📰 Industry News
NSW public housing sparks hot debate
In Dubbo, Australia, the Aboriginal Housing Office’s 3D‑printed duplex built in just 20 weeks (with walls printed in 16 days, costing A$814K) ignited controversy when social media users labeled it “cheap and nasty” and questioned window placement and structural soundness. Advocates praised the project’s thermal efficiency, waste reduction, and accelerated delivery. Acting CEO Loshana Karthikeya called it a “landmark moment,” with the NSW government now evaluating further rollout alongside modular housing initiatives contour3d.com.au+4Daily Telegraph+4The Indian Sun+4.
Firestorm Labs locks in $47M to scale field drone printing
San Diego‑based Firestorm Labs, backed by NEA, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Booz Allen, and more, has closed a $47 million Series A round (including $12 million in debt) to expand its xCell “factory‑in‑a‑box” systems. These mobile units 3D‑print drones and battlefield tools at the point of need, in line with Executive Order 14307 (“Unleashing American Drone Dominance”). The company also secured exclusive HP Multi Jet Fusion rights and will showcase at Detroit’s Reindustrialize conference 3DPrint+8Axios+8launchfirestorm.com+8.
Surge in entry‑level printer shipments
Q1 2025 saw over 1 million entry-level (< $2,500) 3D printers shipped—a 15 % year-over-year increase—due to tariff fears prompting U.S. buyers to stock up. Chinese brands dominate 95 % of the market, with Creality holding 39 % and Bambu Lab surging +64 %. However, professional-grade printers declined by ~15 %. Analysts attribute this to supply-chain shifts and growing industrial adoption. The global 3D printing market topped $25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $66 billion by 2030 Tom’s Hardware.
Adidas updates 3D‑printed Climacool with laces
Adidas has released a laced version of its 3D‑printed Climacool sneaker, featuring a black tongue and traditional lace-up closure for improved fit. Priced at $160 (vs. $140 slip-ons), it retains the original lattice structure printed over 24 hours. Initial limited releases began June; global availability is expanding via Adidas Confirmed and select retailers YouTube+8The Verge+8Reddit+8.
🧪 New Products & Technologies
- MIT implantable glucagon reservoir: MIT engineers have developed a quarter-sized, 3D‑printed polymer implant with nickel-titanium alloy “lid” that releases powdered glucagon wirelessly when activated. Designed for emergencies like nocturnal hypoglycemia or pediatric cases, it leverages wireless triggers combined with separate blood sugar sensors. Backed by recent publication in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the device is currently in preclinical stages TechDogs+6Tom’s Hardware+63D Printing+6.
- Sandvik + Additive Industries Powder Load Tool: Industrial collaboration introduces streamlined metal powder handling within AM workflows, enhancing safety and efficiency in powder loading for large-scale metal systems 3D Printing Industry+23DPrint+2Voxelmatters+2.
📏 Regulatory & Standards Updates
None reported during this window.
🔬 Research & Academic Insights
- Holographic volumetric AM advances: Researchers have achieved a 70 × efficiency boost in tomographic volumetric printing using MEMS-based phase-only light modulators—enabling faster, scalable resin fabrication .
- 3D Systems + TISSIUM FDA approval: A partnership aimed at via-medical printing for peripheral nerve regeneration recently celebrated FDA clearance, cementing 3D printing’s role in emerging healthcare applications 3DPrint.
✈️ Sector Applications
Aerospace & Defense:
- Firestorm’s xCell units align with military decentralization trends and the Pentagon’s push for point-of-need manufacturing. General Dan Caine has underscored 3D printing’s field readiness value, citing trials in Fort Bliss and field deployments Techmeme+3Business Insider+3launchfirestorm.com+3.
Medical / Dental:
- MIT’s glucagon implant has profound implications for Type 1 diabetics—automating hypoglycemia rescue without injections. Published results spotlight its potential during sleep or pediatric contexts 3D Printing+7Tom’s Hardware+7MIT News+7.
Consumer Goods:
- Adidas’ lattice-and-lace Climacool blends form and customization. Early user feedback highlights improved footwear ergonomics and breathability Instagram+9The Verge+9The Manual+9.