What you see at a 3D printer trade show is not necessarily what you will get. We have some ideas on what’s really going on at 3D printing exhibitions.
Ideas
3D Printing in Construction: More than Overhyped Promises and Underwhelming Deliveries?
The number one material used in the global construction industry is concrete, but how is it being used with recent construction 3D printing ventures?
Thoughts on LulzBot’s Near-Demise
With the near-demise of LulzBot 3D printers, I am now wondering about the future of open source 3D printer companies. Can they ever succeed again?
Assembly Required: New Photo Series Makes Fine Art Out of Exploded Views
An increasingly frequent approach to 3D design is to employ an “exploded view” of the components. Here we see how they can be turned into artwork in addition to their functional use.
The Challenge of Finding 3D Printer Resellers
There are many kinds of equipment resellers, but some are not appropriate for 3D printing [Source: Fabbaloo]
Certain Desktop 3D Printers Suddenly On Sale
Suddenly there are several desktop 3D printers on sale through online mass market outlets. Why is this happening? I have some ideas.
3D Printing Automation and Avoiding the Technology Trap
3D printing is a form of automation, but is it contributing to struggles in the economy? Charles Goulding has an opinion on how this is part of Industry 4.0.
Designing and Preserving Sculptures Creates 3D Printing Opportunities
What opportunities exist for 3D scanning and 3D printing for ancient sculptures? It turns out there are many possibilities, ranging from tactile models to deeper analyses.
Where Is Autodesk’s 3D Printing Assessment Tool?
Autodesk provides a self-assessment tool for the construction industry; should they also provide one for 3D printing?
UPS and Anduril Drive Drone Sales and 3D Printing Opportunities
Could the coming huge increase in drone demand cause more opportunities for 3D printing?
Why The Rush To Metal 3D Printing?
Why are so many new metal 3D printing companies and services emerging? There are three main reasons for this growth in additive manufacturing.
More 3D Print Resellers Needed!
3D printer safety cabinet seeks resellers for their products, but it seems there are some barriers in the way.
Slow Sculpture: Is 3D Printing Really Creating The Future?
Is 3D printing technology helping us sneak through the 21st century without much notice? Will we be surprised when we suddenly find ourselves in flying cars?
New Opportunities To Recruit 3D Printing Expertise
Charles Goulding and Lara Tomiko of R&D Tax Savers examine opportunities for careers in 3D printing in today’s employment environment.
Watch Out For 3D Print Financial Scams
Is the 3D printing community immune to email fraud? Most definitely not. We point out how scams could happen and what you can do about it.
What Is An Educational 3D Printer?
What makes up a 3D printer for education? What features are best for 3D printing in the classroom? We made a list.
What Is A Consumer 3D Printer?
What is a consumer 3D printer? Is it a DIY device? What characteristics might describe a 3D printer for hobbyists? We have a list of features.
What Is An Industrial 3D Printer?
What exactly is an “industrial” 3D printer?
Trends In 3D Printing Today: Application-Specific Solutions, Training
Two of the biggest conversations in 3D printing today have a lot in common.
Golden 3D Printing Problems
Could any 3D print service print in precious metals like gold, silver or platinum? Not unless special steps are taken.
PostProcess Releases First Ever Post-Processing Survey Results
Finally we have a glimpse at the 3D print post-processing market, due to a survey performed by PostProcess Technologies.
3 Things I Like About The 3D Printing Industry
There’s just something about 3D printing that keeps me coming back for more. Here are the 3 things I like most about the 3D printing industry after a decade of working in this field.
What Makes a 3D Printer “Production”?
Is that a “production” 3D printer? What characteristics make a 3D printer “production”? We present a list of features to help classify additive manufacturing machines.
What Does It Take To Work At A 3D Printing Startup?
While the 3D printing industry is incredibly attractive for job seekers due to its growth, innovation and limitless potential, it is essential for job applicants to understand what it means to work for a 3D printing startup.
How 3D Printing Can Really Bring Back Jobs
Could 3D printing bring back jobs? We think it can, but not necessarily in the way you might think.
3D Printing Weapons of Mass Destruction? Inevitable or Controllable?
Could 3D printing be used to manufacture weapons of mass destruction? Is additive manufacturing dangerous? We have thoughts.
Is Traditional Manufacturing Feeling The Heat From Additive Manufacturing?
Traditional manufacturing is a well understood major global industry. But will it be replaced by additive manufacturing? We do some analysis.
A Funny Thing Happened When Filament Shopping
What is the key factor for buying 3D printer filament? It is not cost and we tell you why.
The 3D Printing Cloud Can Be A Lot Bigger Than You Think
How important is Ultimaker’s cloud infrastructure? I think it is a critical part of their growth strategy to sell 3D printers to large enterprise clients.
How Has 3D Printing Changed?
How has the 3D printing industry changed over the last decade? Perhaps more importantly — what changes still need to happen? A workforce perspective.
The Final Word on 3D Printing vs Additive Manufacturing?
