Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube788kPublisher Bandai Namco has released the opening cinematic for the upcoming Freedom Wars Remastered on Switch.Launching on 10th January 2025, the game is a revamped version of the 2014 original on the PS Vita. In what is either a remarkable coincidence or a calculated effort, the reveal of the opening movie also comes exactly 13 years after the Japanese launch of the PS Vita on 17th December 2011. Bravo!As for the movie itself, the graphical enhancements over the original game are certainly apparent, but we'll have to wait and see exactly how it looks on the Switch itself. Chances are the movie is running on either the PS5 or PC, and even then, it's not direct gameplay footage.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube788kWatch on YouTube Still, we're incredibly excited to check out this one. Freedom Wars is a loose take on the gameplay from Monster Hunter, and sees you take down giant enemies with the help of a grappling whip, all in an effort to lower your one-million-year prison sentence in a unique, sci-fi distopian world.Born into a one-million-year prison sentence, you must survive deadly missions to earn any hope of freedom. Die in prison or live on the battlefield. The choice is yours. Convicted from birth for the crime of livingIn a distant future where all resources on earth have been depleted, being alive is a sin by itself. As a sinner sentenced to one million-years in prison, you must volunteer in dangerous operations to reduce your prison sentence and fight your way to freedom. Three-dimensional high speed combatUse your Thorns to dominate the battlefield. Stand alongside your allies and your warden bio-android accessory, to face off against powerful enemies. Enhanced graphicsRe-rendered graphics vividly portray desolate worlds, colossal prison cities, powerful enemies, and fierce battles. "We have tons of ideas we'd want to implement"Returning in early 2025Are you looking forward to Freedom Wars Remastered on the Switch? Did you play the original Vita version? Let us know with a comment.[source youtube.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related Articles'Hyperdimension Neptunia' & 'Death End' Switch Releases Scrapped For "Not Complying With Nintendo Guidelines"Death end re;Quest: Code Z still on for PS5/4, though3D Print Of Rumoured 'Switch 2' Design Gives Us A Closer Look At OLED Size ComparisonWhere do you want this truck-load of salt?Eagle-Eyed Fans Think They've Spotted The First 'Switch 2' Image In New Satisfye TrailerHmm, we're not sure about that

Executive served as Chairman until his passing.Masayuki Kato, the founder of Japanese developer Nihon Falcom, has sadly passed away the age of 78, the company has announced.Kato founded the company back in 1981 and, as highlighted by our friends over at Time Extension, chose the name 'Falcom' as a play on the Millenium Falcon from Star Wars, ultimately adding in 'Nihon' as he felt the single word title wasn't quite enough on its own.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Google on Tuesday announced support for third-party tools in Gemini Code Assist, its enterprise-focused AI code completion service. Code Assist launched in April as a rebrand of asimilar serviceGoogle offered under its now-defunct Duet AI branding. Available through plug-ins for popular dev environments like VS Code and JetBrains, Code Assist is powered by Googles Gemini AI models, which allow it to reason over and change large chunks of code.With the addition of tools, which are launching in private preview, Code Assist can pull in real-time data and access info from outside applications. The idea is to bring various technologies into the coding environment while minimizing potential distractions, said Google director of product management Ryan Salva and group product manager Prithpal Bhogill.This new tools feature can help eliminate the friction of context switching, Salva and Bhogill jointly wrote in a blog post. Getting scalable, secure applications into production requires more than just writing great code developers need solutions for productivity, observability, security, databases, and more.Image Credits:GoogleNot just anyone can build a tool for Code Assist. Google is limiting the program to Google Cloud partners, at least for now.Tools enable developers to retrieve information from, or act on, any part of their engineering system which is especially helpful for services outside the developer environment, Salva and Bhogill wrote. For example, you might summarize recent comments from a Jira issue, find the last person who merged changes to a file in git, or show the most recent live site issue from Sentry.Code Assist tools from GitLab, GitHub, Sentry.io, Atlassian Rovo, Snyk, and Googles own Google Docs are available at launch. Google Cloud partners interested in creating new tools can reach out to their partner managers, Salva and Bhogill say. Code Assist is a direct competitor toGitHubs Copilot Enterprise, which offers extensions that work a lot like Code Assist tools. But Google has long asserted that Code Assist stands out in other ways, for example in its support for codebases that sit on-premises.Code Assist has seen a number of upgrades this year, including enhanced code transformation capabilities and the launch of an enterprise plan with customized code suggestions based on private code repositories.Despite thesecurity, copyright, and reliability concernsaround AI-powered assistive coding tools, developers have shown enthusiasm for them, with thevast majorityof respondents in GitHubs latest poll saying that theyve adopted AI tools in some form. GitHub reported in April that Copilot hadover 1.8 million paying usersand more than 50,000 business customers.

