Several recent happenings suggest 3D Systems might be considering changing their business focus. As you may have heard, 3D Systems (and other major incumbent 3D printing players) have had a very challenging time financially in the past two years. Quarterly financial reports from both 3D Systems and Stratasys show only modest gains this year, and… Continue reading Could 3D Systems Become a Healthcare Company?
Ideas
What is the Ideal 3D Printer Material? Is It PLA? ABS?
There is always a discussion taking place: Which is the best 3D print filament material to use? I think this question is distracting from the real question.
Ultimaker is Taking This Portability Thing Seriously
When we met with Ultimaker last month the company was excited to explain one of their customers had discovered a new 3D print use case: portable 3D printing.
Please Make It Stop: “3D printers are never going to be a thing”
A piece yesterday in Mashable made myself and no doubt many others in the 3D print world upset.
And After You Learn 3D CAD…
I’m reading an interesting post on GrabCAD by Khadija Ouajjani that discusses the testing of a 3D design.
3D Pens are NOT 3D Printers
For several years now, we’ve all seen those inexpensive “3D Pens” that are for some reason thought related to 3D printing. I think not.
3D Printing Needs Clean, Constant Power
You might think you need to fuel a 3D printer with plastic or resin and you’re good to go. But there’s something else you should be very concerned about: power.
Negative 3D Printing Hype is Highlighting Burst Bubbles, A Dying Industry and A Dire Threat
Over the last month or so I have found myself once again increasingly frustrated at the nonsensical hype being spouted from some quarters about ‘3D printing’.
Creative Commons Investigating Ways To Better License 3D Designs
Creative Commons recently held a workshop to identify ways to move forward in providing better ways to license 3D content.
Proven: 3D Printing is Easy, if You Let Kids Try
For many adults, 3D printing is a challenging process to attempt, but this isn’t so if you introduce the technology at an early age.
The Bottom to Top Chase in 3D Printing is Closing
For years there has been a significant gap in quality between industrial and “hobby” 3D printers, but it’s becoming a more difficult to measure.
The Thing That Happened to 3D Printing
I’m reading a piece in TechCrunch by Signe Brewster entitled “Whatever happened to 3D printing?” and have some thoughts.
Implications of Höganäs’ Digital Metal Process
Yesterday I described about Höganäs’ incredible Digital Metal 3D printing process, but I believe there are some strong implications here.
The 3D Printer Filament Stats We Really Want
Buying some 3D printer filament? Did you check anything other than the price and color first? Maybe there’s more you should look at.
What Could a True Ceramic 3D Printer Actually Do?
Yesterday I wrote about Olivier van Herpt’s amazing ceramic 3D printer, but I’ve been wondering what the implications of such a machine could be. They are huge.
Sometimes Extra Detail on 3D Prints is Not Helpful
Often 3D printer operators seek machines capable of printing ever-more-detailed objects, with finer resolution. But sometimes that’s a problem.
Idea: Human Drone Scanning
Just a possibly crazy idea, but why couldn’t we perform high resolution scans of humans using drones?
Predicting 3D Printers by the Spool
An industry report has been published that talks about the prospects for growth of 3D printing plastics. But what does this mean?
When to Take the Plunge: van Straaten Seeks Own Color 3D Printer?
Long-time 3D print artist Eric van Straaten of the Netherlands is attempting something unique for artists in this field: obtaining his own color 3D printer.
Could Brexit Affect 3D Printing? Oh, Yes!
This week an important referendum takes place in the UK. But could the “Brexit” hurt or harm the world of 3D printing?
Life After Death: How To Support Aging Industrial 3D Printers
This week we proposed the idea of buying used 3D printers instead of new, but how can you keep them running?
Stratasys Contemplates New 3D Printer Configurations?
Recently I observed an online survey from Stratasys whose questions may suggest something about their ideas for future 3D printers.
Want to Finish Your 3D Print in Vantablack, the World’s Darkest Material?
Monocolor 3D prints are so dull-looking; that’s why many people paint or finish them. But what if you could do so with the world’s darkest material?
Why Not Buy a Used 3D Industrial Printer?
