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Article collection on Additive Manufacturing

This collection features articles on Additive Manufacturing published in Smart Materials in Manufacturing. Key findings include biodegradability, biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, fatigue resistance, radiation shielding, and mechanical properties of various additively manufactured materials.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSmart Materials in Manufacturing·DateJul 31, 2026

3D-printed contact lenses for your eyes only in just 20 minutes

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a digital manufacturing platform to create patient-specific contact lenses in under 20 minutes. The innovative technology uses custom lens design software and advanced 3D printing combined with a new hydrophilic silicone material, providing precise fit and optical clarity.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMaterials & Design·DateJul 14, 2026
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New holographic printer makes 3D shapes in one shot

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a method to print complex 3D shapes using nanoscale 'mask' technology, achieving physical toughness and transport capabilities. The technique prints multiple shapes in a conveyor-belt fashion, with dimensional ratios as high as 120:1.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Predicting how 3D-printed materials will behave

A new study from the University of Groningen shows that properly characterizing 3D-printed materials is key to predicting their behavior. The researchers successfully designed and manufactured structures that exhibited excellent vibration attenuation and other exotic properties.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Focusing underwater sound with a lens 40% lighter than conventional designs

A Korean research team created an underwater acoustic lens capable of focusing sound precisely at a desired point while reducing weight by about 40% compared to conventional designs. The findings have significant implications for underwater communication, marine environmental monitoring, and acoustic energy transfer.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateJul 1, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

NTU Singapore and Waseda University scientists develop a diving suit for cyborg cockroaches

Scientists from NTU Singapore and Waseda University have developed a flexible 'diving suit' for cyborg cockroaches, allowing them to survive and move underwater for up to three hours. The suit generates oxygen and delivers it directly to the insect's breathing holes, enabling them to thrive in low-oxygen environments.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2026

Roschli named to ASME Mechanical Engineering Watch List

Roschli's research applies large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) to nuclear energy construction, reducing production times from weeks to days. He was recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for his contributions to additive manufacturing innovations.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJun 25, 2026

SwRI upgrades HEAT facility to support alternative fuel testing

The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has completed a three-year renovation of its High Energy Annex Test (HEAT) facility to expand gas turbine combustor testing. The upgrades reduce testing costs by 80% through the use of additive manufacturing, allowing for flexible switching between fuel types.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJun 16, 2026
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

"Reading the invisible": POSTECH-led team develops AI framework accounting for hidden defects in metal 3D printing

A research team led by POSTECH developed an AI framework that can predict and account for microscopic defects in metal 3D printing, improving the reliability of metal components. The framework achieves a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of just 9.51 MPa, outperforming conventional approaches.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalActa Materialia·DateMay 14, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Toward artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand

Researchers create shape-morphing filaments using rotational multimaterial 3D printing, enabling programmable artificial muscles that bend and twist on demand. The breakthrough could accelerate the development of complex technologies such as soft robotics, energy damping, and biomedical devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2026

Copper cold plates could slash data-center energy usage

Researchers have designed copper cold plates with optimized fins that deliver up to 32% better cooling performance, reducing pressure drop by up to 68%. This technology could lead to significant energy savings in data centers, where it is estimated to contribute only around 1.1% of total energy usage.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2026
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Ultra-thin optical film sharpens 3D printing precision

A new ultra-thin optical film improves the quality of light used in LCD resin-based 3D printers, ensuring precise details and reducing printing errors. The film's design enhances collimation and uniformity, paving the way for affordable industrial or medical-grade products.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 23, 2026

How an algorithm is curing 3D printing’s cracking problem

A team of researchers developed a machine learning framework to optimize laser settings for printing crack-susceptible superalloys. The algorithm reduced internal crack density by 99% and increased the metal's high-temperature strength, surpassing traditional cast components.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 13, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

3D printing could change how cancer drugs reach tumors

Researchers at the University of Mississippi have developed a new method for delivering cancer-fighting drugs using 3D-printed nanocarriers, which can target specific tumor sites and minimize side effects. This innovative approach has shown promising results in killing cancer cells and reducing the impact of traditional chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalPharmaceutical Research·DateApr 6, 2026

Preview tool helps makers visualize 3D-printed objects

A new 3D printing preview tool, VisiPrint, uses AI to generate aesthetically accurate previews of fabricated objects, reducing the need for multiple reprints and waste. The system considers material properties, layer height, and nozzle path to create realistic simulations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 3, 2026

Machine learning designs cheaper and rust-proof steel for 3D printing

A new class of ultra-high strength and ductility steel has been created using machine learning, achieving a rare balance of extreme strength and ductility. The resulting metal resists corrosion and degrades slowly in salt-water tests.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 2, 2026
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Printing living tissue at human-level cell density

Researchers create living tissue at near-physiological cell density using a new bioprinting strategy called embedded 3D printing in a cell-dense suspension (EPICS). The method enables the precise fabrication of perfusable channels and dense cellular environments, mimicking real organs.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 10, 2026

