1. 3D Printed Wood Meets Japanese Joinery
At the 2024 Dubai Design Week, Mitsubishi unveiled “Warp,” a wooden tea room that blends traditional Japanese joinery with modern 3D printing. This innovative structure uses a sustainable system to repurpose waste from the CLT manufacturing process into 3D-printed modular tiles. These tiles are interlocked using traditional Japanese joinery techniques, requiring no additional fasteners or adhesives. “Warp” showcases an inventive fusion of 3D-printed recycled materials and heritage craftsmanship, offering a unique take on sustainable architecture.
- Source: Dezeen
2. 3D Printed Clock with AA Battery Charging and Dispensing
Recently, an innovative 3D-printed charger and clock called SPINC was designed by Maximilian Kern. This device features a box-shaped design that allows multiple AA batteries to be charged at once. The batteries are charged in sequence, and once fully charged, they automatically pop out for use. SPINC offers a unique solution for charging and storing AA batteries, while also serving as a stylish desktop clock. This 3D-printed device reimagines the sustainable charging and storage of batteries in a functional and modern way.
- Source: Hackaday
3. Thailand's 3D-Printed Building Pioneers Low-Carbon Mortar
Thailand’s SCG Cement has combined low-carbon mortar with 3D printing to develop CPAC 3D SPACE, a modular prefabricated building. The standout feature is SCG’s low-carbon mortar, which incorporates alternative materials and captures CO2 during production. This mortar is used to 3D print building components, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining durability and structural integrity. By merging low-carbon materials with 3D printing, the project highlights sustainable construction practices, showcasing how additive manufacturing can improve efficiency and precision while lowering environmental impact. This initiative sets an example for greener, more eco-friendly solutions in the construction industry.
- Source: Springer
4. New 3D Method Prints Multi-Material Car Parts
Tohoku University researchers introduced a new 3D printing method for multi-material metals. Using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), they created lightweight yet durable car parts. Faster laser scanning prevents brittle compounds from forming between metals like steel and aluminum. They successfully printed a full-size car suspension tower, proving its practical use. This process reduces waste, allows complex designs, and overcomes challenges in metal fusion, offering a better alternative to traditional methods.
- Source: Eenewseurope
5. The role of 3D printing play in formula 1
In Formula 1, 3D printing, especially FDM, is used for rapid prototyping and producing sample parts. It speeds up the design, testing, and manufacturing cycle for new components. In 2014, McLaren introduced its first 3D-printed part, an engine valve cover, using FDM technology. Later, they expanded to printing structural brackets for connecting hydraulic lines to the MCL32 car. Made from carbon fiber-reinforced nylon, these parts offered stability and were printed in just 4 hours. Compared to traditional methods, 3D printing reduces car weight, enabling faster acceleration, higher speeds, better braking, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced tire pressure.
- Source: 3Dnatives
6. 3D Printing Orthotics Advancing Veterinary Care
Polish company WIMBA partnered with Italian provider Intrauma to 3D print pet orthotics. The customized devices help improve pets' mobility and drive advancements in 3D printing for veterinary care. WIMBA used HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology to create lightweight, custom-fit orthotics, while Intrauma produced the internal supports. This collaboration brings technological improvements to pet care, offering lower costs, faster production times, and more personalized solutions. It provides a better experience for veterinarians, pets, and their owners.
- Source: Wimba
