You always hear about offshore product cloning, but it’s a shock to see them. We were directed to the “Good Luck Buy” site, where we saw what appears to be an almost perfect clone of the famous 3Doodler 3D printing pen: the 3D Printing Pen for 3D Prototype Modeling. 3Doodler, you may recall, recently… Continue reading 3Doodler: CLONED
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Autodesk’s 3D Print Utility
Autodesk has released yet another 3D print-friendly free tool, the 3D Print Utility. Autodesk has been punching out many different free 3D tools in the past few years, but this one is perhaps closest to 3D printing. What does the 3D Printing Utility do? It accepts an STL format 3D model and then offers… Continue reading Autodesk’s 3D Print Utility
TorrentFreak Contemplates 3D Piracy
TorrentFreak, a blog covering happenings in the BitTorrent world, forecasts doom for some manufacturers when 3D printing becomes widespread. BitTorrent is a file sharing protocol often used for pirating digital media, most notably music, movies and ebooks. TorrentFreak focused on the scenario of replacing a sink plug by personal 3D printing and realized plug manufacturers… Continue reading TorrentFreak Contemplates 3D Piracy
Pirate3D’s Booty
Pirate3D’s crowdfunded launch of their inexpensive Buccaneer personal 3D printer was a success mere minutes after it opened, but how did it end? Their campaign ended as one of the most successful 3D print launches in history. They achieved USD$1,438,765 of their now-modest-seeming USD$100K goal. Formlabs still holds the record for the biggest crowdfunded… Continue reading Pirate3D’s Booty
Joy Division’s Famous Cover is 3D Printed
The iconic cover for Joy Division’s 1979 hit album Unknown Pleasures has been 3D printed. German designer Michael Zoellner wanted to print Peter Saville’s design, which was based on an extra-terrestrial pulsar signal. Unfortunately, he ran into trouble right away: I could not find a single vector graphic or 3D model anywhere. There are… Continue reading Joy Division’s Famous Cover is 3D Printed
The Perfect Cast is 3D Printed
Designer Jake Evill has done something good. Something truly amazing that could change the future. He’s produced a custom-fit 3D printed exoskeleton piece that can be used as a cast for broken limbs. The “Cortex” cast is a sparse model that perfectly fits the exterior shape of the limb, while providing adequate support for… Continue reading The Perfect Cast is 3D Printed
3D Printing and Painting – Together At Last
Artist Ioan Florea has developed a new technique for linking the new technology of 3D printing with the ancient art of painting. The recent immigrant to the USA has developed a line of fast dry oil pants, but we’re most interested in the way in which he integrated 3D printing. The process begins with… Continue reading 3D Printing and Painting – Together At Last
THRE3D’s 3D Printing Directory
A new 3D printing online directory launches today: THRE3D provides a great index of materials, services and, of course, 3D printers. The site operates at a meta-level above manufacturer and resellers sites, providing an ability to compare offerings in a consistent manner. For example, if you’re interested in obtaining a spool of Laywoo-D3 wood… Continue reading THRE3D’s 3D Printing Directory
Design of the Week: Soap Dish
This week’s selection is “Soap Dish” by Thingiverse creator Tom Kerpert, a.k.a. alofus. The Soap Dish is just that: a holder for a bar of soap. Made from the word “Soap” written in script, the Soap Dish curves slightly to secure a slippery cleansing slab. We like this design because it overcomes that most… Continue reading Design of the Week: Soap Dish
3D Systems Joins Planetary Resources
You may recall the announcement of Planetary Resources? They’re the futuristic company that intends on developing technology to capture asteroids and refine them for their mineral wealth. The company is backed by several notable entrepreneurs and explorers, including X-Prize founder Peter Diamandis and filmmaker James Cameron. Now they’ve added another major investor: 3D Systems. … Continue reading 3D Systems Joins Planetary Resources
A 3D Printing Revolution in South Africa
An event featuring several notable 3D print designers is to take place in Johannesburg on July 6th. The event, “Agents of the 3D Revolution Exhibition and Seminar”, is put on by, of course, Agents of the 3D Revolution, a new group formed to promote use of 3D technology in South Africa. The group includes… Continue reading A 3D Printing Revolution in South Africa
Cuboyo’s 3D Model Shop
With all the new printable 3D model shops opening online, you’d wonder how they can possibly distinguish one from another. We’ve been examining Cuboyo and found they offer a convenient online experience for 3D model shopping. The site contains only printable 3D models, greatly simplifying the shopping experience from typical and numerous 3D model… Continue reading Cuboyo’s 3D Model Shop
3D Model Captured With Google Glass
Google Glass is a set of glasses that include processing, networking and sensory elements. It’s an experimental platform upon which developers many now invent new kinds of applications. One such experiment is Todd Blatt’s 3D scanning project. The glasses themselves do not have the processing capability to generate a 3D model, nor do the… Continue reading 3D Model Captured With Google Glass
Optomec’s Mini Metal Printer
In the world of 3D printing, bigger really is better, but New Mexico-based Optomec plans to take things in a different direction. The company will bring selective laser sintering down to the micro scale with their new Laser Engineered Net Shaping printer. Originally created at Sandia National Labs for use by the military and… Continue reading Optomec’s Mini Metal Printer
Cura: An Unusual Slicer
3D Hacker has posted an interesting video interview with David Braam, the developer of Cura. What’s Cura? It’s a new 3D printing management program designed to drive the Ultimaker personal 3D printer. Braam used his own Ultimaker for some time but noticed problems in the software environment, specifically around time delays. 3D printing is… Continue reading Cura: An Unusual Slicer
3D Printing Sugru!
