La stampa 3D in microgravità migliora le ceramiche: carburo di silicio e allumina si distribuiscono meglio senza gravità. Photocentric ha collaudato CosmicMaker su voli parabolici, dimostrando un processo LCD senza supporti ideale per la produzione nello spazio.

Ricercatori giapponesi hanno sviluppato leghe di alluminio riciclabili resistenti fino a 300°C tramite stampa 3D. Combinando alluminio, ferro, manganese e titanio, il materiale supera i limiti termici tradizionali per applicazioni aerospaziali.

The Polytechnic University of Bari has developed a desktop 3D printer head that deposits copper during FDM printing, creating hybrid polymer-metal circuits in a single session. An accessible solution for makers and rapid prototyping, with limitations compared to industrial methods.

3D-printed living materials with bioluminescent microorganisms react to chemical stimuli by emitting blue light. Battery-free and electronics-free autonomous sensors to monitor water and the environment through repeatable visual signals.

3D printing is the key to sustainability on Mars: regolith and titanium create resistant materials, atmospheric CO2 replaces argon, and in-situ production eliminates dependence on Earth. Earth-based tests are already validating the technology for future human missions.

Lignosulfonate-based 3D ink (70%), a byproduct of the paper industry. It leverages reversible physical interactions to eliminate solvents and chemical crosslinkers: processable at room temperature and recyclable up to nine times without degradation.

Tsinghua University's DISH technology revolutionizes volumetric 3D printing by eliminating layering. It uses holographic light fields and wave optics to print millimeter objects in 0.6 seconds with a uniform resolution of 19 μm over 1 cm of depth. Ideal for biomedicine and microfluidics.

4D Printing: smart materials that autonomously transform over time through external stimuli and AI. In medicine, orthopedic scaffolds and devices self-assemble within the body. The healthcare market will reach $4.7 billion by 2034.

The AddMamBa project transforms steel scrap into metal powder to print high-performance building components with 3D laser technology. Concrete circular economy to reduce emissions, consumption, and waste in the construction sector.

Colossal Biosciences has developed artificial eggs with 3D-printed shells and silicone membranes: 26 chicks have hatched. The technology aims to save endangered species and bring back the giant moa, whose eggs no living bird can incubate.

LEAP 71 compares a classic nozzle and an aerospike of 20 kN in CuCrZr: the first is stable and efficient beyond 93%, the second at 50 bar but with startup criticalities. Mature nozzle for immediate missions, promising aerospike for multi-regime efficiency and reusable launches.

ESA is developing Smart Skin, an intelligent 3D-printed skin for space robotic arms. The flexible coating integrates thermal protection, sensors, and wiring for lunar and Martian missions, overcoming the limits of traditional insulation.