MakerBot’s new CEO sat down with Adafruit’s LadyAda (a.k.a. Limor Fried), who asked some pointed questions about the new paths being taken by the 3D printer manufacturer.
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!
Autodesk Files Patent For Unusual 3D Printing Materials System
US Patent Application 20150093465 recently filed by Autodesk describes a very strange 3D printing approach.
Rocinante, The Beautiful 3D Printed Horse
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Don Quixote, Oyma3D has produced an amazing horse 3D print.
Design of the Week: Codename Colossus
This week’s selection is the fabulous Codename Colossus kinetic toy by Machination Studio.
3DSimo’s 3D Printing Pens
3DSimo is an unusual 3D printing pen in that it can use multiple materials. Now they’re about to launch an even smaller version.
3D Systems Ports iSense to iPhone
3D Systems’ popular iSense handheld scanner solution has a new platform: iPhone 6.
An Easy Way to Vapor-Smooth PLA 3D Prints?
For years hobbyists have been smoothing their ABS plastic 3D prints with acetone vapor, but PLA has had no solution. A video shows a potentially useful method using PVC pipe cleaner.
Formide OS Open Sourced
Netherlands-based Printr, the folks behind the slick “Element” 3D printer controller, have open sourced some of their software stack.
Concept Laser M3 Linear
Germany’s Concept Laser has been a leader in the field of laser metal melting since the debut of its M3 Linear system in 2004.
3D Button Hopes You’ll Press It
A German startup has developed a potentially universal “button” to print 3D content.
A Visit to the Imperial College Advanced Hackspace
There are a great many makerspaces around the world and we recently were able to visit the Imperial College Advanced Hackspace in London.
Cellulose Has Been 3D Printed
A report on PhysOrg describes how researchers developed an ingenious method of 3D printing with cellulose.
MyMiniFactory Launches Another Service
We’ve written several stories on MyMiniFactory in recent days, and now there’s another one: the company has launched a peculiar idea validator.
Digits2Widgets’ List of 3D CAD Software
There are a huge number of different 3D design software environments. We found a good list of them for you.
The Two Types of 3D Printing Companies: Open and Closed
It seems there are two types of 3D printing companies these days: those that support open source principles and those that operate in the world of patents.
Trouble With 3D Print Plate Adhesion? Try 3D-EeZ
One of the most problematic issues with personal 3D printers is having prints remain stuck to the bed during printing. 3D-EeZ has a solution for that.
Will 3D Printed Fashion Ever Be Practical?
Every once in a while, we see spectacular 3D printed fashions displayed on a runway by supermodels. But are these pieces practical?
What’s Next for MyMiniFactory?
While we were amazed at MyMiniFactory’s current operations during our recent tour, what’s even more interesting are their plans for the future.
Doom for 3D Printer Manufacturers? AFINA Loses Battle With Stratasys
Stratasys announced the outcome of their lawsuit with Afina regarding patent infringement, and it’s not good for Afinia, or others.
American Standard Now 3D Prints Faucets
You never know where to expect the next 3D printed innovation, but this time it’s the kitchen and bathroom, where American Standard now provides a line of 3D printed faucets.
Design of the Week: SR-72 Aircraft
This week’s selection is artist Don Foley’s smooth SR-72 model.
Do You Need a Smoke Alarm for your 3D Printer?
There’s another accessory you might consider for your 3D printer: a smoke alarm.
The Arithmetic of 3D Printed Sculpture Intellectual Property Rights
One of the things that bugs us a lot is the way many museums consider the intellectual property of their works.
Can 3D Printing Combat Climate Change?
A piece in The Bulletin proposes that 3D printing could be used to help stop climate change. But is this really possible?
3DPrinterOS’ Opensource Move Could Challenge MakerBot
In a bid to gain market share, 3DPrinterOS has publicly released the code for their multi-platform 3D printing client, and there are some big implications.
Time For a Breakthrough in 3D Metal Printing?
3D metal printing is an expensive proposition, and it may be that this expense is holding back adoption by industry. Is there anything that can be done?
MyMiniFactory’s Meticulous Method
We recently visited MyMiniFactory headquarters in London where were quite surprised to see the scope of their operations.
Formfutura Releases Unusual Wood 3D Printer Filaments
Formfutura, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of 3D printer filaments, announced today some very interesting new wood filaments.
BNK’s Unusual Antibacterial 3D Printer Filament
Korea-based BNK has announced an antibacterial 3D printer filament. Why?
You Invent Brings 3D Printing to Students
A new venture in the UK has developed a package for easily launching 3D printing clubs for students.
The Massive DeeRed 3D Printer
Need a large-scale 3D printer? You might consider be3D’s gigantic DeeRed 3D printer.