You don’t know what Sugru is? It’s a peculiar substance that is malleable when first exposed to air, but then solidifies into a rubber-like material that can be bent but snaps back to its original shape. Too bad you can’t 3D print it. But now you can! HYREL has performed an experiments with… Continue reading 3D Printing Sugru!
Windows 8.1 Incorporates 3D Printing
You know that something is becoming mainstream when it shows up in Microsoft Windows – and that’s precisely what’s happened in the most recent release of Windows, 8.1. Does this mean any Windows computer can now 3D print? Not exactly – this announcement is really for software developers. Microsoft announced a set of standard… Continue reading Windows 8.1 Incorporates 3D Printing
Preventing 3D Gun Printing?
Create It Real announced they’ve developed a system for preventing 3D printing of firearms. The system apparently uses some kind of geometric detection to identify firearm-like 3D models. Once identified, it simply prevents them from printing. But how does it work? They say: Upon opening a 3D file, the smart software scans the model… Continue reading Preventing 3D Gun Printing?
12,000 Swarovski Crystals On a 3D Printed Dress
The unlikely team of costume designer Michael Schmidt of Los Angeles and architect Francis Bitonti of Brooklyn collaborated to create the world’s “first fully articulated garment made using 3-D printing”, according to a report in the New York Times. Bitonti created a detailed scan of burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, while Schmidt used the… Continue reading 12,000 Swarovski Crystals On a 3D Printed Dress
3D Printed Ponies!
Across the world today many people have 3D printers, but what do they make with them? We’re seeing inventive folks focus on very specific categories and styles of objects, each trying to eke out a business by servicing the needs of others. Student and artist Nyasu decided to make cute ponies with his 3D printer. … Continue reading 3D Printed Ponies!
African Jumpstart With 3D Printing?
Many years ago we wondered how Africa could ever catch up to the West in telecommunications. The cost of installing cabling would have been tremendous, but something happened to change the picture. Wireless technology emerged and Africa didn’t have to come up with cash to install wires. They simply leapfrogged over the old technology and… Continue reading African Jumpstart With 3D Printing?
3B Printing?
Yes, we said “3B” printing. It’s definitely not a technology like 3D printing, but we thought you’d be interested in seeing it. Created by liquor manufacturer Dewars, 3B printing was used for a promotion for their new “Highlander Honey” Scotch. It’s a relatively straightforward process: a custom-shaped form is filled with honeybees, who build… Continue reading 3B Printing?
