IllithidtercourseBaldur's Gate 3 finally gets the romance overhaul mod you've been waiting for: "tender", "sexy", and "hot" Emperor intercourse, possibly with companions chilling in the backgroundIt's called Squid Game, because of course it is.Image credit: Larian/Almasy87 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Feb. 26, 2025 Warning: This mod is "very NSFW", according to its author.Don't look at me, you clicked on this. I'm just the messenger, doing my civic duty by informing you that a new Baldur's Gate 3 mod overhauls the game's weirdest romance scene. No, not the bear shagging, or the devil succubus bit. The astral plane-etration with The Emperor.Ring a bell? Good. Now, let's pretend this isn't awkward. As you might know, tweaking and adding to BG3's array of romance arcs and scenes has been one of the main things those trying in-depth stuff with the game's modding tools have been experimenting with for a while. After all, trying to put together big custom campaigns like Path To Menzobarranzan and The Grand Theater isn't everyone's bag.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The latest romance overhaul to hit Nexus Mods is 'Astral Plane Romance Overhaul (Squid's Game)', and it's the work of modder Almasy87, who's previously overhauled Astarion's romance scenes, because of course they have.Basically, it revamps that scene with his squidness/his less squiddy disguise, by doing things like "adding tender and sexy voices (re-cut and re-made from the originals)", "some new hot scenes with animations" and "some extra Tav nodes to allow for more RP and to show more intimacy and care for both the Emperor and Guardian's feelings". Phwoar.The game's clearly not made it easy for Almasy87 to deliver these tweaks either, with the modder noting that the mod only works perfectly with "female body 1 Tav/Durge, and male body 1 Guardian" for now, though they do plan on optimising other body type combos in future.There are also two things you should probably be aware of for immersion purposes, these being that "there may be a few scenes where the characters don't exactly touch the ground perfectly" due to the limitations of the existing toolkit, and that you may end up with an, er, unexpected audience."Working on this was a pain because this scene contains a lot of "peepers" (companions and the random NPCs from the Stelmane scene) that are set to hidden, but every time you hotload (fundamental for this type of edit) the game doesn't know that the characters are supposed to be hidden, so they ALL reappear," Almasy87 explains regarding the latter, "That meant all the companions, Emperor, Guardian, mustache man and Stelmane were all spawning on TOP of my animations, making it HELL to test or even SEE anything until I forcefully set them to invisible in the ENTIRE timeline."I did it for the Stelmane scene NPCs, but I don't have time to do it for all the companions too - so it's still possible that if you reload halfway through you'll see random companions in the background here and there." Minthara in particular is prone to this kind of thing it seems, I assume because she's keen to egg you on as you make questionable choices, as usual.So, this is a thing, if you don't fancy being boring and just making love to Wyll in overhauled fashion instead. Let us know below, preferably in all caps, if you can't wait to give Squid Game a go.

Yes, Chef!Barney is a dinosaur, not a bear, but his live-action movie might end up being written by a star from The Bear, so all our bases will be covered at leastHopefully he'll still be one from our imagination.Image credit: Mattel/ FX News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 26, 2025 That Daniel Kaluuya led Barney the Dinosaur movie is seemingly gearing up to add The Bear star Ayo Edebiri as a star and writer on the project.In an age where every single IP that has ever existed must be adapted, rebooted, twisted into something new, there is not one that feels more "ok, sure, whatever" than Barney the Dinosaur. Announced way back in 2019, Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya's 59% banner is partnering with Mattel Films and Valparaiso Pictures to develop a live-action adaptation of the beloved pinkish/ purplish/ greenish dinosaur, having previously been described as both a "surrealistic", "A24-type" movie while simultaneously not being "odd", which is sending some mixed signals, but whatever. Now, as reported by Variety, the film is finally bringing on a writer, The Bear's Ayo Edebiri, who's also apparently set to star in the project.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. She's currently just in talks on the casting side right now, but as of yet there are still no plot details to glean from this particular update. Edebiri definitely has the weird creative chops for something like this, so I'm definitely curious to see what comes of this. Mattel Films executive Kevin McKeon previously said that they're "leaning into the Millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids," and that it's "really a play for adults. Not that its R-rated, but itll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney - just the level of disenchantment within the generation."It genuinely doesn't sound like an awful concept, Barbie, another Mattel film, obviously found a lot of success with its approach to the iconic toy, though whether Barney has the legs - and widespread recognition - definitely remains to be seen. Honestly, my biggest fear is that the trailer uses a sad, slowed-down remix of the show's main theme. Get that nonsense out of here!

