This week’s selection is a historic time capsule 3D print by James Harrison from 1988!
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!
Complex 3D Printed Magnetic Structures
Researchers have demonstrated an approach for creating 3D printed magnetic structures with high resolution.
Creality’s Lastest 3D Printer, The Ender 3 V2
Creality’s new Ender 3 V2 is now available, and it’s a good choice for entry-level 3D printing.
Aftermarket Parts: Another 3D Printing Niche?
Could aftermarket parts be a niche application for 3D printing? I think it has huge potential.
COBOD 3D Printing 200m Turbine Tower!
News from COBOD indicates they are to assist in the production of massive wind turbines by 3D printing large tower bases.
Formnext Announces COVID-19 Protocols For Fall Event
Formnext, the largest 3D printing event worldwide, announced more about how they intend on holding the event this coming November.
SketchUp Goes Subscription-Only
SketchUp, the 3D tool many of us began learning 3D concepts from, has moved to a subscription payment model.
colorFabb Releases First Dissolvable 3D Print Support Material
Innovative filament producer colorFabb has introduced their very first soluble support material for 3D printing, DPA-100.
Getting Better Prints With 3DOptimizer
A new online service has emerged that hopes to guide 3D printer operators to better printing parameters: 3DOptimizer.
Book of the Week: Job Shop Lean
This week’s selection is “Job Shop Lean: An Industrial Engineering Approach to Implementing Lean in High-Mix Low-Volume Production Systems” by Shahrukh A. Irani.
Even More Investment For VELO3D
VELO3D has unexpectedly received an investment of US$12M.
INTAMSYS’ New High-Speed Flexible 3D Printer
INTAMSYS announced a radically new 3D printer, the FLEX 510, which is able to 3D print flexible objects at very high speeds.
Good News From COBOD And Their Construction 3D Printers
News from COBOD indicates the company turned a profit in 2019, meaning there is now a viable construction 3D printer market.
Design of the Week: TTGO T-Beam Shock Resistant Enclosure
This week’s selection is the TTGO T-Beam Shock Resistant Enclosure by Naomi Wu.
Are Open Source 3D Printers Truly Possible?
Is it really possible to produce a truly open source 3D printer at scale and be successful in the market?
Uncloaking FAME 3D, The Mysterious Owners Of LulzBot
We spoke with FAME 3D, the new owners of the LulzBot brand of 3D printers, to understand more about the mysterious firm.
Wematter Updates 3D Print Software
Wematter released version 2.0 of their 3D print management software, which includes a number of user interface improvements.
Discovering Future AI Features For 3D Printing
I’m reading the lengthy PhD thesis from Ivanna Baturynska, who has extensively investigated the possibility of using advanced AI techniques to optimize 3D print jobs.
Is It Time To Shut Down Smaller 3D Printed PPE Operations?
Over the past few months most regions have self-organized informal 3D printed PPE networks, but perhaps it’s time to consider shutting them down.
3DEO Hits A Production 3D Print Milestone
Metal manufacturing service 3DEO announced they’ve produced 150,000 metal parts using their unique process.
Noninvasive Bioprinting Method Developed: 3D Print Inside The Body!
Researchers have developed a highly unusual form of 3D printing that allows printing to take place inside a living body.
ExOne’s #MakeMetalGreen Campaign Highlights Industry’s Lack of Knowledge
ExOne launched a new social media campaign a few weeks ago focusing on the green aspects of 3D printing, but why do they need to do that at all?
SpaceX Triggers Increased Use Of 3D Printing?
I’m seeing another reason companies will increase their adoption of 3D printing, and this time it’s at the top end of a rocket.
Plural Additive Manufacturing Working With 3ntr
I recently had the opportunity to speak with the folks from Plural Additive Manufacturing, an Oregon-based 3D print company.
Book of the Week: CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies and T-Shaped People
This week’s selection is “CAD Monkeys, Dinosaur Babies and T-Shaped People: Inside the World of Design Thinking and How It Can Spark Creativity and Innovation” by Warren Berger.