MendelMax 2 Now Available
Maker’s Tool Works now offers their new MendelMax 2 personal 3D printer. We wrote about this unit some time ago, but now you can actually buy them direct. Maker’s Tool Works successfully completed a beta test involving over 100 testers, who helped certify and refine the final product. Now this product is available in… Continue reading MendelMax 2 Now Available
Figulo Prints Ceramics
There is no shortage of 3D print services these days. Some are large, some are small, but virtually all of them have a strategy of expanding their scope as wide as possible. Consider Shapeways, who have the peculiar habit of adding new materials almost weekly, or Kraftwurx, who offer over 100 different materials. … Continue reading Figulo Prints Ceramics
The First 3D Printed Fashion Show in Asia
Kuala Lumpur was the scene of the first 3D printed fashion show to take place in Asia. Designer Melinda Looi of Malaysia teamed with 3D print service Materialise to produce the works shown. Five startling creations were shown by models who wore the pieces in bodysuits to focus attention on the 3D printed articles. … Continue reading The First 3D Printed Fashion Show in Asia
Design of the Week: Orbital Levitation Lamp
This week’s selection is designer Margot Krasojevic’s amazing Orbital Levitaiton LED Lamp. It’s a wispy, cloud-like 3D printed shape with an embedded LED light source. Beautiful, to be sure, but that’s not the most interesting part. The lamp uses magnetic levitation to float above its mount. It floats in thin air! Even better, you… Continue reading Design of the Week: Orbital Levitation Lamp
Stratasys Wins Gold Medal
Stratasys was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2013 Concours Lépine International Inventions Exhibition. The Concours Lépine is an annual competition for French inventions that has been taking place since 1901. This year’s event included some 600 inventors from France and beyond. Stratasys’ winning entry related to a new “pseudo-composite” material for use in… Continue reading Stratasys Wins Gold Medal
Skanect Under New Management
Skanect is now part of Occipital, Inc., according to an announcement by Skanect. Skanect produces one of the most powerful systems for capturing casual 3D scans with a Microsoft Kinect. Occipital produces 360 degrees panoramas and related computer vision products, so acquiring Skanect seems like a logical extension of their existing business. The… Continue reading Skanect Under New Management
How Will Stratasys and MakerBot Change?
After their acquisition of MakerBot, we’re expecting changes in StrataBot, or is it MakerSys? We’re just kidding; neither Stratasys nor MakerBot will change their name as a result of this week’s acquisition; there’s too much value associated with each brand. But what else will change? The two companies have some similarities in technology –… Continue reading How Will Stratasys and MakerBot Change?
The Budget That Was Saved By 3D Printing
South east of Huntsville, Alabama is the small city of Boaz, where something very interesting happened. The Boaz City School System discovered they had to replace all the switch mounts for their network upgrade. The 364 switches were to cost USD$2000, but Wayne Caudle, Director of Technologies for the School System had a better… Continue reading The Budget That Was Saved By 3D Printing
Demand for 3D Printers Continues to Grow
In a recently released report, independent market research firm IDTechEx found that the 3D printing market did an impressive billion dollars in business in 2012, and that by 2025 it could reach four billion in total sales. In the study, titled “3D Printing 2013-2025: Technologies, Markets, Players,” IDTechEx argues that 3D printing sector growth… Continue reading Demand for 3D Printers Continues to Grow
MakerBot’s First Post-Stratasys 3D Printer?
What will be the next personal 3D printer from MakerBot, post acquisition by Stratasys? We believe MakerBot’s next 3D printer could be significantly different from previous Replicators. Why? Because there will be huge synergies between the two companies technologies, as both use plastic extrusion processes. Extruded plastic 3D printing was invented by Stratasys… Continue reading MakerBot’s First Post-Stratasys 3D Printer?
MakerWare 2.2 Released
MakerBot has the good habit of continually releasing improved versions of their software to make their hardware work even better. The latest release of MakerWare, software to drive MakerBot’s Replicator 3D printers, showed up last week. We’re particularly interested in this release because it offers significant improvements in handling overhangs. 3D printer operators are… Continue reading MakerWare 2.2 Released
I Will Not Print You A Gun!
The headline is not exactly what is said on a piece now appearing on Thingiverse. The “guns are bad” 3D model by Gecko is a desktop sign that actually says: NO! I will not print you a f***ing gun 3D printed guns are obviously controversial, so much so that the mandarins at Thingiverse… Continue reading I Will Not Print You A Gun!
BREAKING: Stratasys Acquires MakerBot
Call us wrong on this one. The other week we suggested it didn’t make much sense for Stratasys to purchase MakerBot, in spite of rumors. Regardless of our analysis, simultaneous press releases from both companies this afternoon say a deal has in fact been made. The deal, set to close in Q3, is a… Continue reading BREAKING: Stratasys Acquires MakerBot
Autodesk Battles Bad Design
3D software giant Autodesk has released an infographic portraying the need for, guess what? 3D design software. (Click on the image above to see the fine details). It may be in their self-interest, but they have a valid point. The infographic indicates that a surprising amount of newly released products are subject to recall… Continue reading Autodesk Battles Bad Design
There’s Something About 3D Printed Shoes
One of the most interesting items to 3D print on a high-power color 3D printer turns out to be shoes. We were blown away when we first encountered a color 3D printed shoe last year – the visual realism is only broken when you pick up the shoe and realize its made of sandstone. … Continue reading There’s Something About 3D Printed Shoes
3D Printed Sports Logos: Illegal?
