With the help of additive manufacturing, robots can now perform important functions with agility and precision, from gesture-controlled arms to humanoid helpers that learn as they interact with our world.

In this article, I’ll share some of the most impressive advancements made possible by 3D printing robotics.

From educational bots that teach basic programming to futuristic humanoids and adorable robotic pets, additive manufacturing is ushering in the next generation of innovative and accessible robotics.

Humanoid Robots

3D printed humanoid robotics have come a long way since Boston Dynamic’s Atlas famously fell over to the internet’s delight, and here we’ll look at some of the coolest and most impressive models that are only improving over time.

Reachy

• Learn More: Pollen Robotics

Pollen Robotics was founded in 2016 with the goal of releasing open-source software and hardware innovations for a variety of purposes. Their most notable achievement is Reachy, an expressive and versatile partially 3D printed robot that can be programmed and reprogrammed at will.

With three different varieties, this cute and functional robot is perfect for both educators and professionals alike. It can be programmed in Python or ROS and be used to prototype and test various AI capabilities and hardware applications.

ED-A

• Learn More: GWAS Tech

Less cute but no less impressive than Reachy is the 3D printed ED-A – or ‘Eddie’ – by GWAS Tech. It was printed using common filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS, and was designed and programmed by one man.

Eddie can move, manipulate objects, and even talk using complicated AI programs that can identify and even share opinions on household objects. It may look like something from a sci-fi horror movie, but if you check out the creator’s various videos on YouTube you’ll agree that this 3D printed robot is one impressive piece of tech.

ASPIR V2

• Learn More: John Choi

The ASPIR V2 was born from the desire to see a humanoid robot that fell between the two categories of ‘toy’ and ‘advanced tech’. With an impressive 33 degrees of freedom, giving it insane maneuverability. For reference, the Reachy robot discussed above has 7 degrees of freedom.

If you’re looking to print all 90 parts of the ASPIR V2 yourself, then you’ll need to prepare to use 5kg of PLA and be willing to wait through a 300-hour printing time. You’ll also need to make sure your printer has an absolute minimum build area of 250x250x250mm.

Atlas

Learn More: Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is one of the first places most people think of when talking about advances in robotics. Their strides in tech have led them to Atlas, a humanoid robot with 3D printed legs that can move and walk with incredible accuracy. 

Atlas can learn as it goes, using a highly precise 3D scanner to identify obstacles and other things in its path and moving to avoid them, all while dedicating what it learns to memory. Its agile movements are thanks to a combination of aluminum and titanium alongside lightweight 3D printed parts.

InMoov

Despite being one of the oldest robotic projects around, InMoov, invented by French sculptor and designer Gael Langevin, has been reenergized by the 3D printing industry and is once more paving the way for future development.

Starting as a single prosthetic hand, and advancing to being a full upper body as of now, InMoov is limited in its functions, restricted to simple movements and gestures, but has many intricate parts that move independently, including fingers and eyes.

However, that is not what makes InMoov special. What does is the fact that the designs are publicly available on their website, and the code is open-source, meaning anyone can print or modify InMoov themselves in their own home, and program it using community-created code.

All you need to build your own model is a desktop 3D printer with a 12 x 12 x 12 cm build volume, three servo motors, an Arduino Uno and Mega microcontroller, and MyRobot Lab and Python scripting software, as well as the required printing materials.

Naturally, InMoov is a favorite of laboratories and universities, and is used for teaching computing and programming. But the truly accessible nature of such an advanced model is a good omen for the future of 3D printed robotics.

Poppy

Poppy is a bipedal humanoid robot developed by Matthieu Lapeyre for his PhD thesis and first produced in the Flowers Laboratory in Bordeaux in 2012. Poppy is entirely 3D printed and is capable of fluid movement, including walking.

Much like InMoov, Poppy is an open-source project and the building blocks are available for any hobbyist or professional to access and reproduce. Poppy is also scalable, meaning that, with the right mechanical components, it can be produced in any size to either fit or maximize the build volume of any 3D printer.

The simplicity of the design means that components can be added or removed to reproduce at mass market levels, allowing anyone to have their own Poppy built to their custom characteristics. And she can be programmed with any number of choice commands.

Poppy’s web interface allows the user to pre-program tasks to be carried out without any need for further input, meaning you can leave your house and let Poppy act independently.

Giving anyone the ability to print these robots from home, 3D printing is democratizing a once-exclusive industry. This is the future that 3D printing has always promised to bring.

Educational Robots

3D printing robots for educational purposes is a fantastic way to get your first steps in 3D printing, mechanical engineering, and AI programming. Here are some of the best 3D printed robots for use in classrooms and beyond.

Jimmy the Robot

• Learn More: 21st Century Robot

Jimmy the Robot is an adorable and highly customizable 3D printed robot that’s available as both a toy and an educational tool for both robotics and basic programming. Using 3D printing for more versatile components, Jimmy’s exterior can look however you like, and his programming is entirely open source and available as learning tools for people with little or no programming experience.

The basic programming allows for balance, gait, and movement, while the more advanced codes will allow for social interaction, learning, and face recognition.

IMA Juno

• Learn More: Juno Instructions

If you’re eager to learn about basic robotics and 3D printing but are concerned your lack of experience will hold you back, then look no further than the IMA Juno model

Juno is an excellent first step in learning how to make and program your own 3D printed robots. Much like how Lego instructions teach kids the basics of architecture and design components, the instructions in the link above will show you basic construction, wiring, and motor configuration.

Buddy the Social Robot

• Learn More: Instructables

Curiosity is what makes robots so fascinating, a programmed will and capacity to learn and memorize is as impressive as it is endearing, and it’s the endearing side that makes Buddy here my favorite educational robot on this list.

The Wall-E-inspired educational robot teaches as much as it learns, reacting to and seeking to identify anything placed in its vicinity. The exterior case is easily 3D printed and assembled, and the easy-to-use code can be manipulated in the most basic of programs, making Buddy an ideal model for schools to introduce students to programming language.

LittleArm V3

• Learn More: Instructables

The LittleArm V3 was designed with STEM education in mind, so it’s the perfect starting place for teaching about articulation, design, and programming in robotics. It was funded by well over twice the asking amount on Kickstarter, making it one of the most popular 3D printed robots for educational purposes on this list.

The V3 simply means the design was perfected over various renditions, needing fewer parts and screws, as well as making the design sturdier and able to withstand tinkering and playing to make it an ideal addition to any classroom.

Robotic Arms

3D printed robotic arms offer flexibility and added points of articulation and freedom compared to those made with standard manufacturing techniques. Because of this, 3D printing is used to make versatile robotic arms and hands capable of more dexterous movements than would otherwise be possible.

Gesture-Controlled Arduino Arm

• Learn More: SmartBuilds
• STL Files: Gripper, Turntable, Arm, Glove

Gesture controlled robotic arms seem incredibly futuristic and complex, but the designer of this Arduino Arm has made sure to make it an accessible and freely available project for anyone eager to learn more about remote-operated 3D printed robots.

The glove is designed to fit an average adult male’s hands, but since you’ll want it to be as accurate as possible, it’s worth noting that you may need to alter the design in your slicer software to fit your own hand size.

SCARA

• Learn More: How To Mechatronics

Another 3D printed robot arm that you can make at home today is the SCARA arm. Using a mix of PLA and PLA+, the total print time was around 120 hours at 60mm/s, but the designer has suggested that this can be shortened depending on your filament and printer capabilities.

The arm itself requires quite a few extra pieces to fully assemble, which creator Dejan has listed out along with the instructions to make sure you have everything you need to print and program this 3D printed robot arm yourself.

Ai Build

In the 3D printing manufacturing sector, companies like Ai build have commercialized the service of 3D printing using robotic arms. They offer a service for printing anything using a range of different materials in a quicker and more cost-effective way than ever before.

The process works in two combined aspects. Ai Sync is a cloud platform that allows clients to upload CAD designs, then automates the entire production process. These monitoring capabilities include detecting imperfections in the part, to the robot’s efficiency and more. Alongside this is the Ai Maker, which is a series of multi-dimension robotic arms with built-in 3D printing technology that uses artificial intelligence to program the system to print.

Ai Build claim that not only is their process cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods, but even cheaper than other forms of 3D printing, while producing next to zero waste material or human labor. It also reduces production times dramatically.

Their technology has seen applications in the defense, aviation, construction and energy sectors, and they list a number of case studies that demonstrate the benefits of the process over other methods. They are able to use nearly any 3D printable material, from plastics to metals and even concrete for varied applications, and they even offer a subscription service for frequent orders.

Zoomorphic Robots

3D printed robot animals and pets have fascinated and delighted households for years. They can be fun, educational, and even handy to have around the house if programmed with enough skill.

Here are a few 3D printed zoomorphic robots inspired by animal movements to further develop maneuverability.

Strandbeest

Strandbeests are designed to move along with the wind and even store energy so they can still move temporarily in lower breezes. Naturally, it didn’t take long for people to start looking for ways to 3D print robotic versions of these mechanical marvels.

Because of the relatively simple shapes, a 3D printed robotic strandbeest is a great way to teach the importance of mechanical accuracy, balance, and deceptively simple engineering practices.

Flexoskeletons

• Learn More: Jacobs School of Engineering

Flexoskeletons were a breakthrough for miniature robotics. Inspired by the agile movements of insects, the University of San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering created the method to make smaller, cheaper, and more articulate 3D printed robots.

The process involves 3D printing small, interchangeable parts that are attached to a soft body instead of a rigid one to allow for more fluid movements. Each part takes less than $1 worth of filament with a 10-minute printing time, and can be achieved on home printers.

Opencat

• STL Files: Google Drive

Robotic pets have been the dream of many households, providing all of the companionship and fun with none of the mess or allergies. This open-source 3D printed robot cat is a fun project that anyone can undertake to print and assemble their own rudimentary robot cat that moves and even lies down like a real kitten.

It’s printed using PLA and can be made on any household printer, and the electronic components are designed to work with a Bluetooth controller to remotely manipulate the kitten’s movements.

Kame

• Learn More: GitHub

It may only be the googly eyes that make this arachnid 3D printed robot cute, but you can’t deny its simplicity makes it an accessible model for anyone who wants to 3D print their own mini walking robot to shamble around their home.

It’s an easy design that’s built to be solid and survive a little abuse, making it a great toy for children that doubles as an educational tool for teaching basic robotics and movement programming.

Vorpal

• Learn More: Vorpal Robotics

Vorpal Robotics specializes in cute 3D printed robot octopi that move fluidly and are perfectly safe for children to play with.

They’re perfect for either the home or classroom, as the kits are available for sale and are targeted towards learners and 3D printing veterans alike as a new and cute introduction to 3D printed robotics.

Simple Robopets

If you want to 3D print your own robopet but find those we’ve looked at so far to be a little too complex, you can instead try your hand at 3D printing one of the many easier robopets available online.

The Boston Dynamics-inspired pet above is a simple print for anyone to try out, while the robot dog featured in the video below is a slightly more complex print for those of you looking for a larger project.

In any case, you’ll find plenty of high- and low-tech 3D printed robopets out there to try out today regardless of your 3D printing experience.

Small-Scale 3D Printed Robots

3D printing robots on smaller scales is made increasingly more possible with miniature programming tools like Raspberry Pi boards and Arduino technology. Here are some of the coolest (and cutest) of these miniature 3D printed robots you can print and program yourself today.

Xpider

• Learn More: Hackaday

Called the ‘world’s cutest spider robot’, the Xpider is a mini 3D printed arachnid robot weighing only 5.3oz. It’s also designed to be fitted with a camera so you can monitor the world from a point of view you never otherwise get to see.

