer? It Makes Sense, For Some
A comment from our post regarding Formlabs’ acquisition of Carl Bass prompted a comment from a reader that deserves an answer.
Floating Components for 3D Printed Ships?
I’m reading research describing a method of producing a porous aluminum structure for ships that has some interesting implications for 3D printing.
Microwave Heating Method Strengthens 3D Printed Parts
Researchers have developed an interesting method for strengthening 3D printed parts by an application of microwaves.
You Can Get A Degree In Additive Manufacturing
From something quite obscure a few years ago, 3D printing is now at the point where you can obtain a degree focused on the technology.
The INTAMSYS FUNMAT HT Professional 3D Printer
Shanghai-based INTAMSYS produces several 3D printers, but one of particular interest is the FUNMAT HT 3D printer.
3D Printers as Material Generators?
I’m reading some research from last month where a new process was used to create graphene, but there are some other implications of the discovery.
NASA Announces Winners in Phase 2 Level 2 of the 3D Printed Habitat Challenge
NASA’s long-running challenge to develop a feasible means of 3D printing habitats on Mars and the Moon took another step forward.
What’s Happening at 3DEO?
We had a chance to speak with two individuals at 3DEO, a promising 3D metal printing startup.
Seven Practical Uses for 3D Scanning for 3D Printing
3D scanners have never been as available as they are today, but what are the ways they can be used for 3D printing?
Formlabs Secures Former Autodesk CEO
Formlabs announced yesterday that Carl Bass, longtime CEO of Autodesk, would join their board of directors.
Is “Carbon Fiber” 3D Print Material Really “Carbon Fiber”?
Recently a number of 3D print companies have announced what’s described as “carbon fiber” materials, but are these really as strong as carbon fiber?
Desktop Metal Cleans Up With New Investment
Today Desktop Metal announced they’ve scored another round of investment, and it’s a whopper with a lot of implications.
Kapton or PEI? What’s Better for Desktop 3D Printing?
There are two popular surface adhesion treatments for desktop 3D printers, but which is right for you?
Design of the Week: Cerco Espresso Cup
This week’s selection is the subtle Cerco Espresso Cup by Spanish artist Jordi López Aguiló of Kutarq Studio.
Mazak’s VC-500AM 3D Metal Printer
Mazak is a Kentucky-based company specializing in CNC machines, but they also offer an interesting metal 3D printing option.
Powder Contamination can be a Huge Issue in 3D Metal Printing
Precision in all aspects is required to ensure 3D metal prints meet specifications, but sometimes that doesn’t happen.
3D Platform’s Filament-Hungry HFE Extruders
3D Platform has been developing ways to dramatically speed up 3D printing very large objects, and their latest extruders are simply insane.
Google’s Blocks Has Nothing to Do With 3D Printing, or Does It?
Google announced a new online tool called “Blocks” for creating 3D objects.
Add a High Temperature Extruder to Your Desktop 3D Printer
France-based I3D Innovation has launched a high temperature extrusion system for desktop 3D printers.
Could 3D Printers Take Advice From a Kitchen Robot?
I’m reading about the fascinating progress of Momentum Machines and wondering how their approach could apply to 3D printing.
CopyPod: An Expandable 3D Scanning Module
There have been a number of full-body 3D scanners on the market, but none, as far as I know, have included the ability to resize, until now.
3D Printing’s MultiMaterial Problem of the Future
3D printers will eventually have a major challenge to overcome: printing a huge number of multiple materials.
EOS Supports an Innovative Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger design has attracted the attention of EOS.
Matching Business Need to 3D Print Technology is Critical for Success
A positive trend in 3D printing these days is the focus on actual applications.
P3-D’s High Performance 3D Printer Nozzles: Testers Required
We were contacted by Performance 3-D to get word out that they require a number of beta testers for their new high performance nozzle series.
High Temperature Capabilities Could Lead to new 3D Print Materials
Historically, desktop 3D printers used only a select few materials, but that has changed recently, and could change a great deal more.
