Here are the top 10 most popular stories On 3D Printing brought you in February 2013.

10. 3D Printing Retail Store Hosts Open House in Denver, CO

9. Make: Where Do We Really Stand On 3D Printing?

8. Cornell Professor Develops Technique for 3D Printing a Human Ear

7. Details on the 3D Printing Institute from Obama’s SOTU Address

6. Accused of Stealing, 3D Printing Design Marketplace 3DLT Apologizes

5. NPR Discusses 3D Printed Guns on Morning Edition

4. Biofabrication: Scientists 3D Print Stem Cells to Create Human Organs

3. Video: The Best 7 TED Talks On 3D Printing

2. Must-See Infographic: How 3D Printing Will Revolutionize the Classroom

1. President Obama Calls 3D Printing “Revolutionary” in State of the Union

Thanks for reading in February!

A roundup of the top news On 3D Printing brought you from February 11 to February 17:

Wednesday, February 13

• President Obama Calls 3D Printing “Revolutionary” in State of the Union
• Details on the 3D Printing Institute from Obama’s SOTU Address

Make magazine has published an extensive opinion piece about 3D printing as part of its 3D Thursday series. The article is called 3D Printing Revolution: the Complex Reality.

The main thesis of the post is that while 3D printers are becoming increasingly popular, the reality might not match the hype. For one, designing for manufacturability is hard – from CAD software to industrial design techniques. Another issue is the durability and precision of materials used in 3D printing, such as ABS plastic, may not be engineering-grade.

Concluding, the author states:

One day, a silver bullet solution may materialize; if it does, it will be probably nothing like any of the existing technologies we are experimenting with. Until then, it pays to focus on the process, not on this week’s most-hyped tool.

These points are valid and one has to acknowledge that 3D printing won’t replace all manufacturing processes overnight. But look at the applications that are already commercial, from medical and dentistry to fashion to toys and games. Expect more to follow quickly with the rapid pace of innovation in 3D printing!

A roundup of the top news On 3D Printing brought you from December 4 to December 9.

Popular among “makers,” Make is a leading source of DIY goodness. The magazine has published a holiday gift guide for 3D printing, ranging from plastic filament to 3D printers.

When it comes to home 3D printing, most of us still haven’t taken the plunge. If you, or someone on your gift list, is still in the toe-dipping stage, maybe the smartest thing to do is to start at the stocking-stuffer level with a copy of the MAKE Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing. It’s the best deal going when it comes to getting oriented in the exploding consumer 3D-printing scene. Or, if you’ve already made up your mind to gift someone a 3D-printer, grab a copy for yourself to help guide that decision, then pass it along in the box!

Or, if you’re in a hurry (and it’s worth noting that lead times on 3D printers can be fairly long) our online guide, linked below, can get you started shopping right now. Within, you’ll find a tasty assortment of gifts for desktop manufacturers of all skill levels, from experienced pros to total n00bs, arranged in pricetag order from $30-$3,000. Here’s wishing you speedy shopping and a relaxing winter break!

View the entire gift guide.