Drop by any given loading dock and a buzz of forklifts loaded up with goods can be spotted maneuvering in and out of truck trailers. This logistical dance can take up to an hour to fill a trailer, leaving truck drivers in idle limbo. The founders of Atlanta-based Slip Robotics say theyve developed a robot that cuts that time down to five minutes. Their design inspiration: the floor.Slip Robotics, which was founded in 2020 by Chris Smith, Dennis Siedlak, and John Jakomin, has developed and launched a commercial robot-as-a-service business that combines automation software and large floor-like robotic platforms that can hold 10 palettes and carry up to 12,000 pounds. According to the company, these so-called SlipBots can handle uneven ground and navigate routes from the warehouse floor into a truck trailer. Three SlipBots about 36,000 pounds of payload fit into one truck trailer. Once the truck arrives at its destination, the SlipBots disembark.The idea behind SlipBots came, in part, from Smiths collective experience at former employers Cummins, Tesla, and Volley Automation, the latter a robotics startup that developed automated car park systems. His time at Tesla, where he led factory simulation and analytics and was one of the first 50 engineers at the Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, was particularly influential.All of this led to a singular thought, What if I built the floor, but it moves? Freight is typically set down on the floor for staging, where its picked up by forklifts. Smiths idea was for that freight to be set down on robotic floor-like platforms that could move everything at once.After three years of development and testing, Slip Robotics launched its commercial service in 2023. Today, there are hundreds of SlipBots being used in facilities across more than 25 sites that range from 20,000 square feet to more than 2 million square feet in size, Chief Commercial Officer Jordan Sanders told TechCrunch. Its customers include John Deere, GE Appliances, Valeo, and Nissan. Slip Robotics customers pay a subscription license fee for the use of SlipBots, with ongoing software updates, hardware service, maintenance, and repairs included. Sanders said customers typically have a three, three, three setup. This means a customer will always have three bots on a dock, three in transit, and three waiting at the destination.The bots, and the business model, have attracted investors too. Just a few weeks ago, Slip Robotics closed on $28 million in Series B funding, the company announced on Tuesday. The round was led by DCVC and saw participation from existing investors Eve Atlas, Tech Square Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Overline, and Pathbreaker Ventures. James Hardiman of DCVC has joined the board, which includes Slip co-founders and Thiago Olson, managing partner of EVE Atlas.The company has raised $45 million, to date. Slip didnt share its valuation.Sanders said the new capital will be used to hire more employees, increase deployments, and enhance its product offerings. He emphasized that Slip Robotics success so far is a credit not only to the product but how the startup chose to scale.People have come to expect a lot of hype and smoke and mirrors from robotics companies about their actual state of technology development and actual commercial scale, Sanders noted in an email to TechCrunch. This expectation and implicit skepticism is unfortunate, but it is entirely justified based on the hype and failed promises over the last decade.He said Slip Robotics didnt try to scale too soon, kept quiet, and focused on developing its robotics platform. That approach appears to have paid off. The company, once less than a dozen people, has now grown to about 50 employees. Importantly, he noted, Slip Robotics now has 10 commercial customers and hundreds of bots in the field.If you have more engineers in your office than revenue-generating vehicles in the real world, you dont have a real business, Sanders quipped.

