Additive manufacturing recap for this month, we focused on one central theme: smarter manufacturing starts with smarter decisions; in materials, production strategy, and supply chain design. If you missed any updates, here’s a quick recap of what’s shaping the conversation.

Connecting at Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026

We’re excited to share that Shapeways will be attending Intertraffic Amsterdam. The event is a key gathering for mobility and infrastructure innovators, and we’re looking forward to connecting with teams exploring how additive manufacturing can unlock faster iteration, lightweight design, and more resilient production models.

If you’re attending, we invite you to schedule a one-on-one meeting with our team to discuss materials, production approaches, and how digital manufacturing can support your next project.

Thangs Print Store: Learn How to Launch & Grow

We’re also hosting a live session to help designers and entrepreneurs set up and scale on the Thangs  Print Store. Whether you’re new to selling 3D models or looking to optimize your existing shop, this session walks through best practices for preparing files, choosing materials, and expanding your reach.

If you can’t attend live, be sure to RSVP to receive the recording.

Why Materials Strategy Is Now a Competitive Advantage

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in manufacturing is the growing importance of early material decisions. Materials are no longer a late-stage technical choice, they directly influence speed to market, production flexibility, lifecycle performance, and supply chain resilience.

Additive manufacturing recap for this month’s blog content explored:

  • How materials strategy shapes manufacturing advantage
  • The performance differences between Nylon PA12 and Nylon 11 (PA11)
  • When to choose one over the other for strength, durability, or sustainability goals

Understanding these distinctions is becoming critical as additive manufacturing moves from prototyping into end-use production.

Building Manufacturing Resilience by Design

Resilience doesn’t happen by accident. We also examined how manufacturers can design supply chains that are adaptable, distributed, and capable of multi-path production. Digital workflows and additive technologies are enabling new models that reduce risk while increasing responsiveness.

For industries like drone development, where lightweight components, rapid iteration, and scalable production are essential. Smarter manufacturing strategies are directly accelerating innovation.

Expanding Print-on-Demand Capabilities

On the Thangs platform, we introduced a new high-detail gray resin designed for intricate models, tabletop figurines, jewelry prototypes, and other precision applications. This addition expands the range of premium materials available to designers selling physical prints on demand.

We also highlighted designer Chuck Stover of Made by Wombat , whose journey from early 3D printing pioneer to successful digital and physical seller demonstrates the power of combining design expertise with scalable production tools.

Moving Forward

The future of manufacturing isn’t defined by a single breakthrough. It’s shaped by strategic material choices, resilient systems, and digital production models working together.If you haven’t explored this month’s full articles and announcements, now’s the time. Dive deeper into the blogs, register for upcoming events, and see how additive manufacturing can support your next stage of growth.