Category: Maker

Prusa's OCL: open source or hidden barrier?

Prusa's OCL: open source or hidden barrier?

The Open Community License of Prusa Research allows free use and modification for non-commercial purposes, but limits companies to internal production only, prohibiting the sale of derivatives. The community considers it incompatible with open source hardware standards.

Hybrid 3D Printing: How Does In Situ Electrodeposition Work?

Hybrid 3D Printing: How Does In Situ Electrodeposition Work?

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.

PrusaSlicer 3.0: does a redesigned engine change everything?

PrusaSlicer 3.0: does a redesigned engine change everything?

PrusaSlicer 3.0 introduces a deep rewrite of the code to reduce technical debt and improve maintenance and future updates. The release is expected in a few weeks. It does not bring immediate spectacular features, but a more solid software base for greater stability and more frequent releases.

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0-alpha: Is it worth the risk?

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0-alpha: Is it worth the risk?

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0-alpha offre Orca Cloud, Z Anti-Aliasing e infill ottimizzato, ma ha bug critici su Linux/macOS e regressioni su supporti e cloud sync. Solo per tester esperti, in parallelo alla 2.3.2 stabile con backup profili. Per uso produttivo, attendere la beta.

Can you really create without knowing design?

Can you really create without knowing design?

AI Text-to-STL tools are revolutionizing 3D printing by eliminating the need for CAD skills. Anyone can create custom objects, opening up entrepreneurial scenarios for makers and micro-entrepreneurs. Large companies are integrating AI into their design ecosystems.

A2L: 500 mm/sec for real?

A2L: 500 mm/sec for real?

Bambu Lab A2L: consumer 3D printing with a volume of 330×320×325 mm and speeds up to 500 mm/sec. Open bed-slinger architecture to keep costs down, but with structural criticalities. Ideal for cosplay, prototypes, and bulky objects without assemblies.

DIY 3D Kit: Saving or Wasting Time?

DIY 3D Kit: Saving or Wasting Time?

3D printer kits save 20-30% and offer total control, but require time and skills. From basic models like Dagoma (€399) to advanced ones like Prusa CORE One+ (€1,999), choosing a kit is convenient for those who want to customize and maintain their own machine, dedicating hours to assembly.

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0 Alpha: innovation at what cost?

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0 Alpha: innovation at what cost?

OrcaSlicer 2.4.0 Alpha offers Orca Cloud, Z Anti-Aliasing, and Machine Input Shaping, but it has technical limitations and risks of instability. For production environments, it is essential to maintain a stable version in parallel and test only copies of the profiles.

3 components, 1 pump: the trick is in the mounts?

3 components, 1 pump: the trick is in the mounts?

3D printed centrifugal pump in a single piece: bearings and o-rings inserted during printing, dissolvable supports for the impeller and epoxy coating for sealing. A hybrid technique that eliminates post-print assembly.

3 G-Code moves that double strength without extra weight?

3 G-Code moves that double strength without extra weight?

Double the strength of 3D prints without extra weight: use gyroid infill, optimized pathing with Arachne, and localized reinforcements in the G-Code. Advanced slicing techniques for stronger and lighter parts, without complex CAD modifications.

Washable in water does not mean safe: here's why

Washable in water does not mean safe: here's why

Water-washable resins for 3D printing are neither safe nor eco-friendly. The wash water becomes contaminated with unpolymerized toxic resin and must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Do not pour down the sink. Always use gloves and protective gear: convenience does not eliminate health and environmental risks.

Critical bugs fixed: OrcaSlicer and Marlin are now more reliable

Critical bugs fixed: OrcaSlicer and Marlin are now more reliable

OrcaSlicer v2.3.2 and Marlin 2.1.3-b3 resolve critical bugs: no more crashes in multi-material slicing, 3MF vulnerabilities closed, and native support for FLY boards and GD32 processors. Essential updates for stability, security, and modern hardware.

/