The adoption of additive manufacturing in industry requires operational discipline, focus on defined part families, and rigorous process control. Technology alone is not enough: organizational management is needed to ensure reliability and repeatability. Winning applications are born where performance advantages outweigh complexity, such as in aerospace, medical, and tooling. Integration

Implementing the digital thread in additive manufacturing is now an operational necessity, no longer a futuristic vision. Multi-CAD integration requires reliable solutions to overcome interoperability barriers, ensure traceability, and maintain data consistency throughout the entire production cycle. Case studies and best practices show how middleware, clear governance, and hybrid toolchains can

The SOLen soft optical sensor uses light to measure deformations with high precision and stability, overcoming the limits of traditional sensors. Thanks to a 3D-printed Y-structure and a differential configuration of photoreceptors, it offers reliable measurements and is insensitive to environmental interference. Ideal for advanced medical devices, smart orthoses, and monitoring systems

Customized 3D printing reduces healthcare costs by preventing avoidable complications, such as oral mucositis, cutting nursing hours and unscheduled hospitalizations by up to 25%. Thanks to tailor-made devices, unnecessary radiological exposure is reduced, improving clinical efficiency and ROI.

The Mintion V1 is an accessible filtration system for FFF/FDM 3D printers, designed to reduce ultrafine particles and VOCs. It uses HEPA and activated carbon filters, easily integrating into home or maker spaces. It improves air quality by reducing odors and pollutants, but requires conscious use and correct installation to maximize effectiveness.

The partnership between BigRep and SEMA Garage introduces 3D printing into the automotive aftermarket, facilitating local and customized production of aesthetic and functional components thanks to accessible technologies without direct investment.

The additive manufacturing sector is experiencing a shift: from growth based on volumes to a strategy focused on margins, vertical specialization, and operational optimization. Companies like Materialise demonstrate how consolidation and attention to profitability, rather than expansion, can guarantee positive cash flows and solid financial positions, even

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

The Breast Cancer Locator by Cairn Surgical is a customized 3D guide obtained from magnetic resonance imaging to precisely locate breast tumors during lumpectomies. Created using 3D printing with biocompatible materials, it improves surgical margins, reduces reoperations, and offers millimetric positioning of the guide wire and dye. The device, created based on the anatomy

PreFlight is a new open-source slicer for FFF/FDM developed by oozeBot, designed to overcome the architectural limitations of traditional software. With a native 64-bit architecture and modern stack (C++20, OpenCASCADE, CGAL), it aims to ensure greater reliability, precision, and scalability in professional slicing. It introduces advanced features such as Athena Perimeter Generator and Interlocking Per

Customizing colors and materials in consumer 3D printing requires technical expertise to achieve aesthetic and functional results, with technologies such as structural color and advanced mixing systems.

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.