This week’s selection is the fun Marblevator Baby Steps Revisited by Oklahoma-based Greg Zumwalt.
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!
Could Biological Means be Used to Dynamically Create New Materials?
I’m looking through a scientific paper where researchers used metabolic activity to “print” a new material.
An Interview With The Latest 3D Printer
Today we’re talking with the Presilo, a new 3D printer that recently came on the market.
Suspicious Signs on 3D Printer Kickstarters
There have been numerous crowdfunding failures for small-scale desktop 3D printers recently, and I found another signal to find them.
Hands on with the Form 2 Desktop 3D Printer, Part 1
Our lab finally got our hands on the Formlabs Form 2 desktop 3D printer and I’d like to tell you about our experience.
3D Fantasy of the Week: Onboard 3D Printers Producing Aircraft?
I’m watching a very curious video from BAE Systems that proposes a currently – and likely always – impossible 3D printing feat.
3D Systems’ New Board Members Signals Significant Strategy Change
3D Systems has added two new individuals on their board of directors, and this has explained a lot to me.
Want To Guest Post on Fabbaloo? You Can!
It may be not well known, but this publication does indeed accept guest posts.
colorFabb’s Strategy: 3D Materials or 3D Printers?
I read an interesting announcement from Aleph Objects and colorFabb that begs a question about the latter’s strategy.
What 3D Metal Printing Magic is Velo3D Developing?
You’d think that the best 3D metal printing technique is a settled issue, but it is not by any means “over”.
Checking Out MakerBot’s New “MinFill” Option
MakerBot announced a very intriguing feature to their slicing program, “MinFill”.
Ability3D Launches the Affordable Ability1 3D Metal Printer
We knew this was coming, and now it’s here: Ability3D has launched a Kickstarter campaign for their very inexpensive 3D metal printer, the Ability1.
What is SAP’s 3D Print Distributed Manufacturing System and Why is Roboze In It?
Italy-based Roboze announced they’ve joined the growing SAP Distributed Manufacturing program.
What is the Best 3D Design Software?
People often ask, “what is the best 3D design software”. The answer is, of course, complicated.
Bondtech’s New 3D Print Extruder
Sweden-based Bondtech has released a powerful new extruder for desktop 3D printers.
3D Systems Continues Advancing Color 3D Printing
There are still questions about the amount of demand for color 3D printing, but 3D Systems evidently supports the concept, announcing a new 3D color printer.
Autodesk’s Hobbyist Strategy is Now Clear
With the demise of many of Autodesk’s free 3D offerings, it seems they have been following an ingenious strategy all along.
Windform’s Specialized 3D Print Materials
There are plenty of vendors of common 3D print materials, but far fewer offering unusual composite materials.
Design of the Week: PiKon Telescope
This week’s selection is the ambitious PiKon 3D printed telescope.
Stratasys’ Growth Strategy Revealed
Deep inside Stratasys’ 100,000 word Form 20-F filing is a detailed list of their growth strategy.
3D Print Quotation Service Business Gets Crowded: Kabuku’s MMS
There seems to be a number of 3D print quotation services emerging.
E3D Announces the Titan Aero
3D printer hardware maker E3D-Online announced today the Titan Aero, an interesting combo product.
Is It Time To Consider an Affordable Laser Sintering 3D Printer?
I’m wondering if there is a product category being ignored by some 3D printer buyers.
Think You Can Keep Up With 3D Print Patents? Think Again
There’s a lot more going on in 3D printing than anyone would suspect.
Very Interesting Statements in Stratasys’ 2016 Filing
Stratasys has released their US tax Form 20-F and in it there is a wealth of information about the company’s operations.
Metal 3D Print Price Crashes at i.Materialise
Things just got a little bit more interesting: i.Materialise just dropped their price for aluminum 3D prints.
3D Systems Officially Announces Their Long Awaited Figure 4 Platform
3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems finally announced perhaps the worst-kept secret: the Figure 4 Production Platform.
Many Interesting 3D Printing Projects Proposed at the Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge 2017
The winners of the Additive World Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge 2017 have been chosen by a jury and there are some very interesting projects on the list.
Carbon Patents “Epoxy Dual Cure Resin” Process
It seems that Carbon has been awarded a new patent this week.
Extreme 3D Printing Automation at Voodoo Manufacturing
Voodoo Manufacturing’s amazing project Skywalker portends an explosive robotic future.
Is a 3D Print Speed Benchmark Possible?
A reader asked if a print speed benchmark existed. I’m not sure such a thing could exist.
“Envision The Future” 3D Printed Design Challenge Launched To Help The Blind and Visually Impaired
A partnership between MatterHackers, e_NABLE, Aleph Objects and Pinshape has sponsored a worthy design challenge.
Method for Selectively Polishing 3D Prints Proposed
Researchers are refining a very simple process for smoothing 3D prints.
