Manufacturing 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.
Innovations ColorMix in beta on PrusaSlicer enables multicolor printing with few filaments, alternating them per layer to simulate new shades. It works without additional hardware on multi-material printers, but is calibrated only for Prusament PLA and Prusa XL.
Manufacturing Logistical resilience is more critical than the availability of raw materials for supply chain security. The distance between production and consumption is the greatest risk. Strategic reserves of materials such as tungsten and production localization reduce the risk of downtime and ensure continuity for supply chains.
Manufacturing Metal Powder Works and Westinghouse scale up in three months the production of metal powders for nuclear with the DirectPowder solid-state technology, which eliminates melting by reducing impurities by 30% and bringing materials to the TRL required for high-responsibility components.
Manufacturing 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.
Manufacturing Breathable steel is a microporous material that allows gases to escape during injection molding, eliminating defects and voids without compromising mechanical strength. It is produced via metal 3D printing with foaming agents.
Innovations 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.
Maker 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.
Innovations A new patent uses frequency control to optimize de-powdering in 3D printing: 30% reduced times, greater repeatability and transferability between machines. It requires sensors, but the ROI is 2-5 years for complex components.
Manufacturing AI in industrial automation requires rethinking the entire production flow. Real value emerges when artificial intelligence operates along the entire chain, overcoming the limited approach to single machines and local optimizations in additive manufacturing.
Manufacturing TPU CF is the flexible technical filament reinforced with carbon fiber that exceeds the limits of traditional TPU in AMS systems. Compatible with AMS 2 Pro and AMS HT,
combines elasticity, hydrocarbon chemical resistance, and dimensional stability for automotive, motorsport, and industrial applications.
Maker 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.
