The Crafty Catsman

News & Digests

Curated roundups of industry news, product launches, and insights tailored for makers. Each story includes analysis on what it means for your workshop.

This Week's Stories

20 stories
LaserFeb 18, 2026

xTool Debuts MetalFab: Handheld Fiber Laser Welder & Cutter

xTool has launched the MetalFab, a hybrid handheld fiber laser system capable of welding and cutting up to 10mm carbon steel.

xT
🔥Major
3D PrintingFeb 18, 2026

Creality CFS-C: Multi-Material Upgrade for K1 Series

Creality launched the CFS-C, an external 4-spool material station for K1 and K1 Max with active filament cutting.

CR
🔥Major
3D PrintingFeb 18, 2026

Prusa Unveils CORE One L & OpenPrintTag Standard

Prusa Research announced the CORE One L large format CoreXY machine and 'OpenPrintTag', an open-source NFC filament tagging system.

PR
🔥Major
CNCFeb 18, 2026

Han's CNC Technology Completes Major Hong Kong IPO

Shenzhen Han's CNC Technology successfully launched its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, validating investor confidence in smart manufacturing.

HA
🔥Major
Maker & DIYFeb 18, 2026

SAi Launches Flexi DTF Pro: Dedicated Software for Direct-to-Film

SAi released Flexi DTF Pro, tailored for DTF workflows with automated white layer generation and nesting tools.

SA
🔥Major
arcadeFeb 18, 2026

VPCabs Launches Vertigo NXT: 4K Hybrid Multicade

VPCabs unveiled Vertigo NXT, a compact upright hybrid arcade with 4K vertical screen and full force feedback for virtual pinball.

VP
🔥Major
LaserFeb 18, 2026

OMTech Rebrands to OMTech.com, Drops 'Laser' from Identity

OMTech has officially transitioned its primary domain from omtechlaser.com to omtech.com, signaling a shift to a broader 'maker ecosystem' brand.

OM
LaserFeb 18, 2026

Glowforge Leadership Shift: SVP of Marketing Departs

Alison Cerezo, SVP of Marketing at Glowforge, stepped down on Feb 10, 2026, continuing leadership restructuring following the company's 2025 reorganization.

GF
3D PrintingFeb 18, 2026

MakerWorld Tightens Rules on AI-Generated 3D Models

Bambu Lab's MakerWorld implemented stricter moderation policies on Feb 13, 2026, targeting low-effort, unprintable AI-generated content.

BL
MA
CNCFeb 18, 2026

Digital Twins Go Mainstream: From Aerospace to Job Shops

New industry reports show 'Digital Twin' technology moving downstream, allowing mid-sized job shops to simulate production runs with >95% accuracy.

CNCFeb 18, 2026

Sustainability Metrics Drive Shift to MQL and Dry Machining

Rising coolant disposal costs are accelerating adoption of Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) and dry machining techniques.

Maker & DIYFeb 18, 2026

Resolute Ink Expands UK Manufacturing for Premium White DTF Ink

Resolute Ink expanded its UK manufacturing facility to increase production of premium high-opacity white DTF ink.

RE
Maker & DIYFeb 18, 2026

'Handwork 2026' Launches to Celebrate American Craft

The 'Handwork 2026' initiative launched as a year-long nationwide celebration of American craft, connecting artisans with the modern maker movement.

arcadeFeb 18, 2026

Pinball Market Projected to Reach $1.36 Billion

New analysis projects global pinball market to hit $1.36 billion by 2033, driven by barcades and collectors.

arcadeFeb 18, 2026

Sonic Supreme Cabinet Pricing Leaks Ahead of Fall Launch

Retail leaks suggest Basic Fun's Sonic Supreme cabinet will carry a premium price tag, featuring upgraded controls and a BOE monitor.

BA
SE
3d-printingFeb 17, 2026

Thai Researchers Upcycle Ghost Fishing Nets into 3D Printing Filament

Chulalongkorn University researchers developed a method to upcycle abandoned ghost nets into industrial-grade 3D printing filaments, addressing marine pollution while creating sustainable revenue for fishing communities.

🔥Major
3d-printingFeb 17, 2026

US Startup Commercializes 3D-Printed Conformal Batteries for Drones

Material Hybrid Manufacturing commercializes 3D-printed conformal batteries matching drone airframe geometry, increasing energy density and flight time without adding weight.

MA
🔥Major
LaserFeb 17, 2026

LaserPecker LX2 Review: Dual-Laser Versatility in an Enclosed Package

Tom's Hardware reviewed the LaserPecker LX2 dual-laser system (40W diode + 2W IR) with tool-free laser swapping and enclosed design, earning praise for versatility.

LA
🔥Major
LaserFeb 17, 2026

Alien Cell X1 Debuts Smart Vision-Guided Laser Workstation

Alien Cell X1 unveiled as smart laser workstation with vision-guided material recognition, auto-configuration, and comprehensive safety enclosure.

AL
🔥Major
CNCFeb 17, 2026

Sheffield AMRC Partners with IPercept for CNC Predictive Maintenance

University of Sheffield AMRC partnered with IPercept Technology AB to advance CNC process monitoring and predictive maintenance with high-resolution machine behavior insights.

AM
IP
🔥Major

Digests are published regularly covering the most newsworthy developments in each niche.

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