As Vanesa Listek wrote, final 12 months was a serious turning level for additive manufacturing (AM), because the trade is working to type itself out. Clients need confirmed use circumstances and a transparent return on funding, authorities spending is up, everybody is concentrated on reshoring, and traders are serious about particular market segments, versus all-purpose platforms. 2025 was positively a tough 12 months for AM, however a number of thrilling issues occurred as effectively.
As we dive headfirst into 2026, listed here are the highest 10 hottest tales 3DPrint.com revealed final 12 months, operating the gamut from sneakers and chapter to Kickstarter campaigns and extra.
#10: LEGO’s Mass-Produced 3D Printed Factor Got here Residence for Christmas
In September of 2025, LEGO introduced that it will quickly launch its first mass-produced 3D printed component inside an upcoming LEGO Christmas set. As Vanesa Listek reported, by the tip of November, the Vacation Categorical Practice from LEGO Icons was formally accessible for buy worldwide, and its miniature blue 3D printed locomotive showcased the corporate’s high-throughput polymer AM course of to the world for the primary time.
This was positively not LEGO’s first time utilizing the expertise—the corporate beforehand launched a number of 3D printed parts in restricted portions, together with a drafting arm, duck, and pogo stick. However, the locomotive (a micro-version of the set’s foremost practice, that includes spinning wheels and a practical chimney) marks the first time a 3D printed piece is being produced at scale by LEGO, and distributed by way of certainly one of its customary business units. This was a serious win for 3D printing in shopper items.
#9: Enabling and Scaling AM in Healthcare at AMS 2025
Picture courtesy of 3DPrint.com.
Eventually 12 months’s Additive Manufacturing Methods (AMS) in New York Metropolis, the session I used to be most trying ahead to centered on AM in healthcare. The Head of International Programmes for ATscale, Satish Mishra, kicked issues off with a presentation on the usage of AM in assistive expertise (AT). Over 2.5 billion folks all over the world want AT, however just one in ten folks have entry, and 3D printing might help change that. Naomi Nathan, the Head of Medical for Mobility/Medical goes Additive (MGA), moderated a dialogue between Amy Alexander, Unit Head of Mechanical Improvement and Utilized Computational Engineering inside Mayo Clinic’s Division of Engineering (DOE); Materialise CEO Brigitte de Vet-Veithen; and neuroradiologist Jenny Chen, founder and CEO of the 3DHEALS community, about Enablers to Scale AM in Healthcare. Examples included optimistic peer strain, stable examples that show the expertise’s worth, addressing the expertise hole, and extra.
Rajan Patel, the CEO of medical system firm Kallisio, shared how patient-centric 3D printed options can redefine most cancers care, with a particular deal with his firm’s FDA-approved, patient-specific radiation remedy system, Stentra, It was developed in collaboration with the MD Anderson Most cancers Heart to cut back most cancers sufferers’ probabilities of growing oral mucositis throughout radiation remedies. Kallisio partnered with Ricoh for the manufacturing, Materialise for software program, and MD Anderson to scale the product. The ultimate panel was about Coverage for AM Healthcare. Mark Burnham, the Additive Manufacturing Coalition‘s Director of Coverage; Lexi Gormley, Medical Functions Specialist, Additive Manufacturing, Ricoh USA; Ankush Venkatesh, Intrapreneur, Additive Manufacturing, for Glidewell Dental; and Louis-Philippe Broze, co-founder and CEO of 3D design automation software program agency Spentys, centered on the necessity for certification, advocacy, and reimbursement programs. Register for AMS 2026 to listen to what this 12 months’s AM healthcare session will speak about!
#8: Scaling Navy 3D Printing with 3D Methods’ Mike Shepard
Picture courtesy of 3D Methods.
In accordance with an AM Analysis report, it was estimated that the U.S. Division of Battle (beforehand the Division of Protection) spent $800 million straight on additive in 2024, which is a YOY enhance of 166%. As such, we cowl many tales associated to this sector, and Macro Analyst Matt Kremenetsky writes a number of them. One specifically that was common final 12 months was his interview with Mike Shepard, VP of Aerospace and Protection at 3D Methods, who spent 16 years on the Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory (AFRL), one of many world’s most influential AM scalers, earlier than becoming a member of the personal sector. It was a very good match for Shepard, as 3D Methods has been working with the DoW (beforehand the DoD) for years. Kremenetsky requested him how the identical dynamics driving army AM efforts proceed to indicate up in a number of branches of service, from the Navy to the Marine Corp, and the way they may inform the AM trade’s work in different verticals.
“The very first thing folks are inclined to wish to do is handle the difficulty that’s inflicting probably the most ache. So, earlier than anybody actually knew what they have been doing when it got here to AM, they’d begin with one thing mission important. However you shortly discover out, that’s an extremely unhelpful transfer. You may’t run earlier than you crawl and stroll,” Shepard informed him.
“Don’t attempt to do the toughest factor first. As a substitute, it’s important to attempt to discover jobs which are going that will help you actually study the brand new manufacturing processes, and study each vital lesson it’s important to study while you’re first getting began, however with a low stage of threat. That’s roughly the rationale why DoD pivoted to beginning with jigs and fixtures. After jigs and fixtures, the following thread is, can we make previous elements in a brand new approach?