The 3D printed mini spider navigates to objects automatically and can be programmed to include pathfinding or even free roam so you can see how a robot navigates your house and even use your coding knowledge to teach and improve it over time.

LittleBot

• Learn More: Instructables

3D printed miniature robots don’t get simpler in design than the LittleBot, a fun and educational toy robot that acts as an introduction to electrical engineering and 3D printing robot chassis. 

You will find all the information and assembly instructions you need in the Instructables link above, including any extra components you will need to source. But unfortunately, the original LittleBot website no longer exists, so you will have to find or write the code yourself.

SMARS

• Learn More: 3DELWORLD
• STL Files: Thingiverse

The cutest robot on this list since Buddy, the SMARS miniature 3D printed robot takes advantage of the Arduino Uno microcontroller board to create a tiny robot companion that’s as adorable as it is impressive. The code includes pathfinding and obstacle identification, so it can roam free around your home and learn as it travels.

SMARS is a modular 3D printed robot, meaning it’s designed to be added to and improved at your own discretion. This makes it a fantastic project for anyone who wants a solid base on which to build and test out their skills in 3D printing, robotics modification, and programming.

5-in-1 Arduino Robot

• Learn More: Instructables

One of the smallest and most versatile 3D printed robots is the 5-in-1 Arduino Robot that uses the updated ATmega328P microcontroller to balance 5 different functions in one tiny package. These functions include following, obstacle detection, drawing, tracking, and SUMO. The last of those involves pitting two different models against each other Robot Wars style.

It can be printed on any FDM printer with just about any filament, though if you plan on using SUMO mode more often then I recommend using a strong filament like PETG to avoid excess damage.

The History of 3D Printed Robotics

The first modern robots were invented in the 1950s by American inventor George C. Devol. His earliest prototypes for the ‘Unimate,’ a programmable system of transporting objects, used crude vacuum tubes and digital switches.

In the decades since, with improvements in production methods and computing, we have reached a point where not only are robotic systems used on an industrial scale, but artificial intelligence allows them to run without human input.

How 3D Printing is Helping Modern Robotics

In recent years, 3D printing has become a crucial component in the robotics industry. 3D printing can produce far more accurate parts for robotics projects with less wasted material. Using Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or Directed Energy Deposition (DED), metal products can be produced much cheaper than with traditional manufacturing methods.

3D printing companies like Stratasys have experimented with fitting 3D printing technology to existing robotic production tools. In 2016, they revealed their Robotic Composite 3D Demonstrator.

By fitting their own FDM technology to an industrial 8-axis motion arm, they were able to use deposition 3D printing to produce some of the largest parts ever made on 3D printers. This also had the added benefit of allowing freeform manufacturing with more intricate designs much quicker than with existing 3D printers.

And the increasing availability of 3D printing to hobbyists has made previously exclusive robotics more accessible than ever before. Open source robot projects like InMoov and Poppy are available for anyone do download and print on a desktop 3D printer, bringing robotics into the home like never before.

With 3D printing becoming an ever-greater fixture of the industry, here are the two main areas of robotics in which 3D printing has made the most difference:

The Main Forms of 3D Printed Robotics

Hard Robotics

Hard robotics are robots that are made with strong, rigid structures, able to move only through actuators, a component that facilitates mechanical movement, at joints between parts.

Most of today’s robots are made using hard robotics, including the recently landed NASA Mars Rover Perseverance. They are much easier to construct and program, as well as being much stronger.

NASA has stated that 3D printing has helped to reduce the mass of these components by three or four times, which has helped to reduce fuel consumption, both of the lander and the Rover.

Almost all 3D printing on Earth focuses on metals and plastics. These are relatively easy to mold materials, and they are extremely strong and durable. Hard robotics relies on these materials and the precision 3D printing allows makes complex components far easier to produce.

Many 3D printed robotics projects use 3D printing to produce both the metal skeleton as well as plastic covering using a more targeted and customizable process than with other methods.

Engineers can now design and print their models with microscopic accuracy, reducing waste material and making parts lighter.

Soft Robotics

Comparatively, soft robotics is a much younger industry, but no less promising. It differs from hard robotics as it uses more flexible materials with actuators built throughout the structure, allowing animal-like free movement.

Already we are seeing designs and prototypes for robotic shoe insoles for helping those who struggle to walk by aiding with balance and reducing discomfort for those with flat feet, and even life jackets with mechanical components built in to help the wearer stay afloat.

Synthetic plastics like silicone are perfect for this but are very difficult to mold in a way that withstands stress by traditional methods.

Professors at Oregon State University conducted a study in 2018 to compare silicone 3D printing in soft robotics to traditional molding, and found that 3D printing greatly reduced deficiencies in human error, manual handling and multistep fabrication.

The Future of 3D Printed Robotics

A major area 3D printed robotics could revolutionize is 3D printing robotics in medicine.

While 3D printing has been previously used in the construction of prosthetics, combining this with robotics could allow amputees to have robotic limbs connected to their nervous system, allowing them to move as if they were a real limb.

Early experiments into 3D printed soft robotic prosthetic hands, which would look more realistic, have shown them to be functional and lightweight, yet not quite ready to handle the rigor of regular use, although hard robotics hands are becoming more common, with robotic surgical arms similar to those used in manufacturing.

This could change the way we treat internal injuries, broken bones, or even diseases like cancer.

Wearable robotics could also help to augment the human body and improve lifting or movement strength, particularly useful for an aging population.

While previously hamstrung by impractically rigid filament, innovative projects have spent the last decade devising workarounds to make industry disruption a more realistic prospect.

In this guide I’ll share my favorite 3D printed fashion projects for jewelry, shoes, and dresses, each leveraging 3D printing to propel fashion forward.

From offering limitless personalisation to flexible “print-at-home” fulfillment, let’s dive into how 3D printing is shaking up catwalks and wardrobes in 2023.

Jewelry

Initially, 3D printing was used in the production of jewelry in a process called lost wax casting, usually taking the form of molds for rings, bracelets, and pendants. Eventually, 3D printed parts made their way to more luxury items. 

RADIAN Design

• Brand: Radian
• Price: $33 – $1902
• Where to Buy: Radian Design

Radian Design is a 3D printed jewelry company based in Berlin. Their mission is to make beautiful, affordable pieces in a sustainable and environmentally-conscious way.

They focus on ‘statement jewelry’, which in the fashion world means all their designs are made to fit each customer’s personality. They can do this by making jewelry with abstract shapes and complex designs, which are easier achieved with 3D printing compared to traditional methods.

Lace by Jenny Wu

• Designer: Jenny Wu
• Price: $25 – $3,600
• Where to Buy: Jenny Wu Lace

Jenny Wu is an architect who always merged art into her designs, expressing her creativity with her interest in 3D printing in the fashion industry. After a successful run of 3D printed necklaces, she took to making Lace, a 3D printed jewelry line with everything from rings to bracelets made using selective laser sintering (SLS).

Lace stands out amongst other 3D printed jewelry designers by creating concept prototypes before the final print.

This allows the customer to see how the finished product will look, and whether they want to tweak a little further before they buy.

Once the design is perfected, Jenny Wu’s Lace then prints the final piece using plastics and metal, tackling complicated shapes with ease to create truly unique, bespoke jewelry.

Earth Symbols

• Designer: Jade Newman
• Price: $2 – £10
• Where to Buy: Earth Symbols

Earth Symbols is an independent UK-based company that uses thermoplastics and wood-based filaments to print creative, cheap jewelry that’s visually pleasing and environmentally sound.

Using only biodegradable filaments, designer Jade Newman makes a range of rings, necklaces, and earrings in creative and abstract shapes.

The pieces are all very affordable, maxing out at £8 (around $10) for some unique pieces that make great personal buys or excellent gifts.

Shoes

Dior Derby

• Brand: Dior
• Price: N/A
• Where to Buy: Not yet available

Paris Fashion Week in January 2023 saw some incredible additions to the 3D printed fashion industry from fashion designers all over the world. One stand out was the Dior Derby, and because Dior is no stranger to 3D printing for fashion, they practically stole the show with their 3D printed shoes.

They chose to print it using TPU filament for their new shoe collection because of its flexibility and strength, but made sure to keep the overall look of their existing Derby line.

The 3D printed Derby set will be available for purchase in late 2023, and Dior claims that they really are as strong and comfortable as they look.

Reebok x Botter

• Designer/Brand: Reebok and Botter
• Price: N/A
• Where to Buy: Not yet available

3D printed shoes benefit from additive manufacturing’s ability to produce complex geometrical shapes that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing processes.

This was the thinking behind clothing producers Reebok and Botter’s collaboration when they made their own line of amphibious 3D printed shoes based on the venus comb shell. These shoes were also revealed during Paris Fashion Week, and are designed as the perfect combination of fashion and sportswear.

ECCO 3D Printed Midsoles

• Brand: Quant-U
• Price: Available on appointment
• Where to Buy: Quant-U

ECCO first announced their 3D printed midsole design back in 2018, promising maximum comfort by ensuring every single midsole is 3D printed to a customer’s exact needs.

Unlike most bespoke 3D printed shoe companies, ECCO encourages you to make an appointment for a 2-hour session where they measure foot size, gait, and walking style. With the data collected from this session, they make a digital file for the midsole that’s perfect for you.

Zellerfeld

• Designer/Brand: Zellefeld
• Price: $185 – $370+
• Where to Buy: Zellerfeld

Zellerfeld is one of the top 3D printed shoe manufacturers, making bespoke footwear for anyone who wants an eco-friendly alternative to traditional shoe stores.

Each pair is made to order, meaning Zellerfeld has no need for factories or warehouses, significantly reducing the wasted material and space created in mass-production. Every pair of 3D printed shoes by Zellerfeld is also completely recyclable.

Garments

3D printed fashion has made tremendous strides in shoes and jewelry in recent years, but full garments are still a long time away from being on the sales racks.

There are, however, a few projects paving the way to show how additive manufacturing could be used in the future to produce truly practical high-fashion garments.

Kinematics Dress

• Designer/Brand: Nervous System
• Price: $3000+
• Where to Buy: Currently unavailable

The Kinematics dress was designed with the idea of using 3D printing for 3D shapes, specifically calling out how odd it is that we make clothes with flat materials rather than taking advantage of a body’s natural shape.

This is why Kinematics garments are tailored to fit perfectly. Like traditional clothing, the dress is made from thousands of interlocking parts, but made with nylon filament that’s closer in kind to hinges than to woven fabric.

Because this 3D printed dress is designed to fit perfectly, the dress moves and flows with the body rather than despite it, making it an impressive piece of wearable art that’s sight to behold when in motion.

Sophy Wong 3D Printed Dress

• Designer/Brand: Sophy Wong
• Price: N/A
• Where to Buy: Not for sale

Unlike many other 3D printed garments which aim to create entire wearable pieces with 3D printing, Sophy Wong experimented with 3D printing directly onto fabrics as a design method.

This technique saw the creation of her own partially 3D printed dress, which is an excellent and viable alternative to traditional designs while avoiding the current pitfalls of entirely 3D printed clothing.

Danit Peleg Collection

• Designer: Danit Peleg
• Price: N/A
• Where to Buy: Not for sale

Danit Peleg leveraged TPU’s properties in her 2015 collection, “Liberty Leading the People“, creating lace-like patterns resembling cloth. The garments were light, flexible, strong and formed naturally to the body, made using desktop 3D printers in her home, hinting at the technology’s potential for democratizing fashion.

Julia Daviy Collection

• Designer: Julia Daviy
• Price: N/A
• Where to Buy: Not for sale

The field has since evolved with innovative techniques and polyurethane blends. Julia Daviy’s 2018 “Liberation Collection” is a striking example, employing soft, flexible thermoplastic – 70A TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer) – to create clothing that emulates conventional streetwear, contrasting with the abstract, futuristic aesthetic common in 3D printed fashion.

