The recent fire at Notre Dame in Paris was certainly a tragedy, but it also hints at the future of 3D printing.
Ideas
Between The Lines At Stratasys Direct Manufacturing
Stratasys announced some new equipment at their 3D print service, but what does it mean?
Searching For 3D Models Is Still Painful
Ever since the appearance of personal 3D printing, there’s been an awful problem: searching for 3D models.
How 3D Printing Can Take On the Sustainability Challenges of Tomorrow
Earth Day presents a moment in time for reflection, to take a deeper look at how we are treating the planet and what sort of changes we want to make to better preserve our resources for future generations.
Expect A Lot More ISO In The Future Of 3D Printing
Another company announced they’ve achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, and they won’t be the last.
The Challenges Of Moving 3D Printer Manufacturers To A Digital World
A post from our friend Pete Basiliere of Gartner analyzes the digital capability of 3D printer manufacturers.
Is Ultimaker’s Print Profile System Taking Over?
Ultimaker’s powerful Material Alliance Program is growing rapidly, but what does this mean?
Could the Maritime Industry Be The Next Metal 3D Printing Garden?
EU researchers have developed an unusual 3D printed part for maritime use, suggesting a new channel for metal 3D printing.
Five 3D Printing Breakthroughs, And Five More
I’m reading a piece on Singularity Hub describing “The Next 5 Printing Breakthroughs”, and have my own five thoughts.
Implications of the Prusa SL1 Resin 3D Printer
We’re nearing the release of Prusa’s first resin-based 3D printer, and it’s time to think about what this might mean.
Now Is the Right Time to Focus on Sustainability in 3D Printing
There’s an old saying, “There’s no time like the present,” and we should be applying that now to foundational growth in 3D printing.
Opening Eyes To Grander 3D Printing
I’ve been watching some 3D print videos from Fabbaloo friend Joel Telling, and realized something about how 3D print practices are changing.
An Exciting, Boring Future for Additive Manufacturing
I think it’s wonderful that additive manufacturing may be boring: that means it’s getting real.
How Does 3D Printing Really Fit Into Residential Construction?
I thought I would do some basic research into residential construction practices to show how 3D printing fits and does not fit.
More Thoughts On The Future Of Construction 3D Printing
I’ve been reading more stories about 3D printed construction projects, and have realized something fundamental.
3D Printers To Disappear Into Vertical Systems?
I’m reading about a new 3D printing system specifically designed for used in dental operations.
Metal 3D Printing Always Playing Catch Up
Metal 3D printing has come a vast distance since it was first introduced some years ago.
Empowering Diversity in Digital Manufacturing
This International Women’s Day, I am excited by the promise of this technology transformation to tackle problems in new ways, powered by a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Diversity For Additive Manufacturing Report #3 Released
The Diversity For Additive Manufacturing Report #3 report has been released today, International Women’s Day.
The Real Value of 3D Printing Patents
It’s not always about revenue; sometimes patents are worth it to prove larger positioning.
The Challenge Facing Color 3D Printing
Color 3D printing has never really taken off, but there may be a good reason why.
At Last: The End of STL Is In Sight
There have been a few developments recently that have brought me to the view that STL file format will slide away quietly.
Please Name Your Technology Something We Can Remember
There’s standing out, and there’s STAndING ouT.
About That Rize Investment by Dassault Systèmes…
There’s something very intriguing about Dassault Systèmes’ surprise participation in a US15M investment in Rize.
The Desperate Need For More Advanced 3D Print Slicers
After watching a fascinating video showing a powerful strengthening technique, I am convinced we have a long way to go with 3D printing software.
A Non-Linear 3D Printing Career
Non-linear, nontraditional career paths are becoming more of a norm. Let’s take a look at content creation in 3D printing.
Powerful Handheld 3D Scanners Are Coming
A report suggests that upcoming Apple iPhone designs may include powerful 3D scanning capabilities.
How 3D Printing Can Reduce Emissions
I’m reading a piece from GE talking about emissions, and began thinking about 3D printing and emissions in general.
Should SLS Instead Be PLS?
An interesting thought: is the term “SLS” wrong?
Will 3D Printing Help Find All the Female Architects?
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore the potential impact of 3D printing on retaining women in the architecture business.
