#36 Too late for that, too late

When it comes to additive manufacturing, Americans had everything. The rest of the world could only try to keep up. Today—40 years after the invention of 3D printing and 15 years after the rise of desktop-grade 3D printers—America can do nothing but clench its teeth and watch what China is doing.

And, well, it's understandable that the U.S. can't accept this reality…

Last week, Matt Meeks , Vice President of Growth and Strategic Partnerships at Firestorm , a company that manufactures military drones using AM, published a viral post that quickly gained traction.

In short, Mr. Meeks criticizes the U.S. Department of Defense for banning some technologies over security risks while allowing Chinese-made 3D printers in critical military applications. These printers pose cybersecurity threats, exposing sensitive data and strategic priorities to adversaries. The author calls for secure, American-made alternatives like Firestorm and questions the continued reliance on foreign manufacturing.

But the most striking part of the post was, of course, the bold visual—a collection of logos from China’s largest 3D printer manufacturers, all crossed out with a big red X.

(I’m not sure why—probably just a coincidence—but the most aggressively crossed-out logo was Raise3D… Yikes!)

According to LinkedIn, Mr. Meeks is a U.S. Navy veteran with experience at Amazon. I assume he's a serious person. And the points he raised in his post are serious, too.

I agree 100%. This shouldn’t be happening. It should be different.

The only issue is—it won’t be. The U.S. lost this race. So did Europe. At this point, all that’s left is to draw Chinese company logos, cross them out with red lines, post them on LinkedIn, and collect +100 likes.

Of course, Americans will protest—especially now, when MAGA! Some Europeans will too—because European pride. But I’m from Poland, and I have no illusions. Being born, raised, and living at the border between East and West, I’ve heard so many broken promises that I see things differently than people from other parts of the world.

You can call me a pessimist—I prefer to think of myself as a realist.

Alright, but let’s start at the end, with the core of Mr. Meeks’ post.

I'll repeat it again—of course, he's right! Chinese 3D printers pose a national security risk for two key reasons:

1. The data sent to these machines may be transmitted to foreign servers (i.e., China).
2. The data isn’t transmitted anywhere, but it is completely unprotected and vulnerable to cyberattacks (because of low cost and poor security measures).

It is therefore reasonable that in high-security areas, only trusted and certified solutions—both hardware and software—should be used.

And this is where the first problem arises: choosing the right machines…

Let’s take the Americans as an example (since Mr. Meeks is from the U.S.). When it comes to industrial-grade systems, in the polymer sector, the available options include Stratasys (which is American-Israeli), 3D Systems, Formlabs, Markforged, HP (although its 3D printing technology originated in Europe), and the remaining desktop manufacturers like Airwolf 3D, B9 Creations, and LulzBot.

For metals, the choices include 3D Systems and Colibrium Additive (both of which manufacture their machines in Europe), HP, 3DEO, Xact Metal, Sciaky, Optomec, and the struggling Velo3D and Desktop Metal. To some extent, Markforged can also be included here, though it is more established in the polymer sector.

What do all of these manufacturers have in common? Either their machines are extremely expensive, or they are both expensive and plagued by operational and financial difficulties.

Now, let’s assume that a company or organization within the U.S. National Security sector wants to purchase a metal 3D printer using LPBF technology. This immediately presents a major dilemma for procurement teams—which option poses the least risk?

1. Velo3D – An American manufacturer that barely escaped bankruptcy at the end of the year?
2. 3D Systems – A trusted and certified American company, but one that offers expensive solutions?
3. Colibrium Additive – An American company whose 3D printing division is facing severe financial troubles?
4. Nikon SLM Solutions – A German-Japanese entity?
5. EOS – A German company, around which, well… certain rumors circulate?
6. Or one of the Chinese manufacturers—BLT, Farsoon, or HBD—which are the cheapest, quite capable… but Chinese?

When looking at this from a long-term strategic perspective, the answer isn’t so obvious.

And things look even worse in the case of metal Binder Jetting technology, where, considering the chaos surrounding Desktop Metal and Nano Dimension, the most reasonable approach right now might be to avoid purchasing anything at all and simply wait to see how events unfold.

In the polymer sector, the choices are different—but paradoxically even more difficult. Either you go for trusted, domestic solutions (3D Systems, Formlabs, Markforged, Stratasys, etc.) but pay a relatively high price, or you save a significant amount of money but end up buying from those "pesky" Chinese manufacturers.

So, the decision boils down to: one reliable Stratasys machine or a fleet of several hundred Bambu Lab or Creality printers.

Where, in reality, the only real issue is the software security. Because if you can work around that, then purely economical a fleet of Bambu Labs almost always outperforms a single Stratasys.

But the real question is: how did it come to this? After all, 3D printing is officially an American invention.

Yesterday, March 9, we celebrated the 42nd anniversary of Chuck Hull 3D printing the first-ever object. Tomorrow, March 11, we will celebrate the 39th anniversary of his stereolithography patent.

The first AM company in the world was American—3D Systems. The first manufacturer of desktop-grade FFF 3D printers was American—MakerBot. The first manufacturers of desktop-grade resin 3D printers were American—B9 Creations and Formlabs.

Most of 3D printing-related innovations were American, developed in the U.S.

And now? MakerBot sells Chinese 3D printers with its logo slapped on them and is part of Dutch UltiMaker. Yes, after the merger, MakerBot as a company even lost its name, reduced to nothing more than an educational brand.

Today, over 95% of the desktop-grade 3D printer market for machines under $2,500 belongs to China. Four companies—Bambu Lab, Creality, Anycubic, and Elegoo—control 90% of it.

So, I’ll ask again—how did this happen? Who is responsible?

The low-cost 3D printer market is lost—now the fight is for industrial-grade machines.

