What is the most important 3D printer specification? I think it’s trust.
Ideas
Seven 3D Print Automation Concerns
I’ve been doing some thinking about automation lately and realized there are several things that should be covered by 3D print automation solutions.
The Reason Why Creality’s Belt 3D Printer Is Important
There’s a reason why Creality’s CR-30 belt 3D printer needs attention.
Coming Soon: Digitized Meat
After my discussion with Redefine Meat’s Daniel Dikovsky, I had some further thoughts about what their technology could mean.
Is A Correction Coming In 3D Printing?
“Corrections” are negative financial events that are usually associated with the stock market, but could a correct occur in 3D printing?
Why Copper Could Be The Next Golden Material For Additive Manufacturing
Copper is a relatively rare material in additive manufacturing operations, but that could change in the next few years.
How Is 3D Printing Improving The Manufacturing Industry?
3D printing has become a staple in industries throughout the world.
What Happens To Those 3D Printing PPE Factories?
In the spring several 3D printer manufacturers set up “pop up” factories to rapidly produce PPE for the pandemic. But what happens afterwards?
Which 3D Printer? Resin Or Filament?
These days there are dozens of good choices for desktop 3D printers, but there’s one huge question to be asked first: do you want a resin or a filament 3D printer?
Back To The Garage For 3D Printing Innovation
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider innovation in 2020, when many are returning to their own garage setups.
Conversational Commerce Versus Traditional Customer Sales Processes
Adam Friedman and Ryan Donley examine AI-driven conversational commerce, which was growing technology in 2018 and 2019 and is experiencing rapid growth in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Why Is There No Carbon Fiber 3D Printer Resin?
After a chance call from a reader, I wondered about the apparent unavailability of carbon fiber reinforced 3D printer resin, and learned a great deal.
Glimpsing The Future Of Mass Customization
In an interesting short video, 3D print service Qualified3D demonstrates a method for producing mass customized objects.
Round 2: The COVID Fight Scores With Help from 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine how 3D printing could make an even bigger splash during the second wave of COVID-19.
Are 3D Printers Too Dark?
Lighting has always been a consistent issue with 3D printers, and it doesn’t seem to be improving.
Balancing Cost vs Features in 3D Printer Design
When you see the final design of a 3D printer, there have been many decisions made to get it to that state.
Really Cheap Filament, With a Big Catch
The message said PLA filament for only US$8.50 / kg — could this be true?
The Quagmire That Is 3D Printer Filament Eco Terminology
Another eco-friendly 3D printer filament? Hold on, there is a lot more to the story.
Coming Soon: Scalable Garage 3D Printing
I had a thought about how belt 3D printing might play out in the future.
We Have To Talk About Diversity & Inclusion In Additive Manufacturing
If you watch only one episode of Ok Xoomer, make it this one.
The Economics Of Low-Volume Manufacturing With Belt 3D Printers
The world is about to see a deluge of belt 3D printers but can they be economically used for low-volume manufacturing?
Looking At Hurdles To Serial Additive Manufacturing Production
I’m reading a post by Markus Seibold about serial production using additive manufacturing and there is a great deal of wisdom in his thoughts.
The Importance Of Understanding 3D Printing Clients
In a today’s 3D printing world it is all too easy to focus too hard on the technical and forget other factors.
It May Be Time To Abandon PLA For 3D Printing
I’m now considering whether PLA should be the default 3D printing material for desktop equipment.
Is Subscription-Based 3D Printing For You?
There are several ways to obtain 3D printing technology, and one of them is by subscription. But is it for you?
Generational Shift Could Increase Use Of 3D Printing
I’m reading a newsletter from Diabase Engineering and had a thought about how 3D printing will play out over the long term.
Hitting It Off: The Increasing Need For Effective Integration Within Additive Manufacturing
In an additive manufacturing ecosystem that is both constantly evolving yet still fragmented, Lee-Bath Nelson, Co-Founder and VP Business at LEO Lane, looks at why the need for companies to play well together is critical to realizing strategic objectives.
The Future of Additive Manufacturing
An interesting talk at the third episode of the ongoing 3DEXPERIENCE: A Virtual Journey revealed some hints about what may happen in additive manufacturing’s future.
How To Run A Home Business With The Help Of 3D Printing
Among the technologies that are helping to make running a small company more simple and practical is 3D printing.
Watch Out, Belt 3D Printers Are Coming
Having written a couple of stories focusing on belt 3D printers recently, I have some thoughts about their future.
Putting Pilot Skills To Work In 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe take lessons from Top Gun to additive manufacturing.
When 3D Printed Guns Are Not 3D Printed Guns
I’m reading an article on Hackaday about some folks experimenting with 3D printed gun parts and realized there could be a problem.
