One of the most interesting companies in today’s fabrication space is Ponoko, a New Zealand based start-up that seems to be a mashup of a 3D print service, eBay and design library. We thought we’d better take a deeper look at them, and we interviewed Steven Kempton, Ponoko’s Blog Editor. Fabbaloo: Tell us the story… Continue reading Ponoko Exclusive
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3D Yoyo
“Have you ever made a Yoyo with a 3D printer”, asks bollweevil in this Yoyonation forum discussion. Yoyo enthusiasts know their yoyos, and many custom build them. Now, they consider using a 3D printer to do so. The result is interesting, as YoMattSta replies: “Yes, I have. I made 2 yoyos on a 3d… Continue reading 3D Yoyo
Parametric House!
Dorota Kabala and Verena Vogler of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia have designed an amazing and stunningly beautiful system for an adaptable house. It can: “adapt to its environment, to its users or to any other parameter” The idea is to produce a modular system based on a 3D matrix of spaces… Continue reading Parametric House!
Cutting Modeling Costs
Sweet Onion Creations (whom we’ve covered before) has posted several very useful tips for reducing the costs of printing 3D models. The article focuses on the Architectural crowd, but the tips are useful for anyone printing 3D objects. Some tips we noticed: “… think about doing a hybrid model – This entails a complete… Continue reading Cutting Modeling Costs
3D Printing from Google Sketchup
QuickArc has just announced that their 3D model viewer, QuickArc 3D, now can read and convert Google Sketchup 3D files into printable 3D format without any fuss. This development enables the release and potential printing of tens of thousands of 3D models previously in 3D jail within Google’s vast library. Free download (registration required)… Continue reading 3D Printing from Google Sketchup
Evil 3D Printing
Like Atomic Power, any technology can be used for Good or Evil. Now it’s 3D Printing’s turn for negative press. Computerworld New Zealand posts what I believe to be the first negative quote on 3D Print technology. Speaking on the use of the Open Source Rep-Rap 3D printer, Vik Olliver says: “We know that… Continue reading Evil 3D Printing
Dining Room Table Printed
It’s really just a model, but the concept was developed by Swiss Designer Phillippe Cramer. Interestingly, Philippe’s model is entitled, “Stalactite Table”, which mirrors the 3D printing process that produced it: layer by layer. Maybe when the build chambers of commonly available 3D printers are a bit bigger than they are now (12 inches… Continue reading Dining Room Table Printed
Tactile Images
Valerie Belmonte, a photographer, bumped into a book containing tactile images – that is to say, images with raised relief. Tactile images can be used by visually impaired folks to gain an understanding of visual material that would otherwise be difficult to do. Valerie posts a list of links to research on tactile images and… Continue reading Tactile Images
Proto Technologies Service
Today’s 3D print service is Proto Technologies, Inc., of Washington State. Their claim to fame is that customers can access a multi-material capable Object Connex 500 3D printer. Readers may recall this amazing device has two media hoppers that can hold completely different build materials, enabling one-step printing of objects having hard and soft… Continue reading Proto Technologies Service
Actual Town 3D Printed
Well, not the town itself, but a complete 3D model of a new town was created for a new market town outside of Plymouth, UK. Sherford used a variety of photographic, topographical and other techniques to build a highly accurate model of the townsite, which is comprised of some 5,500 homes. The work was done… Continue reading Actual Town 3D Printed
Land Printing
Yet another niche 3D printing service: LandPrint.com, who can “create a 3D model of Any Place on Earth!” To use the system, you must download a special software program (LandPrint Designer) that looks a heck of a lot like Google Earth (but isn’t). Then you browse “the Earth” to identify the location you want… Continue reading Land Printing
3D Printing As Replicator
Steve Puma posts his thoughts on the future of 3D Printing, and envisions a Star Trek-ish direction. We agree, since the predicted widespread personal manufacturing technology of five years from now will become a fertile field for entrepreneurs to develop all manner of solutions and services. As Steve points out there are energy implications… Continue reading 3D Printing As Replicator
Wax Milling
We’ve seen some strange materials being used in fabrication before, including Paper, Metal, Sugar, Iron , Live Tissue, and even Pasta! Now we see another media: Wax! Dutch company Delft Spline Systems makes the DeskProto software that can be used with inexpensive desktop milling machines, like the Roland JWX-10. Aimed at the Jewelry Maker’s market, the 123WaxRing… Continue reading Wax Milling
Prism Engineering Training & Support
You just can’t pick up an advanced 3D Modeling tool like SolidWorks or others and expect to be productive immediately. However, you can get training. One company offering training on a variety of CAD/CAM products is Prism Engineering of Pennsylvania. Their team of engineers, techs and trainers provide support and training on not only… Continue reading Prism Engineering Training & Support
Blind Man Sees!
