A German startup has developed a potentially universal “button” to print 3D content.
Berlin-based 3YOURMIND GmbH has created something they call the “3D Button”, which can be embedded, theoretically, within any source of 3D content. By pressing the button, your 3D content can be instantly dispatched for 3D printing.
But it’s a bit more than that: the button provides two key complementary services:
- It can analyze your 3D model and ensure it is suitable for 3D printing. The button can even perform repairs on your 3D model, too.
- A price comparison of 3D printing services can be displayed to enable selection of the optimum service for your specific 3D model. Depending on materials and model geometry, you may wish to select different print services to get the best price.
The 3D Button is available now for installation into several different 3D environments, including: Trimble SketchUp, Blender, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk 3DS Max and Rhino3D.
Imagine being in one of these tools, having just completed your 3D model – and then simply pushing a button to request a print. That’s the simplicity 3YOURMIND is attempting to achieve here.
But what if you have a different 3D environment? They say:
Our vision is to connect any 3D data source with any 3D printer. Therefore, we are continuously adding new CAD programs, printing companies and related technologies. If we do not currently feature your preferred tools, let us know and make sure to visit our page regularly.
So it’s their intent to promulgate this button into literally every 3D environment. While they may very well produce buttons for a number of environments, we don’t think they’ll get into every environment, because some services already have arrangements for 3D printing services.
That’s what’s really powering this tool: commissions on 3D print service requests. The button is provided free of charge, but 3YOURMIND no doubt receives a small commission on each requested print. To the user, however, there is no pricing change.
We think this is a good idea and as it is a no charge service, you may as well install the buttons into their 3D tools. You may even make good use of them.
Via 3D Button