How Asia’s Silicon Valley Can Benefit From 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider the use of 3D printing to compete with Amazon’s growth in India.
8 Reasons Why You Should Not Buy A Home 3D Printer
Many Fabbaloo readers own their own 3D printer, while others contemplate buying one. But should you?
Why Is 3D Print Service Pricing So Complex?
Computing the price of a 3D print from a service has always been a complex matter, but now a new approach may shake things up.
Can Simon Properties Use Technology To Mend The Fashion Industry?
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider whether a recent move in retail might be helped even further by incorporating advanced technologies like 3D printing.
Prusa Moving Towards Professional Market?
Could Prusa Research be slowly moving into the professional 3D printing market?
Additive Manufacturing 2.0?
Is the current inflection point for 3D printing tipping us into “Additive Manufacturing 2.0”?
Is Magigoo Taking Over The World?
Magigoo seems to have expanded a great deal since we last took a look at them, and a new partnership shows where they are headed.
Creating New Business Models And Marketing Programs With 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider their company’s clients’ new ways of conducting business in today’s changed environment, and where to incorporate 3D printing.
The Cheap Filament Option
Many Fabbaloo readers consume a lot of 3D printer materials, and that can be expensive. But there are ways to reduce costs.
BMW’s New Additive Manufacturing Plant Won’t Be The Last
BMW has opened for operations a new additive manufacturing plant, but this is likely only the beginning.
Experts Weigh In On 3D Printing In New Supply Chain: Digital Manufacturing & Decentralization
Experts from MakerBot, CONTEXT, and Mobility goes Additive address questions of 3D printing in supply chains based on remote work and distributed manufacturing.
McLaren’s Speedtail Aileron Design Inspires 3D Printed Solutions?
Supercar maker McLaren’s new Speedtail includes an unusual feature that might inspire some new 3D printed designs.
What’s Happening With Hiring In 3D Printing In 2020?
It’s 2020, one of the worst years, ever. Business is down everywhere, but is this really true in 3D printing?
Arcanum And 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding considers the achievement of 3D printable porcelain.
What Might We Expect To See In The Prusa MK4? Part 2
I’ve been doing some thinking about a potential Prusa MK4 3D printer and have some ideas about what we might see.
What Might We Expect To See In The Prusa MK4? Part 1
No, there have been no announcements regarding a new “Prusa MK4” 3D printer. But what might be included in a MK4?
New Trade Show Models And 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding considers the prospect of trade show rethinking for the 3D printing industry.
Eight Ways 3D Printing Can Help Manufacturing
With the recent spotlight on 3D printing as a result of the pandemic’s bump on supply chains, I listed some ways the technology can help manufacturers.
Formlabs Announces “Factory Solutions” And Shifts Everyone’s Perception Of 3D Printing
Formlabs announced a new product offering they call “Factory Solutions”.
Printing a New You: A Look at 3D Bioprinting
A look at the challenges facing the prospect of 3D bioprinting living tissue.
3D Printing And Supply Chain Preparedness
If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that supply chains can be disrupted suddenly and without any indication of how long the interruption will last.
Thoughts On Using The Prusa MINI In 3D Printer Farms
After working with the Prusa MINI 3D printer, I have some thoughts on the use of this device in a potential 3D printer farm setup.
New Chart Illustrates Polymer 3D Printing Options
A new chart published by AMPOWER shows a comprehensive view of the polymer 3D printing landscape.
Another Way To Measure 3D Printer Resolution?
I’m reading an interesting release from Nanofabrica, and had a thought about 3D printer specifications.
Why Would You Need CAD Conversion?
I hadn’t deeply considered the idea of CAD file conversion until I realized this could be a very difficult challenge for larger companies.
Mass Customization Is Coming
With the arrival of the new Superstrata 3D printed bikes, I’m wondering whether we’re now at the moment when mass customization begins to grow in the minds of consumers.
The Variable Currency Prices Of 3D Printer Filament
On a tip I took a look at how desktop 3D printer filament is priced by major suppliers and found something quite interesting.
Four New Pandemic-Generated 3D Printing Business Models
The pandemic is far from over, but its effect on 3D printing business is becoming clear; we list 4 new business models for 3D printing.
All About 3D Printer Recoater Blades
I’m reading a fascinating piece by Additive Manufacturing Consultant Michael Wohlfart discussing the different types of recoaters one might use.
Using Correct Additive Manufacturing Terminology
Are we using the right words when referring to our favorite technology?
3D Printing Brings Optimism To The Post-Coronavirus Economy
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafé consider the positive economic impact of 3D printing that can carry on after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Economies Of 3D Printed Direct Rapid Soft Tooling
Nanofabrica has demonstrated an intriguing economy of scale when producing 3D printed injection molds.