“These are the dynamics at work with the Navy’s substitute of castings, as a result of the fleets must final between 30 and 50 years, however the dynamics are comparable for aerospace, and even for lots of the Military’s floor automobile programs.”
#7: International Launch of 3D Printed Adidas Climacool Slip-On Shoe
Adidas Climacool 3D printed shoe. Picture courtesy of Adidas.
We’re again to shopper items with Listek’s story on the 2025 international launch of the Adidas Climacool, a completely 3D printed slip-on sneaker designed for breathability, consolation, and efficiency. It was developed in collaboration with Carbon, and represents a turning level within the sportswear large’s use of 3D printing. Manufactured with Carbon’s signature Digital Gentle Synthesis (DLS) expertise, the single-piece shoe options lattice buildings all through, making the shoe practical in addition to trying futuristic.
Adidas has been utilizing Carbon’s expertise because it debuted the Futurecraft 4D—the primary shoe to function a DLS-made midsole—again in 2017. This was the beginning of its 4D line, which ultimately expanded into efficiency and life-style sneakers just like the 4DFWD, additionally that includes a midsole 3D printed utilizing DLS. However the Climacool is its most superior model but: a seamless shoe, that includes an higher made with 100% polyurethane for elevated breathability. This slip-on sneaker actually reveals how far 3D printing footwear has come because the early days.
#6: Evaluation of Desktop Metallic’s Chapter
Contained in the tech. Picture courtesy of Desktop Metallic.
It was one of many largest tales within the AM trade in latest historical past: Desktop Metallic, first set to merge with Stratasys in 2023 earlier than the latter known as it off, was then acquired by Nano Dimension. After plenty of authorized controversy, Desktop Metallic formally turned half of Nano Dimension in April of 2025, bringing loads of debt with it. As Nano tried to determine subsequent strikes, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Troy Jensen stated they “wouldn’t be shocked if chapter is a possible end result for Desktop Metallic.” Months later, that’s precisely what occurred. Our Government Editor Joris Peels mentioned the fallout in a well-liked piece titled “Desktop Metallic Chapter: Evaluation & Karma Police.”
After letting a few of its earlier acquisitions go bankrupt as effectively, Peels posited that “Nano needs to shed as a lot of its previously acquisitive self earlier than rising as a lean butterfly that’s much less conglomerate and extra a cash-rich centered startup.” He additionally famous that DM’s chapter might end in much less curiosity round binder jetting, and that it might have an effect on how the AM trade as a complete is perceived by the broader world. Fortunately, we all know now that a few of its belongings have been saved, and even Desktop Metallic itself is getting a second probability. However, we knew the constraints of binder jetting expertise basically, and DM’s machines particularly, and didn’t publicize this information effectively sufficient, which might have higher insulated the trade from the fallout. So that is positively a cautionary story we’d all do effectively to recollect.
#5: SUNLU’s 3D Printing Filament Dryer with Annealing Mode
Picture courtesy of SUNLU.
With regards to materials extrusion expertise, you actually need a filament dryer. Hygroscopic filaments, like ABS, TPU, PETG, and PC, take in moisture from the air, which can lead to stringing, breakage, and extruder blockages; even non-hygroscopic supplies like PP are helped by temperature management. Particularly for extra frequent supplies like PLA and PA, having dry filament can cut back print errors, and enhance consistency and repeatability. Filament dryers have existed for years, however they’ve by no means been massive sellers, which is what Chinese language filament producer SUNLU is hoping to vary with its FilaDryer E2.
In his article on SUNLU’s filament drying unit, Peels shares a number of of its options. The 372 x 192 x 186mm chamber can accommodate two 1kg spools, or one 2kg or 3kg spools, and maintains a temperature of as much as 70°C with ±3°C accuracy in an atmosphere of 25°C (±5°C). It’s sealed with silicone plugs, has a touchscreen interface so customers can choose their most well-liked drying cycle, and is UL, CE, FCC, UKCA, and ROHS licensed. However the most effective half concerning the FilaDryer E2 is its annealing mode. By heating elements to their glass transition temperature, the method enhances uniformity and strengthens prints, however exact management is important, which is what the FilaDryer E2 supposedly affords. This could be particularly useful for many who print end-use PETG and PLA elements.
#4: Prusa Core One 3D Printer Evaluate
Prusa Core One. Picture courtesy of Prusa.
We’re transferring to the desktop for our high 4 tales of 2025, beginning with Orville Wright’s evaluate of the Prusa Core One. Constructing on the inspiration of the dependable MK4 printer, the Prusa Core One is a next-generation modular design, that includes an improve path with an enclosure and elements to create a CoreXY printer. After unboxing it, Wright famous that the Core One, with its 250 x 220 x 270 mm construct quantity, is “constructed like a tank,” with intentional gaps within the metal body to accommodate an built-in spool holder and equipment. A bonus to those gaps is lowered inside air quantity, which means the construct plate is extra constant when printing high-temperature supplies like Nylon, ASA, and PC.
