What should a desktop 3D printer look like?
Ideas
Evaluating the Practicality of Release Agents for 3D Printing Support Removal
Release agents are a good idea, but also not particularly practical.
Why It’s Time to Redefine “High Speed” in Desktop 3D Printing
I’m struggling with the concept of “high speed” 3D printers, and now believe there should be a terminology change.
Realistic Full-Color 3D Printing Exists — So Why Isn’t Everyone Using It?
There really aren’t a lot of full-colour 3D printers on the market. Why is that?
White Tower Project Signals Shift Toward Parallelized, Prefab 3D Printing in Construction
I had some thoughts about the speed of 3DCP and how large buildings can be 3D printed quickly.
AI Slop’ Threatens Viability of 3D Model Platforms as Content Moderation Struggles to Keep Up
AI slop is going to cause a transformation in 3D model repositories.
New Study Finds Microplastics Strongly Adsorb Toxic Metals, Increasing Health Risks
There’s even more bad news about microplastics. Microplastics are rapidly becoming a major problem. They are the end result of poorly disposed plastic items. Discarded plastic eventually breaks down in the environment due to UV exposure, temperature changes, water exposure, or mechanical action. Ultimately, it becomes plastic “dust” that easily blows around the planet and… Continue reading New Study Finds Microplastics Strongly Adsorb Toxic Metals, Increasing Health Risks
3D Printer Kickstarters Decline as Market Maturity Demands Niche Innovation
Kickstarters used to be the place where you could find new 3D printers. Is that still the case?
How to Launch and Market a 3D Printing Business with What You Already Have
You already have what you need to start a 3D printing business.
Photocentric Targets Electrification Market With Solvent-Free 3D Printed Cathode Technology
The 3D printing market is shifting, and companies sometimes have to move into other areas, but there’s one that is not as popular as it could be: batteries.
Legacy Desktop 3D Printer Brands Struggle or Exit Amid Bambu Lab’s Market Disruption
Has Bambu Lab’s market domination caused company exits from the desktop 3D printer market? We took a look.
Engineer Demonstrates IPX7-Like Waterproofing With TPU 3D Printed Container
Some thoughts about making water-sealed 3D printed containers.
Lack of Standardized Spool Formats Frustrates Users of Multimaterial 3D Printing Systems
Why isn’t there an official spool format standard?
Implications of the S4 Slicer: Nonplanar 3D Printing for Everyone?
A new nonplanar slicer has been released as open source. What could this mean for 3D printing?
Desktop 3D Printer Manufacturers Face New Challenges After Bambu Lab Advances Again
The race to catch up to Bambu Labs continues.
New Industry Trend: 3D Printer Firms Begin Vetting Customers for Strategic Fit
I learned there is a new practice emerging among large 3D printer manufacturers: customer screening.
Should You Print Multiple 3D Objects Together or Separately? Key Factors Explained
How should you print multiple copies of an object? The answer is more complex than you’d think.
Is it Possible to Start a New 3D Printer Company Today?
I’ve been thinking more about the implications of the recent price changes in the desktop 3D printing market.
Is Bambu Lab’s H2D Linked to the Stratasys Patent Lawsuit?
Could there be a relationship between Bambu Lab’s new 3D printer and the Stratasys lawsuit?
The Digital Divide and 3D Printing: How Online Resources Are Expanding Access
3D printing has transformed industries from healthcare to manufacturing, and its role in education continues to grow.
Valcun’s Open Day Signifies The Company’s Journey to Success
Valcun recently had a notable customer event, but it’s only the beginning for the young company.
Backflip’s 3D Scan to CAD Could Disrupt Almost Everything
There are considerable implications from this week’s announcement of a 3D Scan to CAD service from Backflip.
The Desktop 3D Printing Market is Splitting Between Consumers and Enthusiasts
There’s a way for desktop 3D printer operators to determine their place in the coming consumer shift.
The Fate of Old 3D Printers: Why Donations Are No Longer an Option
There could be a spot in the local landfill for your aging desktop 3D printer.
How 3D Printing Terminology is Holding Back Industry Growth
Are we all prisoners of our 3D print terminology?
The Dark Side of 3D Printing’s Price War: How Competition Is Hurting Software Quality
Competition is good, except when it isn’t.
Elegoo’s $199 Centauri Redefines Budget 3D Printing, Challenging Open Gantry Systems
Let’s take a deeper look at Elegoo’s incredible price breakthrough from earlier this week.
How Fast Can 3D Printing Really Get?
How fast can a 3D printer be?
Why Standard Print Profiles Are Holding Back Additive Manufacturing
At AMS2025, I heard an interesting angle on print profiles from Dyndrite CEO Harshil Goel.
AMS 2025: Stratasys CEO Outlines the Only Two Viable Strategies for 3D Printer Manufacturers
At AMS 2025, I heard what could be the most accurate prediction for the future of 3D printing.
Bleach Printing: The 3D Printing Hack for Custom Designs on Fabric
There’s a new craze in desktop 3D printing: bleach printing.
The End of Proprietary 3D Printing Materials? Industry Signals a Shift
It may be that the era of proprietary materials might be ending.
