3D Labs Industry Update
Advancing Electronics & Firmware Solutions for the 3D Printing Industry
Hello 3D Labs Community,
It’s been a while, and we’re thrilled to reconnect with you! We know many of you have been waiting to hear from us, and we’re just as excited to share what we’ve been working on. Over the past few months, we’ve been fully immersed, heads down, and focused on creating something truly special. We’ve expanded our scope, refined our products, and doubled down on quality, security, and innovation.
As we step forward, we’re embracing a new direction focused on premium electronics and firmware solutions for OEM 3D printer manufacturers. These efforts come with the same dedication and innovation that you’ve come to know from 3D Labs—only now, we’re bringing you even more robust and reliable technology to support industry-leading standards.
Thank you for sticking with us, and we’re excited to share these advancements with you. Here’s what’s next on the horizon and why we’re so enthusiastic about this new chapter for 3D Labs.
Transitioning to Electronics & Firmware Solutions for OEMs
3D Labs is proud to announce our new line of ITAR/EAR-compatible mainboard and firmware solutions specifically crafted for business applications with uncompromising standards. This transition allows us to serve OEM manufacturers with unparalleled dedication, and each of our mainboards is built right here in North America. By localizing our manufacturing process, we’re not only ensuring premium quality but also supporting stringent compliance and regulatory requirements.
Introducing the New HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2: Designed for Performance, Security, and Flexibility
Our HTX™ Starforge Mainboard, which many of you are already familiar with, has set a high standard. Now, with the introduction of our HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2, we’re pushing that standard even further.
Proudly designed and manufactured in North America, the HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2 is built with premium quality and compliance in mind. For OEMs with demanding security and regulatory needs, we offer ITAR/EAR-compatible versions with Secure Boot and encryption capabilities, ensuring the highest levels of data protection and security. This configuration allows manufacturers in sensitive industries to confidently meet rigorous compliance standards without sacrificing functionality.
Powered by a high-performance STM32 CPU, this board is equipped to handle both high-speed processing and intricate control functions, making it ideal for a range of applications. The V2 board is designed to be compatible with the upcoming Raspberry Pi CM5 module, enhancing its versatility and making it suitable for business and advanced open-source applications alike.
The HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2 also offers unparalleled flexibility with its 10 driver sockets, providing manufacturers with more control options and the ability to support complex multi-axis and multi-extrusion setups. This added capability makes it a versatile choice for OEMs and advanced hobbyists working on projects with high demands for precision and control.
What truly sets this board apart is its adaptability. Whether you’re running Klipper on a Voron setup or working with another open-source project, the HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2 is built to exceed expectations. In addition to these capabilities, the board offers full CAN bus support through Candlelight firmware, creating a reliable communication backbone that can manage complex setups with ease.
With the HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2, we’ve combined high-performance hardware, robust security options, and North American craftsmanship to bring OEMs a premium, secure, and adaptable solution for their 3D printing needs.
Introducing 3D Labs HTX™ PrinterOS: The Embedded OS Solution for OEMs
Beyond hardware, we’re also enhancing the software side with 3D Labs HTX™ PrinterOS—a powerful embedded OS designed to streamline OEM 3D printer operations. This system is built on a custom Yocto-based Linux distribution and integrates Repetier-Server to create a fully functional, professional-grade printer OS. What sets HTX™ PrinterOS apart is our unique blend of open-source components (outside of Repetier-Server) with robust integration and refinement, delivering the best of both open-source transparency and commercial-grade performance.
Our approach leans on the open-source ecosystem, embracing the rigorous scrutiny and security review that open-source software is known for. By integrating these elements with precision, we ensure a secure, scalable, and reliable foundation. HTX™ PrinterOS leverages open-source components that have proven secure and stable in environments worldwide, creating a software stack that is both transparent and trustworthy.
For OEMs, this system brings a commercial edge: 3D Labs has handled the complex integration so OEMs don’t have to. We’ve streamlined the architecture, assembled a cohesive system from numerous open-source tools, and built a polished, ready-to-use OS with features like over-the-air (OTA) updates, Secure Boot compatibility, and a read-only filesystem that protects against data corruption. With an A/B partition scheme supporting blue-green firmware deployments and automatic rollback on error, HTX™ PrinterOS offers the resilience and sophistication OEMs need in a commercial environment.
