We’ve Been Here Since 2014: 3Dnatives Unveils a New Identity for 3D Printing’s Next Era

If you logged onto the site today, you probably noticed that things look a little different around here! We are incredibly excited to officially share the new 3Dnatives brand identity with you. While it is a big visual change, this update is really about celebrating our 12-year journey together and charting how much 3D printing has evolved. For those of you who have been reading our articles since the early days, we are sure you can spot the difference.

When 3Dnatives was founded back in 2014, big things were happening in the industry. The first 3D printed part was fabricated aboard the International Space Station, significant progress was made in 3D printing organs, the Formlabs Form 1+ launched, and key laser sintering patents expired. The additive manufacturing landscape was developing rapidly on two fronts: the maker scene was becoming increasingly powerful, and industrial players were leveraging high-end systems for prototyping and tooling. The 2014 Wohlers Report revealed that the market had grown by a whopping 34.9% the past year, with the industry value exceeding $3 billion.

Today, the market has matured into a sector worth over $24 billion, with more industrial users turning to AM as a production method and more creators joining the scene. We’ve also noticed a distinct shift in the last few years. Instead of the focus being largely on what the machines can do, we’re further exploring how to apply them. This pivot is especially evident at trade shows, where some companies skip displaying hardware altogether to focus on applications. Essentially, there’s been a growing focus on specialized industrial applications and end-use parts. At the same time, the desktop sector is witnessing a massive second peak, as maker-friendly machines reach unprecedented levels of quality and accessibility.

All along, 3Dnatives has been documenting this evolution. As the industry developed, 3Dnatives grew alongside it, expanding into five languages and reaching over 1.3 million monthly unique visitors. The new brand identity aims to mirror the precision and dynamism of the market it covers.

“Twelve years ago, our goal was simply to demystify new technology for everyone,” says Lucia Contreras, Creative Director at 3Dnatives. “Today, the industry has become incredibly sophisticated. This rebrand shows our commitment to remaining the go-to resource for the professionals who are shaping its future.”

A Fresh Look

Our new logo is a nod to the mechanics of 3D printing. We’ve introduced a ‘voxel,‘ which is the 3D version of a pixel, to represent precision and dynamism. Like a period at the end of “3Dnatives,” the point emphasizes our publication as a definitive source for 3D printing. We’re also brightening our signature red to a more vibrant shade, capturing the speed and energy of the industry today.

With this new look and our expanded AI-powered tools, we’re ready to help users of the technology, OEMs, and industry leaders navigate the next chapter of production. Wherever the industry evolves, and whatever breakthroughs shape the coming decades, 3Dnatives will be there to cover it. 

We built this new experience for you, our community, and we are so grateful to have you with us as we step into this next chapter. Have a look around, and let us know: what do you think of the new 3Dnatives? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.