3DFilemarket Bets on 3D Print Streaming
Most source of 3D content for 3D printing simply sell you a 3D model, but that’s not 3DFilemarket’s strategy. They’re betting on print streaming.
Inside The CloneScan3D Photo Booth
We got a very close look at the new CloneScan3D photo booth from Spain. So close we were actually inside it!
Design of the Week: LUNA
This week’s selection is the incredible “LUNA” by Stephanie Lange and Brook Cronin.
Trophy Printing: Another 3D Printing Use Case
A small 3D print company in Hungary demonstrates a very common use of 3D printing technology: trophy making.
3D Printing By The Gram?
A new crowdfunding campaign is attempting what they believe to be a new business model: printing by the gram. We’re not so sure it’s new.
PancakeBot Raises USD$460K
PancakeBot’s Kickstarter campaign helped the project raise an amazing USD$460,584.
BCN3D’s Explosion of New 3D Printers. And a Laser Cutter, Too
Barcelona-based BCN3D has released a series of more advanced 3D printers.
Is There A Need For 3D Photo Booths?
We’ve seen several “3D Photo Booths” at recent trade shows. Are these a thing?
The Large and Speedy Lynx3D Printer
Lynx3D has released a 3D printer with some very unusual features.
Man 3D Prints His Own Brain Tumor To Demonstrate Possibilities
Steven Keating can say something few others can say: he’s 3D printed a model of his own brain tumor.
A ZinoMat For Every 3D Printer
We looked at another option for ensuring your 3D prints stick to the print surface: the Zinomat.
PrintParts is Recruiting Makers – And is Giving Away a 3D Printer
New York-based PrintParts is about to launch a network of 3D printers and hopes you’ll join their community.
Design of the Week: Captured Flowers
This week’s selection is the amazing set of 3D printed wildflowers by artist Darlene Farris-LaBar.
MyMiniFactory Introduces MMF Connect
MyMiniFactory launched MMF Connect, an online service designed to connect people in the 3D printing community.
How Many 3D Printers Are There, Really?
This is a question that should be of utmost importance to all in the 3D printing world: how many 3D printers exist?
Verbatim Poses a Huge Challenge for 3D Printer Filament Manufacturers
If you’re a vendor of 3D printer filament, you’d better watch out for Verbatim.
Nicolas Cage is Into 3D Printing?
Here’s a rumor for you: actor Nicolas Cage is into 3D printing.
MoonRay – The World’s Best Desktop 3D Printer?
A new resin-based 3D printer makes a bold claim: MoonRay hopes to be the world’s best desktop 3D printer.
Zortrax’s Inventure 3D Printer
Zortrax is well-known as the manufacturer of a very popular and reliable personal 3D printer, the M200. But now they have another model, the Inventure.
BQ’s Ciclop 3D Scanner
Madrid-based 3D printer manufacturer BQ makes the WitBox 3D printer, but did you know they also make a tabletop 3D scanner?
Extreme Redesign Challenge Winners Announced
Stratasys has announced the winners in their annual Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge.
What Does “HD” Color 3D Printing Really Mean?
MCOR recently announced something they call “HD” color 3D printing. But what kinds of 3D print color exist?
Faulkner-Jones Pursues Commercial Bioprinting Opportunities
Alan Faulkner-Jones’s bioprinter may someday be used in commercial applications.
Could 3D Printing Use a K-Cup Strategy?
Several 3D printer manufacturers are experimenting with different business models, but is there a way to emulate the hot beverage companies?
Artficial’s 3D Printed “Art DNA”
Artficial is a new source for interesting 3D models and prints, focusing on historical sculptures.
Benchmark Your 3D Printer With #3DBenchy
How good is your 3D printer? It’s sometimes tricky to determine how it compares to others, but with a benchmark object you can do so more easily.
Could the KAST 3D be the Next Carbon3D?
We’re looking at the specifications of a new 3D printer that’s yet to launch, the KAST 3D from Photonfluid.
Fiber Force’s Incredible Nylon-Carbon Fiber Filament
A European company has produced a hybrid nylon-carbon fiber filament that could shake things up.
Futur3D’s Precision DLP 3D Printer
Futur3D has announced a high-resolution resin-based 3D printer, the 3Dwarf.
The Butter Boss’s 3D Print Files
While the vast majority of new manufactured products make use of 3D designs, one project has taken an unusual step with theirs.
Design of the Week: Giant 3D Printed Paul McCartney
This week’s selection is the incredible 3D print of Paul McCartney done by the folks from aye aye labs.
Additive Manufacturing Team 3D-Prints Working Jet Engine
GE Aviation has side projects. Side projects are cool. The Angel Trumpet 3D printed jet engine is one such side project.
BEEVERYCREATIVE’s Incredible Battery Backup!
