3D Printing News Digest - January 29, 2026
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This week in 3D printing: Creality's SPARKX i7 won Best 3D Printer at CES 2026 with AI-powered multi-color printing. Bambu Lab partnered with FORMISM for 3D-printed footwear, while Prusa announced silicone and epoxy printing for the XL. Plus: Creality's game-changing filament recycling system.
Creality SPARKX i7 Named Best 3D Printer of CES 2026
Tom's Hardware awarded the Creality SPARKX i7 as 'Best 3D Printer of CES 2026.' This AI-enhanced printer features multi-color printing with a four-filament system, tool-free quick-swap hotend, and AI-assisted slicing and failure detection.
If you've been waiting for multi-color printing to get easier, the SPARKX i7's AI failure detection could be a game-changer. The tool-free hotend swap also means less downtime between material changes - great for production runs.
Creality Launches Filastudio: Desktop Filament Recycling
Creality announced Filastudio, a desktop ecosystem for sustainable 3D printing. The system includes the M1 Filament Maker and R1 Shredder, designed to convert plastic waste and failed prints back into usable filament. Crowdfunding campaign launching soon.
This could slash your filament costs significantly. If you generate a lot of failed prints or support material, turning that waste back into usable filament is both economical and environmentally responsible.
Bambu Lab Partners with FORMISM for 3D-Printable Footwear
Bambu Lab announced a collaboration with FORMISM by SCRY to launch a 3D-printable footwear series. The 'Formism Persona' shoe line began crowdfunding on January 12, with 'Formism Foam' expected later in 2026 on Maker World.
This is Bambu Lab flexing creative applications beyond functional parts. If you're an entrepreneur or maker looking for unique product ideas, 3D-printed footwear represents an interesting niche with growing consumer interest.
Bambu Lab Redefines the P2S Model
Bambu Lab announced updates to the P2S model on January 25, redefining the printer's positioning in their lineup. The company continues rapid product iteration, though some community members have raised concerns about support for older models.
If you're considering a Bambu printer, the P2S refresh is worth investigating. Check the specific changes to ensure they align with your needs before purchasing.
Prusa Announces CORE One+ Upgrades and New Resin Cleaner
Prusa Research released 'Prusament Resin Cleaner DPM' as a safe washing solution for SLA prints and announced updates to the CORE One+ with new features. The company continues to refine both FDM and resin printing ecosystems.
The DPM cleaner addresses a common pain point in resin printing - safe, effective post-processing. If you're running an SLA printer, this could simplify your cleanup workflow significantly.
Prusa XL Getting Silicone and Epoxy Tool Head in 2026
Prusa revealed a new tool head system coming to the Prusa XL that will enable printing with silicone, epoxy, and other liquid materials. This expansion into multi-material capabilities is expected to launch later in 2026.
This opens entirely new manufacturing possibilities - silicone gaskets, flexible components, and composite parts. If you're in product development or prototyping, the XL's multi-material future is compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 3D printer from CES 2026?▼
Tom's Hardware awarded the Creality SPARKX i7 as 'Best 3D Printer of CES 2026.' It features AI-enhanced printing with multi-color capability, tool-free hotend swapping, and AI-assisted failure detection.
Can you recycle failed 3D prints into new filament?▼
Yes, Creality's new Filastudio system (M1 Filament Maker and R1 Shredder) is designed to convert plastic waste and failed prints back into high-quality filament for reuse.
What new materials can the Prusa XL print with?▼
Prusa announced a new tool head system for the XL coming in 2026 that will enable printing with silicone, epoxy, and other liquid materials, expanding beyond traditional filaments.
Is Bambu Lab releasing new products in 2026?▼
Yes, Bambu Lab has been active with the P2S model redefinition, the FORMISM footwear collaboration, and there are rumors of a prosumer printer with larger build volume coming in Q1 2026.