A very practical method of acquiring a high-power industrial 3D printer is to buy one on the used market.
Searchers of Google Tell a Pessimistic Attitude Toward 3D Printing
For fun I used Google’s famous search autofill to see what people are searching for when specifying a number of 3D printing companies. The results are very clear.
The Commercial Dangers of Open Source 3D Printers
While an open source business approach is desired by many, there are certain existential threats that may result.
Are Boutique 3D Print Shops the Correct Path for Artists?
What’s a 3D print artist to do? Bury their works in a gigantic 3D print service? Or is there another route to sales and exposure?
How Can We Solve the 3D Model Search Problem?
There’s an insidious problem growing in the 3D model marketplaces: search. And it sucks.
Let’s Add More To ZMorph’s List of 3D Printing Misconceptions
ZMorph listed three common misconceptions about 3D printing. I’m adding three more to their list.
Reading Between the Lines in 3D Hub’s Latest Report
Community network 3D Hubs has once again released their monthly report, but I realized something very interesting when reviewing it.
Here’s Why 3D Printing Patents Don’t Mean Much
Oh! Look! Someone’s patented SOMETHING about 3D printing! This changes EVERYTHING!
How To Survive Short Filament Spools: Keep Those Empties!
If you’re like me and 3D print a lot, you may find your work area piling up with empty filament spools. My advice: Keep Them!
Are 3D Printed Cars A Sensible Thing?
I’ve heard a few stories about folks developing 3D printed cars, and I must say I’m a bit skeptical.
A 3D Printing Sideline: Industry Reports
One of the growing ‘sidelines’ in the 3D printing industry is that of industry reports.
A Reminder To 3D Scan BEFORE Disassembly
A 3D model of the now-mostly-destroyed Temple of Bel in Palmyra, Syria suggests action be taken to capture 3D objects before they’re torn down.
No Change: The Risks Continue For 3D Printing Usage
A piece in Forbes entitled, “When 3D Printing Gets Into The Wrong Hands”, discusses the risks and challenges enabled by 3D printing. It’s all true and it’s the same as it ever was.
The Maker Revolution “Failed To Deliver”, But It Did
A piece in The Awl comments on the seeming demise of the maker movement through 3D printing by following the story of MakerBot.
Boom! Janne Kyttanen’s Literally Explosive 3D Prints
3D printing is just one method of making things, and it’s best exploited when combined with other techniques. But a new approach from designer Janne Kyttanen could blow you away!
UPS Believes 3D Printing Is Compelling. Of Course They Do!
A ten-page report commissioned by parcel delivery and logistics service UPS suggests that 3D printing is a huge opportunity.
Seven Guaranteed-To-Fail 3D Print Business Models
At Fabbaloo, we receive messages from new startups in the 3D printing field daily, but many of them pursue business models that simply aren’t going to work without exceptional effort and ingenuity.
You Know What We Need? A Universal Knob Generator!
Long ago, we all heard promise of using a personal 3D printer to fix stuff around home. But how real did it turn out?
More Thoughts On the Carbon Vs. UNIZ Question
I’ve noticed several comments and queries about our recent post comparing Carbon’s M1 to UNIZ’s SLASH and thought I’d clarify some aspects.
SmarTech Believes Consumer 3D Printing Isn’t Dead. Or Is It?
Industry consultant SmarTech has produced a report focusing on low-cost 3D printers and makes claims about the desktop 3D printer market.
Would You Trust A 3D Print With Your Life?
As 3D printed goods make their way into everyday life, one has to consider the question, “Would You Trust A 3D Print With Your Life?”
Those Aren’t 3D Printers! They’re Material Vending Machines!
You’d think you’re buying a 3D printer to produce objects, be they prototypes or otherwise. But there’s another way to look at the machine: as a vending machine.
The Two Dirty Secrets Of Resin 3D Printing
Of the many forms of 3D printing processes, resin is one that is seen as advanced – but sometimes there’s a secret issue looming.
The Gross “Modular Body” Isn’t Really 3D Printed
I’m perusing an extremely strange site describing “Oscar”, said to be the world’s first 3D printed modular organism.
