French artist Raphaël Emine has developed a series of 3D-printed ceramic structures designed to provide shelter for insects and small wildlife. The project, called Les Utopies Entomologiques, combines artistic design with ecological purpose through the use of advanced ceramic 3D printing technology from WASP. Image Credit: Raphaël Emine The ceramic structures feature intricate patterns inspired by natural formations, including honeycomb cells, spider webs, and mineral structures. These designs incorporate various architectural elements such as tunnels, galleries, and balconies that create functional spaces for small creatures to inhabit. The porous nature of the ceramic material helps the structures integrate naturally into outdoor environments. Two installations have been completed so far: Utopies Entomologiques I in 2023 and Utopies Entomologiques II in 2024. The pieces were manufactured using WASP’s 40100 LDM and Delta WASP 2040 Clay printing systems, demonstrating the practical application of ceramic 3D printing technology for outdoor installations. Image Credit: Raphaël… read more
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Snapmaker, a manufacturer of multifunctional 3D printers, and Polymaker, a developer of advanced 3D printing materials, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at improving filament storage and usability within the 3D printing industry. This collaboration has led to the co-development of the SnapDryer, a modular device designed to efficiently dry and store various 3D printing filaments, addressing common issues related to moisture absorption that can compromise print quality. The SnapDryer stands as the first product emerging from this partnership, showcasing significant advancements in filament management. Engineered to handle multiple storage boxes through its dryer dock, the device ensures a reliable, moisture-proof seal for filaments. Supporting a wide range of materials—including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA, PC, PVA, and breakaway support for PLA—the device accommodates filament diameters of 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm. It can manage spool sizes up to 205 mm in diameter and 78 mm in thickness, operating… read more
Following the RANGE 2 3D scanner launch, Revopoint has launched the much anticipated MINI 2 3D scanner. Founded in 2014, Revopoint’s 3D scanners, including POP series, RANGE series, INSPIRE, and MIRACO, among others, known for their high-quality performance, portability, and user-friendly design, have positioned the company as a sales leader in the industry. With users in over 150 countries, the company provides accurate, accessible, and affordable 3D scanners to tens of thousands of makers worldwide. Revopoint’s MINI 2 3D scanner is a powerful tool, catering to diverse needs across industries with its precision, speed, and user-friendly features. Whether in manufacturing, healthcare, heritage preservation, or design, the MINI 2 stands out as a reliable solution for professionals seeking high accuracy in small object scanning, says the company. Revopoint MINI 2 3D scanner. Photo via Revopoint. Tapping into the MINI 2 3D scanner’s superior features The Revopoint MINI 2 is an advanced… read more
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have developed a Kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) bioink that could streamline in vivo tissue engineering. Published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules on December 1, 2024, the study outlines how nanocellulose from SCOBY can be partially hydrolyzed, reinforced with chitosan and kaolin, and printed onto irregular wounds using a hand-held device called the Biowork biopen. Kombucha SCOBY produces cellulose during tea fermentation, resulting in nanocellulose with biodegradable and cell-compatible properties. However, the default entangled structure can be difficult to extrude. The team, led by Professor Insup Noh, used acetic acid to loosen the nanocellulose fibers (partial hydrolysis), improving flow through fine nozzles but simultaneously reducing the material’s mechanical strength. To restore structural stability, they introduced chitosan (a positively charged polymer) and kaolin (a negatively charged clay). Electrostatic interactions among these three components—nanocellulose, chitosan, and kaolin—created… read more
Swiss manufacturing automation firm SAEKI has secured $6.7 million in new funding, bringing its total funding to $8 million. The investment round was led by Lightbird, with participation from Founderful, 2100VC, Danobat, and several business angels. The company combines large-scale additive manufacturing with CNC machining in an integrated production system. This hybrid approach allows SAEKI to produce industrial components in significantly shorter timeframes compared to traditional manufacturing methods. According to the company, its automated quality assurance system helps maintain compliance with industry standards. Image Credit: SAEKI SAEKI has introduced a new digital quoting platform that enables customers to receive immediate pricing for engineered parts after uploading their designs. The system has reduced the procurement process from several days to minutes. A case study with an automotive manufacturer showed that SAEKI’s 3D-printed composite tooling reduced production time from six weeks to one week. “This isn’t just about making parts; it’s about… read more
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