How Potential Tariffs on Chinese Imports Could Reshape the 3D Printing Market
There’s been a lot of talk lately about tariffs, but what might they mean in the desktop 3D printing world?
Practical Safety Tools You Can 3D Print
3D printing has revolutionized everyday life by making manufacturing accessible and versatile for everyone.
Community Backlash Could Accelerate Bambu Lab’s Shift to Consumer-Centric 3D Printing
Community reaction to the Bambu Lab controversy may inadvertently result in the situation they fear most.
Desktop 3D Printing at a Crossroads: Will the Market Split Between DIY and Consumer?
I’ve been thinking about this past weekend’s Bambu Lab controversy, and have some thoughts.
Are Desktop 3D Printers Becoming Disposable in the Face of Rapid Advancements?
I’m now wondering if desktop 3D printers have become a disposable product.
Nikon SLM and EOS Achieve Record Sales Milestones in Metal 3D Printing
Two of the largest metal 3D printer manufacturers have announced record milestones. Some weeks ago, Nikon SLM Solutions revealed that they had sold their 1,000th system, which turned out to be purchased by Bosch. The machine sold was one of their largest machines, the massive twelve-laser NXG XII 600, which sports a build volume of… Continue reading Nikon SLM and EOS Achieve Record Sales Milestones in Metal 3D Printing
How Automation is Redefining the Desktop 3D Printing Culture
I’m sensing a gradual shift in the attitudes of desktop 3D printer operators.
Understanding Thermal Runaway: A Critical Safety Feature for 3D Printers
I was reading about someone’s struggle with a thermal runaway and realized many new 3D printer operators may not have heard of the condition.
Ups and Downs for 3D Printing in 2025
Well, it just happens to be the first day of the year. What might happen in the next 364 days?
End-of-Year Reflections: Rising Competition, Quality Standards, and Accessibility
My goodness, it’s the end of the year once again, and time for some reflection on the state of 3D printing.
From Awareness to Affordability: How Xact Metal is Changing 3D Printing Adoption Dynamics
I had an interesting discussion with the friendly folks from Xact Metal about the current buyers of metal 3D printers.
From MakerBot to Bambu Lab: There’s Always a Better 3D Printer Coming Next
After years of seeing amazing desktop 3D printers emerge year after year, I see a pattern. I’ve been fiddling with desktop 3D printers for almost 15 years now, beginning with my first device, the venerable MakerBot CupCake. It took several days to assemble it from wires, boards, motors, and pieces of wood, and successfully printed… Continue reading From MakerBot to Bambu Lab: There’s Always a Better 3D Printer Coming Next
The Case for Proper Ingredient Labels on 3D Printing Filaments
It’s time to begin proper labeling of 3D printer filaments.
Implications of Photocentric’s JENI 3D Printing System
I’ve been thinking about the implications of Photocentric’s JENI system, and they could be big.
What New 3D Printer Buyers Shouldn’t Worry About: Prioritizing the Right Concerns
What should new desktop 3D printer buyers NOT be worried about?
The Rise of a New Standard: How CoreXY and Enclosed Designs Are Shaping Desktop 3D Printing
There seems to be a new emerging standard configuration for desktop FFF 3D printers.
Exploring the Dual Worlds of 3D Printer Resin: Consumer Affordability vs. Industrial Premiums
We could be moving into new worlds of 3D printer resin.
The Truth Behind Water-Washable 3D Printer Resins
It’s time to wash away water-washable 3D printer resins.
3D Print Ideas to Up Your Gardening Game
How can 3D printing help in your garden?
Additive Manufacturing Market Grows Despite Public Company Valuation Declines
A report from Additive Manufacturing Research quantified the size of the 3D print market, and there’s some interesting implications.
Supply Chain Disruptions Continue To Push Manufacturers Towards 3D Printing Solutions
Recent events are slowly pushing manufacturers towards increased 3D printing.
Debunking the Myths: Is Water-Washable 3D Printer Resin Really Safer?
It’s time to talk about water-washable 3D printer resin.
The Case for Learning CAD Before Purchasing Your First 3D Printer
What should you do first? Buy a desktop 3D printer or learn a CAD tool?
Maximizing Efficiency in Industrial 3D Printing with Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance uses smart technology to prevent costly machine failures and minimize downtime in industrial 3D printing operations.
Five Things that need to be Standardized in 3D Printing
The world of 3D printing seems to be slowly fragmenting into a series of closed environments. What can stop that from happening?
Is Prusa Research’s Prusa Hub the Future of Makerspace 3D Printing?
Prusa Research’s “Prusa Hub” concept was recently highlighted by the company, but what is it all about?
The Challenges of Standardizing 3D Printer Spools: Will It Ever Happen?
Spools should really be standardized across 3D printing, but that’s never going to happen.
What is the Standard Term for 3D Printing of Concrete?
What is the correct term for 3D printing of concrete?
How ‘Enshittification’ Could Impact the Desktop 3D Printing Industry
What would happen if the desktop 3D print world became enshittified?
Why Asian 3D Print Software Feels Confusing to Western Users
If you’ve been troubled with the sometimes confusing interfaces of Asian 3D print software, it turns out there is a reason why this happens.
