Reporting on 3D printing for industrial production

Production See All

3 Mar 2026
3D Printed Intake System for Racecar Prototype: Pic of the Week
The 3D printed monolithic intake plenum and manifold system in this week’s Pic is featured on a hydrogen-powered, rolling race car prototype.

26 Feb 2026
3D Printed PVC Saves OEM Days of Assembly for Wastewater Product: The Cool Parts Show #86
Large-format fused granulate fabrication (FGF) is enabling Ipex to manufacture its Vortex Flow insert in a quarter of the time, with less manual labor and better opportunity to customize.

19 Feb 2026
3D Printed Casts Can Now Be Made In-Clinic, Thanks to This Turnkey Solution
ActivArmor’s package combining scanning app, design software and 3D printer gives medical facilities the capability to produce custom 3D printed casts and splints in hours.

17 Feb 2026
Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.

16 Feb 2026
Register for Additive Manufacturing Workshops at IMTS 2026
Registration is now open for the half-day events focused on additive manufacturing for Aerospace + Defense and Medical applications.

9 Feb 2026
Former CEAD Experts Launch Dutch Boat Factory
Maarten Logtenberg and Charlène van Wingerden take the helm at the newly established Dutch Boat Factory B.V. The goal: to efficiently, sustainably build scalable 3D printed boats.
Enterprise See All

14 Oct 2025
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should: The AM Curmudgeon
There are absolutely cases where additive manufacturing makes sense, but don’t let it be the only tool in your toolbox.

16 Sep 2025
Introducing GROW Industrial: A Full-Funnel Marketing Solutions Provider
GROW Industrial is the newly formed marketing services arm of Gardner Business Media. Offering custom content, marketing, creative, research, and data services, GROW Industrial expands and builds on the company’s deep first-party reach into the discrete parts manufacturing sector.

16 Sep 2025
Additive Manufacturing Is a Doorway to New Markets
Additive’s agnosticism with regard to part geometry makes it possible for the same equipment to serve many potential needs. Manufacturers who capitalize on this capability can use AM to diversify into new markets.

2 Sep 2025
Contract Manufacturer Uptive Makes Outsourced AM a Productive Enterprise Solution
Uptive Manufacturing has its roots in AM’s Wild West entrepreneurial past, but today it helps customers of all sizes use the technology as a strategic manufacturing option.

28 Aug 2025
"AM Isn't the Future. It's Now." Q&A with Marle Tangible
For CEO Adam Clark, additive manufacturing is a current production method, not a future promise. The cofounder of this implant manufacturing company shares business advice and insights in this interview.

18 Aug 2025
America Makes Announces Project Call Worth $1.7M
Project presents a significant opportunity to enhance the AM supply chain by improving alignment with government acquisition requirements.
Sustainability See All

13 Nov 2025
Video: 3D Printed Polymer Composite Tool Riser Wins Against Aluminum Casting
Plastics specialist KraussMaffei applies its own large format additive manufacturing (LFAM) equipment to produce tooling risers in polymer composite as an alternative to metal.

30 Oct 2025
Power Generation at the Point of Need, Enabled by Additive Manufacturing
Hyliion is commercializing a generator that will enable efficient production of sustainable power, using a centuries-old idea that can now be fully realized through metal 3D printing.

4 Oct 2025
At KraussMaffei, LFAM Is Both a Product Line and an Internal Benefit
The supplier of plastics processing equipment now offers two large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) machines to customers. Simultaneously, the company has found many advantages to applying this 3D printing technology for its own production purposes.

18 Sep 2025
Video: Environmental Controls for Multi Jet Fusion at Uptive Manufacturing
Maintaining an ideal range of temperature and moisture is critical to ensuring consistency with the process. Here's how one contract manufacturer's facility enables this.

5 Sep 2025
America Makes Announces Winners of IMPACT 3.0 Project Call Worth $4.5M in Funding
IMPACT 3.0 aims to demonstrate lead time, productivity and yield improvements for casting and forging (C&F) manufacturing operations using additive manufacturing technologies.

22 Jul 2025
Three Drivers of AM Materials Development and Adoption
Lack of material options is becoming an outdated reason not to use additive manufacturing. But what factors are driving the creation — and use — of new materials for AM?
Materials See All

12 Mar 2026
How to Break an AM Pressure Vessel (and What It Says About 3D Printed Metal)
What can be learned from putting a 3D printed DED pressure vessel through conditions it was never designed to see?

