And it’s a Happy New Year! In January 2018 the 3D printing industry got off to a flying start. To learn more about what to expect from the next 12 months, we gathered the insights of over 30 additive manufacturing experts, including insights from CES 2018, and a look back to the patents granted in 2017 gave us some clues as to where growth might be throughout the year.
It was a month for keeping up with 3D printing trends, and not just in a development sense…
Best 3D printers of the year
With our second annual 3D Printing Industry Awards looming, we published an update of the shortlisted nominees including the best 3D printers of the year (as chosen by you.) Of the companies listed, the Markforged Mark 2 went on to win theEnterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers) award for the second year in a row, and Dr. Adrien Bowyer presented Josef Prusa and the Original Prusa i3 MK3 with the trophy for Personal 3D printer of the year (FFF).
Eager to get involved in the awards in 2019? Make your nominations for the shortlist now.
Apple patents, Paris Fashion Week, SOLIDWORKS World and FedEx
Mid-January, a 3D printer patent granted to Apple in the U.S. caused a stir going on to become one of our most shared articles of the whole year.
Later, at Paris Fashion Week 2018, Iris van Herpen’s 3D printed haute couture tore up the runway; and adidas Futurecraft 4D sneakers cropped up on eBay with an asking price of $20,000 (Now available on eBay for around $440).
Global logistics company FedEx announced the formation of FedEx Forward Depots a 3D printing oriented business for “Critical Inventory” and “Service Parts Logistics.” This move would be followed throughout the year by a series of announcements by Nordic postal service PostNord.
And Rocket Lab launched its 3D printing powered Electron rocket into orbit.
If you’d like to join us for the 2019 3D Printing Industry Awards you can also contact us about ticket sales.
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Looking for a fresh start in the new year? Visit 3D Printing Jobs to get a head start.
Feature image shows Rocket Lab’s successful launch of the Electron. Photo via Rocket Lab
