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This report explains how vision-driven multi-arm robots let factories switch tasks via software, not hardware rebuilds. 


Vision-Driven Robotics and the Rise of Universal Manufacturing

Gain the technical insights to make your robotics systems more reliable, maintainable, and future-ready.

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This Report shows how tools like artificial intelligence, digital twins, and on-demand manufacturing are no longer emerging concepts, but are already delivering measurable impact across the product lifecycle.

Innovation in Manufacturing 2026

Join Siemens and Altair for a full day of innovation, insights, and real-world applications shaping the future of simulation.

Simcenter Technology Conference 2026

Manufacturing

What is 3D printing? This article goes over the basics of 3D printing, otherwise known as additive manufacturing, covering its engineering principles and applications.


What is 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

Co-packaged optics integrates photonic engines directly with switch ASICs and AI accelerators, cutting power draw and latency at the board level. This article explains how CPO works, how it compares to pluggable and near-packaged optics, and what its benefits and challenges are.

What is Co-Packaged Optics: Architecture, Benefits, Challenges, and Performance

This article explains the IPC-A-610 standard for electronic assemblies, including solder joints, inspection criteria, product classes, and quality requirements for reliable PCB manufacturing and high-performance electronics.

IPC-A-610: Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies

A technical analysis of 3D printing in healthcare, covering materials, clinical applications, and regulatory considerations for engineers.

3D Printing in Healthcare: Engineering Applications and Impact

Explore the rise of 3D printing food, including market growth, printing technologies, material science, and real-world applications.

3D Printing Food: A Guide for Engineers and the Food Industry

How does 3D printing work? This guide covers everything from desktop printers to industrial systems, explaining the digital workflow, materials, and applications that engineers need to understand.

How Does 3D Printing Work? An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

This guide explores how resin 3D printing works, the physics and chemistry behind it, practical design considerations, performance data, and safety recommendations.

Resin 3D Printing: An Introductory Guide for Engineers

This article is a comprehensive technical guide to relay wiring diagrams, covering 4-pin and 5-pin configurations, working principles, safety practices, standards, and advanced relay applications in modern systems.

Relay Wiring Diagrams: Understanding 4-Pin and 5-Pin Connections

Design engineers, hardware integrators, and automotive technicians frequently need to verify whether relays are healthy or need replacement. This article provides a thorough, step-by-step approach to testing relays while explaining the underlying science and standards.

How to Test a Relay: Comprehensive Engineering Guide

What is AMS 3D printing? Here we provide a technical exploration of Bambu Lab's Automatic Material System (AMS) architecture, operation, and performance.

What Is AMS 3D Printing? Exploring the Bambu Lab Automatic Material System

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Electrical Transformers: Engineering Fundamentals, Design Parameters, and Emerging Trends

In-depth guide to the Wheatstone bridge circuit, strain-gauge configurations, formulas, sensor integration, and design considerations for high-precision measurement systems.

Wheatstone Bridge: Principles, Configurations, and Signal Conditioning for Precise Measurements

The 3D printer filament market is flooded with choices, but what are the best PETG filaments available to engineers today? Here we look at some of the top brands.

Best PETG Filament In 2026: High-Speed, Matte, Reinforced

A guide for engineers about what sparse infill density refers to, with practical recommendations backed by research and slicing software data.