Breakdown & ShowreelsVenom The Last Dance: VFX Breakdown by DNEGBy Vincent Frei - 17/12/2024 The symbiotes are backand this time, they dance. DNEG delivers really cool VFX for Venom: The Last Dance, showcasing the epic Venom Horse, the terrifying Xenophages, and the unforgettable dance scene. A symbiotic spectacle not to be missed!WANT TO KNOW MORE?DNEG: Dedicated page about Venom: The Last Dance on DNEG website.John Moffatt and Aharon Bourland: Heres my interview of Production VFX Supervisors John Moffatt and Aharon Bourland. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Breakdown & ShowreelsThe Regime: VFX Breakdown by Union VFXBy Vincent Frei - 17/12/2024 Discover how Union VFX crafted the crumbling reality of HBOs The Regime. From invisible crowd simulations to intricate environments, witness the artistry that brings Stephen Frears and Jess Hobbs darkly comedic world to lifewithout you even noticing!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Union VFX: Dedicated page about The Regime on Union VFX website.WATCH IT ON Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Its time to find out who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards.This year, we celebrate the most innovative 3D printing applications, the leading 3D printing startups, and more established companies, such as the 3D printing industry company of the year.The awards endeavor to represent the rich diversity across the industry; this years winners, honorable mentions, and nominees span the market from desktop to industrial. We are always seeking ways to improve, so please get in touch with any suggestions.Winners of the 3D Printing Industry Awards are selected by readers and also the 3DPI Expert Committee. Would you like to join the committee to select the winners for 2025 and shape the future of the 3DPI Awards? Apply here.Winners of the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards3D Designer of the YearWinner: Divergent 3DHonorable Mention: Andreas Vlahinos Optimized Heat Exchanger3D Scanning or Metrology CompanyWinner: Shining3DHonorable Mention: ArtecAcademic, research team, or projectWinner: Singapore Centre for 3D PrintingHonorable Mention: ADAPT Center, Colorado School of MinesIn the year that we are celebrating our 10th anniversary this an important milestone and the recognition of our role in developing, promoting and pushing the boundaries of additive manufacturing, said Prof. Paulo Jorge Brtolo, Executive Director, Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP). Together with a large number of industrial partners we are shaping the future of additive manufacturing, developing faster, more reliable, and smart additive manufacturing systems and using additive manufacturing as a platform to develop novel materials with improved and controlled properties for aerospace and defense, biomedical engineering, building and construction, electronics, and marine & offshore applications, added Prof. Brtolo.Aerospace, Space, or Defense ApplicationWinner: NASA JPL with REM Surface Engineering, PBF-LB/Ti-6Al-4V Crush Lattices for Mars Sample Return MissionHonorable Mention: Sintavia AM for the Next-Generation of Hypersonic PropulsionDr. Ryan T Watkins, PhD, Research Scientist, Materials Development & Additive Manufacturing at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, said, Doing something new is always hard. Doing something new on a flagship NASA mission is even harder. The team has done a great job making this 3D printed crushable lattice a reality, ranging from the development of UnitcellHub, a new opensource lattice design software tool, to the development of a novel chemical etching postprocess with our partner REM Surface Finishing to enable ultra-low density crushables. In many ways, this work exemplifies our work in the 3D printing industry, and NASA as a whole, using it to create light, high performance structures in ways that were never before possible.Justin Michaud, CEO at REM Surface Engineering, said, For REM, being a part of winning this award is a validation and celebration of the work that we have been doing in the metal AM industry for the past ~15 years. So much of what we do, supporting AM applications with our surface finishing technology, is highly confidential, and, as a result, we often dont get to share or discuss the advancements and capabilities that we help to enable. As a company, we often say that we are the folks to come to with the hard challenges, and Dr. Watkins certainly did! From targeting wall thicknesses of ~100 m to executing >80% as printed mass reductions with tolerances of <0.5%, this work certainly pushed REM to increase our capabilities. But, NASA JPL is one of our longest-running and most consistent customers, and were proud of the trust we have gained and the partner-like relationship we share with them. So, to be a part of winning this award in support of NASA JPLs crush lattice project is exceptionally rewarding.The concept of lattice structures was envisioned since the very beginning of the 3D printing revolution. Unfortunately, their complexity has slowed their adoption. My hope is that this work emboldens others to push into this emerging design domain to do things in ways that weve never done them before, added Dr. Watkins.REM Surface Engineerings Justin Michaud continued, The work that Dr. Watkins has led and that we have supported in developing lightweight crush lattices has potentially broad applications across a range of industries. Protecting the Mars Samples is obviously a very challenging application, but the potential to apply these concepts to aerospace, automotive, and other applications is significant. For REM specifically, the increased process control that this work drove within has already led to several of new capability enhancements and