The future of AI-generated models may ultimately be judged not by how impressive they look on screen, but by how consistently they succeed on the build plate.
Eventually, Thingiverse may offer its creators new ways to build a business for themselves and dedicated spaces for communities to develop. You can read more about that here. Ostensibly, that'd mean things like premium models, creator subscriptions, and perhaps even crowdfunding are on the table.
As these things often do, it's got me thinking. How many of you put money into the models you print? Do you buy models outright, or subscribe to creators?
The 3D printer component manufacturer has launched a program that nets you points for spending, as well as sharing and following on social media.
Unlike memberships that lock perks behind annual spend thresholds, this is a straightforward "earn-and-burn" model. Points can be exchanged for fixed-percentage discount codes: 500 coins for 5% off, scaling to 20% at the 3,000-coin mark. Best of all, the discounts can stack on top of other promos, like the company's Black Friday sale. More details can be found in a blog post covering the launch.
From deburring to polishing, the upgraded and compact M1 system eliminates manual labor by running multiple surface treatments simultaneously—addressing one of the biggest hurdles in serial additive manufacturing.
Bambu Lab’s TPU capabilities put to the test creating a custom-sized pair of office clogs. From the first digital layer to a final duct-tape fix, here is what it’s actually like to wear your own 3D prints.
Prominent model repository Thingiverse joins MyMiniFactory’s larger family of creator sites under the umbrella of SoulCrafted, an anti-AI “movement.” Nothing will change in the short term, but eventually the site will orient itself around new communities of user.
The colorful filament manufacturer’s new design tool is an easy way to bypass a boring afternoon by doodling something you can print. And there are prizes up for grabs in a celebratory launch competition.
Velo3D and Army engineers will begin printing and validating alternative spare parts for the U.S. Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) supply chain to relieve current sustainment bottlenecks.
Bambu Lab’s product line-up continues to evolve with production of the skeletal P1P 3D printer ceasing today. The company has committed to years of further firmware and security updates for the printer, plus spares and support through to 2031.
Move over Wigglitz: The "Cute Flexi Maker" is currently in pre-launch on MakerWorld, promising a push-button solution for the next 3D printed collectible craze.
How a specialized four-person team at Robins AFB is leveraging 3D printing and reverse engineering to manufacture critical metal components that are no longer in production.
But should we be spending more time on "The Last Big Thing"? We reported on a project to modernize "vintage" desktop printers earlier this week. Does hearing about a classic MakerBot running Klipper make you want to rescue an old printer from a garage sale?
The device marks a new direction for Creality scanning hardware, leaving the data cables behind in favor of handheld, onboard processing for more agile workflows.
Printer restoration and upgrade project This Old 3D Printer is posting a print every day this year using old and iconic 3D printing hardware.
Following its closed beta, MakerWorld's copyright protection scheme is opening up to more users. In exchange for platform exclusivity, you get a centralized mechanism to report, collect evidence, and support cases.
With €25 million in new funding and innovative 3D printing techniques, researchers and startups are now achieving 98% efficiency in electric motors—while slashing the need for critical and rare minerals.
It's a simple question, but one inspired by what we're witnessing in the incredible rise of companies like ZB Designs, building multi-million dollar enterprises printing collectible toys using the same "consumer" 3D printers many of us have sitting on our desks.
It has us wondering: how many of you are monetizing your hardware and expertise? Are you leaning into the entrepreneurial side of the hobby, or do you prefer to keep your printing strictly personal?
Precision Additive claims its new PA series hits speeds of 10,000 cm³/h — ten times faster than industry leaders — but is it a breakthrough or just bold marketing?
Prusa partners with Škoda Auto to release "Electric" and "Emerald" greens to your 3D printer in both PLA and PETG.
This print (the incredible Borderlands 4 "Ripper" mask – Printables) still looks great, even with the errors from so much loose debris thrown around the print volume.
Incidentally, the Snapmaker U1's five-second toolhead swap claim isn't marketing guff – for the most part it is five seconds, depending on when exactly you start the clock. It is quick.
