AI in 3D printing, where it really helps and where it does not
Artificial intelligence in additive manufacturing really works in two places today, closed loop process control and parameter optimization. A look at the...
Topics
Software and AI
Analysis by Svetozar Kolesar
Generative design in practice, and why it is now the same as topology optimization
In practice, generative design and topology optimization now describe the same thing. I explain how the software arrives at a shape, why the result looks...
Software that makes the difference in additive manufacturing
Industrial additive manufacturing does not work seriously without a dedicated software layer for build preparation, simulation, machine control and quality...
Latest news
Diffusion model drafts bone scaffold designs in 12 seconds, in simulation only
Researchers describe ScaffoldForge, a generative AI model that turns target bone-structure values into a full scaffold geometry in about 12 seconds, against roughly 8,400 seconds for topology optimization. All results are simulated: no scaffold has been printed or tested in a lab, and the authors name physical testing as the next step.
Bambu Lab previews Aimia, an AI tool that generates printable models from text or photos
Bambu Lab is adding Aimia, an AI modelling studio, to the MakerLab tool area of its MakerWorld platform. According to the provider, Aimia turns a short text description or a photo into a printable 3D model within a few minutes, and no modelling skills are required. The tool is not yet open to users: interested people can only join a waiting list for now. The workflow is described as four steps, starting with a text description as the first input. The report gives no further detail on pricing, availability dates or model quality. For desktop users, the release could lower the barrier to creating custom parts, though the output still needs checking before printing.
CoreTechnologie adds build preparation automation and distortion simulation to 4D_Additive
CoreTechnologie has presented version 1.8 SP1 of its 3D printing software 4D_Additive at Formnext 2026. The update targets the preparation of additive build jobs, with the aim of reducing recurring steps before printing. It adds a connection to manufacturing execution systems (MES) through a new 4dam file format, a distortion simulation for metal components, and tools for geometry editing. The report is a short teaser, so further technical details such as availability or pricing are not covered here.
PTC and Formlabs show cloud CAD link to resin printing at Formnext
PTC is presenting at Formnext 2026 how printed parts can be derived from a CAD model that several people edit at once in the cloud. The demonstration at the booth in hall 12.0 combines the cloud platform Onshape with a Formlabs Form 4 resin printer. The focus is the link between design, version control and additive manufacturing rather than a new printing process. Onshape combines parametric CAD with cloud collaboration, which lets design teams share one current model and track its versions. For engineers, the show offers a view of how a shared design source could feed directly into a resin printing workflow. The report is a teaser, so details beyond the booth setup and the product pairing are not available.
MIT CSAIL unveils X-Hinges software for touch-sensing 3D printed objects
Engineers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed X-Hinges, a design software tool for creating 3D printed objects with interactive functions. The objects use built-in sensors to detect human touch. The report is only a short teaser, so further details on the sensing method, the printing process and the materials are not available. The work is at research stage and shows how printed parts can be designed to respond to user input without separate electronic assemblies being added afterwards. Engineers working on functional printed parts and product integration may follow the project for its design approach.
StandardFlow launches AI platform to check AM qualification files against standards
StandardFlow has launched an AI platform that compares a supplier's engineering documents with technical standards and flags compliance gaps. It starts with additive manufacturing in regulated sectors. The company argues that qualification is often held up by missing proof, not by the printing process.
UltiMaker puts Cura 5.14 into beta testing
UltiMaker has published a beta version of its Cura slicing software, numbered 5.14, in a post dated 12 October 2026. The announcement as available gives only the version label and no list of changes, so the scope of the update is not yet known. Users who rely on Cura for FDM print preparation can follow the UltiMaker release notes for details.
Washington State team uses AI to make GRCop-42 easier to print
A research team at Washington State University has applied artificial intelligence to a metal alloy that is hard to process in additive manufacturing. The aim is to print the alloy, GRCop-42, more economically and efficiently. The available report is only a short teaser, so details on the method, the machines and the results are not yet known.
UltiMaker presents Digital Factory professional plans for growing print fleets
UltiMaker has published a post on the professional plans of its Digital Factory platform, framed as plans that scale with a company's 3D printing operations. The source gives only a teaser, so plan contents, features and prices are not covered here. The post follows the launch of the new professional tiers earlier in September.
UltiMaker launches new professional tiers for its Digital Factory platform
UltiMaker announced on 1 September 2026 that new professional tiers for its Digital Factory platform are now live. The report available so far is only a short teaser, so details on features, pricing and the differences between the tiers are not yet known. Digital Factory is the company's software offering for managing 3D printing workflows, and readers who use it should check UltiMaker's own announcement for the exact scope of each tier.
HeyGears opens Kickstarter for G1 desktop printer that prints colour and UV graphics
HeyGears started a Kickstarter campaign on 23 July for the G1 Series, a modular desktop system that combines full-colour 3D printing with UV printing of textures and flat graphics. Super Early Bird pricing begins at $1,999. The company targets creators, customisation shops and small production studios who want coloured parts without hand painting.
UltiMaker announces Cura 5.13 slicer release
UltiMaker has published an announcement for version 5.13 of Cura, its slicing software for desktop 3D printing. The post on the company site introduces the release, but the available excerpt does not list the changes, new features or supported printers. Readers who use Cura should check UltiMaker's release notes for details.
UltiMaker publishes stable release of Cura 5.12 slicer
UltiMaker has announced the stable release of version 5.12 of its Cura slicing software. The announcement available so far consists only of a headline, so details on new features, supported printers and fixes are not yet known. Cura is widely used to prepare models for FDM printing.
Elegoo releases Matrix app for remote control of resin printers
Elegoo has launched Matrix, its first official smartphone app for monitoring and controlling several 3D printers remotely. It is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play and at first supports only the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K. Further models follow from Q3 2025.
ELEGOO publishes its filament RFID tag format and asks the community for input
ELEGOO has released the data layout and communication rules behind the RFID tags on its filament spools and is asking developers, users and equipment makers for feedback. The move is tied to its upcoming automatic filament switching system. The company says it wants cross-brand compatibility in a market where RFID filament identification is currently proprietary.