Sparse Infill Density Explained: Slicer Terminology and Best Settings

<p id="isPasted">In the 3D printing industry, as much as any other, ecological choices are most often made when there are also tangible economic benefits. Recognizing this reality, Dutch company 3devo has developed a recycling workflow for converting 3D printing powder waste into high-quality recycled filament. The technology, which is being validated for HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) PA12 powder, unlocks greater sustainability while delivering a strong business case. Down the line, 3devo’s recycling workflow could also be implemented to manage other 3D printing waste streams, including SLS powders and 3D printed parts at the end of their lives. </p><p>As we’ll see in more detail, by creating a largely automated, ready-to-deploy recycling and filament production system, 3devo is on a mission to build greater circularity and sustainability in additive manufacturing. </p><h2>Recognizing Waste Streams</h2><p>As a prototyping and production technology, 3D printing itself enables manufacturers to pursue greater sustainability. The technology not only generates less waste than subtractive manufacturing processes, it also unlocks greater design efficiency and on-demand production, which can lead to more eco-friendly workflows and end products. That said, it is important to highlight that while the technology may generate less waste, it does not generate no waste. Whether it’s printed support structures, failed prints, or unusable powders, there are 3D printing waste streams that must be addressed.</p><p><br /></p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><a href="https://www.3devo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776788772276-1776788772276.jpeg" width="624" height="351" class="fr-fic fr-dii" /><span class="fr-inner">PA12 powder waste, a valuable raw material, is recycled.</span></a></span></span></p><p>In the case of powders, for instance, we find a clear example with HP’s MJF technology. An inkjet powder bed fusion process, MJF has been used in the production of over a hundred million parts. One of the main materials used in MJF 3D printing is PA12, a nylon powder known for its high tensile strength, durability, chemical resistance, and dimensional accuracy.</p><p>In the printing process, layers of PA12 are spread over a heated build surface and inkjets selectively deposit fusing and detailing agents to build parts. While between 60 and 85% of unfused powders can be reused[1], with every print job there is an inevitable portion of PA12 powder that is no longer viable, due to the effects of moisture, oxygen, and heat degradation.[2] </p><p>This material waste not only comes with environmental challenges—as it ends up in landfills or incinerated—it also comes with cost implications. As a valuable raw material, unused PA12 powder drives up the cost of printing parts, not to mention the cost of industrial waste disposal services. For all these reasons, MJF PA12 seemed like the ideal use case for 3devo to validate its innovative powder recycling and filament production workflow.</p><h2>Validating the Workflow</h2><p>3devo’s goal in developing and validating its recycling workflow was clear: to showcase how recycling can be economically beneficial and create new revenue streams through the production of new 3D printing consumables. This is illustrated through its partnership with UK filament manufacturing Filamentive, which recently launched the first fully recycled PA12 filament made from MJF waste using 3devo’s solution.[3]</p><p>The recycling and filament production workflow itself involves automated steps that transform powder waste into high-quality filament with ~50 micron tolerances. These steps include:</p><ul><li><p>Transferring surplus PA12 powder automatically from storage containers into the extrusion system, without the need for any drying.</p></li><li><p>Feeding the powder through four controlled heating zones until it melts using a nitrided steel screw.</p></li><li><p>Extruding the molten thermoplastic through a nozzle to form filament.</p></li><li><p>Controlling the filament shape and diameter accuracy through a combination of controlled cooling, sensors, and a dynamic pulling speed mechanism. </p></li><li><p>Automated winding of the filament onto spools in preparation for final packaging.</p></li></ul><p>The entire workflow is also monitored using sensors, resulting in thorough process data for each spool of filament manufactured. For 3devo, establishing this level of traceability and quality control has been vital to making its solution viable for industrial rollout. </p><h2>Sustainability Is Profitable</h2><p>In validating its integrated recycling and extrusion solution for PA12 powder, 3devo is preparing for the next phase: making the workflow available to MJF users all over the world. </p><p>Presently, 3devo is continuing to refine the workflow at its own facility (where Filamentive rPA12 Recycled Nylon is made). It is also running pilot programs with selected partners, where the recycling and filament extrusion workflow is being integrated and tested in real environments. This phase enables the Dutch company and its partners to evaluate the workflow’s performance in a real production environment. </p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><a href="https://www.3devo.com/filament-maker-two" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776788772283-1776788772283.jpeg" width="624" height="360" class="fr-fic fr-dii" /><span class="fr-inner">A validated workflow setup for in-house recycling in MJF environments.</span></a></span></span></p><p>3devo’s vision is for 3D printing services and users all over the world to adopt its solution to manage their waste streams. As the company says: “People have questioned the profitability of recycling, so that is why we are proving the business case ourselves.” </p><p>This initiative also marks a step in 3devo’s own commercial evolution. The company, which has primarily served the education and R&amp;D markets with its filament extruders, is now expanding its horizons to include industrial MJF manufacturers. Introducing a decentralized solution for this segment of users is significant: it could not only significantly reduce their MJF material waste, it can also make recycling profitable through the production of new raw material.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>In the end, building a more circular future for 3D printing is necessary in terms of protecting our planet and managing resources. As 3devo is demonstrating, achieving a high level of sustainability and circularity does not have to be at odds with economic growth. </p><p>By turning PA12 powder waste into new filament, it is possible to both reduce landfill waste and create a new saleable product. And with MJF used in-house by OEMs as well as by AM services all over the world (HP itself has over 65 production partners that use its technology[4]), there is a considerable amount of powder that could be turned from waste into revenue. </p><p>For 3devo, eliminating PA12 powder waste is just the beginning. The company also has sights set on applying its recycling framework to other types of materials, including reinforced SLS powder streams, high-performance materials such as PEEK, and use cases such as end-of-life or unusable 3D printed components. </p><p>If you are working with MJF systems or exploring in-house material processing, feel free to get in touch with the <a href="https://www.3devo.com/contact">3devo team</a> to discuss how this approach could apply in your setup.</p><hr /><h2>References</h2><ol><li>HP’s 3D printing materials portfolio [Internet]. HP Development Company, L.P., 2026. <a href="https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/3d-printers/materials.html">https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/3d-printers/materials.html</a> </li><li>Sanders B, Cant E, Amel H, Jenkins M. The effect of physical aging and degradation on the re-use of polyamide 12 in powder bed fusion. Polymers. 2022 Jun 30;14(13):2682.   </li><li>World’s First: Nylon Filament made from Recycled MJF Waste [Internet]. Filamentive, Feb 12, 2026. <a href="https://www.filamentive.com/worlds-first-nylon-filament-made-from-recycled-mjf-waste/">https://www.filamentive.com/worlds-first-nylon-filament-made-from-recycled-mjf-waste/</a> </li><li>HP Digital Manufacturing Network directory [Internet]. HP Development Company, L.P., 2026. <a href="https://reinvent.hp.com/us-en-3dprint-digitalmanufacturing">https://reinvent.hp.com/us-en-3dprint-digitalmanufacturing</a> </li></ol><p><br /></p>