Dynamic gel helps scientists grow organs more reliably in the lab

Scientists at UCSF created a new material that enables more predictable organoid growth, allowing for better study of disease and potential tissue replacement. The dynamic gel, invented by Zev Gartner, mimics the body's soft environment and enables precise 3D printing of stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 10, 2026
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

3D printing soft robots

Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new fabrication method for printing robotic devices with long filaments featuring precisely placed hollow channels. This allows the device to bend and deform in predetermined ways, enabling the creation of soft robots with predictable s...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Researchers find a way to 3D print one of industry’s hardest engineering materials

Hiroshima University researchers develop novel 3D printing method to produce cemented carbides with high hardness and durability, reducing material waste and cost. The new technique maintains the hardness of conventionally manufactured WC-Co cemented carbides without defects or decomposition.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalInternational Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials·DateFeb 6, 2026

Low-temperature-activated deployment of smart 4D-printed vascular stents

Researchers developed smart 4D-printed vascular stents that expand naturally at body temperature, eliminating the need for external heating. The stents balance mechanical flexibility and radial strength, demonstrating long-term biomechanical compliance.

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026

Team develops smart synthetic material inspired by octopus skin

The team created a programmable smart skin out of hydrogel, enabling enhanced multifunctionality and adjustable properties. The material can encrypt or decrypt information, enable adaptive camouflage, power soft robotics, and more.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Your future home might be framed with printed plastic

MIT engineers have designed a 3D-printed floor truss system made from recycled plastic, which exceeds building standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The printed flooring can hold over 4,000 pounds and weighs about 13 pounds per truss, making it a lighter alternative to traditional wood-based trusses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 3, 2026

Team develops smart synthetic material inspired by octopus skin

A team of researchers developed a programmable smart skin out of hydrogel that can be used to encrypt or decrypt information, enable adaptive camouflage and power soft robotics. The material's dynamic control over optical appearance, mechanical response and surface texture can be adjusted using external stimuli.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Underwater 3D printing could transform maritime construction

A Cornell University team is developing a method to 3D-print concrete underwater, which could revolutionize on-site maritime construction and repair of critical infrastructure. The technology aims to minimize ocean disruption while creating more efficient and effective construction methods.

SourceCornell University·DateJan 29, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New method allows scientists to 3D-print structures within cells

Researchers have developed a new method to print custom microstructures directly into living cells, enabling the study of biological functions and instilling enhanced properties. The breakthrough uses light-sensitive materials and laser polymerization to create structures within cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 14, 2026

Wyss Institute-led collaboration awarded by ARPA-H PRINT program to engineer off-the-shelf, universal, transplant-ready graft for liver failure

A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·DateJan 13, 2026
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Seedcoat-inspired metal lets wings change shape on their own

Researchers at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics created an active metal metamaterial that can bend and recover its shape, enabling aircraft wings to morph smoothly in flight. The material is lightweight, strong, and capable of adjusting its shape on demand.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 8, 2026

Fighting skin diseases with 3D bioprinting

Researchers at TU Wien developed a 3D bioprinting technique to create living biological tissue for studying skin diseases. The method offers a controlled and highly reproducible manner to produce tailor-made structures for different purposes, such as psoriasis and inflammatory models.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeNews article·DateDec 18, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Multichannel 3D-printed bioactive scaffold combined with siRNA delivery for spinal cord injury recovery

Researchers developed an innovative treatment platform combining a multichannel 3D-printed bioactive scaffold with siRNA delivery for enhanced axon regeneration and improved motor function in spinal cord injury rats. The therapy addressed multiple pathological barriers, including insufficient intrinsic axonal regeneration, lack of dire...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateDec 8, 2025

Rodriguez and Phadatare selected for SME's 30 Under 30

Brittany Rodriguez and Akash Phadatare have been recognized by SME's 30 Under 30 program for their work in advancing manufacturing technologies. They are both part of the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, where they collaborate with industry partners to develop new methods for efficient and scalable manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateNov 24, 2025
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

‘Artery on a chip': 3D printed blood vessels could unravel secrets of strokes

Researchers created a miniaturized replica of carotid arteries using 3D printing, mimicking the geometry and fluid dynamics of human blood vessels. The model revealed that platelet movement is crucial in blood clot formation, and high stress on blood vessels triggers significant platelet activity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2025

From artificial organs to advanced batteries: A breakthrough 3D-printable polymer

A new type of 3D-printable material made from polyethylene glycol has been developed by a University of Virginia research team. This breakthrough material is biologically friendly and can be stretched, making it suitable for use in larger structures or those requiring flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 17, 2025

Novel “ink” for light-based 3D printing

Researchers developed a new methacrylate-based 'ink' that carries redox-active carbazole groups, enabling electrically conducting and color-changing materials. This allows for the creation of complex structures with reversible and pixel-level control.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 13, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Process monitoring of P-GMAW-based wire arc direct energy deposition of stainless steels via time-frequency domain analysis and Isolation Forest

Researchers developed an AI-based method to process high-frequency welding data, achieving a 28.3% improvement in anomaly detection performance. The approach uses time-frequency domain analysis and Isolation Forest to capture structural patterns underlying the repetitive nature of the welding process.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 11, 2025