#10 The age of consumer 3D printing

Ten years ago, mainstream media unanimously declared that 3D printing was one of the cornerstones of humanity's future. ?The Next Big Thing”. 3D printers were supposed to be in every home, and we were all expected to make everything we use ourselves.

The "3D Printing Evangelists” proclaimed that each of us is a ?Maker”.

When, after a few years, it became clear that none of this was true, and the grand visions of those evangelist folks turned out to be just a marketing hype; when one consumer 3D printer company after another fell like during a plague, and their defective and unreliable products ended up in the trash – the mainstream media declared it a huge disappointment, and that 3D printing had died as quickly as it appeared.

This narrative persists to this day.

If you talk to a "normie," they'll be surprised that anyone still deals with "that 3D printing stuff." To the average person, 3D printers are as archaic as a fax machine or a VCR.

As for the mainstream media, they’ve accepted that 3D printing is still alive, but it’s the domain of specialists—industrial production, medicine, or aerospace. But since these are complex matters, they don't give it much attention.

The only thing related to AM that has a chance to break into the media is 3D printing of buildings using construction mixtures. Other than that, 3D printers are long-forgotten, archaic stories…

Consumer 3D printing has irreversibly failed.

To be honest, it never really had a chance. It was never going to work.

AM is serious manufacturing technology, something the Average Joe will never master. It’s not like taking photos with a smartphone. It’s not like printing documents on a paper printer. This is complex, serious stuff. It’s not for the an ordinary person.

Or is it?

Thing is, consumer 3D printing is actually doing quite well. And it turns out, it’s become what it was supposed to be 10 years ago.

A reality.

Bambu Lab , Prusa Research , Creality 3D and a host of imitators have made it happen. On one hand, they’ve made 3D printers fast, reliable, and truly easy to use. On the other hand, the software has become even simpler and more user-friendly, with true wireless operation.

But it’s the third and fourth factors that are making consumer 3D printing an obvious reality before our eyes.

The third factor is the ability to print in full color. Still not as efficient as we’d like, still involving disastrously high material waste (filament poo). But color 3D printing works, is easy to set up, and stimulates the imagination tremendously.

Even if you don’t use it every day, just knowing that you can do it and that it’s so easy makes people start using it more and more.

And let’s not forget about silk-rainbow-like-duo-color filaments. They do the trick too!

But it’s the fourth factor that’s truly groundbreaking.

On platforms like MakerWorld and Printables, there are models that are either genuinely useful or incredibly stimulating to the imagination.

Kitchen cabinet accessories, holders for household items or tools, boxes and containers, electronic gadgets—you can’t list them all. What sets these models apart from those touted as innovative 10 years ago is that they are wonderfully functional.

And they’re functional because their creators have realized that 3D printing alone is often not enough—you need screws and nuts, springs, and increasingly popular magnets to make them really work.

Once, everything had to come from a 3D printer—today, only what should.

Take a look at this project, published just a week ago... It’s the epitome of what I’m talking about.

And let’s not forget about models that serve no purpose other than being cool. I’m talking about "passthrough" models. The trend started by Michael P. Bourque has taken on a life of its own for months. Other designers are taking this project to new heights of creativity.

But you won’t hear about this in the mainstream media.

To "ordinary people," 3D printing didn’t work out.

The fact is, the "revolution we were waiting for" has arrived—we just didn’t notice it.

So hearby I proclaim: We’re living in the age of consumer 3D printing.

So much for the introduction. And now, without further ado...

AM Writer brand is born.

A few days ago, somewhat spontaneously, I announced the launch of my new project, the AM Writer brand.

Allow me to elaborate a bit…

In last week's 9th newsletter, when I wrote that I decided to stop complaining about the state of the 3D printing industry and start believing in the words of the biggest CEOs in the industry that everything will be fine—I was telling the truth.

I always speak and write the truth. Even if I'm lying.

Unfortunately, this decision created a problem... Because we know how things are. It is what it is. So what if, by not wanting to criticize the industry, I run out of topics to write about?

So I decided to start doing something that would still be related to Additive Manufacturing, wouldn’t be constant criticism, but would bring something valuable and constructive.

I asked myself: what could that be...? What am I really good at?

• Certainly, additive manufacturing. But all of you are good at it—and many are much better than me.
• I’m definitely good at AM market analysis. But again—so are many of you.

What truly sets me apart is combining both of these things and the ability to write about them in an engaging way. Approaching AM topics in an unconventional, out-of-the-box manner.

So I asked myself another question: what if I started sharing this knowledge, experience, and skill with others? Help you write about 3D printing in an equally engaging way. Help you better understand the algorithms on this platform. Show you other places where you can publish your content and cross-promote it for better results.

That's how the new brand—AM Writer—was born.

It will occasionally appear in my writings. I have a number of ideas for what to do with it and how to use it. I’m sure you’ll like it.

That's all from me – for now, I invite you to read:

• 3 articles on Medium
• TOP 7 news of the week
• TOP 7 historic events in the 3D print world.

#7. Five new additions to Formlabs' offer

Formlabs has announced the launch of two new materials and three post-processing solutions to support SLA and SLS technologies. The first new product was Clear Cast Resin, a UV-curable resin designed for precision casting applications. The second new material was BEGO? VarseoSmile TriniQ Resin, a biocompatible ceramic-filled resin designed for 3D printing permanent and temporary fillings and bridges.