associated work in areas such as complex heat exchanger applications. There arent many technologies that can controllably remove loose and partially sintered powder from complex, multi-domain internal surface applications, but much of the work we did with JPL on these crush lattices has led to and aided in our ability to address the inherent cleanliness issues of these printed components. In general, working with JPL and other NASA branches has been a huge benefit to both REM and the metal AM industry as they fund the research that is needed to push these advanced manufacturing capabilities forward.Community Advocate of the YearWinner: Duann Scott, Director 3MF ConsortiumHonorable Mention: Teula Bradshaw, Sanjay Mortimer FoundationDuann Scott, Director of the 3MF Consortium and winner of the 2024 3DPI Awards Community Advocate of the Year said, As the additive manufacturing industry grows through its painful adolescence and matures into becoming a productive part of the broader manufacturing ecosystem, contributing more than just naive enthusiasm and good looks, it is critical that the software we use to create the designs help direct this brash upstart to really start paying its way in society. That the information/data we feed the machines have all of the nutrient rich data required for healthy and sustained growth into manufacturing adulthood.I am thankful for the opportunity through the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, 3MF Consortium and MIT AMX to help build the community of people capable of nurturing this growth, the positive affects it will have on our society for generations, and the recognition from 3DPI with this award that reflects more on the people I have worked with and learned from along the way, than anything I have done to help them, added Duann Scott, Director 3MF Consortium.Teula Bradshaw, CEO Sanjay Mortimer Foundation, said, We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the 3D Printing Industry Awards. For the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation (SMF), this high ranking by readers and experts serves as a powerful validation of our mission: to empower young neurodiverse engineers and makers to realise their potential and thrive in industries like 3D printing.This acknowledgment reflects not only the passion we pour into our work but also the industrys shared belief in the unique contributions neurodiverse individuals bring. By supporting them, we aim to ensure that no talent slips through the cracks and that these brilliant minds can access opportunities to innovate and grow.This recognition amplifies our mission and demonstrates that the 3D printing community values inclusivity and diverse perspectives. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which encourages us to continue fostering creativity, confidence, and empowerment in future innovators.Bradshaw added, The Sanjay Mortimer Foundation believes that neurodiverse minds are uniquely suited to the ever-evolving world of 3D printing. Their ability to think differently, challenge conventions, and explore creative solutions aligns perfectly with an industry that thrives on innovation and rapid change.By providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities, we aim to build a pipeline of talented individuals whose unique perspectives can drive the next wave of breakthroughs in 3D printing. These young engineers and makers not only bring fresh ideas to the table but also represent a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce within the industry.This honourable mention by the 3D Printing Industry Awards reinforces our belief in this mission, and we are excited to see how the individuals we support will shape the future of additive manufacturing.Company of the year (Enterprise)Winner: AutodeskHonorable Mention: Nikon SLM SolutionsAlexander Freund, Director Product Management, Fusion Manufacturing at Autodesk said, Being selected as Company of the Year (Enterprise) for 2024 is a tremendous honor for us, especially given the strength of the nominees. It reaffirms our belief that our approachcreating an affordable, easy-to-use, yet incredibly powerful mass-market platform like Fusionis truly driving Additive Manufacturing toward becoming a mainstream technology.Company of the year (Personal)Winner: Bambu LabHonorable Mention: Prusa ResearchDesktop FFF 3D Printer of the YearWinner: Bambu Lab A1 & AMSHonorable Mention: Prusa Research XLDesktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the YearWinner: Formlabs Form 4Honorable Mention: Elegoo Saturn 4 UltraDvid Lakatos CPO at Formlabs said, Form 4 is a massive leap in our mission to enable anyone to bring their ideas to life. We invested years of development into creating Form 4 to usher in a new era of resin 3D printing, with blazing fast speeds and unprecedented reliability. Were honored the expert committee and readers at the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards recognized Form 4s impact by naming it the Desktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the Year.The Formlabs CPO added, We made 3D printing affordable and accessible, and Form 4 has accelerated 3D printing activity and adoption. The printers high speeds and reliability have caught the attention of customers at top brands including NASA, Ford, and Microsoft, and we expect this fast printer to continue to expand 3D printing applications across new industries and use cases. 3D printing has historically never had the speeds and reliability to outpace injection molding, and Form 4 is the first 3D printer that enables innovators, manufacturers, and product designers to reimagine products with flexible design and fast print times at an affordable price.Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Metals)Winner: Meltio M600Honorable Mention: EOS M290Lukas Hoppe, Meltios Research & Development Director, said, We thank the entire audience and the 3DPI AM family for the award given this year 2024 to Meltio and its new and most powerful industrial metal 3D printer, Meltio M600. This recognition is a support to all the innovation effort of all the teams that are part of Meltio. The design brief for the new Meltio M600 was to imagine what the perfect 3D printer for the machine shop would look like. The vast majority of metal 3D printed parts require post-processing which is carried out in the machine shop and since our ambition is to push the large-scale adoption of metal additive manufacturing we have a very clear vision that the modern machine shop is the ideal point of entry. Manufacturing faces many challenges globally, from long lead times and stock-keeping costs caused by long and fragile supply chains to an ever-growing pressure to lower costs and reduce emissions.3D Printing has huge potential to address these issues as it helps reduce lead times, and manufacturing dependencies by printing parts in-house, reduces warehouse inventory as the raw material can be transformed into the final part on demand, and reduces costs by applying material only where it is needed.Meltios R&D Director added, The Meltio M600 for us was really the next logical step on our continuous journey towards mass adoption of Wire-Laser DED, the process all Meltio systems are based on. We began this work in earnest in 2019 when we started to leave the prototyping space with the launch of the Meltio M450. After learning from and improving the technology for three years, the time was finally ripe for us to work on the next system. Our goal with the Meltio M600 was to strike the right balance between machine size, cost, and productivity while being uncompromising on quality, reliability, and ease of use. To achieve this, we did not just create a scaled up M450, instead, we developed every single part of the machine from scratch to take the technology to the next level, based on the learnings of having manufactured and installed over 400 Laser Meltio DED systems around the world from 2019.Enterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers)Winner: EOS FORMIGA P 110 FDRHonorable Mention: Axtra3D Lumia X1Rajeev Kulkarni, Chief Strategy Officer, Axtra3D said, Receiving an honorable mention for Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Polymers) is a proud recognition of the dedication, innovation, and commitment weve invested in advancing additive manufacturing with our Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) technology.At Axtra3D, our mission has always been to enable photopolymerization-based production without compromises, delivering a seamless balance of print throughput, surface quality, accuracy, resolution, and part size. By merging the best attributes of laser-based SLA and projector-based DLP into one cohesive system, we have set a new standard for production 3D Printing.This recognition is a testament to the transformative value our Lumia X1 brings to customers, helping them push the boundaries of whats possible with additive manufacturing. It inspires us to continue driving innovation and empowering manufacturers to surpass the limitations of conventional SLA and DLP technologies.Axtra3Ds CSO added, Our mission is to enable a future where manufacturing is smarter, faster, and more sustainable. By integrating cutting-edge technology with the business elements that matter most to our customers, we aim to not only advance the industry but also equip our customers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. We are proud to help shape the future of 3D printing, creating pathways for innovation and business success.Innovation of the yearWinner: MIT 3D Printed Glass BricksHonorable Mention: xolo Volumetric 3D printingStephan Khr, Chief Commercial Officer at xolo GmbH, said, This recognition highlights the growing excitement around using 3D printing for advanced applications like fabricating lenses and optical elements in seconds. Its validation from the 3D printing community that our Xolography technology is addressing real market needs and creating new possibilities. This acknowledgment inspires us to collaborate with even more innovators eager to push boundaries.Continuing xolos CCO added, Xolography is one of the very few technologies that can truly scale 3D printing. Its layer-free approach enables fast and precise production of isotropic structures, making it uniquely suited for large-scale manufacturing in applications like optics, bioprinting, and beyond. As we refine and expand our capabilities, we aim to close the gap between prototyping and mass production, unlocking groundbreaking potential across industries.Material Company of the YearWinner: Metal Powder WorksHonorable Mention: 6K AdditiveJohn Barnes, CEO, Metal Powder Works said, This was a true David and Goliath story from the outset. My Co-Founder Chris Aldridge and I set out to re-think what feedstocks needed to be for metal AM, and consistency was at the top. We only started producing powder for customers in 2022 and now to be nominated in the same group as last years winner BASF, and this years nominees is incredible! This is truly a testament to our team, who have worked so hard to bring the DirectPowder systems online and offer 16 metal powders that are the most consistent, the highest quality, price competitive, and emit less CO2.The Metal Powder Works CEO added, AM needs more production of more powders and our technology accomplishes this with a very high efficiency and low powder size distribution. Starting with premium bar stock, our innovative technology converts these alloys for customers and will be the ONLY dedicated domestic source for the full range of copper and bronze