Optomec announced three new metal-capable 3D printing devices in a new line of equipment.
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!
3D Platform Unleashes Not One, But TWO Gigantic 3D Printer Concepts
3D Platform has long been known as a producer of “huge” 3D printers, but the word “huge” will have to be replaced after this announcement.
EnvisionTEC Files Suit Against Formlabs
Ouch! EnvisionTEC has launched a patent infringement lawsuit against Massachusetts-based Formlabs.
What’s a Good Set of 3D Printer Filament?
You have a desktop 3D printer capable of 3D printing many different materials. What should your filament supply look like?
3D Print Entrepreneur Disappears in the Philippines
An entrepreneur pioneering a cost-effective method of 3D printing building structures has disappeared in the midst of a scary corporate situation in the Philippines.
Fabbaloo to Provide Free Support to 3D Print Initiatives
One of the main reasons this blog exists is to promote and grow 3D printing technology. Today we’re announcing a new program to help make that happen.
Indmatec Reaches Beyond 3D Printing Mere PEEK
Germany-based Indmatec is developing a powerful new high-temperature desktop 3D printer for advanced prototyping.
Design of the Week: Pokeball Aimer
This week’s selection is the useful – to Pokemon Go players – Pokeball Aimer by MyMiniFactory contributor Jon Cleaver.
Another Major Player Enters the 3D Printing Filament Market
Nexeo Solutions has begun marketing a line of 3D printer filament, marking the first venture into 3D printing by the global chemical distributor.
Sightline Maps Produces Instant 3D Printable Terrains
A new project hopes to provide an ability for educators to create any type of 3D contour maps.
Beyond the New 3D Printing Materials
The era of extremely limited 3D printer material selection seems to be ending, but what might the next materials challenge become?
What Is “Industry 4.0” and How Does 3D Printing Fit Into It?
I’ve been hearing more mentions of “Industry 4.0” and “3D Printing” in the same sentence. What does this all mean?
Are Users Discovering Full Color 3D Printing?
Full color 3D printing is definitely not for everyone. There are those who do use it, but are there many more who don’t yet know they should?
Printr’s Intelligent Dual Extrusion Wiping Feature
Netherlands-based Printr released a new slicing feature for their Formide system that increases the reliability of dual extrusion 3D prints.
It Appears CX5 is a Success
CX5, a sculptable 3D printer filament, appears to have surpassed their launch goals and will become a product.
Could the Bunker be a Transformational 3D Printing Product?
I’m looking at the Bunker, a 3D printing accessory designed to manage 3D printer filament, but it seems this device is far more than it appears.
Unbelievable Media Coverage of 3D Printing
This morning I noticed a story from an obscure website detailing an announcement from 3D Systems about a product they introduced three years ago!
BioPrinting Breakthrough in Ireland
Researchers at Trinity College in Dublin have worked out a new process for 3D printing live, complex bone structures.
Waiting for Transparent Aluminum 3D Printers
Among the infinite variety of materials in our world is a very peculiar substance known as Aluminium oxynitride, or as some call it, transparent aluminum.
BREAKING: General Electric to Acquire Both Arcam AND SLM!
Today General Electric announced plans to acquire two metal 3D printing companies, Arcam and SLM Solutions.
Thermwood’s Monstrous 3D Printer and CNC Hybrid
CNC maker Thermwood announced a very unusual device: the LSAM, which combines CNC and 3D printing technologies.
An Ineffective 3D Printing Stunt
I’m reading reports of a new Guinness World Record for the “largest 3D print ever”. But this is a pointless exercise.
Design of the Week: Box Microscope
This week’s selection is the Box Microscope kit by Cults3D contributor Callen.
The Sintratec Kit: Low Cost Nylon Powder 3D Printing
If you’re seeking a way to 3D print complex structures in nylon, there are a few choices, but one of the least expensive is Sintratec’s 3D printer kit.
How Do You Implement 3D Printing?
While some readers might think getting into 3D printing is as simple as buying a machine and powering it up, that’s definitely not the case for industry users.
Six Thoughts on Stratasys’ Blockbuster Industry Announcement
I’ve been thinking more about the implications of Stratasys’ industrial 3D printing announcement last week.
Blueprinter Having Difficulties?
We’ve received evidence that Denmark-based Blueprinter may be having financial issues.
Two Curious Printer Features on the Deltatower
Recently we examined machines from Deltatower, a Swiss-based manufacturer of large-sized delta 3D printers.
Dyze Design’s New DyzeXtruder GT
Montreal’s Dyze Design has released a new version of their 3D printer extruder mechanism and it seems to include many interesting design features.
Socks for your 3D Printer Nozzle?
E3D announced a new product: HotEnd Socks. Is this a necessary item?
WI3DP Offers In-Person Networking Meetup
The Women in 3D Printing group has scheduled a meetup for September in the Bay Area.
Tips for Attending A 3D Print Trade Show
Whether you’ve been to one or not, if you’re reading this publication you more than likely will at some point in your career. Here’s our tips to get the most out of the experience.
The 3D Printing Business Directory
There’s an interesting new service you might be interested in joining: the 3D Printing Business Directory.