An incredible story comes from 3D Systems, a 3D service bureau that we’ll have to review very soon. The University of Louisville’s Rapid Prototyping Center and Harvest Technologies (a 3D Systems provider) together helped produce an amazing result for the popular TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. The show’s premise is to rapidly rebuild or… Continue reading Blind Man Sees!
Second Level Servicing
“Second Level Servicing”? What’s that all about? Well, it goes like this: services like TechShop provide access to high-power fabrication equipment that anyone can use simply by dropping by a TechShop. However, Breakpoint offers another possibility: He’ll drop by TechShop and build your project for you, thus creating a service on top of a… Continue reading Second Level Servicing
Z Corp and DeskArtes
Recently we were totally impressed with the amazing new ZEdit Pro software from Z Corp, which provides a variety of 3D printing optimizations in addition to standard 3D modeling capabilities. Turns out that ZEdit Pro wasn’t entirely from Z Corp. According to a press release from DeskArtes OY, a Finnish software house, the ZEdit Pro… Continue reading Z Corp and DeskArtes
DesktopFactory Reveals Future Pricing?
Some time ago Fabbaloo pointed out an interview with Ed Fries, CEO of FigurePrints (a new 3D service that can print out your World of Warcraft character in glorious 3D). Now ComputerWorld takes up the topic, and publishes yet another interview with Ed. But that’s not the interesting part. Buried within the story is a… Continue reading DesktopFactory Reveals Future Pricing?
3D CSI?
We’ve all seen those amazing police sketch artists who transform vague witness accounts into highly realistic portraits, often featured in “WANTED” posters. More recently artists have used manual techniques to create lifelike head and face models by applying clay “muscles” and “skin” to casts of skulls. Today we see the same function accomplished with 3D… Continue reading 3D CSI?
Sotopia Concepts
Today’s 3D print service discovery is a bit unusual: Sotopia Concepts provides not only 3D printing services as do many other shops, but instead focuses on the creative aspects. According to their website, they: develop new design and communication concepts to get back in contact with your customers. And this involves the development of… Continue reading Sotopia Concepts
3D Brain Lamp
It’s been a few days since we last reported on an unusual 3D design item, so today we have a very unusual item indeed. The designer, Alexander Lervik of Lervik Designs managed to massage MRI scan data of his own brain to create a 3D model of that most important internal organ. After punching it… Continue reading 3D Brain Lamp
DesktopFactory Still on Track
In their most recent newsletter, DesktopFactory provides an update on the development of their breakthrough 3D printer, the sub-USD$5000 125ci. Readers may recall DesktopFactory delayed production release of the device due to two issues. CEO Cathy Lewis wrote: we did receive feedback that our support structure removal and waste management needed some improvement. At the… Continue reading DesktopFactory Still on Track
12,616 Lenses for your Camera
We’re not sure where this one is going, but a very interesting optical development may eventually result in astounding 3D scanning technology. A group from Stanford University has developed a unique optical camera concept. While a typical camera may have a 3MB pixel digital sensor, they want to modify it to contain a separate lens… Continue reading 12,616 Lenses for your Camera
Sigma Design Service
Yet another 3D Rapid Prototyping Service has been detected: Sigma Designs. This New Jersey-based engineering firm appears to specialize in engineering design and consultation, but also offers a rapid prototyping service. According to their website, they can: Take your geometry and produce prototypes Design new geometry and produce prototypes Develop and manufacture prototype devices,… Continue reading Sigma Design Service
3D Printing Will Transform Your Life
LiveScience picks ten “Technologies That Will Transform Your Life”. Included, of course, is 3D Printing. They say: Instead of going to the store for your next gadget, you might download a design of your choosing and generate it in your desktop 3-D printer. The next step will be to design your own gadgets, post the… Continue reading 3D Printing Will Transform Your Life
Local Motors Chooses a Printer
A great post from Mike Pisani of Local Motors details their experience in selecting a 3D Printer. In the end they chose a Z Corp Z510 and a Z Corp Z800 scanner, both very popular items in the 3D fabbing world. Mike describes the results of the test prints fresh out of the build chamber:… Continue reading Local Motors Chooses a Printer
Materialization
Near Future Laboratory argues that manufacturing is giving way to what they term, “materialization”, in which individuals produce unique designs based on their own thoughts and needs. They believe: What makes it worth talking about is that it is the power of creation that manufacturing is able to achieve, but done at an entirely different… Continue reading Materialization
Individuality!
