Want Your Shapeshot?

Strolling around Rapid 2012 we encountered an unusual service named ShapeShot. What do they do? Well, they shoot your shape. 

 

ShapeShot is a project from Baltimore-based Direct Dimensions, a consultancy that specializes in 3D scanning projects. That's what ShapeShot does: it scans your face and places it into an online repository. They feel it's like "next generation portrait photography". 

 

The ShapeShot machinery is composed of hardware and software. The hardware is a flash-lit four-camera setup in which your head image is captured. The software is powerful 3D analysis programs that convert the four images of your head into a surprisingly accurate 3D model. 

 

The model is then placed in their repository and you'll get a link to go online and view it. But that's not all. They provide the ability to download the model in digital form (at this time OBJ format only, but it sounds like they'll be providing additional formats soon.) They're also considering adding value features such as preparing printable 3D models from the face, thickening walls, or even hooking up to existing print services such as Cubify, i.Materialise, Shapeways, etc. 

 

The website now has 4500+ faces in it, some of which are marked available to the public and some remain private. 

 

While this is all quite fascinating, we wondered about the purpose of this repository. What would people do with it? How would they monetize the service? They said it is merely an experiment at this point and they're seeking partners to develop applications on top of their face repository. 

 

Any takers? 

 

Via ShapeShot

Fujitsu Invents 3D CAD Search

Fujitsu has discovered a very interesting technique that we think will be critical to the growth of 3D printing in the future: it's a method of searching libraries of 3D models for similar shapes. 

 

Currently anyone who's visited a current 3D model repository is faced with a difficult challenge: finding the right 3D model. You typically must search based on textual keywords - and hope those who submitted or curated the repository used the same keywords you searched with. 

 

This problem will only get spectacularly worse as the size of repositories continues to increase. 

 

But now Fujitsu's new tech permits "search by shape". Basically the "keyword" shape is decomposed into distinguishing components and then the repository is searched for items having similarly arranged components. They say:

 

With the new technology, 10,000 3D CAD models were automatically segmented into approximately 100,000 parts, and the 3D CAD models containing similar shapes to a specified search key could be retrieved in roughly three seconds, making it practical for real-world use.

 

It may be that this technology or similar approaches may be the key to making large 3D model repositories effective.  

 

Via Fujitsu

3D Printing Movie Props At Home

We just finished reviewing a rather interesting Instructable detailing the steps you'd take to produce a complete, wearable Iron Man mask with your 3D printer (with some red and gold paint, of course). 

 

Maker samohtep takes you through the process of developing the model, printing the pieces, painting, finishing and assembly. The result is terrific, particularly the electrically lit eyes. 

 

We found his method of producing the 3D model for the Iron Man mask even more interesting. After all, you'd have quite a challenge doodling up such a model from scratch in your favorite 3D modeling software. How did he do it so easily? 

 

He kinda cheated - but in a very interesting way. He went to The Replica Prop Forum, a very interesting repository of models for all kinds of movie props, including the Iron Man mask. According to their Statement Of Purpose: 

 

The RPF is the core of the replica prop and costume community and is the central hub where collectors of original and replica props, costumers, modelers, sculptors, and artists intersect.

 

The site includes lots of discussion of movie props, of course, as well as tutorials on how to make props and costumes. But some of their tutorials include Pepakura models. This is a format designed for 2D paper prints that can be cut and folded into 3D shapes. That's what samohtep used - a Pepakura model that he converted into a 3D model. 

 

Of course the 2D paper model was obviously quite thin, so he bulked up the wall thickness and smoothed the interior to protect his face. From there, it was a straightforward matter of slicing the mask into parts and 3D printing them. And painting. 

 

We think this could be a rich source of interesting 3D models for 3D printer owners who seek something unique and challenging to print. 

 

Via Instructables and The RPF

Thingiverse Updated

MakerBot's source for freely available 3D models has been updated. Thingiverse, the repository for thousands of 3D models had a makeover yesterday and now sports a much cleaner look. 

 

The site still focuses on the key categories of objects: Who's Making What? Newest Derivatives, Most Popular Things and the Newest Things, making it pretty easy to find something to print. 

 

Thingiverse permits makers to create an online profile and upload their works for use by anyone. If you like one design you can quickly find all other works they've made, too. 

 

An interesting feature is a focus on Tools. There are quick links to find a variety of making tools. One of the tool categories is automated tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, etc, and for each tool they list models that can be made with that particular tool. 

 

It's a nice, timely update that should make the site easier to use. 

 

Via Thingiverse

Bodyworks Human Models

Want to 3D print a person? Need a 3D body model to put your head on? Go no further than Bodyworks - an online store specializing in sales of 3D models of people. 

 

All of their products are SolidWorks models, suitable for modification for your own purposes. Prices range from USD$99-149 for body models and USD$249 for human hand models. According to Bodyworks:

 

BodyWorks is a SolidWorks native, adjustable human body model, for use in product design and ergonomic simulation. The BodyWorks model uses a unique joint system that allows for easy and precise adjustment of limbs into the position you desire.

 

If you want bodies, you might check them out. 

 

Via Bodyworks

Cadyou: Where You Share Your CAD

Made by the same folks you brought us the amazing 3D model search tool 3DFilter, Cadyou is a new venture that should enable a lot more model sharing. According to Cadyou chief Tom: 

 

the idea is to create a wiki-like experience for 3d and 2d cad models where you can contribute, vote and edit all of the files on the site.

 

The site holds models in a variety of popular 3D model formats, including: 3DS Max, DWG, DXF, C4D, Lightwave, Revit, Sketchup, STL and OBJ. There's a wide variety of models, all free, in such categories as "Industrial", "Fantasy" or even "Music". We'd like to print music! Oh, wait, it's actually musical instruments! Doh!

 

Via Cadyou (Hat tip to Tom)

Autodesk 123D

Autodesk has released a free-for-use true 3D solid modeling software called 123D. The massive 521Mb download is not the only thing you get; there's also a pretty comprehensive online repository of whole objects and basic components you can draw from to create awesome things. 

 

We think 123D is a big deal, as it's relatively easy interface, no-charge software and comprehensive model repository will enable many more people to get into 3D modeling - and possibly 3D printing. Beware, though, because many of their models are not readily printable on current home 3D printers due to overhangs, colors limitations, etc. We're not quite sure why Autodesk would produce and give away such a powerful tool, but nevertheless it's there for you to use. If you're on Windows. 

 

Via Autodesk

See It Before You Download It

Content is king once you have a 3D printer. You need things to print, after all! But one of the main repositories for free printable 3D models, Thingiverse, has prepared a wonderful upgrade to their service: 3D viewing of models - before you print them!

 

While there are a ton of models at Thingiverse, it's sometimes difficult to understand what they are because the associated picture is taken poorly or the model itself doesn't lend itself to 2D rendering. The new Thingiview javascript feature solves this entirely by showing you a rotating 3D view of the object in question. Here are the key features:

 

• Solid or wireframe views
• Instant X, Y, Z or perspective view
• Smooth automatic rotation
• Near instant use by clicking a button on the item's image.

 

Sounds great, but is there a catch? Yes! Your browser must be WebGL-enabled. This means you must have a really recent version of Chrome, Firefox or Safari, and for heaven's sake, put away that old Internet Explorer version 6!  

 

Via Thingiverse