The Obstacles to Mainstream 3D Printed Fashion

Despite 3D printed clothing now close to matching conventional fabrics in comfort and flexibility, it struggles to make the leap from runway to mainstream due to cost and effectiveness.

Cost

3D printed clothing is currently expensive due to the time and expertise required in the process. For example, Danit Peleg’s jacket, one of the few commercially available pieces, takes over 100 hours to produce and costs $1,500. Likewise, Julia Daviy’s made-to-order skirt costs between $780 to $1,500, making both pieces unaffordable for most consumers.

Performance of 3D Printed Clothing

3D printed clothing underperforms conventional materials in most situations. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and spandex excel at moisture management during exercise, while TPU, a common 3D printing material, can trap sweat and cause discomfort.

In terms of weather resistance, cotton and natural fibers provide better insulation in cold weather than filament layers, and 3D printed garments can discolor or warp in prolonged sun exposure. Materials like PETG withstand weather better, but their rigidity makes them unsuitable for most clothing.

High performance is only achieved by using bespoke composite filaments (or novel structuring ideas like the Kinematics dress), meaning there’s usually a trade off in terms of performance and price.

Durability and Convenience

3D printed fashion struggled to find a flexible, robust material until thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was introduced. Traditional filaments were rigid, unfit for clothing which needs to flex with the body and withstand daily activities. TPU, invented in 1959, became a viable, elastic 3D printing filament in 2013 with the advent of Filaflex and TPU 92A-1.

3D printed clothing is more fragile than conventional materials, with daily wear and tear quickly degrading the soft filaments and mesh structures. Moreover, most 3D printed materials require hand washing, further reducing their convenience compared to machine-washable conventional fabrics.

A Vision of the Future

As this 2020 study on the outlook of 3D printed clothing shows, 79% of people would be happy to wear a 3D printed dress, with 88% in total believing 3D printing would be beneficial to the fashion industry.

Even studies as far back as 2018 showed 3D printing’s potential for sustainability and eco-friendliness when used in the fashion industry, arguing that 3D printing could revolutionize the fashion industry by minimizing its carbon footprint.

Custom-made clothing, printed at home, eradicates waste and shipping impact, while avoiding unethical production practices.

However, the issue of microplastics remains unresolved. While some filaments like PLA are recyclable and biodegradable, others aren’t. If materials used are 100% recyclable, clothing could be turned back into filament for reuse, presenting a potential solution to fast-fashion and wardrobe clutter.

Imagine traveling to a wedding with only toiletries, purchasing a suit design online, and printing it at your hotel. After the event, the suit recycles back into filament for future use. This vision was suggested by Danit Peleg in her 2016 TED Talk, where she likened the future of fashion to the digital transformation of music.

 “Music was once a very physical thing. You would have to go to the record shop and buy CDs, but now you can just download the music. Digital music. Directly to your phone. Fashion is also a very physical thing.  And I wonder what our world will look like, when our clothes will be digital, just like this skirt is.”

With the current pace of 3D printed fashion, this reality might not be far off.

Read more: the best fashion design apps and software

In this guide, I’ll reveal how 3D printing is helping engineers produce space projects like rovers, spacesuits, and even engines for use in active space missions, with drastic improvements in efficiency.

3D Printing Shelters for Space

Mars Dune Alpha Habitat

• Company: NASA
• Technology: Vulcan Construction System
• Purpose: Researching a functioning human habitat on the moon and eventually Mars

In June 2023, a simulation began in the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

This is phase one of the Mars Dune Alpha Project by NASA. Assuming all goes well, the volunteer crew will spend a year in this simulation, emulating life on the red planet as realistically as possible, including delayed contact times.

The data extracted from this mission will provide valuable insights into the behavioral and social effects of such a mission, but also the viability of 3D printed space shelters for long-term living and storage.

The mission is due for further trials on the moon in 2025, before hopefully being used for a real Mars mission in 2026 and beyond.

AI Spacefactory

• Company: AI Spacefactory
• Technology: ISRU resource finding and utilization
• Purpose: Building safe and sustainable shelters for space habitation

Companies like AI Space Factory have designed Martian dwellings that could be 3D printed from local materials such as basalt. 

Their Marsha Project proposes tall, thin structures capable of withstanding Mars’ harsh atmospheric and thermal pressures.

However, these Martian habitats, like their lunar counterparts, would need to overcome numerous challenges, including dust control and thermal management. They’re mimicking these environments on earth to find innovative ways of ensuring construction is safe and involves the least amount of destruction to nature as possible.

3D Printing in Spacecraft & Rockets

SpaceX and Boeing Embrace 3D Printing

• Company: SpaceX and Boeing
• Technology: Ultem 9085 3D Printing Thermoplastics
• Purpose: Using 3D printing to simplify the construction of complex parts

Both SpaceX and Boeing utilize hundreds of 3D printed parts in their machinery, taking advantage of the capacity to print in-house.

Given the need for accurate, light, and robust components, 3D printing is perfectly suited to this industry where rocket parts don’t need to be mass-produced.

In 2022, Boeing unveiled an update to their use of 3D printing to launch multi-purpose, taking advantage of both rapid prototyping and 3D printed parts to make a flexible alternative to traditional manufacturing.

Relativity Space and the 3D-Printed Rocket Revolution

• Company: Relativity Space
• Technology: STARGATE large format 3D printing
• Purpose: Developing mostly-entirely 3D printed rockets for efficient construction and flight

Relativity Space has taken 3D printing to the next level, boasting the world’s largest metal 3D printer in their Stargate factory. By embracing advanced machine-learning, analytics, and 3D printing, the company aims to reduce the traditionally labor-intensive process of building rockets, resulting in fewer parts and lower costs.

The company’s flagship rocket, the Terran I, is 90% 3D printed, and is designed to launch up to 1,250kg into low-earth orbit and is touted as one of the most cost-effective launchers globally.

The Terran I saw its first launch 3 years after being announced in 2015, with its first flight occurring in March 2023.

This pilot launch met an unfortunate end, however, as an engine failure prevented the rocket from successfully reaching orbit.

Rocket Lab Leaps into 3D Printing

• Company: Rocket Lab
• Technology: High end FDM 3D printing
• Purpose: Prove the efficiency and purpose of 3D printed engines in rockets

Rocket Labs has had a very successful 2023, revealing that their 3D printed Rutherford engine has been reinvented once again for more launches.

This 3D printed Rutherford engine powers the Electron Rocket, which includes a 3D printed combustion chamber, injector, main propellant valves, and pump. The company has 3D printed over 260 models of the Rutherford engine, resulting in lighter, cheaper satellite launches.

NASA RAMPT Project

• Company: NASA
• Technology: Direct Energy Deposition
• Purpose: Cutting cost and production time without sacrificing reliability

NASA has frequently utilized 3D printing in their space research and plans. NASA’s RAMPT project, for example, 3D printed rocket parts including nozzles, thrust chambers, and even propulsion chambers, reducing the number of components and weight.

In 2020, the RAMPT project was used to print a new rocket nozzle. At 40 inches in diameter, it was the largest rocket nozzle they’d ever made.

The Audi Lunar Quattro: Pioneering 3D-Printed Space Rovers

• Company: Audi
• Technology: FDM 3D printing
• Purpose: Use 3D printing to ensure longevity and survivability of technology in harsh extraterrestrial environments

Designed with 3D printed aluminum and titanium solar panels, the Audi Lunar Quattro demonstrates the potential of lightweight, efficient designs for future interplanetary exploration.

Although the Quattro did not go to space in 2021 as intended, the concept has not gone unnoticed. Nano3Dprint announced a partnership with Finite Space in May 2023 to use 3D printing for sustainable space travel and habitation, beginning with a 3D printed lunar rover.

3D Printing Tools in Space

European Space Agency (ESA)

• Company: ESA
• Technology: Various
• Purpose: Aiding space exploration with multi-purpose, lightweight 3D printed tools

After announcing plans for a 3D printed lunar base in 2013, the European Space Agency (ESA) has taken to 3D printing to help with a lot of mechanical complexities and issues. The bend-based mechanism, which you can see below, is one of their 3D printed innovations from 2023.

It may look like a mess, but this mechanism is important for stabilizing and allowing frictionless rotation of geared mechanisms like thrusters and telescopes.

In partnering with other companies like CSEM and 3D Precision SA, the ESA is continuing to improve their work by utilizing additive manufacturing.

While their lunar base has run into some issues, largely due to the moon’s atmosphere not being suitable for most 3D printing projects, they have high hopes for the future of 3D printing in space exploration.

Made In Space

• Company: Made in Space (now acquired)
• Technology: FDM Printing
• Purpose: To ensure astronauts can create bespoke tools and equipment mid-mission

In 2014, Made in Space sent an Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), a zero-gravity FDM 3D printer, to the International Space Station (ISS). It was the first of its kind, with no other 3D printer ever sent to space before this.

The AMF, which has a 6 x 6 x 6 inch print volume, can 3D print with ABS, ULTEM 9085, and HDPE materials. The 3D printer has successfully produced parts like a wrench, an antenna part, and a connector for free-flying robots while orbiting Earth.

In the event of an unforeseen issue on the ISS, astronauts can now have the tools or parts they need to fix the problem designed on Earth and remotely sent to Made in Space’s 3D printer on the ISS, which is 250 miles away.

Unfortunately, there has been no further news since Made in Space was acquired by aerospace manufacturing company Redwire in 2020.

Tethers Unlimited

• Company: Tethers Unlimited
• Technology: FDM 3D printing with recyclable parts
• Purpose: To make sustainable 3D printing solutions for space exploration

Tethers Unlimited shipped a ReFabricator to the ISS in February 2019, enabling astronauts to recycle waste materials that accumulate while in space. This high-performance polymer printer can also recycle these parts back into feedstock for re-use.

The company’s CEO, Rob Hoyt, envisions astronauts using this technology to manufacture and recycle food-safe utensils.

3D Printing Food in Space

NASA and BeeHex

• Company: BeeHex Automation
• Technology: Food 3D printing
• Purpose: Allowing astronauts to enjoy nutritional and interesting 3D printed food in space

NASA is exploring 3D printing’s potential for producing food in space and has provided BeeHex with a $1 million investment to develop a 3D printed pizza.

By using specially-designed cartridges, 3D printable food ingredients for pizzas can be stored in a manner that significantly slows down spoiling along with other benefits like ease of transportation and reducing food waste, providing sustenance for astronauts on their journey into the far reaches of space.

To learn more, you can check out our detailed article on 3D printed food and some of the most mouthwatering projects here.

Ceramics

• Company: Redwire
• Technology: Ceramic 3D printing
• Purpose: Printing ceramics in zero-g to environments for stronger pieces

In 2020, Redwire-acquired company Made In Space tested a Ceramics Manufacturing Module (CMM) utilizing Stereolithography (SLA) to 3D print ceramic components in zero gravity. The zero-gravity environment alleviates intense stresses on the parts during the printing process, allowing for a more uniform stress distribution.

As a result, stronger, lighter parts can be created in space than on Earth. This approach may open the door for future manufacturing of high-performance ceramic turbine blades in Earth-orbiting additive manufacturing mini-factories. These parts could then be sent back to Earth for sale and use.

Now a decade later, we’ve seen notable improvements to produce ortheses that are comfortable, effective, and helping patients get back to their normal, active lives.

From fully 3D printed casts to design software, there are now plenty of options to help professional physicians treat broken bones and bad sprains. 

In this guide I’ll share the most impressive 3D printed cast projects, as well as the technological developments that are underpinning their efficacy.