Drag me to Skell.We have a little under a month to go before Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition flies onto Switch on 20th March and Nintendo has today released a new overview trailer, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming remaster.Fittingly titled 'Everything you need to know about Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition', the new trailer dives into the RPG's story, mechanics and world, providing a fitting introduction to Mira for those who never played the Wii U classic (or a reintroduction, for those that did).Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Image: Nintendo LifeScam games on the Switch eShop are all too common of an occurrence these days. They generally tend to target bigger releases (we've seen rip-offs of The Last of Us, TOTK and Pokmon TCG Pocket in recent years), but that's not to say that indie devs are safe from the cloning, as was recently discovered by The Backrooms 1998 developer, Steelkrill.The Backrooms 1998 is a found-footage horror game that launched on the Switch eShop earlier this month, after arriving in Steam Early Access back in 2022. It seems to contain all of the chills and thrills that you'd expect from the genre, with creepy mannequins, hidden corners and jump-scares aplenty not the kind of thing we'd want to play without a cushion to hide behind, but good for those feeling brave.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube797kWatch on YouTube Importantly, The Backrooms 1998 is not 'Backrooms Horror Escape', a found-footage horror game that arrived on the Switch eShop in December 2024 from publisher and developer 'COOL DEVS S.R.L'. Except, it is. If you ignore the different cover art (seemingly AI-generated on the latter) and a general drop in quality, the games are near identical.And for those wondering 'just how identical?', Steelkrill has kept the receipts. The dev took to Imgur to share some side-by-side comparisons of the two games (of which we've included a selection below) and gameplay footage of both the original and its mimic makes the comparisons even clearer.Image: SteelkrillAs you might expect, developer Steelkrill had never heard of 'Backrooms Horror Escape' before it was brought to their attention in a video comment, asking why they were re-publishing their game on consoles under a different title. "Long story short," the dev wrote on Reddit, "this company called 'COOL DEVS S.R.L' stole my whole game, ripped it, pasted some bad AI crap on it as a cover, literally made a BAD version of it and just published it on consoles and sold it to trick players into buying it".A brief glance at the COOL DEVS eShop lineup reveals this is the studio behind such... *ahem* 'quality' releases as Visa Control: USA Border Simulator, Game Empire Tycoon: Dealer Simulator and the shameful TCG Empire: Card Shop Simulator. In short, The Backrooms 1998 appears to be far from the first game the studio has ripped off.Learning of the rip-off title, the indie dev submitted DMCA takedown requests on 'Backrooms Horror Escape' to PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. While the former two storefronts have since removed the game, it is still available for $8.99 on the Switch eShop. "I still can't believe that someone as big as Sony, Xbox and Nintendo are letting this slide," Steelkrill continued on Reddit, "This is not fair on developers and not fair on the players".Steelkrill provided us with the following statement, explaining their experience with Nintendo so far:Nintendo claims to be "looking into it", but its blatantly clear as daylight that the game was stolen, most probably using a program to download all the scenes and assets. Its an exact 1:1 copy of my game, covered with poorly generated AI assets, and released to mislead players into believing it's the real thing. All the scenes and assets are the same, the music is the same, the menu is the same and it also includes the voice actor I hired in it as well.A lot of people have provided some good information on how these companies operate as well and it seems it's becoming an issue on all platforms, especially on Nintendo. In my opinion, platform holders need to enforce stronger guidelines on the kind of games that get accepted and also [get] better refund and reporting systems.It's simply unfair that developers have to go through [this] and also very unfair to unsuspecting buyers thinking they are getting the real game, all this while scammers continue exploiting these loopholes.Unfortunately, this is not the first time we've heard about Nintendo's slow reaction times to complaints like these. Earlier this month, a developer told IGN that the Big N is "probably the easiest to scam", and we spoke to a handful of devs last year who all bemoaned the current state of the eShop too. "It's feast or famine, really"The rise of "eSlop"Sea of low-qualityWhat do you make of this scam game and the current state of the eShop as a whole? Let us know in the comments.[source imgur.com, via reddit.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:12 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Is Discontinuing Gold Points, One Of The Switch's Best IncentivesNoooo, don't do it!Hollow Knight: Silksong Briefly Vanishes From US Switch eShop, But It's Back NowUpdate: Restored after a few hoursHands On: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition - A Decade On, Mira's Still Got ItA Skell of a good time

