I’m reading a story on the recent struggles of the luxury watch industry and wondering how 3D printing could assist.
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!
Several Unique Features of the Zesty Nimble 3D Printer Extruder
A new extruder design has hit Kickstarter: the Zesty Nimble.
Formlabs’ New Engineering Resins Hide a Powerful Secret Weapon
Today Formlabs announced a trio of new “engineering” resins for use in their desktop 3D printer, but one of them has a very special property.
New Functional 3D Printer Material from Avante
Yet another interesting 3D printer filament has been announced by Avante Technology: Injection Molding Grade Filament.
Could the 3devo Filament Extruder Be The One That Works?
A new desktop-sized filament extruder was announced by 3devo of Netherlands.
Researchers Develop Unusual 3D Printing Technique
TU Delft researchers have combined two 3D printing techniques together to demonstrate a powerful new process.
Zip Up That Filament!
In a world with increasingly powerful desktop 3D printers, your filament probably deserves a lot more attention.
A Not-So Peachy Update on the Peachy Printer
There’s some news from the fellow behind the Peachy Printer project, which intended to deliver the world’s first sub-$100 3D printer.
Design of the Week: Lily Lamp
This week’s selection is now-historical Lily Lamp by well-known 3D designer Janne Kyttanen.
Two 3Dwox Updates
The increasing popularity of the amazing 3Dwox desktop 3D printer from Sindoh tells me readers may be interested in two subtle updates about the device.
What Jobs in 3D Printing?
Some believe the boom in 3D printing has led to new jobs, and indeed it has. But what kind of jobs are they? I made a list.
Netfabb Basic: Lost, Then Found!
A while ago we posted a short piece wondering what the heck happened to the very popular Netfabb Basic software. Now, there’s an answer. A few actually.
Kentstrapper Announces The Verve 3D Printer
Italy-based Kentstrapper announced a powerful new desktop 3D printer, the Verve.
WASP Launches Maker Economy Kit to Save the World The Delta 2040 3D printer from WASP. (Image courtesy of WASP.)
For most businesses, the hype of the 3D printing industry was an opportunity to innovate with new technology and make a few bucks, or vice versa depending on which was prioritized.
Some Details on the GEMform 3D Printer, Right From the Top
Concept Craft is a relatively new Poland-based 3D printing startup that’s developed the GEMform, a desktop 3D printer.
Tinkerine’s Deepens Educational 3D Printing Offerings
Tinkerine announced two new educational offerings that will help encourage students to take further steps into 3D printing and related disciplines.
Can Small 3D Printer Filament Companies Survive?
Every week I receive multiple notices from small 3D printer filament companies looking for a way to promote their products.
Three More Reasons Industry Isn’t Picking Up 3D Printing
A concerned reader has suggested additional reasons why it’s so challenging for industry to adopt 3D print technology.
Markforged’s new Mark X Composite 3D Printer
The new Mark X from Markforged includes a unique and very necessary feature.
EXCLUSIVE: The Man Who 3D Printed On Mars
Zak Wilson spent eight months in a Mars simulator, where he did a great deal of 3D printing.
Type A Machines Partners with Mosaic for Multi-Color 3D Printing
Multi-color – or indeed multi-material – 3D printing just got a little bit easier with a new deal between Type A Machines and Mosaic Manufacturing.
Ultimaker’s New Ultimaker 3 Dual-Extrusion 3D Printer
Today Ultimaker launches a new model in their lineup: the Ultimaker 3 desktop 3D printer.
Yum! The ColorPod Now 3D Prints Edible Items
Remember the ColorPod? The kit that converts a plastic 3D printer into a powder 3D printer? Now they print edible objects, too.
Another 3D Printer Manufacturer Buys a Ticket on the Pellet Train
Titan Robotics announced plans to incorporate a pellet-fueled extruder on their massive Atlas 3D printer.
Design of the Week: Caesar Pencil Holder
This week’s selection is the “brutal” “Caesar Pencil Holder” by Thingiverse contributor Kevin “Abrokadabra” of Buffalo, New York.
Does Airbus’ Stratasys Standard Indicate a Trend in Aerospace 3D Printing?
Stratasys announced that Airbus standardized their ULTEM 9085 material as a material for flight parts. But is there more to this story?
University Students: Enter the Print the Future Competition Today!
A very interesting competition has been announced by a consortium of technology organizations that might result in your design being 3D printed in space!
The Unrealized Potential of Ceramic 3D Printing
There have been a few ceramic 3D printing initiatives, such as that of 3D Systems (acquired from Figulo) and now apparently shut down.
