Latest news with #3DPrinting
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
In A Tough Business Cycle, 3D Printers Leverage Established Markets
Additive manufacturing hasn't been spared the challenging economic and policy environment that industry as a whole has been grappling with recently, but AM faces the additional difficulty that it's still finding its best fit in how things are made. With those challenges, the big players are looking forward at how best to leverage the technology's strengths. The good news is that there are some now well-established areas of success that are helping guide the way. '3D printing today, whether it's a vat-based resin technology, a powder technology, a ceramic metal powder technology, all face the same challenges,' Andy Middleton, UltiMaker's new SVP EMEA & global marketing, told me in an interview. 'Repeatability across multiple output devices, mechanical properties of the final part, and ease of use… So our job at Ultimaker, and that's why I joined Ultimaker quite recently, is to define where 3D printing—additive manufacturing—makes sense.' That represents much of the industry's work over the past decade or so, as the technology broke out from its prototyping role into production of end-use parts. Probably no market showcases the strength of AM better than defense and aerospace. 'Defense will be, in my opinion, and in our company's opinion, one of the major adopters of FDM, our technology,' said Middleton. 'In 2025, 2026 it's going to be taking upwards of 25 to 30% of our business, because now the materials we can print can replace metal parts with carbon fiber, nylon-reinforced and so on.' 3D Systems is also betting big on that same market. 'For me, in aerospace and defense, we do quite a bit with casting technology using the stereolithography,' Mike Shepard, the company's VP, aerospace & defense segment,' said in an interview. 'Our trade name for it is QuickCast… We create these polymer investment casting patterns. Traditionally, in investment casting, one of the problems is to get the shape right. I don't want to say you get the shape for free, but getting the shape has become dramatically easier. And so we keep investing in the SLA technology…. We've got a new machine out there… a two-laser SLA system. It's super-productive. And you can make casting patterns that are pretty big right out of the machine. But then you can also glue them together, and you can create truly enormous casting patterns… We've been very active with naval recently, and the naval space really uses a lot of sand castings.' Space applications are another focus area for 3D Systems. 'We've been very active in space historically,' said Shepard. 'Not just on the rocket side, but especially on the satellite side. There's a lot of satellites or payloads, and there's a lot of good reason to get weight out of those. There are a few superpowers that additive has, and one of them is getting weight out because you can make these highly optimized structures. A lot of the space structures we work in—brackets, things like that—10, 20, 25% of the weight you can get out of those structures.' Another area of opportunity for the defense industry that Ultimaker has focused on has been on-demand spare parts. 'I attended a NATO conference just six, seven weeks ago,' Middleton explained. 'They have a very nice phraseology in peacetime and in non-peacetime—they need to be able to deploy such printers that can do a myriad of applications... Much of the hardware being used in the field is 30, 40 years old, and spare parts don't exist. So they are re-engineering those spare parts.' That same focus area has also led to business in non-defense applications. 'Also as an example is the food and beverage industry, where Coca Cola Bottling plants or Heineken bottling plants have these hugely capital-intensive lines. If one little widget breaks, which is guiding bottles to be filled, that machine goes down.' The trouble arises when the replacement for the little widget that broke isn't in the spare parts room, and the company that made the machine can't get a part out immediately. That can mean millions of dollars in lost production. With 3D printing, rather than sending the part, the OEM simply sends a file to be printed on-site. 'The beauty is this bottling line, we have nothing to do with it,' Middleton continued. 'That's manufactured by a German company. They're all over the US, a company called PHS, so they are now saying, hey, they can't ship the spare part in time. It's three days, best case. So now they're building a business model to send the file.' One routine part of today's 3D printing business story is consolidation, and that's been part of the game plan for both 3D Systems and Ultimaker. (There are much less friendly twists on this theme, as with Nano Dimension's recent move to acquire Desktop Metal, then break it up and sell the parts.) For 3D Systems, much of the work Shepard described with sand molds was enabled by the company's 2022 acquisition of Titan Robotics, a Colorado-based designer and fabricator of large-format industrial 3D printers. 'The Titan machines themselves can have a very large build volume, but they can work directly with injection molding pellets,' Shepard said. 