What should you do first? Buy a desktop 3D printer or learn a CAD tool?
printing
Book of the Week: 3D Printing with Fusion 360
This week’s selection is “3D Printing with Fusion 360” by Sualp Ozel.
3D Printing Promises Personalized Prosthetic Devices in Remote Areas
According to research at Loughborough University, led by Dr. Simin Li, the novel digital workflow significantly increases accessibility and production speed.
3D4Israel’s Grassroots Effort: Over 300 Volunteers 3D Printing Essential Adapters for IDF
A grassroots organization in Israel is 3D printing items for the IDF.
Unlocking MSLA’s Secrets: 3 Core Concepts for Better Resin 3D Prints
Resin 3D printing is quite challenging, but three concepts truly helped me understand how the process really works and made my printing more reliable.
How 3D Printing and Extended Reality are Changing The Face of Education
The education industry has experienced remarkable transformations in recent years, driven by the relentless advancement of technology.
Reimagining Facility Management: The Rising Trend of Digital Twins
Charles Goulding and Mwansa Chabala believe the rise in use of digital twins could lead to more 3D printing.
Introducing the Fabbaloo 3D Print Cost Calculator
We’ve developed a simple calculator to help Fabbaloo readers determine the actual cost of 3D prints.
Unlocked: 3D Printing By Drones
New research has proven it is possible to use drones to 3D print large objects.
All About PrintNanny
PrintNanny is a new AI system to smartly monitor 3D print jobs.
What Can I Make With A 3D Printer?
One of the most frequently asked questions by 3D print newbies is “What Can I Make With A 3D Printer?”
Repairable Design and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at how 3D printing could aid consumer repair activities.
Meet Cubee, A Desktop 3D Printing Network
Cubee is a new manufacturing network that hopes to pick up the demand for makers to produce 3D objects.
What Is 3D Printing?
Frequent readers of this publication likely know quite a bit about 3D printing, but there are new readers that could use some more basic information about the technology.
The Complexities of 3D Print Power Recovery
I’ve been playing with the power recovery feature on some desktop 3D printers, and realized how complex this feature can be.
Book of the Week: Simplifying 3D Printing with OpenSCAD
This week’s selection is “Simplifying 3D Printing with OpenSCAD” by Colin Dow.
Resin 3D Print Times: Longer Than You Think
What’s your print time? If you’re using a resin 3D printer, it’s longer than you think.
Book of the Week: 3D Printing Without Prior Knowledge
This week’s selection is “3D Printing Without Prior Knowledge” by Benjamin Spahic.
Do 3D Printers Make You Cry?
Fabbaloo readers are highly likely to own a 3D printer they operate themselves, but why don’t other people have them, too?
24 Resin 3D Printing Tips You Need To Know
Do you have a resin 3D printer? Here’s a whole bunch of tips for you.
Seven Things NOT To Do With Your Brand New 3D Printer
You just received a brand new desktop 3D printer. What should you NOT do?
Fixing Decades-Old Spelling Mistakes With 3D Scanning And 3D Printing
An interesting application of several 3D technologies took place in London recently.
Seven Essential Resin 3D Printing Tips
I’ve been doing a lot of resin 3D printing lately, and thought I’d share some tips.
Seven Resin 3D Printing Tips
I’ve been using several different resin 3D printers lately and have some tips for you.
Successful 3D Printing Requires Optimal Everything
I’m reading an interesting case study from Teton Simulation that illustrates an often-ignored fact of 3D printing: everything must work.
Is It Time To Join Club 3D?
It’s a new year and perhaps it’s time to put your 3D printing goals into action.
A 3D Printer Auto-Off Switcher
I had a quick chat with Yukun Wu, inventor of an interesting accessory for 3D printers.
The Case For 3D Printing Learning Aids
I’m reading an interesting analysis of how educators could save cash by 3D printing their own learning aids.
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.
Teg: “A Bold New Way To 3D Print Over WiFi”
I found what appears to be a new 3D print utility in the making: Teg.
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?
MakerBot Announces MakerBot CloudPrint
MakerBot announced a new service called MakerBot CloudPrint, which is intended to deliver a seamless 3D printing experience to clients.