Best 3D Printed Casts 2023

Cortex Cast

• Best for: Offering localized support for fractures with a breathable design.
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Evill Design

New Zealand engineers Ollie and Jake Evill created the Cortex Cast in 2013, a groundbreaking 3D printed orthopedic cast. This high-tech, breathable, and lightweight cast offers localized support for fractures, a previously unattainable feature.

The Evills’ innovative work placed second at the International James Dyson technology awards and led them to design roles in the Hollywood blockbuster, Blade Runner 2049.

CastPrint

• Best for: Producing unique casts for specific arm areas and being among the initial innovators of 3D casts for leg injuries.
• Price: ~$110
• Learn More: CastPrint

Latvia-based CastPrint was founded by entrepreneurs Janis Olins and Sigvards Krongorns, pioneers in the 3D printed cast industry. It produces unique casts for specific arm areas such as the wrist, thumb, and fingers, and is among the initial innovators of 3D casts for leg injuries.

Having achieved prominence in the Latvian healthcare sector, they have recently entered the UK market, gaining adoption by numerous private healthcare firms. CastPrint’s rapid expansion suggests an imminent continental dominance.

Xkelet

• Best for: Reducing production time and enabling recasting of the same injury multiple times.
• Price: $200 – $500
• Learn More: XKast

Spanish startup Xkelet is revolutionizing 3D printing casts, aiming to reduce production time from 2 hours to 12-30 minutes. COO Tim Dobrinich spearheads this goal using a specialized iPad camera attachment and app to photograph patients’ limbs from all angles, bypassing lengthy 3D scanning and modeling.

Their unique design employs reusable anchor points, or o-rings, enabling recasting of the same injury multiple times.

Exiom

• Best for: Rapid design and production of high-quality casts that allow patients to lead normal, active lifestyles.
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Exiom

Naming themselves the pioneer of next generation orthopedic bracing, Exiom make sure their high-quality casts are designed, fitted, and printed as fast and efficiently as possible while maintaining product quality. 

Using CAD software, they can rapidly make casts perfectly suited to each patient’s injury and limb. Their custom-created 3D printed casts are made quickly and efficiently.

Their main promise to their clients is that they can continue to lead normal, active lifestyles even while wearing their cast. They are waterproof and easy to remove and clean, so patients can take a shower and bathe without needing to tie a garbage bag around their injured limbs.

Activarmor

• Best for: Ensuring patients can continue their daily activities, including swimming, without hindrance.
• Price: Only available on request
• Learn More: Activarmor

Like Exiom, Activarmor is a revolutionary 3D printed cast company that focuses on its patients’ comfort and ability to continue life as normal even when having to wear a cast.

One testimonial from a 19-year-old lifeguard attests to this, saying they were still able to swim and perform their duties as needed even after having surgery on a broken wrist. Such things wouldn’t be possible with fiberglass casts, which need to stay dry to avoid skin irritation and infection.

Physicians seem to love it as well as patients, praising the quality of the product and its effective cost-cutting benefits. Since each Avctivarmor cast is printed as needed, there’s no inventory or need for extra supplies like splints, cutting costs drastically.

Proper healthcare is important to Activarmor too. They call their products the world’s first sanitizable casts, as they’re not only easily removable and easy to clean, but also are designed to make sure they don’t trap dirt or bacteria like traditional casts. All Activarmor casts are also 100% recyclable, meaning you can dispose of your cast in an environmentally friendly way once you no longer need it.

Cast21

• Best for: Combining compassionate care with some of the most reliable 3D printed casts on the market.
• Price: Depends on severity of injury and insurance
• Learn More: Cast21

Cast21 offers compassion as well as promoting healthy healing, making sure patients are comfortable while they recover.

The largely female-led company has developed some of the most reliable 3D printed casts on the market since their founding in 2016. They’ve also been very public in promoting news and studies about the present and future of 3D printed casts, making sure everyone is aware of the kind of innovations they’re bringing to the medical field.

Spentys

• Best for: Offering a cost-effective solution with high-resolution 3D scanning, modeling, and printing tailored to each patient.
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Spentys

Spentys 3D printed orthopedic casts offer a cost-effective way for physicians and other professionals to treat various conditions.

Their process involves high-resolution 3D scanning, modeling, and printing casts unique to each patient and their conditions, be them temporary or chronic, to aid in recovery and keep their clients happy, comfortable, and healthy along the way.

Spentys offers the 3D printing cast service themselves too. They do this by looking over your design to make sure the casts are printed perfectly every time.

And you shouldn’t be worried if you have no CAD or 3D modeling experience, as Spentys offers an easy to understand, streamlined experience with their guided workflows from scan to print for anyone who’s willing to learn.

Invent Medical

• Best for: Providing a range of products including standard splints, cranial remoulding helmets, and protective face masks.
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Invent Medical

As a global leader in new orthopedics and 3D printed casts, Invent Medical offers amazing new products in their 3D printed line, including standard splints, cranial remoulding helmets for babies, and protective face masks for facial injuries.

For professionals interested, but not experienced, in using 3D printed solutions for treatments, Invent Medical ensures full support from scanning to printing.

To find out more about what Invent Medical has to offer, you can check out their online showroom for a full tour.

Artus3D

• Best for: Assisting athletes in their recovery journey
• Price: Variable
• Learn More: Artus3D

Artus3D aids in accessibility of modern technologies by offering their services to any medical company who wants to provide their patients with new 3D printed orthopedic solutions.

Artus3D had already cemented itself as an invaluable resource for 3D printed casts and splints, but they really made their mark when one of their designs helped Dutch hockey legend Eva de Geode rejoin her team after breaking her wrist in 2021. Wearing this brace, her and her team went on to win the EuroHockey championship against Germany.

Mercuris

• Best for: Aiding patients with complex prints for recovery.
• Price: Up to $495/month
• Learn More: Mercuris

With their step-by-step guides, Mercurius helps from scanning to creation and even helps you make sure your model is a perfect fit for your patient before printing begins.

Regardless of complexity, Mercuris ensures exact prints every time, making sure patients get exactly the equipment they need for healthy recovery.

If you’re interested in the Mercuris systems, you can check out what they offer on their official site. 

How do 3D Printed Casts Work

Creating 3D printed casts involves three steps

• A standard x-ray is taken of the patient’s limb to identify the exact position of the broken bone.
• The patient’s arm is scanned using a 3D scanner to create a 3D model. Based on the exact dimensions of the patient’s arm, a perfect-fitting cast shape can be made.
• Using strong but lightweight plastic, the cast is 3D printed and can then be fitted to the patient in seconds.

The Pros and Cons of 3D Printed Casts

Benefits of 3D printed casts

Cheaper

3D printed casts, like those from CastPrint, are a more economical treatment option, costing roughly $100 compared to the traditional plaster casting’s average cost of $856 per patient, according to UK National Health Service data. The affordability is primarily due to reduced material costs and decreased specialist time.

More Comfortable and Personalized

A 3D printed cast offers a targeted, more comfortable healing experience than a plaster or fiberglass cast. Their open lattice structure improves breathability, enhances comfort and maintains mobility, especially beneficial for children during bone healing, making them a real game changer.

Reusable

3D printed casts, notably Xkelet, promote cost reduction through reusability. Their adaptive design ensures efficient material use and quicker processes. This approach far exceeds using multiple traditional plaster casts in terms of cost and effectiveness.

Disadvantages of 3D printed casts

Leg Injuries Still Not Widely Treatable

Despite CastPrint’s development of leg casts, only a handful of global companies offer similar products. Although sturdy and lightweight, these casts are bulky and resemble traditional walking boots, posing challenges in wearing socks and shoes, and providing less freedom than arm-based equivalents.

Not Enough Data

Despite being around for a decade, with Cortex Cast being revealed in 2013, 3D printed casts have yet to see significant adoption. But as we learn more and patient testimony becomes more common, we’ve already seen a rise in the use of 3D printed casts since 2022.

A 2021 study revealed excellent healing with 3D printed casts in children without sacrificing comfort or making any significant lifestyle changes while wearing their casts.

How 3D Printed Casts Are Improving Outcomes

Ease of Fitting and Removal

3D printing enhances the plaster cast application and removal process. Its efficiency eliminates the lengthy, intricate task of manual bandage application, reducing discomfort. Fitted rapidly using a few clips, 3D printed casts are equally simple to remove, circumventing the need for potentially harmful electric saws.

Breathability and Infection

Plaster casts have a key downside: they block airflow, leading to blocked pores, potential skin infections, discomforting itchiness, and skin irritation due to trapped warmth and sweat.

On the contrary, 3D printed casts, with their lattice structure, allow for ample air contact. The large open sections, held together by plastic struts, maintain structural integrity without entirely covering the limb, contributing to the significantly higher comfort rating as observed in medical studies.

Waterproof

Unlike traditional casts, 3D printed casts can be safely exposed to water, unlike traditional casts which need to remain dry at all times to prevent irritation and infections.

Personalization

Any 3D printed cast will have a lattice design, offering a significant advantage over a traditional plaster cast. Unlike the latter’s one-size-fits-all methodology, which can hinder healing due to uneven pressure distribution, a 3D cast provides patient-specific support with a custom fit. This approach focuses on specific areas needing reinforcement, while ensuring comfort and accelerating recovery.

The Future of 3D Printed Casts

More 3D printed cast companies are being FDA approved, meaning these casts are now acknowledged by governing bodies for their benefits in the medical field. The casts have improved patient satisfaction compared to traditional casting, and many insurance companies will even cover them now, meaning we should see a significant rise in the use of 3D printed casts and other orthoses going forward.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• 3D printed shoes and sneakers projects

3D printing shoes allows companies like Reebok and Nike to design more complex footwear using materials previously thought unfeasible.

Allowing for complete customization, the best 3D printed shoes come from companies like Zellerfeld and FUSED, which can cater to any customer regardless of foot size or tastes.

This process removes the need for factories and warehouses, significantly reducing both cost and environmental impact, and the process continues to be refined even now in 2023.

In this guide I’ll walk you through some of my favorite 3D printed shoe projects that are changing how we look at the footwear industry.

Best 3D Printed Shoes Projects in 2023

Zellerfeld

• Best for: Affordable, custom-fit shoes with eco-friendly recycling options.
• Price: $185 – $370
• Learn More: Zellerfeld

Zellerfeld uses additive manufacturing to create unique and custom footwear that’s ‘printed, not made.’ They do this by using a fused mesh design to make their 3D printed shoes provide maximum comfort, perfectly sized, and printed to order.

Their collection of 3D printed shoe models is one of the most affordable around, and one of the reasons they can afford to make them so cheap compared to other high-end brands is because they don’t rely on factories.

As well as being made to fit, Zellerfeld 3D printed shoes are odor-protected and machine washable, making them convenient and easy to take care of as well as comfortable. You can also return old shoes when purchasing new ones for recycling to receive a discount on your next pair!

Dior Derby

• Best for: Fashion-forward individuals seeking lightweight and comfortable designer shoes.
• Price: $250+
• Learn More: Design Boom

The first Paris Fashion Week of the year may have wrapped back in January, but a lot of the product lines displayed are still being talked about today. One of the more interesting entries, at least to me, was the 3D printed shoes exhibited by Dior.

These shoes were essentially upgrades to the Carlo Derby shoe, which was 3D scanned and recreated using additive manufacturing. Despite their heavy, boot-like appearance, they’re ultra-lightweight, comfortable, and very easy to wear.

Botter

• Best for: Trendsetters looking for a blend of high-end design and practicality.
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Sneaker News

Botter collaborated with Reebok to make what I think of as the world’s first 3D printed shoes that combine high fashion with sportswear. The footwear, also demonstrated in Fall/Winter Fashion Week 2023, combines high-end designs with comfortability and practicality.

While not on the market just yet, crowds were impressed by the amphibious aesthetic, smooth design, and seashell-inspired form based on the carapace Venus is depicted using as a comb.