Boston, Massachusetts is the original home of ZCorp, now owned by 3D Systems. It’s also the home of the Boston Bruins NHL hockey club, currently battling the Chicago Blackhawks for the championship Stanley Cup. In 2011 the Bruins won the cup and the folks (or perhaps fans) at ZCorp printed out the Bruins official… Continue reading 3D Printed Sports Logos: Illegal?
3D Systems Acquires Phenix Systems
3D Systems continues its acquisition run with the announcement they’ve agreed to take on Phenix Systems, a manufacturer of metal 3D printing devices. France-based Phenix Systems uses the “Direct Metal Selective Laser Sintering” process, which uses high-powered lasers to fuse layers of metal powder into solid objects at very fine resolutions. The process is… Continue reading 3D Systems Acquires Phenix Systems
A Dad Meets a 3D Printer
We’ve been working with 3D printers for so many years it’s sometimes hard to recall what it was like when first encountering a 3D printer. That’s why we’re reading a post on GeekDad by Brad Moon, who decided to dive deep into 3D printing by purchasing a 3D Systems Cube personal 3D printer. Moon… Continue reading A Dad Meets a 3D Printer
The Incredibly Inexpensive Nautilus 3D Printer
A fundraising campaign has launched for the Nautilus 3D printer. It’s a resin-based DLP printer, using a process similar to that used by Formlabs and 3D Systems. The Nautilus uses a DLP projection system to fuse each layer of photo-curable resin. The Nautilus was developed by a team of four from Beijing who were… Continue reading The Incredibly Inexpensive Nautilus 3D Printer
Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room
In July of this year Digital Grotesque will launch. It’s a project to produce “an elaborate, fully-enclosed room that is entirely 3D printed.” Computational architects Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer designed Digital Grotesque and exhibited a 1:3 scale prototype at the recent 2013 Swiss Art Awards in Basel. They hope to produce a full… Continue reading Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room
3D Printing Price Check Update
What is 3DPrintingPriceCheck? It does exactly that. Jonas Neubert, creator of the online service, just released a significant update to the service, which now includes STL upload, instant quotes from some 3D print services, more materials and even lead time estimates. The service makes shopping for the best deal easy. You simply drag and… Continue reading 3D Printing Price Check Update
Design of the Week: Mask 3
This week’s selection is Mask 3 by artist Stuart Wade. Wade has developed a series of 3D printed masks inspired by “native masks and patterns”. The others in the series are, of course, Mask 1 and Mask 2, both similar in style but very different. At first glance, the design of the Masks seem… Continue reading Design of the Week: Mask 3
3D Printing to Change the Shoe Industry?
James Shorrock writes on Hypebeast his thoughts on how 3D printing could change the future of the shoe manufacturing industry. He proposes that while shoe prototyping has already led to much more rapid shoe design, eventually shoes could be 3D printed directly, based on current experiments with different materials. Once the correct cushioning and… Continue reading 3D Printing to Change the Shoe Industry?
More Fashion Designers Moving to 3D Printing
We may be past the pioneering stage in 3D printed fashion. While there have been several experimental forays into 3D printed clothing and accessories, we’re now seeing more fashion designers join the 3D printing movement. Today we’re reading of designer Catherine Wales, who previously worked on projects for Yves Saint Laurent, has developed an… Continue reading More Fashion Designers Moving to 3D Printing
A Collectable Rubber Duck in Hong Kong
Eddie Tsai of Hong Kong’s Fung Academy researched the adoption of 3D printing by consumers and came up with the concept of “hyperlocal promotions, the ability to respond to events around the world with meaningful relevant products quickly.” An interesting concept certainly, but it quickly became reality for Tsai, who was contacted mere days… Continue reading A Collectable Rubber Duck in Hong Kong
An Interview with Shapeways Bart Veldhuizen
Andrew Mazotta of 3D Hacker posted a video interview with Shapeways’ Bart Veldhuizen, recorded at Shapeways’ European headquarters in Eindhoven. In the interview Mazotta goes through the basics, starting by examining the history of Shapeways. Veldhuizen, European Community Manager for Shapeways, has been with the company for five years and has witnessed the tremendous… Continue reading An Interview with Shapeways Bart Veldhuizen
World’s Largest 3D printer built in China
Dalian University of Technology has announced the development of the world’s largest 3D printer. The massive laser sintering 3D printer has a build volume of 1.8m3 and can reduce print processing time by some 35%. In addition, the printer’s “contour scanning” printing technique can also reduce manufacturing costs by 40% when compared to other… Continue reading World’s Largest 3D printer built in China
Could the Buccaneer Raise USD$1M?
