The ultimate form of art

Art has no single definition — it’s subjective, shaped by personal values. For me, writing and reading have always been the ultimate forms of art, for their power to open doors to new worlds.

Discovering Additive Manufacturing (AM), I found a surprising parallel: like words, AM makes the impossible tangible. Across jewelry, fashion, architecture, and sculpture, AM is reshaping centuries of craft traditions — not to erase them, but to redefine what’s possible.

The stories in this issue of 3D ADEPT Mag show that when aesthetics meet technology, the result is new levels of luxury, artistry, and craftsmanship with materials once deemed unworkable. Still, in today’s economy, we must ask: does every application need to scale? Is it always worth the investment? This edition explores those questions — and where the next transformation might emerge.

Exclusive features

Business | Defining “Mass” in AM: Can 3D printer farms deliver consumer-scale production?

With shipments of entry-level 3D printers surpassing 1M in Q1, 3D printer farms are multiplying worldwide. Can they truly scale, cut lead times, and avoid the heavy overheads of traditional manufacturing?

Examples: adidas, OPPO, Monoqool, Prusa Research, Slant 3D, Lost Boys Lab, Zellerfeld, Out of Darts, ZB Designs, Gantri, Jinqi Toys.

Software | How do AM software providers adapt with AI agents?

AI agents are becoming a disruptive force. For AM, the key question is how software developers are adapting workflows and automation.

Dossier | Silicon Carbide in Additive Manufacturing

Silicon carbide — the world’s third hardest material — presents both opportunities and hurdles in AM. What are the AM approaches to silicon carbide parts and the key applications enabled by this material?

Event | The Vicenza Symposium

From Sept 2–4, at the Palladian Basilica in Vicenza, experts will debate AI, AM, and process innovation for sustainable jewelry and fashion.

Focus | 3D Systems

AM’s impact depends on context: workflows, materials, and value drivers differ across industries.

• Customization at scale: how companies deliver personalized products with industrial efficiency.
• From print to pour: comparing wax vs. resin for jewelry casting patterns.

Opinion | Does AM increase the value of luxury goods?

McKinsey notes luxury grew 5% annually over the past five years, with categories like fashion, leather goods, watches, and jewelry — all areas where AM adds value. As brands like Bentley, Apiar, Hermès, and J.Laverack integrate AM, does it enhance exclusivity or challenge it?

AM Shapers | Jewels without borders

Designer Maeve Gillies uses platinum AM to merge storytelling with craft, creating objects that transcend traditional jewelry boundaries.

Post-processing | In-situ monitoring vs. Post-process inspection

Both aim at flawless AM parts: one during the build, one after. Should they compete or complement each other? Analysis with Addiguru’s SK Khurana and Additive Assurance’s David Menzies.