Coobx’s Exigo 3D Printer LIFTs in High Resolution
A small company has produced what appears to be a very attractive option for high resolution 3D printing.
Stratasys’ Invisible Internal Transformation
Stratasys is one of the largest 3D printing companies in the world, and they mean to keep it that way.
Design of the Week: Splashlight
This week’s selection is the surprising Splashlight by Australia-based Avooq Creations.
ExOne in 2016: Improving, But Seeking the Long Game
3D printer manufacturer ExOne released their 2016 financial results and there are some interesting aspects to their situation.
Evidence of Gaseous Corruption in 3D Metal Printing
A study by LPW Technology reveals some of the complexities of performing 3D metal printing with powder processes.
Carbon’s New M2 3D Printer and the SpeedCell System
Carbon introduced a couple of new items that should make their products far more interesting to those intending on production use.
The OPTA 3D Body Scanner from botspot
Need to 3D scan an uncooperative subject? hotspot’s OPTA 3D scanner might do the job for you.
nTopology’s 3D Lattice Generation Tools
nTopology provides software to generate complex lattices, perfect for use in 3D printing projects.
A Useful 3D Printer Material Chart
With the continual introduction of new 3D printer filament materials, it’s become hard to keep track of them all. Until you see this terrific chart.
The Advantages of Arcam’s 3D Metal Printing Process
Many options for 3D metal printing now exist and while most use variations of the powder bed process, Arcam’s specific technique has some differences.
3D Printed Personalized Jewelry Available
The folks from Sur 3D have developed a new online 3D printing system for jewelry: DecodedHeart.
Additive Industries Introduces an Entry-Level 3D Metal Printer
Eindhoven-based Additive Industries produces one of the physically largest 3D metal printing systems, but now they have a smaller version as well.
The Consolidation of Inexpensive 3D Design Tools
For several years there have been a great deal of choices when it came to 3D design for those on a budget. Now, there’s less choice.
In Germany, They’re Pulling 3D Printing, Not Pushing
A report from Germany shows an unusual development from a major firm demanding use of 3D printing.
GE Dramatically Expanding Their Recent 3D Metal Acquisitions
This week GE described how they are rapidly expanding their metal 3D printing capabilities.
The US Army’s 3D Printed Grenade Launcher Raises Questions
There’s been a bit of a buzz around the US Army’s announcement of an almost fully-3D printed grenade launcher, but really it’s just an experiment.
Significant Speed Up For 3D Metal Printing Developed
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a unique 3D metal printing process that could dramatically speed up metal printing.
Prusa Introduces “Smooth Variable Layer Height” to Combine Speed AND Quality
Open source desktop 3D printer manufacture Prusa Labs introduced a fascinating new feature in their slicing software that attempts to resolve the eternal trade off between quality of print and print speed in 3D printing.
iMakr Takes a Chance on a 3D Food Printer
Notable 3D print retailer iMakr has begun selling a desktop 3D food printer to consumers. Is this a wise idea?
Design of the Week: Customizable Temp Calibration Tower
This week’s selection is the highly useful Temperature Testing Column by Thingiverse contributor eibwen.
Stratasys’ 2016 Financial Results: Improving
Stratasys released their 2016Q4 and full 2016 financial results, and it appears they are improving, albeit only slightly.
DM3D’s Deposition-Based 3D Metal Printing Technology
Among the increasing number of 3D metal printer options is DM3D, who use a deposition approach.
Thrinno’s 3D Metal Printing Quotation System
Are you 3D printing in metal? Thrinno’s new quoting system might be for you.
Yet Another 3D Metal Printer in the Works, and a Battle Takes Shape
This week startup Digital Alloys received significant investment to develop their new 3D metal printing process.
This Could Get Interesting: EnvisionTEC Holds a Patent For Continuous 3D Printing
With all the hullabaloo regarding what’s called “continuous” 3D printing these days, it seems that EnvisionTEC holds a patent for it.
Soluble Support For Moulds? Experiments Are Underway
The rocket scientists at E3D-Online have been doing some rather interesting experiments with their soluble support material.
Is 3D Systems Diversifying? If So, Why?
While perusing press releases, I noticed something about 3D Systems featuring one of their software products, GibbsCAM.
Will Mosaic Manufacturing’s Color 3D Printing Approach Catch On?
There are multiple ways to achieve color 3D printing, and one of them is Mosaic Manufacturing’s Palette. But will it catch on?
BeAM’s Unique 3D Metal Printing System
There are large and growing number of 3D metal printers on the market today, but none of them are exactly like BeAM.
The Hangprinter: A Frameless 3D Printer
The Hangprinter is one of the most unusual 3D printer concepts yet seen, and it actually works.
MakerOS Finally Releases Version 1.0
After a year of beta testing with over 1500 firms, MakerOS is now publicly available for subscription.
Autodesk Wants You To Subscribe To Their 3D Software, They Really Do!