3devo pilot workflow setup for in-house material processing and validation

3devo validates a ready-to-deploy recycling system that could transform 3D printing waste material management

Turning 3D Printing Waste Into a Sustainable Business Case

<p>Attaining design and performance goals for new products can often hinge on material choice. Whether the aim is to make a more sustainable part, optimize a component’s strength-to-weight ratio, or bring costs down, material properties dictate how a part is made and how it will behave. For some applications, existing off-the-shelf materials will do just fine; however, for many high-performance applications, materials with tailored property profiles must be made.</p><p>Avient, a global materials solutions company, has built a business on this need, specializing in the development of advanced composites and engineered polymer formulations for its clients. The company also understands firsthand the challenges of developing new polymers, including how many cycles of compounding and testing can go into a material before it is ready for validation, the delays associated with multi-party supply chains, and the complexity in bridging material development and application testing. </p><p>An improved workflow integrated at Avient has enabled its material development teams to address these issues and accelerate their development processes through early validation and real-world application testing. The solution? In-house filament production.  </p><h2>Bringing Filament Extrusion in-House</h2><p>Through a structural upgrade—the integration of in-house filament extrusion—Avient is realizing greater independence and agility in its material development workflow. This has enabled it to address common hurdles associated with the development of specialty materials, such as slowdowns related to multiple testing cycles, reliance on external filament suppliers, and a general disconnect between material development and application testing. </p><p>Previously, new formulations engineered by material developers like Avient would have to be compounded in-house, after which samples would be ordered from external filament manufacturers. From there, the filament would be sent back to them for prototype 3D printing. With long delivery times and feedback needed from both Avient and its customers, material validation was therefore often plagued by inflexible, slow workflows. </p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776348766435-1776348766434.jpeg" width="624" height="416" class="fr-fic fr-dii" /><span class="fr-inner">Avient team with material samples</span></span></span></p><p>Avient’s new workflow, enabled by filament extrusion technology, is far more agile and offers a continuous feedback loop that links material formulation, processing, and application. In more specific terms, Avient’s development teams make compounds or pellets of tailored thermoplastics, which can then be converted directly into filament. This filament can then be used to 3D print functional prototypes, test parts, or tooling components to evaluate performance and application fit. This not only keeps validation steps in-house (thus minimizing lead times), it also enables Avient to make on-the-fly changes to material formulations based on application requirements and keep its customers in the loop from an early stage.</p><p>By integrating filament production, the company has shown that it is possible to (a) create filament test samples without relying solely on external partners and (b) demonstrate real-world applications at an early stage. This has led to faster development and validation and—as we will see in more detail—greater confidence from customers who can see and test prototypes from early on in the material validation cycle.</p><h2>Tactile Evaluation with Density-Modified Plastics</h2><p>One of Avient’s product lines, Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations, is focused on density-modified polymers, which are known for having similar characteristics to metal—in terms of mechanical properties as well as look and feel. High-performance polymers are increasingly being used for metal replacement applications, as they meet desired properties while offering advantages like weight reduction and lower material costs. </p><p>In one metal replacement use case, Avient was developing Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations for a luxury application. In the development process, the Avient team was able to produce filament and directly 3D print prototypes—in this case, a premium bottle cap—that matched the design of the customer’s product. The 3D printed prototype, which featured custom branding and a unique design, enabled Avient to not only assess the material’s properties but also to show the client how the product would look and feel. </p><p>In other words, rather than iterate this prototype further down the material development road, Avient was able to test this real-world application early to understand its perception by end users before committing to downstream manufacturing routes. From the customer’s perspective, they were able to interact with a prototype that had high-fidelity visual, tactile, and functional properties far before production was initiated, giving them confidence in the material validation process. </p><h2>Real-World Testing of Thermally Conductive Materials</h2><p>In-house filament production has also been valuable in other cases. In the development of Therma-Tech™ Thermally Conductive Formulations, for example, Avient was able to evaluate both material properties and part design. The part in question was a heat sink that required excellent heat transfer, dissipation, and cooling properties.