Nike

• Best for: Athletes seeking performance-enhancing, water-resistant footwear.
• Price: $600+
• Learn More: Hype Beast

The Nike Flyprint was integral to the achievement of Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-2 hour marathon. Developed from a 3D printed upper made of TPU, and building on the the existing Vaporfly Elite, the Flyprint underwent thousands of design iterations.

Fortunately, the rapid prototyping capability of 3D printing cut the timescale of the project significantly, ending with a shoe that’s both lightweight and water-resistant.

Following the disputed record, the final design, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly, is now available to the public for an admittedly steep price.

Adidas

• Best for: Sneaker enthusiasts and athletes wanting cutting-edge, research-backed shoes.
• Price: $150+
• Learn More: Adidas

Adidas has collaborated with Carbon 3D, a resin 3D printing company, to utilize their Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology for creating 3D printed sneakers. 3D printing reduced the lead time for new models, with the Futurecraft 4D taking only 11 months to release compared to the usual 15-18 months.

In 2021, Adidas unveiled the 4DFWD, a 3D printed running shoe designed for peak performance building on their Futurecraft technology. After coding millions of different midsole structures and meshes, they settled on the best form they found and created one of the world’s foremost performance-driven 3D printed shoes.

These shoes are both top quality, affordable, and were made building on years of research and prototyping, so it’s easy to see why sneaker and 3D printer enthusiasts are hyped about this series.

Reebok

• Best for: Runners valuing weight reduction, enhanced traction, and innovative design.
• Price: $189+
• Learn More: BASF

In 2016, Reebok introduced their 3D printed Liquid Speed shoe outsoles, developed in collaboration with BASF. The 3D printing allowed a 20% weight reduction in the shoes and the use of “liquid laces” – directly printed on the shoe and requiring no tying. The design also included a ‘liquid grip’ for enhanced traction, contributing to a ‘high-rebound outsole’ that absorbs and returns energy during running.

In 2018, Reebok released the Liquid Floatride Run, using the same technology and weighing just 170 grams each.

New Balance

• Best for: Consumers seeking advanced cushioning and weight-saving features in their trainers.
• Price: $400+
• Learn More: Bailiwick Express

New Balance partnered with 3D Systems in 2015 to develop flexible and shock absorbent Duraform Flex midsoles using SLS technology and thermoplastic elastomer material.

Building on this, they helped create “Rebound Resin” to further improve their shoes’ performance. They launched the 990 Sport trainer with 3D printed heels for weight savings and better cushioning.

The 2019 Fuel Cell Echo Triple also featured Rebound Resin 3D printed parts, which produced the limited-run Zanate Generate model.

Fused 3D Printed Shoes

• Best for: Environmentally conscious consumers wanting fully 3D printed, recyclable shoes.
• Price: $250+
• Learn More: Fused Footwear

FUSED Footwear is an indie 3D printed shoe company founded by Philippe Holthuizen, breaks industry norms by eliminating the need for large factories and mass production This makes them amongst the best 3D printed shoes for eco-conscious consumers.

The company offers two variations of its entirely 3D printed sneaker, the FUSED Kodo, available in white or translucent. Made from flexible TPE filament, the sneakers retail for $250, and customers receive a 20% discount on their next purchase if they return their worn-out shoes for recycling.

How do 3D Printed Shoes Work?

Market research has shown that the 3D printed footwear industry is worth as much as $993.22 million as of 2022, with the projection to grow to $3758.75 million by 2030. While this may seem ambitious, 3D printed shoes are already commonplace.

All major footwear brands use 3D printing for rapid prototyping, facilitating quicker and more precise mold creation, and expedited product launch. Companies like Reebok have been using additive manufacturing and 3D design for rapid prototyping for years.

However, 3D printing’s role has expanded over recent years to mass production of shoes. Shoes manufactured through the additive processes are now sold in hundreds of thousands across various familiar brands, especially after having been thrust into the spotlight in January 2023.

Most 3D printed shoes feature a 3D printed midsole, which is vital for absorbing impacts and maintaining foot health. 3D printed midsoles can potentially reduce weight, provide better foot cushioning, and enhance shoe strength.

Most 3D printed shoe projects involve resin 3D printers, with companies like Carbon and Formlabs partnering with top sneaker brands like Adidas and New Balance.

Materials typically used include elastic polyurethane and flexible TPU, with occasional use of SLS 3D printers. But there are some 3D printed shoes you can design and make at home, like these flip-flops from Thingiverse.

Other articles you may be interested in:

• 3D printed casts
• Flexible filament 3D printing
• 3D printing TPU and flexible filaments on the Ender 3

Here we’re going to look at some of the coolest, most interesting, and most aesthetically pleasing examples of 3D printed furniture from both professionals and hobbyists.

The Best 3D Printed Furniture Projects in 2023

Nagami’s Chairs – Architecture Meets Furniture

• Designer: Manuel Jiménez García
• Location: Spain
• Price: $1000+
• Source: Nagami Design

3D printing seats don’t just involve plastic stools and simple shapes, as designer Manuel Jiménez García shows with his 3D printed furniture.

3D printed seats are what Nagami is mainly known for, using a blend of PLA polymer materials 3D printed to be a combination of furniture and sculpture. The whimsical shape structures and creative designs are complex, visually pleasing, and comfortable.

These seats are more of an example of modern furniture made with modern technology. Adapting architectural design for practical function, these 3D printed chairs look like they belong in a museum rather than a living room.

While expensive at first, Nagami has worked tirelessly to maximize production efficiency to make their 3D printed furniture more affordable and accessible in the 7 years since their founding.

And it’s not just chairs Nagami 3D prints. They also produce a small collection of tables and lamps that look great in any modernly decorated home.

Print Your City Project – Recycling Plastics For a Sustainable Future

• Designers: Panos Sakkas and Foteini Setaki
• Location: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Thessaloniki
• Price: N/A
• Sources: Print Your City and The New Raw

Additive manufacturing can help the environment and reduce waste in a lot of different ways. The New Raw has shown off this concept by making bespoke 3D printed furniture made from recycled plastics.

Print Your City does exactly as the name implies, creating publicly available benches and other furniture that shows the world how to better use their plastics to improve people’s lives in a sustainable way.

The 3D printed furniture combines public benches and plant pots to beautify neighborhoods and prevent plastics from being thoughtlessly discarded and potentially polluting the planet. The XXX Bench, for example, was designed for Amsterdam as it used the approximate amount of waste plastic created by two of the city’s inhabitants in a single year.

This shows how hard The New Raw is working to raise awareness while being practical and green in the process. Their efforts have taken them to Thessaloniki in Greece, where citizens were able to enjoy their city’s waterfront with a selection of recycled 3D printed furniture.

This project saw 800kg of plastic recycled and 2080kg of CO2 saved over the course of the 30 day program.

BigRep Ocke – A Big Addition to the Furniture Industry

• Designer: Beatrice Muller & Others
• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Price: N/A
• Source: Ocke Series

Using the BigRep ONE 3D printer, former designer Beatrice Muller created a proof of concept that one-shot large 3D prints are both possible and reliable despite the use of complex geometries.

The parametric design is visually pleasing and uses less filament than a more solid structure would, all while being sturdy enough for use as a chair. This large model is an impressive feat of engineering and has inspired others to create their own parametric 3D printed furniture too.

The Ocke series shows how even standard filaments can be strong and useful as furniture pieces with enough time and patience, all without sacrificing decorative value.

Puzzle Chair from BITS&PARTS – 3D Printing Fun Furniture

• Designer: BITS&PARTS
• Location: Zaandam, North Holland
• Price: Free (STL files) or $30+ (purchase)
• Source: Puzzle Chair

The puzzle chair from BITS&PARTS is a fun and unique example of 3D printed furniture that you can print and construct yourself. It was originally designed as a child’s chair, combining practical 3D printed furniture with a fun and simple two-color jigsaw puzzle.

It proved popular enough that they also released an adult’s version which can be used in any workspace or reading nook. Despite being a puzzle, the chair is perfectly safe for use once fully assembled, and because the pieces are all individually set, you can print this chair on just about any sized 3D printer.

“Supermod” 3D Printed Wall

• Designers: Sebastian Misiurek AND Arianna Lebed
• Location: Brooklyn, New York
• Price: N/A
• Sources: Sebastian and Arianna

Designed by the founders of Simplus Designs, the Supermod is made up of individually printed storage modules joined together to make a modular storage “wall” with enough design freedom to be as large or small as it needs to be.

During the day, the Supermod’s patterns and opacities are designed to allow sunlight into each module to produce a glimmering effect.

As a modular system, the Supermod also sidesteps the need to use large-scale 3D printers.  Despite the wall being taller than most people, each module can be printed on an affordable 3D printer.

Jon Christie’s Hybrid Furniture

• Designer: Jon Christie
• Location: United Kingdom
• Price: Varies (depending on the price of wood)
• Source: Jon Christie

Jon Christie spent 20 years designing furniture before returning to university at the age of 40 where he fell in love with the 3D printing process. Using a lot of trial, error, and rapid prototyping of his earlier works, he was able to mostly self-teach 3D printing and add it to his repertoire.

“During my student years, I became interested in 3D printing and how I might integrate it with traditional furniture making. The projects I worked on explored how 3D printed parts could be used to assist the furniture maker and manufacturer.”

He is most famous for his “Saul Dining Table & Chairs” an artisan project made from different materials, mainly combining wood with 3D printed joints.

His printed joint technique has since been used by individuals in amateur furniture-making to offer greater customization, quicker production times, and reduced waste material.

Alexandre Chappel’s 3D Printed Furniture

• Designer: Alexander Chappel
• Location: Switzerland
• Price: $5 – $10+ (files only)
• Source: ALCH

Alexandre Chappel documented the construction process of his own wooden side table with 3D printed joints, and has since gone on to make a name for himself in 3D printed furniture modeling and design from his design studio in Switzerland.

He has made the STL files and instructions available on his personal website linked above starting at only $5. His other projects include a foosball table, a camera arm, a DIY dining chair, and many more.

The simplicity and elegance of the designs make them perhaps the most accessible 3D printed furniture projects for anyone to create regardless of the technology at their disposal. 

RH Engineering & ManoFigura Home Furnishings

• Designer: René Helmreich and Enrico Klemmer
• Location: Schwarzenberg, Germany
• Price: Quote available here
• Source: 3D Print Luxury Furniture

This pair of designers from the mountains of Schwarzenberg have been disrupting the luxury furniture industry with large-scale 3D printing since 2020.

Their printer of choice is the BigRep One. The printer is big enough for furniture printing, with a 1005mm³ build volume, but comes with a $39,000 price tag (depending on specifications), making it quite cost prohibitive for most households. These luxury items are also not mass produced, meaning you will need to contact them directly for a quote.

Their process begins by 3D printing artisan furniture based on a client’s design. The piece is then coated with their signature “ManoVeneer.” What Manoveneer is made from isn’t revealed, but we know the coating is waterproof, and can add a range of surface textures to granite, slate, and sandstone, while weighing far less.

Wilkhahn Printstool One

• Designer: Thorsten Franck
• Location: Bad Münder, Lower Saxony
• Price: $266+
• Source: Printstool

Designed by Thorsten Franck and developed by Wilkhahn in Germany, this 3D printed stool was produced on an industrial 3D printer and is available as a part of Wilkhahn’s range of premium office furniture.

The Printstool One can be completed in a few hours, including the assembly of the non-3D printed base and seat. The main body is 3D printed with lignin, an organic biopolymer that makes the stool completely biodegradable.

Despite being commercially available, the Printstool One isn’t easy to obtain. It is not part of Wilkhahn’s main store catalog, only produced in a limited edition 500-piece run.

