With Mercedes-Benz announcing last year that it is now selling 3D printed spare parts for its cargo trucks, 3D printing is gaining momentum as a commercial strategy for large-scale manufacturers.
learning
9 Ways To Dramatically Improve the Finish Quality of Your 3D Prints
You can often be your own worst critic with your finished prints.
A Different Way to Color 3D Prints
Formlabs has published a method of coloring 3D prints that I hadn’t seen previously.
A Great Guide to 3D Print Post Processing
I bumped into a rather well done page described pretty much all the available techniques for finishing 3D prints.
The Pursuit of Efficiency: 3D Printing in 3D Space
Profitability of 3D printing often depends on efficiency, and that’s something of prime concern to many 3D print operators.
What is “Neosanding” and Why Would You Use It?
An interesting technique used by some Ultimaker users could put a better finish on your 3D printed parts.
Product Visualization Pro Esben Oxholm Details His Workflow in New KeyShot Training Course
Few tools are as indispensable in the design engineer’s toolbox as a solid product visualization tool.
MyStemKits Expands
MyStemKits announced an international expansion, which could eventually lead to breakthroughs in 3D print use worldwide.
Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE for Learning
Dassault Systèmes is the well-known producer of the Solidworks family of 3D modeling tools, well used for 3D printing worldwide.
Six Ways to Strengthen 3D Printed Parts
Some say 3D printed parts are not strong, but they can be made much stronger than you suspect.
The Many Meshmixer Tutorials
If you haven’t used Meshmixer, you should.
3D Printer Maintenance: The Forgotten Activity
While there are many prints emerging from 3D printers, there is usually insufficient maintenance being performed on machines.
7 Issues to Look Out for in Metal 3D Printing
For some engineers, 3D printing may be coming on in an unwelcome rush.
You Can Get A Degree In Additive Manufacturing
From something quite obscure a few years ago, 3D printing is now at the point where you can obtain a degree focused on the technology.
The Challenges of 3D Printers in a Makerspace
Using a 3D printer (or several) in a makerspace? There are some things to know.
What is This 3D Printer Doing in a Museum?
While strolling through a museum the other day, I literally stepped on a gigantic 3D printer. What was it doing there?
3D Print Tip: Oh How I Love My Heat Gun
There are plenty of ideas for tools required to help operate desktop 3D printers, and one of them is the heat gun.
The 3D Printing Finishing Guidebook to Make Products Shine
3D printing is the next big activity for hobbyists and manufactures alike.
Four Ways To Join Letters for 3D Printing
One of the most popular things to do with a desktop 3D printer is printing words or names. But there’s a huge problem.
Interesting Language Training Application Using LulzBot 3D Printers
LulzBot published a very unusual new use for 3D print technology: language visualization.
Free Online 3D CAD Training in New Onshape Learning Center
You remember rolling out of bed extra early for a week long CAD training session?
Wondering About 3D Print Auto-Leveling
With the recent increase in “auto leveling” features in desktop 3D printer these days, I had some thoughts about the process.
The Dangers of Home 3D Printing: Printer on Fire!
There are certainly benefits to 3D printing at home, but there are multiple dangers you should be aware of. One of them is fire.
The Practicality of 3D Printing Your Own Spare Parts
One of the simple memes revolving around desktop 3D printers is the notion of producing your own spare parts, Is this really feasible?
Making Threaded Parts for 3D Printing: Easier Than You Think
Budget-Conscious makers have been challenged to develop threaded holes and bolts for their designs, but that problem seems to be going away.
The Curse of Leftover Filament and Five Ways to Deal With It
You’ve been 3D printing for months and discover you have many kilos of filament – but all in short segments.
5 Ways 3D Printing Revolutionizes Interactive Learning
It comes as no surprise that 3D printing technology has improved rapidly in the past few years: the quality of the printing has gotten far better and the range of materials is greater.
ABC and Mattel Partner to Create a ‘Shark Tank’ for Toy Inventors
When it comes to testing out new toy inventions, nobody can beat the opinion of an honest kid. Better yet, a panel of kid judges.
3D Printing Management Lessons: BigBox Ceases Production
The highly anticipated BigBox 3D printer project has ceased production, providing a wealth of advice for others contemplating marketing 3D printers.
Cutting Through 3D Printing Parameters: Finding Your Priorities
The parameters for slicing 3D models for printing can be ridiculously complex, but here’s a way to simplify things.
Avoiding Crowdfunding Fizzles: A Checklist
Recently there have been numerous and spectacular 3D printing failures. Can they be avoided?
Low Temperature Metals for Casting in 3D Printed Plastic Molds
It’s entirely possible to cast metal in plastic molds you’ve 3D printed; just not with the metals you’re used to.
Explosion: A Lesson in 3D Printer Filament Storage
The image you see here is of a real situation where a spool of aging PLA filament literally exploded.