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776348766443-1776348766443.jpeg" width="486" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width:598px;height:784.574px" /><span class="fr-inner">Close-ups of filament and printed samples</span></span></span></p><p>With a material validation workflow that included both filament extrusion and 3D printing, Avient was able to effectively test its material formulations and a range of geometries to find the best combination for form and functional behavior. Being able to test the Therma-Tech™ Thermally Conductive Formulations’ heat-dissipating properties at an application level supported faster and earlier learning, before Avient and its client progressed to tooling and full-scale production. </p><p>Put another way, the heat sink use case demonstrates how specialty materials, like thermally conductive polymers, can be validated through real part designs. This combines two previously separate workflows into one, bridging material development and functional performance requirements from an early stage. </p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776348766463-1776348766463.png" width="624" height="404" class="fr-fic fr-dii" /><span class="fr-inner">Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations (left) and Therma-Tech™ Thermally Conductive Formulations (right) functional parts</span></span></span></p><p>The Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations and Therma-Tech™ Thermally Conductive Formulations use cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Avient has leveraged its in-house filament production to enhance the validation of many materials and applications, including automotive lighting parts and various plastic components for metal replacement.</p><h2>De-Risking Material and Application Validation</h2><p>By integrating filament extrusion as a step in its validation processes, Avient has experienced a range of benefits. For one, the ability to turn material compounds into 3D printable filament in-house has reduced the company’s reliance on external filament suppliers, particularly during early validation. This capability has also made it possible to prototype parts from new material formulations, effectively enabling application fit and form testing earlier in the development cycle. Not only a boon for making validation processes more efficient, this also supports internal and custom-facing discussions, creating a continuous feedback loop.  </p><p>Crucially, all this can be done before any investment in tooling is required, allowing both material formulations and product designs to be optimized and finalized before committing to full-scale production. This can be particularly valuable in metal replacement applications, where an early understanding of how material properties and part design converge can actually de-risk material substitution. </p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1776348766475-1776348766475.jpeg" width="440" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width:706px;height:927.65px" /><span class="fr-inner">Avient Gravi-Tech™ Density-Modified Formulations at 3devo’s booth</span></span></span></p><p>The impacts are not only being felt by Avient: other material developers can and are reaping these same benefits by harnessing in-house filament production and 3D printing prototypes for application-led validation. </p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Filament extrusion systems, such as those developed by Dutch company 3devo, are giving material developers greater independence and control over their validation processes. As Avient demonstrates, filament extrusion facilitates early validation and application-driven testing in the development of special material formulations. </p><p>This not only offers internal benefits, in terms of reducing reliance on external filament suppliers and accelerating material testing, it also changes the dynamic between material developers and their customers. As Avient has found, the ability to produce filament and rapidly iterate 3D printed prototypes has led to better communication and transparency with its clients, who can better assess application performance, weight reduction, and manufacturability before heading into full-scale production.</p><p>To explore the full case study and see how this approach can apply to your workflow, visit: <a href="https://www.3devo.com/case-studies/avient">https://www.3devo.com/case-studies/avient</a></p>

Advanced polymer developer Avient brings 3devo filament production in house for streamlined material testing and validation.

