What happens when 3D printer manufacturers catch on to the subscription craze?
Ideas
The 3D Printer Race to the Bottom Becomes The Professional Squeeze
The race to the bottom is over, and there will be considerable movement in the 3D printer market in coming years.
Embrace the Freedom: Unlocking the Full Potential of 3D Printing
Do we have sufficient imagination to truly use 3D printing?
Is There Still a Place for Big-Time 3D Print Trade Shows?
Is there a future for big-time 3D print exhibitions and trade shows?
Batch.Works: The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing through 3D Printing?
We were directed to check out Batch.Works, a startup company leveraging 3D printing to achieve sustainability.
3D Printing in the Years Ahead: A Glimpse into the AI-Powered Future of Desktop Printers
Last week I forecasted what a typical desktop FFF 3D printer of 2026 might look like. This week letâs go further ahead.
Smarter Factories: Why Manufacturers are Betting Big on AI
From predictive maintenance to better quality control, AI is changing howâand whereâthings are made.
Predicting Future 3D Printer Features: 2026 Standard Specifications?
After yesterdayâs story about how desktop 3D printer buying strategies are shifting, I thought about what kind of machines might be offered in the near future.
The Changing Landscape of Desktop 3D Printers: New Features Complicate Buying Decisions
Buying a desktop FFF 3D printer is getting a lot more complex these days.
Understanding the Microplastic Challenge in Desktop 3D Printing
Thereâs a bit more to think about when considering microplastics generated by 3D printing.
From Concorde to Hypersonic: How AM Helps Change Our Future
Velo3D published a video that exemplifies the ways 3D printing is changing the world.
Will Artificial Intelligence Crowd Out 3D Printing Innovation?
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider whether 3D print technology investment and innovation could be affected by interest in AI tech.
Balancing Open Source and Commercial Interests: Prusa Research’s Licensing Dilemma
I finally got around to reading a post by Prusa Research about open source licensing, and have some thoughts.
Labor Force Challenges in Construction: KPMG Survey Reveals AM as a Solution
Iâm reading an interesting report from KPMG that ends up discussing additive manufacturing.
Are High Speed 3D Printers the Future of Desktop Printing? A Market Analysis
Where are all the high speed 3D printers?
9 Ways AI Could Affect 3D Printing
AI is upon us, but what might it affect in the 3D printing universe?
6 Decision Points That Determine Your Metal Additive Manufacturing Strategy
How Sun Tzuâs advice helps drive success in metal 3D printing for production applications.
The Future of 3D Design: Exploring an AI-Driven Workflow for Physical Product Creation
A Reddit contributor described an astonishing 3D print workflow that just might become a normal approach in the future.
UltiMaker Software Integration: Unraveling the Future of their Combined Environments
Iâve been wondering how UltiMaker will tie together their software environments, which could be quite interesting.
How 3D Printing and Extended Reality are Changing The Face of Education
The education industry has experienced remarkable transformations in recent years, driven by the relentless advancement of technology.
3D Printing’s Impact on the Induction Ovens Market
Charles Goulding and Mwansa Chabala consider how 3D printing could be applied to the induction cooking market.
The Future of 3D Model Repositories: Shifting Markets and Potential Changes
After Prusa Research’s announcement of a Printables monetization feature earlier this week, I had some thoughts about the future of 3D model repositories.
Why I Abandoned Simple Green as a Resin 3D Print Cleaner
I’ve given up on Simple Green as a resin 3D print solvent.
The Making of a Smart 3D Printing Company: Insights from FAME 3D
What are the giveaways that tell you a company is âsmartâ?
The Dental Dilemma: Why Some Dentists Aren’t Embracing 3D Printing
I found out why some dentists are not embracing 3D printing.
Embracing the Text-to-CAD Revolution: An Insightful Reader’s View
A reader posted their thoughts on the upcoming Text-to-CAD revolution.
The Unexplored Avenue of Top-Down Resin 3D Printing
Whatâs up with top-down resin 3D printing?
How Do You Measure the Largest 3D Print Order Ever?
What would be the largest 3D print order in history?
Can You Test for Defects Before Theyâre Defects?
A new approach to inspection could make metal 3D printing more financially and environmentally friendly.
From War-Torn to High-Tech Hub: Eindhoven’s Rise to Innovation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at the source of many 3D print innovations, Eindhoven.
AI Meets 3D Scanning: How Scan to 3D Could Transform the 3D Printing Process
I’ve realized there is yet another way to leverage AI for 3D printing that might be easy to do.
