Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have developed an AI-powered preview system that shows users exactly how a 3D printed object will look before a single layer is extruded, tackling one of the most persistent sources of waste in the fabrication process. The study was led by senior author Stefanie Mueller, associate professor of EECS and Mechanical Engineering at MIT, with Maxine Perroni-Scharf as lead author. The team spans MIT, Princeton University, and the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology , and was funded by an MIT Morningside Academy for Design Fellowship and an MIT MathWorks Fellowship. The Problem With How 3D Printing Previews Work Current slicer software prioritizes structural accuracy over aesthetics, leaving color, texture, gloss, and translucency largely to guesswork.…