How should you print multiple copies of an object? The answer is more complex than you’d think.
Ideas
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?
3 Challenges for 3D Printed Space-Based Components
Understanding the regulatory, testing, and materials challenges of additive manufacturing for space.
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.
Common Misconceptions About Injection Molding Versus Additive Manufacturing
Why differences in speed, cost, and other considerations are not as simple as you might expect.
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.
Lessons From 2024 and What Innovators and Engineers Can Expect From 2025
The task ahead is clear: cross-functional collaboration, systems interoperability, and business-digital strategy alignment.
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?
What are the Advantages of 3D CAD?
How about no confusion and accuracy, for starters.
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?
Can Additive Manufacturing Fix the Supply Chain?
These four benefits of 3D printing should appeal to any engineer struggling with supply chain woes.
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.
Reality Check: Seven Hidden Truths About 3D Printing
Having used many types of 3D printers for so many years, I’ve heard all the hype. But what are the hidden truths?
What are the Biggest Misconceptions About 3D Printing Today?
Clinging to outdated ideas about additive manufacturing puts you behind. Here are 5 3D printing myths worth busting.
Sora: How OpenAI’s Latest Innovation Could Transform 3D Design and Printing
OpenAI announced something quite startling last week, and it has significant long-term implications for 3D printing and design.
Top 3D Printing Predictions for 2024
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi have some thoughts about what trends we might see in the world of 3D printing in 2024.
Navigating the Future: Materialise Unveils Key 3D Printing Trends for 2024
Materialise has published their thoughts on 3D printing trends in 2024, and they’re quite revealing.
Predicting Potential 3D Printing Mergers and Acquisitions
It’s early in 2024, but later this year we will see a number of corporate collisions in the 3D print industry. What could happen?
Will AI Finally Put the Aid in Computer-Aided Design?
Moribund software about to get an innovation boost from the AI tsunami.
Exploring the Challenges of Tall 3D Printing: From Hobbyist Modifications to Industrial Implications
Tall 3D printing can be quite useful, but height can cause many issues.
Emerging Low-Cost 3D Printing Technologies Disrupt Professional Market in 2023
I’m reading an analysis of 2023 3D printer sales and there are some very interesting implications.
Rising Cyber Threats in Manufacturing: Velo3D Highlights Crucial Security Statistics
Velo3D published an interesting set of statistics regarding security in additive manufacturing.
Shifting Gears in 3D Printing: Industry Trends and Predictions for 2024
Many have asked, so here’s my thoughts on the new year of 2024 and 3D printing.