Something Weird Is Happening In 3D Printing Patents
While perusing recent patent filings by the major 3D printing companies, I noticed something rather strange.
One Brilliant Way To Reduce Frustrating 3D Print Failures
Someone has devised a method for performing dynamic error correction on 3D printers to ensure the nozzle is always placed precisely where it should be.
The Cycle Is Complete: A 3D Pen Turns Into A 3D Printer
YouTuber Tinkernut shows how to produce a “cheap 3D printer” in a recent video, but there’s an ironic twist to the plan.
How To Compare The Real Costs Of 3D Printing Filaments
Most filament vendors price their filament by weight: pounds or kilograms, but is cost per pound really indicative of how expensive one filament is vs. another?
The 3D Printer Statistics War Is A Losing Battle
There seems to be two kinds of 3D printer manufacturers these days: those who focus on specifications, and those who don’t.
The Most Important Feature Of A 3D Printer Is Not What You’d Expect
Our streets are awash in 3D printers, each of which has different specifications and capabilities. But what is the most important consideration?
The J750 Causes Big Implications For Many
This week I’ve written a few stories about Stratasys’ new J750, and here’s more thoughts on what this milestone machine means for others in the 3D print universe.
Is Automotive Catching On To 3D Printing?
A report predicts big things for 3D printing in the automotive sector. But could this herald a revolution in design?
How Stratasys’ New J750 Changes The Product Development Game
The most interesting things about the J750 multimaterial and multicolor 3D printer is not the hardware, in my opinion, but instead it’s the effects it has on business processes.
An Unsolvable Challenge Facing Every 3D Designer
The recent controversy over misuse of Thingiverse 3D models highlights an ongoing issue facing all 3D designers: theft.
Celebrity 3D Models: Useful, Silly or Just Out of Control?
I’ve encountered several 3D models based on celebrities recently and wondered whether this is a good or bad thing, and for whom.
Two Years Are Up, Which Companies Will Fail?
I’m expecting some big changes in the 3D printing startup community this year.
Confusion In Analysis of 3D Printing Stocks!
It’s a weird time to be tracking 3D print-related stocks these days.
MADE Shows How To Capture Your Feet In 3D
A crowdfunding project has demonstrated a method of producing custom-fit shoes using 3D scanning that could be adapted for 3D printing.
3D Printed Lock Key Actually Works!
A designer has been able to recreate a physical lock key with 3D technologies and a handy hardware store.
Bowden Style 3D Printing’s Critical Element: The Tube
We’ve been working on some Bowden-style equipment recently and realized an important design aspect.
Standards Still Lacking For Industrial 3D Printing
I’m reading an article by Robert Grace discussing the state of standardization of 3D printing within the industrial space.
Push Vs. Pull 3D Printer Marketing
BEEVERYCREATIVE posted a tale of how their 3D printer is being used, and it illustrates a change in how 3D printers are marketed.
Interest In 3D Printing Has Flattened – Literally
Over the past year or so, a number of 3D print-related companies have stumbled, and it could be due to a flattening of interest in the technology.
Sculpteo’s 3D Printing Survey Confirms Suspicions
3D print service Sculpteo recently undertook a survey of their members to gauge feelings on various topics. The results are quite interesting.
What Would A FrankenFilament Be Like?
Just as there are many desktop 3D printers, there are as many different kinds of filament for them. But what might an ideal filament be?
3D Printed Flatware: Another Big Market For Metal 3D Printing?
We’re checking out one of 3D artist Francis Bitonti’s latest ventures: Setae Flatware, and realized there might be a lot more to this.
It’s No Longer Possible To Launch A Printable 3D Model Sharing Site
Based on how the 3D print industry has evolved, it is now our opinion that it’s next to impossible to successfully launch a 3D model sharing site.
Loose Spools Of Filament: Just Don’t
Recently we attempted to use a loose spool of filament in the lab, but quickly found major problems and suggest vendors adjust their filament packaging methods.
Safety Concerns Rising For Desktop 3D Printers
There’s some good news, we believe: an increasing number of 3D printer manufacturers are now taking safety issues much more seriously.
