What Happened Recent advancements in 3D printing have paved the way for the emergence of 4D printing, a technology that incorporates time as the fourth dimension, enabling printed objects to change shape or properties after fabrication. A key enabler of this innovation is smart filament, materials embedded with responsive properties that react to external stimuli … Read more
What Happened In a recent study published by Nature, researchers performed a comparative characterization of fused deposition modeling (FDM) structures embedded with electrically conductive sensing elements. These structures were evaluated under static, dynamic, and thermal loads to understand their performance and reliability as integrated sensing components within 3D printed parts. Why It Matters The integration … Read more
What Happened In a recent development highlighted by VoxelMatters, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Filament Factory has launched a nano-reinforced conductive filament designed for 3D printing applications. This new material integrates nanomaterials into the filament matrix, enhancing its electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, marking a significant step forward in … Read more
What Happened Recent research published in Wiley Online Library details the design and characterization of 3D-printed capacitors made by combining conductive and non-conductive PLA filaments. This work explores a novel approach to fabricating electronic components directly via additive manufacturing, leveraging conductive filaments to embed functional electrical elements within 3D-printed structures. Why It Matters The integration … Read more
What Happened Researchers have developed biobased cellulose-filled filaments designed specifically for 4D printing of humidity-responsive smart structures, as detailed in a recent publication by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.. This work involves the codesign of filament material formulations and mesostructures to enable controlled shape changes in response to humidity, marking a significant step forward in smart … Read more
What Happened At Formnext 2025, BigRep unveiled its latest lineup of large-format 3D printers, complemented by innovative filament materials designed for industrial applications. Among these materials, smart filaments—capable of responding to environmental stimuli or embedding functional properties—were a key highlight. This development was reported by 3D Printing Industry. This event marks a significant step in … Read more
What Happened Smart Materials 3D, a pioneering company in the realm of sustainable 3D printing, has developed innovative smart filaments derived from natural sources such as oysters, pine, and cork. This breakthrough, detailed in a recent VoxelMatters article, showcases how these bio-embedded materials are being transformed into 3D printing filaments that combine sustainability with smart … Read more
What Happened General Motors’ Cadillac brand recently highlighted its use of advanced 3D printing technology to achieve unprecedented precision in the production of its CELESTIQ model. The announcement, detailed in a General Motors news release, emphasizes the role of 3D printing in delivering precision components for this luxury electric vehicle. While the article does not … Read more
What Happened Recent advancements in volumetric 3D printing have taken a significant leap forward thanks to the integration of holographic techniques to enhance tomographic printing processes. According to a MSN report published on January 12, 2026, holograms are being used to dramatically improve the efficiency and resolution of tomographic volumetric 3D printing. Why It Matters … Read more
What Happened Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley recently tested a novel 3D printer based on computed axial lithography (CAL) in a suborbital environment, as reported by 3DPrint.com. This test is significant as it demonstrates the potential of volumetric 3D printing technologies in microgravity or near-space environments, a critical step toward advanced manufacturing capabilities … Read more