Here’s your Thursday 3D printing roundup for July 16, 2026:

3D printing technology Image credit: Unsplash

Printer News & Releases

  • 3D Printing Markets Hit $4.35 Billion in Q1 2026 — According to AM Research’s latest report, the additive manufacturing market reached $4.35 billion in Q1 2026, showing continued strong growth despite global economic headwinds. Industrial applications are driving most of this growth.

  • Ugee Launches AI-Powered Funbox 3D Printer for Kids — Ugee has entered the educational 3D printing market with the Funbox, an AI-powered 3D printer designed specifically for children. The printer features voice-guided setup, automatic bed leveling, and a closed-frame design for safety. This could be a game-changer for introducing 3D printing to the next generation of makers.

  • RIC Robotics Begins Construction on 3D Printed Housing Community in Colorado — RIC Robotics is breaking ground on a Colorado community featuring dozens of 3D printed homes. This represents one of the largest residential additive construction projects in the United States to date, demonstrating how robotic 3D printing is moving from prototypes to actual housing developments.

  • Beehive Industries Expands Metal AM Capabilities — Beehive Industries continues its aggressive expansion into ultra-large-format metal additive manufacturing with additional orders of NXG 600E systems. This follows their recent multi-unit commitment and signals strong confidence in metal AM for industrial applications.

Materials & Filaments

  • EOS Adds Aluminium CP1 to Material Portfolio — EOS has expanded its aluminum offerings with Aluminium CP1, now available for all. This aerospace-grade aluminum alloy is ideal for applications requiring high strength-to-weight ratios, particularly in automotive and aerospace sectors. The move democratizes access to premium aluminum alloys previously limited to specific platforms.

  • IperionX Raises $50 Million for U.S. Titanium Production — IperionX has secured $50 million in funding to expand domestic titanium production capabilities. The company uses a patented hydrogen-assisted powder metallurgy process to produce titanium powder from scrap, positioning them for the growing demand in aerospace and medical AM applications.

  • High-Temperature M247LC for Metal Binder Jetting — A new webinar is exploring the use of high-temperature alloy M247LC for production via metal binder jetting. This nickel-based superalloy is commonly used in gas turbine components, and its availability for binder jetting opens new possibilities for complex, high-heat aerospace parts.

Software & AI Updates

  • Tripo AI Secures $150 Million Series A3 — In one of the largest funding rounds in 3D printing-related AI, Tripo AI raised $150 million to expand their AI-powered 3D generation platform. The tool converts text and images into printable 3D models, potentially revolutionizing how designers and makers create content.

  • AMS X: Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2027 Agenda Published — The agenda for AMS X (Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2027) has been released, featuring tracks on medical, aerospace, automotive, and consumer applications. The conference continues to be a key gathering for industry leaders.

  • CRP UniqTrust System for Authentic 3D Printed Parts — CRP Technology has introduced the UniqTrust System, a blockchain-based solution for identifying authentic 3D printed parts. As counterfeiting becomes a concern in industrial AM, this system helps manufacturers and customers verify genuine parts.

3D printed objects and filament Image credit: Unsplash

Cool Projects & Maker Builds

  • 3D Printed Macropad for Smart Home Control — A custom 3D-printed macropad project demonstrates how functional prints can integrate into daily life. Using Cherry MX switches and a Pro Micro controller, makers are building custom controllers for smart home devices, showing the intersection of 3D printing and IoT.

  • Zaha Hadid Architects’ 6-Meter Tower — The renowned architecture firm continues to push boundaries with a 3D printed six-meter tower for Terminal Expo using large-scale additive manufacturing. This showcases how architectural concrete printing is advancing beyond small-scale prototypes.

  • 3D-Printed Stencil Airbrushing Techniques — Simple 3D-printed stencil tips and tricks are making airbrushing more versatile and accessible. Makers are sharing templates online for everything from custom logos to detailed artwork, expanding the use cases for desktop 3D printers.

Industry Applications

  • Venus Aerospace Closes $91 Million Funding Round — Venus Aerospace raised $91 million to scale detonation engine production, likely leveraging AM for complex engine components that are impossible to manufacture traditionally. This highlights how 3D printing enables next-generation aerospace propulsion systems.

  • Desktop UV Printers Converging with 3D Printing — The lines between desktop UV printing (flatbed inkjet) and 3D printing are blurring, with new machines combining both technologies. This convergence enables full-color, multi-material parts with both 2D graphics and 3D geometry.

  • Nigeria’s New STEAM Centre — Nigeria is investing in hands-on 3D printing skills with a new Czech-backed STEAM Centre. Global AM education initiatives continue to expand, building the workforce for the additive manufacturing future.

  • RIMPAC 2026 Military Applications — Military applications of 3D printing were highlighted at RIMPAC 2026, showing how armed forces worldwide are adopting additive manufacturing for field repair, rapid prototyping, and distributed production.

Key Takeaway

This week’s roundup reveals an industry in rapid expansion: $4.35 billion in Q1 market value, $50M for titanium production, $150M for AI 3D generation, and $91M for aerospace propulsion—all leveraging additive manufacturing. The convergence of industrial-scale metal printing (RIC Robotics housing, Beehive Industries NXG systems) with AI-powered design tools (Tripo AI) suggests we’re entering a new phase where creation barriers continue to fall. From kids learning with the Ugee Funbox to professionals printing rocket engines, 3D printing is becoming infrastructure, not just a tool.

Keep printing! 🔥

Images from Unsplash. Want more 3D printing content? Check back for weekly roundups!