A question that is sometimes not even asked, let alone answered, is the question of outsourcing 3D printing.
Ideas
Should We 3D Print PVC?
There are an increasing number of thermoplastics that can be 3D printed recently, and one of them is PVC.
Don’t Miss These 10 3D Printing Benefits! Save Time & Money Today
There are so many benefits to 3D printing.
Who’s 3D Printing Those Unavailable Replacement Parts Now?
A report suggests that Daimler is now 3D printing replacement metal parts for some of their obsolete models.
Laser Cutting or 3D Printing? Which is Appropriate?
I’m reading an Instructables on how to laser-cut a 3D printer spool holder and had a thought.
Do Manufacturers Really Not Understand 3D Printing?
There’s something odd about how 3D printer companies are marketing these days.
Household 3D Prints: Handy, but Unaccessible
Two seemingly unbreathable barriers hold back 3D printing from general use in homes around the world.
Six Odd Reasons Why 3D Printed Buildings May Actually Work
I’ve been skeptical of attempts to 3D print buildings for years, although many have attempted to do so.
Will 3D Print Access Generate More Product Sales?
I’m reading some interesting statistics on the use of 3D display on websites that might have an analogous effect on 3D printing.
Tech to Replace Low-Skilled Jobs. STEM Included?
Well, the future is looking bleak folks. BLEAK.
About That Hype Cycle
Gartner has once again re-issued their 3D Printing Hype Cycle and it’s fascinating to see how things have progressed.
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.
Has Figurine 3D Printing Caught On?
When I started in 3D printing some ten years ago, it was an open question as to what successful application would take on 3D printing aside from prototyping.
Could 3D Printing Change How Wars are Waged?
After yesterday’s story about how the US Navy has been literally 3D printing submarines, I had a thought about the future of war.
The Challenge of Robotic 3D Printing
What will it take for robotic-based systems to dominate 3D print mechanicals?
Floating Components for 3D Printed Ships?
I’m reading research describing a method of producing a porous aluminum structure for ships that has some interesting implications for 3D printing.
3D Printers as Material Generators?
I’m reading some research from last month where a new process was used to create graphene, but there are some other implications of the discovery.
Seven Practical Uses for 3D Scanning for 3D Printing
3D scanners have never been as available as they are today, but what are the ways they can be used for 3D printing?
Powder Contamination can be a Huge Issue in 3D Metal Printing
Precision in all aspects is required to ensure 3D metal prints meet specifications, but sometimes that doesn’t happen.
Could 3D Printers Take Advice From a Kitchen Robot?
I’m reading about the fascinating progress of Momentum Machines and wondering how their approach could apply to 3D printing.
3D Printing’s MultiMaterial Problem of the Future
3D printers will eventually have a major challenge to overcome: printing a huge number of multiple materials.
7 Jobs on the Rise in 3D Printing
Though 3D printing was slow to catch on when equipment was expensive and resources were hard to come by, we’re living in a different world now.
Höganäs’ High Resolution 3D Metal Printer Delivery May Ignite Innovation
3D metal printer manufacturer Höganäs delivered a new machine to a client this week, but it’s not a typical client.
Your Industrial 3D Printer is Obsolete. Now What?
Developments in 3D printing occur at a rapid pace, sometimes rendering your equipment obsolete. What should you do?
The Marvel of 3D Print Material Profiles
Today’s desktop 3D printer operators have a huge advantage over those from years before, through the magic of print profiles.
Why Are Isotropic 3D Printed Parts Important?
A word you may be hearing more frequently in the world of 3D printing is “isotropic”. Let’s look into what that means and the implications for 3D printing.
3D Printing Pens Are Not 3D Printers
Without fail, each month there is are busy announcements of the latest “3D printing pen”. That’s fine, except for one thing.
MakerBot’s Market Strategy Now Seems Much More Certain
With yesterday’s announcement of new MakerBot tools for educators, it is now very clear what the original desktop 3D printer company is pursuing. Being in existence since 2009 means the company has seen literally the entire scope and evolution of desktop 3D printing, from its wild and promising beginnings, to the absurd heights of media… Continue reading MakerBot’s Market Strategy Now Seems Much More Certain
Recent Kickstarter 3D Printer Successes
There’s been lots of bad news regarding inexpensive 3D printers appearing on Kickstarter, but there have been some successes, at least from the funding standpoint.
What Makes the Best 3D Print Software?
I’m looking at a new release of 3D print management software from EOS, and had a thought about what makes great tools.
Trend: 3D Prints and Soluble Support
A trend is now very evident in the desktop 3D print world: soluble support.
The Surprising Complexity of the Footwear Market, and How 3D Printing Can Address It
I’m reading a press release from Prodways about a new footwear initiative, and it offers some surprising insight into the industry.
Implications of Formlabs’ Recent Announcements
What should we make of the two surprise announcements by Formlabs?