There is a way to make sense of the terminology of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. We propose some rules.
XtreeE: One of Many Construction 3D Printing Consultants To Come
Why do construction 3D printing? It seems that there is a big need for consultants to help architects, builders and others discover concrete 3D printing.
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.
Reducing the Hype in 3D Printing
3D printing has been subject to plenty of hype, including from marketers. We take a look at three solid ways to reduce the hype around 3D printing.
Analysis: Is It “3D Printing” or “Additive Manufacturing”?
What’s the right terminology, 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing? We investigate this issue using Science.
Stuck In the Doghouse Of The Future: Why Some Companies Can’t Do Additive Manufacturing
Why don’t companies adopt additive manufacturing? There are cultural, organizational and financial barriers to overcome that could block incorporation of 3D printing.
What To Do With Thingiverse?
Thingiverse is the largest printable 3D model repository on the planet, but it doesn’t seem to be progressing. We know why.
Who Really Made Your 3D Printer? The Secret Manufacturers You Don’t See
Who actually built your 3D printer? In many cases it was not the vendor you bought it from, and in fact was made by a contract manufacturer.
Connecting 3D Printing With The Rest Of Industry
How do engineers and designers know about new developments in 3D printing that could potentially revolutionize products in industry?
Are 3D Printer Machine Specifications Changeable?
Is it possible to buy a 3D printer with custom specifications? It turns out you can obtain custom built 3D printers from some manufacturers.
It’s Nice To Be First In 3D Printing; It’s Better To Be Best
Is it more important in 3D printing to be first to market or unique on the market? As 3D printing grows as an industry, it’s more important to have an ‘only’ to offer, as a marketing expert points out.
How Additive Manufacturing Complements Conventional Plastics Production
Doing traditional manufacturing? You may want to consider integrating additive manufacturing or 3D printing into your polymer production line.
Are Your Parts ADfAM?
What kind of parts are in your digital inventory? Are they ADfAM? We propose a new class of 3D printable parts.
The Business/Ethical Quandary Of 3D Printing Weapons
Should 3D printing companies be taking a stance regarding the production of weapons? Companies like Materialise and Carbon are well known for their no-weapons policies; others welcome defense contracts.
Janne Kyttanen Explains How Design Is Fundamentally Changing
Veteran 3D designer and artist Janne Kyttanen argues that no one really “owns” a 3D design file, including the designer. This interview explores his stance.
Counterpoint: Nobody Owns Their Ideas
We recently published an article based on a well-known artist’s experience in seeing her work stolen and sold without permission; now we’ve heard from another well-known artist who essentially says there’s no such thing as design theft.
It Should Be Obvious: Don’t Steal 3D Files
Designer Melissa Ng of Lumecluster recently saw her own design files for sale on a 3D design repository. The problem was she has never sold her files.
Can 3D Printing Overcome New Tariffs For Overseas Products?
Tariffs have raised the prices of overseas parts. Could 3D printing be used to locally print equivalent parts? We investigate.
Bowyer Proposes Revolutionary Electric 3D Printing Concept
Adrian Bowyer proposes an incredible 3D printing process that could 3D print objects instantly in many materials, including copper and titanium.
When Should You Combine 3D Printing and CNC Machining?
Here’s a look at when it might be necessary to CNC machine a 3D printed part, plus some tips for machining parts after you’ve created them.
How Universities Can Accelerate Our Next Generation of Innovators
As with other leaps forward in science, technology, industry and culture, universities will play a central role in driving the Industry 4.0 disruption by transforming the entire culture of design and creating a new breed of 3D innovators.
What Does A 3D Printer Really Cost?
What’s the true cost of a 3D printer? An accidental email spills the beans on how much resellers actually pay for 3D printers, and it’s less than you think.
Good News: 3D Print Technology In The Clear After SpaceX Incident
Is 3D print technology to blame for the SpaceX anomaly? It turns out no, and that portends a bright future for metal additive manufacturing in aerospace.
Vietnam and 3D Printing Supply Chain Alternatives
Cameron Torti and Charles Goulding of R&D Tax Savers examine the potential supply chain impact of 3D printing in Vietnam.
How Are Large 3D Printers Manufactured?
Have you ever wondered how large industrial 3D printers are manufactured? Roboze explains to us how this is actually done for their high-temperature Argo 500.
Innovators Need Guidance
When additive manufacturing advisory services companies seamlessly partner with manufacturers and vendors (resellers), we will see mass corporate adoption of 3D printing on both the desktop and the factory floor.
The Safety Bomb Hidden In Some Metal 3D Print Operations
Are you 3D printing in metal? If so it’s possible you have an unknown safety hazard caused by stored flammable condensate produced by gas filters.
The Importance of Naming Your 3D Print Company
What are the strangest and most notable 3D print company names? We made a list and looked at the good, the bad and the unusual.
Creativity In Approach Thinking: Design For Additive Manufacturing
The psychology of thinking differently can be applied to design for additive manufacturing.