Accelerating the Future: How High-Speed 3D Printers Are Changing the Game
It seems the 3D print world is rapidly shifting to high-speed devices, and this change will significantly impact many aspects of the industry.
Rethinking Plastic: How 3D Printing and Industry Giants Tackle the Recycling Challenge
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at the work being done by several major plastics producers to increase sustainability through 3D printing.
Streamlining 3D Printing: The Demand for a Standardized Profile System
Could everyone please get together and figure out a way to standardize 3D printer profiles? Please!
Food 3D Printing: Why It’s Not in Our Kitchens Yet
We’ve all wondered about food 3D printing and why we don’t really have it in our kitchens, but there’s more to the story.
3D Printing Cybersecurity Considerations for Healthcare Providers
With the increasing use of 3D printing technology in healthcare comes concerns regarding security.
Exploring Affordable 3D Printed Homes: Mighty Buildings and ICON
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at two US companies at the forefront of construction 3D printing.
Unlocking Clean Energy Incentives: How 3D Printing Companies Can Benefit
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss new US energy incentives that might benefit 3D printing companies.
Accelerating 3D Printing: How New Firmware is Ushering in a High-Speed Era
Get ready for an avalanche of high speed desktop 3D printers.
The End of an Era? The Future of Easily Upgradeable Desktop 3D Printers
Could desktop 3D printers become less upgradeable in the future?
Rethinking Design in Construction 3D Printing: Time for a Revolution
Finally there is someone talking about the biggest issue in construction 3D printing: design.
Unpacking the Prusa MK4: What It Means for Prusa Research and the 3D Print Community
After yesterdayâs blockbuster announcement of the long-awaited Original Prusa MK4 3D printer, I have some thoughts.
Struggling to Understand 3D Viewing Controls? Here’s Why
Iâve had a problem with 3D software tools for many years, and itâs time to write about it.
OpenAI vs. Google: The Battle for AI Supremacy
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at recent developments in AI.
Essential Digitization: Why Small Museums Should Consider 3D Scanning
Small museums should consider 3D scanning their collections.
Mexican Company Develops Biodegradable Plastic Using Avocado Seeds
A new biodegradable plastic has been developed by a Mexican company based on Avocados.
Could Faster 3D Printers Spell the End of the Bedslinger?Â
Could the Bedslinger 3D printer design disappear?
Shifting Expectations: The Line Between Mass Production and Customization
Small steps forward are taking us to an additively manufactured future.
Why Aerospace and Dental Have So Deeply Embraced 3D Printing
Two industries have developed extremely deep usage of 3D printing, but for entirely different reasons.
Major Problems Ahead for 3D Model Repositories?
There could be a huge problem for 3D model repositories like Printables, Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory and others in the very near future.
Western vs. Asian 3D Printers: When AI Changes the Equation
AI will shake up the 3D printing industry in more ways than you might realize.
The Growing Distinction Between Desktop and Industrial 3D Printing
Iâm sensing a definite splitting of the 3D print industry in recent years.
Say Goodbye to Tedious 3D Printer Calibration with Automated Filament Calibration
How about we actually do all the necessary calibration for 3D printing automatically?
Zero-Emission Steel Production: How Can Additive Manufacturing Assist?
A research paper on a future zero-emission steel future has implications for additive manufacturing.
Dubai’s 3D Printed Mosque: A Critical Analysis
Another high-profile 3D printing project is underway in Dubai, and Iâm a bit suspicious.
How Hybrid CNC Metal 3D Printing Could Revolutionize Marine Operations
Marine use of 3D print technology should be booming, but it isnât, at least not yet.
Could Desktop Resin 3D Printing be Affected by Regulations in the Future?Â
There could be a massive problem for desktop resin 3D Printing in the future.
Understanding the Growing Demand for Everyday Materials in 3D Printing
I had an interesting conversation with AddiFab recently, and it pointed out what might be a new trend in 3D printing.
Crafting with Cricut Maker and 3D Printers: Exploring the Possibilities
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi propose that a Cricut Maker could lead to increased interest in 3D printing, and personal fabrication in general.
What to Expect from 3D Printing in 2023: Charles R. Goulding and Valentina Alzate’s Predictions
Charles R. Goulding and Valentina Alzate have some thoughts about what might transpire in the world of 3D printing in 2023.
Prusa Research Nears Release of the Original Prusa XL 3D Printer
Prusa Research is nearing release of their critical Original Prusa XL 3D printer, and it’s a critical step for the Czech company.
