3D Printing: The Stories We Didn’t Cover This Week — November 14

This week’s 3D printing news summary includes financial reports from Organovo, Voxeljet AG and BigRep. Alex Mahon, former CEO of Shine Group, has been chosen as The Foundry’s new CEO; The Foundry has also updated its Colorway application. In other 3D printing news, Best Buy is featuring 3D printing kiosks now, Shapeways is sponsoring workshops and meet-ups in three major US cities, and MyMiniFactory has announced its winners in its recent Vase and Planter Design Competition.

Best Buy Now Has 3D Printing Kiosk Display

We begin this week’s news with a story about how much more common 3D printing will become as the public gets more educated on the technology, and finds it easier to access — even at their local electronics stores like Best Buy.

The electronics chain Best Buy has recently amped up its commitment to spreading the word about 3D printing technology by educating its customers using 3D printing kiosks. A collaboration between printer manufacturer ROBO 3D and kiosk manufacturer Frank Meyer and Associates, these kiosk displays showcase the ROBO 3D printer, examples of 3D printed objects, and an interactive educational video. The printer and filament products are also included in the display, ready for purchase, making it that much easier to bring a 3D printer home.

Shapeways Plans Workshops in Major US Cities

While we are on the subject of supporting 3D printing education for the public, the online 3D printing marketplace Shapeways is sponsoring a series of workshops in major US cities. The first was in New York on November 11th. Next, on November 18th, at 6:00 pm, the Shapeways team will be represented in both Chicago and Boston. In Chicago, Catalyze Chicago will host the event, which will feature a workshop on how to use the newest cloud-based 3D CAD software. The Boston event will be a tutorial on the new browser-based software, and general information on how to get started 3D printing. So, if you are in the area, head on over to Onshape, Inc. for your crash course in all things 3D printing-related.

Similarly, 3D Hubs Events offer meet-ups and workshops, which include refreshments and snacks, all over the world, and now Shapeways is adding its own take on 3D printing technology to the mix. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities to learn more about 3D printing!

The Foundry Gets New Chief Executive, Updates Colorway Application

Alex Mahon, former CEO of Shine Group, will now be heading up The Foundry as the new Chief Executive–The Foundry announced on November 10, 2015. The global software company, located in London, leads the industry in creative software design. The Foundry’s high-end visual effects, intended for the design, entertainment, and visualization industries, gets a big boost from Mahon’s new leadership. Mahon states:

“Having spent the last 20 years working in both technology and creative industries, I’m thrilled to be joining The Foundry because of the opportunity for dynamic change and rapid growth. The pace of change in technology combined with The Foundry’s well-deserved reputation for cutting-edge software and passion for the creative process allows us almost limitless opportunities for growth.”

Mahon began her career with a Physics doctorate, and first worked as an internet retail expert, which will prove quite helpful for The Foundry’s mission to “create innovative IP and technology for the next generation of virtual and augmented reality environments.”

In other news from The Foundry, the company announces that its Colorway application has evolved, now enabling designers to “quickly iterate on looks, explore different color combinations, save and manage any number of variations, without re-rendering.” This tool makes the iteration process more efficient, allowing designers more time to focus on the creative aspects of their projects. You can get the app available as a free trial from November 12, 2015- January 22, 2016 by going here.

Organovo’s Fiscal Results Announced

In financial news, Organovo, a company focused on delivering scientific and medical breakthroughs using its 3D bioprinting technology, has recently released its second quarter fiscal results. It looks as if the company’s “net loss was $11.3 million, or $0.12 per share, for the fiscal second quarter of 2016, as compared to $8.9 million, or $0.11 per share, for the fiscal second quarter of 2015.” Total revenue increased by 502% during this same time, and revenue was largely impacted by sales of its exVive3D Human Liver Tissue research service and product. The company also reports that its kidney program is ahead of schedule, and Organovo plans to begin contracting for this product in the 2016 calendar year’s 3rd quarter.

Fiscal News from Voxeljet

And there’s more positive financial news from the 3D printing industry, as more companies prepare to report quarterly results. On Thursday, November 12, 2015, Voxeljet AG  released its quarterly earnings for the quarter ended September 30. YTD revenues in total increased 71.1% while third quarter total revenues increased 25.4%. With a gross pofit margin of 32.7% for the quarter (compared to the prior year quarter’s 37.2%), the company reaffirmed its “full-year 2015 revenue guidance between kEUR 23,000 and kEUR 24,000.” Voxeljet is a Germany-based company that specializes in the manufacturing of 3D printers, with a particular focus on additive manufacturing machines for “aerospace, engineering, automotive, architecture, science, medicine, artwork, film and amusement” industries.

BigRep Closes Series A Financial Round

€7 million is the operative number for this story on Berlin-based tech startup BigRep’s efforts to raise funds in its Series A Financial Round. Founded in 2014, BigRep is the developer of the world’s largest serial 3D printer. Many financial groups have expressed interest in BigRep’s products, including Koehler Paper Group, b-to-v Partners AG, and the KfW Group. Dr. Christian Reitberger, the Lead Investor at b-to-v, was also involved in BigRep’s seed funding and has this to say about the company:

“BigRep’s aim is to reduce the entry barriers for industrial 3D printing through lower operating costs, establishing a coherent software environment, and smart filament material innovations. BigRep will access new customer groups for additive manufacturing and provide industry insiders with a wider applicability in everyday use, too.”

MyMiniFactory Announces Vase and Planter Design Competition Winners

To end this week’s news with some non-financial news, let’s turn our attention to the winners of MyMiniFactory’s competition for the best vase and planter designs. In first place we have Thomas Palmiga’s Palm Vase. This interesting vase has separate tubes for flowers, so they can be spread out and not bunched up together. In second place, we have a Thumbs Up Vase from Ryan van Waes, which looks exactly as it is named. It’s a vase that has a large thumb adorning its side. And in third place, Kevin Meric brings us The Yielding Vase. Prizes for this design competition totaled $750 from the MyMiniFactory store. Be sure to check out the Tabulate Design Competition that ends November 18th, 2015.

Which of these stories were your favorite?  Let us know in the 3D Printing Stories We Missed forum thread on 3DPB.com.