And it’s a Happy New Year! In January 2018 the 3D printing industry got off to a flying start. To learn more about what to expect from the next 12 months, we gathered the insights of over30 additive manufacturing experts, includinginsights from CES 2018, and a look back to thepatents granted in 2017gave us some clues as to where growth might be throughout the year.
It was a month for keeping up with 3D printing trends, and not just in a development sense…
Best 3D printers of the year
With our second annual 3D Printing Industry Awards looming, we published an update of the shortlisted nominees including thebest 3D printers of the year(as chosen by you.) Of the companies listed, theMarkforged Mark 2went on to win theEnterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers)award for the second year in a row, and Dr. Adrien Bowyer presented Josef Prusa and theOriginal Prusa i3 MK3with the trophy forPersonal 3D printer of the year (FFF).
Eager to get involved in the awards in 2019? Make yournominations for the shortlistnow.
Apple patents, Paris Fashion Week, SOLIDWORKS World and FedEx
Mid-January, a3D printer patent granted to Applein the U.S. caused a stir going on to become one of our most shared articles of the whole year.
Later, at Paris Fashion Week 2018,Iris van Herpen’s 3D printed haute couturetore up the runway; andadidas Futurecraft 4Dsneakers cropped up on eBay with an asking price of $20,000 (Now available on eBay for around $440).
Global logistics companyFedExannounced the formation ofFedEx Forward Depotsa 3D printing oriented business for “Critical Inventory” and “Service Parts Logistics.” This move would be followed throughout the year by a series of announcements by Nordic postal servicePostNord.
AndRocket Lablaunched its 3D printing poweredElectron rocket into orbit.
If you’d like to join us for the 2019 3D Printing Industry Awards you can alsocontact usabout ticket sales.
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Looking for a fresh start in the new year?Visit3D Printing Jobsto get a head start.
Feature image shows Rocket Lab’s successful launch of the Electron. Photo via Rocket Lab
