As Vanesa Listek wrote, final yr was a significant turning level for additive manufacturing (AM), because the business is working to kind itself out. Clients need confirmed use instances and a transparent return on funding, authorities spending is up, everybody is concentrated on reshoring, and buyers are involved in particular market segments, versus all-purpose platforms. 2025 was positively a tough yr for AM, however quite a lot of thrilling issues occurred as properly.
As we dive headfirst into 2026, listed below are the highest 10 hottest tales 3DPrint.com printed final yr, working the gamut from footwear and chapter to Kickstarter campaigns and extra.
#10: LEGO’s Mass-Produced 3D Printed Aspect Got here Residence for Christmas
In September of 2025, LEGO introduced that it might quickly launch its first mass-produced 3D printed component inside an upcoming LEGO Christmas set. As Vanesa Listek reported, by the tip of November, the Vacation Specific Prepare from LEGO Icons was formally obtainable for buy worldwide, and its miniature blue 3D printed locomotive showcased the corporate’s high-throughput polymer AM course of to the world for the primary time.
This was positively not LEGO’s first time utilizing the know-how—the corporate beforehand launched a number of 3D printed components in restricted portions, together with a drafting arm, duck, and pogo stick. However, the locomotive (a micro-version of the set’s most important prepare, that includes spinning wheels and a useful chimney) marks the first time a 3D printed piece is being produced at scale by LEGO, and distributed by one in every of its commonplace industrial units. This was a significant win for 3D printing in shopper items.
#9: Enabling and Scaling AM in Healthcare at AMS 2025
Picture courtesy of 3DPrint.com.
Finally yr’s Additive Manufacturing Methods (AMS) in New York Metropolis, the session I used to be most wanting ahead to targeted on AM in healthcare. The Head of World Programmes for ATscale, Satish Mishra, kicked issues off with a presentation on the usage of AM in assistive know-how (AT). Over 2.5 billion folks world wide want AT, however just one in ten folks have entry, and 3D printing might help change that. Naomi Nathan, the Head of Medical for Mobility/Medical goes Additive (MGA), moderated a dialogue between Amy Alexander, Unit Head of Mechanical Improvement and Utilized Computational Engineering inside Mayo Clinic’s Division of Engineering (DOE); Materialise CEO Brigitte de Vet-Veithen; and neuroradiologist Jenny Chen, founder and CEO of the 3DHEALS community, about Enablers to Scale AM in Healthcare. Examples included optimistic peer stress, stable examples that reveal the know-how’s worth, addressing the expertise hole, and extra.
Rajan Patel, the CEO of medical machine firm Kallisio, shared how patient-centric 3D printed options can redefine most cancers care, with a particular concentrate on his firm’s FDA-approved, patient-specific radiation remedy machine, Stentra, It was developed in collaboration with the MD Anderson Most cancers Middle to cut back most cancers sufferers’ possibilities of growing oral mucositis throughout radiation therapies. Kallisio partnered with Ricoh for the manufacturing, Materialise for software program, and MD Anderson to scale the product. The ultimate panel was about Coverage for AM Healthcare. Mark Burnham, the Additive Manufacturing Coalition‘s Director of Coverage; Lexi Gormley, Scientific Purposes Specialist, Additive Manufacturing, Ricoh USA; Ankush Venkatesh, Intrapreneur, Additive Manufacturing, for Glidewell Dental; and Louis-Philippe Broze, co-founder and CEO of 3D design automation software program agency Spentys, targeted on the necessity for certification, advocacy, and reimbursement programs. Register for AMS 2026 to listen to what this yr’s AM healthcare session will speak about!
#8: Scaling Navy 3D Printing with 3D Methods’ Mike Shepard
Picture courtesy of 3D Methods.
In line with an AM Analysis report, it was estimated that the U.S. Division of Struggle (beforehand the Division of Protection) spent $800 million straight on additive in 2024, which is a YOY enhance of 166%. As such, we cowl many tales associated to this sector, and Macro Analyst Matt Kremenetsky writes quite a lot of them. One particularly that was widespread final yr was his interview with Mike Shepard, VP of Aerospace and Protection at 3D Methods, who spent 16 years on the Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory (AFRL), one of many world’s most influential AM scalers, earlier than becoming a member of the personal sector. It was a superb match for Shepard, as 3D Methods has been working with the DoW (beforehand the DoD) for years. Kremenetsky requested him how the identical dynamics driving navy AM efforts proceed to indicate up in a number of branches of service, from the Navy to the Marine Corp, and the way they might inform the AM business’s work in different verticals.
“The very first thing folks are inclined to need to do is tackle the difficulty that’s inflicting essentially the most ache. So, earlier than anybody actually knew what they have been doing when it got here to AM, they’d begin with one thing mission crucial. However you rapidly discover out, that’s an extremely unhelpful transfer. You possibly can’t run earlier than you crawl and stroll,” Shepard instructed him.
