In a significant leap for additive manufacturing, Purdue University researchers have pioneered methods to add a ‘fourth dimension’ to traditional 3D printing by embedding sensors directly into printed materials. This advancement marks a critical step toward smart and bio-embedded materials that can sense, respond, and adapt to their environment. What Happened Purdue’s research team has … Read more
In the evolving landscape of 3D printing, hybrid materials are gaining traction as innovative alternatives to classic filaments. A recent article from 3Dnatives highlights the rise of these materials, particularly conductive filaments, which are spearheading the integration of smart and bio-embedded functionalities into 3D printed objects. What Happened Hybrid filaments, including conductive filaments, are increasingly … Read more
What Happened Researchers in Singapore have developed a novel conductive 3D printer filament that promises to transform the way circuits are manufactured. Reported by 3DPrint.com, this advancement could radically change circuit manufacturing forever by enabling direct 3D printing of conductive pathways. Why It Matters The innovation addresses a longstanding challenge in additive manufacturing: integrating electronic … Read more
What Happened As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, the spotlight in 2026 has shifted towards smart and bio-embedded materials, particularly smart filament. This emerging category of filament integrates responsive and functional elements into the printing material itself, enabling printed objects to exhibit dynamic behaviors such as self-healing, sensing, or environmental responsiveness. The recent PCMag … Read more
What Happened Researchers have advanced the frontier of additive manufacturing by successfully 3D printing living bacteria into complex, functional materials, as reported by Science | AAAS. This breakthrough integrates living microorganisms directly into printed architectures, enabling the creation of materials that are not only structurally complex but also biologically active and functional. Why It Matters … Read more
What Happened In a groundbreaking development for medical technology and Veteran care, the VA Puget Sound Health Care System has unveiled a nation-leading 3D bioprinting facility aimed at transforming healthcare for Veterans. The announcement, detailed on VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs, highlights the establishment of a state-of-the-art bioprinting center dedicated to producing bio-embedded materials that … Read more
What Happened Leonardo UK has developed an innovative touch table that uses 3D printing technology to create a hands-on air combat simulation experience. According to a report by VoxelMatters, this touch table integrates embedded sensors within 3D printed components to enable interactive simulation, enhancing the training and operational planning capabilities for air combat scenarios. Why … Read more
What Happened The U.S. Department of War recently highlighted groundbreaking advancements at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport, where additive manufacturing (AM) is being leveraged to introduce cost-saving innovations (source). While the article focuses broadly on additive manufacturing’s cost efficiencies, emerging trends suggest integration with smart and bio-embedded materials—specifically living materials—is an under-covered frontier … Read more
What Happened Recent developments in 3D printing have increasingly focused on the integration of conductive filaments into additive manufacturing processes, as detailed in the All3DP article on filament types. These materials enable the printing of components that not only form structural parts but also conduct electricity, opening pathways to embedded sensors, wearable electronics, and smart … Read more
What Happened? Recent research highlighted in Wiley Online Library sheds light on recent developments in additive manufacturing using conductive polymer composites. These advances focus on integrating conductive fillers into polymer matrices to fabricate 3D printed parts with electrical functionality. This emerging class of materials, often referred to as conductive filaments, is gaining traction for creating … Read more