The launch of Pirate3D’s inexpensive and classy Buccaneer personal 3D printer on Kickstarter was explosive, raising their initial funding goal within mere minutes. Now, weeks later into the campaign, they’re approaching USD$900K in funding and seemingly within reach of the magic USD$1M mark. Will they make it? We think so. The… Continue reading Could the Buccaneer Raise USD$1M?
Organovo 3D Prints a Human Liver
In a video report on CBC, Organovo CEO Keith Murphy describes his company’s latest achievement: 3D bioprinting portions of a human liver. Even more amazing is that the liver cells actually exhibit partial function. Murphy says: “Today we can print tiny parts of these organs… About half a millimeter to a millimeter thick”.… Continue reading Organovo 3D Prints a Human Liver
3D Printing: It’s A Local Thing
We’re reading a post on BlogTO, a publication focused on events in Toronto, which talks about the sudden popularity of 3D printing in that city. They describe 3D printing technology for those who are not familiar and relate local 3D printing events. They list places in the region where people can get exposed to… Continue reading 3D Printing: It’s A Local Thing
Ford Predicts 3D Printed Spare Parts
A recent Wall Street Journal article describes Ford and General Electric’s experiments in 3D printed prototypes and production parts. While that’s not new, we observed an interesting quote: The auto maker sees a future where customers will be able to print their own replacement parts. Theoretically, a customer could log onto the Web, scan… Continue reading Ford Predicts 3D Printed Spare Parts
How Many Things at Thingiverse? Lots!
3D printing is taking off, if one believes the signals seen this year. Another milestone was reached last week by popular repository Thingiverse, who declared they now have over 100,000 3D models available. Thingiverse also released several interesting statistics. Apparently the number of models rose by 20,000 in just the past month. At this… Continue reading How Many Things at Thingiverse? Lots!
Battle of the 3D Printer Manufacturers
The opening of MakerBot’s new factory has us wondering about their main competition’s manufacturing capability. 3D System’s Cube is now selling at Staples online shop, with intentions of being sold in each physical store location. We suspect the Cube is manufactured overseas in China, where large-scale manufacturing is commonplace and inexpensive. It also provides… Continue reading Battle of the 3D Printer Manufacturers
Win a Replicator 2X In Manchester
A 3D modeling contest has been launched that offers a complete MakerBot Replicator 2X as first prize. The sponsor is unlikely for a 3D contest: 2D print cartridge company CartridgeSave.co.uk. Nevertheless, a contest is a contest. This one involves producing a figurine of an “original 3D character”, “your ultimate action hero”. The organizers will… Continue reading Win a Replicator 2X In Manchester
HYREL is 3D Printing Clay
New 3D printer manufacturer HYREL has developed an extruder capable of 3D printing clay. In the video below you’ll see it printing a pyramid. A simple print indeed, but one that proves it’s possible. The HYREL line of 3D printers includes an interesting feature: “multiple hot-swappable extruder head options.” If the clay extruder is… Continue reading HYREL is 3D Printing Clay
Seven Things You Must Know About 3D Printing
Many Fabbaloo readers are new to the idea of 3D printing. You may have been attracted to the technology because you’ve seen it on the web, or perhaps someone told you about it. But not having experienced it directly, there are some things you should know. It’s Slow. Do not expect Star Trek Replicator… Continue reading Seven Things You Must Know About 3D Printing
Amazon Is Selling 3D Printers
Surprise! Amazon is now selling 3D printers. The online retailing giant now offers a rather lengthy selection of 3D printer gear. Included in Amazon’s extensive portfolio are: FlashForge MakerBot Replicator 2 Afinia H-Series MBot Cube Airwolf FF3D JET Felix Robotics Fabbster 3D Systems Cube, RapMan and 3D Touch LulzBot AO-101 BotMill Glide … Continue reading Amazon Is Selling 3D Printers
Free 3D Scans Of Famous Sculptures?
Cosmo Wenman is well-known for his incredibly realistic and large-size 3D prints of ancient sculptures. How does he do it? He visits museums to capture 3D scans later offered online at no charge. Now he’s taking the concept to a much higher level: a Kickstarter project hopes to raise funds for him to scan numerous… Continue reading Free 3D Scans Of Famous Sculptures?