alloys.Medical Dental or Healthcare ApplicationWinner: Strykers Infinity Total Ankle SystemHonorable Mention: Lithoz & Profactor INKplant First Ceramic Jaw ImplantMobility or Energy ApplicationWinner: General Motors Cadillac Celestiq EV with 100+ 3D Printed ComponentsHonorable Mention: Oak Ridge National Lab & DoE Hydropower Generation with Rapid RUNNERSBrennon White, Technical Specialist Advanced Manufacturing, General Motors, said, Its incredibly special for our team to win this award given the time and effort weve put into expanding our technical expertise in additive manufacturing. With more than 100 3D printed parts in the production vehicle, the CELESTIQ demonstrates GMs broadest use of additive manufacturing which is extremely unique.GMs White added, The investment GM has made in additive manufacturing is a clear indicator of the companys confidence in this technology and its potential. We definitely see significant opportunity for the use of this technology in additional programs in the future.Software tool or company of the yearWinner: Orca SlicerHonorable Mention: nTopLi Jiang (aka Softfever) founder and maintainer of the OrcaSlicer project, Noisyfox, main contributor, and Ioannis Giannakas(aka igiannakas), main contributor, told us more about what winning the 3DPI Award means, Its truly a blast! Winning this award means a great deal to our open-source community and me personally. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all contributors who have played their part in making Orca Slicer what it is today. This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in the 3D printing industry, as well as our mission to provide accessible and high-quality software that meets the diverse needs of the community, from new users to the geeks.The Orca Slicer team continued, Were super excited about pushing the boundaries in 3D printing! We plan to keep innovating and making Orca Slicer even better, so it can help everyonefrom beginners to expertscreate amazing things. Whether its for off-the-shelf printers or DIY printers, we want to make sure Orca Slicer makes 3D printing more accessible and fun for all users.Start-up of the YearWinner: Hyphen InnovationsHonorable Mention: 3D SparkSustainability in Additive ManufacturingWinner: 6K AdditiveHonorable Mention: WASP & United NationsValue-added Reseller of the YearWinner: MatterHackersHonorable Mention: Solid Print3DLars Brubaker, CEO of MatterHackers said, Winning the Value-added Reseller of the Year award is an incredible honor for all of us at MatterHackers. It is a testament to our teams dedication to providing exceptional service, innovative solutions, and comprehensive support to our customers. This award reflects our commitment to empowering makers, educators, and businesses by making 3D printing accessible and practical for everyone. We are deeply grateful to the community for their support and recognition, as it validates our efforts to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the 3D printing community. This award inspires us to continue contributing positively to the industrys growth and development.Brubaker added, At MatterHackers, we envision our work as a catalyst for innovation and creativity in the 3D printing space. We are committed to expanding the reach and potential of 3D printing by providing cutting-edge products, educational resources, and unparalleled support. We are particularly proud to be expanding our business by offering print services and maintenance packages/repair, which ensure that our customers can rely on their 3D printing equipment to perform optimally. These services allow us to support a broader range of applications and industries, ensuring that 3D printing remains a viable and efficient solution for complex challenges. Our goal is to continue driving advancements in technology that will enable new applications across various industries, from healthcare and education to aerospace and manufacturing. By fostering a community of makers and innovators, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of creators to push the boundaries of whats possible with 3D printing.3D Printing Industry Award CategoryWinner3D Designer of the YearDivergent 3D3D Scanning or Metrology CompanyShining3DAcademic, research team, or projectSingapore Centre for 3D PrintingAerospace, Space or Defense ApplicationNASA JPL with REM Surface EngineeringCommunity Advocate of the YearDuann Scott, Director 3MF ConsortiumCompany of the year (Enterprise)AutodeskCompany of the year (Personal)Bambu LabDesktop FFF 3D Printer of the YearBambu Lab A1 & AMSDesktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the YearFormlabs Form 4Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Metals)Meltio M600Enterprise 3D printer of the year (polymers)EOS FORMIGA P 110 FDRInnovation of the yearMIT 3D Printed Glass BricksMaterial Company of the YearMetal Powder WorksMedical Dental or Healthcare ApplicationStrykers Infinity Total Ankle SystemMobility or Energy ApplicationGeneral Motors Cadillac Celestiq EVSoftware tool or company of the yearOrca SlicerStart-up of the YearHyphen InnovationsSustainability in Additive Manufacturing6K AdditiveValue-added Reseller of the YearMatterHackersFollow the link for a full list and description of all 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards nominees.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.Michael PetchMichael Petch is the editor-in-chief at 3DPI and the author of several books on 3D printing. He is a regular keynote speaker at technology conferences where he has delivered presentations such as 3D printing with graphene and ceramics and the use of technology to enhance food security. Michael is most interested in the science behind emerging technology and the accompanying economic and social implications.

