Fiber optic sensors integrated in large-format 3D printing: ERDC research

Researchers at the U.S. Army ERDC have demonstrated that it is possible to embed fiber optic strain sensors during large-format additive manufacturing without modifying the basic printing process.

3D-LINE: 3D printed concrete and plastic for architecture and design
The French company V-Concept, through the 3D-LINE brand, combines 3D printing in concrete and plastic to create innovative solutions in the furniture, design, and architecture sectors. The president Frédéric Vigier r

3D-LINE: 3D printed concrete and plastic for architecture and design

The French company V-Concept, through the brand 3D-LINE, combines 3D printing in concrete and plastic to create innovative solutions in the fields of furniture, design and architecture. President Frédéric Vigier

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.

Data centers and chip factories are driving industrial-scale infrastructure investments. 3D printing, custom materials, and integrated logistics reduce times and costs. However, scaling requires mature digital ecosystems and resilient supply chains.

Forge I, a new factory in the United Kingdom, produces structural concrete elements via large-scale 3D printing. The project, led by Hyperion Robotics and LKAB Minerals, represents a paradigm shift towards the industrial production of complex building components, with benefits in terms of efficiency, quality control, waste reduction, and lower environmental impact. The factory is expected to

The German project AddMamBa transforms scrap steel into structural components for construction via 3D printing, reducing emissions and waste. Through the atomization of metal scraps into powder suitable for laser melting, brackets and connectors are obtained with performance similar to traditional components, but with lower environmental impact. The approach includes chemical control, optimization

Bio-inspired soft sensors represent an engineering revolution: the material structure itself becomes the true sensor, generating electrical signals without electronic components. Thanks to porous and anisotropic microarchitectures, these smart materials convert mechanical stimuli into electrical responses by leveraging natural physical phenomena, such as streaming potential. Studies inspired by the spines

Industrial 3D printing presents often underestimated contractual risks, with clauses that unilaterally shift liability and costs onto clients. Key points include: GPS tracking, geographic limits, training obligations, vague definitions of “failure”, and choice of jurisdiction. It is essential to negotiate fair contracts to avoid legal constraints and ensure safe operations.

The collaboration project between NAICO Malaysia and WAAM3D demonstrates the concrete integration of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) in civil engineering, with a systemic approach covering every phase of the process, from engineering to finishing. Through the MiniWAAM platform, the project develops advanced industrial capabilities, promoting the efficient production of metallic components of

From agricultural waste to construction materials: an innovative industrial process transforms waste such as straw and peels into eco-friendly panels and bricks. Technologies such as robotic extrusion and 3D printing enable the creation of high-performance biocomposites, reducing the environmental impact of construction. Projects such as CORNCRETL in Mexico and European initiatives demonstrate industrial feasibility

Industrial 3D printing can reduce environmental impact, but it requires strategic choices on materials, energy efficiency and life cycle management. Although it offers advantages such as less waste and simplification of the supply chain, the real benefit depends on sustainable feedstocks, efficient processes and recovery policies. Studies show that the use of recycled material and energy sources