3Diligent has announced updates to its Industry 4.0 software and services; the CEO fills us in on what these mean for procurement and manufacturing shops.
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MakerOS’ Overflow COVID-19 Network
MakerOS has quickly created an effective cloud-based system to handle dynamic orders for 3D printed PPE.
Job Shop and 3D Printing Services vs Product Production
Charles Goulding of R&D Tax Savers takes a look at pandemic production.
HP Launches 3DaaS Plus
HP has just introduced a new pay-per-use 3D printing subscription model.
Book of the Week: Close-Range Photogrammetry and 3D Imaging
This week’s selection is “Close-Range Photogrammetry and 3D Imaging” by Thomas Luhmann, Stuart Robson, Stephen Kyle and Jan Boehm.
3D Print Companies Contribute To The Crisis In Unique Ways
Several 3D print companies have stepped up with initiatives to help aid the COVID-19 crisis, and Ultimaker has developed a unique service to do so.
3D Printing Helps Save Patients During Virus Crisis, And You Should Too
A quick-acting FabLab in Northern Italy may have saved many lives through rapid production of replacement parts. They are not the only ones who should do so.
Behind The Scenes At Shapeways: How They Really Run A 3D Print Service
A blog post reveals much of what happens behind the scenes at 3D print service Shapeways.
AREVO Puts All The 3D Pieces Together
A manufacturing-as-a-service company has developed a way to 3D print continuous carbon fiber in a production setting.
Setting Prices For Your 3D Prints? You’re Probably Doing It Wrong
MakerOS has a brilliant hidden feature in their online service: a sophisticated 3D print pricing calculator that allows operators to determine exactly how to price prints.
The Right Way To Market Commercial 3D Printed Designs
Mixed Dimensions used the correct approach for licensing and using 3D models from EVE Online for their printing service.
Question of the Week: 3D Printing Tree Branches In Metal
A reader inquires about the best method for 3D printing an artistic work in metal. We explore several options, some of which are quite expensive.
Reviewing Xometry’s 3D Printing Trends
Xometry’s Greg Paulsen examines recent trends in additive manufacturing, and we provide some additional thoughts.
The Slow Transformation of Shapeways
Shapeways has been gradually transforming their business from what they were to something quite different.
What’s Happening With Ricoh’s 3D Printing Strategy?
Ricoh seems to have shifted their additive manufacturing strategy from one of producing 3D printers to offering print services and materials.
Using VR In 3D Printing
Aurora Labs has been experimenting with using VR for working with their metal 3D printer. We speculate on how this could work.
Additive Manufacturing: Bridging The Gap From Craft To Automation
What happens when your skilled craft workers retire? You switch to additive manufacturing. See the details in this interesting case study.
Injection Molding: The Quick Design Guide
If you are doing injection molding, there are some important guidelines to know before you commit to a design.
Xometry Launches European Expansion Through Acquisition
US-based manufacturing network Xometry is using their recent investment round money to fund a huge expansion into Europe.
The Challenge of Finding 3D Printer Resellers
There are many kinds of equipment resellers, but some are not appropriate for 3D printing [Source: Fabbaloo]
HP Makes Several Business Moves, Including New Subscription Service
HP announced several things today, including a new subscription service, 3DaaS, that should allow many more companies to more easily access MJF 3D printing technology.
Formlabs Expands Dental Program In A Big Way
Formlabs announced a series of bold moves to secure their place at the top of the dental 3D printing industry, including a new business unit, new dental 3D printing materials and a new dental 3D printer, the Form 3B.
FATHOM Acquisition Creates Digital Manufacturing Powerhouse
Digital manufacturing is the focus for a significant new acquisition.
Interview: The Blueprints Of Blueprint
We talk with Kunal Mehta, Head of Consulting at Blueprint, for a look into operations in a 3D printing consultancy.
Design of the Week: Zeus V8 Electric Motorcycle
This week’s selection is the radical Zeus V8 Electric Motorcycle by Curtiss Motorcycles.