Today we witnessed something never seen before: a 3D printer with onboard battery backup.
Create It REAL Supercharges the Hotrod Henry
Remember our post on Create It REAL’s stunning 3D printer controller? Now it’s powering yet another 3D printer.
Futurist Predicts the Path of 3D Printing
Futurist Dr. Ray Kurzweil was asked by Huffington Post for his predictions of the future. He had much to say about 3D printing.
Battle of the 3D CAD Systems
Autodesk jiggered the features on their subscription CAD service, Fusion 360. Why did they do so?
The Very Stylish Hotrod Henry 3D Printer From aye aye labs
We’ve seen a great many 3D printers in the past few years, but none has the classic design of the Hotrod Henry from Poland’s aye aye labs.
Snowden Bust Busted, But Revived with 3D Printing
A bust of controversial whistleblower Edward Snowden has migrated to a digital format, suitable for 3D printing.
BEEVERYCREATIVE Announces More BEEs
BEEVERYCREATIVE offers a very slick portable personal 3D printer, and now they offer not one, not two, but FOUR more 3D printers.
MCOR’s New Iris HD Color 3D Printer
Ireland-based MCOR Technologies added a couple of letters to their flagship color 3D printer, the Iris: H and D. It’s now an “HD Color 3D Printer”.
Breakthrough in 3D Bioprinting: Reinforced Tissue Constructs
A team from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane has developed a way to make robust bioprints.
Join Us at 3D Printshow London!
Yes, we’re on board another airplane. The team travels to London, UK this week to participate in the 3D Printshow.
MakerBot Closes Stores; Is 3D Print Retail Dead?
With the sudden closure of MakerBot’s retail stores, one might ask the question, “Is 3D Print Retail Dead?” We think not.
The Bocusini Plug and Play 3D Food Printer
Several 3D food printers have been attempted, but now there’s a “plug and play” version called the “Bocusini”.
Can You Design a 3D Printed Off-World Habitat?
NASA and America Makes are sponsoring a new challenge for designers to create concepts for a space habitat made with 3D printing technology.
Is Metal 3D Printer Filament Dangerous?
We’re wondering whether using metal-infused filaments in personal 3D printers is actually a safe thing to do.
How To Fix Those Annoying Knotted 3D Printer Filaments
There’s a way to very easily untangle knotted filaments, according to ToyBuilder Labs’ Joseph Chiu.
Kwamb.io Attempts a Familiar Business Model
3D print streaming site Kwamb.io is developing a new 3D printer that has a very familiar business model.
What’s Happening At MakerBot?
A meteoric rise from nothing, corporate acquisition, management changes, layoffs and a new CEO. An interview with the new chief by Medium tells us about MakerBot’s plans.
Challenging Financial Results at Stratasys and 3D Systems
Stratasys and 3D Systems released their first quarter 2015 financial results this week and there are some interesting statistics.
The HEFT: Designed With 3D Printing
A simple snow shovel attachment project made extensive use of 3D printing technology to develop a unique product.
Design of the Week: 2-string Piezoelectric Violin
This week’s selection is Monad Studio’s incredible 2-string Piezoelectric Violin.
The Electroloom Clothing Molder
A new making device launched this week that enables printing of clothing.
The TeeBot Portable 3D Printer
A unique and portable 3D printer design by 3DSTUFFSNL has launched on Kickstarter.
The Discov3ry Extruder: Chunky Don’t Work
We received a quick update from the folks of Structu3D, makers of the Discov3ry paste extruder.
Ultimaker Gets Serious About The United States
Ultimaker now seeks to hire an official Director of Sales & Business Development for USA operations.
You Can Help 3D Print Edgar Allan Poe
We The Builders has launched another crowd printing project, this time to 3D print a bust of writer Edgar Allan Poe.
3D Systems Gear Appears at Best Buy Stores
3D printing giant 3D Systems announced a deal to sell specific 3D Systems equipment at 100 Best Buy electronics stores.
Hydrographic 3D Print Painting?
Wired reports on a potential method of coloring complex 3D prints: hydrographic painting. But is it really feasible?
Printing Biology? You May Need a BioBots 3D Bioprinter
A startup has developed a functional bioprinter they’re preparing for sale.
NVM Design Leverages 3D Printing
A New York City startup is leveraging 3D printing to develop unusual high-end jewelry.
What Does 3D Printed Food Taste Like?
While most 3D printed objects are wholly inedible, some folks indeed print food. 3Digital Cooks recently did some taste testing.
3D Hubs Deepens Its Ecosystem with a New API
3D Hubs announced a new API that enables any website to connect to their 3D printing network. We think this is a key strategy for them.
Drotix’s “Smart” Gala 3D Printer Covers All The Bases
A 3D printer on Kickstarter deserves more attention than it seems to be getting.