Apple will be able to resume its iPhone 16 smartphone sales in Indonesia after the two sides came to an agreement, the Industry Ministry said during a press conference Wednesday, per a Reuters report.The ban was lifted five months after Indonesia blocked the U.S. iPhone maker from selling its iPhone 16 phones in Indonesia for violating the countrys regulation mandating that domestically sold smartphones and tablets must contain at least 40% locally produced components.In December, Apple committed to investing $1 billion in its initial factory in Indonesia. The facility will manufacture components for smartphones and other Apple devices. Indonesia declined Apples $100 million investment proposal in November due to insufficient funding for the country to authorize the sale of the companys smartphones.Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Indonesias Industry Minister, stated that the U.S. tech giant is in the process of obtaining a local content certificate to market its devices in the country.Apple did not immediately respond to a TechCrunch request for comment.Last year, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, visited Indonesia and said that the company would explore the possibility of manufacturing in the country.In its home country, Apple announced this week that it would invest $500 billion over the next four years in high-end manufacturing, engineering, and education, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence and chip making for AI workloads.In recent years, Apple has broadened its supply chains to reduce its reliance on China. The iPhone 16 is currently being manufactured in Brazil, India, and China, while various AirPods models are assembled in Vietnam.Jakarta has prohibited the sale of Google Pixel phones from Alphabet due to a similar issue Google wasnt using enough local components in October. According to a report, the top smartphone brands in Indonesia during the third quarter of 2024 are Oppo, Xiaomi, Transsion, Samsung, and Vivo.Apple to shell out $1 billion on a manufacturing plant in Indonesia

Lock screen platform Glance announced today that it is launching a new generative AI-based shopping experience. It will suggest different outfits on a users personalized avatar. The company is partnering with Google to use the companys Gemini models and Vertex AI to deploy the experience.Separately, the company also got fresh backing from Google which was already an investor according to people familiar with the matter. Glance and Google didnt comment on the funding details. Glance said that it is already experimenting with the new-gen AI-powered experience in the U.S. through a new app called Glance AI. The startup plans to roll out this experience to all users in the U.S. and India in the coming months.Google is trying to have more companies use its Gemini and Cloud platforms for AI implementation in India. The company is also investing in startups in parallel. Most recently, it backed the webtoon platform Toonsutra.Glances CEO, Naveen Tiwari, said that the apps model understands fashion trends and personalizes suggestions for you.Think of this experience as looking through a fashion magazine with the latest apparel, where you are the model on each page, Tiwari said.Tiwari added that the company wants to build a discovery engine and a feed so that you can explore different items and buy the ones you like the most.Users who download the app will have to upload a selfie of themselves, select their gender, hair length, and ethnicity, and specify their body type during the onboarding process. Subsequently, the app will generate a model for you using AI. Glance will then show you different looks on your lock screen. You can tap on a button on the lock screen to see some suggestions from the web that match the AI-generated avatars apparel.Glance fetches these results from the ecommerce sites it has partnered with. At launch, the company said it has 400 partners. The startup takes a cut if the customer completes a purchase thanks to affiliate links.In the Glance AI app, users can scroll through multiple outfit suggestions and even put them on the lock screen. On the app, apart from apparel, you would also get suggestions about other items present in the scene, such as a guitar or a candle. But at the moment, you cant purchase them. In the future, users will be able to tune their suggestions using an upvote/downvote-like mechanism along with using chat to find inspiration for a specific look.Glance, which has over 300 million active users in markets like India, Japan, and Indonesia, primarily displays its content on Android-powered phones lock screens. While India is the largest user base for the company, it piloted its lock screen solution in the U.S. last year in partnership with Motorola. The company has started making inroads into showing this content on smart TVs as well.Companies and startups are trying to solve personalization in the ecommerce world through AI-powered search and agents, starting with tech giants like Google and Amazon. Glance aims to be an app that inspires users to buy clothes.