Are 3D Printer Kickstarters Changing Into Something New?
Crowdfunding ventures for 3D printers seem to have transformed significantly in the past few years, and a recent event is the first of many to come.
What Is The Spaghetti Detective, And Do I Need One? (Probably)
There might be no stranger name for a 3D print product than the Spaghetti Detective, but it’s not only appropriate, but something that should become popular in 3D printing.
Design of the Week: Glove Remover
This week’s selection is the Glove Remover by digital advertising agency atoll.
Could The Pandemic Cause 3D Printer Company Tranformations?
After seeing 3D printer companies make fundamental transformations in their business models, I’m wondering if this is a trend.
The Consolidation Trend in 3D Print and Manufacturing Services
I recently spoke with Rich Stump of FATHOM and learned how the manufacturing service industry is consolidating.
Disturbing Reports Emerging From LulzBot Resellers
A series of disturbing reports have emerged this week from resellers of LulzBot’s 3D printers that could alienate the open source community.
New Method Of Measuring Metal 3D Printed Part Strength
Researchers in the US military have developed a set of tests to determine the strength of 3D printed parts that could aid in future metal 3D printing quality control.
Overcoming The Performance Barrier To Full-On Radical 3D Printing
There’s a key barrier that’s holding back 3D printing from much more radical use, but it may be about to break down.
Tethon 3D Releases New Mullite Ceramic Powder For SLS 3D Printing
Tethon 3D announced a new product: a ceramic powder suitable for use in SLS 3D printers to add to their extensive portfolio of printable ceramic materials.
Cad Crowd Announces Winners of COVID-19 Design Contest
3D modeling freelancer site Cad Crowd announced the winners of their COVID-19 Design Contest.
Stratasys Restructures: A “Strategic Resizing”
Stratasys announced a workforce reduction due to the impact of COVID-19, laying off a number of permanent staff.
Printlab Introduces Student Portal For 3D Print Learning
Printlab has introduced a new “student portal” that allows students to work online when learning about 3D printing.
Xaar Announcement Hints At Future Stratasys Involvement
An announcement by Xaar leads to some interesting speculation about Stratasys’ future strategy, which could be a different style of involvement with additive manufacturing.
Behold: Pico CAD
Game developer Johan Peitz posted a tweet recently with an animation of a project he’s working on called Pico CAD, an 8-bit 3D modeling tool.
Book of the Week: Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design, Second Edition
This week’s selection is “Prototyping and Modelmaking for Product Design” by Bjarki Hallgrimsson.
Sculpteo Releases 6th Annual State Of 3D Printing
3D print service Sculpteo today released the results of their latest comprehensive annual survey of 3D printing use worldwide, and there’s several important findings.
Another Generative 3D CAD Alternative: Gen3D
I’m taking a quick look at Gen3D, a CAD tool for generating complex structures that can then be 3D printed.
A Xometry Update With Thoughts On Manufacturing Flexibility
Recently I spoke with Xometry’s Aaron Lichtig to find out how the 3D printing manufacturing network is faring during the crisis.
Design of the Week: 3D Printed Pen Plotter
This week’s selection is the 3D printed “d.i.d” Pen Plotter by design studio Ufficio Progetti Perduti.
Bellus3D Provides Unusual COVID-19 Service
Bellus3D, a 3D scanning company, has developed a way to provide a customized 3D print to make face masks far more effective.
Question of the Week: Ceramic 3D Printing
This week’s question relates to the costing of ceramic 3D printing: what are the options, costs and considerations for 3D printing ceramic jewelry?
Falcontech To Take FIFTY Farsoon Metal 3D Printers
Farsoon announced a monstrously huge deal with Falcontech to provide the AM service with no fewer than 50 advanced metal 3D printers.
CASTOR Assists The Transition To Additive Manufacturing
A startup company has developed services to assist the transition to additive manufacturing technologies by performing a sophisticated analysis of target parts.
Formlabs Client Demonstrates Immense Production Flexibility Using 3D Printing
One of Formlabs’ clients has been saved from catastrophe during the COVID-19 crisis in a way that demonstrates the incredible power of 3D printing.
Artec 3D Releases New Reverse Engineering Features And More
Artec 3D released Artec Studio 15, their latest release of 3D scanning management software, and it includes some interesting new reverse engineering features.
EOS Focuses On Metal 3D Print Safety
A technical notice recently issued by EOS to their clients regarding 3D print metal condensate safety.
Stratasys Client 3D Printing ISS Components, More To Come?
A new 3D printed part being used on the International Space Station could open up new worlds of 3D printing applications.
BigRep Releases Two New 3D Print Materials
BigRep announced the availability of two new materials for their large-format 3D printers, ABS and ASA, and this could open up many more new applications.
The Largest 3D Printing Factory Is Coming
A company is in the midst of building what could be the largest 3D print farm in the world.
MakerBot’s Secret Automated Annealing Feature
I recently learned the MakerBot METHOD series has a very unusual feature for a 3D printer: integrated annealing.
Book of the Week: Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design
This week’s selection is “Introduction to Finite Element Analysis and Design” by Nam H. Kim, Bhavani V. Sankar, and Ashok V. Kumar.
Will PodoPrinter Use A Belt-Driven 3D Printer?
Evidence has arisen indicating the upcoming PodoPrinter project may make use of a belt-driven 3D printer.
A New 3D Printer Company From The Ashes Of LulzBot?
I’m looking at an interesting news report detailing the first products from a new 3D printer manufacturer located in Loveland, Colorado.
Design of the Week: ‘Tater Hammer
This week’s selection is the ‘Tater Hammer by designer Eric Au of Metro’s Q-Branch.
Future Bioprinting Faces Unknown Regulations
An intriguing piece by The Conversation provokes some thinking into the future regulatory environment that might face bioprinting, a form of 3D printing that is rapidly advancing.
Mimaki Investment Boosts Mixed Dimension’s Prospects
Mimaki has made an interesting investment with Mixed Dimensions that will allow Mixed Dimensions to significantly boost their full color 3D printed collectibles business.
How To Keep In Contact With Your 3D Print Vendor During The Crisis
With the cancellation of countless in-person 3D print events, companies have leveraged technology to keep in contact with clients and prospects in unique ways.
Roboze Launches Extreme Parts Network
Roboze launched their long-awaited distributed additive manufacturing service, composed of a network of experienced Roboze 3D printer operators.
Are TranPham’s 3D Printing Trends True?
Fabbaloo friend Tuan Tranpham issued a list of 3D printing trends he’s perceived — but are they really true?
Secrets Behind VELO3D’s Decision To Build A “Stretch” Metal 3D Printer
I spoke with VELO3D’s Zach Murphree to find out more details on the company’s recent announcement of a tall version of their popular metal 3D printer.
Rocket Crafters Tests STAR-3D 3D Printed Rocket Engine
Rocket Crafters has concluded testing of their revolutionary 3D printed hybrid rocket engine.
AMT On Post-Formnext Developments In The Time Of COVID-19
AM Technologies has been busy developing new 3D print post processing gear during the COVID-19 crisis, including a new powder removal unit.
Nano Dimension Stock Price Spikes After 3D Breakthrough
Nano Dimension announced a very significant breakthrough in the field of 3D printed circuit boards, where they can now incorporate advanced components.
MakerBot Announces Powerful Carbon Fiber Option
MakerBot announced a new version of their METHOD series that is specifically designed to 3D print strong carbon fiber parts.
Book of the Week: Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry
This week’s selection is “Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry” by Francis H. Froes and Rodney Boyer.
Superfeet’s Expanding Use of 3D Printing
I spoke to some folks from Superfeet Worldwide, who described how they use 3D printing technology in their footwear operation.
Shining 3D’s Automatic Part Inspector
Shining 3D’s new AutoScan Inspec provides an easy way to automatically inspect 3D printed parts.
