It has long fascinated me how the language of the 3D printing industry evolves along side the technology and the companies operating within it. The current word de rigueur is the “ecosystem” — the loose definition of which is the bundle of technological developments, products and services that make 3D printing accessible. Software (design and process), 3D printable content, materials, post-processing, service providers along side the actual 3D printers and their evolving capabilities are what the ecosystem encompass.
Autodesk – is emerging as a major player when it comes to the 3D printing ecosystem. This month has seen a raft of developments from the software giant in this regard, supporting the release of its Spark platform and open resin 3D printer, not least among the news highlighted on 3DPI are Andrew’s interview with Rick Rundell and Land’s insight from the Spark introduction in NYC. The company is forming partnerships with companies in and around the 3D printing industry at a rate of knots but perhaps the most significant news from the company this week, is the announcement of a $100 million investment fund that will go to support and extend the 3D printing ecosystem. MakerBot is another company very aware of the need to be ahead within the ecosystem. And then there are individuals and visionaries that understand that this is the way it must evolve.
One of Autodesk’s most recent partnerships is with HP Inc, following the BIG announcement this week. The 2D printer / computer giant has made big splash with the press announcement of its long awaited Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printer and it is a splash that will likely cause ripples for a long time yet. Many different opinions have emerged since the press launch this week — from some barely containing their excitement to others that are yawning at the hyperbole. And, yes, there was plenty of that! The announcement was well made, the promises, if they are kept, could well see a turning point for 3D printing as a technology, the impact is yet to be felt in full. We still have to wait up to 26 months for commercial visibility on the MJF 3D printer. And then there was Sprout, announced at the same press conference, and that ‘immersive computing’ will be available from this week …. And I, for one, really want to try it out.
In other news through October, there were plenty of other fascinating 3D printing stories. One I was particularly interested in was machine manufacturer Voxeljet’s acquisition of PropShop in London. The movies are a burgeoning application area for 3D printing and whether you recognize it or not, you are seeing more and more 3D printed parts on the big screen. One of the most recent — and notable — was the
work of FBFX, 3D printed by IPF in the UK for the Guardians of the Galaxy blockbuster — and of course, there are some super makers out there that enable you to make your own Star Lord costume and 3D print your (pretend) guns.
Another milestone for the application of 3DP in aerospace came with the fairly quietly announced first test flights of the LEAP engine, with 3D printed components. Got to say, I was quite surprised more was not made of this in the mainstream press — it’s a pretty big deal IMHO for the environment and for the 3D printing industry.
On the medical front, applications and uptake of applications continue to expand, so much so that we are seeing stories of correcting congenital heart defects “becoming the norm” according to Scott. I tend to agree, and also too the opportunity to review some of the other articles focusing on medical applications this month …. most notably research in 3D printing for ear transplants, the NYC Chiropractor, and perhaps the most life-changing of all, a 3D printed heel bone that made a real difference to one man’s life and prevented him having to suffer amputation.
And similarly in the field of education the stories keep coming and I am glad of it. For Tinkerine it was about going global, and that’s a good thing, but I must admit it is the local stories within education that I love covering — they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but education is such a vital issue for the future of 3D printing, that I like to see any advances made, even if it is one school at a time … a particularly nice one this month was this school in Gloucester here in the UK. When you focus in on the individual schools, that’s when you see the passion and the nitty gritty, and maybe get a glimpse of what’s to come from future generations.
A couple of other ongoing 3D printing stories we are keeping an eye on are the developments at Pirate3D and Makible. Vaguely similar in narrative, they do seem to be employing different approaches to making a come back. For one it still seems possible, for the other, not so much.
And an intentional strategy of 3DPI is to cover more global stories around 3D printing, reflecting the global reach of this phenomenal technology area. More stories from down under, Asia (with PP in India and Mark and David reporting directly from South Korea), Africa, Dubai as well as the more familiar US and European based stories. Whereever you are in the world, if you have 3D printing insight or stories that you care to share, do let me know. Even the Italian PrimeMinister is getting in on the game
The successful TCT show that tipped into the beginning of October also lit the touch paper under the traditional 3D printing event season. My greatest take-aways from TCT were the presentation from MakerBot’s new CEO (& ex President) Jenny Lawton (brilliant woman) and the new 3D printing process from Picsima – directly printing medical grade silicone. Also, big thanks to Kevin Quigley for his annual guest post giving his take on the 3D printers available at TCT, in a way that only he can.
Scott, Ari and Eetu were at the Inside 3D Printing event in Santa Clara. This was the most impressive and extensive line-up of speakers and exhibitors to date for the Inside 3DP series. Scott did a great job of reporting from the show, and we have some great 3DPI.TV interviews heading your way from the event too. Next, a 3DPI contingent is heading to China for the inaugural Inside 3D Printing event in Shanghai this week. This is the last Inside 3D Printing event of the year, but 2015 sees the programme extending even further, with Singapore in January, followed by Berlin, Sao Paulo, London, New York, Melbourne, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo and returning full circle back to Santa Clara. Whew!!
Personal favourite this month? Got to be The Hoff, although, if I’m honest, this might be more about an evening of Knight Rider nostalgia including imitations of KITT, singing the theme tune (badly), and explaining it to a 10 year old with the help of youtube, than a 3D printed Hoffmeister selfie. Also Sprout. I’m reserving judgement on MJF, but hoping it is everything they say it is because it really will stir things up again. A bit disappointed I won’t get to see it at Euromold in Frankfurt — but hopefully I will see many of you there to make up for it ….