How My Search for Efficiency Made My 3D Business Better
The founder of MakerOS shares perspective on forming a 3D printing management company to enhance efficiency.
Executive Interview: Stratasys Direct CEO Kent Firestone, Part Two
We chat with the CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing about the rise of 3D printing for production, service bureau adoption, and the outlook for additive manufacturing.
Executive Interview: Stratasys Direct CEO Kent Firestone, Part One
We chat with the CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing about the rise of 3D printing for production, service bureau adoption, and the outlook for additive manufacturing.
The Importance Of Investment In Certain Types Of 3D Print Companies
Why do some 3D print services require so much investment? We analyzed the situation facing metal additive manufacturing services.
Carbon Comes To Protolabs; Launches Digital Print Denture Workflow
Carbon is set to expand its Digital Light Synthesis technology with Protolabs and Dentsply Sirona.
What Will No-Deal Brexit Mean For 3D Printing?
The UK leaves the EU on October 31st. What might this mean for companies involved in 3D printing? We look at a long list of issues.
3D Hubs Continues Transformation With Strategic Hire
3D Hubs has made a very strategic hire by taking on a co-founder of one of their new major competitors.
Xometry Adds Carbon DLS To 3D Printing Offerings
On-demand manufacturing platform Xometry now offers Carbon’s Digital Light Synthesis 3D printing technology.
Sintavia Acquires QC Labs for Full End-to-End 3D Print Services
Why did Sintavia acquire QC Labs, the non-destructive testing service? We have some ideas on the company’s strategy to become an end-to-end supplier.
The Lightyear One Electric Car Drives Ahead With Sunlight And 3D Printing
The new solar-powered Lightyear One electric car includes more than 60 3D printed interior parts made by DiManEx.
A Quick Guide to 3D Printing Technology
3D printing can be used to make amazing sculptures and innovative technology — but do you know how a 3D printer actually works? A good understanding of the manufacturing process will make it easier to design your own creations.
How Educators Can Choose Between a 3D Print Service and a 3D Printer
Should educational institutions use their own 3D printers or instead use 3D print services? We examine advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
LEO Lane: Consistency And Security For The Full 3D Printing Workflow
3D printing is about more than printing; a chat with LEO Lane illuminates more in end-to-end workflow opportunity.
Bodyblock: A Trigger For 3D Printed Fashion?
I’m looking at an interesting 3D model service called Bodyblock.
3D Printed Dioramas: A New Twist On An Older Process
A company found a new usage for 3D printed body scans: dioramas.
3D Printer Maintenance Schedule: Do You Have One?
Do you know how to maintain your 3D printer?
3Diligent Expands Reach of Digital Manufacturing Network
On-demand manufacturing is of great interest around the world, and access is widening.
Between The Lines At Stratasys Direct Manufacturing
Stratasys announced some new equipment at their 3D print service, but what does it mean?
Inside The Technologies Of The Technology House
I visited contract manufacturer The Technology House for a look inside production operations.
Where Can You Get a Ceramic 3D Print?
We know ceramic 3D printing is around, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find.
$48M for Fast Radius
Chicago-based Fast Radius has announced a $48 million Series B funding round set to expand its additive manufacturing platform.
Massive Deal For AstroPrint
AstroPrint announced a spectacular arrangement with Stanley Black & Decker.
Question of the Week: How To Start A 3D Print Business
This week’s question focuses on how to start a small 3D print business.
3DEO Celebrates Milestones and New Opportunities
We recently caught up with LA-based 3DEO for an update on the latest in metal 3D printing and the company’s celebration of a diverse workforce.
Fictiv Raises Big Cash
Fictiv has raised a huge US$33M.
Windform’s Commercial Strategy Shift
CRP has announced a change in commercial policy for Windform materials.
3D Printing Capacity Rising With Demand
How do we know there’s real-world demand for 3D printing? Installations.
