Featured Image

AMT Tech Report: Issue #177

Sep 24, 2021

“Never try to fool children. They expect nothing and therefore see everything.”

Harry Houdini


1. 10 Examples of 3D Printing Recycled Plastic

This is a great listicle, but my favorite part is the second section of the introduction that covers distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM… mmm, Scotch whisky) and goes into detail about what it takes to make additive material from plastic waste. Could this eradicate the issue of limited material availability? I sure hope so!

Read more here.


2. Additive Makes a Positive Impact on Society

Forbes consulted 17 experts for their choice and opinion of what technologies have influenced the greater good, and additive made the cut! “The processes involved enable highly flexible development through manufacturing techniques that use less material while creating stronger, more durable products thanks to input from sophisticated AI programs.”

Read more here.


3. First Manufacturing Day in Houston

Houston, we have a problem. You mean to tell me #youpeople have never celebrated a Manufacturing Day before? No wonder space exploration has gone private! Well, you are in for a treat. Manufacturing Day is the first Friday in October, and this year, Houston, Texas, is taking it seriously!

Read more here.


4. China’s 3D-Printed Park

Man, I think this is pretty cool. No, it’s nothing high speed like a race car chassis or a single-sided swing arm of the latest liter bike; it’s just some park in China. If I see one more 3D-printed foot bridge, or an additive compost bin, or a wonky-shaped extruded planter, I’m taking a sabbatical until the end of the year. (That’s a lie. I can’t get enough of this stuff!) An entire park, though? I like that.

Read more here.


5. Robotic Carpentry

I know, I know. Carpentry? In this industry? Well, at least at AMT, we really like to keep it to metalworking … and plastics, ceramics, composites, and sometimes glass. Point is: Woodworking’s not really our thing. After all, sawdust is a fire hazard! But it looks like the recent advances in robot arms is taking woodworking by storm! Who likes sanding anyway? Give it to the bots!

Read more here.


To access Tech Trends, log in to or register for an MTInsight account at https://www.mtinsight.org/ 

PicturePicture
Author
Stephen LaMarca
Senior Technology Analyst
Recent technology News
The Markus System. Ctrl+Alt+Delegate. Prints of War. Pinewood Derby < Billet Derby. Maximum Meows.
At The MFG Meeting 2026, discussions occurred about the future of manufacturing, specifically the fastest-evolving sub-industries: advanced biomanufacturing, which is creating new opportunities for traditional manufacturers.
AM is growing. Twin fixes your mistakes. CPU stage fright. Future you says thanks. Awards season: manufacturing edition.
Check in for the highlights, headlines, and hijinks that matter to manufacturing. These lean news items keep you updated on the latest developments.
Since 2022, imports of additive machinery have been larger than exports by a growing multiple, reaching more than three times the exports in 2025. This pattern indicates a healthy and growing demand for additive technologies.
Similar News
undefined
Technology
By Bonnie Gurney | May 12, 2026

IMTS 2026 spotlights the next wave of technologies reshaping how work gets done on the shop floor. From automation to digital workflows to AI-enhanced solutions, job shops and contract manufacturers will learn how to dramatically increase productivity.

5 min
undefined
Technology
By Stephen LaMarca | Jun 03, 2026

America was born of automation, and our future is automation.

6 min
undefined
Smartforce
By Catherine “Cat” Ross | Jun 02, 2026

QualiChem joins OMIC R&D, and Scientific Cutting Tools expands its regional presence. Plus, leadership changes at Ellison Technologies, Nidec, and Xometry, and America Makes announces $1.7 million in additive awards. (link to this article)

5 min