3D printing news

A recent study from an international group of researchers suggests that pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) could be used to reinforce polylactic acid (PLA). They tested two types of PALF (raw, and alkali-treated) combined with PLA, and results showed better ductility…

Last week, a fire on Rapa Nui, colloquially often referred to as Easter Island in English, damaged many of the more than 1000 Moai statues located there. The damage was extensive and cannot be undone, with more than 100 hectares…

Shadow is a Belgian start-up that has just launched its first 3D printed electric bike. The Shadow M1 integrates a 3D printed frame made of CO2 neutral and biodegradable biopolymers, on a large format FFF machine. The objective is to…

We have known for a while that sustainability is a key benefit of additive manufacturing. There are already many examples of this: for example, in architecture, all kinds of consumer goods, and even lithium batteries. A recently published report now…

It is a common problem that users of fused deposition modeling (FDM/FFF) 3D printing face: what to do with the large amount of empty plastic spools? While some recycle them, many throw them away in a garbage can, thus making…

The US Navy has opened its Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence in a formal ceremony featuring the Virginia Governor and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as well as Navy officials and industry partners. The Center will be based…

The automotive sector was one of the first industries to use 3D printing. Indeed, it was the first to use the technologies to create prototypes as well as to gradually move towards integrating end-use parts. And the importance of additive…

Mighty Buildings, a company aiming to create beautiful, sustainable, high-quality homes, has announced that it has completed delivery of what it claims to be the first 3D printed, Zero Net Energy home. The two-bed, two-bath home is the first in…

A recent study from North Carolina State University experimented using 3D bioprinting to produce plant cells in order to assess the use of the method in biological research. They produced Arabidopsis- (thale cress; often used in genetic research) and soybean…

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is one of the major 3D printing technologies available today. A type of photopolymerization, it essentially consists of the use of a video projector to cure photosensitive resins. The technology is popular both for its speed…

In our top 5 for this week, we look at a video from Siemens which shows how their users see the link between additive manufacturing and a circular economy. Additionally, in another video, Siemens shows its new partnership with American…

One of the trends we have increasingly seen as additive manufacturing industrializes is an increased focus on large-format additive manufacturing. Though this can of course be achieved with large machines, notably those using FDM, robotic arms offer a number of…