The value of HTX™ PrinterOS lies in the thorough integration work we’ve done to elevate this open-source-based system into a premium product that’s ready for the demands of professional, commercial, and industrial use. Our solution gives OEMs the best of both worlds: the confidence of open-source security alongside the performance and reliability of a meticulously integrated OS.
3D Labs is proud to provide HTX™ PrinterOS as a true turn-key solution, bringing professional-grade, fully integrated open-source innovation to the 3D printing industry.
Introducing the KPD HyperDry™ Filament Dryer
We’re thrilled to preview the forthcoming KPD HyperDry™ Filament Dryer, a cutting-edge solution engineered specifically for high-temperature and moisture-sensitive filaments like PEEK, Ultem, and Nylon. Powered by advanced 3D Labs firmware, and professional industrial design by KPD, this dryer offers precise temperature control up to 150°C, ensuring consistent drying performance for even the most demanding materials.
Featuring state-of-the-art humidity monitoring and the ability to maintain exact temperature and moisture levels, the KPD HyperDry™ is designed to protect your investment in premium filaments while enhancing print reliability and quality. This innovation represents the next step in professional-grade filament care, setting a new standard for advanced material management. Stay tuned for its official launch—your high-temperature projects will never look back.
More High-Temp 3D Printers on the way: Made in America by Our Partner, Powered by 3D Labs
While our primary focus is shifting to electronics, firmware, and OEM solutions, 3D Labs is still very much in the high-temperature 3D printing game—now, as a trusted partner for OEM solutions and technology integration. This next high-temperature printer is being produced by a U.S.-based manufacturer who has enlisted 3D Labs as the OEM solutions provider for advanced electronics, firmware, and control systems.
Through this partnership, we bring our expertise in electronics and firmware integration to empower our manufacturing partners to deliver premium, high-temperature 3D printers. This model is powered by 3D Labs electronics, HTX™ PrinterOS, and proprietary solutions, creating a robust, professional-grade machine designed with demanding applications in mind. Here are some standout features of this new model:
- 120°C+ Chamber Temperature: Designed for high-performance applications, this printer can maintain chamber temperatures exceeding 120°C, making it ideal for advanced materials like PEEK and PEI.
- Custom Design by Industrial Mechanical Engineers: Built by expert engineers, this machine features a fully custom design with robust industrial components to meet the demands of high-temperature applications.
- Bellows Protection: Ensuring durability and smooth performance, this printer includes bellows in key locations to protect internal components and guide motion systems in high-heat environments.
- Innovative X-Axis Drive Head System: This advanced x-axis drive head system enhances stability, precision, and efficiency, setting this printer apart from conventional models.
- Full IDEX Capability: This printer boasts Independent Dual Extrusion (IDEX), offering ultimate flexibility for multi-material and support applications, as well as improved print speed and reduced cross-contamination.
- Cast Aluminum Vacuum Bed with Versatile Surface Options: Featuring a precision-engineered cast aluminum vacuum bed, this printer offers multiple surface options—including PEI, carbon fiber, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate (PC)—to suit a wide variety of materials and applications.
With 3D Labs providing the core technology and integration expertise, our partners can confidently bring this high-temperature, American-built printer to market. And while we’re now expanding our reach as an OEM solutions provider, you can count on 3D Labs to continue advancing high-temperature 3D printing—both through partnerships like this one and with our own innovations in electronics and firmware. We’re here to deliver the same quality and innovation you’ve come to expect, just with a new approach that lets us work closely with manufacturers to drive the future of 3D printing technology forward.
A Commitment to Excellence and Industry Standards
At 3D Labs, quality, compliance, and innovation aren’t just goals; they’re the foundation of everything we build. The HTX™ Starforge Mainboard V2, HTX™ PrinterOS, and our forthcoming high-temperature printer are testaments to our dedication to creating premium, reliable products that support manufacturers in delivering exceptional 3D printing technology. Our mainboards, firmware, and entire ecosystem are engineered to add value to every product they support, making them an asset for OEMs committed to pushing the boundaries of quality and reliability.
Thank you for being part of the 3D Labs journey. We’re thrilled about the future and the role our products will play in the continued evolution of the 3D printing industry. Keep an eye out for further updates, and, as always, reach out with any questions or ideas. We’re here to build the future of 3D printing together.
Warm regards,
The 3D Labs Team