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Monday
Sep062010
The Freedom to Print
;)
John of hackable:news complains that whenever they show off their 3D printer, viewers inevitably ask: "Could you print me this, could you print me that". They just don't realize how difficult it can be to produce a 3D object. Unless the exact object model is readily available (and findable) within a repository like Thingiverse or similar, you must crack open a 3D modelling software tool or fire up a 3D scanner to produce the desired model. Fortunately, John managed to learn the basics of Blender "during my geeky vacation so that we can know answer any (simple, thanks :)) printing request during events".
This, we think, will be the eventual fate of everyone in this space: being those that can practically bridge the gap between the idea and the real by being able to create 3D models.
If only it was easier.
Via Hackable:News
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Reader Comments (1)
I agree both with John that generally people have huge expectations of technology and with Fabbaloo's comment that being able to create 3D models easily is the only way to practically bridge the gap between the idea and the real. There is a gap and it is the complexity of CAD and the time and money committment needed to become competent that is the 'elephant'. Also there are many creative people who do not want or need either the sophistication or precision of CAD but want to be able to 3D model and then 3D print.
It can be easier. Fabbaloo has already covered Anarkik3D's haptic Cloud9 3D sketch/modelling software and this is our aim - to bridge this gap particularly for all those that want to work more artistically. Cloud9 is the easiest for learning to use as it taps into our innate ways of interacting in the real world and then transferring much of this tacit knowledge into the virtual world by using a haptic 3D mouse. The .stl file format was included really early on as producing a tangible object using 3D printing is the outcome that is most wanted.
We have now proved all this, and with Cloud9 being taken up by schools, colleges, designers and artists alike we now want to ramp up development to improve features and add in new ones.