Prometheus: A New Two-Material Option for Single Extruder 3D Printers
Canada-based DisTech Automation announced the impending arrival of their new Prometheus dual-extrusion solution.
One Tip You Must Know: The Cold Pull Technique
The truth with a desktop 3D printer is that you will definitely be performing service on it. But there’s one easy technique you must master.
Kloner3D’s Fascinating Twin 3D Printing System
Kloner3D is a Florence, Italy-based 3D printer manufacturer producing now eight machines, including the amazing 240Twin machine.
Into the Mailbag: Fabbaloo’s Incoming Message Periodic Review
As a very popular 3D print blog, we tend to receive a ton of messages from the public. Some of them are “interesting”.
Have You Tried ASA 3D Printer Filament?
Among the small explosion of new 3D print materials is a substance you may not have considered: ASA.
“No Smokers, Pets or 3D Printers, Please”
A discussion on Reddit focuses on a very unusual apartment rental advertisement that mentions 3D printing. But what does this mean?
Optomec’s New Micron-Level 3D Printing Capability
Optomec announced an improvement in their Aerosol Jet Technology that permits production of very small structures.
Design of the Week: Sneakers I
This week’s selection is the surprisingly practical Sneakers I by Recreus3D.
The RoVa4D Smashes Funding Goals at a Sweet Spot
We described ORD’s innovative RoVa3D multicolor desktop 3D printer some weeks ago, as launched with a fundraising campaign. How did they do?
Leasing or Buying Your 3D Printer?
I’ve just noticed that Type A Machines now offers leasing programs for acquiring their equipment, but is this something you should consider?
Hands On With Afinia’s ES360 Desktop 3D Scanner
This week we had the chance to test out Afinia’s ES360 tabletop 3D scanning system.
An Update on the 3D Monstr
Since I’ve been writing about large-format 3D printers lately, today we are revisiting 3D Monstr’s line of 3D printers.
ExOne Makes Big Changes at the Top
ExOne swapped out their CEO this past week, suggesting possible changes in strategy.
The Metal Powder Business Expands Due To 3D Printing, But Only So Far
It seems that metal producers have noticed this pattern and have been gearing up for more sales.
NONSTOP: Stratasys’ New Infinite Build 3D Concept
As part of Stratasys’ blockbuster announcement, they unveiled an entirely new 3D printing concept, the Infinite Build 3D Demonstrator, which prints SIDEWAYS!
Two 3D Printer Liquid Adhesives You Can Buy
The eternal problem of extrusion-based desktop 3D printers is bed adhesion. Here are two commercial solutions specifically designed for that purpose.
Stratasys Announces Bold Strategy: Two Key New Concepts Unveiled
Today 3D print giant Stratasys announced a bold new strategy focused on industry that will no doubt have a significant effect on manufacturing in the future.
Filamentive’s Sustainable 3D Printer Filaments
I met with representatives of Filamentive to find out more about their interesting series of sustainable 3D printer filaments.
What Happens When Your 3D Printer Manufacturer Drops Support?
In an increasing number of cases, support ceases for aging 3D printers. What should you do?
UNLAYERED: Stratasys’ New Robotic Composite 3D Concept
As mentioned earlier, Stratasys announced a new strategy involving two utterly new 3D printing concepts. One of them is the Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator.
A Method to Add Color to Your 3D Printer: ColorPod
A project by Netherlands-based Aad van der Geest has created “ColorPod”, a concept for converting a monocolor desktop 3D printer into a full color machine.
Is 3D Printing Truly Green?
There’s been much ado made of the notion of “green” 3D printing, but is this really true?
MAKEiT Releases the Pro-L Desktop 3D Printer
MAKEiT is a small company producing a powerful desktop 3D printer that’s quite suitable for low volume production use. Now they’re released a newly improved version, the Pro-L.
Design of the Week: Rottlace Masks
This week’s selection is the strange Rottlace mask by the MIT Mediated Matter Group.
3D Hubs’ 3D Printing Process Chart is Comprehensive, But…
3D Hubs has developed a very clear infographic detailing the numerous 3D printing processes. But I think there’s one problem with it.
The Frequency of 3D Content Violations is Astonishing
Earlier we wrote a story on LayerTrove, a new Scotland-based startup that happens to be selling unlicensed 3D content. But how often does this occur? It turns out to be astonishingly frequent.
Free 3D Software for the New School Year
It’s that time of year for many students about to enter another year of learning, hopefully many in 3D. Fortunately, there are many ways to access free 3D software.
The Newly Discovered Problem with All Large-Format 3D Printers
Recently we’ve written several stories about new, large-format 3D printers. While these machines can print large items, there’s a big problem with them.
Reflow: Recycled 3D Printer Filament System That Works
There have been many aborted attempts at producing recycled 3D printer filament, but Reflow’s approach appears to be successful.
The Confusing Paradox of 3D Printer Adhesion
One problem increasingly encountered by 3D printer operators is something one would have been solved a while ago: adhesion
Two “Secret” 3D Printing Startups
Fabbaloo reader Lance Pickens asked about two 3D printing startups, so what else could I do but check them out?