Book of the Week: 3D Printer Troubleshooting Handbook
This week’s selection is the “3D Printer Troubleshooting Handbook” by Johannes Wild.
Researchers Invent “Injection Printing” Method: 100% Infill, Every Time
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts have developed an unusual hybrid 3D printing process that both speeds and strengthens prints.
Ricoh Europe Takes Control Of Its Own 3D Printing Destiny
After a few months wondering what was going on with Ricoh’s 3D printing strategy, we spoke with the team for an update.
China Conducts 3D Printing Experiment In Orbit (Or Do They?)
The US may no longer the sole 3D printer operator in space, as China has demonstrated what appears to be a functioning 3D printer on their most recent mission.
Question of the Week: How To Learn About 3D Printing
This week’s question is about how to learn 3D printing from the beginning.
MakerOS’ Overflow COVID-19 Network
MakerOS has quickly created an effective cloud-based system to handle dynamic orders for 3D printed PPE.
3D Printing Short Circuits Supply Chain Woes?
Could 3D printing strategies overcome supply chain challenges? It seems that one company has done exactly that.
How To Use A 3D Print Temperature Tower
One of the key techniques that should be used by 3D printer operators is the “Temperature Tower”. We explain how to use them.
Don’t Worry, Simplify3D 5 Is On The Way
Simplify3D has still not released their long-awaited version 5 upgrade. We asked their CEO about the delay.
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.
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.
Book of the Week: 3D Printing Projects
This week’s selection is “3D Printing Projects” by Dorling Kindersley, a.k.a. “DK”.
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.
Setting Prices For Your 3D Prints? You’re Probably Doing It Wrong
MakerOS has a brilliant hidden feature in their online service: a sophisticated 3D print pricing calculator that allows operators to determine exactly how to price prints.
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?
Checking Out MiniFactory’s 3D Print Technical Sheets
MiniFactory’s new software produces a very useful report for each 3D print that may be important for clients. We had a close look at one.
VSHAPER’s 3D Printing Guides For Engineers
VSHAPER has released a pair of interesting 3D printing guides, and unlike most beginner guides, these are designed for engineers.
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.
Barry Callebaut Opens Chocolate 3D Printing Service
A major chocolate maker announced a new chocolate 3D print service, but there’s a slight catch.
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.
3DQue Expands
Vancouver-based 3D printing startup 3DQue is expanding, and I’m surprised.
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.
Effective 3D Printed Magnets Open Up Many Eco-Possibilities
Researchers seem to have developed a new way to effectively 3D print magnets of similar strength to conventionally made units. What might we do with such a technology?
3D Printing Tip: Support Structures Required In Unexpected Places
I encountered an unusual support structure issue while 3D printing and propose several ways to resolve it with Meshmixer.
Exploring Ricoh’s3D Print Instant Quote System
We gave Ricoh’s new instant quote option for their 3D print services a test and were quite surprised with the result.
Four Reasons Why Zortrax Announced 3D Print Services
Zortrax unexpectedly announced a new 3D print service. We have several ideas why the 3D printer manufacturer turned to this unusual strategy.
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?
Seven Ways 3D Prints Can Unstick
Of all the 3D printing issues you can encounter, bed adhesion, or lack of, is one of the most frequently seen. We list seven ways this can happen and offer suggestions on how to avoid them.
Hero Forge Demonstrates Mass Customization Possibilities
Hero Forge has designed an amazingly easy-to-use online service to perform mass customization, in an example to other industries.
Book of the Week: Print Quality & Printer Calibration
This week’s selection is “3D Printing: Print Quality & Printer Calibration: Troubleshooting Print Quality And Calibrating Your Printer” by Luke Assad.
A Look At RapidDirect’s Manufacturing Services
Rapid Direct is a growing manufacturing service based in Asia. We took a closer look at the many fabrication services they offer.
What Is 3D Printer Calibration, Really?
Everyone talks about “3D printer calibration”, but what is it really? We believe the process varies considerably depending on a number of factors.