MakeX’s New M-Jewelry 3D Printer
MakeX successfully launched a high resolution resin-based 3D printer in 2014; now they’re about to launch a new machine focused on the jewelry industry.
3D Printing Hidden in New HBO Series
Have you watched the new HBO series, “Westworld”? If you have, the opening sequence features a very unusual 3D printing process.
3D Printer to Cure Baldness? Wut?
What? You can 3D print hair to cure baldness? Can this possibly be real?
3D Printed Longboard Illustrates the Best and Worst of 3D Printing
A 3D printing experiment demonstrates how both success and tragedy in the industry.
Airwolf 3D’s New Direct Drive Option
Desktop 3D printer manufacturer Airwolf3D announced a new option for their AXIOM and AXIOMe 3D printers: direct drive.
HP is 3D Printing Their Own 3D Printer
It was revealed that HP’s new industrial 3D printer, the Jet Fusion 3D 3200, includes a large number of 3D printed parts itself.
Action Required: Get Free Promotion For Your Open Source 3D Project
We announced last month a new program to provide absolutely FREE support for community projects related to 3D. You should apply now!
Phase 2 of NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is Open
NASA has opened up “phase 2” of their 3D Printed Habitat Challenge.
The HelmetHair Project Demonstrates a Key 3D Printing Application
It may seem to be a ridiculous application, but in fact this “HelmetHair” illustrates a perfect application for 3D printing.
Polar3D Gets a Huge Financial Boost
Polar3D, the makers of a very unusual desktop 3D printer, just announced they’ve received USD$2M in investment.
Modix Extends the Independent Extruder Idea
A new UK-based 3D printer startup has developed an even more flexible dual extrusion approach.
Design of the Week: Moving Table
This week’s selection is the fascinating “Moving Table” 3D model by MyMiniFactory contributor Ekaggrat Singh Kalsi.
And Where Did Netfabb Basic Go?
After our story regarding Netfabb’s new release last week, an anonymous reader pointed out that Netfabb’s “Basic” version appears to be missing.
BigRep Releases Long-Awaited Large-Format Plastic
BigRep has solved a major barrier to large-format 3D printing in a very ingenious way.
Cosine Additive Adds “Tandem Mode”
Large-format 3D printer manufacturer Cosine Additive has developed a powerful new feature that they call “Tandem” printing.
Seven Reasons Why It Takes So Long for Industry to Catch on to 3D Printing
For some reason there are still an astonishing number of businesses that have not yet taken up 3D printing.
A Profound Insight Found in 3D Hubs’ Latest Trend Report
I noticed something very interesting in this month’s 3D Hubs Trends report, something that tells the story of the last few years of 3D printing.
The Missing Step in Desktop 3D Printing
Folks using desktop 3D printers are missing s step that’s commonly used in manufacturing: measurement.
Sharebot’s Suite of Professional 3D Printers
I’ve encountered Italy-based Sharebot on many occasions over the past few years, but I noticed something very interesting the last time we met.
The Story Behind That Most Unusual 3D Printing Takeover
After publishing our story “A Most Unusual 3D Printing Corporate Takeover”, I was contacted by none other than Braydon Moreno, CEO and co-founder of Robo 3D.
It Will Be A Quiet Holiday Season In 3D Printing
There’s something a bit different happening this year in 3D printing: lack of holiday season promotions.
The News From MakerOS
In the past year MakerOS has grown significantly and upgraded their system.
Autodesk Releases Upgraded NetFabb
Autodesk released Autodesk Netfabb 2017, which includes numerous improvements.
This Robot Suggests 3D Printing Automation Applications?
I’m watching a video of a science-fictiony kitchen robot, but wondering how this concept could apply to 3D printing.
The Hidden Pain of Post-Processing 3D Prints
Rize3D has published a report detailing the often forgotten costs associated with 3D printing that occur AFTER the print is complete.
3Diligent Reorganizes
3Diligent is a large 3D printing network focused on professional use, but this week they’ve announced a reorganization.
3D Printing Software That Might Pay For Itself
France-based Deltaface has produced 3D print preparation software that could save you some money.
Design of the Week: GalacTops
This week’s selection is the GalacTops series of air-powered spinning tops by Devon of YouTube channel Make Anything.
3D Print Community: The RMADS Rapid Manufacturing Advice System
This month’s community support selection is the RMADS project undertaken by researchers at Newcastle University.
China’s Largest SLA 3D Printer Manufacturer Arrives in The West
The largest stereolithography machine manufacturer in China is setting up shop in the USA.
Did Apple Already Develop a 3D Printer?
I’m now thinking Apple might create a 3D printer – but not in the way you suspect.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
An Interview with Filaments.ca
We spoke with a regional 3D printer filament provider to find out the latest.
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.