Beyond Jigs and Fixtures: The Growing Role of 3D Printed Surrogate Parts
There’s another potentially large market for 3D printed parts that few seem to talk about.
Contrary to Market Gloom, Some 3D Printing Investments Surge
There are some big investments happening in the 3D print world, contrary to recent gloom.
Transforming Goals in 3D Printing: The Rise of User-Friendly Desktop Printers
I’m seeing what I think is a bit of a transformation of the desktop 3D printer market: buyers are beginning to have different goals.
Reddit Thread Reveals Alarming Ignorance of Resin 3D Printer Safety Protocols
My suspicions of resin 3D printer safety ignorance seem to be confirmed in a lengthy thread this week.
What Elegoo’s Centauri Carbon Means for Desktop 3D Printing
What does Elegoo’s new Centauri Carbon mean to the 3D printing industry?
The Hidden Hurdle in High Throughput 3D Printing: Post Processing Challenges
High throughput 3D printing is going to have a major problem in coming years.
The Rising Concern of Waste in Multimaterial 3D Printing: Solutions and Innovations
There’s a growing poop problem in 3D printing.
Adoption vs. Consolidation in the Struggling 3D Print Industry
What’s wrong with the 3D print industry? The industry leaders seem to have the answers, or do they?
The Six Types of Desktop 3D Printer Personalities
There are certain personas that tend to use desktop 3D printers. Which one are you?
Construction 3D Printing: Cost Analysis and Industry Challenges
I’m reading a LinkedIn post where there’s some controversy about the true costs of construction 3D printing.
A New Way to Identify Potential 3D Print Applications?
A novel application of 3D printing could help identify additional ways to use the technology.
Bringing Metal 3D Printing to the Desktop: Exploring the Possibilities
Could metal be the next material frontier for desktop 3D printing?
Marine Fungus Breaks Down Plastics: A Potential Solution for 3D Printer Waste?
A development in the microplastics situation has arisen, which could eventually be of interest to 3D printer operators.
Cloud Challenges: How Do You Give Away a 3D Printer These Days?
Giving away an older 3D printer might seem to be an easy thing to do, but it increasingly is not.
Why CoreXY 3D Printers Outperform Bedslingers: A Practical Demonstration
I just printed an outstanding example demonstrating why CoreXY 3D printers are much more desirable.
Pricing 3D Print Jobs: Understanding Costs, Labor, and Profit Margins
I keep reading posts asking “how to price a 3D print job”, so let’s answer this question.
Autodesk AI Acquisition Hints at Future 3D Strategy
Autodesk acquired AI-powered Wonder Dynamics, suggesting they may be on the prowl for additional AI acquisitions.
Turning Waste into Opportunity: 3D Printing and the Circular Economy
As technology advances, it has the potential to play a critical role in building a more sustainable future.
3D Scanning in Museums: Allowed or Not?
I’m reading a story from two years ago about a conflict regarding 3D scanning at museums.
Speculations on Bambu Lab’s Next 3D Printer
There have been many hints of Bambu Lab nearing an announcement of a new 3D printer, but what could it be?
Strategies for Mitigating Emissions in 3D Printing Operations
How bad, exactly, are the emissions from 3D printing?
FFF 3D Printing: Can New Nozzle Technology Replace Resin Printers?
Do you need a resin 3D printer when FFF devices now approach similar levels of surface quality?
What to Consider Before Buying a 3D Printer for Your Child
Considering buying a 3D printer for your offspring? Here are some questions to ask.
From TikTok to DJI: Could U.S. Scrutiny Extend to Chinese 3D Printer Manufacturers
I’m reading reports about the US banning certain Chinese companies, and thought about the implications for 3D printing.
Is Your Old 3D Printer Obsolete? Increasing Frustration with Outdated Models
Do you hate your desktop 3D printer? I’m thinking a growing number of operators think exactly that.
Could Your Next Chair Be 3D Printed? Exploring the Viability of 3D Printing in Furniture Production
Could furniture be the next big application for 3D printing?
Growing IP Challenges in 3D Model Repositories Prompt Need for New Solutions
I’m seeing a growing issue with 3D model repositories that likely isn’t going to go away anytime soon.
Understanding the Surge in Construction 3D Printing Companies
Each week I see a different construction 3D printing company in the news. What’s going on?
The Strategic Value of Material Diversity in 3D Printing
There’s an increasing amount of cooperation between 3D printer manufacturers and chemical companies.
Unpacking the Price Tag: Why Some 3D Printers Are More Expensive
I’m reading a thread on the cost of LulzBot 3D printers, and there are several interesting insights to be found.
Pre-Sliced Files for Resin 3D Printers: Convenience or Compromise?
Do pre-sliced 3D models make sense?
Overcoming the Challenges: The Road Ahead for 3D Printing in Construction
The construction industry has looked different in recent years due to demands for sustainability and innovation. 3D printing has been a catalyst for this change in construction, but it is relatively still in its infancy.
Clearance Sales Signal the Decline of Slow-Speed 3D Printers
It begins: the disappearance of slow-speed 3D printers.