The 3D Printing Startup Within A Major Company
As additive manufacturing plays an ever-larger role in the business world, many major companies are building their own internal startups.
#CESGenderBias and Why We Need to Pay Attention
This isn’t a feel good story (but it should be).
The Critical Importance of Software In 3D Printable Design
3D printing offers the ability to leverage designs in ways not previously possible, but only if the right software is used.
The Coming Increase in Specialized 3D Print Firms
Recently we’ve seen several new companies emerge whose purpose it is to leverage 3D printing technology.
A Future 3D Printing Issue Looking For A Solution
It’s occurred to me that there is an upcoming issue that the 3D printing industry has yet to solve: print tracking.
These Trends Will Shape 3D Printing Moving Into 2019
Though young, 3D printing has already imposed itself as one of the most disruptive technologies in recent decades.
Autodesk Deepens Reach Into Construction
3D software giant Autodesk made an acquisition of a construction-related company.
A Look at Theoretical Futures for 3D Printing Technology
A speculative video discusses some of the issues 3D printing may face in the distant future.
Characteristics of Successful Filament Extruders
Over the years there have been several desktop 3D printer filament extruders, and almost all have failed.
Blowing Your Leftover Budget On A 3D Printer? Some Things To Consider
At this late date in the year, many organizations have some 3D printing thinking to do.
Choosing The Right, Or Better 3D Printing Tool?
I’m reading a press release from Massivit describing a notable machine sale, and had a thought about choosing 3D printers.
Reactions to Materialise’s 3D Printing Trends for 2019
Materialise published a series of trends and we have some thoughts.
FDM Is Not A Serious Industrial Application?
We received a provocative comment about 3D printing and had to reply.
Wait, Is Consumer 3D Printing Back?
After thinking more about Prusa Printers’ astonishing production figures, I’m now wondering whether consumer 3D printing is back.
The Pace of Innovation
When is the right time to introduce an innovative solution?
How Will 3D Printing Benefit Manufacturing-as-a-Service (MaaS)?
We can expect manufacturing to change in many ways over the coming years, and 3D printing is at the heart of some of the most exciting of these developments. In particular, manufacturing-as-a-service, or MaaS, is coming into its own thanks to advances in 3D printing.
3D Printed Spare Parts Will Require Design Forethought
I’m reading a piece by Joe Iles discussing recent explorations by industry on the notion of 3D printed spare parts.
Look Before You Leap Into Construction 3D Printer Investment
Recently there has been a spate of investment in construction 3D printer manufacturers, but is this wise?
A New Angle for Construction 3D Printing?
I’m reading a press release about another investment in a construction 3D printing company and had a thought.
Future Possibilities for 3D Printed Repairs
A reader comment got me thinking about the future of 3D printed repairs.
Ceramic 3D Printing Following Familiar Path
Adoption of 3D printing does not happen all at once.
Disruption Needs Noise
Change doesn’t come silently.
Entering Additive Manufacturing
There seem to be three broad approaches to entering a career in additive manufacturing.
3D Printing Events Everywhere
3D printing is a global industry, and following the business often leads to attending events around the world.
Is 3D Printing Becoming “Natural” for Manufacturers?
I’m reading a piece in the Durango Herald discussing a rocketry startup that’s using 3D printing.
Towards Self-Repairing 3D Prints?
New research from MIT shows a potential approach for producing self-repairing 3D prints.
What’s Holding Back 3D Printed Spare Parts?
3D printing enables many new business models, one of which is on-demand spare parts.
Fixing Toys With 3D Printing: Not For Everyone
Robert Maldonado undertook a challenging job to repair a broken toy using 3D printing and CAD, illustrating how challenging it can be.
Carbon’s Comfy Strategy
Carbon announced additional partnerships recently, but it seems to be a part of a larger strategy for business expansion.
Six Ways Food 3D Printing Can Be Advantageous
How exactly should food 3D printers be used for an advantage?
What Happens When the 3D Printing Dream Ends?
Many 3D printing companies have emerged since 2009, and almost as many have since shut down. What happens then?
The Terminology of Technology
3D printing / additive manufacturing / rapid prototyping — what’s the difference?
Forbes Predicts Massive 3D Printing Boom, and They’re Right
A provocative article in Forbes discusses how 3D printing could explode in future years.