'So there's a huge range of materials that you can engage with. And then on top of that, you can lay down a lot of material really fast.' On the Ultimaker side, its 2022 merger with MakerBot was one of the biggest consolidation stories yet in the AM business world. Looking forward, both companies are focused on enabling customers to make the most use of their revolutionary manufacturing methodologies. 'I think we're the biggest experts on deployment and training and enablement,' said Middleton. 'The barrier has been the ability of companies to transfer knowledge. How do I integrate it into my workflow? We've got workflows which integrate into ERP systems. The ease of our technology to operate is incomparable to other technologies.' Shepard added, 'I think we need to be better at proselytizing for additive manufacturing and better at helping great manufacturing companies that have not really adopted additive manufacturing, helping them adopt the technology and helping them find exactly the way that it is going to slide in most comfortably with their businesses, and helping them be successful as quickly as possible.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Designing packaging for complex 3D printed parts
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is transforming the way products are designed, produced, and distributed. As this technology advances, the need for specialised packaging tailored to 3D printed goods has grown significantly. Unlike traditional products, items produced through additive manufacturing often have unique shapes, delicate features, or are made from unconventional materials. This creates new challenges and opportunities in the packaging industry, prompting innovation to protect and preserve these products throughout their supply chain. Understanding the unique packaging needs of 3d printed goods 3D printed products can vary widely—from prototypes and medical devices to customised consumer goods and aerospace components. Each type has distinct packaging requirements. The complexity of shapes and materials used means standard packaging solutions may not offer sufficient protection. For example, brittle materials like certain resins or ceramics need cushioning to avoid damage, while intricate geometries may require custom-fit supports. Packaging for additive manufacturing must also consider the potential for sensitive surface finishes, which can be scratched or degraded by conventional packing materials. Moreover, some 3D printed items are produced in small batches or even as one-offs, making cost-effective packaging solutions vital for economic viability. The ability to protect the product during transit, storage, and handling while maintaining a compact footprint is essential for the sustainable growth of this sector. Materials and design innovations in packaging for additive manufacturing To meet these challenges, packaging designers are exploring a range of innovative materials and designs tailored to the unique properties of 3D printed goods. Foam inserts made from biodegradable or recyclable materials can be custom-cut to cradle delicate parts, ensuring stability and shock absorption. Flexible packaging solutions, such as air-filled cushions or moulded pulp, also provide effective protection without adding significant weight. Another key trend is the use of modular packaging components that can be easily adapted to different product sizes and shapes. This flexibility reduces waste and lowers costs, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Some companies are even utilising 3D printing itself to create bespoke packaging inserts, perfectly contoured to the product, which can be produced on-demand and reused or recycled. Sustainability remains a major focus, with many manufacturers seeking packaging that is both protective and eco-friendly. This involves selecting materials with a lower environmental impact and designing for minimal waste, ensuring that packaging complements the innovative nature of additive manufacturing rather than detracting from it. Challenges and future directions in additive manufacturing packaging While the packaging industry is adapting to the needs of 3D printed goods, several challenges persist. One significant issue is the lack of standardisation in additive manufacturing processes and materials, which makes it difficult to create universal packaging solutions. This variability requires packaging to be highly customisable, sometimes resulting in higher production costs. Temperature sensitivity is another concern. Some 3D printed materials can be affected by heat or humidity, necessitating climate-controlled packaging or special barrier materials to maintain product integrity. For medical or aerospace components, strict regulatory requirements also influence packaging design, demanding traceability, sterilisation compatibility, and tamper evidence. Looking ahead, advances in smart packaging technologies may play an important role in supporting additive manufacturing. Embedded sensors could monitor environmental conditions during transit, alerting users to any risks of damage or contamination. Interactive packaging might also provide product information or authenticity verification, enhancing the value chain. As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, packaging solutions will need to keep pace, combining protection, adaptability, and sustainability. Collaboration between additive manufacturing experts and packaging engineers will be key to developing innovative, cost-effective solutions that ensure products reach customers in optimal condition. "Designing packaging for complex 3D printed parts" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
