Shimizu Corporation has developed a spray-based 3D concrete printing system designed to construct large, curved reinforced components. The system combines a nine-degree-of-freedom gantry robot with a material spray simulator that can verify sprayed-material behavior before actual printing. The material spray simulator was developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s Computational Engineering and Robotics Lab. Credit: Shimizu The system addresses limitations of conventional material extrusion 3D printing methods, which deposit cementitious materials layer by layer but struggle to integrate rebars into printed layers. Spray-based printing allows for better integration of reinforced structural components by spraying cementitious materials to form structures. However, this method has historically faced challenges with printer motion control and fabrication accuracy. The new system uses a material spray simulator to determine optimal printing parameters, including nozzle paths, spray distance, angle, speed, and material discharge volume. The gantry robot features a seven-degree-of-freedom arm suspended from a two-axis XY motion… read more
3D Printing
Cobra Golf has added two new models to its 3D-printed iron collection, introducing the 3DP MB and 3DP X irons alongside the existing 3DP TOUR model. The expanded lineup aims to serve golfers across different skill levels, from tour professionals to mid-handicap players. The new models will be available for pre-sale on January 6 and at retailers on January 9. A look at the build-out of the internal lattice core in the Cobra 3DP X irons. (Credit: Cobra Golf) The 3DP MB model draws inspiration from prototype clubs created for Cobra staffer Max Homa when he joined the team in 2025. The design features slightly more offset and a thinner topline compared to previous Cobra blade irons. “The first time we hit them, I told (Ben) Schomin (pro tour services manager for Cobra Golf) they felt really good, and they were performing good, the numbers were great, all that was… read more
Airtech has announced its support of Alpha Additive on an ACADIA 2025 project that successfully 3D printed a complex structure featuring multiple 60-degree overhangs using a traditional 3-axis gantry system. The team completed the 3,000-pound, eight-piece structure in a single continuous printing run. Credit: Airtech The project utilized Airtech’s Dahltram T-100GF, a recycled-grade, glass-fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite resin designed for pellet-fed large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems. According to the company, other materials tested during the project could not provide the necessary melt strength, stiffness, and thermal stability required for the extreme angles. Credit: Airtech The printed pavilion was displayed on Florida International University’s campus throughout November 2024, serving as a research platform for exploring computational design, recycled composites, and LFAM workflows. The structure was subsequently showcased at ALCOVA 2025. The project demonstrates the capabilities of current 3-axis gantry systems when paired with appropriate materials for printing challenging geometries. The… 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 have developed a new 3D printing technique capable of producing microfibers measuring just 1.5 microns in diameter. The advancement, detailed in a January 20 study published in Nature Communications, overcomes previous limitations in printing very thin, soft materials. A spiral structure produced using embedded 3D printing. (Image Credit: M. Tanver Hossain.) The team utilized a method called embedded printing, which deposits material into a gel mold rather than building layers from the ground up. This approach provides better support for delicate structures during the printing process. The researchers modified both the gel and printing ink to enable instant curing, preventing the thin filaments from breaking during production. “Achieving such high printing resolution means we now have the technological foundation to mimic the microfibers and hair-like structures found in nature, which exhibit remarkable functionalities,” said Wonsik Eom, an engineer at Dankook University who participated in the study. The printed fibers… read more
- Shimizu Corporation Develops Spray-Based 3D Concrete Printing System for Large Structural Components
- Cobra Golf Expands 3D Printed Iron Lineup with MB and X Models
- Airtech and Alpha Additive Create 3,000 lb LFAM Structure
- Continuum Powders Launches Copper-Nickel Alloys for High-Performance, Sustainable AM
- MPI Develops XRD System for Industrial and Academic Research
