Research & Academic Insights
- Scientists 3D-print titanium fuel tank for space travel A joint team from the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), KP Aviation, Hanyang University, and AM Solutions successfully 3D-printed a titanium (Ti64 alloy) fuel tank (640 mm diameter) that passed a critical durability test—withstanding pressures up to 330 bar and temperatures down to –196 °C—without needing additional coatings. This marks a world-first in space-ready AM and paves the way for more agile, localized production of space components.
- Overprinting with Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing
Researchers introduced Tomographic Volumetric Additive Manufacturing (TVAM), a light-based 3D printing technique capable of producing centimeter-scale structures within seconds. Demonstrations include printing a microfluidic perfusion system in under three minutes, embedding spheres within biocompatible resin, and printing gears on glossy metal rods using a unified open-source framework (Dr.TVAM) for high-speed, flexible projection. - High light-efficiency holographic TVAM using MEMS-based phase-only light modulator
A significant advance in volumetric AM: researchers developed a holographic TVAM platform using a phase-only light modulator (PLM), yielding a 70× increase in laser-power efficiency versus traditional amplitude systems. This method allows high-resolution printing from micrometers to centimeters using digital control and low-cost UV laser diodes.
New Products & Technologies
- Apiar unveils Gen1.0—the world’s first fully 3D-printed watch Dutch brand Apiar released Gen1.0, a 39 mm titanium wristwatch whose mid-case and dial are entirely 3D-printed using generative design. Constructed from grade 5 and 23 titanium, it achieves a remarkably low material waste of just 14 g across key components. The bezel remains CNC-machined. Priced at £2,250 VAT, it signals a shift toward sustainable, design-forward AM in luxury manufacturing.
- Bambu Lab introduces H2S 3D printer
Following their H2D Pro, Bambu Lab announced a new model: H2S. Details are still emerging, but initial announcements place the launch on August 26, 2025. - FibreSeeker 3: Continuous carbon-fiber 3D printing for desktops
FibreSeeker 3, a desktop 3D printer capable of continuous carbon-fiber printing, was showcased—highlighting its potential for high-strength, functional parts in a compact format. - QIDI Q2: Compact new 3D printer for home use
QIDI launched its Q2, a compact 3D printer targeted at home users, priced at approximately €499—balancing affordability with practical capability. - New control system improves thermosetting polymer 3D printing
A novel control system was unveiled that enhances the printing quality of thermosetting polymers, advancing precision and consistency in polymer AM. - Prusa’s starter kit for painting 3D prints
Prusa released a starter kit for painting 3D prints, enabling users to post-process and colorize prints with improved ease and aesthetics.
Social Chatter (YouTube, Reddit, & Online Buzz)
Online discourse prominently features:
- Apiar’s Gen1.0 watch: widely shared on watch-maker forums and design blogs, praised for its blend of bespoke design and sustainable AM practice.
- TVAM breakthroughs: engineering forums and YouTube channels are abuzz with demos of the dramatically faster, volumetric printing techniques—enthusiasts highlight the perfusion system and gear-on-rod prints as “revolutionary.”
- Bambu Lab H2S teaser: teased across Reddit and social media. Makers and hobbyist groups are speculating on specs and pre-order availability.
- FibreSeeker 3 and QIDI Q2: hobbyist communities are excited at affordable, carbon-fiber-capable desktop machines. Demonstration videos and early reviews are being shared, emphasizing practical value for advanced home makers.
*Apiar has been making their 3d printed watches for a while now. There is still a lot of chatter about the company which is noteworthy. (mre3d.com does not benefit financially from this or any article in this series, News & Noteworthy in Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing.