The hottest 3D Printing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Reading List 12/06/2025

Construction Physics • 7307 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. 3D printing is becoming a game changer in manufacturing, with companies like Lego now able to mass-produce 3D-printed parts, improving design options.
  2. The average age of first-time homebuyers is often reported to be rising, but some data suggests it might actually be declining, highlighting issues with survey methods.
  3. Old technologies, like the filings coherer used in early radios, were simple to implement but led to better designs as the technology advanced over time.

New prototype is with the fab house

Single Board ESP32 ZX Spectrum • 439 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The new prototype is now in production after some delays, showing the importance of taking action despite fears.
  2. The process of sending the boards off involved some challenges with component availability, requiring adjustments.
  3. Future plans involve exploring software options, experimenting with hardware possibilities, and considering 3D printed cases.

My PCB Has a Digital Twin

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The LSM6DS3 sensor combines both accelerometer and gyroscope functions to measure motion and orientation. It's great for detecting movement but can have accuracy issues based on its environment.
  2. Using fusion mode can help to reduce drift over time by combining data from both sensors, allowing for more stable readings. This means your measurements can be more reliable during movement.
  3. The project is open source, meaning you can easily access and modify the code for your own use. You can load 3D models of your PCBs and see them in real time, which adds a fun interactive element to the testing process.

Makers Making Change: When the Assistive Tech you Need Doesn't Exist (Yet)

Accessible • 199 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Over 2.5 billion people need assistive technology, but many can't access it due to cost or lack of services. This number could rise significantly in the coming years.
  2. Makers Making Change connects people who need assistive devices with volunteers who can build them. They offer over 200 open-source designs that can be made at low costs.
  3. Building assistive tech doesn't just help the person using it; it also allows volunteers to give back and support their community creatively and meaningfully.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Lessons along the EndBOX journey

Blog System/5 • 165 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The EndBOX project started as a fun idea and led to many useful lessons in tech and programming. It's amazing how one wild idea can spark a whole journey of learning.
  2. Creating and refining prototypes like the EndBOX helps develop practical skills in areas like coding and hardware setup. Each step in the process teaches something valuable.
  3. Sharing knowledge through articles can inspire others and encourage a community of tinkers and makers. Supporting creative projects can lead to even more exciting developments in the future.

2023 Was the Year 3D Printed Homes Hit the Mainstream

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. 3D printed homes have become mainstream in 2023, with various projects and collaborations showcasing their potential.
  2. There is optimism that 3D printed homes could help solve the affordable housing crisis due to potential cost reduction, sustainability, and efficiency benefits.
  3. However, skepticism exists around whether the popularity of 3D printed homes will be lasting, similar to the limited uptake of traditional 3D printing technology for everyday use.

MakerNews - December 2025 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The maker community stayed curious and playful through 2025, prioritizing exploration, learning, and hands-on experimentation even when projects got messy.
  2. Practical, clever hacks and tools stood out — from ESP32 USB JTAG debugging and Raspberry Pi test benches to multicolor 3D printer mods, tiny spectrum analyzers, DIY chips, and firmware hacks.
  3. The year closed with community momentum and useful opportunities, like discounted CE certification for open-source hardware, encouraging makers to keep building into 2026.

Unboxing my secret robot addiction - part 1

Robots & Startups • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The author has a long-standing interest in robots and technology, which began with building model rockets and circuits from a young age.
  2. Crowdfunding has played a significant role in supporting the author's robot addiction, allowing them to back various interesting robot campaigns over the years.
  3. Reflecting on impulsive robot purchases and considering cognitive behavioral therapies to manage the fascination for robots, showcasing the struggle of maintaining control over a growing collection.

What It Feels Like Inside a 3D-Printed House

The Sunday Morning Post • 58 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Walking through the doors of a 3D-printed house feels like stepping into a wonderland of innovative technology.
  2. 3D printing technology in housing is advancing rapidly, with bio-based materials and efficient assembly processes.
  3. The future of 3D-printed homes looks promising, offering potential solutions for affordable housing and eco-friendly living.

