3D Print 🧵 3Dable.IT

MIT researchers have revived a 1985 patent for a three-sided Y-zipper that switches objects between flexible and rigid states. 3D printed in plastic, these fasteners can assemble tents in 80 seconds or transform wearable medical devices. Tested to 18,000 cycles. https://news.mit.edu/2026/three-sided-y-zipper-design-0504 #3Dprint #3Dprinting #IndustrialAM

UCLA researchers have developed a 3D-printed zinc-ion battery with a porous carbon electrode that stores over seven times more charge than comparable devices, retaining 82% capacity after 1,500 charge cycles. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/uclas-3d-printed-zinc-ion-battery-29072026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

Airbus has qualified ROBOZE ARGO 500 HYPERSPEED 3D printing platform for producing flight-ready secondary structural parts using ULTEM 9085 filament. The qualification validates the manufacturing process, thermal management architecture and production controls for aerospace applications, enabling a more resilient and distributed manufacturing model. https://www.tctmagazine.com/airbus-qualifies-roboze-argo-500-hyperspeed-3d-printing-platform-for-secondary-structural-parts/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

ESA's metal 3D printer on the International Space Station has produced its fifth sample, retrieved by astronaut Sophie Adenot during the Epsilon mission. The samples are returned to Earth for analysis at ESTEC and the Technical University of Denmark. https://3dprint.com/329210/3d-printing-news-briefs-7-25-2026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

Additive manufacturing has reached a turning point. Xometry Europe reports that modern powder bed fusion and post-processing now deliver consistent mechanical properties across batches, making 3D printing viable for serial production. Tooling lead times of up to 12 weeks are eliminated, with hundreds to thousands of parts delivered in days, not months. https://3dprint.com/326194/why-additive-has-finally-earned-its-place-on-the-production-line/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Manufacturing

Researchers at Penn State have developed stretchy 3D printed hydrogel implants that could treat high blood pressure without medication. The soft implants stimulate the carotid artery, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments. About the size of a fingertip. https://3dprint.com/326157/scientists-create-stretchy-3d-printed-implants-for-high-blood-pressure-treatment/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Medical

Stick Tech has published a patent application for getting a finished 3D printed part off the build surface more easily. The patent covers a flexible plate that bends to release prints without damage. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/stick-tech-patent-targets-easier-print-removal #3Dprint #3Dprinting #AdditiveManufacturing

Kone is acquiring TK Elevator from private equity in a deal reportedly worth 1.5B USD, bringing 3D printing applications to the global elevator industry. The acquisition signals a major shift toward additive manufacturing in vertical transportation. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/kones-acquisition-of-tk-elevator-private-equity-cashes-out-as-3d-printing-gets-a-lift #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Industrial

Across several universities in the U.S., more programmes are adding hands-on learning into how they teach, often using tools like 3D printing. Instead of relying only on lectures and theory, students are getting more chances to work directly with technology. https://3dprint.com/325809/the-next-generation-of-engineers-is-learning-by-doing-with-3d-printing/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Education

GEFERTEC has launched the arcTitan, a new wire-arc additive manufacturing system designed specifically for titanium processing. The system features a fully enclosed inert gas atmosphere and plasma-based WAAM process, achieving oxygen levels of 10-15 ppm for controlled manufacturing. With a 2000 x 700 x 1000 mm build envelope and deposition rate up to 3 kg/h, the system targets aerospace and energy sectors. https://www.tctmagazine.com/gefertec-launches-waam-system-for-additive-manufacturing-of-titanium-parts/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

Researchers have achieved crack-free LPBF builds of Ti-modified 6063 aluminium TPMS lattices, addressing a key challenge in metal additive manufacturing for lightweight applications. The breakthrough enables stronger, lighter components for aerospace and automotive use. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/crack-free-ti-modified-6063-aluminum-tpms-by-lpbf #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

A new study maps FFF tolerance capabilities across print scale, infill settings and materials. Researchers found consistent dimensional accuracy across tested configurations, informing best practices for desktop 3D printing. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/study-maps-fff-tolerances-across-scale-infill-materials #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Research

FlashForge has integrated Meshy AI into Flash Studio, allowing users to generate printable 3D models from text prompts with one-click conversion. The Creator 5 quad-toolhead printer automatically maps colours without manual slicer configuration. https://3dprint.com/326162/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Software

Research shows AI-powered post-slicing of GCODE can reduce material use in FFF 3D printing by around 25%, without touching CAD or the slicer. The approach uses curvature-aware algorithms applied after slicing. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/ai-post-slicing-g-code-cuts-fff-material-use #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Software

Apollo Automobil's upcoming Evo supercar features the largest one-piece 3D-printed titanium exhaust system ever produced. Each unit takes 123 hours to print using aerospace-grade titanium alloy with a ceramic coating rated to 1,000C. The scale pattern improves heat distribution on a car with over 800 hp. The Evo starts at over 4M USD and is limited to 10 track-only units. https://3dprinting.com/news/apollos-new-4m-supercar-gets-a-3d-printed-titanium-exhaust-that-takes-123-hours-to-print/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Automotive

