3DExpress: Etsy Tightens Rules on Selling 3D Printed Goods

Do you consider a 3D printed object handmade? The online global marketplace Etsy sells unique items that are “unique items made, designed, handpicked or sourced,” but the website hosts many 3D print shops selling mass-produced, unoriginal designs. To address this, the company has put a new policy in place. After reading about the policy change, you can read about Farsoon’s new metal 3D printer, a new 3D printed shoe with an skeleton design and more!

Etsy Updates Creativity Standards, Tightens Rules on 3D Printed Goods

Etsy has revised its Creativity Standards this week, introducing stricter rules for 3D printed products. According to the update, all 3D printed items sold on the platform must now be “based on a seller’s original design and are often personalized or customized to a buyer’s specification.” This marks a shift from Etsy’s previous policy, which allowed 3D print sellers to use templated designs or patterns created by others. The change aligns with Etsy’s mission to “Keep Commerce Human” by promoting “original items from real people.” However, the platform has yet to clarify how it plans to enforce the new policy. The update is expected to have significant implications for sellers who rely on mass-produced prints from large-scale farms using third-party STL files. The move has caused a stir within the 3D printing maker community, and while the long-term impact on sellers remains to be seen, it’s clear that Etsy is redefining what counts as “handmade” in the age of digital manufacturing.

A New Metal 3D Printer

Manufacturer Farsoon, which specializes in the development of industrial 3D printers, has just unveiled its latest innovation: a metal 3D printing solution called FS621M-Cu, designed for applications with copper alloys. It is a large-format machine featuring four 1,000 W lasers to ensure print stability and reliability, given the difficulties that copper can pose, given its reflectivity. The manufacturer claims that the FS621M-Cu is designed for complex aerospace applications, and it is used by a player in this sector. One thing’s for sure: copper is a material that’s becoming increasingly popular in additive manufacturing.

A Sneaker with a Futuristic Design

At first glance, this pair of sneakers designed by Mahi Naim may seem eccentric and highly original. But it’s the approach that interests us more than the style. Named EXOSKYN, this is a limited-edition sneaker, produced without apparent branding. It’s the result of a blend of 3D printing, algorithmic design and anatomy. The design is largely inspired by the shape of the foot, and the shoe is intended to be an interface between body, code, and material, EXOSKYN opens an alternative path in sneaker design, balancing experimentation and targeted industrialization. The model explores a bio-inspired structure of the human foot, generated through algorithmic design, and printed as a flexible monoblock. On-demand production, no seams, no assembly.” The sneaker is therefore printed in one go and features a lattice structure with continuous lines and ribbed patterns.

MTB Pack Improves Breathability with 3D Printing

The U.S. brand High Above, which specializes in mountain biking (MTB) backpacks and gear, has unveiled a new version of its Venture pack for cyclists, featuring a 3D printed back panel. The pack is made from Challenge Ultra 400X, an ultra-tough fabric, magnetic buckles and several internal pockets to carry everything you need. But what interests us is the new 3D printed element. A 3D printed panel with a lattice structure has been incorporated into the part that comes into contact with the body, making the pack flexible and breathable. The panel was developed in collaboration with Carbon and is entirely designed to offer practicality and ease of washing, aspects to which the brand pays particular attention. The fanny pack has a capacity of 2.5 liters, a size of 9.5“ x 6” x 3″, weighs only 357 g and is priced at $200.

Formlabs Launches New Resins for Custom Color Printing and Precision Casting

Formlabs continues to expand the capabilities of SLA 3D printing, and this time with casting, following the launch of two new resins. This time, designed to address advanced aesthetic design and precision casting needs. These are Color Resin V5 and True Cast Resin, both compatible only with Form 4 series printers. Starting with Color Resin V5, it allows printing parts in custom colors without the need for additional processes such as painting or dyeing. It is a made-to-order solution manufactured in just one week, starting from one liter, that offers high-quality SLA finishes in colors true to branding or creative designs. According to the company, its new resin fills the gap between the color flexibility of FDM filaments and the precision of SLA. The brand expands its services. On the other hand, True Cast Resin has been designed for wax 3D printing. The company stresses that complex and detailed casting prototypes up to 5mm thick can be created with this resin, with excellent behavior during casting thanks to its low thermal expansion and minimal shrinkage. Thus, the resin is ideal for jewelry or engineering components that require high precision.

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*Cover Photo Credits: 3DSideShow via Etsy