Can We Please Stop Hyphenating “3D Printing”?
“3D printing” is a part of Industry 4.0; let’s see “3-D printing” or “3D-printing” make their way out of the lexicon.
The Challenge of Making Replacement Parts
I’m reading an interesting case study by 3D Hubs and have some thoughts about 3D printing spare parts.
Stealth to Success?
Should more companies stay in stealth mode longer?
What is a Jig and Why are They Important to 3D Printing?
One of the most important applications of 3D printing is the production of jigs.
Combining 3D Printing with Shape Memory Alloys
After watching a fascinating video about shape memory alloys, I realize there are many possible 3D print applications.
Is 3D Printing Green? Could It Be Green?
I’m reading a piece on the greenness of 3D printing and realized there is so much more to the sustainability picture of 3D printing.
Thoughts on Prusa’s New SL1 Resin 3D Printer
Prusa Research announced a new resin-based 3D printer. What will this mean?
Stratasys’ Manufacturing Strategy Becomes More Real
Stratasys announced a deal with Siemens for 3D printing, but I think there is much more behind this arrangement.
Thoughts On 3D Hubs’ Demise – Or Is It Rise?
You’ve probably heard that 3D Hubs is about to shut down their DIY community 3D printing network, as we wrote the other day.
Manufacturing Competition in Additive Manufacturing
Competition is heating up in additive manufacturing; how does that make you feel?
Seven Sketchy 3D Printing Business Practices
There are some practices that are just not good.
Implications of HP’s Metal Jet Technology
HP announced a new metal 3D printing process today, and there are some interesting implications.
The 3mm Filament Problem
I’ve hit this problem twice now this week: is 3mm filament really 3.00mm?
A Caution for 3D Printer Startups: You’re Too Late
After watching a video of Prusa Research headquarters, it’s increasingly obvious that time is up for new 3D printer startups.
What Construction 3D Printing Must Do Next
After reading yet another wildly exaggerated story about 3D construction printing, I thought I’d make a list of things to do.
Ride The Wave: 3D Print Market Grows Sharply
A spending forecast from IDC indicates very substantial growth in 3D printing over the next four years.
The Need For 3D Printing Joint Ventures
Recent interest in more exotic materials should drive a lot more partnerships in the future.
Could Carbon Become an Automotive Giant?
I had an interesting thought about Carbon and where they might end up.
A New Frontier For 3D Printing: Fishing?
I’m looking at a 3D model and wondering if this could be the start of something interesting.
A Home for Unused 3D Printer Materials?
I’m reading a fundraising campaign for a school’s 3D printer and had an idea.
The Rise of the Flexible 3D Printing Plate
Sometimes it takes years for an industry to discover the best approach, and that’s what seems to have happened with 3D printing surfaces.
Is Autodesk Winning the Free CAD War?
I’ve noticed a bit of a trend, at least informally, regarding use of free 3D CAD suites.
3D Metal Printing: Picking the Right Process
A piece from Fabrisonic explains how their process might be better than others, but it suggests a pattern across all 3D printing processes.
Are 3D Print Services Better?
After reading Matt Sand’s story earlier this week, I am now thinking a bit differently about 3D print services.
Metal 3D Printing: Seven Trends & Emerging Tech
I recently presented to a sold-out audience at MD&M East, a leading conference in manufacturing medical devices and surgical instruments.
Should Premade GCODE Be Used?
I’ve seen pre-made GCODE a few times recently, and I am a bit suspicious of it.
Indo Pacific Implications of 3D Printing?
I’m reading a two-part story talking about how 3D printing may affect the Indo Pacific region.
Deepmind’s 3D Capabilities: Productive or Scary?
Google’s DeepMind project has developed some interesting 3D capabilities.
Another Industry Ripe for 3D Printing: Military
An amusing story on Military.com got me thinking about how industry uses – or doesn’t use 3D printing.
Someone Moves into a 3D Printed Home: Is This Really The Future?
News last week that a family is moving into a 3D printed home got me thinking.
4 Ways 3D Printing Can Revolutionize Automobile Manufacturing
The automobile sector is booming.
Some Advice for 3D Printing Companies Thinking of Attending CES 2019
We have some thoughts about attending CES in 2019.