Breakdown & ShowreelsWolf Hall The Mirror and the Light: VFX Breakdown by BlueBoltBy Vincent Frei - 26/02/2025 Step into the treacherous world of King Henry VIIIs court with Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. The invisible VFX crafted by BlueBolt bring 16th-century England to life, enhancing locations, extending sets, and perfecting historical accuracyall without breaking the illusion!WANT TO KNOW MORE?BlueBolt: Dedicated page about Wolf Hall The Mirror and the Light on BlueBolt website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Intrepid Automation, a US developer of large-format resin 3D printers, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against 3D Systems, the Rock Hill-based additive manufacturing OEM.Operating out of San Diego, Intrepid accuses 3D Systems of unlawfully using patented technology in its PSLA 270 industrial resin 3D printer, which was launched at Formnext 2024. It claims that the new system is a blatant knock off of Intrepids DLP multi-projection Range 3D printer, otherwise known as Valkyrie.The Californian firm calls this alleged infringement the latest chapter of 3DSs brazen, anticompetitive scheme to drive a smaller competitor with more advanced technology out of the marketplace. The plaintiff also called 3D Systems PSLA 270s launch the culmination of a 3.5-year strategy to impede Intrepids market entry by claiming Intrepids ground-breaking technology as its own.Intrepid, led by former 3D Systems Principle Systems Architects Ben Wynne (CEO) and Ivan Chousal (Chief of Staff), has also accused its competitor of corporate espionage. The lawsuit claims that a former 3D Systems employee deceitfully sought a job at Intrepid to gain access to confidential technology secrets, which were later used to develop the PSLA 270.Filed in the United States District Court Southern District of California, Intrepid has requested a jury trial. It is seeking a ruling confirming its patents are valid, a ban preventing 3D Systems from selling the PSLA 270, compensation for damages, and legal fee reimbursement. If an injunction against 3D printer sales is not granted, Intrepid hopes to receive a compulsory, ongoing license fee from the defendants.3D Systems has filed a motion to dismiss the patent infringement suit, arguing that Intrepids claims lack sufficient evidence and factual support to proceed in court. In its legal response, 3D Systems described the case as a desperate attempt by the plaintiff to deflect attention away from its alleged theft of 3D Systems trade secrets. The South Carolinian firm added Intrepid is remarkably claiming that it owns the trade secrets incorporated into its patent filings.3D Systems headquarters in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Photo via CBRE Group.Intrepid Automation v. 3D Systems Intrepid accuses 3D Systems of infringing on two US patents, 11,014,301 and 11,338,511, which protect its multi-projection DLP 3D printing technology. The former describes resin 3D printing using multiple image projectors rather than a single light source. These projectors create a composite image over a resin pool, simultaneously curing layers of material.Intrepids 11,338,511 patent focuses on methods for aligning and blending multiple projected images. It outlines digital filters and adjustments, such as irradiance masks, gamma correction filters, warp correction filters, and blending bars. These are designed to ensure high accuracy, smooth surfaces, and fast printing speeds.Intrepids patent infringement allegations center around its Range 3D printer, a DLP system with a sizeable 760 x 660 x 560 mm build volume. Equipped with six light engines, it enables simultaneous, multi-projection additive manufacturing. Marketed as delivering next-level throughput, the Range is said to achieve 3 to 10 times faster production than competing resin 3D printers. According to the plaintiff, 3D Systems new PSLA 270 employs the same patented techniques.The lawsuit claims that as soon as Intrepids founders (Wynne, Chousal, Christopher Tanner, Jamie Etcheson, and Robert Mueller) left 3D Systems to form the company in 2017, their former employer began to monitor patent filings by Intrepid. It is alleged that, in January 2021, former 3D Systems employee Evan Kuester visited Intrepid under the pretense of a job interview. According to the plaintiff, Kuester signed an NDA and was shown the companys confidential products and testbeds, including a proof of concept for a DLP multi-projection print engine with six projectors.Following his visit, Kuester allegedly requested additional technical information through text message exchanges with