Design of the Week: Milk Splash
This week’s selection is an arty yet practical 3D model: Milk Splash by CGTrader modeler GrafxBOX. Billed as a “pens holder”, the Milk Splash is also very attractive and seemingly animated. This model is available for purchase at CGTrader at a price of only USD$15. For that price you’ll receive the STL, suitable… Continue reading Design of the Week: Milk Splash
Stratasys To Acquire MakerBot?
A report on TechCrunch proposes that MakerBot is in talks with Stratasys “regarding a possible acquisition”. The report says “persistent rumors of a sale or new funding have followed the company this year”. The report also says MakerBot has been seeking investors with a goal to raise USD$25M by valuing the company at USD$300M. … Continue reading Stratasys To Acquire MakerBot?
MakerBot’s New Factory
As the rumors indicated, MakerBot has indeed opened up a brand new factory in a Brooklyn, New York neighborhood, close to MakerBot’s head office and original workshops. The new factory’s massive 55,000 square feet will be used to build the company’s current products, the Replicator 2 and Replicator 2X, and we suspect future products… Continue reading MakerBot’s New Factory
How Many Personal 3D Printers Exist?
With recent furor over 3D printed guns, we started wondering exactly how many people could actually produce them on their 3D printer. In other words, how many personal 3D printers exist? It’s very difficult to cite any specific number, mainly because the major manufacturers are very tight with statistical information. MakerBot used to leak… Continue reading How Many Personal 3D Printers Exist?
More Advanced 3D Interfaces Brewing
California-based Atheer is developing an advanced wearable 3D visual display that should be available in 2014. The as-yet-unnamed product appears to be a set of North Korean-style glasses that display 3D information to each eye. You might think Atheer is repeating Google’s Glass product, but they’re not. Atheer’s product will be completely standalone and… Continue reading More Advanced 3D Interfaces Brewing
Finland Looks to Enter the 3D Printing Market
In a recently announced partnership, the Institute of Photonics at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and Dutch company LUXeXceL will partner together to create a photonic 3D printer. Started only a few shorts days ago, the UEF’s Institute of Phototonics has hit the ground running, grabbing its first large industrial partnership within a… Continue reading Finland Looks to Enter the 3D Printing Market
3D Printing Retail Store To Open In Illinois
We’ve seen MakerBot pioneer 3D printing retail deep in New York City and then in London at the iMakr store. Now there’s another retail venture taking place in Evanston, Illinois – which is just north of Chicago, for those unfamiliar with the area. GetPrinting3D is a showroom where visitors can take a look at… Continue reading 3D Printing Retail Store To Open In Illinois
Human Faces 3D Printed From Stray DNA
In another truly science fiction moment, PhD student Heather Dewey-Hagborg has developed a technique for transforming found DNA into a 3D model of the DNA owner’s face. This, of course, can be 3D printed. Studying Information art at Troy, NY’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Dewey-Hagborg has been involved in a wide variety of similarly unusual… Continue reading Human Faces 3D Printed From Stray DNA
China Turns to 3D Printing
Apparently some 40% of 3D printer installations are in the United States, while other countries lag significantly behind. China is positioned at only 9% despite being the world’s leader in manufacturing. That may change as a new conference specifically focused on 3D printing took place in Beijing. The World 3D Printing Conference, which concluded… Continue reading China Turns to 3D Printing
The Sugar Lab’s Sweet Prints
A pair of graduate students from Los Angeles created The Sugar Lab, a new business producing highly creative 3D printed sugar cake toppers. The two, Kyle and Liz, embarked on their journey by attempting to 3D print a cake for a friend. After much experimentation, they produced a cake topper made from 3D printed… Continue reading The Sugar Lab’s Sweet Prints
Orange County Choppers 3D Prints A Dragoncycle
The gentlemen at Orange County Choppers (yes, those guys) happen to own a Stratasys Fortus 400mc large commercial 3D printer and they’ve been using it to create some very unique motorcycles. A Chinese client requested a dragon-themed bike from OCC team, who designed and built the magnificent vehicle you see above. The 3D printed… Continue reading Orange County Choppers 3D Prints A Dragoncycle
Pirate3D Helps Africa