Could Blockchain be Critical for Future 3D Prints?
If you’ve been reading any tech material lately, you’ve likely heard of blockchain.
The Power of Personal 3D Printing is Indeed Real, For Some
I’m reading an interesting story about how a photographer designed and 3D printed a specialty film camera, and realized what this actually signifies.
Sourcing 3D Printer Filament From Questionable Suppliers
With the rise of desktop 3D printing has come a demand for 3D printing filament to run through them. But who should you buy from?
The Need for 3D Print Quality Inspection Rises
I had a thought about the implications of increasing levels of production 3D printing.
There’s Much More to Metal 3D Printing Than Just The Printer
I’m reading an announcement from Materialise about a new metal capability, but realized there’s another part to the story.
The Role of Hybrid Manufacturing in 3D Printing
Between the worlds of CNC machining and additive manufacturing (AM), there lies a bridge technology referred to as hybrid manufacturing. Hybrid systems combine both production techniques to join the benefits of subtractive and additive processes—the precision of the former with the freedom of the latter. One of the first companies to get hybrid manufacturing into… Continue reading The Role of Hybrid Manufacturing in 3D Printing
Another Industry Ripe for 3D Printing Advantages?
I’m reading a story about a 3D printed surfboard, and it suggests another, wider use of 3D printing tech.
How Is 3D Printing Disrupting the Supply Chain?
The typical supply chain starts with the acquisition of raw material, leads into the production phase and, eventually, results in warehouse storage and retail distribution.
The 3D Printer Financial Chart
Tuan Tranpham has posted a very telling chart showing where many current 3D printer offerings lay on a financial scale.
4D Printing to be Worth USD$162M? What?
I’m looking at a press release describing what is called “4D Printing” and it seems a bit hard to believe.
Is Siemens in the Driver’s Seat on the 3D Print Bus?
Recently several 3D printer manufacturers have established relationships with Siemens. What does this mean?
Three Sides of the Stratasys – Desktop Metal Deal
Desktop Metal and Stratasys announced what might appear to be a straightforward partnership, but I think there is more than meets the eye.
One Way To Transform Products to 3D Printing
An innovative idea for a simple household object may hold the key to far greater use of 3D printing.
Did Stratasys Just Kill MakerBot?
This week 3D printing behemoth Stratasys announced a very powerful new concept for array 3D printing. But what might it do to their subsidiary, MakerBot?
The Journey to 3D Print Greatness Travels Through the USA
Italian company Roboze opened an office in the USA, demonstrating a key step growing 3D printing companies must take.
Four 3D Printing Threat Vectors
In discussion recently the topic of 3D printing threat vectors came up. What might they be?
What Does the Boeing 3D Printed Parts Announcement Mean?
Boeing announced last week that they’ve contracted a firm to produce “structural titanium parts”. What does this mean?
What’s Winning? “3D Printing” or “Additive Manufacturing”?
In our technology space there seems to be two terms commonly used: “3D Printing” or “Additive Manufacturing”. Which one is correct?
How Big is the Carbon Adidas Deal?
Last week Carbon and Adidas announced a deal to produce 3D printed midsoles. But how big is this deal, exactly?
3D Printed Skyscraper Pods: Not Realistic
An entry to a skyscraper design contest proposes a dynamic 3D printed pod system. I cannot imagine how this could possibly work.
Is This the Best Time to be Buying a Professional 3D Printer?
Could this be the best time in history to seek a professional 3D printer? It certainly could be.
How Do You Integrate 3D Printing into a Big Business? Ask Caterpillar
As 3D printing is increasingly being adopted as a tool used beyond rapid prototyping, businesses will be eager to learn how to incorporate it effectively.
Industry Insider Jenny Chen on Healthcare 3D Printing
Jenny Chen is the founder of 3DHEALS, an organization focusing on building collaborations in Healthcare 3D Printing and bioprinting through events, educational programs, and online media.
The Shift from Prototyping to Production is Causing Integrations in the 3D Print World
The slow march to productionizing the work of some 3D print technology is generating some interesting partnerships.
5 Ways 3D Printing Revolutionizes Interactive Learning
It comes as no surprise that 3D printing technology has improved rapidly in the past few years: the quality of the printing has gotten far better and the range of materials is greater.
Low Volume Manufacturing With 3D Printing: Local or Global?
I’ve been reading the details on yet another low volume manufacturing operation and am wondering where this is all leading.
Could 3D Printing Really Transform Logistics?
Some say the introduction of 3D printing to the logistics industry could be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”, but is it?
Suspicious Signs on 3D Printer Kickstarters
There have been numerous crowdfunding failures for small-scale desktop 3D printers recently, and I found another signal to find them.
What 3D Metal Printing Magic is Velo3D Developing?
You’d think that the best 3D metal printing technique is a settled issue, but it is not by any means “over”.
