3D Printing Digest - February 17, 2026
Published
Chulalongkorn University researchers developed a method to upcycle abandoned 'ghost nets' from Thai fishing communities into high-quality, industrial-grade 3D printing filaments, creating both an environmental solution and sustainable revenue stream. Material Hybrid Manufacturing is commercializing 3D-printed conformal batteries for drones that eliminate wasted space from traditional battery packs, increasing energy density. Mastrex announced strategic distribution partnerships with NeoMetrix Technologies and Ugogo3D to expand its LPBF metal 3D printer market reach across North America.
Thai Researchers Upcycle Ghost Fishing Nets into 3D Printing Filament
Researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand have developed a pioneering method to upcycle abandoned 'ghost nets' — discarded fishing nets that account for significant marine plastic pollution — into high-quality, industrial-grade 3D printing filaments. The project creates a sustainable revenue stream for local fishing communities while addressing ocean pollution.
This is a genuinely important material science story for two reasons. First, ghost nets represent roughly 10% of all ocean plastic pollution and are among the most destructive forms of marine debris, entangling wildlife and destroying ecosystems. Second, the resulting filament isn't a compromise material — it's being positioned as industrial-grade, meaning it could compete with virgin nylon filaments on mechanical properties. For the desktop 3D printing community, this could eventually mean commercially available recycled ocean-plastic filament that performs as well as standard materials. The community-revenue angle is also significant: this creates economic incentive for net recovery, which is the missing piece in most ocean cleanup efforts.
💡What this means for you
Upcycled abandoned fishing nets (primarily nylon/polyamide). Industrial-grade filament quality. Developed at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Addresses ~10% of marine plastic pollution. Creates revenue stream for fishing communities.
Market Position: Research-to-market stage. Competes with virgin nylon filaments. Unique sustainability proposition. Could enter desktop filament market if production scales.
- Mechanical properties vs. virgin nylon (tensile strength, layer adhesion)
- Production cost per kg compared to standard filament
- Timeline for commercial filament availability
⏸️ Wait if: Not yet commercially available — this is research stage
✅ Buy if: You want to track sustainable material innovation for future sourcing
US Startup Commercializes 3D-Printed Conformal Batteries for Drones
Material Hybrid Manufacturing, a US startup, is commercializing technology to 3D-print conformal batteries for drones. Unlike traditional rectangular battery packs that waste space within airframes, conformal batteries are printed to match the exact internal geometry of the drone, maximizing energy density and reducing overall weight.
This is one of those stories that sounds niche but has enormous implications. Traditional drone battery packs are standardized bricks that waste 15-30% of available internal volume. By 3D printing batteries that conform to the airframe's internal contours, you can pack significantly more energy into the same drone without adding weight. The practical result: longer flight times without redesigning the airframe. For the defense and commercial drone sectors, this is a game-changer — flight time is the single biggest constraint in most drone operations. The manufacturing approach (additive, not subtractive) also means rapid iteration for new airframe designs. This bridges 3D printing and energy storage in a way we haven't seen commercialized before.
💡What this means for you
3D-printed conformal batteries matching drone airframe geometry. Eliminates wasted volume from rectangular battery packs. Increases energy density without weight penalty. Material Hybrid Manufacturing — US-based commercialization.
Market Position: First-mover in conformal 3D-printed drone batteries. Defense and commercial drone sectors as primary targets. Addresses the #1 drone constraint: flight time.
- Battery chemistry used in the conformal printing process
- Cycle life compared to traditional lithium polymer packs
- Per-unit cost premium over standard battery packs
⏸️ Wait if: You fly consumer drones — this is defense/commercial-grade first
✅ Buy if: You're in commercial drone operations and flight time is a critical constraint
Mastrex Expands Metal 3D Printer Distribution with NeoMetrix and Ugogo3D
Mastrex, a US manufacturer specializing in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printers, announced strategic distribution partnerships with NeoMetrix Technologies and Ugogo3D. The partnerships expand Mastrex's market reach and support infrastructure across North America, signaling growing demand for accessible metal additive manufacturing.
Metal 3D printing has been dominated by a handful of major players (EOS, SLM Solutions, 3D Systems), so Mastrex expanding its distribution network is a signal that the mid-market for metal AM is growing. NeoMetrix and Ugogo3D bring established reseller networks with existing customer bases in manufacturing — this isn't a startup trying to find its first customers, it's a manufacturer scaling distribution to meet demand. For the broader 3D printing industry, this supports the narrative that metal AM is moving from R&D-only to production-floor adoption, particularly in job shops and smaller manufacturers who couldn't justify the capital expenditure of tier-one systems.
💡What this means for you
Mastrex: US-based LPBF metal 3D printer manufacturer. NeoMetrix Technologies and Ugogo3D as new distribution partners. Focus on accessible metal AM for mid-market manufacturers.
Market Position: Mid-market metal AM competing below EOS/SLM Solutions tier. Distribution expansion signals growing demand. Targets job shops and smaller manufacturers.
- Specific Mastrex printer models and their build volumes
- Price points compared to competitors like Markforged Metal X
- Material compatibility (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum)
⏸️ Wait if: You need production-validated metal AM — the major brands have longer track records
✅ Buy if: You're a job shop evaluating mid-tier metal 3D printers and want a US-based manufacturer with growing support
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ocean plastic be turned into 3D printing filament?▼
Yes. Chulalongkorn University researchers in Thailand developed a method to upcycle abandoned 'ghost nets' — discarded fishing nets — into industrial-grade 3D printing filament. The process creates commercially viable material while providing revenue to fishing communities and reducing marine pollution.
What are conformal 3D-printed batteries?▼
Conformal batteries are 3D-printed to match the exact internal geometry of a device (such as a drone airframe), eliminating the wasted space from traditional rectangular battery packs. Material Hybrid Manufacturing is commercializing this technology for drones, increasing energy density and flight time without adding weight.
Is metal 3D printing becoming more accessible?▼
Yes. Companies like Mastrex are expanding distribution partnerships to bring LPBF metal 3D printers to mid-market manufacturers and job shops. The growing reseller network signals that metal AM is transitioning from R&D-only to broader production-floor adoption.