The additive manufacturing industry is evolving towards greater maturity, with a focus on specific skills, production, and customer interaction. An increasing number of professionals is changing the job market, making hiring more selective and promoting internal skill development.

3D printing is revolutionizing microfluidics by enabling the rapid and precise production of complex devices in a single process. Technologies like PolyJet and PµSL allow for the creation of microfluidic chips with micrometer-scale channels, eliminating assembly phases and reducing development costs and times. The integration of advanced design, biocompatible materials, and functional coatings enables

The certification of medical devices produced with additive manufacturing requires an operational framework that integrates regulatory requirements from the design phase. This approach, called “design for certification”, reduces delays and late reviews, turning compliance into a competitive advantage. It is fundamental to qualify the 3D printing process with documented proof of rep

A new innovative method enables the automatic identification of 3D printed parts directly using CAD models, without the need to retrain machine learning models. Developed by KU Leuven, Materialise, and Iristick, the system leverages geometric representations and few-shot learning techniques to classify new parts quickly and efficiently, reducing times and

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

Post-processing is crucial in stereolithography to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Stages such as washing and post-curing eliminate chemical residues and complete polymerization, ensuring mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The use of validated systems and low-risk solvents improves operational efficiency and safety.

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 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 modeling tools are revolutionizing youth education, making STEAM learning more visual, interactive, and engaging. Through intuitive interfaces and complete design cycles, students transform ideas into physical objects, developing technical and creative skills from primary school. Software like BlocksCAD and SelfCAD combine geometry, coding and s

Educational robotics and the maker approach, if integrated with a structured teaching plan, can transform learning into a practical experience. Success depends on teacher training, the appropriate choice of technologies and materials, and coherent curricular integration.

3D printing is revolutionizing university laboratories, integrating into teaching and research processes. A key tool for rapid prototyping, it allows students to translate theory into practice, accelerating learning. Case studies such as drones and aerospace components demonstrate the real-world application of the technology, supported by advanced motion capture systems and workflow

The 3D printing market reaches $24.2 billion in 2025, with a growth of 10.91%. The sector enters a maturity phase, shifting from machinery to production services. The Asia-Pacific region grows at 19.81%, while Europe and EMEA slow down. Services cover 48% of the market, highlighting an industrial conversion based on real usage and economic return.