Big Changes At Midwest Composite Technologies
Once in a while a company makes a very strategic move. This is one of them.
The Strength of High-Temperature 3D Printing
Navigating the learning curve of high-temperature 3D printing is less daunting with the experts.
AdditiveNow Emerges
Aurora Labs and WorleyParsons’ 50/50 joint venture, AdditiveNow, emerges today.
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.
CADzilla, Australia’s Largest 3D Printer?
An operation in Australia claims to have Australia’s largest 3D printer, and we think they are right.
Ceramic 3D Printing Following Familiar Path
Adoption of 3D printing does not happen all at once.
LEO Lane CEO Discusses Quantity and Quality Control for Digital Inventory
Digital inventory is rapidly enabling more agile solutions for the global supply chain; at the same time, it creates additional concerns.
3DEO Disrupts Metal 3D Printing
An interview with 3DEO’s Matt Sand.
What is LEO Lane and How Does It Allow Digital Inventory?
I’m looking at an ancillary additive manufacturing service that secures intellectual property.
21st Century Technology Shut Down by 6th Century Beliefs?
In an amazing story from Kuwait, a 3D print service has been ordered shut because of “Idolatry”.
It’s Not Personal, It’s Business with 3D Hubs
3D Hubs continues on the path toward manufacturing by dropping non-Manufacturing Partner Program 3D printing hubs.
HP Announces New Metal Jet Technology
HP is at long last entering the metal 3D printing market with their new Metal Jet process.
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.
What is “Make On Demand”?
I’m reading a press release from Rize that describes a new service that performs “Make on Demand”.
Shapeways Improves Post Processing Options, But Where Are They Going?
Shapeways announced several new post printing options, and I think this is a very interesting development.
The Rise of Small Regional 3D Print Services
I’ve noticed a bit of trend: the occurrence of small, regional 3D print services seems to be growing.
Try Before You Buy: The New 3D Printer Business Model
I’m reading a release from 3D printer manufacturer Intamsys that suggests a new style of business model is evolving.
What’s Happening at Create It REAL?
Create It REAL just received a significant investment.
La Poste Pushing 3D Printing
There are many post offices in the world, but few are doing as much 3D printing as France’s La Poste.
3D Hubs Makes One Million Parts?
3D print network 3D Hubs announced an impressive milestone: they’ve not produced over one million 3D prints.
Do You Need A Service Plan For Your Desktop 3D Printer?
An increasing number of manufacturers offer longer-term maintenance plans, but do you need one?
GE Expands, But in a Different Way
GE is now leveraging its assets to promote 3D metal printing.
Outsourcing Your 3D Printing? Or Should You Insource?
A question that is sometimes not even asked, let alone answered, is the question of outsourcing 3D printing.
Peeking Inside a 3D Print Operation
Sculpteo has published a fascinating report on how they handle 3D print jobs in their production facility, demonstrating the challenge of frequent 3D printing.
3DEO’s Promising 3D Metal Printing Process
A Los Angeles-based company is working a new 3D metal printing process that could prove popular.
Color Printing: A Useful Post-Printing Feature for 3D Print Services?
While wandering the aisles of Solidworks World earlier this week, I came upon a vendor whom I’d spoken with many times previously, and they had some equipment that gave me an idea.
Annie Wang – “It’s Not Only About What You Can Make, It’s Also About What You Should Make”
Annie is the co-founder of Senvol, which provides analytics on the Additive Manufacturing industry.
ThreeD Materials Offers 3D Printer Filament By Subscription, But is This a Thing You Should Do?
New materials vendor ThreeD Materials has a new subscription-based method for distributing 3D printer filament, but is it something you should do?
Katherine Bialek – “I Enjoy Inventing, Finding Solutions, and Being Able to Carry Out That Process Myself”
Katherine is an innovator, a mother, a maker, an entrepreneur. She built a live-streaming 3D printing platform, MyMultiExtruder, on which she shares her 3D printing experiences.
