3D scanning has quietly moved from lab environments into everyday creative work. As it becomes more mainstream, users now expect tools that are faster, more accessible, and flexible enough to adapt to a wide range of objects. The EINSTAR 3D scanners were developed with that shift in mind. Instead of pushing a single all-purpose device, the lineup focuses on practical scanning scenarios, offering tools that prioritize portability, usability, and flexibility for creators and prosumers working outside controlled environments. EINSTAR is powered by SHINING 3D, a company whose experience extends far beyond entry-level scanning. Founded in 2004, SHINING 3D has spent more than two decades developing metrology-grade 3D scanning and inspection technologies, delivering single-digit-micron accuracy for demanding industrial and medical applications including aviation, automotive manufacturing, energy, electronics, and dentistry. This background shaped how the EINSTAR was engineered. While positioned as an entry-level handheld 3D scanner, EINSTAR draws on the same technical… read more
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Researchers at Kennesaw State University in the United States have found that adjusting 3D printing settings can nearly triple the strength of printed parts, paving the way for safer, more efficient designs in high-stakes applications like nuclear energy. The project, supported by the Summer Undergraduate Research Program and the Sophomore Scholars Program, is led by Aaron Adams, assistant chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, and carried out by mechatronics engineering student Eric Miller at KSU’s START Lab. The team explores how subtle changes in lattice angles, densities, and internal channels influence material behavior. Adams notes that these improvements could help address inefficiencies in nuclear fuel systems, where tightly packed fuel pellets have little room to expand. “Right now, the fuel is in the form of a pellet about the size of a penny, and the pellets are stacked together like a roll of coins,” said Adams, an associate professor… read more
Auburn University, a public land-grant research university, has strengthened its advanced manufacturing portfolio with the addition of a CF3D Enterprise system from Continuous Composites, now installed at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus. The new capability reinforces the Huntsville site’s position within a rapidly expanding regional hub for hypersonic research and development. This investment reflects Auburn’s continued focus on next-generation composite manufacturing. Paired with the CF3D Studio software, the system enables the production of high-performance continuous-fiber composite structures, supporting research efforts that address some of the most demanding challenges in aerospace and defense applications. The CF3D Enterprise Cell. Photo via Auburn University. A Strategic Location for Hypersonics Research The Huntsville campus is embedded within a dense network of defense contractors, aerospace companies, and organizations leading key programs. The site hosts the Auburn University Applied Research Institute and offers adaptable laboratories, modeling and simulation tools, secure research spaces, and dedicated… read more
Understanding the Basics of 3D Printing Costs 3D printing can be an exciting venture, but understanding the costs involved is critical for success. At its core, 3D printing expenses can be divided into material costs, operational costs, and overhead costs. Material costs encompass the filament or resin used for printing, which can vary widely based on the type and quality selected. In addition to materials, operational costs include electricity usage and wear and tear on the printer. Overhead costs can also include maintenance, software subscriptions, and labor if applicable. Recognizing these elements helps in creating a comprehensive budget. Key Factors Influencing 3D Printing Expenses Several key factors can significantly influence the overall expenses of 3D printing. The type of material you choose is one of the most impactful; for example, high-quality filaments like nylon or polycarbonate can be more expensive than standard PLA. Additionally, the complexity and size of your… read more
Researchers from the University of Washington (UW) have introduced a new way to 3D print mycelium-based biocomposites, sidestepping the need for traditional molds. Led by Danli Luo, alongside Junchao Yang, and Nadya Peek this approach uses a specialized 3D printable paste called Mycofluid, a custom-built 3D printing system named Fungibot, and an incubation process that allows mycelium to grow within printed structures. Published in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing journal, the study highlights how this method could offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fabrication without compromising on functionality. Mycelium biocomposites offer structural strength and hydrophobic properties, but rigid molds limit design flexibility. Attempts with flexible formworks like knitting or weaving have led to uneven material distribution and structural inconsistencies, says the team. “We’re interested in expanding this to other bio-derived materials, such as other forms of food waste,” Luo said. “We want to broadly support this kind of… read more
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