A seamless startup course of led to his first print: a 3DBenchy, printed in ASA. Wright says the small display is user-friendly, however missing compared to printers with touchscreens that function a extra fashionable UI. The Core One’s journey velocity maxes out at 320mm/s, however high quality was clearly emphasised over velocity. The usual brass nozzle limits the printer’s capabilities with strengthened filaments, however a more durable nozzle, just like the Diamondback Nextruder, ought to assist. Prusa has 3D printable substitute elements for almost each part on the Core One, which is available in each package ($949) and assembled ($1,199) variations. However with its low working noise, repairability, open supply slicer, ease of use, and extra, Wright says the Prusa Core One is effectively well worth the price ticket, nice for hobbyists and professionals alike.
#3: Qualup’s Profitable Kickstarter Marketing campaign for Split3r Software program
Entrance of a BMW M4 GT3 Scale 1/1, primarily based on the BMW M4 GT3 Prototype by toddeppe. Picture courtesy of Split3r.
French 3D printing firm Qualup is thought for its high-temperature materials extrusion programs and volumetric sensors for exact printing. However as Peels defined, their 2025 Kickstarter marketing campaign was for one thing very completely different: Split3r. In a nutshell, this automated software program is meant to make it straightforward so that you can break up giant elements, so you possibly can print them serially with one or just a few smaller printers, and even distribute them over a complete print farm. Split3r mechanically tracks elements, which you’ll be able to then quantity, and it additionally permits customers to separate recordsdata by construct quantity and mechanically create joints. The data may be exported to Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, and others.
For a €30 perpetual license for 2 PCs, and no subscription required, Split3r feels like a fairly whole lot for many who make giant elements, like architects, cosplayers, and prop and furnishings makers. Clearly, many others agreed, as a result of the Kickstarter was efficiently funded for €114,405. By digitally making construct volumes infinite, kind issue is not a difficulty for 3D printing giant elements on desktop programs. Peels believes that this type of thought “might increase 3D printing as a complete.”
#2: Massachusetts Teen’s Desktop Filament Extruder & Recycler
Picture courtesy of Benjamin Callahan Davis.
A 16-year-old who received his first 3D printer in fourth grade made headlines—and over $80,000 in prize cash—when he developed a desktop filament extruder and recycler. Benjamin Callahan Davis of Massachusetts developed a desktop recycling system, which makes use of each extrusion and pulltrusion, that’s reportedly 45% extra environment friendly than different programs. His low-cost setup helps produce filament, restore failed prints, and recycle waste, which might make at-home and even industrial printing, rather more eco-friendly and economical. Presently, Davis’s machine can produce as much as one kilogram of filament per hour, however he thinks this may be improved.
He defined to Peels what the distinction was between his system and comparable machines: “Firstly, the fabric to be recycled is ready by way of shredding and drying. Then, the ready materials enters the hopper of the machine, the place the compression auger feeds the supplies by way of 3 impartial warmth/compression zones earlier than extruding out of the nozzle at 2.00mm. Subsequent, this rubbery, scorching filament is fed by way of a water cooling system with filament pulling wheels on the finish to tug the filament at a continuing charge of velocity. After, the filament loops across the machine and enters the pultrusion nozzle, the place the filament is softened and pulled to 1.75mm. To chill the filament after pultrusion, an air cooling system is utilized, adopted by one other set of pulling wheels that present the power mandatory to tug the filament by way of pultrusion. Lastly, the filament is spooled, after which it’s prepared to be used.”
#1: Desktop Injection Molding Machine SALTGATOR’s Profitable Kickstarter
Picture courtesy of SALTGATOR.
Lastly, our #1 story isn’t a few desktop 3D printer, however a desktop injection molding machine optimized for 3D printed molds. Kremenetsky detailed the extraordinarily profitable Kickstarter marketing campaign for SALTGATOR, an organization primarily based in Hong Kong and Austin, Texas that developed what it calls the primary delicate gel desktop injection molding machine. The compact system is priced at $399 and encompasses a low-temperature melting level, making it good for 3D printing molds. So named after firm co-founder Alex Kwow noticed “a gator effortlessly chopping by way of each salt and freshwater,” the SALTGATOR counts customized fishing lures as certainly one of its key functions.
Within the wake of the most recent technology of industrial-grade superior manufacturing tools, desktop 3D printers should not going “light into that good evening,” as poet Dylan Thomas wrote. They’re really bettering in high quality and reducing in value, which makes them extra related than ever. Along with creating customized merchandise, the SALTGATOR would additionally work effectively for prototyping merchandise like delicate robotics and wearables. Kremenetsky even famous that instructional packages about superior manufacturing might create curricula centered on “the usage of built-in desktop ecosystems the place injection molding, 3D printing, and CNC machines all play a job.” He additionally stated, and I heartily agree, that the launch of merchandise like SALTGATOR “constantly unlock the potential for an increasing number of new life to be breathed into the panorama of product design.”
Subscribe to Our E mail Publication
Keep up-to-date on all the most recent information from the 3D printing trade and obtain data and affords from third social gathering distributors.
Add your 3D Fashions and get them printed shortly and effectively.
