Kupros Cu29 V2 Brings Embedded Electronics to Desktop 3D Printers

Kupros has started shipping the second generation of its all-metal conductive filament, Cu29 V2, and the company is now pushing into embedded electronics. The Indiana-based startup says it has developed a patent-pending process that lets standard desktop FFF and FDM printers lay down conductive copper pathways directly inside a part. Circuits, sensors, conformal antennas, and other electronic functions can be printed without separate wiring, soldering, or post-processing steps.

What changed from V1

The original Cu29 proved the concept. Ian Ramsdell, Kupros CEO and founder, said V2 addresses the friction points that surfaced once early adopters started running real jobs. The new batch is meant to be easier to deploy in engineering workflows. Kupros also says it has sent Cu29-enabled sensor test articles to Oak Ridge National Laboratory for independent evaluation.

Why desktop FFF matters

Most conductive filaments on the market are polymer-based. They carry current poorly and require heavy post-processing to be useful. Cu29 is an all-metal tin-and-copper material. Kupros claims measured resistivity roughly 8000 percent higher than the nearest polymer competitor, within a few percent of bulk copper. The filament runs on ordinary FDM machines that many engineers and makers already own.

Military interest is already here

The US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center recently tested remote 3D printing for drone electronics repair during an Indo-Pacific exercise. Marines involved in that challenge said they want an automated, all-in-one solution for diagnostics and printed electronics components in rugged conditions. Kupros says its technology fits that requirement. The company's sister company, Sciperio, worked on the DEVCOM drone repair project, and Kupros's material has already been evaluated by nScrypt in related efforts.

Education as a growth market

Ramsdell sees another long-term opportunity in schools. Reshoring US manufacturing depends on getting students interested in hands-on technical work. Electronics grab attention. If Cu29 can sit alongside the standard filaments in a classroom lab, it gives students a reason to move from consuming technology to building it.

Where to find it

Kupros plans to demonstrate Cu29 V2 at Fed Supernova 2026 in Austin, Texas, August 18-20, and at J-DAMMIT 2026 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, August 25-27. The first 90-kilogram production batch appears to be sold out. Those interested can check the Kupros website for restock timing.