For years there have been two types of 3D printers: kits and assembled. I no longer think that is the case.
Ideas
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.
Time To Switch To 3D Printing For Touchless Bathroom Design
Charles R. Goulding looks into the use of 3D printing to make public bathroom spaces “touchless.”
The Coronavirus Crisis, Deep Cleaning, and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi dive into deep cleaning and the place of 3D printing therein.
Converting The Boeing Supply Chain To Electric Boat Submarines
Charles Goulding examines the redistribution of aerospace suppliers to submarines, and how they can benefit from industrial 3D printing expertise.
Solitude and Creativity
Potential benefits from this crisis are far and few between. It will be nice if creativity supported by 3D printing is one of them.
3D Printing Short Circuits Supply Chain Woes?
Could 3D printing strategies overcome supply chain challenges? It seems that one company has done exactly that.
Some 3D Print Technologies Are Not Being Used In The Crisis
A company has the capability to produce high-resolution medical components in metal, but it seems no one is asking them to help.
3D Printing And Communication In The Time Of COVID-19
We’re talking often these days about the place of 3D printing in addressing the pandemic, but there are more nuances for the industry beyond manufacturing.
The Secret Factory Hidden Amongst Us Has No Brain
One of the learnings from the crisis is the need for a distributed 3D printing coordination authority.
The Rise Of Sustainability In 3D Printing
There’s a new trend washing over the 3D print industry these days: sustainability. We discuss several aspects and offer a prediction.
4 Things We’re Learning About 3D Printing From The Crisis
After seeing the flurry of activity in the 3D printing community to address the COVID-19 crisis, I had some thoughts about how things may change in the industry.
The Lost Art of Naming a Part
When a part is developed, what should it be called? We have some ideas for naming parts you may not have considered.
Can Older, Simpler Versions Of This Ventilator Address The Shortage?
Some very good ideas for optimizing the emergency manufacturing of ventilators.
Reprioritizing 3D Printing Marketing Budgets: 10 Alternatives
Charles Goulding of R&D Tax Savers examines 10 options for replanning 3D printing marketing budgets in the face of disruption.
Concerns Over DIY Designed COVID-19 Equipment
With everyone in the 3D print community rushing to help in the crisis, there are some concerns we might be doing the wrong things. We made a list.
Canada To Declare Plastics As “Toxic Substance”: Implications On 3D Printing
Canada is set to declare plastics as a “toxic substance”. What effect could this have on 3D printing?
Is Stratasys Feeling The Pressure From Below?
Stratasys launched an unusual marketing campaign that for the first time targets users of low-cost alternative 3D printing equipment. Why did they do this?
Why Collaborative 3D Printing Is So Challenging
No one seems to offer collaborative 3D printing modes on dual extrusion devices. We explain why this is the case.
Additive Manufacturing Materials: Proprietary or Open?
The debate over use of proprietary or open materials ecosystems is becoming a big topic in 3D printing.
What I Learned About 3D Printing By Staying Out Of It
The 3D printing industry is fast-changing. Sometimes taking a step back, though, is necessary to grasp the bigger picture.
Ford vs. Ferrari: Using 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider how two prominent automotive firms, Ferrari and Ford, are using 3D printing.
Are Auto-Unloading 3D Printers Truly Desirable?
There have been multiple attempts to develop continuously operating 3D printers, but none seem to have been widely adopted. Why is this the case?
The Challenge And Opportunity of 3D Printing Patent 684116B2
A key patent assigned to 3D Systems expires in 2022. What will this mean for 3D Systems and everyone else? We have some thoughts.
The Importance of Surface Finish in Additive Manufacturing
Some thoughts about the ongoing dilemma of obtaining good surface quality on production parts made using additive manufacturing.
3D Printing Disappearing Into Specialized Firms
The use of “3D Printing” is beginning to fade, at least with respect to application-focused 3D print services. As for the rest, we’ll find out what happens.
A Collision of 3D Printing Terminology?
A company terms their process as “volumetric” 3D printing, but is it really so?
More Thoughts On Volumetric 3D Prining
One of my questions about the new volumetric 3D printing approach seems to have been answered by a mysterious contributor.
Implications of Volumetric 3D Printing
Several ventures and projects are now working on a powerful new concept called volumetric 3D printing. We have some thoughts on the implications of such a process.
Cost Effective 3D Printing Opens Doors For Research
Researchers are now able to procure incredibly powerful 3D printing equipment at lower costs to enable work that was previously impossible.
The Three (and a Half) Approaches To 3D Print Materials
I’ve noticed there are now three main approaches to dealing with 3D printer materials. There’s more than just open and closed options.