Can 3D Printed Thermoplastics Replace Metal?
A question being asked is whether a plastic 3D printed part could replace a metal part, and the answer is increasingly, “Yes!”
Is this The Time For The 3D Printing Industry To Double Down?
Charles R. Goulding considers the path forward for 3D printing in the time of big tech.
Aftermarket Parts: Another 3D Printing Niche?
Could aftermarket parts be a niche application for 3D printing? I think it has huge potential.
3D Printing Is Emerging
The COVID-19 crisis has shown deficiencies in the supply chain, providing opportunity for democratization of production with 3D printing.
Are Open Source 3D Printers Truly Possible?
Is it really possible to produce a truly open source 3D printer at scale and be successful in the market?
3D Printing Companies Standing For Equity
These are troubled times. The 3D printing industry is banding together to stand strong on the right side of history.
Is It Time To Shut Down Smaller 3D Printed PPE Operations?
Over the past few months most regions have self-organized informal 3D printed PPE networks, but perhaps it’s time to consider shutting them down.
ExOne’s #MakeMetalGreen Campaign Highlights Industry’s Lack of Knowledge
ExOne launched a new social media campaign a few weeks ago focusing on the green aspects of 3D printing, but why do they need to do that at all?
Where To Send Your 3D Printed PPE Press Releases
We’re not the ones who need to see the announcement that you’re 3D printing face shields.
Are 3D Printer Kickstarters Changing Into Something New?
Crowdfunding ventures for 3D printers seem to have transformed significantly in the past few years, and a recent event is the first of many to come.
Patenting Pandemic Designs?
3D printing has really stepped up to the plate in pandemic response — but what happens with those designs post-pandemic?
Could The Pandemic Cause 3D Printer Company Tranformations?
After seeing 3D printer companies make fundamental transformations in their business models, I’m wondering if this is a trend.
Improving Just In Time (JIT) with 3D Printing
David Macfie, Charles R. Goulding, and Alyssa Schneider explore the use of 3D printing in just in time manufacturing.
New Supply Chains and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look into 3D printing and the new shape of supply chains.
Formlabs Client Demonstrates Immense Production Flexibility Using 3D Printing
One of Formlabs’ clients has been saved from catastrophe during the COVID-19 crisis in a way that demonstrates the incredible power of 3D printing.
Three Business Revelations During COVID-19
Anna Zevelyov, the CEO of 3D scanner company Thor3D, examines three revelations when it comes to conducting business during and beyond the time of COVID-19.
Future Bioprinting Faces Unknown Regulations
An intriguing piece by The Conversation provokes some thinking into the future regulatory environment that might face bioprinting, a form of 3D printing that is rapidly advancing.
How To Keep In Contact With Your 3D Print Vendor During The Crisis
With the cancellation of countless in-person 3D print events, companies have leveraged technology to keep in contact with clients and prospects in unique ways.
Who Will Be The Jony Ive Of Healthy Product Design?
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider the visionary Jony Ive and who might next offer a compelling future for product design.
This Year’s Special College Intern Candidates
Charles R. Goulding examines opportunities for students looking for internships in the 3D printing industry in the strange landscape of 2020.
Are TranPham’s 3D Printing Trends True?
Fabbaloo friend Tuan Tranpham issued a list of 3D printing trends he’s perceived — but are they really true?
Lean Manufacturing, Automation and Distancing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine the principles of Lean Manufacturing together with rising trends in automation and required social distancing.
Identifying Alternative Metal 3D Printing Customers
Charles R. Goulding examines metal 3D printing applications outside of automotive and aerospace.
Is There Any Point To 3D Printer Kits These Days?
For years there have been two types of 3D printers: kits and assembled. I no longer think that is the case.
A Few Considerations For Attending Virtual Events
With so many virtual events popping up, we all need to consider strategies when it comes to tuning in.
Proposal: MakerBot Should Change Their Name
I’m thinking MakerBot should consider changing their name, as there are now several very good reasons to do so.
1.75 vs 2.85mm Filament Showdown
Where did the two 3D printer filament diameters come from and what is the difference? Which one is better?
Get Ready for the China versus U.S. Tech Wars
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi examine the competitive tech landscape in two leading economies.
Encouraging Continued 3D Printing Innovation Throughout The Coronavirus Pandemic
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look to 3D printing for innovation in tough times.
When One Door Closes, A Touchless Door Opens (With The Help Of 3D Printing)
Charles R. Goulding looks to a future of touchless doors, helped along with 3D printing.
A Few Considerations For Virtual Events
We’ve been discussing a lot about virtual 3D printing events lately, as current global circumstance is keeping us physically separated.