Intrepid. He reportedly asked, Do you have a way to generate a rough build for that large format machine? This was allegedly followed by, Am I allowed to know an approximate mm per hour build speed? Kuester is then said, according to the lawsuit, to have revealed Intrepids secrets to 3D Systems, which is accused of using his insider information and the companys patents to develop its PSLA 270.Intrepid also accuses the 3D printer manufacturer of filing a baseless trade secret misappropriation lawsuit in May 2021 to stall business growth and prevent it from securing funding. This litigation reportedly allowed 3D Systems to access not-yet-commercially available systems and trade secrets during the pre-trial discovery process, according to Intrepid. 3D Systems, on the other hand, alleges that its trade secrets were stolen first by Intrepids founders when they left the company in 2017, before being patented, and used in competing DLP 3D printers.Intrepid Automations Range 3D printer. Image via Intrepid Automation.3D Systems challenges patent infringement allegationsIn their motion to dismiss, the lawsuits defendants, 3D Systems Corporation and 3D Systems Inc., argue that Intrepids patent infringement claim is meritless and should not survive the pleading stage.They argue that both of the plaintiffs patents require a specific set of four filters to function, including an irradiance mask, gamma adjustment mask, warp correction filter, and edge blending bars. If even one filter is missing, the defendants assert in the legal document, there cannot be a finding of infringement.According to 3D Systems, the plaintiffs complaint does not properly demonstrate that the PSLA 270 contains all four filters. They argue the complaint failed to assert any factual allegations relating to at least an irradiance mask configured to normalize irradiance and a warp correction filter configured to provide geometric correction, in combination with a gamma adjustment mask and an edge blending bar.Instead, the motion argues that Intrepid broadly asserts the PSLA 270 infringes on the patents because they utilize 3D Systems edge blending and calibration trade secret. However, The Rock Hill-based company states that this technology existed before the plaintiffs patents, and was stolen by Intrepid.The defendants also argued that Intrepids additional infringement theories, including allegations of corporate espionage, are not backed up by evidence and advance nothing more than conclusory statements. As such, the defendants argue, This bare pleading is insufficient to survive a motion to dismiss.3D Systems PSLA 270. Image via 3D Systems.3D printing legal battles intensify2025 has already seen its fair share of 3D printing lawsuits. A US District Court is considering whether to allow litigation to proceed in Fortis Advisors LLCs lawsuit against Stratasys.Fortis, the San Diego-based investment advisory firm representing the former shareholders of Origin Laboratories, Inc., initiated the suit last October. Stratasys is accused of withholding $40 million in earn-out payments from its $100 million acquisition of Origin, a DLP technology startup. The companys shareholders claim that Stratasys delayed product launches, misrepresented the timing of the earn-out period, and excluded key revenue streams to avoid paying the agreed-upon amount.Led by CEO and co-defendant Yoav Zeif, Stratasys requested a stay on the litigation, arguing that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) requires arbitration to resolve overlapping factual issues. The plaintiff opposes this request, accusing the Israeli 3D printer manufacturer of procedural brinksmanship and gamesmanship to delay the litigation. Fortis accused Stratasys of attempting to avoid a merits-based adjudication of the non-arbitrable claims at any cost.January 2025 saw 3D printed military drone manufacturer Firestorm Labs sue its competitor RapidFlight in an intellectual property dispute. Based in San Diego, Firestorm alleges that RapidFlight falsely accused its Tempest drone of infringing on two patents relating to airframe structures with multiple 3D printed sections.The plaintiff claims that its drone-making rival failed to compete on price, performance, and capabilities, leading it to use unsupported threats in an attempt to bully Firestorm out of the industry. Firestorm is seeking a court declaration that it has not infringed the patents in question. It also hopes to receive compensation for legal fees and additional financial relief.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Intrepid Automations logo 3D printed on the Range 3D printer. Photo via Intrepid Automation.