Could the iPhone 7 Become an Effective 3D Scanner?
Rumors suggest that the upcoming iPhone 7 may include a feature that could enable it to be a 3D scanner.
MakerBot Gets A Huge Sales Boost
Stratasys announced a long-awaited cross-selling arrangement between its desktop and industrial lines, setting the stage for a potentially large boost in sales.
A Winning 3D Print Workflow Story
Readers may recall Fabbaloo held a contest with Stratasys in late 2015 to select a notable story of how 3D printing improved someone’s workflow. Now we have that story for you.
Could Lousy Filament Be Condemning Many 3D Printers To The Scrap Heap?
There is a dark secret of desktop 3D printing: many 3D printers are no longer in use. We have a thought as to why that might be.
Will HP’s New MJF 3D Printing Venture Succeed?
We’re reading an interesting post from Jeff Rowe at MCADCafe where he speculates on the future of HP’s 3D printing venture. We agree with many of this points.
Polaroid’s New 3D Printer Faces Daunting Challenges
As we described previously, Polaroid launched a new desktop 3D printer. After some thought, we believe it will face significant challenges going forward.
Cubify’s Demise Could Set Precedents For Desktop 3D Printing
A few short weeks ago, 3D Systems announced the closure of their consumer 3D printing venture, Cubify. Afterwards, we think there may be significant effects on the market.
The Stunning Markup On 3D Printer Resin
We had a chat with a major manufacturer of 3D printer resin and discovered the stunning level of price markup made by many vendors.
Photocentric’s Entirely Different Approach To Resin 3D Printing
You’d think a manufacturer of liquid photo-polymer resins would know much about 3D printing with resins, and this company certainly does.
AIO Robotics’ Breakthrough Idea For Educational 3D Printing
AIO has been producing desktop 3D printers for some time, but now they’ve come up with an incredibly useful idea that all educators cannot ignore.
The Most Interesting 3D Printing Innovation At CES May Have Been From 3D Systems
Hidden deep within the not-quite-football-field-sized 3D Systems booth at CES was something that might change manufacturing.
SmarTech’s Five Predictions For 3D Metal Printing: Are They Accurate?
SmarTech published five predictions for the future of 3D metal printing and we thought we’d take a closer look at them.
Should 3D Printers Be Made For Children?
There have been a few attempts at developing 3D printers designed for use by children, but is this a wise thing to do?
Four Unfortunate 3D Printing Crowdfunding Ventures
Launching a new product on a crowdfunding site can be quite challenging. Today we’re looking at four unfortunate ventures that are likely to fall far short of their goals.
If You Can Image It, You Can 3D Scan It
The ability to create detailed 3D scans of practically anything is in everyone’s hands and most people don’t realize it.
UCLA Invents New Strong And Lightweight Metal, But Can It Be 3D Printed?
A new metal alloy developed by UCLA researchers looks quite promising, particularly for aerospace use, but can it be 3D printed?
3D Printing As Expert Court Witness?
We’re reading an interesting report from The Expert Institute where they describe the increasing use of 3D prints in court.
3D Systems’ Soap Printer? Will We See a “SoapJet”?
While perusing patent databases we noticed that 3D Systems has published a patent on methods to 3D print soap objects.
Are These Really The Best 3D Printers Money Can Buy?
A post on The Motley Fool lists what they believe to be the “6 best 3D printers money can buy”. We’re not sure this is an accurate list.
Why The Interest In 3D Metal Printing?
We continue to hear growing interest in metal 3D printing. Is there a reason for this? We think so.
Some Interesting Analyses of 3D Print Stock Companies
We’re reading a post on Motley Fool regarding opinions of investing in 3D printer company stock, and found some interesting thoughts.
A Strange Pattern Emerges in 3D Hubs’ December Trends Report
Reading between the lines of 3D Hubs’ latest Trends Report revealed an interesting insight into the state of 3D printer quality.
Possible Problem: 3D Printing Cloud Services vs Print Speed
There are several cloud-based 3D print services available, but we realized there could be a fundamental problem facing them in the future.