Microsoft's Secret 3D Printing Lab

Joshua Topolsky toured Microsoft's product design lab on video. The lab uses a triplet of Objet 3D printers to produce prototypes of Microsoft products, most notably Mice.  

 

In the video Topolsky interviews Karsten Aagaard, User Experience Designer in Microsoft's Hardware Group, who explains how the 3D printers can produce prototypes that can be used for testing. In a few hours they can produce a new design and thus much more testing takes place, leading to better end products. 

 

We wondered, "Why Objet 3D printers?" But then we had the answer: Objet's printers have the unique ability to print in multiple materials. Typically this capability is used to mix hard and soft plastic in the same build. You can, for example, print a toothbrush with a hard handle and flexible bristles in a single print operation. For this reason we believe Microsoft would be more able to print interesting prototypes that include squishy parts, soft surfaces and opening covers, etc. 

 

Microsoft's approach to prototyping is becoming typical among manufacturers due to the power of 3D printing. 

 

Via YouTube and The Verge

Name Your Price at Model Labs

We've found another 3D print service that should be added to the list. Model Labs, a Laguna Beach, California-based operation provides rapid prototyping services: they'll accept a STL format file and 3D print it for you on their equipment. They offer a variety of 3D print services, including FDM and SLA.

 

There are many similar small 3D print service options similar to Model Labs, so we wondered how they differentiate themselves from the crowd. They do focus on parts, prototypes and architectural models, but so do many other similar operations. One feature we found interesting was "Name Your Price". That's right - you send in your STL file and receive a quote. But if you don't like the quote you can:

 

Name Your Price! If you feel the quote from Model Labs is too high, tell us by email what price fits your budget. Model Labs considers Your Price and based on certain criteria (current backlog, how soon the parts are needed, etc) we will let you know quickly if the offer is accepted.

 

We don't think you can get more fair than that!

However, it applies only if your model meets these characteristics: 

 

1. FDM rapid prototypes
2. Maximum part size of 8"x8"x12"
3. ABSPlus material
4. Natural color (beige-ish)
5. 3D CAD models must be "watertight" solid geometry

 

We still think this is a pretty unique offer, as most services either toss you firm quote or have an online calculator provide a non-negotiable price. 

 

Via Model Labs