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?
Why Are 3D Print Service Costs So Different?
You need to use a 3D print service. You get quotes from several firms. All the quotes are wildly different! Why is this?
Capcom Moves to 3D Printing for New Cover Art
Capcom, makers of many notable video games over the past 32 years, now makes use of 3D printing to bring a spotlight on their new game, Street Fighter V.
MakerBot’s New Service Strategy
MakerBot announced the creation of eight “Authorized ServiceCenters” in Europe. How does this fit into their strategy?
Can Small 3D Print Services Survive?
It seems there are an awful lot of 3D print services available today – but can they all survive?
Digital Reality Announces Pro-Quote
Digital Factory announced a new plug-in service, Pro-Quote that can handle the preparation of cost estimates for 3D printing. Who can use this service? If you have a commercial 3D printer available and a website you can place Pro-Quote on your site and immediately accept 3D print requests. The Pro-Quote software presents a web… Continue reading Digital Reality Announces Pro-Quote
Veteran 3D Printers
i.Materialise reports they have some rather old 3D printers still in operation at their site. These stereolithography printers (3D Systems SLA 250’s) were apparently originally installed in 1990 – and are still used to produce parts for clients. To put it in perspective, these devices are so old you could buy them a beer –… Continue reading Veteran 3D Printers
Materialise Rescues Itself
Interesting story from i.Materialise, where Joris explains that some two years ago, a tripod lever was catastrophically damaged. Rather than buying a new tripod and unable to acquire a replacement lever, they decided to “eat their own dog food” by designing and printing a replacement part. A suitable design was prepared and the lever… Continue reading Materialise Rescues Itself
Materialise Touts 3D Printing Services Over Hobby 3D Printers
Ok, that might be totally predictable: a big 3D print services vendor promotes the use of services instead of using your own low-cost 3D printer (such as a RepRap, RapMan or MakerBot). Here’s their take: If you happen to be a ‘maker’, and love the creative experience like we do, then you definitely welcome… Continue reading Materialise Touts 3D Printing Services Over Hobby 3D Printers
Prototek Manufacturing
CNBC and Fox Business News recently aired a segment of “21st Century Business” in which Prototek Sales Manager Dennis Rocheford explained a bit about his company. Originally in the sheet metal rapid prototyping prototyping business, they’ve been expanding their capability and now include stereolithography and 3D printing with ZCorp machinery. Prototek is a large rapid… Continue reading Prototek Manufacturing
Print Your Guitar
Every one of us is a specialist in something, and our belief is that great things happen when different specialists intersect to combine the expertise from different disciplines. One such collision recently took place at RedEyeOnDemand, a popular 3D print service. It turns out that Tim Thellin and several co-workers at RedEye are… Continue reading Print Your Guitar
3D Ping Pong by Materialise
Materialise, one of the larger 3D print services recently did an experiment using their new “Extreme” stereolithography material. They call it extreme because it’s quite robust, with an impact strength of 0.45J/cm. How robust, you might ask? Apparently strong enough to make ping pong paddles from the material and play a real game with them:… Continue reading 3D Ping Pong by Materialise
Darwin’s Ring
Multiple tips arrived this week directing us to a rather amazing design: FluidForm’s Evolve Ring Silver, designed by Michal Piasecki and Krystian Kwiecinski. Not only does this item look very attractive, it also has a scientific heritage: The design was machine generated by Artificial Intelligence software, specifically a genetic algorithm. GAs use simulations of reproducing… Continue reading Darwin’s Ring
Matt is BetaMaterialised
Matt Sinclair of We Dont Do Retro writes of his experience using the beta 3D printing service from Materialise, called “i.materialise”. The beta service proudly announces their manifesto: We love 3D printing and are excited by amazing designs. That’s why we developed the i.materialise platform. An online service making 3D printing as easy as printing… Continue reading Matt is BetaMaterialised