As if landing nearly half a million dollars in instant crowd funding isn’t sufficient, Pirate3D announced a significant charitable venture. They will provide 3D printing technology and training to “selected African institutions”. The venture is within Pirate3D’s corporate social responsibility program and partners with Harvard’s Calestous Juma to promote sustainable development worldwide. Juma, Director… Continue reading Pirate3D Helps Africa
Sad Keanu: A 3D Printed Meme
In 2010 paparazzi snapped a pic of actor Keanu Reeves sitting on a bench and looking a bit dejected. The image quickly exploded into an internet meme, generating thousands of images, captions and sites dedicated to the concept. The meme continues. Shapeways creator neuralfirings developed a 3D model of the Keanu pose and offered… Continue reading Sad Keanu: A 3D Printed Meme
3D Printing Your Thoughts – Literally
This isn’t science fiction. ThinkerThing’s goal is to develop a system for actually reading your thoughts and sending them directly to a 3D printer for production. They say: We have built a machine that will allow you to make real objects with your mind. Incredible as this sounds, it does seem doable by… Continue reading 3D Printing Your Thoughts – Literally
A Resin for 3D Printed Microelectronics
Researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology and C-MET have developed a specialized resin that is suitable for 3D printing electronics at a microscopic scale. The goal was to develop a material usable to create micro-sized electrodes. Apparently a “carbonization” stage is required to create electrical conductivity, but current materials could not withstand that… Continue reading A Resin for 3D Printed Microelectronics
A 3D Printer From Togo
Yes, Togo. It’s the home of Afate Gnikou of WoeLab, a technology incubator in the small African country. Gnikou has launched a crowdfunding project on Ulule to raise funds to begin building a Togo-designed personal 3D printer. The goal of the project is to design a 3D printer that can be built from commonly… Continue reading A 3D Printer From Togo
Pirate3D’s Buccaneer Sets Sail
Pirate3D released their incredibly inexpensive personal 3D printer for pre-orders last week and it seems to have been a massive success. Their Kickstarter fundraising goal was USD$100,000 – and it was met within mere minutes of the launch. As of this writing, the project has raised well over USD$400,000, putting Pirate3D in the select… Continue reading Pirate3D’s Buccaneer Sets Sail
Design of the Week: Hyphae Lamps
This week’s selection is Nervous Systems’ Hyphae Lamp collection. Nervous System is well known for producing startling designs using generative 3D modeling techniques. The Hyphae Lamp collection is a set of 13 unique lamp designs created using these techniques, but inspired by nature. They say: The Hyphae lamp is a series of organic… Continue reading Design of the Week: Hyphae Lamps
It’s Time To Inventory Cubify’s Apps
Over the past year Cubify has periodically released web apps for you to create customized designs. Some of the apps permit download of STL files for printing on your home 3D printer, and we suspect Cubify is hoping you’ll do it on your Cube 3D printer, even though the STL models could print on other… Continue reading It’s Time To Inventory Cubify’s Apps
Shapeways Flexes Its Materials
3D print service Shapeways has made a history of pioneering new 3D print materials for makers. Typically they experiment with a new idea and if it proves popular and feasible, they’ll add it to their growing list of material options. This week they announced a rather unusual material: “Elasto Plastic”. If the name makes… Continue reading Shapeways Flexes Its Materials
BBC: “3D Printing Is Not Going To Change The World”
BBC correspondent Peter Day says “3D printing is not—according to one of the prophets of the new personal manufacturing age—going to change the world on its own” in a recent piece. His notion parallels our thinking, and by extension, the thought process everyone must go through. It’s something like this: Wow! 3D Printing… Continue reading BBC: “3D Printing Is Not Going To Change The World”
Who Should Disney Sue for 3D Printing Mickey?
There’s an interesting piece at Intellectual Property Brief by Brianna Ford that looks at the legal scenario involved when copyright, trademark or patent items are illegally reproduced on a personal 3D printer. We strongly suspect this situation will occur; in fact, it’s probably already occurring. Disney-related items are appearing at Thingiverse and they will… Continue reading Who Should Disney Sue for 3D Printing Mickey?
X-Box One Prototyped with 3D Printer
At its Redmond, Washington, headquarters, Microsoft unveiled its next generation video game console the X-Box One. The console, which will feature 15 exclusive titles, Skype video calling, and a voice and gesture command feature, came with one other surprise; it was prototyped using 3D printers. Admittedly, Microsoft isn’t a new comer to the world… Continue reading X-Box One Prototyped with 3D Printer
Get a Buccaneer 3D Printer for Only USD$247!