24 Feb 2026
NC State, Houston University Develops Self-Healing Composite That Repairs Damage 1,000 Times
Fiber-reinforced polymer with embedded heaters successfully self-repairs delamination, offering the potential for composite components to last for centuries. Key to the process: A thermoplastic healing agent that is 3D printed into the structure.

10 Feb 2026
Video: 3D Printing with Metal Powder Embedded in Polymer Sheets
Researchers have developed a process for manufacturing sheets of metal powder bound with polymer, which could serve as an alternative feedstock.

5 Feb 2026
Metal-Polymer Sheets Could Provide Coating Option, Powder Alternative
Thin sheets of material developed and manufactured by Addicoat could enable the next wave of surface finishing and part construction by removing the challenges of working with loose metal powders.

26 Jan 2026
LIFT Activates Three Programs as Part of Advanced Materials Challenge
The programs are focused on developing innovative solutions for defense applications solutions. On the docket: Structural components, aluminum, Ti-Cu-X and virtual qualification/certification.

25 Nov 2025
Formnext 2025 Balances Innovation with Industrialization: 6 Trends
Advances in laser powder bed fusion, possibilities for ceramics and encouraging news about supplier consolidation were among the hot topics at this year’s show.
All Topics See All

Aerospace

AMWTF

AR/VR

Artificial Intelligence

Assembly Consolidation

Automation

Automotive

Basics

Binder Jet

Blockchain

Brackets

Bridge Production

Casting

Ceramic

Circular Economy

Composites

Construction

Consumer Goods

Contract Manufacturers

Cool Parts

DED

Defense

Depowdering

Design

Distributed Manufacturing

EBM

Education & Training

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Energy & Power

Engineered Porosity

Enterprise Issues

FFF

Foam

Formnext

Generative Design

Heat Exchangers

Heat treating

Hybrid manufacturing

Implants

IMTS

Inspection & Measurement

Inventors

Jigs, Fixtures, Hand Tools

LFAM

Lightweighting

LPBF

Machining

Mass Customization

Materials

Medical & Dental

Metal

Micro

Mold Tooling

MRO/Sustainment

OEMs

Oil & Gas

Photopolymerization/SLA

Pic of the Week

Polymer

Postprocessing

Product Development

Production

Prosthetics/Orthotics

Prototyping

Qualification/Certification

Recycling

Repair

Robots

Safety

Sand

SLS

Software

Space

Sporting Goods

Startups

Supply Chain

Sustainability

Tooling

Valves

WAAM
- Webinars
- Events
- Video
- News
- Suppliers
Webinars See All

9 Apr 2026
Machine Learning in AM: Layer-by-Layer Defect Detection in Powder Bed Fusion
Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including machine learning, are increasingly integrated into additive manufacturing workflows to interpret process data and analyze large datasets, such as layer-by-layer powder bed images. In powder bed fusion (PBF), each layer can be imaged and analyzed, providing a basis for data-driven assessments of process stability and part quality. In situ backscattered electron (BSE) imaging serves as an effective inspection technique, utilizing backscattered electron contrast from the solidified layer to detect density variations, cracking, and surface features.By combining machine learning with electron beam-based imaging, this approach demonstrates the potential for scalable, in-situ defect detection in additive manufacturing. It establishes the groundwork for future remelting strategies capable of using melt pool depth to close previously detected defects above a certain threshold in the next layer.AgendaOverview of how a supervised learning approach enables automated defect detection using sequential BSE image datasets, applicable for defect detection in serial production.Discussion of the model training process on a manually annotated dataset, allowing the model to associate BSE data with defect likelihood.Explanation of the inference process, where the trained detector evaluates new layer images, locates regions of interest, and outputs bounding boxes with associated confidence scores to assess defect likelihood.Assessment of model performance through precision and recall metrics, ensuring reliable identification of actual defects while minimizing false positives.