The price for each unit is undisclosed, but assuming that the Printstool One matches the $266 to $660 a conventional Wilkhahn stool costs, it’s likely too expensive for most individuals just trying kit out their home office.

Morgan Furniture Rio Collection – Combining Past and Present

• Designer: Mehran
• Location: London
• Price: N/A
• Source: Rio Collection

A collaboration between Morgan Furniture and Studio INTEGRATE resulted in The Rio Collection, a combination of old techniques and modern technology like, using 3D printing and digital methodologies.

Using a mix of the old and new, The Rio Collection uses traditional manufacturing methods to produce tables and chair designs with a polyamide powder-based 3D printing technology to create joints, arms, and backrests before adding the upholstery.

In this guide I’ll be showing you some of my favorite examples of companies making huge waves in 3D printing boat technology, everything from upcoming luxury liners to customizable sloops made from recycled materials.

Top 3D Printed Boats Projects

3Dirigo – The Largest 3D Printed Boat from the University of Maine

• Company: University of Maine
• Price: Not For Sale
• Where to Learn more: 3Dirigo and Guinness World Records Official Site

University of Maine Composites Center research team broke three Guinness World Records with 3Dirigo, the largest 3D printed boat to date, weighing 2.2 tonnes and measuring 7.62 meters.

Created in just 72 hours with a plastic-wood cellulose mix, this milestone was achieved using a 3D printer developed in partnership with Ingersoll Machine Tools. This wasn’t the only example of such a partnership, as the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures department has since worked in military equipment development in 2022.

Capable of additive and precise subtractive manufacturing, the printer can prototype for defense, civil, and infrastructural applications. With a capacity to print objects up to 100 ft long, 22ft wide, 10ft high, and a rate of 500 pounds per hour, UMaine has found itself a real game changer.

The same 3D printer drew the attention of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command for deployable shelter systems production, with the UMaine presenting a 3D printed army communication shelter alongside 3Dirigo.

Tanaruz Boats – Customized 3D Printed Boats

• Company: Tanaruz
• Price: $16,000+ (Price varies depending on model and customization options)
• Where to Buy: Tanaruz Boats

One of the biggest advantages of 3D printed boats is customization. Dutch start-up company Tanaruz offers fully personalizable 3D printed boats made to order via their app.

From this app you can select the model, shape, color, and even engine type to get exactly the boat you’d like using additive manufacturing to maximize efficiency and precision.

With the cost-cutting advantage of 3D printing, the Tanaruz team makes their boats very affordable for most customers without sacrificing quality. For just a €500 (~$556) deposit, you can reserve your dream 3D printed boat.

Pegasus 88m – The Carbon-Neutral Superyacht

• Designer: Jozef Forakis
• Price: Not Yet Released
• Where to Learn More: Pegasus 88m

The Pegasus 88m is a 3D printed ‘superyacht’ that even in 2023 only really exists on paper, but is still well worth talking about. Designed as a completely carbon neutral 3D printed luxury boat, it was conceived with nature a the forefront of designer Jozef Forakis’ mind.

Solar powered panels power electrolyzers that convert seawater into hydrogen, which is then stored in long-term tanks for later fueling. This means the Pegasus 88m can harness the power of the ocean for theoretically unlimited power, removing the need for fossil fuels entirely.

The Pegasus 88m is designed to look like a cloud as it floats on the water. Using a clever mirrored design, the idea is for the frame to reflect the ocean and great the illusion of invisibility.

While still a work-in-progress, we recommend keeping an eye on this exciting, albeit likely unaffordable, 3D printed boat project.

Hydra – The World’s First 3D Printed Aquatic Drone

• Company: AI Seer Marine
• Price: Not For Sale
• Learn More: Naval News

UAE company AI Seer Marine specializes in unmanned boats, and they unveiled the final version of their 3D printed vessel, Hydra, in 2023.

The 5 meter (~16’ 5’’) Hydra is effectively a proof-of-concept that additive manufacturing can play a key role in boat construction. AI Seer Marine uses the lightweight nature of 3D printed frames and parts to enhance speed and efficiency as well as cutting costs along the way.

The project has been underway for some time, and only recently been unveiled as close to finished. You can see the first active trials of the Hydra’s prototype below.

Those of you familiar with boats will recognize the Hydra employs a ‘stealth’ shape, intended for use in naval ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions. This means that it likely won’t be available for sale, but it’s still a cool project to keep an eye on.

Autonomous Ferry – 3D Printed Ferry For Paris

• Companies: Roboat, Holland Shipyard, and Sequana Développement
• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Holland Shipyard

The collaborative effort of innovation partners Roboat, Holland Shipyard, and Sequana Développement has born this concept for the autonomous ferry designed to carry tourists and athletes along the Seine river in Paris in preparation for the 2024 olympics.

The model builds on previous Roboat builds of self-sailing and docking passenger vessels in Amsterdam, as you can see in the video below.

Offering visitors and locals alike a unique and futuristic experience in small-scale aquatic travel, the three companies hope this ferry will showcase enough features to be a great step in the future of 3D printed autonomous boats, possibly even replacing bridges.

The companies are being quite secretive about their 3D printed ferry so far, but Olympics-goers are looking forward to experiencing the boat for themselves. And at a planned size of 9 x 3.9m (29.5 x 12.7′), it promises to be the world’s largest 3D printed autonomous ferry ever made.

Impacd Boats – Sustainable 3D Printed Sloops

• Company: Impacd Boats
• Price: $40,000+
• Where to Buy: Impacd Boats

3D printed boats don’t have to be big and flashy, they can also be simple but effective crafts to handle small-scale sailing. Impacd Boats offers customizable 3D printed sloops as comfortable and easy-to-ride boats for any lazy river fan to buy and enjoy.

The main mission is tackling carbon emissions and making a positive impact on environmental health. Their boats are 3D printed using recycled waste material, and even the decorative items included with their models are from sustainable origins.

Impacd Boats took inspiration from data taken from TU Deflt research into sustainability in aquatic travel, and developed a greener, more environmentally friendly construction process using additive manufacturing. Each boat even features an energy-efficient motor that is as silent as they are safe.

They only have two models available at the moment, but are working on the technology to release different kinds of sloop at affordable prices for anyone who wants to discover how to sail guilt-free.

Solvit3D – 3D Printed Boat Parts

• Designers: Alexander and Roman Schmidt
• Price: $1 – $16,694.85
• Where to Buy: Solvit3D

3D printed boats are exciting, but 3D printed boat parts are making just as much of a difference. Solvit3D specializes in 3D printed objects like boat parts and decorations, offering over 60 different examples from light fixtures to compass covers and even custom switch panels.

Brothers Alexander and Roman founded Solvit3D after discovering additive manufacturing’s ability to create complex geometrical shapes with speed and ease. The parts are light and highly customizable for any taste or any boat.

While they don’t 3D print entire boats, Solvit3D should be bookmarked by any sailing enthusiast for practical replacement parts and aesthetic upgrades at very reasonable prices.

Advantages of 3D Printing in Boats

3D printed boats have several key advantages including less waste, lighter weight, quicker and cheaper repairs, and lower carbon footprint.

Reduced Waste

Traditional subtractive boat production, such as CNC milling, results in a lot more waste than 3D printing, making additive manufacturing a more cost-effective and sustainable process.

It’s also worth mentioning that some woods used in boat production are unsustainably, and sometimes even illegally, sourced, further adding to the need for alternative materials and manufacturing methods.

Research in the sustainability measures in boatbuilding carried out in 2021 shows some frankly alarming statistics. Only 55% of companies have a sustainable sourcing policy for their building materials, while 40% claim to not have the budget to research or implement more environmentally friendly construction methods.

Lighter and Better Balanced Boats

Additive manufacturing yields boats that are lighter, faster, and better balanced due to the use of 10-30% infill. Projects like Rammses predict 3D printed boat propellers weighing 40% less than conventional ones. By 2030, lighter titanium could replace steel in yacht production.

Efficient Repairs

3D printing can expedite and reduce the cost of repairs by producing spare parts on-site, a strategy already utilized in the automotive industry.

Lower Carbon Emissions

3D printed boats are more environmentally friendly due to research into lighter, more efficient materials like aluminum alloys for propellers, which can be printed anywhere to minimize transportation.

This innovation is crucial for the maritime sector striving to reduce carbon emissions and waste material through CNC machining. Searious Business, a Dutch association fighting against plastic pollution, even plans to print a 3D boat from plastic waste like Impacd Boats are.

Future of 3D Printed Boats

The boat design industry’s future includes a growing shift to 3D printing, resulting in cheaper, better-performing, and more eco-friendly vessels. The technology will revolutionize the industry by 2030, according to expert Gregory Marshall, with potential applications ranging from self-driving canal taxis to futuristic super yachts, as seen in the innovative 3Dirigo project.

Sweets and chocolates were among the first foods to be 3D printed, but in the past decade the technology has grown to include basic pizzas, various sauces, pasta, and even meat and sushi by extruding just like a 3D printer and being manipulated with robotic arms when necessary.

Here we’re going to look at some of the most mouthwatering 3D printed food projects and products today that are changing how we experience food, some of which you can even check out firsthand!

The Coolest 3D Printed Food Examples

Food Ink

• Price: Varies
• Learn More: Food Ink

Food Ink brought 3D printed food via a pop-up in the London in 2016. They served nine small courses of traditional food made entirely with 3D printing, and is known as the first ever 3D printed restaurant.

Remarkably, the entire establishment was 3D printed, from its food to its furniture and décor. Food Ink eventually expanded to Barcelona with planned launches all over the world,

Inviting their customers to have a taste of tomorrow with British fish and chips and ice cream, Food Ink successfully demonstrated the potential of artistic 3D printed food as a future luxury dining experience.

3D Printed Pizza for Space

• Price: $8 – $15 (Pizzas based on toppings)
• Learn More: Beehex

Nasa-funded 3D printing company Beehex developed the first feasible technology to 3D print pizzas complete with dough and tomato sauce as an alternative to conventional astronaut food.

This layered assembly involved depositing dough, sauce, and cheese in sequence with a printer before conventional cooking. Beehex continued to successfully demonstrated the viability of 3D printed pizza even after ceasing collaboration with NASA in 2017.

They have since garnered considerable interest and raising $1 million to market their pizza printers, capable of crafting a 12-inch pizza in less than five minutes.

The company has since shifted focus to 3D printing cakes and cookies, taking advantage of the potential benefits like printing custom designs for sports events or promotional activities. In 2021, they announced their development of custom 3D printed nutrition bars to promote healthy snacking.

Biometric 3D Printed Sushi

• Price: Not Available
• Learn More: Open Meals

The Sushi Singularity restaurant by Open Meals was the first commercial plan for 3D printed sushi, offering 3D printed food personalized to each customer based on pre-provided biological samples.

By using their own food printer, they begin with simple pixel structures that gradually increases in precision until you have a bespoke 3D printed meal catered to your tastes without even having to order.

Open-Meals aims to revolutionize food with biometric 3D printed meals with a dedicated and forward-thinking plan. They plan to implement an autonomous delivery service by 2035 and envision an AI-controlled 3D printer as a common kitchen appliance by 2040.

Their ultimate goal is to standardize space food with earthly meals by the year 2100.

Novameat – Cruelty Free Meat

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Novameat

Novameat is a startup company that uses 3D printing to prototype 100% plant-based foods used in restaurants in the UK and Spain. Their aim is to produce ethically sound cruelty free meat products while remaining as carbon neutral as possible.

Their devotion to a completely clean process is evident in their efforts to drastically reduce the need for livestock rearing, fishing, and deforestation for farmland. This helps to minimize their environmental impact while still giving people delicious meat alternatives.