100(ish) Educational 3D Printing Projects Released by MyStemKits
For schools, classrooms and educators this could be a lifesaver in September: a monstrous selection of 3D printing projects from MyStemKits.
The PotterBot V4.5 Succeeds Through Simplicity
3D Potter announced a new ceramic 3D printer, the PotterBot V4.5, whose new extrusion mechanism is fantastically simpler.
LayerTrove Releases Easy-To-Print 3D Models, But Faces Big Risks
LayerTrove is a Scotland-based 3D model store who have just launched a 3D models series that may bring them troubles in the future.
dddmaterial Launches Powerful Tungsten 3D Printer Nozzles, Again
Germany-based dddmaterial has launched a second Kickstarter campaign to produce a batch of powerful tungsten 3D printer nozzles.
The Go-Make Junior 3D Printer: A Hacker’s Feast?
e mother of invention with a new open source 3D printer project, the Go-Make Junior.
A Look at the New Monoprice Ultimate 3D Printer, and OMG!
Monoprice has been selling inexpensive 3D printers for a while, but recently they took a step into a more powerful machine.
The M3D Pro is Now Available – With Some Cool Features
Remember the M3D Micro 3D printer from years ago? This machine has now grown into the new M3D Pro model that just happens to be launched today.
Is X-Y Resolution Important in 3D Printing? Answer: Sometimes
There are two types of resolution mentioned in 3D printing specifications, layer size and X-Y, but is the latter of any importance?
3D Printing Can Enable Amazing Things
Some say 3D printing is not useful and is dying, but in fact our world is being slowly changed in fundamental ways behind the scenes.
Design of the Week: Knot Knits
This week’s selection is the amazing “Knot Knits” part set by UK artist Rob Elford.
Investing in Metal 3D Print Powders? Not So Fast!
I read a report proposing that it might be profitable to invest in metal powder production for 3D printers and concluded this might not be the best plan.
Two Neat Features on the FELIX Pro 1
The other week we had a really close look at the FELIX Pro 1 and found a couple of very interesting features.
How Cheap are Those Asian 3D Printers, Anyway?
3D printer buyers in the West are accustomed to prices in the thousands for desktop 3D print gear, but what kind of deals could you get if you purchased directly from Asia?
Massivit Has It Figured Out
Massivit 3D Printing Technologies has announced their strategy for unveiling their huge Massivit 1800 3D printer, and it’s not what you might think.
UL’s Work With 3D Printing Operations Should Increase Safety – And More
Did you know that UL offers a comprehensive series of trying programs for 3D printing?
WASP Encounters – and Solves – Problems During Gigantic 3D Print
Italy-based WASP has been experimenting with their building-sized BigDelta 3D printer.
3MF Releases Production-Oriented Extensions
The 3MF Consortium released two interesting specification extensions that are designed to make life much easier for production environments.
MakerBot’s Western Expansion: The First of Many?
MakerBot announced an interesting educational maneuver: they’re opening up an office in California.
Questions about 3D Printing From a New User
A random question from an interested reader resulted in a curious reverse interview about the future of 3D printing.
MCOR Shifts Gears on their Color 3D Printer
MCOR Technologies announced a very attractive full-color 3D printer based on their paper technology last January, but a recent announcement describes some key changes.
Aleph Object’s Financials Hint at an Interesting Future Battle
Aleph Objects, the company behind the LulzBot line of desktop 3D printers, released their quarterly financials, providing a glimpse at the workings of a smaller 3D printer company.
Second Quarter Results at Stratasys: Status Improving
3D printing giant Stratasys released their second quarter results this past week and it seems things are improving.
The Metal Delta is a Surprisingly Good 3D Printer Option
Now on Kickstarter, the Metal Delta 3D printer from Blue Eagle Labs offers some very interesting features at a very low price.
Two Interesting 3D Print Technologies Under Development
I recently encountered a couple of fascinating research projects that are both attempting to develop powerful new 3D printing technologies.
Controversy at Zortrax Suggests More Scrutiny Required
A damning report in TechCrunch reveals Poland-based 3D printer manufacturer Zortrax lied about a major sales contract – and demonstrates everyone should spend more effort scrutinizing vendors.
Design of the Week: Rocket Coffee Table
This week’s selection is the playful Rocket Coffee Table by Stelios Mousarris.
A Look Up at Leapfrog’s Super-Tall Xcel 3D Printer. Way Up!
Leapfrog’s Xcel 3D printer is far taller than you could imagine.
Printr Updates Their Cloud 3D Print Management System
Amsterdam-based Printr has been quietly improving their cloud-based 3D print management system, Formide.
3D Systems 2Q16 Results: Still Hurting, but Management is Optimistic
3D printing giant 3D Systems announced their second quarter results and there were few changes, but that’s about what I’d expect to see.
One More Way to Embed a Nut in Your 3D Print
I saw a unique method of embedding nuts and bolts into your 3D print that I had not considered, one that you definitely should.
Leapfrog’s New Bolt 3D Printer has a Speedy Surprise
Our team had a close look at Leapfrog’s new Bolt 3D printer and discovered it has features beyond its large size.