ABB RobotStudio Adds 3D Printing Capability
ABB RobotStudio created a new kind of 3D printing technology for the company by combining robotics and deposition technology.
Electric Boat’s Largest New Attack Submarine Can Strike a Balance With 3D Printing
Charles Goulding looks at developments in the submarine construction industry where there may be a big opening for 3D printing.
Olympics Approve 3D Printed Nike Vaporfly
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at the use of 3D printing in Olympic events.
Major Developments in 3D Printing Technologies Throughout 2019
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi take a look at some major events in 3D printing during 2019.
More On MakerBot Classroom, And The 3D Printer Controversy
Last week we posted a couple of stories on MakerBot’s new product, MakerBot Classroom, but there seems to be some controversy brewing.
There Will Be No General Purpose 3D Printer In The Future
3D printers are increasingly becoming specialized. Are the days of the “general purpose” 3D printer gone?
Our Annual Reminder to 3D Print Vendors About AMUG
There’s a secret issue with the annual AMUG conference, and we have to tell you about it.
Is Cold-Spray 3D Printing To Take A Market Segment?
The cold-spray technique for 3D printing metal parts seems to be increasing in popularity. What are its advantages?
The Innovator’s Dilemma: 3D Printing and Disruptive Technology
Charles R. Goulding looks at the legacy of recently passed Clayton Christensen, and in particular the impact it could have on 3D printing.
Which Of The Seven Multi-Color Filament 3D Printing Approach Is The Best?
There are several ways to perform multi-material 3D printing using filaments. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Crazy Idea: AI-Based 3D Model Generation For Consumers
A new AI-based system can generate incredibly realistic human faces. What if the same technology was turned towards 3D printing?
Implications of MakerBot Classroom: Addressing The Educational 3D Printer Market
MakerBot’s new Classroom product is set to shake up the education market for 3D printing significantly due to its features, price and most importantly, how it was designed and implemented.
Are Composites Disrupting 3D Printing?
Megan has some thoughts about the use of composite materials in 3D printing.
Seven Ways A Business Could Begin 3D Printing
Many small businesses don’t yet use 3D printing, but probably could benefit from the technology. We list seven ways to help get that process started.
Clariant’s Zero Emission Production: The Beginning of a Trend?
Clariant’s production plant is now running on entirely green energy, making it possible for them to boast of green products. Is this a PR move, or a real trend?
Adding A “3D” To Your Company Name Is Sometimes Required
There’s some fun patterns in 3D printing company names if you look closely at their corresponding domain names.
Don’t Be Fooled by Low 3D Printing Stock Prices
It’s now much harder to get a handle on the current state of 3D printing merely by looking at stock prices. There’s a lot more to the story.
Will There Be Many Seismic Shifts Enabled By 3D Printing?
While there are breakthroughs occurring in several industries as a result of additive manufacturing, how many other industries could be affected?
Filament Drying: The Quest For Perfect 3D Prints Continues
There seems to be a burst of 3D printer manufacturers offering filament drying equipment. We have some ideas why this is happening.
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.
Gaming Chairs That Sit Well With 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at the potential for 3D printed designs in gaming chairs.
What Is Consumer 3D Printing, And Does It Really Exist?
In response to recent controversy over the notion of “consumer 3D printing”, I propose some alternate ways to look at the situation.
Reviewing Xometry’s 3D Printing Trends
Xometry’s Greg Paulsen examines recent trends in additive manufacturing, and we provide some additional thoughts.
3D Printing Comes to Davos for the First Time
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi have some thoughts about the unexpected appearance of 3D printing technology at the annual Davos summit.
Are Quiet 3D Printers A Good Thing?
Many new 3D printers seem to be using specialized motor drivers that provide for silent operation. But are quiet 3D printers a good thing?
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing and 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at the portrayal of 3D printing in the ESG market.
Big Changes Coming: Essentium Survey Reveals Significant Issues With Closed Material 3D Printing
A new survey of large-scale 3D printing operations from Essentium reveals what could be a fatal flaw in the strategies of most major 3D printer manufacturers who hope to move towards production additive manufacturing.
The 3D Printing Market Will Exceed US$50B By 2026: So What?
Fortune Business Insights predicts a massive growth in the 3D printing market by 2026. We have some thoughts on what that means for existing and new 3D printing ventures.
Manufacturing Makerspaces Push the Growth of 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Greer Veon examine the benefits of using an internal makerspace for corporate or manufacturing innovation.