Easy Robotics with a 3D Printer and Raspberry Pi

Messy Progress • 59 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Making a robot with a 3D printer and a Raspberry Pi is fun and can be done on a budget. You can create many different designs without limits.
  2. A modular design is helpful because it allows for easy changes and quick fixes. This makes it easier for kids to participate and experiment.
  3. Using a Raspberry Pi for controlling your robot opens up many possibilities, like adding cameras or other fun components. You can even use simple coding to operate it.

Control AI and ManufacturingGPT: Whatever has Been Done, Can be Outdone

Exponential Industry • 39 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Autonomous control AI is being adopted in manufacturing, showing potential in improving quality and saving energy.
  2. There is ongoing innovation in large language models despite calls for a pause in AI experiments.
  3. Technological advancements like AI and machine learning are bridging the gap in additive manufacturing operations, identifying suitable parts and reducing costs.

3D Nano Desktop Stratasystems

Exponential Industry • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💼 Business 3D Printing
  1. 3D printing companies have significant business overlap due to the small industry size.
  2. 3D printer manufacturers have struggled in public markets, with high costs per part compared to other manufacturing methods.
  3. The hope for 3D printer companies lies in continual mergers to reduce costs until printing technology enables a declining per-unit cost curve.

Text to CAD?

Mechanomy’s Substack • 4 HN points • 10 Feb 24
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Zoo's text-to-CAD application can quickly generate 3D models based on simple prompts, demonstrating a new approach to design tooling for hardware engineers.
  2. The correctness of a generated model matters based on intended use, and with advancements in AI and CAD, tools are evolving to aid in specifying design details more efficiently.
  3. The development of tools like text-to-CAD showcases the evolving capabilities in design technology, emphasizing the need for increased productivity and quality in engineering workflows.

Startup Dive: Sakuu

Intercalation Station • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Sakuu, a startup, is merging with Plum Acquisition Corp. I in Q3 2023, making it the third SPAC this year.
  2. Sakuu, founded in 2017, has raised over $50m in funding and partnered with companies to develop 3D-printed batteries.
  3. 3D printing technology like Kavian by Sakuu is being used to manufacture solid-state batteries, with potential challenges and opportunities.

War in an Era of Intelligent Machines: Stirrups, Conoidal Bullets, 3D Printers, Lunar Nukes and Special Ops Forces

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 19 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. Technological advancements in the digital era are changing warfare dynamics rapidly.
  2. Historical innovations like metal stirrups and conoidal bullets have had significant impacts on military strategy.
  3. The shift towards automation and AI in warfare highlights a philosophical split between the East and the West.

Revolutionize Your Wardrobe: How 3D Printing Could Change the Way We Buy Shoes (and everything else)

Baby CTO • 1 HN point • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. 3D printing could revolutionize the way we buy shoes and other products by offering customized fits and designs.
  2. Traditional shoe sizing doesn't account for unique foot shapes, leading to discomfort. 3D printed shoes can solve this problem by providing tailored solutions.
  3. The future of 3D printed shoes lies in factors like cost-effectiveness, material choices, and the establishment of printing farms for scalability.

December 2024 Round up - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The newsletter has grown to 660 subscribers since it started in 2022, showing a positive response from readers.
  2. There are many creative projects shared, like 3D printing PCBs and building custom operating systems, that highlight innovation in the maker community.
  3. Overall, 2024 was a great year for makers, with lots of exciting projects and a hopeful outlook for even more in 2025.

MOD-t: A cheap 3D printer thats easy to use

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Nov 15
🕹 Technology 3D Printing
  1. The MOD-t 3D printer is inexpensive and user-friendly, making it attractive for consumers.
  2. Initial setup for the MOD-t printer is quick and easy, with printing achievable within 20 minutes.
  3. While the MOD-t printer has its flaws, like the need to rough up the print plate and issues with the web controller, it shows promise for the consumer market at a price of $399.