{"id":68941,"date":"2026-01-19T00:01:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T23:01:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/?p=68941"},"modified":"2026-01-16T21:58:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T20:58:11","slug":"3dexpress-3d-printed-infrared-photodetectors-19012026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/3dexpress-3d-printed-infrared-photodetectors-19012026\/","title":{"rendered":"3DExpress: The World’s Smallest, Fully 3D-Printed, Infrared Photodetectors from HKU"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week’s 3DExpress starts with a breakthrough in Hong Kong, where a team of engineers created the smallest 3D printed sub-micron optoelectronics to date. This could mean that integrating multi-functional micro-nano devices will become a lot easier. Then, we get into a Kickstarter launch for an LPBF printer that is \u20ac8,500, continuing a trend of turning towards more affordable metal 3D printers. (See Mastrex<\/a>, which announced its release of an LPBF printer for $39,000 at CES 2026.) Next, we cover Bambu Lab’s new copyright protocol, and finally, ADDMAN’s acquisition of Forecast 3D.<\/p>\n

Printing the World’s Smallest Infrared Photodetectors<\/h2>\n

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong, led by Professor Leo Tianshuo Zhao from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering,\u00a0 developed a room-temperature nano-printing platform capable of fabricating the smallest, fully-printed infrared photodetectors to date. Infrared photodetectors are sensors that detect heat and convert it into a measurable electrical signal, which can be used for seeing beyond visible light. Near-infrared technology is critical for applications like autonomous systems, biomedical sensing, and high-speed optical communications. However, conventional silicon-based CMOS technology cannot directly detect NIR wavelengths. The nano-printing platform created by the HKU team assembles solution-phase colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) and modifies their properties in situ, enabling the construction of advanced optoelectronic devices.<\/p>\n

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The versatile nano-printing platform that assembles solution-phase colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) and modifies their properties in situ (Image Credit: Tianshuo Zhao et al.)<\/p><\/div>\n

Using electrohydrodynamic printing (EHDP) combined with surface chemical treatment, the team achieved unprecedented precision, printing silver nanocrystal lines as narrow as 70 nanometers and creating dense films with conductivity comparable to bulk silver, all without high-temperature processing. Most notably, the researchers demonstrated sub-10-micrometre all-printed IR photodiodes for the first time. The research<\/a> represents a major step forward in high-resolution, multi-layer printing for electronic device integration.<\/p>

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Metal Base Prepares Kickstarter Launch for \u20ac8,500 Metal LPBF Printer<\/h2>\n

Metal Base has announced the pre-launch of its Metal 1.0 Laser Powder Bed Fusion<\/a> metal 3D printer, which is set to debut on Kickstarter with a starting price of \u20ac8,500, targeting labs, startups, and advanced users. The floor-standing LPBF system features a modest build area and runs on a standard power outlet, with the company stating it can process 316L stainless steel, Inconel 718, and bronze, while copper remains in development. According to Metal Base, the machine uses a single laser, has a compact footprint, and is compatible with open-source firmware and Orca Slicer<\/a>, positioning it as a lower-cost entry point into powder bed fusion metal additive manufacturing.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Metal-Base<\/p><\/div>\n

Bambu Lab Moves to Protect Creators from 3D Model Theft<\/h2>\n

Bambu Lab<\/a> has launched a new Creator Copyright Support program on its MakerWorld<\/a> platform to help designers respond to 3D model theft and unauthorized reuploads. The service is currently in closed beta and offers support in preparing and filing copyright infringement complaints on third-party platforms, usually at no cost. According to MakerWorld, more than 200 copyright protection requests were submitted in the two months following its October 2025 notice on unauthorized use, highlighting how widespread the issue has become. Access to the beta is limited to creators with at least 500 followers and applies only to original, MakerWorld exclusive models, with a cap on weekly submissions. The move reflects a more hands-on effort to protect creators as model piracy continues to grow across the 3D printing community.<\/p>\n

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Photo Credit: Bambu Lab<\/p><\/div>\n

ADDMAN Acquires Forecast 3D<\/h2>\n

The additive manufacturer ADDMAN acquired Forecast 3D, a provider of polymer 3D printing services, further expanding ADDMAN\u2019s manufacturing solutions network. With the addition of Forecast 3D, ADDMAN will expand its polymer additive manufacturing capacity, combining Forecast 3D\u2019s Carlsbad, California facilities with ADDMAN\u2019s existing Irvine location. Forecast 3D is a 30-year veteran in additive manufacturing, and the business adds significant capacity in powder-based polymer technologies, including Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). These capabilities strengthen ADDMAN\u2019s ability to support partners as their programs evolve, from prototypes to full production. \u201cOur strategy has always been about scale and capability,\u201d<\/em> said Joe Calmese, CEO, ADDMAN. \u201cWe are building the largest additive manufacturing service provider in the market. Designed to support any part, any process, at any stage of the customer\u2019s journey. Bringing Forecast 3D into ADDMAN makes that vision real today, and we will continue to raise the bar for what customers should expect from an advanced manufacturing partner.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n