A New Type of 3D Print Application?
I’m reading a release from ESA, the European Space Agency, who seem to have found a new way to use 3D prints.
Design of the Week: Bubble Cake Mold
This week’s selection is the tasty Bubble Cake mold by Ukrainian food artist Dinara Kasko.
What is This 3D Printer Doing in a Museum?
While strolling through a museum the other day, I literally stepped on a gigantic 3D printer. What was it doing there?
Interested in 3D Print Stock Prices? Here’s Your Answer
There aren’t very many publicly traded companies in the 3D print business, but there is one place you can find them all.
The Rise of Electroplated 3D Printed Parts
It seems that electroplating might become a popular secondary 3D print service, if trends carry forward.
About That Printrbelt Concept
I’m reading about the interesting collaboration between Polar 3D and Printrbot, who together have produced something they call the “Printrbelt”.
3D Printer Filament Specifications: Who Can You Believe?
I’m reading an interesting story from Prusa Printers that reveals a rather shocking fact about 3D printer filament.
Does Every 3D Print Filament Maker Need a Chemical Giant Partner?
There are literally dozens of 3D printer filament manufacturers these days, but there may be a powerful way for them to take a step up.
What’s Up Between Ricoh and Stratasys?
Apparently there is a new distributor of Stratasys equipment in New Zealand: Ricoh!
MakerJuice Labs’ 3D Printer Resin Pigment System
Shopping for just the right resin color? MakerJuice has a solution for you.
Hands on with the da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix, Part 2
We obtained a da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix desktop 3D printer from XYZprinting and put it through some tests.
Hands on with the da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix, Part 1
We obtained a da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix desktop 3D printer from XYZprinting and put it through some tests.
CNC Manufacturers Getting in on the 3D Printing Business
Manufacturers of CNC equipment are increasingly attempting to cash in on the growth of 3D printing.
Höganäs’ High Resolution 3D Metal Printer Delivery May Ignite Innovation
3D metal printer manufacturer Höganäs delivered a new machine to a client this week, but it’s not a typical client.
Hands on with Four Fiberlogy Filaments
Fiberlogy is a Polish company producing high quality 3D printer filaments, and we had the chance to test not one, but four of their materials.
Kentstrapper Upgrades to the Zero 2 3D Printer
Florence-based Kentstrapper announced the Zero 2 desktop 3D printer, an improved version of their previous Zero.
HP Enters 3D Printing, But Faces a Number of Challenges
We’ve been following the entry of HP into the 3D printing market and while they can be successful, they could face a number of steep challenges.
3D Print Filament Producer Polymaker Makes Hardware, Too
Polymaker is a well-known provider of high quality filament in many different materials and formats, but they’re also becoming known for their associated hardware products.
Design of the Week: Six Axis Robot Arm
This week’s selection is the complex six axis robot arm by Chris Annin.
Your Industrial 3D Printer is Obsolete. Now What?
Developments in 3D printing occur at a rapid pace, sometimes rendering your equipment obsolete. What should you do?
The Marvel of 3D Print Material Profiles
Today’s desktop 3D printer operators have a huge advantage over those from years before, through the magic of print profiles.
Another Autodesk Experimental 3D System Comes to Market
Autodesk made what could be a milestone announcement this week, as generative features are coming to Netfabb, “later this year”.
Hacker Duplicates Stratasys Concept?
A contest on Hackaday has resulted in a design that is somewhat similar to Stratasys’ new continuous demonstrator concept.
UL Confirms Suspicions of 3D Printer Safety
Over the past few years we’ve always advised those with desktop 3D printers to ensure appropriate ventilation is present.
Ultrasonic 3D Printing: Not 3D Printing, But Still Interesting
I’m reviewing a video of a new concept called, “ultrasonic 3D printing”.
Why Are Isotropic 3D Printed Parts Important?
