Additive manufacturing recap for March, we focused on one central theme: the future of manufacturing is being built on sustainability, digital infrastructure, and scalable customization. From materials to supply chains, smarter manufacturing is increasingly driven by connected, data-driven decisions. If you missed any updates, here’s a quick recap of what’s shaping the conversation.

Connecting at RAPID + TCT 2026

We’re excited to share that Shapeways will be at RAPID + TCT 2026 in Boston, where Marleen Vogelaar, CEO of Shapeways, will be speaking.

As North America’s largest additive manufacturing event, RAPID + TCT brings together engineers, innovators, and industry leaders exploring what’s next. This year, we’ll be sharing how digital manufacturing continues to evolve from additive to CNC and beyond, and what that means for scalable, flexible production.

If you’re attending, we’d love to connect. Join us on April 15 and learn how to move from prototyping to production.

Thangs Print Store: Learn How to Launch & Grow

Thangs also hosting a live session focused on helping designers and entrepreneurs succeed with the Thangs Print Store.

Whether you’re launching your first products or optimizing an existing shop, this session covers:

  • Selecting the right materials
  • Understanding trade-offs between quality and cost
  • Designing for scalable, high-quality production

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

📅 Wednesday, April 8th
🕕 6pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST

Sustainability as a Manufacturing Standard

A major milestone this month was achieving ISO 14001 certification. Reinforcing that sustainability is no longer a differentiator, but a baseline expectation.

Environmental responsibility is becoming deeply integrated into manufacturing strategy, influencing everything from material selection to production workflows and supply chain design. Companies that embed sustainability early are better positioned to meet regulatory demands and customer expectations alike.

Why Digital Manufacturing Is Reshaping Supply Chains

One of the clearest trends this month: traditional supply chains are under pressure and digital manufacturing is stepping in as a solution.

We explored how additive manufacturing enables:

  • On-demand production
  • Reduced dependency on global logistics
  • Faster iteration and prototyping
  • More resilient, distributed production models

In sectors like defense, aerospace, and drone development, these capabilities are already accelerating innovation while reducing risk.

Materials Innovation: From Flexibility to Industrial Strength

Materials continue to play a central role in advancing additive manufacturing into end-use production.

This month, we highlighted:

  • Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE): Ideal for flexible, durable parts produced with SLS technology
  • Stainless Steel (17-4PH & 316L): Delivering strength, corrosion resistance, and complex geometries for industrial applications

As material options expand, so does the ability to match performance requirements with production efficiency making material selection a strategic decision, not just a technical one.

Why Mass Customization Is Becoming Essential

Mass customization is rapidly moving from concept to necessity. Businesses are increasingly expected to deliver personalized products at scale without sacrificing efficiency.

We explored how achieving this requires:

  • Robust digital platforms
  • Connected production workflows
  • New operating models designed for flexibility

The shift toward customization is not just about meeting customer demand—it’s about unlocking new business models and revenue streams.

Spotlight: Behind the Designs with Rick Legaspi

On Thangs, we went behind the scenes with Rick Legaspi of Punchy’s Lab to explore how creators are building and scaling their work.

His approach highlights a growing trend: designers focusing on innovation and creativity, while platforms handle production, logistics, and distribution.

“3D design and sales is my hobby. My time is best spent solving problems and refining my models, while Thangs increases my visibility and Shapeways handles the logistics.” – Rick Legaspi

Moving Forward

The future of manufacturing isn’t defined by a single breakthrough, it’s shaped by sustainability, digital production, and scalable customization 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.