Large format additive manufacturing firm Compound Dynamics has unveiled the RM40 Series, its new range of industrial 3D printers. Priced between $240,000 and $310,000, the pellet and filament extrusion systems boast a substantial 1524 x 1524 x 1050 mm build volume (2.25 cubic meters).Building on its previous RM30 Series systems, Wisconsin-based Compound Dynamics has more than doubled 3D printing capacity with its new RM40. Designed for customers needing large-scale components, the RM40 began shipping to US and Canadian customers last September. The series reportedly delivers significant value in mold and pattern making, automotive manufacturing, industrial equipment, and prototyping applications. By enabling the fabrication of large components as single pieces, the RM40 enhances efficiency and structural integrity by eliminating assembly steps, according to Compound Dynamics.The RM40 Series represents a significant development in large-format 3D printing Technology, commented Compound Dynamics President Jared Wesenick. By successfully scaling up our proven RM30 platform while implementing crucial engineering improvements, were enabling manufacturers to tackle projects that were previously only available on open format printers.Compound Dynamics RMC-40 3D printer. Image via Compound Dynamics.Introducing Compound Dynamics new RM40 large-format 3D printersCompound Dynamics new 3D printer series features four models spanning filament, pellet, and combined extrusion systems.The RMF-40 includes a dual filament extruder with a material storage cabinet, while the RMP-40 offers a single pellet extruder and integrated pellet feed system. Its RMC-40 model combines Dyze Designs Pulsar high-flow pellet and MHZ 2.0 filament extruders. For those requiring increased productivity, the RMD-40 model boasts dual Pulsar extruders with the ability to 3D print two identical parts simultaneously in copy mode.Dyze Designs Pulsar Pellet Extruder, first introduced in 2020, is powered by a Yaskawa servo motor. Reportedly capable of achieving 500 mm/s (2.5 kg/h) material output, the Pulsar incorporates a built-in anti-oozing mechanism to mitigate print failure. Designed specifically for Compound Dynamics 3D printers, the MHZ 2.0 2.85 mm filament extruder offers a 200mm/s maximum flow rate and an extended heating zone for high-volume production.Operating out of Wausau, Compound Dynamics latest pellet extruder is the RD-M10+ by Italian 3D printing firm REV3RD. Available exclusively on the RMP-40, the extruder leverages a water-cooled system, a 16mm screw, and 2000W heating power to unlock 3333 mm/s (12 kg/h) extrusion.Featuring a maximum 3560 (W) x 2390 (D) x 2340 (H) mm footprint, the new RM40 series offers enclosed, heated chambers optimized for high-quality parts. These 3D printers provide wide-ranging material compatibility, including PLA, ABS, PETG, PP, PC, PETG-CF, ABS-CF, PC-CF, PA, TPU, PPEGF, TPU-GF, PESU, HIPS, and TPE.The RMC-40 3D printer. Photo via Compound Dynamics.As with the RM30 series, each of the new systems includes a semi-monocoque welded steel frame, profiled linear rails, and Yaskawa motion control. According to Compound Dynamics, this unlocks CNC-like precision that is rare in FFF 3D printing. Direct couples ball screws and four-motor Z-axis control reportedly support precise movement while unlocking maximum travel speeds of up to 350mm per second.Temperature management is another key feature of the new large-format 3D printers. Comprehensive liquid cooling ensures all motors and extruders operate at ideal temperatures, while the glass 3D printing surface can heat up to 150C. The enclosed build chamber can passively reach 60C, with the option to achieve 85C with an enclosure heater.The RM40 Series by Compound Dynamics is designed with accessibility in mind. Each 3D printer includes a large Windows 11 PC monitor, full-size keyboard, and mouse. Control is handled through the Simplify3D slicer, which offers custom RM40 profiles to simplify print preparation. For added convenience, RM40 3D printers incorporate built-in casters, leveling pads, fork pockets, and lift lug mounts, making them easy to move, level, and