Researchers have found an unusual 3D printable material that generates electricity in flowing water.
research
Bioinspired AM Boosts Robotic Limb Stiffness And Sensing
A new paper in Bioinspiration & Biomimetics describes a bioinspired, additive approach for robotic limbs that increases structural stiffness while improving built-in strain sensing, hinting at lighter, smarter actuators and manipulators with fewer add-ons and less wiring.
SOLen 3D Printed Soft Optical Sensor For Mechanosensing
Researchers unveiled SOLen, a 3D printed soft optical sensor that guides light with an internal lens for mechanosensing.
Researchers Test 3D Printed Milling Cutter With Conformal Cooling
A new study tests a laser powder bed fused milling cutter with conformal cooling, a design aimed at cooler, longer running cuts for demanding materials.
Detoxified Asbestos Cement Becomes PLA Filler For 3D Printing
A research team proposes using detoxified asbestos cement as a depolymerization regulating filler in PLA composites for 3D printing.
AI Sensor Fusion Boosts 3D Printing Fault Detection
New research describes multimodal sensor fusion for AI-based fault detection in 3D printing.
LM PAEK Can Outperforms PEEK In Certain Applications
A Drexel-led team showed that porous PAEK knee revision topologies can be 3D printed using the FFF process strong enough for demanding loads.
Analysis Finds Rapid Growth in 3DCP Adoption Across Multiple Regions
The number of 3DCP projects worldwide is expanding quickly.
Researchers 3D Print Plug And Play Electrochemical Device
A research team unveiled MICRO, a one step multimaterial 3D printed electrochemical device designed for on site analysis and drug screening.
Reinforcement Learning Tames DLP Peel Forces For Fragile Prints
A new research paper proposes geometry adaptive reinforcement learning to reduce peel forces in Digital Light Processing (DLP) resin printing to save fragile features and increase lift success for resin workflows.
Multimodal AI Sensor Fusion Targets 3D Print Faults
Researchers have proposed a multimodal sensor fusion approach to AI-based fault detection in 3D printing, aiming to push AM monitoring closer to reliable, Industry 4.0 operation.
3D Printed Pipe Embeds Heater And Sensor For Space
A European team demonstrated a 3D printed, spacecraft-grade pipe segment with an embedded heater and temperature sensor to streamline thermal loop integration.
MIT Engineers 3D Print Fully Functional Electric Motor
MIT engineers have 3D printed a working electric motor.
3D Printed Dissolving Microneedles
Researchers used 3D printed tooling to create dissolving microneedles that deliver drugs through the cheek.
Proximal Sound Prints Elastomer Microstructures Using Ultrasound
Proximal Sound Printing (PSP) is a new sound driven additive manufacturing process that claims it can directly 3D print fine PDMS microstructures with far better resolution and repeatability than earlier “sound printing” attempts.
Researchers Test SLS of PHB With Biocarbon
Researchers explored Selective Laser Sintering of polyhydroxybutyrate with biocarbon filler, hinting at a greener polymer option for powder-bed AM.
Comprehensive Review Charts 3D Printed Meat Technology
A new research review looks at the technologies behind 3D printed meat and what must happen before it scales.
Researchers 3D Print Body Powered Finger Prosthesis For Amputees
A new paper details a low-cost, body powered 3D printed finger prosthesis for trans-phalangeal amputees, signaling fresh momentum for practical, customizable partial-digit solutions.
Unified Workflow Validates 3D Printed 14 DOF Humanoid
A new paper outlines a unified, simulation-first pipeline that validates a lightweight, 3D printed 14 DOF humanoid before any plastic touches a heated bed.
DISH Pushes Volumetric 3D Printing To 0.6 Seconds
A Tsinghua University team claims sub second volumetric 3D printing with fine features, and the trick is moving the optics instead of the resin.
MIT’s MagMix Tackles Bioprinting’s Cell Settling Problem
MIT researchers have built a tiny magnetic mixer that keeps cells evenly suspended during extrusion bioprinting, looking to make printed tissues far more repeatable.
Spectral Extrapolation Boosts LPBF Surface Characterization
A research team proposes spectral extrapolation to recover determine surface roughness metrics on laser powder bed fusion parts from limited measurements, promising faster quality assurance for AM shops.