“Don’t attempt to do the toughest factor first. As an alternative, it’s important to attempt to discover jobs which can be going that can assist you actually be taught the brand new manufacturing processes, and be taught each vital lesson it’s important to be taught while you’re first getting began, however with a low degree of threat. That’s kind of the explanation why DoD pivoted to beginning with jigs and fixtures. After jigs and fixtures, the subsequent thread is, can we make outdated elements in a brand new method?
“These are the dynamics at work with the Navy’s substitute of castings, as a result of the fleets must final between 30 and 50 years, however the dynamics are comparable for aerospace, and even for lots of the Military’s floor car programs.”
#7: World Launch of 3D Printed Adidas Climacool Slip-On Shoe
Adidas Climacool 3D printed shoe. Picture courtesy of Adidas.
We’re again to shopper items with Listek’s story on the 2025 world launch of the Adidas Climacool, a completely 3D printed slip-on sneaker designed for breathability, consolation, and efficiency. It was developed in collaboration with Carbon, and represents a turning level within the sportswear large’s use of 3D printing. Manufactured with Carbon’s signature Digital Mild Synthesis (DLS) know-how, the single-piece shoe options lattice buildings all through, making the shoe useful in addition to wanting futuristic.
Adidas has been utilizing Carbon’s know-how because it debuted the Futurecraft 4D—the primary shoe to characteristic a DLS-made midsole—again in 2017. This was the beginning of its 4D line, which ultimately expanded into efficiency and way of life footwear just like the 4DFWD, additionally that includes a midsole 3D printed utilizing DLS. However the Climacool is its most superior model but: a seamless shoe, that includes an higher made with 100% polyurethane for elevated breathability. This slip-on sneaker actually reveals how far 3D printing footwear has come because the early days.
#6: Evaluation of Desktop Metallic’s Chapter
Contained in the tech. Picture courtesy of Desktop Metallic.
It was one of many greatest tales within the AM business in current historical past: Desktop Metallic, first set to merge with Stratasys in 2023 earlier than the latter known as it off, was then acquired by Nano Dimension. After plenty of authorized controversy, Desktop Metallic formally turned half of Nano Dimension in April of 2025, bringing loads of debt with it. As Nano tried to work out subsequent strikes, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Troy Jensen stated they “wouldn’t be shocked if chapter is a possible end result for Desktop Metallic.” Months later, that’s precisely what occurred. Our Govt Editor Joris Peels mentioned the fallout in a well-liked piece titled “Desktop Metallic Chapter: Evaluation & Karma Police.”
After letting a few of its earlier acquisitions go bankrupt as properly, Peels posited that “Nano desires to shed as a lot of its previously acquisitive self earlier than rising as a lean butterfly that’s much less conglomerate and extra a cash-rich targeted startup.” He additionally famous that DM’s chapter might lead to much less curiosity round binder jetting, and that it might have an effect on how the AM business as an entire is perceived by the broader world. Fortunately, we all know now that a few of its belongings have been saved, and even Desktop Metallic itself is getting a second likelihood. However, we knew the restrictions of binder jetting know-how usually, and DM’s machines particularly, and didn’t publicize this information properly sufficient, which might have higher insulated the business from the fallout. So that is positively a cautionary story we’d all do properly to recollect.
#5: SUNLU’s 3D Printing Filament Dryer with Annealing Mode
Picture courtesy of SUNLU.
Relating to materials extrusion know-how, you actually need a filament dryer. Hygroscopic filaments, like ABS, TPU, PETG, and PC, take up moisture from the air, which may end up in stringing, breakage, and extruder blockages; even non-hygroscopic supplies like PP are helped by temperature management. Particularly for extra frequent supplies like PLA and PA, having dry filament can cut back print errors, and enhance consistency and repeatability. Filament dryers have existed for years, however they’ve by no means been massive sellers, which is what Chinese language filament producer SUNLU is hoping to alter with its FilaDryer E2.
In his article on SUNLU’s filament drying unit, Peels shares a number of of its options. The 372 x 192 x 186mm chamber can accommodate two 1kg spools, or one 2kg or 3kg spools, and maintains a temperature of as much as 70°C with ±3°C accuracy in an surroundings of 25°C (±5°C). It’s sealed with silicone plugs, has a touchscreen interface so customers can choose their most well-liked drying cycle, and is UL, CE, FCC, UKCA, and ROHS licensed. However the most effective half in regards to the FilaDryer E2 is its annealing mode. By heating elements to their glass transition temperature, the method enhances uniformity and strengthens prints, however exact management is crucial, which is what the FilaDryer E2 supposedly affords. This may be particularly useful for individuals who print end-use PETG and PLA elements.
#4: Prusa Core One 3D Printer Evaluation
Prusa Core One. Picture courtesy of Prusa.
We’re shifting to the desktop for our high 4 tales of 2025, beginning with Orville Wright’s assessment of the Prusa Core One. Constructing on the inspiration of the dependable MK4 printer, the Prusa Core One is a next-generation modular design, that includes an improve path with an enclosure and elements to create a CoreXY printer. After unboxing it, Wright famous that the Core One, with its 250 x 220 x 270 mm construct quantity, is “constructed like a tank,” with intentional gaps within the metal body to accommodate an built-in spool holder and equipment. A bonus to those gaps is diminished inside air quantity, that means the construct plate is extra constant when printing high-temperature supplies like Nylon, ASA, and PC.