From Prototyping to Manufacturing: What’s 3D Printing Used For?
Though we may strive for the day in which it’s possible to make an entire aircraft with 3D printing, according to Wohlers Associates, about one-third of the reported additive manufacturing (AM) applications is for creating prototypes and visual models.
The Good, Bad and Ugly of Using Rafts When 3D Printing
One of the first things you may encounter when beginning 3D printing is rafts. But are they a good thing or bad?
3D Systems’ Infocenter Impresses
I just noticed that 3D Systems has completely revamped their online support material for all their equipment.
3D Printing on Fabric: Some Considerations
Fabric is definitely a 2D product, but it’s possible to make it 3D by integrating fabric and 3D printing.
Electrostatic Discharge Explained
A manufacturer of electrostatic discharge protection products contacted us and it seems that “ESD” is something all 3D printer operations should know about.
James Dyson Opens His Own Engineering School to Curb UK Skills Shortage
Despite drastic efforts to increase STEM education across the country, as well as a renewed interest in industrial design thanks to a new crop of product design startups in London, the number of skilled UK engineers is actually on the decline.
The Little Designer Book Hopes To Inspire Little Designers
Nestor Llanos is a 3D designer who has done a great deal pushing the envelope of 3D printing forward, but now he’s helping start others on the same path.
A Combination of Tools to Fix BAD STL 3D Print Files
Have you ever had a “bad” STL file? I certainly have. Fixing them is often a tricky business.
The Critical Importance of Cooling During Plastic 3D Printing
There’s often much discussion of heating issues in 3D printing, but there’s another thermal dimension to consider: cooling.
my.SketchUp Browser Test Drive (and hotkey secrets)
Last week we sent out a quick post to spread the word about Sketch Browser beta. This week I had the opportunity to delve a little deeper.
Zip Up That Filament!
In a world with increasingly powerful desktop 3D printers, your filament probably deserves a lot more attention.
Tinkerine’s Deepens Educational 3D Printing Offerings
Tinkerine announced two new educational offerings that will help encourage students to take further steps into 3D printing and related disciplines.
Seven Ways That 3D Printing Companies Are Promoting Their Businesses
Promoting a 3D printing company is more challenging today than ever before due to the huge number of companies in the space.
How Do You Implement 3D Printing?
While some readers might think getting into 3D printing is as simple as buying a machine and powering it up, that’s definitely not the case for industry users.
Tips for Attending A 3D Print Trade Show
Whether you’ve been to one or not, if you’re reading this publication you more than likely will at some point in your career. Here’s our tips to get the most out of the experience.
One Tip You Must Know: The Cold Pull Technique
The truth with a desktop 3D printer is that you will definitely be performing service on it. But there’s one easy technique you must master.
Leasing or Buying Your 3D Printer?
I’ve just noticed that Type A Machines now offers leasing programs for acquiring their equipment, but is this something you should consider?
3D Hubs’ 3D Printing Process Chart is Comprehensive, But…
3D Hubs has developed a very clear infographic detailing the numerous 3D printing processes. But I think there’s one problem with it.
Free 3D Software for the New School Year
It’s that time of year for many students about to enter another year of learning, hopefully many in 3D. Fortunately, there are many ways to access free 3D software.
This is How you Paint a 3D Printed Mech
Remember the Mechwarrior model we shared a few weeks ago? So. Good. We’re in the process of printing up one of our own and can’t wait to paint it.
100(ish) Educational 3D Printing Projects Released by MyStemKits
For schools, classrooms and educators this could be a lifesaver in September: a monstrous selection of 3D printing projects from MyStemKits.
Is X-Y Resolution Important in 3D Printing? Answer: Sometimes
There are two types of resolution mentioned in 3D printing specifications, layer size and X-Y, but is the latter of any importance?
UL’s Work With 3D Printing Operations Should Increase Safety – And More
Did you know that UL offers a comprehensive series of trying programs for 3D printing?
MakerBot’s Western Expansion: The First of Many?
MakerBot announced an interesting educational maneuver: they’re opening up an office in California.
One More Way to Embed a Nut in Your 3D Print
I saw a unique method of embedding nuts and bolts into your 3D print that I had not considered, one that you definitely should.
Watch the Brute Force of Linear Friction Welding in Mind-Numbing 32x Slow Motion
Commonly used to seamlessly join dissimilar materials with different melting points, friction welding has been used to manufacture everything from airplane parts and rocket thruster tanks to even space shuttles and the razor-thin iMac.
Onshape FeatureScript 101 Series: Pump Up the Presets (Part 02)
In this video, we’ll build on last week’s hex nut code to add a drop-down list of standard metric nut sizes.
Tinkerine Ups Their STEAM Game
3D printer manufacturer Tinkerine has launched a new version of their online university, Tinkerine U.