Fribourg Team Combines Polymer AM With Molten Metal Droplets
Researchers at the University of Fribourg unveiled a hybrid process that merges polymer 3D printing with molten metal droplet deposition to fabricate truly three dimensional electronics.
Blended Material Transitions In Large Format AM Studied
Researchers mapped how material composition changes during switchovers in large format, pellet-fed 3D printing.
Researchers Probe Fatigue In 3D Printed High Entropy Alloy
A new study investigates cyclic deformation in a 3D printed high entropy alloy, a step toward predictable fatigue life for metal AM.
LLM Agents Step Into The 3D Printer Control Loop
A new CMU framework uses large language models to spot defects and change print parameters during print jobs.
Compact Pellet Extruder Enables High Content Feedstock Printing
A new research paper introduces a compact screw-based pellet extruder for high content feedstocks, and it could materially shift costs and throughput for polymer, metal and ceramic additive manufacturing.
Penn State And ARL Unveil LAMAR Robotic DED
Penn State and the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL) have introduced LAMAR, a large-format robotic Directed Energy Deposition (DED) platform aimed at faster metal additive research and process control.
New Research Flags Seismic Gaps In 3D Printed Concrete
A new academic review dissects how 3D printed concrete behaves in earthquakes and where the technology must improve to earn code approval.
Study Finds Common Home 3D Printing Ventilation Methods Insufficient to Control Emissions
A new study raises significant concerns about home 3D printing safety.
New Review Charts Volumetric AM Progress And Hurdles
A new review of volumetric additive manufacturing outlines rapid progress, persistent constraints, and the milestones needed for broader deployment.
Underwater 3D Concrete Printing Breakthrough Could Transform Ocean and Maritime Construction
A team from Cornell has successfully 3D printed concrete — underwater.
AdditiveGDL Predicts LPBF Thermal Fields With Generative AI
Researchers introduced AdditiveGDL, a generative deep learning method that predicts local thermal distributions across metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion layers to accelerate process tuning and quality assurance.
Study Probes Activated Carbon, MgO In FFF Filaments
A new materials study examines activated carbon and magnesium oxide as additives in FFF filaments, with implications for thermal stability, strength, and durability.
3D Printed PEDOT Targets Wearable Fiber Electronics
A new dissertation explores fiber-based conductors and 3D printed PEDOT for wearable and soft electronics.
Unified Multiscale 3D Printer Combines TVAM And TPP
Researchers unveiled a single machine that merges tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing with two photon polymerization to create true multiscale 3D prints in one coordinated workflow.
MIT’s MorphoChrome Paints Programmable Structural Color Onto Prints
MIT researchers have devised a handheld way to “paint with light” and transfer iridescent structural color onto 3D printed parts and everyday objects.
Review Highlights 3D Printing In Removable Prosthetics
A new research paper explains how 3D printing is reshaping removable dental prosthetics today.
Review Charts 3D Printing For Personalized Oral Drugs
A new review maps how additive manufacturing could deliver truly personalized oral medicines.
Researchers Probe Blended Material Transitions In Large Format AM
New research examines how polymer blends transition during large format extrusion, a practical issue for anyone mixing materials on pellet-fed systems.
Metal Additive Manufacturing in CO2 Shows Promise for Mars Missions
New research suggests laser melting metal parts in a CO2 atmosphere could be “good enough” for Mars, and maybe cheaper on Earth too.
MechStyle Keeps AI Stylized Models From Snapping
MechStyle blends generative AI stylization with mechanical simulation so your “make it brick” prompt does not accidentally create a fragile print.
Study Benchmarks Shrinkage Monitoring For 3D Printed Concrete
A new research paper benchmarks ways to measure early age shrinkage in 3D printed cementitious mixes and points to practical low cost setups that labs and contractors could deploy quickly.
Two Photon Printing Microdevices Inside Living Cells
Two photon polymerization has now moved from “on cells” to “inside cells”, opening a strange, new frontier.
Forensic Specialists Use 3D-Printed Replicas to Improve Autopsy Analysis
I’m always on the lookout for unusual 3D printer applications, and this is certainly one: autopsy analysis.