Core manufacturer Laempe Mssner Sinto has delivered six sand 3D printers to German car manufacturer BMWs foundry in Landshut, Germany.The fully automated, high-volume binder jet 3D printing production line is optimized for manufacturing sand cores. Developed in partnership with BMW and R.Scheuchl GmbH, the solution streamlines the fabrication process to meet manufacturing standards.According to Laempe, BMW is already using the new 3D printers to produce molds for components in its latest six-cylinder vehicles. The additive manufacturing solution eliminates the need for manual steps, offering fully automated 3D measurement and core removal.Following the sale to BMW, Laempe has commercialized its binder jetting production lines, making them available to other manufacturers and foundries. The company claims it is future-proofing itself for the changing requirements of its customers and is the only manufacturer to offer everything from a single source.Laempe sand 3D printers. Photo via Laempe.BMW adopts Laempes sand 3D printersLaempe unveiled its sand binder jet 3D printer technology during last years GIFA foundry trade show in Dsseldorf. The systems boast bidirectional fabrication and high 3D printing speeds, with the company calling them the most efficient core sand printers in the world.The automated 3D printers are designed specifically for sand casting and utilize established industry standards. Aimed at foundries, they are developed at the Laempe technology site in Schopfheim (Baden-Wrttemberg) and produced in Barleben (Saxony-Anhalt).The binder jetting technology is designed to address the entire value chain. The systems integrate key processes, including raw material storage, molding material preparation, 3D printing, packing, cleaning, and component measurement.Notably, Laempes 3D printing line features an open design, enabling customers to work with any raw material suppliers of their choice. The 3D printers are also modular, allowing them to be integrated into existing automated production lines.The companys technology features hybrid core production capabilities, offering the choice between classic shot cores, 3D printed cores, or a combination of both. Additionally, Laempe provides its proprietary Laempe Printing Wizard Software, which optimizes slicing, scaling, and morphing of 3D print jobs.Inside Laempes sand core manufacturing system. Photo via Laempe.According to Laempe, the development of its core 3D printers was funded by a mid-double-digit million euro investment. This financing was split between a collaboration with BMW Group and Laempes own capital. The company claims it worked with BMW to overcome uncertainties, challenges, and tight schedules when developing its technology.The German car manufacturer has reportedly been impressed with the high speed and bidirectional printing capabilities of Laempes technology. The fully automated sand-casting production line is said to meet the firms high-volume production demands.Through the INACORE joint venture with R.Scheuchl, Laempe also offers a flexible pay per part option. Bavarian-based R.Scheuch added a Laempe printer to its workflow three years ago and supplies customers with shot and 3D printed cores.Measuring a sand core produced using Laempe technology. Photo via Laempe.3D printing enhances vehicle production linesThe automotive industry is increasingly adopting 3D printers, with many car makers leveraging the technology to produce prototypes, tooling, and even end-use parts. During the AMUK Members Forum held in October 2024, Jaguar Land Rovers Luke Fox explained that 3D printing accelerates the production of functional prototypes for its test cars.The company possesses 20 industrial 3D printers across six additive manufacturing technologies. These include HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), EOS systems, SLA, FDM, and PolyJet 3D printers. In the past, JLR has 3D printed limited runs of end-use parts. The 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 incorporated over a dozen 3D printed car components. Legacy parts are also produced using additive manufacturing. They include replacement seat handles for the 1999 Land Rover Discovery 2.However, the vast majority of JLRs additive manufacturing efforts go towards functional prototyping. Here, additive manufacturing significantly speeds up the testing process, allowing design changes to be made and assessed quicker than with traditional manufacturing methods.The production line at JLRs car manufacturing plant in Nitra, Slovakia. Photo via JLR.Ford Motor Company also leverages additive manufacturing. Earlier this year, It used Formlabs SLA and SLS 3D printers to prototype several components for its Electric Explorer SUV. It 3D printed parts ranging from mirrors, handles, charging ports, and dashboard elements. This reportedly allowed the workshop team to take more design risks and quickly prototype new design iterations in hours rather than days.Elsewhere, British automotive manufacturer McLarens W1 hybrid hypercar incorporates critical suspension components produced with titanium 3D printing. Uprights and wishbones of the W1s advanced suspension system were produced using additive manufacturing to achieve significant weight savings. This follows the car makers adoption of Divergent Technologies 3D printing-based Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The partnership seeks to improve vehicle performance, sustainability, and production efficiency.All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the inside of Laempes sand core manufacturing system. Photo via Laempe.