Design of the Week: Coronavirus
This week’s selection is the Coronavirus model by noted 3D artist Joshua Harker.
Wayland Additive’s NeuBeam Metal 3D Printing Process
Wayland Additive has introduced a new form of metal 3D printing they call “NeuBeam” that should be superior to laser or electron beam processes.
Essentium and Others Develop Dielectric Barrier Discharge Applicator for Isotropic 3D Printing
Researchers, including some from 3D printer manufacturer Essentium, have developed a unique method of achieving isotropic 3D printing by using an electric plasma.
The Unexpected Transformation of Photocentric
Photopolymer resin and 3D printer manufacturer Photocentric is undergoing a transformation, as many 3D printer manufacturers are doing these days.
Like Many Companies, Stratasys Took A Hit In Q1 2020
3D printer manufacturer Stratasys released their financials for the first quarter of 2020, and unsurprisingly they took a blow from the COVID-19 crisis.
Dyndrite Attempts A “Heart Transplant” For 3D Printing
I recently spoke with the folks from Dyndrite, who intend to replace the very heart of 3D printing: the 3D kernel.
3D Systems Names New CEO
After a lengthy search, 3D Systems announced their new CEO: Jeffrey Graves to replace retiring Vyomesh Joshi after a four year term.
CHIRON Group’s First Metal 3D Printer
A manufacturing equipment provider has developed their own metal 3D printer.
Is There Any Point To 3D Printer Kits These Days?
For years there have been two types of 3D printers: kits and assembled. I no longer think that is the case.
Miele Distributing 3D Printable Attachments
Miele, the high-end German manufacturer of consumer goods, now offers downloadable 3D models for printing, some of which may fit your appliances.
Analyzing The Upside-Down SLEDM Metal 3D Printing Process
Researchers have developed an unusual metal 3D printing process called SLEDM, which uses LEDs instead of lasers. But could it actually work as defined?
Not A Surprise: TCT 3Sixty 2020 Cancelled
In a move that could have been predicted, the organizers of TCT 3Sixty 2020 have decided to cancel the upcoming 3D printing event.
Book of the Week: Advanced Materials
This week’s selection is the eBook “Advanced Materials” by 3dpbm.
China Conducts 3D Printing Experiment In Orbit (Or Do They?)
The US may no longer the sole 3D printer operator in space, as China has demonstrated what appears to be a functioning 3D printer on their most recent mission.
An Enormous Metal 3D Printer Heads To Protolabs
Minnesota-based Protolabs plans on firing up a GE Additive Concept Laser X Line 2000R metal 3D printer late this year, and there’s a good reason why they’re doing so.
Design of the Week: XXL 3D Printed LEGO Go-Kart
This week’s selection is the enormous XXL 3D Printed LEGO Go-Kart by Matt Denton.
Multicolor SLS 3D Printing Coming?
New research has demonstrated an inexpensive method of reliably producing different color shades during SLS 3D printing, but will it replace dyeing?
SPEE3D’s Anti-Viral Copper 3D Prints Deployed
A validated COVID-19 utility solution announced by SPEE3D has now been adopted by a government agency.
US Firms Request Tariff Exemptions For 3D Printers
According to a report on Reuters, industry groups have requested tariff exemptions for a variety of tech tools, including 3D printers.
VELO3D Announces Unusual Aluminum Metal Material
VELO3D announced the availability of a new alloy of aluminum for use in their Sapphire series of metal 3D printers, and it has some very unique properties.
How The Crisis Affected Dynamism, And Other Thoughts On 3D Printing’s Future
Recently I had a chance to speak with Doug Krone, the CEO of Dynamism, about the latest crisis developments.
3D Systems Release First COVID-19 Period Financials
It’s the end of the first quarter of 2020 and financial results are now appearing, showing the first effects of COVID-19 on major 3D printing companies. We look at what the company did.
Proposal: MakerBot Should Change Their Name
I’m thinking MakerBot should consider changing their name, as there are now several very good reasons to do so.