On Demand
Powder Bed Fusion Mechanics: Electron Beam Technology
Powder bed fusion is a leading additive manufacturing technology for producing high performance parts with excellent mechanical and material properties. Among its variants, electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF) stands out for its unique advantages, such as a vacuum print environment, powder bed preheating, layer by layer backscattered electron imaging and high energy density for refractory alloys. This webinar provides an in-depth technical exploration into how the electron beam in EB-PBF works, focusing on the physics and control systems behind the electron beam. This will include advanced electron beam capabilities, such as beam shaping, charge neutralization and melt pool correction strategies enabled by patented technologies. Agenda: How electron beams are generated and controlled for additive manufacturing and other industrial applications Key hardware innovations that drive melt pool stability and beam control Lessons from electron microscopy/lithography expertise that now power AM hardware How EB-PBF can print fully dense Tungsten and refractory alloys at extremely high melting temperatures

On Demand
Advancing Underwater Sonar Development Using Additive Manufacturing
The underwater sonar industry is rapidly evolving, driven by growing demands for higher resolution and precise control in deep-sea exploration. A key challenge in this field is optimizing towed sonar systems for stability and image clarity — factors that are critical for accurate underwater mapping. Traditional manufacturing methods limit the ability to customize sonar system designs for specific underwater environments, leading to inconsistent imaging results. Join Tyler Johnson, mechanical engineer lead at Klein Marine Systems, as he shares how their partnership with Endeavor 3D is overcoming these design constraints. Learn how they’re using Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing, paired with durable materials like nylon PA 12 and stainless steel 316L, to create lighter, stronger sonar systems built to withstand harsh underwater conditions. Register now to explore Klein Marine Systems’ journey to producing high-quality underwater towed sonar systems with additive manufacturing. Agenda: Explore the unique and growing underwater sonar system landscape Learn how Klein Marine Systems leveraged the design capabilities of additive manufacturing and mechanical properties of 3D printing materials to enhance sonar image clarity Understand Klein Marine Systems’ diverse use of sonar systems across military, shipwreck salvage, search and rescue and offshore renewable market operations

On Demand
From Prototype to Production: How Penn United Built a Thriving Metal AM Business
Discover how Penn United Technologies transformed its additive manufacturing (AM) efforts into a thriving business. In this live webinar, experts from Penn United, EOS and Phillips Corporation will walk you through the key milestones, challenges, and strategies that enabled them to scale from early R&D work to full-scale production using metal laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. You’ll gain firsthand insights into managing risk as a contract manufacturer, educating customers for long-term success, and identifying the right time to expand capacity. Whether you're just starting your AM journey or looking to grow your existing capabilities, this session will offer practical takeaways and real-world advice to help you succeed. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a real-world success story and take away actionable strategies to apply in your own shop. Agenda: How Penn United evolved its AM business over six years Common pitfalls and how to manage customer expectations What production really means in metal AM — and how to get there The value of strong partnerships in accelerating adoption

On Demand
AM In-Situ Process Monitoring with Backscattered Electron Imaging
In additive manufacturing (AM), part quality must be verified layer-by-layer to avoid costly reprinting and delays. Most AM systems rely on optical cameras for this but resolution and image evaluation for defects can be limited. With electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF), backscattered electron imaging (BEI) enables up to 100 times greater resolution and direct interaction with atoms in each layer, giving engineers precise, real-time insights into potential defects and layer integrity during their AM process. Join Jeol’s webinar to explore how this advanced in-situ inspection method improves quality assurance and unlocks new efficiencies in AM production. Agenda: Why traditional camera-based monitoring in AM can have limitations in defect detection per layer How backscattered electron imaging provides higher resolution per layer through atomic interactions How EB-PBF enables real-time, layer-by-layer verification and subsequent defect correction How this approach enhances production reliability and part quality

On Demand
Streamlining the Adoption of Metal AM: From Material Development through Repeatable, Reliable Production
This webinar dives into the inspiring stories of early adopters who have crushed the complexities of additive manufacturing (AM) to gain a competitive edge. Discover a streamlined process to accelerate new material development. Learn from industry leaders about innovative solutions transforming manufacturing across sectors. Agenda: The investment in metal AM has increased dramatically in the last 4 years and is expected to increase even more Research on investments in new materials has increased as more research centers are leveraging the key advantages of additive MoldJet technology How higher density parts translate directly to more consistent output
Events See All

13 Apr 2026
Rapid + TCT 2026
RAPID + TCT lands in Boston from April 13-16. The event’s show floor features hands-on 3D printing technology exhibits from over 400 of the industry’s leading product and service providers. Each morning, at the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, industry leaders candidly examine the present while charting a course for the future of additive.