3D software giant Autodesk, whose products are used by many Fabbaloo readers, has announced significant price increases for their non-subscription products.
MICRON3DP About to Release 3D Glass Printer
Secretive Israeli company MICRON3DP is working towards releasing the first 3D glass printer in a few short months.
BeeHex Raises USD$1M: An Important Lesson for 3D Printer Inventors
Startup BeeHex has raised USD$1M to continue development of its pizza printing machine, the Chef 3D.
Be Very Cautious When Considering 3D Print Industry Reports
There seems to be a tide of professional industry reports on the 3D printing industry emerging lately, but I am very suspicious of the quality of some.
3D Systems 2016 Results Challenging
3D Systems released their 4Q16 and full 2016 financial results, where we can see what kind of turnaround has occurred. Or not.
iMakr Introduces USD$99 3D Printer
For what is likely the very first time, a 3D printer is being sold by a major outlet for less than USD$100.
Robo Selling STL File “Print Packs” at Staples?
A very interesting report at Hackaday describes a very unusual product from Robo (formerly Robo 3D).
Startling Stats From GE Regarding Use of 3D Printing Technology
I listened to a talk by a GE representative who explained why they see so much benefit in 3D printing, and it’s quite startling.
Ultimaker Files First Patent: Good News or Bad?
Long time open source supporter Ultimaker reported that it had filed for its very first patent.
Verbatim’s New Filaments Support That Professional Notion
Recently we spoke with representatives from Verbatim and found out about some new filaments they are working on.
Roland DGA’s New Dental Brand: DGSHAPE
Japan-based Roland has introduced a new dental 3D printer – and an entirely new brand.
A Look at Trumpf’s 3D Metal Printers
There aren’t that many large-scale manufacturers of commercial 3D metal printers, but Germany-based Trumpf is one of them.
3D Printed Human Skin Moving Towards Real Life Use
Researchers at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have developed what appears to be a practical method for 3D printing human skin.
3D Slash Releases Version 3.0
France-based 3D Slash released a new version of their popular entry-level 3D design tool with some useful features.
Things Have Changed: 3D Printer Found in Bargain Bin
This could be the bookend to the consumer 3D printing craze of a recent years: a consumer-style 3D printer has been sighted in a bargain bin.
An Experiment From Formlabs Portends a Colorful 3D Printed Future
Formlabs has executed a very interesting experiment in hydrographics using their 3D printing equipment.
Buy Materials, Get Free Printer? It’s Really Happened!
XYZprinting is apparently offering a free 3D printer – if you buy some materials.
Type A Machines Steps on the Gas
Professional desktop 3D printer manufacturer Type A Machines announced an interesting contract manufacturing relationship that could indicate their plans.
STACKER Returns with the S2 3D Printer
Two years ago a new company called STACKER introduced a powerful four-head professional 3D printer. Now, they’re back with a newly optimized model, the S2.
3D Printed Casting Tradeoffs
I’m reading a piece by VoxelJet explaining how they’re working with a client, but it occurred to me there is a tradeoff to consider.
Design of the Week: Yet ANOTHER Machine Vise
This week’s selection is the 3D printable vise system by Pinshape contributor Christoph Laimer, a.k.a. “TheGoofy”.
Materialise’s 2016 Financial Results Look Positive
3D print service and software provider Materialise released their 2016 financial results this week.
EnvisionTEC is in the Fast Resin 3D Printer Club, Too
With all the buzz about new startups featuring fast 3D printing systems, it’s easy to forget that EnvisionTEC has a similar system as well.
Tiko 3D Buyers to be Rescued by M3D?
Earlier today we wrote on the ill-fated Tiko 3D project, which went into “hibernation” yesterday. Now we find that M3D wants to help.
Crazy 3D Idea of the Week: 3D Quality Control System
I’m reading a piece describing a 3D tracking system that’s being used for assisting delicate medical procedures and had an idea of how to apply something similar to 3D printing.
Inevitable: Tiko 3D is Officially “On Standby”
Tiko 3D announced yesterday that they’ve placed the company “on standby”, effectively ending their project.
A Lesson on Pricing Artistic 3D Prints
I’m reading a brief post on LinkedIn by noted 3D designer Janne Kyttanen regarding his experience with a 3D printed light design.
Sentrol Offers Several Industrial 3D Printers
Korea-based Sentrol is one of several large Asian companies to introduce a line of powerful 3D printers for industry.
3D Printer Security Woes Likely To Increase
I’m reading an interesting piece by David Gerwitz at ZDNet, who talks about 3D printers being vulnerable IoT devices.
The Importance of 3D Printer Product Names
There are tons of desktop 3D printer options out there, and it’s often hard to distinguish between models.
Printr Simplifies Start and End 3D Print Sequences
I hadn’t noticed this previously, but Printr has developed a really cool way to customize portions of your desktop 3D prints.