Closed Loop Reference Method Optimizes FFF Accuracy
Researchers propose a new closed loop reference optimization for extrusion 3D printing.
One-Shot Camera Extrusion Optimization Targets High-Speed FFF
Researchers propose a one-shot, camera-based method to optimize extrusion for high-speed FFF.
Metalens-Based TPL Method Achieves 1,000× Print Speed Increase
There could be a way to dramatically scale up the two-photon lithography process.
Open Troubleshooting Guide For Common 3D Printing Failures
A new open 3D Printing Troubleshooting Guide could reduce failures across desktop and industrial workflows.
PEEK/PEI Blends Tackle High-Temperature FFF Printability
A new study explores PEEK and PEI blends to make high temperature FFF more printable without losing performance.
Piezoelectric 3D Printed Resonators Enable Tiny Robots
Researchers demonstrated autonomous miniature robots that use piezoelectric-actuated 3D printed resonators to move and steer.
Wireless Sensing In 3D Printed Metals: Magnetoelastic Inclusions
New research proposes wireless, embedded sensing for 3D printed metal parts using magnetoelastic and thermomagnetic inclusions.
Magnesium 3D Printing Edges Closer To Clinical Use
A new review examines how magnesium containing materials and additive processes could turn patient specific, resorbable bone repairs into reality.
Machine Learning Predicts LPBF Defects By Surface Angle
Researchers report a machine learning approach to predict LPBF defects from up-skin and down-skin angles, suggesting there might be angle-aware process control for metal AM.
New Guidelines Expand Shotcrete 3D Printing Geometry
A new study codifies process rules that make shotcrete 3D printing more reliable and more ambitious.
3D Printed Steel Retrofits For Historic Masonry Walls
Researchers propose 3D printed steel reinforcement to discreetly strengthen vulnerable unreinforced masonry.
Researchers Propose Force-Based Monitoring For Extrusion AM
A new study outlines how force sensing can monitor extrusion-based 3D printing in real time, promising earlier defect detection and fewer scrapped builds.
Laser Heating Speeds Carbon Fiber 3D Printing
A new study explores laser-heated rapid 3D printing of carbon fiber machine parts to lift speed and strength.
Hybrid Layer Heights Boost FFF Strength And Efficiency
Researchers propose hybrid layer thickness to lift PLA part strength while cutting energy use.
Orientation Drives Surface Roughness In FFF, mSLA, PJ, SLS
A new materials study shows how build orientation shifts surface roughness across four popular polymer AM processes.
Plasma Coatings Tune Recycled Composite Filaments For FFF
Researchers used atmospheric plasma to tune recycled composite filaments for FFF.
Active Vibration Control Sharpens FFF Surface Quality
Researchers report that real-time vibration monitoring with active control meaningfully improves the primary profile surface finish on Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) prints.
3D Printed Resonators Drive Tiny Robots With Built-In Control
A new preprint outlines miniature robots propelled by piezoelectric-actuated, 3D printed resonators that promise autonomous locomotion with trajectory control embedded in the structure itself.
Conductive PLA Enables 3D Printed Temperature Sensors
Researchers have 3D printed temperature sensors from conductive PLA, hinting at simple, embedded monitoring for everyday prints.
Researchers Explore 3D Printed Control For Distributed Manufacturing
A new preprint argues that control and actuation can be 3D printed to advance distributed manufacturing and self replication.
Researchers Develop Multi Axis Continuous Fiber 3D Printer
A new multi axis continuous carbon fiber extrusion tool aims to make “fiber steering” practical, not just impressive in demos.
Miniature Punch Testing Evaluates 3D Printed Stainless Steel
A new study uses miniaturized small punch testing to probe the mechanical behavior of 3D printed stainless steel, a promising route to faster and less wasteful qualification in metal AM.
Bigger Nozzles Boost PLA Strength, Study Finds
A new study links larger FFF nozzle diameters to stronger PLA parts, with modeling to back it up.
Researchers 3D Print Custom Bra Underwires For Comfort
A new study proposes 3D printed, customized bra underwires to improve pressure distribution and comfort — a fresh consumer application for additive manufacturing.
Study Optimizes FFF Nozzle Geometry For Speed
A new study models how FFF nozzle shape drives pressure loss, hinting at higher print speeds without larger heaters or motors.