How 3D Printing Can Weigh-In on the New Shipping Threshold Rate Hike
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi determine ways in which 3D printing could help with recent hikes in shipping rates by FedEx and UPS.
We Will Never 3D Print A Car; We Will 3D Print Car Parts
The application of multiple 3D printing processes to help build parts for a concept electric vehicle hints at how future automobiles might be 3D printed.
The Race To The Bottom: Effects On 3D Printing
With the availability of a functional desktop 3D printer for only US$89, we had some thoughts on what this means and what happens next.
Avoiding 3D Printing Legacy Technology Status
Charles R. Goulding and Andressa Bonafe look at how “legacy” companies make a transition into 3D printing.
Space-Based Manufacturing Project Hints at Digital Manufacturing Constraints
Some thoughts about in-space manufacturing suggest a slightly different view of what digital inventory projects could or could not achieve on the ground.
A Benchmark Object For Metal 3D Printing?
The difficulty in 3D printing a particular type of industrial part suggests an idea for a type of benchmark object for metal 3D printing.
Cartier, Tiffany, and 3D Printed Jewelry
What might happen when the major jewelry companies make advanced use of 3D printing?
They Don’t Make 3D Printer Kits The Way They Used To
There seems to have been a distinct change in the nature of desktop 3D printer kits over the years. We propose a new naming convention to indicate this.
Four Far Out Predictions For 3D Printing In 2020
General predictions of the future are easy, mere extensions of existing trends. Here we provide some very specific — and unlikely — predictions for 2020.
Will 3D Printing Truly Reshape Retail?
Singularity Hub’s Peter Diamandis makes some predictions about how the retail market may be affected by 3D printing in the future. We have some counter-points.
British Airways’ Holiday Gift to 3D Printing
British Airways unexpectedly published a list of possible 3D printing applications for their future. We took a look at what it means.
Rize All-In On Bio-Friendly 3D Printing
It seems that RIZE is placing a bet on a future 3D printing world with increased emphasis on safety. We found out some details.
Securing Medical Data, Patient Privacy, And 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi review the possibilities of data privacy concerns slowing the advancement of 3D printing in the healthcare market.
3D Printing Innovation in America and the R&D Tax Credit
Charles Goulding and Greer Veon examine how 3D printing is affecting the progress of innovation.
How Would You Like Your 3D Printed Steak Cooked?
Charles Goulding and Greer Veon examine the possibility of 3D printed steaks.
Five Unending Myths About 3D Printing
There are five myths about 3D printing that just won’t go away. We list and explain all of them.
Could 3D Printing Save The Automotive Industry?
HP’s metal 3D printing work with Volkswagen portends a 3D printed future for automakers seeking to catch up in the race to produce electric vehicles.
3D Printing and the $35 Billion Sales Industry
What happens if the 3D printing industry actually grows to the extent predicted by forecasters? What kind of additive manufacturing opportunities exist?
Production Additive Manufacturing Means Quality Assurance Is Far More Important
What happens when 3D prints change from being prototyping devices to production machines? A lot more quality control, that’s for sure.
More Thoughts On Use Of HP 3D Printers For Prototyping
One HP MJF owner/operator has some direct thoughts on use of HP’s 3D printing technology for prototyping.
Giant DIY 3D Printer Demonstrates The Challenges Facing 3D Printer Manufacturers
What happens to large-format 3D printer manufacturers when any enthusiast can quickly build a similarly large device? We have some ideas.
3D Printer Emissions Are Everywhere
Did you know there are increased levels of 3D printer emissions even at trade shows? We found a measurement to prove this happens.
Another Solution To Stray Oxygen Buildup During Metal 3D Print Jobs
It’s not well-known, but there are often quality problems when 3D printing metal parts caused by oxygen contamination. We describe two approaches for resolving the problem.
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.
24 Hour 3D Printed Housing: This Has To Stop
Mass media continues to be fooled by the fake news of “3D printed homes in 24 hours”. We vent our thoughts on this ongoing debacle.
You Need A Different Slant on 3D Print Layer Lines
Those unsightly layer lines are really not unsightly, and are a product of your unconscious bias. We found a story that explains the truth about 3D print layer lines.
When Is A 3D Printer Feature Actually Feasible?
When is a 3D printer feature worth buying? We have some tips on how to evaluate situations, and the answers will sometime surprise you.
What Will Be The Fate of AMUG?
The Additive Manufacturing User Group, or AMUG, is quite popular, but now that they’ve ventured into vendor sponsorships, confusion emerges.
Large Object Printers Bring Visibility to 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi of R&D Tax Savers review the applications of large-scale construction 3D printing.