3D printing has positive effects on global trade

Research finds the technology is a boon to trade, allowing participating countries to provide higher income and more opportunities to their people.

4D printing is revolutionizing the printing world

4D printing is opening up possibilities never before seen from printing in outer space or even remote areas of our planet with its reactive abilities.

China's first set of 3D printing tests in space

China’s first in-orbit 3D printing test involved producing continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. This is the first time this has been done in space by anyone.

3D Printing of Body Parts Is Coming Fast

In the last few years, the use of 3D printing has exploded in medicine. Engineers and medical professionals now routinely 3D print prosthetic hands and surgical tools. But 3D printing has only just begun to transform the field.

3D printing the human heart

Researchers have published a new 3D bioprinting method that brings the field of tissue engineering one step closer to being able to 3D print a full-sized, adult human heart.

Scientists print first 3D heart using patient's biological materials

In a major medical breakthrough, Tel Aviv University researchers have "printed" the world's first 3D heart. Engineered heart completely matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical and anatomical properties of the patient.

3-D printer threads electronic fibers onto fabrics

Chinese scientists, using a 3-D printer equipped with a coaxial needle, print patterns that can harvest and store electricity onto fabrics, giving it the ability to transform movement into energy.

Mobile 3D bioprinter can print skin to heal wounds

U.S. Scientists have created a mobile skin 3D bioprinting system that allows bi-layered skin to be printed directly into a wound. This treatment could help in the healing of large wounds or burns.

World's largest 3D-printed rocket engine

UK startup Orbex has showed off its Prime Rocket's second stage. Inside the engineering prototype's shell is the "world's largest" 3D printed rocket engine, which is also designed to run on bio-propane, a renewable fuel source.

Directly recycling waste plastic into 3D printed furniture

A Zero Waste Lab was just opened in Greece that directly recycles plastic into outdoor furniture. Closing the plastic waste loop with direct recycling is one of the more compelling selling points of 3D printing.

3D printing 100 times faster with light

Rather than building up plastic filaments layer by layer, a new approach to 3D printing lifts complex shapes from a vat of liquid at up to 100 times faster than conventional 3D printing processes, researchers have shown.

First 3D-Printed Rib Implant a Success

In November a first for Bulgaria (and the world), experts at Tokuda Hospital removed the tumorous bone and replaced it with a 3D-printed rib from local manufacturers 3DGence and 3dBGprint.

3D-printed robot hand ‘plays’ the piano

Scientists have developed a 3D-printed robotic hand which can play simple musical phrases on the piano. And while the robot is no virtuoso, it demonstrates how challenging it is to replicate all the abilities of a human hand.

6 of the most amazing things that were 3D-printed in 2018

  • 27 Dec 2018

From bridges to cars, 3D printing proved this year that it’s still relevant and exciting.

Scientists create bio-engineered mushroom that generates renewable energy

A mushroom has been turned into a renewable energy generator using 3D printed materials and bacteria. The initial results are promising for further development as a source of renewable energy.