We’re focused on volumetric 3D printing, 3D printed insoles, and 3D printed prosthetics in this weekend’s 3D Printing News Briefs. Read on for all the details!
Researchers Using Holograms to Guide Laser Light for Volumetric 3D Printing
Holographic projection of a human ear model on a sample vial. 2026 Adrien Buttier/EPFL CC BY SA
Tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing (TVAM) uses laser light to harden a rotating vial of photosensitive resin into a specific shape. Last year, scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL) published a paper on their work using holograms to encode 3D forms; instead of modulating the brightness of light waves, they modulated the alignment, which preservers more laser power. Now, a team from EPFL’s Laboratory of Applied Photonic Devices (LAPD) has developed a new, more efficient platform for this holographic TVAM approach, using a device that can directly control a light beam’s phase in a volumetric 3D printing system. They used the system to solidify millimeter-scale objects within a few seconds, and centimeter-scale objects in minutes. The team says they’re able to produce higher-fidelity objects in light-scattering media because their method’s phase control makes it possible to use self-healing beams in the holographic 3D printing. The result is high-resolution, cell-compatible 3D printing at a scale that works for biomedical applications.
“Our method’s demonstrated efficiency and precision finally makes it possible to bioprint tissue-like structures at near-clinical scale. We have printed structures substantially larger than those achieved with previous holographic approaches, despite increased light scattering caused by the embedded cells,” said Christophe Moser, the head of LAPD.
Superfeet Unveils Mobile Enhancement to ME3D Platform for Insoles
Superfeet has been making 3D printed insoles for many years, and recently unveiled a major technology enhancement to its propriety ME3D platform that will improve access to its personalized insoles. Customers can now generate high-precision insoles through an iPhone scan on the company’s website. You can put together and order your insoles at home, but a select number of specialty running retailers around the U.S. are also offering this option, so you can get help from an associate during the scan process. A proprietary algorithm, based in podiatric data and biomechanical research, powers the process. After completing the guided scan on your mobile device, you’ll get access to an interactive experience, which allows you to analyze your foot profile (including arch height and shoe size), see a 3D rendering of your insoles, and choose from one of two specialized, high-performance foam options. The mobile experience also offers custom engraving on the back heel of the insoles. Once you complete your order, the biometric data is sent to Superfeet’s 3D printing facility in
We’re focused on volumetric 3D printing, 3D printed insoles, and 3D printed prosthetics in this weekend’s 3D Printing News Briefs. Read on for all the details!
Researchers Using Holograms to Guide Laser Light for Volumetric 3D Printing
Holographic projection of a human ear model on a sample vial. 2026 Adrien Buttier/EPFL CC BY SA
Tomographic volumetric additive manufacturing (TVAM) uses laser light to harden a rotating vial of photosensitive resin into a specific shape. Last year, scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne (EPFL) published a paper on their work using holograms to encode 3D forms; instead of modulating the brightness of light waves, they modulated the alignment, which preservers more laser power. Now, a team from EPFL’s Laboratory of Applied Photonic Devices (LAPD) has developed a new, more efficient platform for this holographic TVAM approach, using a device that can directly control a light beam’s phase in a volumetric 3D printing system. They used the system to solidify millimeter-scale objects within a few seconds, and centimeter-scale objects in minutes. The team says they’re able to produce higher-fidelity objects in light-scattering media because their method’s phase control makes it possible to use self-healing beams in the holographic 3D printing. The result is high-resolution, cell-compatible 3D printing at a scale that works for biomedical applications.
“Our method’s demonstrated efficiency and precision finally makes it possible to bioprint tissue-like structures at near-clinical scale. We have printed structures substantially larger than those achieved with previous holographic approaches, despite increased light scattering caused by the embedded cells,” said Christophe Moser, the head of LAPD.
Superfeet Unveils Mobile Enhancement to ME3D Platform for Insoles
Superfeet has been making 3D printed insoles for many years, and recently unveiled a major technology enhancement to its propriety ME3D platform that will improve access to its personalized insoles. Customers can now generate high-precision insoles through an iPhone scan on the company’s website. You can put together and order your insoles at home, but a select number of specialty running retailers around the U.S. are also offering this option, so you can get help from an associate during the scan process. A proprietary algorithm, based in podiatric data and biomechanical research, powers the process. After completing the guided scan on your mobile device, you’ll get access to an interactive experience, which allows you to analyze your foot profile (including arch height and shoe size), see a 3D rendering of your insoles, and choose from one of two specialized, high-performance foam options. The mobile experience also offers custom engraving on the back heel of the insoles. Once you complete your order, the biometric data is sent to Superfeet’s 3D printing facility in