The 3D Printing Network

Want to connect with other 3D print folks? One way might be the newly created "3D Printing Network". The network, which appears to be a mailing list and IRC channel, is sponsored by the Fellowship of Free Software Foundation Europe, or Fellowship of FSFE. 

 

According to the network's description: 

 

The 3D Printing Network (3DPN) is a neutral, non-partisan, public network of 3D printing professionals facilitated by FSFE. 3DPN is an Free Software driven network, which enables co-operation among multiple companies and a volunteer community. One goal is to develop future 3D printing related solutions such as a 3D Printing management platform. 3DPN aims to engage all existing 3D printer manufacturers and software developers in the project, both Free Software and non-free software developers, and gather the broad 3D printing Free Software community under one brand.

 

If you're looking to find others interested in 3DP, this just might be the place. 

 

Via 3D Printing Network

Resistor Video

 

A short video highlights the methods of NYC Resistor, a hacker group who's goal, according to founder Bre Prettis is to:

• Figure stuff out
• Break things to understand how they work
• Share whatever we learn
• Make stuff with whatever we can find

In the video, Bre shows off the groundbreaking MakerBot 3D printer kit. Bre explains how you don't have to ship your design off to China anymore. Well, some of the time, anyway.

What do we think of NYC Resistor? It's a truly great idea for finding ideas in a 21st century way. But why is it just "NYC" Resistor? Shouldn't this be a franchise? How about Bristol Resistor? Saskatoon Resistor? Singapore Resistor?

Via YouTube

Metropolitan Works

 

In London they're getting set to open a new facility for designers: the Metropolitan Works Building in February of this year. Metropolitan Works is part of the London Metropolitan University, and the Creative Industries Centre will:

helping designers and manufacturers develop ideas and bring new products to the marketplace through access to digital manufacturing, workshops, knowledge transfer, advice, courses and exhibitions.

According to Dexigner:

Facilities in the new 1,100sqm centre include a double height machine hall to accommodate London's largest 5 axis CNC router and 5 axis water-jet cutter, available as a bureau service. There will also be Pay and Go traditional workshops and (commercially licensed) CAD offices. A CAD training suite, refectory and conference room are located on the second floor, with open plan office accommodation for staff and research fellows on the top floor.

The opening of the building will mark the completion of a three year capital project, providing a truly comprehensive range of digital manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping equipment. In addition to the 5 Axis Router and Water Cutter, Metropolitan Works offers 3D printing, SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) in nylon, DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) in stainless steel and nickel alloy and Perfactory rapid prototyping in castable resin and three different 3D scanning technologies.

This is a very interesting development; we suspect that as knowledge and tool facilities such as this pop up around the globe they will become catalysts for more rapid development of 3D technology in each of their regions. Congratulations, Metropolitan Works!

Via Metropolitan Works and Dexigner

Yahoo! There's a 3D Yahoo Group!

Exactly - on 22 July a new group was founded on Yahoo Tech Groups. Here's the description:

Moderated group forum for sharing details concerning homebrew 3D printers. Discussion of all aspects of the mechanical, electronic, and software design of your 3D printing system as well as your results is encouraged!

The idea here is bring various options of 3D printing technologies into the DIY community. Bring your concepts, research, analysis and, most importantly, how you hacked your way to a solution(s).

3D printers by their nature are interdisciplinary projects bringing in facets of MEMS (Miniature Electromechanical Systems), robotics, mechanics, electronics, and manufacturing. Thus, I encourage all to participate and share as long as it adds to wealth and breadth of knowledge of 3D printing/fabrication.

We all desire in some way to produce parts on-the-fly on-the-cheap while learning something new along the way. DO IT HERE!

Via Yahoo Groups

Online Group for 3D Fans

Dave Mainwaring has created a Google Group for discussions of 3D printing technology. There's not many members yet, but I am sure it will grow.

Via Google Groups