In addition, the company has introduced Formlabs Resin Washing Solution, a non-flammable solution for cleaning resin from SLA-printed parts. The solution dissolves twice as much resin before saturation compared to IPA.

For SLS technology, Formlabs has upgraded the Fuse Blast system, which cleans and polishes parts directly from Fuse Sift. They have also introduced the Fuse Sift Glovebox Bundle, where the Fuse Sift Glovebox panel and Fuse Parts Carrier are combined into an easy-to-install kit for the Fuse Sift powder management station, streamlining part extraction and minimizing exposure to powder.

#6. EOS expands 3D printer production in the US

EOS has announced that in the first quarter of 2025, it will expand the assembly of the popular EOS M 290 metal 3D printer at its facility in Pflugerville, Texas. This expansion aims to ensure faster order fulfillment for machines in North America. Initially, production will focus on models equipped with a single laser.

EOS has been producing AM equipment, software, and materials in North America for 14 years. It already has a well-established order process, quality assurance process, and ISO 9000 certification. The decision to start manufacturing the M290 is driven by two factors: high demand for this model and a shift in U.S. government policy encouraging the purchase of manufacturing technologies from domestic sources.

#5. Stratasys launches the Origin Two DLP

Stratasys has announced the addition of a new photopolymer system, the Origin Two DLP, to its extensive range of 3D printers. The machine comes equipped with a dedicated post-processing station – the Origin Cure. The company claims that the new systems have been introduced to meet the growing demand for injection molding-quality parts.

The Origin Two has been designed to achieve consistently high accuracy of +/- 50 μm, making it suitable for industries such as aerospace and automotive for applications like seals and gaskets, housings, and window components. The machine is also said to achieve repeatability of over 93% within +/- 50 μm, a surface finish smoothness of up to RA 3 μm, and maintain a printing speed of up to 20 mm/hour.

The heated chamber allows for printing materials with a heat deflection temperature of up to 300°C, while the system operating at a wavelength of 385 nanometers supports a wide range of high-performance materials, including high-temperature resins and high-viscosity formulations.

#4. FIT AG teases Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM) technology

FIT Additive Manufacturing Group has announced the development of a new additive manufacturing technology called Submerged Arc Additive Manufacturing (SAAM). The company claims it could fundamentally change the production of large-format metal components. SAAM enables efficient and cost-effective production of parts weighing over 50 kilograms.

The SAAM technology is part of the research project "I AM Huge," which was developed at the Parsberg-Lupburg Technology Campus. The project's goal is to test and further develop the market viability of this technology to adapt it to the specific requirements of the industry.

Unfortunately, nothing more is known beyond what can be inferred from the photos of the first 3D prints. It appears that SAAM is a variation of the DED method; however, we will have to wait until mid-October for more details.

In the meantime, FIT AG is inviting companies to consult on the new technological solution, assuring full confidentiality.

Source: https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/fit-additive-manufacturing-group_construction-marine-innovation-activity-7234150596759490562-5tte

#3. AML3D achieves unprecedented revenue growth of 1,055%

AML3D Limited, a metal 3D printer manufacturer based in Edinburgh, Australia, reported an impressive revenue growth for the financial year 2024. The company's revenue surged by an astonishing 1,055%, reaching AUD 7.32 million, compared to just AUD 0.60 million in the previous year. This dynamic growth resulted from a focused strategy on expanding in the U.S. market and investing in technology and team development.

In FY2024, a remarkable 95% of AML3D's revenue came from the U.S. market. The largest contributor to revenue was the sale of Arcemy machines, which accounted for 61% of the total, or AUD 4.44 million. These machines found extensive applications in industrial sectors supporting defense, marine, and aerospace industries in the U.S. An example is the order for the largest custom-built Arcemy machine, delivered to Austal USA.

Another significant revenue stream came from contracts for component manufacturing and alloy testing, which together generated AUD 2.66 million, accounting for 36% of total revenue. The remaining 3% came from license and rental fees.

#2. 3DEO secures $3.5m funding from Mizuho Bank

3DEO - Los Angeles-based design, engineering, and metal AM company, announced strategic investment from Mizuho Bank, Ltd. - a Japan-headquartered global financial institution. Earlier this year, 3DEO announced investments from IHI Aerospace, the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), and Seiko Epson Corporation.

3DEO developed proprietary Intelligent Layering technology and provides expertise in Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM). Established in 2016, company developed a robust, end-to-end production process technology, which provides comprehensive design and manufacturing services for high-precision metal parts.

#1. 6K raises $82 million in in Series E funding

6K , an American manufacturer of engineered materials for lithium-ion batteries and metal powders for additive manufacturing, announced the raising of $82 million in a Series E funding round. The capital was secured through an insider-led investment, with participation from investors including Anzu Partners, Energy Impact Partners, LaunchCapital, Material Impact, and Volta Energy Technologies.

The additional funding is intended to enable the company to scale up production of battery cathode materials (CAM) and increase production of metal powders for additive manufacturing. The $82 million represents the first close of the Series E round, with a second close expected later in the fall.

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