3D Printing Daily — Tuesday, March 31st, 2026

🔧 Firmware & Software

FreeCAD 1.1 Released — The open-source CAD platform dropped version 1.1 on March 25th with significant upgrades. Key additions include enhanced Assembly workbench tools, transparent Part Design previews, interactive draggers for Fillet and Chamfer, a new Clarify Selection tool, 3-point lighting, and a totally revamped CAM tool library system. The Python API has also been completely replaced, making scripting more robust. FreeCAD remains free and available on all platforms.

Prusa Spring Deal — Prusa is running a Spring 2026 promotion with free worldwide shipping on all in-stock items. If your filament shelf needs restocking or you are eyeing a new printer, now is the time to jump.

🖨️ New Hardware

MOVA AtomForm Palette 300 — The 12-nozzle multicolor 3D printer system continues to make waves. The OmniElement revolver system handles 36 colors with virtually zero purge waste, representing a significant step forward in multi-material desktop printing.

IHI Europe Bets on Freemelt — Japanese engineering conglomerate IHI has purchased a Freemelt electron-beam powder-bed fusion (E-PBF) system. Previously, the parent company bought two systems, bringing their total to three. The focus: next-gen turbine alloys for aerospace applications.

BLT Touts 100,000 Copper Parts — Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) reports having manufactured 100,000 copper parts via additive manufacturing — a milestone for metal AM in electronics, semiconductors, aerospace, and defense.

🌟 Print of the Day

OilStick by Slant 3D — This practical print solves a common pain point: messy lubrication. The OilStick is a no-drip brush applicator designed for clean, precise lubrication on rails, bearings, and lead screws. It is a simple but clever solution that has been getting strong community engagement.

🤖 AI & Generative Design

Meshy + MakerWorld Integration — Bambu Lab MakerWorld has integrated Meshy, a generative AI platform for 3D model creation, into its MakerLab hub. Users can now turn any photo into a print-ready 3D model in minutes, no design software required. This democratizes 3D modeling for the masses.

🔥 Community Buzz

Bambu Lab Settles with Pop Mart — Bambu Lab has reached a settlement with toymaker Pop Mart over the Labubu IP dispute. The company publicly apologized and all problematic content has been fully removed from MakerWorld. The settlement marks an important moment for IP protection in the 3D printing community.

Creality IPO Filing Reveals Scale — Creality Hong Kong IPO filing reveals the company generated 2.3B in revenue with 27.9% global market share in the desktop 3D printer segment. The filing provides rare insight into the Chinese manufacturing powerhouse.

US Army 3D Printed Barracks Expand — The U.S. Army has begun construction of 10 additional 3D printed barracks at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The project is being described as the Department of Defense largest 3D printed construction effort to date.

Safety Concerns Grow Over Consumer Resin — Fabbaloo reports growing safety concerns around consumer resin 3D printing, with potential liability issues on the horizon. The piece cites interviews with industry experts about the risks of uncured resin and inadequate ventilation.

📌 Quick Fixes

Fix Ghosting and Ringing — Sovol guide covers how to eliminate ghosting artifacts. The common causes: printer moving too fast, loose components, or resonance issues. Solutions include reducing print speed, checking belt tension, and enabling input shaping.

How to Split Large Models — When your model does not fit the build plate, Sovol guide walks through splitting large 3D models into smaller sections for FDM printing. Includes tips on alignment holes and finishing seams.

Best High-Temp Filaments — A practical guide to selecting filaments rated for 80-100°C for functional parts. Covers PETG-CF, PA-CF, PEI, and other engineering materials that can handle real-world heat exposure.