3DExpress: A Self-Regulating 3D Printed House Is Going Up in Italy
This week’s 3DExpress kicks off in Italy, where WASP has completed the 3D-printed walls of Itaca: a self-sufficient farm and living model built around a circular micro-economy. We then turn to VulcanForms, which has raised $220 million to scale its digital metal manufacturing platform. From there, we spotlight Sabrina Carpenter’s 3D-printed microphone used during her Grammy performance, before wrapping up with Formnext’s announcement of its partner country for 2026. As always, happy reading!
3D Printed Self-Sufficient House in Italy
In 2022, WASP announced the launch of the Itaca project: an open-air laboratory for sustainable living in the hills of Northern Italy. Now, they’ve shared that the walls of Itaca have been successfully 3D printed. The project consists of a self-sufficient farm and living model based on a circular micro-economy, designed to be easily replicated worldwide while meeting the same regulatory standards as traditional buildings. This setup uses four robotic arms anchored to a hexagonal structure to print four wall sections simultaneously, allowing the 164.9 m² structural shell to be completed in as little as a couple of days. Notably, the build process introduces a high level of workflow efficiency by embedding radiant heating, ventilation, and electrical systems directly into the walls during the printing phase, which eliminates complex post-construction retrofitting and enables the building to actively regulate air quality and temperature.
The project is also impressive for achieving a negative CO₂ emissions balance by using a lime-based mixture combined with agricultural waste instead of concrete. To maximize thermal efficiency and carbon sequestration, the walls were packed with rice husks byproduct, mixed with natural lime powder. This filler acts as internal insulation, transforming the structure into a passive energy house that self-regulates temperature.
VulcanForms Raises $220 Million to Scale Digital Metal Manufacturing Platform
VulcanForms, a developer of advanced digital metal manufacturing technology, announced the close of an oversubscribed $220 million financing round led by Eclipse and 1789 Capital, with participation from Washington Harbour, Fontinalis, IEQ Capital, and others. The funding will support the expansion of VulcanForms’ integrated manufacturing facilities, which combine advanced metal additive manufacturing technologies, precision machining, automation, inspection, and proprietary AI-enabled software into a single end-to-end workflow. The aim of the system is to reduce complexity, minimize waste, and lower total system costs by compressing the supply chain into one production system. Then, they can deliver high-performance products at scale with consistent quality and secure supply chains. The investment also allows for the company to continue executing the R&D programs that strengthen the platform, advance the company’s materials portfolio, and support future capacity expansion.
Photo Credits: VulcanForms
Sabrina Carpenter’s 3D Printed Prop for the Grammy’s
There You Have It 3D, Los Angeles’ union 3D printing, scanning, design and fabrication shop, shared on its Instagram that they 3D printed Sabrina Carpenter’s handset microphone housing for her performance at the 2026 Grammys that took place on February 1st. The company used multi-jet fusion to make the prop. Remarkably, they received the request on a Tuesday, and were able to have two sets ready by the following Friday morning rehearsals. The microphone housing is fully 3D printed with nylon for durability, and works with a wireless performance microphone.
Photo Credits: There You Have It 3D
Formnext Announces the United Kingdom as its Partner Country
It’s official! The United Kingdom will be Formnext 2026’s official partner country. The UK has a strong manufacturing background and is home to a powerful ecosystem of AM systems, software, and industrial applications. “The UK has long been a key global player in the world of Additive Manufacturing thanks to the close ties with the country’s robust manufacturing industry, and with established system manufacturers such as Renishaw as well as fast-growing companies such as Wayland Additive and many innovative start-ups,” Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH said. Formnext also announced that in 2026, it will increase its focus on key user industries such as orthopedics, aviation, and the automotive sector. Exhibitors have until 2 March to secure an attractive early bird discount for Formnext 2026.
Photo Credits: Formnext
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