Autodesk’s Hobbyist Strategy is Now Clear
With the demise of many of Autodesk’s free 3D offerings, it seems they have been following an ingenious strategy all along.
Is It Time To Consider an Affordable Laser Sintering 3D Printer?
I’m wondering if there is a product category being ignored by some 3D printer buyers.
Think You Can Keep Up With 3D Print Patents? Think Again
There’s a lot more going on in 3D printing than anyone would suspect.
Is a 3D Print Speed Benchmark Possible?
A reader asked if a print speed benchmark existed. I’m not sure such a thing could exist.
Stratasys’ Invisible Internal Transformation
Stratasys is one of the largest 3D printing companies in the world, and they mean to keep it that way.
In Germany, They’re Pulling 3D Printing, Not Pushing
A report from Germany shows an unusual development from a major firm demanding use of 3D printing.
Is 3D Systems Diversifying? If So, Why?
While perusing press releases, I noticed something about 3D Systems featuring one of their software products, GibbsCAM.
Startling Stats From GE Regarding Use of 3D Printing Technology
I listened to a talk by a GE representative who explained why they see so much benefit in 3D printing, and it’s quite startling.
Things Have Changed: 3D Printer Found in Bargain Bin
This could be the bookend to the consumer 3D printing craze of a recent years: a consumer-style 3D printer has been sighted in a bargain bin.
3D Printed Casting Tradeoffs
I’m reading a piece by VoxelJet explaining how they’re working with a client, but it occurred to me there is a tradeoff to consider.
Crazy 3D Idea of the Week: 3D Quality Control System
I’m reading a piece describing a 3D tracking system that’s being used for assisting delicate medical procedures and had an idea of how to apply something similar to 3D printing.
A Lesson on Pricing Artistic 3D Prints
I’m reading a brief post on LinkedIn by noted 3D designer Janne Kyttanen regarding his experience with a 3D printed light design.
3D Printer Security Woes Likely To Increase
I’m reading an interesting piece by David Gerwitz at ZDNet, who talks about 3D printers being vulnerable IoT devices.
The Importance of 3D Printer Product Names
There are tons of desktop 3D printer options out there, and it’s often hard to distinguish between models.
Is 3D Metal Printing Hyping? Yes, It Is
I’m beginning to think there’s a bit of a hype cycle peak occurring in the 3D metal printing world lately.
3D Printer Manufacturers Take Note: How Stratasys is Guiding Their Machine Design
Stratasys is using a well-known manufacturing methodology to guide the development of their new equipment.
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.
Implications of Stratasys’ New F123 Series Prototyping 3D Printers
Yesterday I described the details of the new Stratasys F123 line of prototyping 3D printers. Today let’s look at what it means.
The Problem with Industrial 3D Printing is The Cost of Materials
With strong and growing interest in using 3D printing in industry, what’s holding things back?
3D Printing at a Disadvantage for Retail Thrills
I’m watching a video showing how retailers are using a variety of technologies to attract shoppers to their establishments.
Leapfrog Has an Important Point
Leapfrog 3D Printers has introduced a minor, but important feature: auto power down.
Support Structures Eliminated with this 3D Printing Concept?
Swiss students have invented a new twist on 3D printing without support material.
Just Because That 3D Printer Company Stock is Rising Doesn’t Mean They’re Successful
You’d think that the stock price of a company indicates its success, but that’s not always the case.
MakerBot’s Interesting 2-For-1 Deal May Indicate Changes
This week I received an interesting deal offer from MakerBot: Buy two machines and get one free. But is there more to the story?
3D Printed Hand Replicas – A New Security Concern
Digital technology gives us more capabilities and even lets us have a lot of fun.
“There Doesn’t Seem to Be Anything Interesting in 3D These Days”
The title of this story is an actual quote I heard during last week’s CES exhibition. And it sucks.
Timing is Everything in 3D Printer Kickstarters
After observing a number of 3D printer crowdfunding fails, there seems to be an effect you should be aware of.
Could the World’s Most Heat Resistant Material Be 3D Printed?
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified incredible materials that can withstand temperatures up to 4,000C, but would it be possible to 3D print this stuff?
A Monstrous Implication from the Introduction of Production 3D Printers
I’ve been doing some thinking about what happens to the world when “production” 3D printers become widespread.
The Biggest Crime in 3D Printing
There’s always speculation about how crime can take place by leveraging technical aspects of 3D printing, but I believe the most crimes are of a more simple nature.
Six 3D Printing Things To Watch For in 2017
Yes, it’s the beginning of a new year and I had some thoughts on what might happen.
Why Is 3D Metal Printing So Challenging?
Those familiar with polymer 3D printing will recall the challenges of successful printing, but that’s nothing compared to the requirements of 3D metal printing.
In The Future, There Will Be Two Kinds of 3D Printers
I’ve been doing some thinking about the “Industry 4.0” concept and believe it may drive the style of future 3D printers.