reposition. Their three-sided accessibility also helps minimize floor space requirements.While Compound Dynamics sells standard models developed using market feedback, the company also offers customizable configurations to meet specific customer needs. Common configurations include amended build volume, pellet dryers, and the addition of dual filament, dual pellet, or filament and pellet combinations.Close-up of Compound Dynamics RM40 pellet extrusion process. Photo via Compound DynamicsTechnical Specifications of the RM40 Series 3D Printer SizeWidth 124 to 140 (3150mm to 3560mm) Depth 94 (2390mm) Height 81.5 to 92 (2070mm to 2340mm)3D Printer Weight3800-4400lbs (1720-2000kg)Build VolumeX: 1524mm (60.0) Y: 1524mm (60.0) Z: 1050mm (41.0) Varies by configurationBuild SurfaceHigh Temp Tempered GlassHeated Print BedFabricated Aluminum 150C max tempMaximum Travel Speed350 mm/secMotorsDirect coupled Yaskawa ServosLiquid CoolingAll motors and extruders have a closed-loop cooling systemEnclosure TemperaturePassively heated to 60C (Add enclosure heater for 85C)Heated Filament CabinetStandard on Filament and Combination machinesEnclosureFully enclosed with interlocked doorsInsulation5 mm closed-cell reflective foamControl SystemYaskawa CNC, Proprietary HMIVoltage208-240V Single-Phase or Three-PhaseOperator StationWindows 11 PC on an ergonomic armSlicing ProgramSimplify3D with custom Printer Profile tailored to RM machinesWarranty12mo parts and laborWho won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Compound Dynamics RMC-40 3D printer. Image via Compound Dynamics.

Nancy Thermal | Cyrille WeinerThe reopening of Nancy Thermal in 2023 marked a significant milestone in the architectural reinvention of historic sites. The project was initially envisioned by Louis Lanternier in the early 20th century but remained incomplete for over a century. Architect Anne Dmians has reinterpreted the complex, integrating contemporary interventions while preserving the essence of its neoclassical origins. This transformation reflects a nuanced approach to urban restoration, where modernity and history coalesce rather than compete. Dmians work on the project is also documented in her new book, Les Bains de Nanc, which delves into the architectural narrative through essays and photography by Cyrille Weiner and Laurent Champoussin.Nancy Thermal Technical InformationRenovation Architect1-8: Anne DmiansOriginal Architect: Louis Lanternier (1909)Location: Nancy, FranceArea: 20,000 m2 | 215,280 Sq. Ft.Renovations Years: 2016 2023Photographs: Cyrille Weiner, Laurent ChampoussinI decided to use a contemporary style to juxtapose with the historic faade to emphasize its historical significance. More than 100 years have passed since it was built. From the entrance dome, I added a symmetrical volume of the same size, without any imitation, since this contemporary element is in clear contrast to the historic faade. Anne Dmians 9Nancy Thermal PhotographsFacade | Cyrille WeinerFacade Detail | Cyrille WeinerInterior Stairs | Cyrille WeinerPool | Laurent ChampoussinBath | Cyrille WeinerBath | Cyrille WeinerFountains | Architectures Anne DmiansArchitectural Intent and Spatial QualitiesDmians design challenges the conventional preservationist approach by introducing a stark, contemporary extension that juxtaposes yet harmonizes with Lanterniers existing structure. The result is an architectural dialogue that highlights the evolving narrative of public spaces and their adaptation to contemporary needs.At the heart of the project is an interplay between symmetry and contrast. The historic colonnade, white and neoclassical, is counterbalanced by a black, contemporary volume, deliberately non-imitative. Rather than attempting to replicate Lanterniers work, Dmians opts for a clear distinction of architectural language, creating a tension that enhances the identity of both elements.The central dome, originally constructed in 1909, remains the focal point of the composition. Around it, Dmians organizes the program into distinct functional zones: the Thermal Spa, Aquasport complex, medical treatment facilities, and a hotel wing. These areas, while serving