Hands On With Autodesk’s Sculpt+
I’ve finally had a chance to check out Autodesk’s tablet-based Sculpt+ 3D creation app.
The Lost Wax Casting Method, In Video
You may have heard of the “lost wax” method, but I found a video that demonstrates the process in great detail.
3D Hubs Tells the Whole Story
3D Hubs has just published a rather good – and long – piece introducing 3D printing to newbies.
6 Things You Need To Know About Ceramic 3D Printing
3D printing has come a long way since its inception with new materials being introduced every now and then.
Why You Need to know What an MSDS is Today
Those new to 3D printing and making might encounter the word “MSDS”, and it’s extremely important to know about.
The Short But Instructive Life of CLAWZ, A 3D Printing Startup, Part 1
This is part 1 of a two-part series exploring the fate of a 3D printing startup.
Ideal For Educators: Monthly 3D Printing Projects?
UK-based Laykanics is an interesting service that offers monthly 3D print-based project kits that I think could be very suitable for educators looking to expose students to 3D printing.
The Critical Importance Of 3D Printer Maintenance
For those readers who have a 3D printer, how often do you perform maintenance on it? Oh, you don’t? Watch out for problems if so.
Beyond Thingiverse, My Ten Favorite 3D Model Repositories
Everyone knows Thingiverse, it’s the largest printable 3D model repository around. But what are some other ones to consider?
Be Proud: How To Easily 3D Print Your Country’s Flag
There’s a rather simple method for 3D printing any country’s flag that can be done in mere minutes.
The Short But Instructive Life of CLAWZ, A 3D Printing Startup, Part 2
This is part 2 of a two-part series exploring the fate of a 3D printing startup. You can find part 1 here.
3D Scanning Sculptures: One More Thing!
You may have read our recent series on how to properly 3D scan museum sculptures. If so, you’ll want to read the final step I forgot to include!
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 5, Fixing The Models
This is part five of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 4, Processing Your Scans
This is part four of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 3, Performing The Scans
This is part three of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 2, Selecting Subjects
This is part two of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 1
This is part one of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Secrets Of 3D Scanning Museum Sculptures: Part 6, Printing The Scans and Beyond
This is part six of a series describing practical methods of capturing 3D scans of museum sculptures.
Something Every 3D Printer Owner Should Have: A Foundry
Many people have 3D printers capable of producing plastic objects, but very few have a metal 3D printer. But with your own foundry, it’s almost as if you did.
Pinshape’s 3D Printing Design Guide Is Very Useful
Pinshape has published an enormous, 10,000 word design guide for their contributors. I think it’s pretty good, even if you are not a Pinshape contributor.
Ultimaker Partners With The University of Illinois and Coursera, Filling A Big 3D Gap
Ultimaker, the University of Illinois and Coursera announced a partnership in which Ultimaker will assist the development of a series of online courses on 3D printing.
Have You Ever Tried Casting Silicone With 3D Printed Molds?
A great video by industrial designer Eric Strebel shows the technique required to successfully cast silicone with 3D printed molds.
The Cost Benefit Analysis Of Casual 3D Printing
If you happen to have access to 3D printing capability, is it worthwhile to print a given item?
A Visual Ultimaker Troubleshooting Guide
Have an Ultimaker? Have problems printing? There’s a guide for that.
Is Leasing Appropriate To Acquire 3D Printers For Education?
There are generally two methods of procuring equipment: buying or leasing. Which one is best for schools?
The Several Selling Options For 3D Print Artists
If you’re a new 3D print artist, how should you go about distributing your works? We found several alternative strategies.
AIO Robotics’ Breakthrough Idea For Educational 3D Printing
AIO has been producing desktop 3D printers for some time, but now they’ve come up with an incredibly useful idea that all educators cannot ignore.
Should You 3D Print Objects Tall Or Wide?
When setting up a 3D print, most operators don’t bother changing the orientation of the 3D model. But should you?
Wash And Repaint 3D Prints With BioInspiration’s Eco-Filaments
Startup BioInspiration launched their line of biodegradable 3D printer filaments on Kickstarter a while ago, but now they’ve figured out how to repaint objects printed with their materials.
Four Styles of 3D Design Software
A question we often encounter at Fabbaloo is “what 3D modeling software should I use?” The answer is, “It depends”.
CNBC Reports On 3D Print Job Growth
A video from CNBC illustrates the incredible opportunities to come in 3D printing.
Is Your 3D Print Failing? We Found A Troubleshooting Guide For You
Let’s be blunt here: the current state of desktop 3D printers is rather unreliable. Prints fail frequently and operators must diagnose and fix the problems. But how?
Is It Filament Weight or Length?
There are several ways to measure the amount of material required for a 3D print, but however it’s done, it should be practical.
Wait, How Do I 3D Print Those Incredibly Thin Vases?
Perhaps one of the most popular styles of printed 3D models is vases. There’s a reason for that – and a tip you need to know.