Redefine Meat – Perfectly Replicated Meat Without Compromise 

• Price: Variable
• Learn More: Redefine Meat

While Novameat mostly uses 3D printing to prototype food, companies like Redefine Meat are instead using 3D printing throughout the full production process.

Redefine Meat uses 3D printing food techniques to recreate the texture, taste, look, and even smell of real meat products despite being 100% plant-based.

Through much trial and error, Redefine Meat has lived up to its promise by creating pulled pork, lamb, mince, and even beef flank among others with 3D printing. 

All their meat-free 3D printed foods are comparable to eating real meat products right down to the fat and muscle texture without compromising ethicality or the environment.

While their products are only available in Israel and Europe as of 2023, with no real news of expansion as of yet. Don’t be discouraged, though, as similar company Mooji Meats is available stateside.

Mooji Meats – 3D Printed Steaks

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Mooji Meats

Mooji Meats was founded in Maryland in 2022 and promises to use 3D printing food technology to create completely plant-based products so vegetarians and vegans can have the meat-eater experience without sacrificing their morals or neglecting nutritional needs. Unlike Redefine Meat, they focus more on full steaks than pulled meats and mince.

Similar to food tech startups Redefine Meat and Novameat, Mooji Meats uses 3D printing to recreate the look, texture, and taste of real steaks while only using vegetarian- and vegan-safe ingredients.

Upprinting Food – Recycled 3D Printed Biscuits Fighting Against Food Waste

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Digital Food Lab (Official website under construction)

Dutch firm Upprinting Food, founded by industrial design and food technology graduate Elzelinde Van Doleweerd, is combating food waste by recycling it into 3D printed biscuits.

This involves collecting food waste like bread and vegetables and puréeing it to create an edible filament for 3D printing. The firm then prints and bakes intricate designs into long-lasting, crunchy biscuits.

Since its inception in 2018, Upprinting both produces its own products while also offering design services to chefs and trained restaurants to use 3D printers to repurpose their own food waste.

The Sugar Lab: 3D Printed Sweet Treats

• Price: $17 – $50+ (Quotes available via e-mail)
• Learn More: Sugar Lab

Sugar Labs creates premium, 3D-printed sugar treats. Founded in LA in 2011 by Liz and Kyle von Hasseln, the team leverages their backgrounds in architecture and technology to transform sugar into complex, geometric delicacies from cupcakes and cookies to edible wedding cake decorations.

The company began with a 3D printed edible gift for a friend, and now offers an array of complex and detailed sugar ornaments.

The process involves combining sugar, water, vegetable starch, and recipe-specific flavorings as raw material, which is then printed using a proprietary 3D printer, ‘CURRANT’, to which they attribute their intricate shapes and precise detailing.

BluRhapsody – 3D Printed Pasta

• Price: $17+
• Learn More: BluRhapsody

Barilla is an Italian food company that experiments with new technologies and ideas to develop new, modern products all the time. BluRhapsody is their spin-off company born from their research into 3D printed foods, mainly pasta.

Using 3D printing and offering their services to restaurants, BluRhapsody continues to offer delicious, custom printed pasta to the consumer for a very reasonable price.

They can customize their 3D printed pasta to suit any shape or color, using the printing process to make unique shapes and designs easily for any discerning diner.

3D Printed Cheesecake – The Columbia University Dessert

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Columbia University

Using 3D printer materials made of sweet treats like peanut butter, Nutella, and jelly, New York’s Columbia University successfully 3D printed an edible cheesecake in March 2023.

The goal was to discover 3D printed food’s potential impact on the culinary world and its potential for widespread commercial availability. In their efforts, they made this delicious looking cheesecake entirely with 3D printing.

With this 3D printed cheesecake, they hoped to offer a lower cost printing process and address the problem of food needing to be unhealthily processed before being used as ‘filament’.

Advantages of 3D Printing Food

Can be Healthier

3D printed food is made from hydrocolloids such as algae, duckweed, and grass, and could soon become our health-boosting staple.

These potential base ingredients for 3D printed food are packed with vital vitamins and proteins which can naturally deliver essential nutrients like carbohydrates and antioxidants.

Can be Quicker and Easier

Food 3D printers save time by automating tedious tasks such as vegetable chopping and dough shaping. They also simplify complex cooking tasks, like wedding cake decoration, ensuring perfect results every time. 

3D food printing eliminates cooking’s steep learning curve, significantly enhancing culinary efficiency and precision.

Printing in Space

3D printed food is already providing a solution for nourishing astronauts on long-haul space exploration missions.

The technology enables precise portion control in the printing process, eliminating waste and promoting optimal nutrition. Importantly, new recipes can be transmitted at light speed to distant spacecrafts, allowing astronauts to prepare freshly designed meals like pizza within minutes.

Environmental Benefits

3D printed food materials come in cartridges instead of perishable goods, which eliminates frequent supermarket truck transportation, lowering importation needs and reducing carbon emissions and helping to maintain a clean environment.

Food 3D printers also epitomize efficiency by utilizing only necessary resources. They dispense precise amounts of food filament, inclusive of requisite vitamins and supplements, saving costs and reducing waste from potentially spoiled ingredients or oversized portions.

Limitations of 3D Food Printing

Time Consumption

Even though a good food 3D printer can prepare a pizza in six minutes, this is arguably not much faster than what a professionally trained chef can do without needing expensive technology.

Cost of Equipment

It may be easy for researchers, universities, and NASA to claim that 3D printing food is the gourmet choice of the future, but the average mom-and-pop shop, or even some larger chains, can’t afford the additive manufacturing technology to 3D print their own food in-house.

Until this cost decreases, 3D printed food will remain a niche experience that most people won’t easily or often get to taste. Even the cheapest models cost around $800 and can only print chocolate.

If you want to 3D print your own meals at home, you’re looking at a cost of $3300 to $4500 for a basic machine, topping at $7800 for a top-quality home machine that still can’t make the kinds of food projects we’ve looked at here.

Uneven Food Printing

3D printed plastics and filaments have set melting points and ideal nozzle temperatures which don’t vary too much. However, 3D printed food material comes with various different ingredients, each with different melting and setting temperatures.

Milk chocolate will melt at under 50℃, while pastry will need around 80℃ to be malleable enough to print, so a chocolate pie for example will need very different settings switched quite quickly to make.

This makes the printing process more complicated, as the printer will need to change its settings frequently mid-print to avoid unevenly textured foods depending on its various ingredients.

3D Printed Food Isn’t Cooked

3D printed food, particularly savory foods, are normally not printed in an edible state. Food printers only create melt and shape the paste, they don’t actually prepare the meal itself.

3D printed meat and pizzas will still need cooking before they’re eaten even when made with fresh ingredients. Since cooking food takes effort, many wonder as to the point of 3D printing a pizza, for example, only to have to cook it anyway when a store-bought one would be just as easy.

Though companies are looking into ways to 3D print food and cook it simultaneously, and the rapid growth of the industry is indeed impressive, the technology to do so is still a ways off.

We also have an article on 50+ fun 3D printed cookie cutters

Since Novameat unveiled the world’s first 3D printed steak in 2018, the world has looked to 3D printing as a viable substitute for meat products using mainly plant-based ingredients satisfying to meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans, and environmentally conscious consumers alike.

With meat-free products being an $18.27 billion global industry, and traditional ranching taking up 35% of the world’s inhabitable land while the food industry as a whole is responsible for over 25% of total carbon emissions, meat is a priority for researchers and food companies from both a financial and ethical standpoint.

Here we’ll look at some of the most exciting and unique examples of 3D printed meat, from university research to seafood, and why the future of food is looking very bright.

The Most Exciting 3D Printed Meat Projects

Novameat – The World’s First 3D Printed Steak

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Novameat

Novameat was the first company in the world to 3D print a meat-free beef steak in 2018. The Barcelona-based production group benefited from the founder and CEO Giuseppe Scionti’s decade of tissue engineering experience and expertise with lab grown meat.

The idea for 3D printing a steak came from the need for plant-based meat products that can emulate the actual texture and taste of real meat.

Targeting EU and UK markets initially, Novameat plans to offer its product in supermarkets and restaurants within five years.

Redefine Meat – Cultured Meat Recreated With Care

• Price: Variable
• Learn More: Redefine Meat

Redefine Meat collaborates with scientists and chefs to enhance 3D printed meat’s flavor. Their product mimics real meat in terms of taste, texture, color, and smell, using materials transformed into purees and 3D printed in layers.

Blood, fat and muscle cells are all recreated using a blend of natural colors and flavorings like coconut fat, legumes, and soy to emulate the texture of real meat without actually using any animal-based products. It’s not only steak on the menu either, as Redefine Meat also offers lamb and pulled pork substitutes in their online store.

Riding on a wave of positive reviews, Redefine Meat, much like Novameat, plans to launch its product globally in the near future and has already distributed its products to restaurants in Israel and Europe.

Aleph Farms – 3D Printing Meat in Space

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Aleph Farms

Aleph Farms is another Israeli start-up that stands out by cultivating real meat from animal tissue samples. A small biopsy from an animal is developed in a nutrient-rich broth, promoting cellular division and organic growth.

In 2019, the company joined forces with Russia’s space program, Roscosmos, to test their meat samples in zero gravity at the International Space Station (ISS). The astronauts used a 3D printer to replicate the cells, effectively printing meat in space.

This meat wasn’t consumed in space, and was instead returned to Earth as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate limitless possibilities of this technology.

Steakholder Foods – Slaughter-Free 3D Printed Cultured Meat

• Price: Varies
• Learn More: Steakholder Foods

Steakholder foods is a 3D printed meat specialist company working for the future of foods. They use 3D simulations to customize your steak to your preferences, even down to fat content, while keeping it 100% ethical.

Using bovine stem cells cultivated for slaughter, Steakholder Foods also aims to reduce the environmental impact of the food industry. They also want to share their revelations to increase awareness of the decreasing necessity for livestock rearing and slaughterhouses.

Despite their name, they’re also developing alternatives to chicken and seafood to help reduce the carbon emissions and reliance on the fishing and fowl-rearing industries too. Their made-to-order steaks also help cut down on food waste by ensuring their products are only made when requested.

Osaka University’s Wagyu Beef – Bioprinting a Cultured Meat Substitute

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Osaka University Research

Finding substitutes to standard meat products is an ongoing endeavor. Wagyu beef, a Japanese delicacy, is known for its marbling and disincentive savory flavor, so researchers at Osaka University tried to recreate it with 3D printing.

In 2021, the research team succeeded in 3D printing this new meat product that mimics the aesthetics and taste of the real thing right down to the texture of the muscle and fat tissue. Using lab grown animal cells, they were even able to recreate the blood vessels, fat cells, and muscle fibers that add to the mouth feel without hurting any animals in the process.

Shiok Meats – 3D Printed Seafood

• Price: $50+
• Learn More: Shiok Meats

Shiok Meats uses cell-based bioinks to recreate crustacean and shellfish meat using 3D printing. With the declining oceanic populations, the fishing industry needs to turn to more sustainable methods to keep our oceans as full of fish as our bellies are without sacrificing nutritional value. Shiok Meats seeks to make 3D printed fish and other seafoods more mainstream beginning with their flagship restaurant in Singapore.

Using these bio inks, Shiok Meats also combats food waste as the products they produce have a much longer shelf life than traditionally sourced fish, which takes only 1-4 days to become inedible. This environmental consciousness not only helps create and utilize sustainable solutions to overfishing, but is also a completely ethical alternative to contemporary seafood.

Pohang University – Algae: The Food of the Future

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Phys.org

Algae is a vegan food option that’s easy to grow, sustainable, and quite cheap. Using this, researchers at Pohang university have used algae cultivated with light to create 3D printed meat that’s both vegan and environmentally friendly.