Understanding the Diverse Markets of 3D Printing: Why Some Products Don’t Make Sense
Iâve noticed a troubling trend in 3D printing in recent times: unwarranted criticism of alternative technologies, but thereâs a reason why itâs happening.
My Anti-Predictions for 2023: What Won’t Happen in the Coming Year
Itâs the beginning of a new year, and itâs time for predictions. Anti-predictions, actually.
2022: A Look At The Top 10 3D Printing Developments
Charles R. Goulding and Valentina Alzate countdown their top ten 3D print developments for 2022.
Thoughts on 3D Printing In 2022
At the close of the year, itâs time to reflect on what just happened.
Benefits of Having a 3D Printer for Your Home
It might not feel like long ago when 3D printers were only accessible to big corporations, tech teams, or people with enormous amounts of money.
Text to 3D: The Massive Implications of Luma AI’s Imagine 3D Technology
This week Luma AI announced a new 3D model generation technology, that while crude today, will ultimately dominate in the future.
The Need For Standardized 3D Print Bins
I had an idea after roving around Formnext 2022, and it has to do with post processing.
Is It Time For 3D Print Material Biodegradability?
I read about a new sustainable polymer being developed, and had a thought about sustainability in the 3D print world.
We Do Need Those Stinkinâ Badges!
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi wonder why Ford didn’t use 3D printing to resolve a recent supply chain issue.
AI Tools Will Change 3D Printing in a Way You Don’t Expect
After looking at several AI tools recently, Iâve realized there is another fundamentally important way AI will affect the 3D printing world.
Lithoz Demonstrates The Need For Multiple Machine Styles
One 3D printer does not fill all application needs, and thatâs demonstrated by Lithoz’s product set.
Connecting Additive Manufacturing to Scale on the Factory Floor
Global manufacturing has reached an inflection point.
Software Now Drives Many 3D Printing ImprovementsÂ
Software has become increasingly important in 3D printing in multiple dimensions.
Yet Another Advantage for Low Volume Manufacturing with 3D Printing
Iâve learned of another advantage to manufacturing using 3D printing that I hadnât considered.
There’s a Growing Focus on Post Processing
Post processing was for a long time the forgotten step in 3D printing. Now, thatâs changing.
What is the Advantage of Water Washable 3D Printer Resin?
Water-washable 3D printer resin is increasing in availability, but what are the real advantages of using it?
What Happens After We Reach The Bottom of Desktop 3D Printers?
Thereâs often said to be a ârace to the bottomâ with desktop 3D printers. What happens when we get there?
When is the Best Time to Buy a 3D Printer?
So youâve decided to buy a desktop 3D printer, but when is the best time to do so?
Big Implications from GE Additive’s Series 3
This week GE Additive announced a very different 3D printer that could dramatically change manufacturing.
3D Printers Made Out Of Carbon Fiber?
Weâve all heard about 3D printers printing with carbon fiber, but what about a 3D printer MADE FROM carbon fiber?
Why Isn’t There an IPA Recycler?
Many things are recycled in 3D printing, but what about IPA?
We All Need A Slicing Profile Standard
Iâm wondering why there isnât a standard format for 3D print slicing profiles.
Are 3D Print Materials In Jeopardy Due to The Russo-Ukraine War?
Could we see problems in the supply of 3D print materials in the near future?
FDM vs FFF
Whatâs the difference between âFDMâ and âFFFâ anyway?
When Is Construction 3D Printing Going To Catch On?
Construction 3D printing should eventually be a massive business, but when, exactly, will this occur?
International Glass Industry Business Planning and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at recent events and how they are changing glass production.
AM Apocalypse? What Happens When Shipping Costs Drop?
Iâve been doing some thinking about what might unfold in the next year or so.
AM Solutions On Post Processing Prints
Iâm reading a brief from AM Solutions that talks about post processing, and there are some interesting points.
Exploring The Mess of Mass Market Retail 3D Printer Sales
If you intend on buying a 3D printer, maybe you should not consider buying one from a ânormalâ retailer.
Dinosaurs and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding provides thoughts on the relationship between 3D technology and dinosaurs.
Questioning 3D Print Power Fail Recovery
Iâm beginning to have my doubts about the benefit of âpower fail recoveryâ for FFF 3D printers.
Liquidators and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi propose increased use of 3D printing to help refurbish liquidated products.
No One Understands the H350 3D Printer
Sometimes the new can be âtoo newâ.
How Important is Additive Manufacturing Security?
Security is an often ignored part of additive manufacturing.