24 Jun 2026
CONTRAX Austin 2026
CONTRAX events connect buyers and suppliers of American contract manufacturing services. From concept to contract, CONTRAX showcases North America’s premier industrial parts producers and service providers – leaders in design engineering, 3D printing and prototyping, CNC machining, casting, metal forming and fabricating, injection molding, surface treatment, parts finishing and systems integration. CONTRAX mission is to grow North American manufacturing by showcasing suppliers equipped to support the growing demand for advanced manufacturing production and services. Businesses looking to expand their supply base, take product to market or address production, services, reshoring, onshoring or nearshoring needs can turn to CONTRAX to find the companies, content and insights for solving and staying ahead of supply chain challenges.

24 Aug 2026
National Composites Week 2026
Celebrate National Composites Week 2026! The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.

14 Sep 2026
IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026 will be held September 14-19, 2026 at McCormick Place, Chicago.Manufacturers achieve the impossible at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show by pushing the boundaries of innovation, forming lasting connections and discovering advancements redefining manufacturing.As the largest trade show in the Western Hemisphere, IMTS draws the innovators, sellers and drivers of manufacturing technology together to connect, be inspired and find new solutions.

15 Sep 2026
AM+ Workshop: Aerospace & Defense
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Modern Machine Shop & Manufacturing Connected. Additive manufacturing is transforming defense and aerospace manufacturing by enabling flexible and responsive manufacturing of critical parts. AM makes it possible to rapidly ramp up or scale production of drones, hypersonic engines, spare parts and more without the challenges of hard tooling. This half-day workshop will highlight how military contractors, aerospace OEMs and others are applying additive manufacturing to achieve significant lead time reductions, cost savings and accelerated innovation. The program is designed for current and future additive manufacturers serving the defense and aerospace markets with end-use parts.

16 Sep 2026
AM+ Workshop: Medical
Presented by Additive Manufacturing Media, Modern Machine Shop & Manufacturing Connected. As an early adopter of additive manufacturing technology, the medical industry has long benefited from 3D printed implants, surgical tools and models. Now, with the rise of 3D scanning and imaging software, AM is poised to enable wider adoption of patient-specific devices and even point-of-care manufacturing. This half-day workshop will examine successes with additive manufacturing for the development and scale production of both standard and custom medical products. The program is suitable for manufacturers already serving medical clients through 3D printing as well as those looking to break into this industry or other, similarly regulated spaces with the technology.
Video See All

26 Feb 2026 Construction
3D Printed PVC Saves OEM Days of Assembly for Wastewater Product: The Cool Parts Show #86
Large-format fused granulate fabrication (FGF) is enabling Ipex to manufacture its Vortex Flow insert in a quarter of the time, with less manual labor and better opportunity to customize.

17 Feb 2026 LPBF
Shop Tour Video: How to Integrate Additive and Subtractive Machining
Addman Advanced Metals has scaled from a single 3D printer to 25 while also building out a robust array of subtractive machines. In this video, find out how the shop manages its additive and subtractive workflows — and how it combines the two into a profitable niche.

10 Feb 2026 LPBF
Video: 3D Printing with Metal Powder Embedded in Polymer Sheets
Researchers have developed a process for manufacturing sheets of metal powder bound with polymer, which could serve as an alternative feedstock.

16 Dec 2025 Production
Video: Joining Technique Extends the Build Volume for Metal 3D Printing
In this method developed by Synergy Molding Technologies, geometric features reinforced by laser cladding make it possible to build larger metal parts from segments printed on smaller, more affordable 3D printers.

11 Dec 2025 Production
3D Fiber Tethering for Rapid Fabrication of Continuous Fiber Composites
CarbonForm’s 3DFit technology combines robotic, continuous fiber 3D printing and winding to produce small, high-strength, complex parts — like drone frames — in as little as 10 minutes.

20 Nov 2025 Mold Tooling
Shop Tour: Why This Moldmaker Thinks Every Shop Needs a 3D Printer
See how Zero Tolerance uses polymer, carbon fiber and metal 3D printers to boost precision and productivity.
News See All

16 Mar 2026 Aerospace
Stratasys Begins Qualification of SAF PA12 Production-Ready Nylon for Key Industrial Use Cases
Selective Absorption Fusion (SAF) with nylon can address modernization and reshoring supply chain initiatives for scalable, qualified manufacturing. Team effort: Involved industry partners include Bifrost Manufacturing, Boeing, General Atomic, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon.

16 Mar 2026 Postprocessing
Cost-Effective, Entry-Level Model Postprocessing System
The M4 Basic from AM Solutions is a new compact system that brings postprocessing within reach of virtually any additive manufacturing user.

