Bio-based materials for SLS 3D printing, such as PHB and PA11, offer more sustainable solutions but still present technological limitations compared to traditional polymers like PA12. Although they improve stiffness and thermal stability, they suffer from lower ductility, high porosity, and a narrow process window. Research continues to optimize composition and parameters, aiming for a balance between sust

New 3D printing ink based on lignosulfonate, a by-product of the paper industry, enables room-temperature processes without solvents or post-treatments. Composed of 70% waste material, it is recyclable up to nine times while maintaining high performance, promoting a circular economy in industrial additive production.

High-entropy refractory alloys are revolutionizing aerospace thanks to superior properties at extreme temperatures. Compared to traditional Inconel, they offer greater strength, lower weight, and better performance in applications such as combustion chambers, nozzles, and hypersonics. RCCAs, with disordered BCC structures, exceed melting and corrosion limits, opening up new possibilities for

Researchers have developed superelastic metamaterials in Nitinol with interwoven 3D-printed structures, combining superelasticity and lattice architectures to achieve advanced mechanical properties without altering the chemical composition. These materials, which behave more like fabrics than metals, open new possibilities for biomedical implants, protective devices, and stru

New plug-and-play optical interface developed with 3D printing enables high-efficiency connections between optical fibers and integrated photonic circuits, with losses of only 0.78 dB. Thanks to polymer structures created via two-photon polymerization, the system offers passive alignment, compatibility with standard MTP cables, and stable performance over broad bandwidth, paving the way for photonic systems

New entry-level LPBF systems, such as Metal-Base, make metal 3D printing accessible to startups and labs with costs under €10,000, thanks to innovative technologies, compact design, and open-source software.

The TCT Awards 2026 highlight the growing role of additive manufacturing in strategic sectors such as aerospace, defense, and automotive, with projects that integrate optimized structures, advanced materials, and cross-sector collaborations.

3D printing is revolutionizing the development of hypersonic vehicles, reducing costs and production times. Programs like the Pentagon's HyCAT focus on rapid and reusable test platforms, such as Hypersonix's DART AE demonstrator, entirely 3D printed. Additive manufacturing allows for complex geometries and the use of advanced materials resistant to high temperatures, accelerating

Chitosan bioprinting allows the creation of customized patches for chronic ulcers, combining mechanical barrier, antibacterial release, and support for tissue regeneration. Studies from the University of Mississippi show promising results in accelerating healing and reducing infections, thanks to the biocompatible and multifunctional properties of chitosan. The technol

An ESA project studies how to transform lunar regolith into conductive materials to print electronic components in space, reducing dependence on Earth supplies.

Innovative materials such as technical ceramics and reinforced polymers are revolutionizing Industry 4.0, offering high-performance solutions for sectors like automotive, aerospace, and additive manufacturing. With advanced sintering and production technologies, these materials enable complex geometries and structural applications, also thanks to specialized centers like AMPP. The implementation

Soft robotics and multi-material 3D printing are revolutionizing automation, enabling the creation of lightweight, flexible, and safe robots. Thanks to an innovative process developed at Harvard University, it is now possible to build soft humanoids without molds, integrating rigid and gel-like materials in a single printing process. This technology opens new avenues for applications