Stick Tech has published a patent application for making it easier to remove finished 3D printed parts from the build plate. The system uses an elastomer-coated flexible ejection mechanism. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/stick-tech-patent-targets-easier-print-removal #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

At four intervals over 20 years, companies including Divergent, Seurat and Norsk Titanium decided to develop their own metal additive manufacturing technology rather than buy from existing machine OEMs. A new analysis explores why contract manufacturers are building proprietary AM systems and what this means for the industry. https://www.tctmagazine.com/deep-dives-do-industrial-additive-manufacturing-machines-cost-too-much-2/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #IndustrialAM

The Czechoslovak Group has emerged as one of Europe's fastest-growing defence manufacturers, scaling rapidly amid the Ukraine conflict and shifting global supply chains. The group's meteoric rise reflects broader shifts in European defence production.#3Dprint #3Dprinting #Defence https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/the-meteoric-rise-of-the-czechoslovak-group-amid-the-ukraine-war

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center has become the first point-of-care institution to secure FDA clearance for a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium cranial plate. Developed with support from 3D Systems and the Defense Health Agency, the implant will be used to treat US active duty personnel and warfighters suffering from traumatic head injuries worldwide. https://www.tctmagazine.com/walter-reed-medical-center-to-treat-patients-with-3d-printed-titanium-cranial-implant-after-fda-clearance-is-secured/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Healthcare

Bambu Lab has partnered with camera maker Insta360 to launch the Luna Ultra Design Challenge on MakerWorld. Makers can access official 3MF and STEP files for the new dual-lens gimbal camera to design custom 3D printable accessories. The competition runs through August 9 with prizes worth 11,160 USD including Luna Ultra cameras and Bambu Lab printers. https://3dprint.com/329159/bambu-lab-insta360-invite-makers-to-build-custom-camera-gear/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Consumer

America Makes has announced the winners of 16.5 million USD in project calls for additive manufacturing. The JAQS-SQ and PADAM 2.0 projects will develop supplier qualification standards and new refractory alloys for defence aerospace applications, with winners including Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Collins Aerospace. https://3dprint.com/329678/3d-printing-news-briefs-8-1-2026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

Researchers have bioprinted kidney and liver tissue in space for the first time. Auxilium Biotechnologies conducted the experiment aboard the ISS using its AMP-1 orbital bioprinter, marking a milestone in space-based regenerative medicine. The samples returned to Earth in June. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/bioprinting-kidney-liver-tissue-space-iss-03082026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Bioprinting

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University and Waseda University have developed 3D-printed underwater suits for cyborg cockroaches, enabling the insects to navigate flooded environments for rescue operations. The lightweight suits protect the insects while allowing them to move through water, turning them into potential disaster response tools. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/3d-printed-cockroach-suit-31072026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Research

The US Navy has expanded its advanced manufacturing training capabilities with the installation of 12 Phillips Hybrid Manufacturing systems and 12 Markforged X7 composite systems at the Navy Schoolhouse in Danville, Virginia. Sailors will gain hands-on experience across metal hybrid and composite additive manufacturing to strengthen fleet readiness. https://www.tctmagazine.com/us-navy-deploys-12-phillips-hybrid-manufacturing-12-markforged-x7-systems-to-support-sailor-training/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Industrial

US filament manufacturers are expanding domestic production capabilities. An article explores which companies are making 3D printing filament in the United States, highlighting the growth of domestic filament production as supply chain resilience becomes increasingly important for the additive manufacturing industry. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/filament-manufacturers-in-the-united-states-090720254/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

Additive Assurance has signed a distribution agreement with NTT DATA XAM Technologies to launch its AMiRIS real-time quality assurance solution for metal powder bed fusion in the Japanese market. The Australian company aims to support customers in establishing stable manufacturing foundations. https://www.tctmagazine.com/additive-assurance-takes-metal-3d-printing-quality-assurance-to-japan/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Industrial

XTPL, the Polish microcap specialising in ultra-precision dispensing for semiconductor advanced packaging, posted 14 percent revenue growth in 2025 to 4.4M USD despite a net loss. The company is commercialising its ODRA production system following a Silicon Valley order. https://3dprint.com/325787/microprinting-microcap-xtpl-reports-2025-sales-growth-despite-net-loss/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Semiconductors

How TPM3D is scaling 3D-printed footwear using SLS and high-performance PEBA elastomers. The approach offers superior fatigue resistance and energy return compared to DLP, SLA or FDM for performance athletic applications. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/tpm3d-sls-peba-footwear-18052026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #IndustrialAM

Eplus3D has broken the three-meter barrier with its new EP-M3050 ultra-large metal 3D printer, featuring a 3050mm x 3050mm build area and up to 256 lasers for one-piece manufacturing of ultra-large structural components in aviation, energy and industrial sectors. https://3dprint.com/325763/3d-printing-news-briefs-may-2-2026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Industrial

Researchers have developed an infrared nozzle preheating technique that improves PEI extrusion strength and reduces warping without requiring a 200C heated chamber. The method addresses a key challenge in FFF printing of high-temperature materials like PEI, which typically needs expensive oven-style printers. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/ir-nozzle-preheat-lifts-pei-fff-strength-stability #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

