Our technology team has been keeping an eye on the top innovations from 2024. Here are the top picks:
Czinger’s 3D-Printed Hypercar Sets Speed Records
The Czinger 21C Hypercar, designed using advanced algorithms and additive manufacturing, set multiple speed records in 2024, redefining what’s possible in automotive technology. It showcases how 3D printing can create highly complex, performance-oriented designs that traditional methods simply can’t achieve.
British Army Revolutionises Vehicle Maintenance
The British Army is using 3D printing in the field to quickly replace broken vehicle parts. This innovative approach enables troops to print replacement components on-site, reducing downtime and dependency on supply chains.
Nike and Zellerfeld Unveil 3D-Printed Air Max 1 ‘1000’
Nike, in collaboration with Zellerfeld, introduced the Air Max 1 ‘1000’ at ComplexCon 2024, its first fully 3D-printed trainer. These trainers use additive manufacturing to eliminate waste while offering unmatched customisation and comfort. The collaboration highlights how 3D printing is reshaping fashion and footwear.
Fraunhofer’s Breakthrough in 3D Printed Wire
Fraunhofer unveiled a novel technique for producing wires through 3D printing, enabling precise manufacturing of metallic components. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries like aerospace and electronics, where customised wiring solutions are critical.
SprintRay’s Midas 3D Printer
SprintRay introduced the Midas 3D printer, which can handle highly viscous resins, revolutionising dental care and medical manufacturing. This new printer opens the door to creating durable, customised dental prosthetics, crowns and other medical devices with precision and ease.
3D Printed Titanium Bicycle Frame
This innovative bike frame, created entirely through 3D printing using titanium, combines lightweight materials with unparalleled strength, making it perfect for high-performance cycling. The design demonstrates how 3D printing is transforming sports equipment by enabling bespoke, high-strength creations.
ESA’s Space Dust Lego Bricks
The European Space Agency developed Lego-like bricks made from simulated lunar soil using 3D printing. These innovative bricks could be used to construct habitats and infrastructure on the Moon, eliminating the need to transport heavy materials from Earth.
World’s First 3D Printed Titanium Cast for a Gorilla
A gorilla received the world’s first 3D-printed titanium cast to heal a broken arm. Custom-made to fit the animal’s anatomy perfectly, this innovation highlights how 3D printing is transforming healthcare—not just for humans but for animals too.
3D Printed Intelligent Ostomy Bags
Engineers have developed 3D-printed ostomy bags embedded with smart technology to improve stoma care. These bags monitor output and provide real-time data to both patients and healthcare providers, enhancing comfort and enabling better management of patient needs.
3D Printed multilayered glass bricks
Multilayered glass bricks have been developed using 3D printing. These strong, transparent bricks are not only energy-efficient but also aesthetically pleasing, making them ideal for sustainable architecture and modern construction projects.
Unique 3D Printed Guitar
A visionary guitar designer used 3D printing to craft a one-of-a-kind instrument. This process allowed for intricate designs, customisable features and precise acoustics, demonstrating the artistic potential of additive manufacturing in the music industry.
3D Printing with Lobster Shells
A creative design team developed a sustainable composite material for 3D printing using lobster shells. This eco-friendly alternative showcases how natural waste can be repurposed into innovative materials, paving the way for greener manufacturing processes.