Proactive 3D Scanning of Motorcycle Parts For Future Repairs
Looking for a way to ensure you can always 3D print unusual motorcycle parts? We explain 3D scanning using CT technology that can be done in advance.
The Next Stage of 3D Printing Standards?
A reader poses an interesting question about 3D printing standards.
Selling To Yourself: 3D Printing In Bigger Corporations
For some of the big-name players who have entered into 3D printing, their biggest customers are…themselves.
The Problem With Printer Profile Libraries
A new strategy by some vendors to provide 3D printer profiles may backfire.
Is it FDM or FFF?
It’s long overdue, but I want to talk about FDM and FFF today.
Have You Considered Your 3D Printer’s Longevity?
3D printer longevity.
Stratasys’ Digital Inventory Strategy Is Working
Rail companies are using 3D printed parts, suggesting a new strategy by Stratasys is working.
When 3D Met IoT
What’s even more exciting than 3D technology alone? The emerging relationship between 3D printing and the Internet of Things.
6 Tips for Selecting A 3D Printer For Your Projects
Here are six essential factors that you should consider when selecting a 3D printer.
Bodyblock: A Trigger For 3D Printed Fashion?
I’m looking at an interesting 3D model service called Bodyblock.
What Makes A 3D Printer Successful?
There are several factors that determine whether a 3D printer is successful.
From Design Database Shards Come Great Products
For prospective and current users, there is no shortage of 3D CAD options.
3D Printer Filament Market Set To Grow Substantially
A research report indicates tremendous growth in the 3D printer filament market in coming years.
What Must 3D Systems Do To Thrive?
Given 3D Systems’ most recent financial results, some serious thought must be put into their strategies.
Formnext Grows Significantly
The Formnext exhibition is set to be by far the world’s largest on 3D printing technologies.
Implications of Prusa’s New 3D Model Repository
I’m thinking a lot about Prusa’s new 3D model repository, and wondering what it might mean.
What The Notre Dame Incident Tells Us About 3D Printing
The recent fire at Notre Dame in Paris was certainly a tragedy, but it also hints at the future of 3D printing.
Between The Lines At Stratasys Direct Manufacturing
Stratasys announced some new equipment at their 3D print service, but what does it mean?
Searching For 3D Models Is Still Painful
Ever since the appearance of personal 3D printing, there’s been an awful problem: searching for 3D models.
How 3D Printing Can Take On the Sustainability Challenges of Tomorrow
Earth Day presents a moment in time for reflection, to take a deeper look at how we are treating the planet and what sort of changes we want to make to better preserve our resources for future generations.
Expect A Lot More ISO In The Future Of 3D Printing
Another company announced they’ve achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, and they won’t be the last.
The Challenges Of Moving 3D Printer Manufacturers To A Digital World
A post from our friend Pete Basiliere of Gartner analyzes the digital capability of 3D printer manufacturers.
Is Ultimaker’s Print Profile System Taking Over?
Ultimaker’s powerful Material Alliance Program is growing rapidly, but what does this mean?
Could the Maritime Industry Be The Next Metal 3D Printing Garden?
EU researchers have developed an unusual 3D printed part for maritime use, suggesting a new channel for metal 3D printing.
Five 3D Printing Breakthroughs, And Five More
I’m reading a piece on Singularity Hub describing “The Next 5 Printing Breakthroughs”, and have my own five thoughts.
Implications of the Prusa SL1 Resin 3D Printer
We’re nearing the release of Prusa’s first resin-based 3D printer, and it’s time to think about what this might mean.
Now Is the Right Time to Focus on Sustainability in 3D Printing
There’s an old saying, “There’s no time like the present,” and we should be applying that now to foundational growth in 3D printing.
Opening Eyes To Grander 3D Printing
I’ve been watching some 3D print videos from Fabbaloo friend Joel Telling, and realized something about how 3D print practices are changing.
An Exciting, Boring Future for Additive Manufacturing
I think it’s wonderful that additive manufacturing may be boring: that means it’s getting real.
How Does 3D Printing Really Fit Into Residential Construction?
I thought I would do some basic research into residential construction practices to show how 3D printing fits and does not fit.
More Thoughts On The Future Of Construction 3D Printing
I’ve been reading more stories about 3D printed construction projects, and have realized something fundamental.
3D Printers To Disappear Into Vertical Systems?
I’m reading about a new 3D printing system specifically designed for used in dental operations.
Metal 3D Printing Always Playing Catch Up
Metal 3D printing has come a vast distance since it was first introduced some years ago.
Empowering Diversity in Digital Manufacturing
This International Women’s Day, I am excited by the promise of this technology transformation to tackle problems in new ways, powered by a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Diversity For Additive Manufacturing Report #3 Released
The Diversity For Additive Manufacturing Report #3 report has been released today, International Women’s Day.
The Real Value of 3D Printing Patents
It’s not always about revenue; sometimes patents are worth it to prove larger positioning.