3D Printing Digest - February 14, 2026
Published
Prusa Research and Bondtech have unveiled the Bondtech INDX, an 8-material multi-tool upgrade for the Prusa CORE One, shipping Q1 2026. Realme partnered with Bambu Lab and MakerWorld for 3D-printed replaceable camera decks on the GT 8 Pro smartphone. Walmart is expanding adoption of 3D concrete printing through a partnership with Alquist 3D for new construction projects.
Prusa and Bondtech Unveil INDX: 8-Material Multi-Tool for CORE One
Prusa Research and Bondtech have announced the Bondtech INDX, an 8-material multi-tool upgrade for the Prusa CORE One 3D printer. The INDX enables printing with up to eight different materials simultaneously with minimal waste through an advanced purge-reduction algorithm. Shipping is confirmed for Q1 2026, with pre-orders now open.
This is Prusa's answer to Bambu Lab's AMS system and Snapmaker's SnapSwap — but with a crucial difference: 8 materials, not 4. For functional prototyping, this means combining rigid PLA, flexible TPU, soluble supports, and multiple colors in a single print. The Bondtech partnership signals Prusa is leveraging external expertise rather than building everything in-house, which should accelerate their multi-material capabilities. The waste reduction algorithm is key — multi-material purge towers are the dirty secret of the AMS ecosystem, often wasting 30-40% of filament.
💡What this means for you
Bondtech INDX: 8 independent tool heads. Compatible with Prusa CORE One. Purge reduction algorithm (claimed 50%+ waste reduction vs standard multi-material). Each head independently temperature-controlled. Shipping Q1 2026.
Market Position: Doubles the material count of Bambu Lab's AMS (4 materials) and Snapmaker U1's SnapSwap (4 heads). Targets professional prototyping and production users who need diverse material combinations.
- Retail price and whether CORE One is required or optional
- Head-swap time vs Snapmaker SnapSwap's 5-second claim
- Compatibility with third-party filaments and hotends
⏸️ Wait if: You only need 2-4 colors and already own a Bambu AMS setup
✅ Buy if: You do functional prototyping requiring 5+ material types in a single print
Realme Partners with Bambu Lab for 3D-Printed Smartphone Components
Realme has partnered with Bambu Lab and MakerWorld to offer 3D-printable, replaceable camera deck modules for the new GT 8 Pro smartphone. Users can download and print custom camera deck designs from MakerWorld, or design their own, enabling personalization of the phone's rear module. This marks the first major smartphone manufacturer to integrate consumer 3D printing into its product ecosystem.
This is a landmark moment for consumer 3D printing — a major phone manufacturer designing a product with 3D printability as a feature, not a hack. It validates the MakerWorld marketplace as a distribution channel for functional (not just decorative) prints. For Bambu Lab, this partnership provides mainstream consumer exposure that no amount of YouTube reviews could match. The real question is whether other manufacturers follow suit, creating a new category of '3D-print-compatible' consumer electronics.
💡What this means for you
Realme GT 8 Pro: Modular rear camera deck with clip-in mechanism. STL files available on MakerWorld. Designed for PLA and PETG materials. Snap-fit tolerance optimized for Bambu Lab printers.
Market Position: First smartphone manufacturer to officially support 3D-printed components. Positions Bambu Lab's MakerWorld as a mainstream design marketplace beyond the maker community.
- Durability of 3D-printed camera decks vs injection-molded originals
- Whether Realme will expand to other replaceable components
- Impact on phone case manufacturers if trend expands
⏸️ Wait if: You don't own a 3D printer — buying one just for phone cases isn't cost-effective yet
✅ Buy if: You already have a Bambu printer and want a phone that integrates with your maker lifestyle
Walmart Adopts 3D Concrete Printing for New Store Construction
Walmart is expanding its use of 3D concrete printing technology through a partnership with Alquist 3D. The retail giant is using additive construction methods for new building projects, citing faster build times, reduced labor costs, and improved structural consistency. Alquist 3D has previously completed residential projects and is scaling its technology for commercial applications.
Walmart's adoption signals that 3D concrete printing has crossed from 'experimental' to 'commercially viable' in the construction industry. When the world's largest retailer builds with additive construction, suppliers and contractors take notice. For the maker community, this trickle-down effect means desktop-scale concrete and ceramic printing technologies will receive more R&D investment. The construction 3D printing market is projected to reach $1.5B by 2030, and Walmart's involvement accelerates that timeline.
💡What this means for you
Alquist 3D: Large-format concrete extrusion system. Continuous pour capability. Structural reinforcement integration. Reduced construction timeline by estimated 30-50% vs traditional methods.
Market Position: Largest retail adoption of 3D printed construction to date. Validates commercial-scale additive construction alongside ICON, COBOD, and Mighty Buildings.
- Specific Walmart locations using 3D printed construction
- Cost comparison per square foot vs traditional construction
- Building code compliance across different US states
⏸️ Wait if: You're in desktop 3D printing — this is industrial scale only
✅ Buy if: You're in construction or architecture and want to explore additive methods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bondtech INDX for Prusa?▼
The Bondtech INDX is an 8-material multi-tool upgrade for the Prusa CORE One 3D printer. It allows printing with up to eight different materials simultaneously with reduced waste, shipping Q1 2026.
Can I 3D print parts for the Realme GT 8 Pro?▼
Yes. Realme partnered with Bambu Lab and MakerWorld to offer downloadable STL files for replaceable camera deck modules. You can print custom designs in PLA or PETG on any compatible 3D printer.
Is Walmart really using 3D printing for construction?▼
Yes. Walmart is partnering with Alquist 3D to use 3D concrete printing technology for new building construction, citing faster build times and reduced labor costs.