Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi reflect on some noteworthy 3D printing developments that were covered in 2023.
The year 2023 did not hold back on featuring some major 3D printing developments. Here are a few that we would like to highlight.
Israel-Hamas War
The initiation of the terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas marked the beginning of the Israel-Hamas War. The use and deployment of military weaponry, tanks, and the Israeli Army Reserve were notable. We featured articles discussing the mobilization of approximately 360,000 reservists by the Israeli Defense Force and its repercussion on major corporations in the nation, with a focus on Stratasys.
End of the Extended Four-Firm 3D Printing Merger Narrative
The extensive 3D Printing merger narrative encompassing Stratasys, Desktop Metal, Nano Dimension, and 3D Systems has been meticulously reported on Fabbaloo. The ongoing drama in 2023 grabbed a lot of media attention with most expecting Desktop Metal to emerge as the victor. However, the end of the saga was rather uneventful as none of Stratasys’ rivals managed to acquire the company, despite the theatrical circumstances.
Ukraine/NATO
Significant international events have been prompted by the conflict in Ukraine, such as the inclusion of Sweden in NATO. Furthermore, we have assessed the Danish 3D printing advancements that aim at reconstructing the infrastructure of Ukraine. We have also looked at the ways 3D printing can enhance the railway systems of Ukraine. We will continue to closely monitor the developments in Ukraine in 2024.
3D-Printed Concrete Houses
In 2023, we saw groundbreaking developments in 3D-printed concrete, primarily intended for the construction of homes and other structures. Cemex Ventures made considerable strides in optimizing materials, managing waste, and reducing carbon emissions, leading to a more sustainable construction industry. Last year, BIG and ICON worked together to construct a 3D printed neighborhood in Austin, Texas.
Advancements in Drone Technology
From Ukraine’s unconventional 3D printing pivot in drone technology to the rise of drones in Africa, we have extensively covered the use of 3D printing in developing drone technologies.
We have also highlighted the drone company, Swoop Aero. They aim to provide integrated logistics services to 100 million people by the end of 2025, expanding to 1 billion people by 2030, with a mission to offer the world’s leading technology platform for sustainable and scalable drone logistics. Swoop’s achievements led to a US$1.5 million funding award from USAID to fuel the company’s expansion.
Bioprinting
Whether it was Rice’s innovative approach to bioprinting or our conversation with Bruna Alice Gomes de Melo, bioprinting was huge in 2023. The technology has even helped people handle personal tragedies, like Martine Rothblatt, United’s CEO.
Research in lab-grown organs is making progress, with Maryland-based biotech United Therapeutics leading the way in resolving the organ supply issue. This is being done through the innovation of 3D printed organ scaffolds which could possibly be used with a patient’s own stem cells and then transplanted back into their bodies.
Electronics
We discussed how Nano Dimension is moving towards additive manufacturing electronics. We also pointed out the growing presence of chiplets in the technology industry.
Another notable development was the breakthrough in electrochemical additive manufacturing by Fabric8Labs back in April, a company known for its work in metal 3D printing without the use of powders. Fabric8Labs’ unique Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing technology makes it possible for the company to affordably 3D print highly intricate components for their main target markets which include semiconductor heat sinks as well as radio frequency antenna parts.
Post-Covid Surgery and Dental Procedures
Whether it was taking advantage of 3D printing for enhanced elective surgeries during the pandemic, or LimaCorporate and Siemens developing cementless 3D printed knee implants, we have been reporting on the rise in demand for elective surgeries post-Covid throughout the year.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can significantly enhance a company’s R&D Tax Credits. The wages of technical workers involved in the design, testing, and modification of 3D printed prototypes may be incorporated as a portion of qualifying time spent for the R&D Tax Credit. Likewise, if as a process enhancement tool, the time invested in incorporating 3D printing hardware and software falls under qualifying activities. Furthermore, when utilized for modeling and preproduction, the expenses of filaments used in the research phase may also be recouped.
3D printing, whether used for prototype development and testing or final production, is an excellent sign that R&D Credit qualifying activities are happening. Companies that introduce this technology at any stage should explore the possibility of leveraging R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
Should old friends be forgotten and never remembered? Absolutely not. The previous year set new records. We hope that you took pleasure in this year-long journey and the impact the 3D printing industry had on various sectors in 2023.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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