diverse functions, maintain a coherent spatial organization, prioritizing fluid circulation and a seamless integration with the adjacent Parc Sainte-Marie. The deliberate permeability of the design blurs the boundaries between the built environment and nature, reinforcing the projects urban contextualization.Materiality and LightMaterial selection plays a crucial role in reinforcing the projects duality of past and present. The original stone concrete of Lanterniers baths is restored to highlight its patina, while modern interventions employ dark metal, glass, and composite materials, creating a visual counterpoint. These choices not only emphasize contrast but also serve functional purposesoffering thermal efficiency, structural lightness, and resilience in a humid environment.Light is a defining element in this composition. The perforated sunshades of the contemporary extension introduce a dynamic play of light and shadow, echoing the classical rhythm of the colonnade. Inside, translucent panels and clerestory glazing diffuse daylight into the treatment areas, mitigating harsh contrasts and creating a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of historic thermal baths.Urban and Environmental IntegrationBeyond its architectural ambitions, Nancy Thermal operates as an urban connector, reinvigorating its surroundings by restoring accessibility and visual continuity with the city. The removal of previous obstructive extensions reestablishes historical sightlines, reinforcing the baths civic presence.Sustainability is embedded within the projects operational framework. The natural thermal springa rare asset within an urban centeris harnessed for both heating and water supply, significantly reducing the facilitys reliance on external resources. Additionally, connection to Nancys renewable energy grid, combined with advanced water filtration and heat recovery systems, optimizes energy efficiency. These strategies underscore a broader shift in contemporary architecturewhere restoration is not merely about preserving aesthetics but also about redefining functionality for a climate-conscious future.A Model for Contemporary Heritage InterventionsNancy Thermal serves as a compelling case study in the evolution of heritage architecture. Dmians intervention demonstrates that preservation does not necessitate stasis; rather, it can embrace transformation as a means of extending a buildings relevance. Through a measured juxtaposition of old and new, a thoughtful engagement with materiality, and a commitment to environmental performance, the project challenges preconceived notions of restoration and urban reintegration.As contemporary architects navigate the complexities of historical sites, Nancy Thermal offers a blueprint for a more dynamic and forward-thinking approachone where architecture is not just about looking back, but about redefining the future of cultural landmarks.Nancy Thermal PlansElevations | Architectures Anne DmiansFloor Plans | Architectures Anne DmiansNancy Thermal Image GalleryAbout Anne DmiansAnne Dmians is a French architect known for her innovative approach to contemporary architecture, balancing modernity with historical and environmental sensitivity. As the founder of Architectures Anne Dmians, she has led projects that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge design with urban and cultural contexts. Her work on Nancy Thermal exemplifies her expertise in adaptive reuse, blending heritage preservation with bold, sustainable interventions. A professor and advocate for forward-thinking architecture, Dmians continues to shape the discourse on the evolution of public spaces in the 21st century.Credits and Additional NotesCollaborating Architects: Chabanne Architecture (Aquatic Design)Heritage Consultant: Pierre-Antoine Gatier (Chief Architect of Historic Monuments)Construction Period:Studies: 2016-2018Construction: 2020-2023Total Area: ~20,000 mBuilding Typology: Thermal Bath Complex, Public FacilityClient: Mtropole du Grand NancyMain Contractor: Bouygues Btiment Nord-EstStructural Engineers: Chabanne Architecte & IngnierieDmians, Anne. Les Bains de Nancy. Materia Nebulae, 2024.