3D Printing in Brazil: 3D CRIAR on the Promises and Challenges Ahead
In a recent conversation with Daniel Huamani, Chief Technology Officer at 3D CRIAR, R&D Tax Savers got an interesting view of how additive manufacturing is fostering innovation in Brazil.
What’s Up At MX3D?
We had a chat with Amsterdam-based MX3D, who provide metal 3D printing services for large-scale projects, including bicycles and bridges.
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.
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?
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.
Book of the Week: 3D Printing Failures: 2020 Edition
This week’s selection is “3D Printing Failures: 2020 Edition: How to Diagnose and Repair ALL Desktop 3D Printing Issues” by Sean Aranda and David Feeney.
Is The MM3D Nozzle Practical?
Researchers at Harvard and the Wyss Institute have developed a new form of extrusion-based 3D printing they call “MM3D”. We review the constraints that make it impractical for many applications.
UPS and Anduril Drive Drone Sales and 3D Printing Opportunities
Could the coming huge increase in drone demand cause more opportunities for 3D printing?
What Does A Real Chocolate Maker Think of 3D Printed Chocolate?
We’ve seen chocolate 3D printers, but is this something that should be done? We asked an actual chocolate maker for thoughts on 3D printed chocolate.
Question of the Week: Getting Involved in 3D Printing
How can one get involved in 3D printing? There are many ways to learn, use and exploit 3D printing, and we list many ways to do so.
3D Printing in India: An Overview
To some, India may be a mysterious faraway place when it comes to 3D printing. However, there is a flourishing market in that country, and I3DPn hopes to build it even bigger.
Research May Lead to New Types of Ceramic 3D Printers
New research shows a method of joining ceramics together. Could this lead to an entirely new type of ceramic 3D printer?
Digits2Widgets Rebrands as “Additive”
Why would a popular 3D print service change their name? It turns out Digits2Widgets had a very good reason.
New Robotic Needling Process Enables Additive Manufacturing with Wool
A new process allows 3D printing of wool to create highly unusual fabric objects and textures.
What Is An Industrial 3D Printer?
What exactly is an “industrial” 3D printer?
Golden 3D Printing Problems
Could any 3D print service print in precious metals like gold, silver or platinum? Not unless special steps are taken.
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.
The Importance Of Investment In Certain Types Of 3D Print Companies
Why do some 3D print services require so much investment? We analyzed the situation facing metal additive manufacturing services.
Prusa Sets World Record By Simultaneously Running 1096 3D Printers
How many 3D printers can you run at the same time? Prusa’s answer to that question is in the thousands, as they set a world record.
How To Save Your $25K Metal 3D Print From Failure
What happens when an expensive metal 3D print fails and no one is around? The Polysense Solutions sensor will detect and alert additive manufacturing operators in real time.
FORECAST 3D Increases Investment in HP 3D Print Technology
Why does FORECAST 3D have so many HP MJF 3D printers? There is a very good reason, and it has to do with volume production capacity.
Womp Provides On Demand 3D Services To The Public & Companies
A new 3D printing startup, Womp, is taking an unusual path to offer several 3D services to the public in an easy to use fashion.
Book of the Week: Fundamentals of 3D Food Printing
Want to learn about 3D printed food? This book contains pretty much everything you need to know about 3D printed food, including chocolate, dough, cheese and more.
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.
How Educators Can Choose Between a 3D Print Service and a 3D Printer
Should educational institutions use their own 3D printers or instead use 3D print services? We examine advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
Book of the Week: 3D Printing of Concrete
Where will concrete 3D printing lead? Will the construction industry undergo a revolution from computer controlled concrete extrusion? What will buildings look like?
3D Printing As Seismometer?
What happens to a 3D printer during an active earthquake? One 3D print operator found out the hard way.
Discovered: How To Eliminate Metal 3D Print Warping
Do your metal 3D prints warp? Spending too much effort planning for thermal effects? Researchers have found a way to dramatially reduce metal warping.
The Problem With Printer Profile Libraries
A new strategy by some vendors to provide 3D printer profiles may backfire.
Kodak’s 3D Printing Ecosystem Extends Farther
Kodak has introduced something very interesting into their 3D printing ecosystem: 3D design and print services.