A seamless startup course of led to his first print: a 3DBenchy, printed in ASA. Wright says the small display is user-friendly, however missing compared to printers with touchscreens that characteristic a extra fashionable UI. The Core One’s journey pace maxes out at 320mm/s, however high quality was clearly emphasised over pace. The usual brass nozzle limits the printer’s capabilities with strengthened filaments, however a tougher nozzle, just like the Diamondback Nextruder, ought to assist. Prusa has 3D printable substitute elements for almost each element on the Core One, which is available in each package ($949) and assembled ($1,199) variations. However with its low working noise, repairability, open supply slicer, ease of use, and extra, Wright says the Prusa Core One is properly well worth the price ticket, nice for hobbyists and professionals alike.
#3: Qualup’s Profitable Kickstarter Marketing campaign for Split3r Software program
Entrance of a BMW M4 GT3 Scale 1/1, primarily based on the BMW M4 GT3 Prototype by toddeppe. Picture courtesy of Split3r.
French 3D printing firm Qualup is understood for its high-temperature materials extrusion programs and volumetric sensors for exact printing. However as Peels defined, their 2025 Kickstarter marketing campaign was for one thing very totally different: Split3r. In a nutshell, this automated software program is meant to make it straightforward so that you can cut up massive elements, so you’ll be able to print them serially with one or just a few smaller printers, and even distribute them over a whole print farm. Split3r mechanically tracks elements, which you’ll then quantity, and it additionally permits customers to separate recordsdata by construct quantity and mechanically create joints. The knowledge might be exported to Cura, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio, and others.
For a €30 perpetual license for 2 PCs, and no subscription required, Split3r feels like a reasonably whole lot for individuals who make massive elements, like architects, cosplayers, and prop and furnishings makers. Clearly, many others agreed, as a result of the Kickstarter was efficiently funded for €114,405. By digitally making construct volumes infinite, type issue is not a problem for 3D printing massive elements on desktop programs. Peels believes that this sort of concept “might increase 3D printing as an entire.”
#2: Massachusetts Teen’s Desktop Filament Extruder & Recycler
Picture courtesy of Benjamin Callahan Davis.
A 16-year-old who bought his first 3D printer in fourth grade made headlines—and over $80,000 in prize cash—when he developed a desktop filament extruder and recycler. Benjamin Callahan Davis of Massachusetts developed a desktop recycling system, which makes use of each extrusion and pulltrusion, that’s reportedly 45% extra environment friendly than different programs. His low-cost setup helps produce filament, restore failed prints, and recycle waste, which might make at-home and even industrial printing, way more eco-friendly and economical. Presently, Davis’s machine can produce as much as one kilogram of filament per hour, however he thinks this may be improved.
He defined to Peels what the distinction was between his system and comparable machines: “Firstly, the fabric to be recycled is ready by shredding and drying. Then, the ready materials enters the hopper of the machine, the place the compression auger feeds the supplies by 3 unbiased warmth/compression zones earlier than extruding out of the nozzle at 2.00mm. Subsequent, this rubbery, sizzling filament is fed by a water cooling system with filament pulling wheels on the finish to tug the filament at a continuing charge of pace. After, the filament loops across the machine and enters the pultrusion nozzle, the place the filament is softened and pulled to 1.75mm. To chill the filament after pultrusion, an air cooling system is utilized, adopted by one other set of pulling wheels that present the pressure obligatory to tug the filament by pultrusion. Lastly, the filament is spooled, after which it’s prepared to be used.”
#1: Desktop Injection Molding Machine SALTGATOR’s Profitable Kickstarter
Picture courtesy of SALTGATOR.
Lastly, our #1 story isn’t a few desktop 3D printer, however a desktop injection molding machine optimized for 3D printed molds. Kremenetsky detailed the extraordinarily profitable Kickstarter marketing campaign for SALTGATOR, an organization primarily based in Hong Kong and Austin, Texas that developed what it calls the primary smooth gel desktop injection molding machine. The compact system is priced at $399 and incorporates a low-temperature melting level, making it good for 3D printing molds. So named after firm co-founder Alex Kwow noticed “a gator effortlessly chopping by each salt and freshwater,” the SALTGATOR counts customized fishing lures as one in every of its key functions.
Within the wake of the newest era of industrial-grade superior manufacturing tools, desktop 3D printers usually are not going “light into that good night time,” as poet Dylan Thomas wrote. They’re really bettering in high quality and decreasing in price, which makes them extra related than ever. Along with creating customized merchandise, the SALTGATOR would additionally work properly for prototyping merchandise like smooth robotics and wearables. Kremenetsky even famous that academic applications about superior manufacturing might create curricula centered on “the usage of built-in desktop ecosystems the place injection molding, 3D printing, and CNC machines all play a job.” He additionally stated, and I heartily agree, that the launch of merchandise like SALTGATOR “repeatedly unlock the potential for increasingly new life to be breathed into the panorama of product design.”
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