Sheyn is a Vienna-based digital design studio founded in 2016, blending architecture and design to create vases, bowls, planters and lighting fixtures via 3D printing using sustainable materials. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/sheyn-beautiful-3d-printing-21052026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Art

The ESA is spending 1.65 million EUR on a project to 3D print protective skin for space robots. The smart skin, built around a 3D printed scaffold, will shield robotic arms from extreme temperatures and dust on future lunar and Martian missions. https://www.tctmagazine.com/esa-project-to-3d-print-protective-skin-for-space-robots/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

FITASY now lets customers buy individual 3D printed shoes at half the price of a pair. The custom footwear firm uses spatial AI and foot scanning to create perfectly fitted shoes, addressing a gap for prosthetic users and those with different sized feet. https://www.tctmagazine.com/fitasy-launches-single-shoe-online-purchase-option-with-help-of-3d-printing/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Footwear

Snowbird Technologies will deploy its containerised hybrid additive manufacturing system at RIMPAC 2026, the massive Pacific naval exercise involving 31 nations. The SAMM Tech solution integrates metal and plastic 3D printing with CNC machining into a compact shipping container, supporting operations from San Diego to Pearl Harbor. https://www.tctmagazine.com/snowbird-technologies-containerised-hybrid-manufacturing-solution-to-be-deployed-in-rimpac-2026-exercise/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Manufacturing

Spanish heat treatment specialist TTT Group has invested in a Hiperbaric HIP 107 industrial system to enhance the mechanical performance of aerospace and oil and gas components. The largest installation in the company's 65-year history uses hot isostatic pressing to eliminate internal porosity and improve fatigue resistance in metal additive manufacturing parts. https://www.tctmagazine.com/ttt-group-installs-hiperbaric-hip-system-to-boost-mechanical-performance-of-aerospace-and-oil-gas-parts/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

Prusa Research has launched a new space-ready filament designed for aerospace applications. The material meets strict outgassing standards required for space environments, marking an expansion beyond the companys usual desktop 3D printing focus. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/prusa-expands-into-aerospace-applications-with-new-space-ready-3d-printing-material #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

A new patent filed by a leading 3D printer manufacturer targets dual material DLP printing, enabling two different resins in a single build. The innovation could expand application possibilities for dental, jewellery, and industrial prototyping. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/patent-targets-dual-material-dlp-printing #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Materials

ICON has completed two 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, with another eight due by September. The 62 million USD contract covers ten buildings housing 560 soldiers. Printing took 58 days per structure, with the US Army validating the technology for potential wider military housing applications. https://3dprint.com/329661/icons-fort-bliss-barracks-could-be-the-start-of-a-much-bigger-military-opportunity/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Construction

adidas has unveiled its first fully 3D-printed soccer cleats, developed through the company R.A.P. (Radical Athlete Perception) project. The cleats were designed using performance data from players Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ademola Lookman, who will receive custom-made pairs. This is adidas second product from the project, after a basketball shoe already worn in an official game. The cleats remain in concept phase with no release date. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/3d-printed-soccer-cleats-adidas-04052026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #ConsumerGoods

French automaker Alpine and Lacoste have unveiled a one-off A290 Rallye featuring 3D-printed lattice structure components in the rally seats. ERPRO produced the parts using additive manufacturing, enabling lightweight lattice geometries that combine comfort with structural performance for racing. https://www.3dnatives.com/en/alpine-3d-printed-seats-28072026/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Automotive

GKN Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are expanding their additive manufacturing collaboration to include the F135 engine that powers the F-35 Lightning II. The partnership will use GKN's DED technology to produce large components up to five metres in size, with certified parts targeted for 2028. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency is also involved in the project. https://3dprint.com/329233/gkn-pratt-to-use-additive-on-the-f135-engine/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

India's Skyroot has successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket, becoming the country's first private orbital launch powered by 3D-printed Raman engines. The mission marks a milestone for metal additive manufacturing in aerospace applications. https://3dprint.com/329657/ampulse-asia-indias-orbital-launch-headlines-a-busy-second-half-of-july/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace

Flashforge Creator 5 launches with a 4-toolhead system called FlashSwap that eliminates purge waste. The tool-changer physically swaps print heads instead of feeding filament through a single nozzle, cutting multi-color print time and material use by 84 percent. Ships now from 649 USD. https://3dprinting.com/news/flashforge-creator-5-and-creator-5-pro-launch/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Consumer

BambuLab has released a beta version of BambuStudio that can automatically paint textured 3D models, converting them into ready-to-print colour files without manual painting. https://www.fabbaloo.com/news/new-bambustudio-feature-converts-textured-3d-models-into-automatically-painted-prints #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Software

Elmet Technologies is to deploy 3D Systems' DMP Flex 350 Triple metal 3D printing system for producing hypersonic vehicle heat exchangers. The company will use C103, a niobium-based alloy designed for extreme high-temperature aerospace applications, with production expected to begin later this year. https://www.tctmagazine.com/elmet-technologies-to-additively-manufacture-hypersonic-heat-exchangers-with-3d-systems-technology/ #3Dprint #3Dprinting #Aerospace