CNET
09-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Prime Day Deal: Our Expert's Favorite Budget 3D Printer is Massively Discounted Right Now
3D printers are powerful devices loved by tech enthusiasts and creators alike. However, they can be pretty expensive depending on the quality and capabilities. Our favorite budget option is the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer. Right now, Prime Day savings make it even more affordable. It's 27% off, which translates to $200 off for you. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer usually retails for $750 on Amazon, so seeing it drop to $550 is a huge score if you're in the market for an affordable, quality printer. We liked it so much that it earned the spot as the best overall choice on our best budget 3D printer list. This printer is also on sale on the Anycubic website, though it's only marked down to $599, so Amazon is the better choice for now. We're not sure how long this deal will last, so now's the time to snag it for a good chunk off. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo is a fast 3D printer with a large LCD display. It is fully enclosed to control temperature and performs really well for its price. According to CNET expert James Bricknell, it also allows 4-color printing, which is a big selling point. In his review, he noted that the print quality is "surprisingly good" for a 3D printer "in a price bracket that can fall prey to poor tuning." "Color 3D printing is all the rage, and Anycubic has built a printer that can match far more expensive models in quality and speed. The S1 is a great place to start if you're looking to print four colors on a budget,' says Bricknell. The official speed of 500m/s might be a little higher than the true speed, but the S1 is much faster than most of Anycubic's other offerings and the enclosure allows you to print many different materials at those high speeds. Anycubic S1 specifications undefined Build Volume (mm) 256 x 256 x 256 Nozzle type Quick Swap stainless steel Max nozzle temperature 300C Build plate max temperature 100C Official max speed 500mm/s Typical speed 200 - 300mm/s Supported material PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA Connectivity WiFi, USB Slicer Bambu Slicer Color system? Yes (ACE) Why this deal matters There are a ton of 3D printers out there, and if you're just starting, the range of price points can quickly become overwhelming. The Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo 3D Printer is a CNET favorite that's more affordable and performs exceptionally well for the price. It's still not a cheap device, so seeing a $200 off sale for Prime Day is very appealing.
Globe and Mail
04-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in 3D Printing Photopolymer Market
Over the past decade, technologies within the 3D printing photopolymer market have evolved to become increasingly divergent, shifting from conventional stereolithography (SLA) to more advanced Digital Light Processing (DLP) and PolyJet technologies. Such changes indicate a growing demand for faster production speeds, higher resolution, and more versatile material properties in photopolymer 3D printing. Over the past decade, technologies within the 3D printing photopolymer market have evolved to become increasingly divergent, shifting from conventional stereolithography (SLA) to more advanced Digital Light Processing (DLP) and PolyJet technologies. Such changes indicate a growing demand for faster production speeds, higher resolution, and more versatile material properties in photopolymer 3D printing. Download sample by clicking on Stratasys, 3D Systems, Evonik, Formlabs, Envision TEC, DSM Somos are among the major technology providers in the 3D printing photopolymer market. Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm with over 1,000 clients worldwide, has analyzed the technologies used in 3D printing photopolymer market and has now published a comprehensive research report titled "Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in the Global 3D Printing Photopolymer Market 2024-2030". This report analyzes technology maturity, degree of disruption, competitive intensity, market potential, and other parameters of various technologies in the 3D printing photopolymer technology market. The study includes trends and forecast for the technology trends in the 3D printing photopolymer market various segmentations as below: 3D Printing Photopolymer Market Trend and Forecast by Technology [Value from 2019 to 2031]: • Digital Light Processing • Polyjet • Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing Photopolymer Market Trend and Forecast by End Use Industry [Value from 2019 to 2031]: • Aerospace & Defense • Healthcare • Automotive 3D Printing Photopolymer Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]: • North America • Europe • Asia Pacific • The Rest of the World Latest Developments and Innovations in the 3D Printing Photopolymer Technologies Companies / Ecosystems Strategic Opportunities by Technology Type A more than 150-pages research report will enable you to make confident business decisions in this globally competitive marketplace. For a detailed table of contents, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or click on this link helpdesk@ About Lucintel Lucintel, the premier global management consulting and market research firm, creates winning strategies for growth. It offers market assessments, competitive analysis, opportunity analysis, growth consulting, M&A, and due diligence services to executives and key decision-makers in a variety of industries. For further information, visit Explore Our Latest Publications Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in Aircraft Fuel System Market Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in Diode Pump Solid State Lasers Market Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in E-Commerce Fraud Detection Solutions Market Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in Exhaust Heat Recovery System Market Technology Landscape, Trends and Opportunities in Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Market Media Contact Company Name: Lucintel Contact Person: Roy Almaguer Email: Send Email Phone: 972.636.5056 Address: 8951 Cypress Waters Blvd., Suite 160 City: Dallas State: TEXAS Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Top 5 Analyst Questions From 3D Systems's Q1 Earnings Call
3D Systems' first quarter results fell short of Wall Street's expectations, with management attributing the underperformance to weakened customer capital spending and heightened uncertainty around global tariffs. CEO Jeffrey Graves noted that outside of healthcare and defense, most customers paused or delayed capital expenditures, significantly impacting sales, especially in materials for dental and orthodontic applications. He described the environment as "anemic" and outlined that logistics cost pressures and shifting inventory management strategies among key customers contributed to revenue volatility. As a result, the company began more aggressive cost reduction initiatives to align with the reduced demand. Is now the time to buy DDD? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $94.54 million vs analyst estimates of $98.31 million (8.1% year-on-year decline, 3.8% miss) Adjusted EPS: -$0.21 vs analyst expectations of -$0.15 (44.8% miss) Adjusted EBITDA: -$22.79 million vs analyst estimates of -$12.36 million (-24.1% margin, 84.3% miss) Operating Margin: -38.9%, in line with the same quarter last year Market Capitalization: $234.6 million While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Troy Jensen (Cantor Fitzgerald): Asked about aligner market inventory swings. CEO Jeffrey Graves explained that customers are moving to just-in-time inventory, making quarter-to-quarter demand less predictable but not fundamentally altering long-term growth. Greg Palm (Craig Hallum): Questioned the cause of the revenue miss late in the quarter. Graves cited last-minute customer purchase order delays and logistical challenges, especially in materials and equipment shipments, as main factors. Brian Drab (William Blair): Inquired about options for managing the upcoming debt maturity. Graves said the company is evaluating paying down debt, refinancing, or retaining more cash, and will decide after assessing the post-divestiture cash position. Brian Drab (William Blair): Asked whether incremental cost cuts would hurt growth. Graves emphasized that R&D investments are being maintained for core platforms, but efforts in less proven markets are being reduced or paused to preserve growth in key areas. Alek Valero (Loop Capital Markets): Requested more detail on the role of 3D printing in AI infrastructure. Graves discussed three areas: semiconductor manufacturing equipment, data center cooling via copper printing, and energy generation components. In future quarters, the StockStory team will be watching (1) whether cost savings initiatives translate into sustainable profitability at current revenue levels, (2) adoption and commercial traction of new metal and polymer printing platforms—particularly in healthcare and industrial applications, and (3) stabilization in dental materials demand as major customers adjust their inventory strategies. Execution on these fronts will be key to 3D Systems' ability to navigate ongoing market uncertainty. 3D Systems currently trades at $1.72, down from $2.58 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump's presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth. While this has caused many investors to adopt a "fearful" wait-and-see approach, we're leaning into our best ideas that can grow regardless of the political or macroeconomic climate. Take advantage of Mr. Market by checking out our Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Comfort Systems (+782% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