GM House | Evelyn MllerLocated within the rolling terrain of Bragana Paulista, Brazil, the GM House by Padovani Arquitetos exemplifies a harmonious dialogue between architecture and nature. Designed for a young family, the residence redefines modern living by embracing the unique topography of its site, blending horizontally into the contours of the landscape below street level. With its natural materials, central void, and flourishing rooftop gardens, the house epitomizes the seamless integration of design and environment.GM House Technical InformationArchitects: Padovani ArquitetosLocation: Bragana Paulista, BrazilTopics: Brazilian HousesArea: 900 m2 | 9,600 Sq. Ft.Completion Year: 2021Photographs: Evelyn MllerThe GM House blends seamlessly with its sloped terrain, flowing horizontally below street level. Featuring natural materials, a central void, and blooming rooftop gardens, it harmonizes modern design with the beauty of the landscape. PadovaniArchitectsGM House PhotographsExterior View | Evelyn MllerFacade | Evelyn MllerPool Deck | Evelyn MllerFire Pit | Evelyn MllerPool Deck | Evelyn MllerDining Space | Evelyn MllerTerrace | Evelyn MllerCourtyards | Evelyn MllerSliding Glass Partion | Evelyn MllerInterior | Evelyn MllerDesign and Spatial OrganizationThe GM House takes full advantage of its sloped terrain, turning a potential design challenge into an architectural feature. Located slightly below street level, the residence establishes a single access point on a continuous plateau, creating an inviting entryway. A central void, framed by a floating metal roof structure, becomes the heart of the house, connecting the social and intimate blocks while offering a sense of openness and flow.This void serves as a physical connector and a symbolic element, emphasizing the projects horizontality. The arrangement of the houses social and private volumes under the expansive roof showcases a deliberate architectural intent to create balance and coherence. By working with the sites natural slope, the residence offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the living experience for its inhabitants.Materiality and LandscapingThe GM Houses material choices thoughtfully blend aesthetics and functionality. Warm-toned wood, bricks, and natural stone harmonize with sleek aluminum panels, creating a balance between natural warmth and modern sophistication. These materials enhance the visual appeal and provide durability and a sense of permanence.Roof cutouts and hollow elements introduce rooftop gardens and terraces, reinforcing the integration between architecture and the natural environment. These landscaped areas, designed by Alexandre Furcolin, transform the house into a living extension of the surrounding landscape. The green spaces soften the structures geometry while creating opportunities for leisure and contemplation, embodying the essence of indoor-outdoor living.A Celebration of Contemporary Brazilian ArchitectureThe GM House perfectly combines modern design principles with natural integration. Its horizontality, use of natural materials, and landscaping strategies highlight a profound respect for the sites context while offering an elevated living experience. By merging architecture with the environment, Padovani Arquitetos has crafted a residence that not only meets the practical needs of its inhabitants but also celebrates the beauty of the Brazilian landscape.GM House Plans Padovani Arquitetos Padovani Arquitetos Padovani ArquitetosGM House Image GalleryAbout Padovani ArquitetosPadovani is a Brazilian architecture and design office that weaves its narrative with lines that seek to express personality with simplicity, establishing an intense dialogue with nature. The office conceives the uniqueness of projects by investigating the best technical response in harmony with conceptual poetics and client needs, a ritual repeated in every detail. Their identity is marked by elegance, applied to a design that breathes tropicality and expresses the essence of these characteristics in their creations.Notes & Additional CreditsArchitecture: PadovaniLandscaping: Alexandre Furcolin

HKS Architectsan 85-year-old firm with U.S. offices from coast to coast (and several abroad)announced today a change in leadership. CEO and chairman Dan Noble, who has worked at the firm for 42 years, will step down from his position and hand the baton to Heath May, another HKS veteran who has spent 20 years with the practice. The transition will take place over the course of 2025 with Noble and May working closely together to share knowledge on the firms operations, while ushering in a new chapter. Talks to name a successor for Noble began seven years ago when HKS launched a strategic plan geared at the firms continued evolvement, especially in terms of those leading it. To identify a successor, HKS developed a predictive index. From this, it was able to glean who internally at the firm was best suited and most competent to move the firm forward. This tactic demonstrates the firms commitment to thoughtfully developing leadership programs, training initiatives, and defining the role of CEO. The shortlist comprised seven individuals and was narrowed down to two, with May eventually named as Nobles successor.Since joining HKS, May has worked on a range of typologies, including sports venues such as SoFi Stadium. (Nic Lehoux)May started working at HKS in 2004. It was his second job out of school. Over 20 years at HKS, May recalled I practiced somewhat agnostically across different typologies. I had the opportunity to get a sense of what it was like to work with clients and think about the programming and the criteria for different building typesranging from small cafes to large hospitals to schools to stadiums and everything in between. In an interview with AN, Noble said Mays focus has always been firmly fixed on the future and where the next idea to help move the industry along can come from. He has deep expertise in parametric modeling, sustainable design, performance driven architecture. Hes always pushing the needle, Noble offered.Both Noble and May look forward to a future where architects are problem solvers, where technology like AI, machine learning, and automation can benefit communities. CMNTY Culture Campus in Los Angeles exemplifies Mays ability to merge cutting-edge technology with client-centered design. (Courtesy HKS Architects)Im incredibly excited about the idea that we get to be the authors of that future, May added. Specifically right now around machine learning, AI, and the use of data in our work, the most interesting and exciting thing is that no one has figured it out yet.When May fully takes the reins in January 2026, he will lead the firm from its Los Angeles office, where he currently works froma first for the Dallas-headquartered practice that could expand its sphere of influence.