Pirate3D is launching their super-inexpensive 3D printer today through Kickstarter. The startup company’s first product, the Buccaneer, is a filament extrusion machine they bill as the “world’s most affordable 3D printer”. The list price of the Buc’ will be USD$347, but a “very limited number” of them will be available for only USD$247, which… Continue reading Get a Buccaneer 3D Printer for Only USD$247!
3D Printing Hits USD$2.2B in 2012
According to the annual Wohler’s Report, the 3D printing industry broke the USD$2B annual mark for the first time in history during 2012. Apparently the industry grew by a staggering 28.6% over 2011, far more than the overall economic growth rate. (Is it actually growing at all? We’re not sure.) This demonstrates a… Continue reading 3D Printing Hits USD$2.2B in 2012
BioHacking Leads to 3D BioPrinting?
A report on TechCrunch describes the work of two bio companies, Genome Compiler and Cambrian Genomics. They are developing hardware and software to design and print (the DNA) of new life forms. The idea is to provide software (that’s Genome Compiler’s part) that allows a designer to combine different gene sequences together into a… Continue reading BioHacking Leads to 3D BioPrinting?
3D Printed Walls Offer Unique Designs
Paris-based In-Flexions has produced one-of-a-kind residential room designs using 3D printing. The “Printed Habitat”, created by designers François Brument and Sonia Laugier, used parametric design to develop a complete set of 3D printed blocks that, when assembled, create a complete set of interior walls. The blocks are individually designed, each generated using a parametric… Continue reading 3D Printed Walls Offer Unique Designs
Hands On With: High Impact Polystyrene
Our friends at Filaco sent us a spool of their new High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) filament for testing. Accordingly, we spent many hours at our lab checking it out. The HIPS filament comes in only a pure white color, which actually isn’t much of a problem; the objects printed in this spectacularly white material… Continue reading Hands On With: High Impact Polystyrene
3D Printed Fireworks? Yes, Please!
No, you can’t 3D print gunpowder, as far as we know, but you can actually make fireworks. Christophe Hermanns of Belgian-based Vigo Universal used 3D printing to create several devices used to hold live fireworks in Les Orryflammes’ pyrotechnic shows. The artistic troupe employs handheld fireworks apparatus to produce a highly animated stage show,… Continue reading 3D Printed Fireworks? Yes, Please!
The Public Emotions of 3D Printing
We’ve been covering 3D printing for quite some time now, perhaps six years, and in that time we’ve seen many promising developments and a gradual progression towards a mythical, ultimate personal 3D printer. We’re not close to such a Star Trek-like device by any measure, but progress continues. The public, on the other hand,… Continue reading The Public Emotions of 3D Printing
Made In Space To Really Go To Space
They made the 3D printer, now they send it into space. Made In Space, the startup who have designed a compact 3D printer suitable for use in the weightless environment in space, now have a flight date for their machine. In August 2014 their 3D printer will be carried aloft to the International Space Station… Continue reading Made In Space To Really Go To Space
Hands On With The FinishingTouch Smoothing Station
If you’re 3D printing with plastic filament, you’ll be familiar with the layered effect, where progressive extrusions accumulate into an object. The object has the correct shape, but has unsightly ridges. What to do? You can eliminate ridges with the Acetone technique, but it’s relatively dangerous, as acetone is flammable and generally not very… Continue reading Hands On With The FinishingTouch Smoothing Station
MakerBot – Autodesk Discount Available
If you happen to be interested in purchasing a MakerBot Replicator 2 personal 3D printer and a premium membership in Autodesk’s highly useful 123D apps, you’re in luck: there’s a discount available. If you upgrade from the free version of 123D to premium level, you’ll receive a USD$40 discount on purchase of a MakerBot… Continue reading MakerBot – Autodesk Discount Available
Let Yeggi Find Your 3D Models
Unless you’re a capable 3D designer, you’ll have to find pre-made 3D models to send to your 3D printer. This can be problematic for a couple of reasons: searching for non-textual items is always difficult; there are an increasing number of 3D model repositories to search. The latter is partially solved by the strangely… Continue reading Let Yeggi Find Your 3D Models
Design of the Week: Helix Wireframe
This week’s selection is the Helix Wireframe with ball by Shapeways creator Wainstain. The design is precisely what it is named: a twirly helix with a ball inside. Here’s the trick: This is a four sided helix with a wireframe ball inside that can move freely in any direction you choose. Like… Continue reading Design of the Week: Helix Wireframe