9 Mar 2026 LFAM
Composite LFAM Startup Perseus Materials Closes Strategic Lockheed Martin Investment
Funding propels the 2025 JEC Startup Booster winner closer to industrial-scale composites 3D printing in defense and marine. More than incremental: “We’re not interested in making marginal improvements to 3D printing,” says CEO Daniel Lee.

4 Mar 2026 Supply Chain
CONTRAX Austin 2026 Registration Opens
Contract manufacturing parts and services buyers from across the industrial supply chain can register to attend the debut event June 24-25 for free. On exhibit: North America’s top industrial parts producers and service providers.

2 Mar 2026 Polymer
Toray Develops Spherical Polyamide 12 Particles for 3D Printers
Toraypearl PA12 is expected to contribute to higher-quality 3D printed parts in applications requiring durability, airtightness and mechanical reliability. How: The powder’s uniform sphericity enables homogeneous, dense packing in the printer.

24 Feb 2026 Composites
NC State, Houston University Develops Self-Healing Composite That Repairs Damage 1,000 Times
Fiber-reinforced polymer with embedded heaters successfully self-repairs delamination, offering the potential for composite components to last for centuries. Key to the process: A thermoplastic healing agent that is 3D printed into the structure.
Suppliers See All

Abrasive & Mechanical Cleaning

Actuators, Hydraulic & Pneumatic

Additive Manufacturing Machines (By Material)

Additive Manufacturing Machines (By Process)

Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing Services

Advanced Analytics Software

AI-Enabled Predictive Maintenance & Asset Management

Air Quality Control

Angle & Sub Plates

Arbors, Expandable Workholding

Augmented & Virtual Reality Systems

Books, Pulications, Online Resources

Burners

Business Insurance Products

CAD/CAM

Carbon Footprint Tracking Software

Centers, Live & Other

Chemical Cleaning & Pretreatment

Chemicals & Additives

Chucks

Clamps & Fixturing Devices

Cleaning Equipment & Systems

CNCs & Related Hardware

Coils, Liquid Heating & Cooling

Collets for Workholding

Composites Materials

Conference & Exhibition Organizers

Consultants, Pollution Control

Consulting Services

Controls, Monitors, Sensors

Cooling Towers

Custom Workholding

Cybersecurity Solutions for Manufacturing

Digital Twin Software

Dividing & Indexing Heads

Edge Computing & IoT Devices

Engineering & Simulation Tools

Facilities, Consulting & Services

Fixturing Systems

Freezers/Coolers

Furnaces

Guide Bushings (for Swiss Lathes)

Heat Pipes & Related Thermal Conductors

Heat Tapes

Heat-Recovery Equipment & Systems

Heat-Transfer Fluids

Heaters for Composites Applications

Heaters, Heating Elements

Hot-Water or Oil-circulating Temperature Controllers

Immersion Heaters

Indexers & Rotary Tables

Industry Data

Infrared Heaters

Leasing & Financing Services

Mandrels

Market Research

Material Handling Equipment

Materials for Additive Manufacturing

Metals - Ferrous

Metals - Non-Ferrous

Mold Materials

Online Sourcing/Prospecting Services

Ovens & Curing

Part & Tooling Production Services

Pedestal Type Fixtures & Tombstone Blocks

Plastics Processing Resins & Additives

Pollution Control Testing Laboratories

Postprocessing Equipment

Pressure Controls, Sensors, Monitors

Process Equipment & Engineering

Safety Equipment for Additive Manufacturing

Software for Additive Manufacturing

Specialized Coating & Conversion Treatments

Steady Rests

Supply Chain & Reshoring Tools

Sustainability & Carbon Neutrality Products

Temperature Control Devices

Testing & Monitoring

Thermal Sensors

Tooling Materials

Training & Consultancy for Additive Manufacturing

Used Pollution Control Equipment

Vises & Vise Jaws

Waste Management & Recycling

Water & Waste Management

Water Treatment & Filtration

Water Treatment/Filtration Systems

Water, Oil Manifolds & Couplings

Workholding Equipment, General
Events
New To AM? Start Here

Matt Stonecash Associate Editor

Matt Stonecash started with Plastics Technology in 2022. After 12 years as an engineer in the medical device industry and healthcare environments, Matt began writing freelance in 2020. He has degrees in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and professional writing.