Materials

Polycarbonate (PC) is a family of thermoplastic polymers defined by the carbonate groups in their molecular structure. Engineering-grade PC is prized for its exceptional impact resistance, and certain grades are optically transparent, combining strength, durability and clarity in a single…

When Ian Ramsdell, founder of Kupros, started asking electronics specialists about 3D printing copper, he faced plenty of skepticism. One expert, in Ramsdell’s recollection, insisted it could not be done and never would be: “Copper can’t be 3D printed, it’ll…

The plastics landscape is shifting rapidly, and with it, the boundaries of industrial production. For companies in the additive manufacturing sector, the intersection between traditional plastics processing and 3D printing has become a core strategic alignment. As the global manufacturing…

Known for its reddish-orange hue, copper is a popular metal due to its exceptional physical properties. These characteristics have made it a key material in a variety of industries, from electronics to the creation of end-use parts. With advances in…

In critical applications, fire safety is non-negotiable—and 3D printing is rising to the challenge. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in fire- and flame-retardant materials tailored for additive manufacturing, available as filaments, resins and powders. These materials are designed…

Sometimes, you may want a part to be transparent for aesthetic reasons, and other times, transparency is a functional necessity. In either case,  3D printing’s flexibility in terms of design, materials and processes makes it possible to create parts with…

When you need to 3D print parts that bend, stretch, or absorb heavy impacts, standard rigid plastics like PLA or PETG will not cut it. That’s why makers turn to flexible filaments like TPE and TPU. To understand the difference,…

3D printing nylon (polyamide) is a strong, stretchy artificial material made from synthetic polymers. Often fashioned into bristles, fabric, or sheets, and used especially in textiles and plastics, it is one of the most widely used polymers in the additive…

Whether we like it or not, 3D printing generates waste. Failed parts, material purges, supports that end up in the trash, prints that no longer meet expectations. For a long time, that plastic had no other destination than the trash.…

Metal additive manufacturing is no longer a technology in waiting. The global metal AM market is projected to grow from $6.02 billion to $7.02 billion in 2026 alone (Research And Markets). According to the 2026 Wohlers Report, metals revenue (including…

Last week, the city of Hanover, Germany, hosted the annual Hannover Messe, an event dedicated to the manufacturing industry and digital transformation. From robotics to artificial intelligence, the focus is on automation, technology, and digitalization. And among the exhibitors and…

3D printer plastic is the most widely used material category in additive manufacturing, available in filament, powder, and resin form across a range of technologies. The 3D printing plastics market is projected to grow from USD $2.36 billion in 2025…