Simulated daily snapshot ยท Major 3D printing & AI tickers
Latest headlines from across the additive manufacturing and artificial intelligence industry.
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini (~$199) is the easiest to set up and use โ it auto-calibrates and produces great prints out of the box. The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE (~$189) is another excellent option with a massive community for help. Both support optional multi-color upgrades as your skills grow.
FDM (filament) printers are best for general use โ prototypes, functional parts, cosplay props, and household items. They're cheaper to run and easier to maintain. Resin printers excel at ultra-fine detail โ miniatures, jewelry, dental models. However, resin requires post-processing (washing and curing) and ventilation due to fumes.
AI is revolutionizing every stage of the process. Generative design algorithms create optimized structures humans can't conceive. Real-time monitoring cameras detect print failures automatically. Predictive maintenance reduces downtime. Even consumer printers like Bambu Lab's lineup use AI LiDAR for auto-calibration and spaghetti detection. The AI in 3D printing market is growing at 36.5% annually.
Start with PLA or PLA+. It prints at lower temperatures, doesn't warp much, and produces great-looking results. SUNLU and Creality both make excellent, affordable PLA. Once comfortable, graduate to PETG for stronger prints, then TPU for flexible parts. Keep all filament dry with a filament dryer โ moisture causes bubbling, stringing, and poor layer adhesion.
Not to get started, but scanners unlock powerful workflows. They let you digitize real objects for replication, modification, or reverse engineering. Budget options like the Creality Ferret Pro (~$299) connect wirelessly to your phone. Professional scanners like the Raptor Pro (~$699) deliver 0.02mm accuracy for engineering applications.
Almost anything that fits the build volume of a modern 3D printer. Popular projects include custom phone cases, replacement parts for appliances, cosplay armor and props, tabletop gaming miniatures, architectural models, drone parts, organizers, plant pots, art, jewelry, and prototypes for product ideas. The community shares millions of free designs online.