After noting the viability of 3D printed organs, the researchers were able to apply these bioprinting methods to create meat substitutes you can eat while maintaining the nutritional value of standard vegan foods.

Project leader Hyung Joon Cha has commented on their success in recreating functioning and stable cell structures and meat tissue with 3D printing helping both the food and medical industries.

Good Food Institute Reports – Bioprinting Meat Scaffolding

• Price: N/A
• Learn More: Good Food Institute

Dr. Sara Oliveira of the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Portugal has used her experience cultivating stem cells to help the meat industry to create cultivated meat products sustainably by using bio ink for food 3D printing.

While her work mainly involves protein structuring, her research through the years 2020 – 2021 proved invaluable to the industry as a whole. This only adds to her over 4 years of experience as a researcher in 3D printed foods and cultivated meat.

VGN Boulevard – England’s Own Plant-Based Junk Food

• Price: £24.95 – £34.95 ($32 – $45)
• Learn More: VGN Boulevard

VGN Boulevard is a plant-based junk food restaurant in Stourbridge England. Their menu is entirely vegan and includes a special 3D printed sirloin steak made with a combination of coconut fat, pea protein, beets, and chickpeas.

The price varies depending on what size you want, but it’s still a very reasonable cost considering the engineering that went into it to emulate the muscle and fat tissues of real meat. Their 3D printed steak uses modern techniques to mimic the real thing and the reviews really speak for themselves.

Unfortunately, VGN is one of a kind, so you will need to make a reservation well in advance and possibly travel quite a long way if you want to check it out for yourself.

3D Printed Meat Pros and Cons

3D Printed Meat Advantages

Potential for Cost-Effective Production

3D printed meat has become more affordable in the last three years as the technology continues to evolve. While still more expensive than traditional meat products, these substitute 3D printed foods are becoming more accessible as the industry grows.

Take RedefineMeat, for example, whose steaks cost between $26 – $40. This is significantly more expensive than the average restaurant-bought steak made with traditional meats which only cost an average of $10 – $12.

The potential for cheaper production comes from the reduced need for livestock rearing, which is an expensive and environmentally damaging process. The plant materials used in 3D printing meat are cheaper and more sustainable to produce, and these savings will pass to the consumer.

Sustainability and Ethical Consideration

3D printed meat leverages fewer resources, consuming less water, land, and energy, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It offers a sustainable and ethical solution, appealing to most vegetarians and vegans due to its slaughter-free production.

Extended Durability

3D printed meat, made of robust vegetable compounds, outlasts traditional meat, as does cultured meat. Reduced refrigeration demands mitigate food waste and contribute further to sustainability via longer shelf-lives.

Drawbacks of 3D Printed Meat

High Initial Costs

Adopting innovative technologies often comes with high initial costs, and 3D printed meat is no different. The current limited production scale inflates the price, making it less competitive with conventional meat sources. Despite the ethical appeal of its slaughter-free production process, the high cost provides a hurdle for many families trying to make ends meet.

Perception Hurdles

The fact that most 3D printed meat alternatives still use animal stem cells and can involve some form of animal testing, many vegans and vegetarians will still not consider it to be a justifiable option.

This issue primarily concerns perception and could change as more people experience and enjoy these products. While it may not entirely shift dietary needs and preferences, it can stimulate consumers’ imagination.

How Does 3D Printed Meat Work and What is it Made From?

3D printed meat is made from bio inks which work like standard 3D printer filaments made from edible materials. These bio-filaments are typically made with a combination of plant-based materials and lab grown cells used to replicate the blood, fat, and muscle tissues present in traditionally sourced meat products.

3D printing allows us to distribute these puree materials into steak and other meat-like structures, recreating meat without needing livestock or slaughterhouses, presenting a real meat substitute that’s entirely cruelty free and environmentally sound.

This technology and technique is growing to the point where 3D printed meat products will someday be readily available and affordable outside of the projects and companies we’ve discussed today.

3D Printed Meat- The History and the Science

The exact vegetarian and vegan population is hard to estimate, but we can assume 4 – 6% of the US population will consider themselves vegan in 2023. This increase from 1% in 2014 increased the demand for meat alternatives indistinguishable from the ‘real’ thing that are ethically justifiable even by the strictest of diners.

3D printing technology plays a crucial role here. It was first conceived for food production by Cornell University students in the mid-2000s, using Fab@Home, the first publicly accessible multi-material 3D printer.

From an initially limited scope, beginning with easily malleable foods like dough, sauce, and chocolate, 3D printed meat has taken off to the point where it is commercially available, albeit not widely yet.

The technology has evolved significantly since the first commercial chocolate 3D printer, in 2012, advancing to the first meat-free 3D printed beef steak in 2018 by Novameat.

In these five short years, we’ve seen massive improvements in 3D printed meat as a viable substitute for traditional ranching and farming techniques, keeping us fed while helping to sustain the environment.

3D printing glasses ensures the perfect fit every time, and with limitless options personalisation for wearers in terms of aesthetics, too.

In this guide I’ll share my favourite 3D printed glasses companies, comparing their products across styles, designs, practicality, and even ethics.

And if budget is a concern, I’ll also share STL files for best eyewear you can 3D print at home.

The Best 3D Printed Glasses You Can Buy

Mykita – Mastering High-Gloss Finish in 3D Printed Eyewear

Berlin’s fashion-forward brand, Mykita, elevates 3D printed glasses with chic, distinctive designs, and a clever solution to nylon’s rough finish. Their MYLON range uses a Selective Laser Sintering (or SLS technology) in their manufacturing process to create a flawless, glossy finish in their glasses that standard nylon material fails to match.

In fact, Mykita are so determined to keep their perfected formula a secret, they decided against patenting the method used to create their collection, as they’d have to disclose the materials in the mixture.

Monoqool – Lightweight and Sustainable

This Danish company is making waves in the 3D printed eyewear market with its dramatic redesign of classic glasses, both lightweight and durable, weighing a mere six grams.

However, what sets Monoqool apart is their environmentally conscious approach. Their additive manufacturing reduces waste by 85% compared to traditional methods, and they utilize a raw castor bean alternative, 98% of which can be recycled and the remaining 2% is biodegradable.

Despite its innovation, Monoqool’s limited release to one hundred stores globally makes acquiring these frames a potential challenge.

Octobre71 – Trendsetting on a Budget

French-based Octobre71 merges cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology with innovative design, offering stylish frames at prices ranging from €89 to €129.

Their 3D printed sunglasses have quickly gained popularity in high fashion circles, even featuring in ELLE magazine within their first five years.

FitzFrames – Customized Glasses for Kids

American company FitzFrames uses 3D printing to simplify children’s eyewear experience. Their app scans facial dimensions to produce perfectly fitting glasses, reducing optician visits and potential damage due to poor fit.

The glasses are 3D printed locally and delivered to your door, and have rightly garnered attention from outlets like the LA Times.

3D Printed Glasses You Can Print Yourself

You don’t have to go professional for top-quality 3D printed glasses. If you’d rather make them yourself, you can find plenty of STL files online to try out on your own 3D printer. Any of these eyewear frames would make great spectacles or even sunglasses depending on your priorities.

Here are just a few of my favorite glass frame designs online that you can check out today. Remember that because the final product will be worn near your eyes, you should pay particular attention to post-processing to make sure there are no splinters or harmful pieces that could cause damage.

Eyewear Frames by Criscris

• Designer: Criscris
• Price: $1.45 – $1.67 each
• Source: Cults3D

Cults3D user Criscris has created and uploaded a variety of different eyewear frames as 3D models available for download. Amongst these is his collection of unique eyeglass frames in distinct but subtle styles that defy the standard round or square looks of common spectacle frames.

My personal favorite is the C1 model because of its heptagonal shape that’s only really noticeable at a closer glance.

Light 3D Printed Glasses

• Designer: Robert Stefanowicz
• Price: Free
• Source: Printables

Not everyone enjoys wearing glasses, and those with thicker frames or lenses can be particularly heavy or annoying if worn over long periods of time.

Only weighing 28 grams, the designer claims that you won’t even remember you’re wearing them after a while, making them perfect for anyone with allodynia or any other condition or quirk that makes them particularly sensitive to, or bothered by, touch.

Thin Optics Frame

• Designer: Jimbotron
• Price: Free
• Source: Thingiverse

Thin Optics frames are known for being an innovation in glasses frames. They’re lightweight, easy to wear, and even easier to carry. Though some people aren’t convinced that the incredibly thin frames are fashionable, as this designer has noted and disagreed with.

In a somewhat jovial effort to ‘fit in’ with his fellow bespectacled peers, he created the Thin Optics frame to attach to his eyewear to make them appear more like the usual thick glass lenses associated with the dorkier variety of person.

While mostly a joke, these frame additions are a fun and arguably cool addition in and of themselves.

3D Printed Eyeglass Temple Replacements

• Designer: RUBENZILZER
• Price: Free
• Source: Cults3D

Replacing glass frames can be expensive and bothersome depending on your model. Accidentally breaking your glass temples can be a real pain if it’s late at night or your optician isn’t nearby enough to be convenient.

That’s what happened to this designer’s neighbor over quarantine, when such services were not readily or easily available, and they remain a good set of files to keep handy.

3D/2D Glasses

• Designer: 16BitGames
• Price: Free
• Source: Thingiverse

Around 12% of people suffer from stereoblindness, a vision disorder involving poor depth perception that makes movies shot in 3D difficult to enjoy. This designer has created these 3D printed glass frames designed to fit with standard 3D movie glasses.

The trick is to get yourself two different pairs of these glasses and combine two of the same lens to effectively make 2D glasses, letting anyone with stereoblindness enjoy 3D films with their friends without getting headaches.

Advantages of 3D Printed Glasses

Aesthetics & Personality

3D printing’s capacity to produce intricate components surpasses traditional manufacturing methods, enabling the creation of custom-designed glasses that reflect the wearer’s unique personality.

3D printed glasses can be constructed as a single component, eliminating unsightly screws and soldering typically seen in conventional designs. The frames themselves have limitless customization options, giving wearers the freedom to showcase their unique patterns and styles, whether they’re classic or eccentric.

However, the nylon material used in most 3D printed glasses usually has a porous finish that might not appeal to all consumers.

Durability

SLS 3D printers, employing powerful lasers, solidify polymer powders to create intricate, custom eyewear structures. Nylon is the material of choice due to its balance of lightness and durability, crucial for comfortable wear and resistance to everyday mishaps.

Despite nylon’s susceptibility to cracks or shattering under heavy impact due to its porous nature, 3D printed glasses excel in versatility.

Additive manufacturing engineers and designers are pioneering interchangeable lenses, adding a modern solution to the age-old problem of carrying multiple pairs of glasses for different uses. This innovative feature makes 3D printed frames a more compact and cost-effective eyewear solution.

Get the Perfect Fit

With 3D printed glasses frames, you can make sure they perfectly fit. These bespoke eyeglasses are designed using precise 3D scans of your face, ensuring the frame shapes are to your exact dimensions and eliminating any chance of discomfort or slippage.

Ethical & Environmentally Friendly Glasses

Waste is a significant challenge for the optical industry, with over 4 million pairs of globally produced frames discarded annually as the traditional manufacturing techniques aren’t generally well-suited to using highly recyclable materials.

Eyewear made using additive manufacturing provides a sustainable solution, virtually eliminating waste by producing customized frames using precise material quantities. The commonly used nylon powder can be reused, minimizing wastage.

Despite nylon’s petroleum-based origin and non-biodegradable nature, the potential to cut industry waste in half significantly progresses toward an eco-conscious society. 

The Danish company Monoqool has pioneered a 100% biodegradable and durable material from castor beans used in their famously 3D printed Slider series, allowing the brand to offer a sustainable alternative for eyewear production.