A word you may be hearing more frequently in the world of 3D printing is “isotropic”. Let’s look into what that means and the implications for 3D printing.
3DEO’s Promising 3D Metal Printing Process
A Los Angeles-based company is working a new 3D metal printing process that could prove popular.
3D Printing Pens Are Not 3D Printers
Without fail, each month there is are busy announcements of the latest “3D printing pen”. That’s fine, except for one thing.
MakerBot Tunes Up Their Educational Access
MakerBot announced two elements of what appears to be an increased emphasis on the educational market.
The Protonium High-Speed, High Resolution Delta 3D Printer
Among numerous crowdfunded 3D printers currently running is one that might be of interest: the Protonium.
What Happens When You Combine CNC and 3D Printing Equipment?
An interesting collaboration could result in one of the world’s largest 3D metal printers.
3D Orchard to Assist Open Source Hardware Design
I’m trying out a new online service that hopes to enable makers to work together on open source hardware projects.
Leapfrog Announces the Bolt Pro
Leapfrog has announced a new flagship 3D printer, the Bolt Pro.
Recent Kickstarter 3D Printer Successes
There’s been lots of bad news regarding inexpensive 3D printers appearing on Kickstarter, but there have been some successes, at least from the funding standpoint.
Design of the Week: The Lugger
This week’s selection is the very useful “Lugger” by designer Tyler Panka, a.k.a. “Right2Make”.
3D Systems Provides Certification Program for Medical Clients
Healthcare has been a huge focus for 3D Systems recently, and they’ve boosted it with the announcement of a new certification program.
Something Interesting Happening for 3D Print in India
A very large medical device development center is being set up in India, with 3D printing taking a big place in the venture.
A Chat With Rize’s Frank Marangell, Part 1
We had the opportunity to sit down with the CEO of one of the most interesting 3D printing companies around today: Rize, Inc.
HP’s 3D Printing Reach to Span Asia-Pacific Region
HP entered the 3D printing industry with a splash last year and its momentum doesn’t appear to be slowing down.
GE To Produce “World’s Largest” 3D Metal Powder Printer
GE hinted at a new, large 3D print technology they’ve been developing called “ATLAS”.
What is an “Accelerator” for 3D Print Companies?
Some readers may be unfamiliar with the concept of a startup accelerator, sometimes mentioned by new 3D print companies.
Contour Crafting Lives!
A surprise press release from Contour Crafting suggests the company is positioned to produce massive 3D building printers.
Sitting Down With Ultimaker’s John Kawola, Part 2
We recently had the opportunity sit down and chat with the new President of Ultimaker North America, John Kawola.
Sitting Down With Ultimaker’s John Kawola, Part 1
We recently had the opportunity sit down and chat with the new President of Ultimaker North America, John Kawola.
NanoSteel Introduces Case-Hardening Metal Powder
As interest rises in 3D metal printing, so do the metal powder material options for it.
Custom Composite Materials on a Desktop 3D Printer? It’s Possible!
I’m reading through an experiment by Instructables’ Charlie Godfrey, where he’s managed to 3D print composite materials on a desktop 3D printer.
3D Print Tip: Oh How I Love My Heat Gun
There are plenty of ideas for tools required to help operate desktop 3D printers, and one of them is the heat gun.
Stratasys Opens a Huge Door to Aerospace 3D Printing
It’s been obvious for a while that Stratasys has been focusing very closely on the aerospace industry, and now they’ve announced a significant development.
Prodways New “RAF” 3D Metal Printing Technology
France-based Prodways has announced a new method of 3D printing in metal that they call, “RAF”, for Rapid Additive Forging.
Mosaic Manufacturing Announces the Palette+ 3D Print Multimaterial Accessory
Canada-based Mosaic Manufacturing announced a new version of their Palette multimaterial accessory, the Palette+.
The MakerGear M3 Desktop 3D Printer
MakerGear has introduced a terrific new feature in their latest desktop 3D printer, the M3.