There are two main reasons why Western companies haven’t yet started buying Chinese metal 3D printers en masse and still prefer domestic solutions:

1. Concerns over data security.
2. Concerns over the availability of spare parts.

Both of these concerns will be resolved sooner or later. A particularly interesting concept is open-source software for industrial-grade machines, which would allow users to wipe the original software and firmware from a machine and still operate it through a fully independent operating system.

Or Chinese manufacturers could simply deliver machines with an architecture that makes data leaks impossible.

The second issue is tied to political uncertainty—particularly with the transition of power in the U.S. and uncertainty over the new administration’s policies. Once that is settled, this problem will disappear too.

Ironically, looking at Donald Trump’s actions, it turns out that China wasn’t the real problem—Canada, Mexico, and Europe were. Interesting, isn’t it?

Either way, once these barriers fall, this sector will also be taken over by Chinese companies.

How can I be so sure?

Because Western hardware companies are in crisis and unlikely to receive any significant investment support in the coming years. They can only rely on themselves.

Meanwhile, Chinese companies continue to receive funding. I wrote about this in my The 3D Printing Journal newsletter, where I listed dozens of companies you've probably never even heard of. That means the ones you do know are already past the investment phase—now the next wave is being funded.

In the long run, America and Europe can only defend themselves through regulations—technologically, they are starting to lose. Even if a Western solution is superior to a Chinese one today, investment disparities and final machine prices create a gap that will eventually be impossible to overcome.

There is no real way to change this. It’s already too late.

Now, a short, personal conclusion... I know that reading this and realizing the reality is painful, and that the natural reaction is to resist accepting it. But if you strip away the emotions and look at it analytically, you’ll see that there is no alternative. This is how it is, and it is beyond our control.

I’ve already been through this realization myself. Poland had its five minutes on the global AM market. That time has passed and will not return.

It is what it is. Life moves on.

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

We’ve added a photo gallery to AM World Map and unlocked more countries!

Last week, we introduced a new feature to our AM World Map—a photo gallery. Company profiles now look much more complete!

We also unlocked Hungary, adding two notable companies from the country: Craftbot Ltd and VOXELTEK . More companies are already lined up, so next week, I’ll be able to showcase an even greener map!

• https://am-writer.com/craftbot/
• https://am-writer.com/voxeltek/

I encourage everyone to reach out and submit their entries!

#7. ICON secures new contract despite recent financial struggles

ICON, in partnership with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Catellus, will build 12 two-story 3D-printed homes in Austin’s Mueller community, breaking ground in 2025. Ranging from 650 to 2,400 sq. ft., homes will start in the mid-$300Ks. This marks ICON’s first Austin homes for sale since 2021.

READ MORE: www.fabbaloo.com

#6. Bambu Lab introduced CyberBrick

Bambu Lab introduced CyberBrick, a modular ecosystem combining 3D printing with interactive electronics. The project will be launched via Kickstarter on March 15 with initial kits shipping on April 15. It enables users to create smart gadgets, robots, and remote-controlled vehicles using compact, Bluetooth-connected modules. CyberBrick supports customization through MicroPython scripting and an open platform for sharing and monetization. Users can choose between DIY kits for their own 3D printers or complete sets with pre-printed parts, making CyberBrick accessible to both beginners and advanced makers. More on that after campaign launch.

READ MORE: www.3printr.com

#5. New materials from EOS

EOS has released two new nickel-based 3D printing materials: EOS NickelAlloy IN718 API and EOS Nickel NiCP. Designed for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), they offer high strength, corrosion resistance, and efficiency.

READ MORE: www.voxelmatters.com

#4. Nikon SLM Solutions reported +36% growth in revenues for 2024

Nikon SLM Solutions is no longer listed company, but it revealed revenues for 2024 anyway. Company reported €150 million for 2024, which is a +36% growth from 2023. Sam O’Leary highlighted expansion efforts, including NXG XII 600 production in the U.S. and new facilities in California and Tokyo. Of course, once the financial documents reach the relevant offices in Germany, we will check what the profit looked like.

READ MORE: www.voxelmatters.com

#3. Stratasys reports mixed results for 2024

Stratasys reported mixed financial results for Q4 and 2024, with revenue declining to $150.4M in Q4 and $572.5M annually. Despite a GAAP net loss of $120.3M, Non-GAAP profit reached $4.2M. Margins improved, cash flow turned positive, and a $120M investment from Fortissimo Capital is expected in Q2 2025.

READ MORE: www.3dprintingjournal.com

#2. Reinforce3D secured €1.2 million investment and announced partnership with Bauer Hockey

REINFORCE3D secured a €1.2M investment to expand production, R&D, and market reach. Led by BIKF, Fundació Eurecat, and ICF, the funding supports its patented CFIP technology, which injects carbon fiber into hollow parts for reinforcement. The company targets aerospace, automotive, and sports industries, with more announcements coming soon.

Reinforce3D and Bauer Hockey have announced a strategic partnership to enhance sports equipment using CFIP technology. The innovation strengthens and lightens equipment, optimizing athlete performance. The collaboration will also benefit Cascade/Maverik Lacrosse. The partnership aims to launch a new line of CFIP-optimized products in the coming months.

READ MORE: www.3dprintingjournal.com

#1. Major update from Backflip AI

Gregory Mark unveiled a major Backflip AI update: instant 3D scan-to-CAD conversion. A SOLIDWORKS plugin will create parametric models, preserving feature history. This could revolutionize reverse engineering, solving a key bottleneck in manufacturing. If it works as promised, it may transform not just AM but the entire industry.

READ MORE: www.3dprintingjournal.com

Summary of the most important events in the history of the 3D printing industry published last week:

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