Bridging Material and Application Development with In-House Filament Production

<p id="isPasted">Understanding this evolution helps us appreciate how far the industry has come and where it’s heading next.</p><p>In this post, we explore the significant milestones that have shaped modern manufacturing, from early mechanisation to today’s smart factories.</p><h2>1760s – The First Industrial Revolution: The Birth of Mechanisation</h2><p>The first major leap in manufacturing began in Britain during the 1760s. Innovations such as the spinning jenny and James Watt’s enhanced steam engine paved the way for mechanised production. These breakthroughs led to a shift in manufacturing from small, artisanal workshops to large-scale factories, particularly in the textile and iron industries.</p><p>This era marked the beginning of industrial-scale production, laying the groundwork for all subsequent revolutions.</p><h2>1870s – The Second Industrial Revolution: Speed, Scale &amp; Efficiency</h2><p>By the 1870s, manufacturing entered a new age of rapid expansion. Electricity became widespread, and mass production techniques took hold. The introduction of interchangeable parts and assembly line manufacturing, famously refined by Henry Ford in the 1910s, dramatically improved productivity.</p><p>Meanwhile, the growing networks of railroads and telegraph systems enabled manufacturers to move goods and communicate more quickly than ever before, thereby creating more interconnected supply chains.</p><h2>1940s–1950s – Post-War Industrial Boom: Automation Begins</h2><p>In the post-war decades, factories experienced a surge of innovation. Early computers and numerical control (NC) machines initiated the first wave of automation, enhancing production processes by making them more consistent and repeatable.</p><p>At the same time, the rise of television and radio advertising drove mass consumerism, increasing demand for manufactured goods and pushing industries to scale further.</p><h2>1960s–1970s – Electronics &amp; Early Automation: Robots Enter the Scene</h2><p>The 1960s and ’70s saw electronics play a major role in shaping manufacturing. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become the backbone of factory control systems, offering flexible and reliable automation.</p><p>In 1961, General Motors introduced the world’s first industrial robot into its assembly line, marking a historic moment. Robotics quickly became synonymous with advanced automotive manufacturing.</p><h2>1980s – The Digital Revolution: Computers Transform Production</h2><p>As personal computers became widely available in the 1980s, manufacturing began to embrace digitalisation. Tools such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) revolutionised product development, speeding up design cycles, improving accuracy, and enabling more complex engineering.</p><p>This decade laid the digital groundwork for modern automated production.</p><h2>1990s–2000s – Lean, Globalised Manufacturing: Efficiency Meets Scale</h2><p>The final years of the twentieth century ushered in a wave of efficiency-focused strategies. Lean manufacturing principles gained widespread adoption, aiming to reduce waste and increase value.</p><p>Globalisation also reshaped manufacturing landscapes, with production shifting to international hubs for cost efficiency. Early Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems emerged, integrating operations across departments and locations for the first time.</p><h2>2010s – Smart Manufacturing &amp; Industry 4.0: Connected Factories</h2><p>The 2010s marked the rise of smart manufacturing. With the explosion of smartphones, IoT devices, and industrial sensors, manufacturers gained real-time visibility into their operations.</p><p>Industry 4.0 emerged, defined by cyber-physical systems, automation, AI, data exchange, and advanced analytics. Factories became smarter, more connected, and increasingly self-optimising.</p><h2>2020s – Advanced Manufacturing &amp; Sustainability: The Future Takes Shape</h2><p>Advanced technologies dominate today’s manufacturing landscape. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) has moved from prototyping to mainstream industrial use. Digital twins, AI-powered optimisation, and ultra-fast 5G connectivity enable real-time decision-making on an unprecedented scale.</p><p>Sustainability has also become a core priority, with industries focusing on green energy, circular economy principles, and reducing environmental impact.</p><h2>Conclusion: From Steam to Smart Factories</h2><p>The evolution of manufacturing is a story of continuous transformation. Each revolution has built upon the last, driving us from steam-powered machinery to fully connected, intelligent manufacturing ecosystems.</p><p>As we look ahead, the future promises even greater innovation. With AI, automation, and sustainability at the forefront, the next chapter of manufacturing is already being written.</p>

Manufacturing has undergone extraordinary change over the past few centuries. What began as manual labour in small workshops has transformed into a globally integrated, highly automated ecosystem powered by digital technology and real-time data.

The Evolution Of Manufacturing

Manufacturing

Engineers Wiki. Most Asked Questions.

What is 3D Printing: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

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IPC-A-610: Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies

3D Printing in Healthcare: Engineering Applications and Impact

3D Printing Food: A Guide for Engineers and the Food Industry

How Does 3D Printing Work? An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing

Resin 3D Printing: An Introductory Guide for Engineers

ORGANIZATIONS. SHAPING THE INDUSTRY.

The Next Byte

Creaform

UltiMaker

Protolabs

MacroFab

TAGGED WITH 3d printing

Turning 3D Printing Waste Into a Sustainable Business Case

3D Printing in Healthcare: Engineering Applications and Impact

Bridging Material and Application Development with In-House Filament Production

The Evolution Of Manufacturing

TAGGED WITH digital fabrication

3D Printing in Healthcare: Engineering Applications and Impact

Bridging Material and Application Development with In-House Filament Production

3D Printing Food: A Guide for Engineers and the Food Industry

How Does 3D Printing Work? An Introduction to Additive Manufacturing