Industry Lists in Competing 3D Food Printer Reports Reveal Fabricated Data and Outdated Sources
I found yet another absurd 3D printing market report, and this time I am comparing two sets of truly ridiculous results.
Study Finds Airborne Fibers From PA6-CF Printing
A new HI-AM study observes airborne carbon fiber particles during PA6-CF printing on a desktop FFF system.
VideoCAD Trains AI Agents On a Real CAD Interface
New research may lead to future simplification of automated CAD model generation.
Wood Based Shape Memory Composites Activate In Sunlight
Researchers report a wood based shape memory composite that self-assembles under sunlight, hinting at practical 4D printing without wired heaters.
A 3D Printed Plastic Heat Spreader That Acts Like A Metal One
A research team has shown an FFF printable plastic composite that moves heat so well it starts encroaching on “metal only” performance — while still staying electrically insulating.
Another Very Questionable 3D Print Market Report Emerges
A week later, I am again presented with an extremely suspicious 3D print market analyst report.
MIT Releases Open-Source Dual-Extruder Biotic Printer
MIT researchers unveiled an open-source dual-extruder syringe 3D printer aimed at reliable, multi-material printing of renewable biomaterial pastes.
Solid Knitting Breakthrough: Cornell Team Builds Machine for 3D Knitted Objects
A new 3D printing concept has been developed — or is it just knitting?
Agricultural Waste Fibers Improve Sustainability in 3D Concrete Printing
A new study explores how agricultural waste fibers can strengthen and stabilize 3D printed concrete while cutting the environmental cost of construction materials.
Project Diamanti: 3D Printed Concrete Bridge in Venice Showcases Energy- and Emission-Reducing Design
Researchers have developed what some call a “sustainable” 3D printable construction technique.
Tunable 3D Printed Structures Could Revolutionize Crash Protection
A new 3D print application has been developed by researchers: crash protection.
Wohlers Associates Releases Free Q3 2025 Additive Manufacturing Report Highlighting Key Industry Trends
The Wohlers Quarterly AM report is now available.
Researchers 3D Print Multiple Material Properties from a Single Resin Using Heat and Light Control
Researchers have developed a method to print different materials using a single 3D printable resin.
Researchers Develop Ultrafast 3D Printing Process Enabling Same-Day Chairside Dental Crowns
Researchers have developed a way to enable chairside dental crowns.
MIT Develops 3D Printable Aluminum Alloy Stable at Temperatures Up to 400C
MIT researchers developed what might be a revolutionary 3D printable aluminum alloy, and they did so with a very interesting approach.
MIT Researchers Develop Generative CAD System Optimized for 3D Printing Constraints
Researchers have developed a generative CAD system specifically for 3D printing.
CONTEXT Report Reveals Sharp Declines in Industrial and Midrange 3D Printer Sales
A report from CONTEXT shows troubles for several segments in the 3D print industry.
OpenVCAD, an Open-Source Tool for Voxel-Based 3D Design
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed “OpenVCAD”.
Researchers Develop Method to “Program” Voxel Stiffness in Resin 3D Printing
Researchers have found a way to “program” voxels in resin 3D printing.
EPFL Researchers Develop “Hydrogel Infusion” Method for 3D Printing Dense Metals and Ceramics
Researchers at EPFL have discovered an entirely new method of 3D printing metals and ceramics.
Researchers Develop New Sol-Gel 3D Printing Process for Pure Glass Fabrication
Researchers have developed an entirely new way to 3D print pure glass.
Study Finds Microplastics Can Be Absorbed by Vegetables, Raising Food Safety Concerns
A new study reveals that microplastics can be absorbed by vegetables.
From Prototyping to Production: VoxelMatters Predicts Major Shift in Automotive AM
VoxelMatters predicts explosive growth in automotive additive manufacturing over the next decade.
Researchers Use AI to Develop Metamaterial Strong than Steel, but as Light as Foam
Researchers have used AI to develop a metamaterial that is stronger than steel, but lighter than foam.
CMU Researchers Use AI to Autonomously Manage 3D Printing Workflows on FFF Systems
Researchers have found a way to use AI to autonomously control 3D print workflows.