A provocative post by Code Monkey speculates on the future of trends in style. What happens when we can all make the things we want? We already can publish our own newsletters, songs, photos, movies and even books. Who sets the trends? According to Code Monkey, it may not be the elite for much longer.… Continue reading Individuality!
Elastic Fabric
Strange things continue to appear at the Design and the Elastic Mind exhibit in New York City. This time someone has posted pictures of textiles apparently made on a 3D printer. Unfortunately, the image comes with few (well, no) details, so we can only speculate how this was done. Perhaps using a unique type of… Continue reading Elastic Fabric
New Fab at Home Video
We’ve posted videos of the Fab@Home project’s devices before, but this one shows a complete animation of the device itself, with all necessary parts exploded before your eyes. Via Next VDOhttp://nextvdo.com/2008/03/15/fabhome-personal-fabber-3d-printer/
Another Service Materialises
Another addition to our growing list of 3D fabbing services: Materialise. Belgian-based Materialise falls into the “professional” category, as they focus on delivering rapid prototypes to engineers and designers. A large, 500 person operation, Materialise has four divisions and provides not only fabbing services, but also is “a major player in medical and dental image… Continue reading Another Service Materialises
Ponoko Contest Winners
The lads at Ponoko (a New Zealand-based prosumer-oriented fabbing service) have announced the results for the Invitation Round of their Jewelry Design Challenge. Truly amazing designs were devised by Ponoko’s customers. Steven from Ponoko said: There were a spectacular number of creative and interesting designs, and it was VERY hard for all involved to choose… Continue reading Ponoko Contest Winners
ZEdit Unleashed
The big news this week was Z Corp’s announcement of new software: ZEdit Pro, which is used to develop 3D designs suitable for printing on 3D printers. Of course, the software just happens to be optimized for use in Z Corp’s line of 3D printers, but we suspect it works with other devices as well.… Continue reading ZEdit Unleashed
Digital Fabrication Pool
Found on flickr: A group dedicated to images of objects created with digital fabrication techniques. It’s a popular group with 164 members and 537 images as of this writing. Via Flickr
Mystery Knick-Knack
Matthew Gregori has a bit of a mystery on his hands. He’s received a gift produced on a 3D printer, but doesn’t know what it is. Here’s the description: I received a gift from a client that was produced on his 3D printer. It consists of a square base with 2 perpendicular slots with a… Continue reading Mystery Knick-Knack
3D Scanning Is Simple
Actually, it’s not. Instead we’re referring to a terrific page containing links to a whole lot of information on all conceivable 3D scanning technologies. Simple3D.com links to technology, product and vendor information ranging from Acoustic Position Trackers to the ZettMess Portable 6 Axes Measuring System. Via Simple3D.com
What To Do With A 3D Printer?
That’s the question being both asked and answered by Lee Byron, who is developing a rather interesting 3D typographic model of our favorite planet, Earth (well, it’s Fabbaloo’s favorite planet! For now, anyway.) Byron hopes to print out a globe with each country being composed of 3D lettering of the country’s name, as you can… Continue reading What To Do With A 3D Printer?
3DArtToPart
Another specialized 3D print service is open for business. This time it’s 3DArtToPart.com, a artist-oriented service that specializes in printing small works of art. In reality, they appear to be able to accept any 3D model in any of these formats: .obj, .3ds, .lwo, .stl, .dxf, .c4d. and SolidWorks files, in spite of the preponderance… Continue reading 3DArtToPart
3D Printing Tip
An interesting forum post at 3DSociety.org talks about how best to reduce the “little sand-like jaggies on the surface” of your printed objects. Tim-Gibson writes: Sometimes you can place your 3D model on the bed in a certain way so as to reduce the stepping on the flattest surface of you model. For instance if… Continue reading 3D Printing Tip
Clean Media for Your 3D Printer
One of the main concerns with any 3D printer is the media. To a large extent, its characteristics govern the quality, appearance and robustness of a printed object, beyond the object’s design itself. We’ve even seen edible media, such as sugar, used in homemade printer projects. However, sugar-based objects generally have poor characteristics, even though… Continue reading Clean Media for Your 3D Printer
OpenMoko, Open Case
Popular Mechanics and The Globe and Mail report on the possibility of using 3D print technology to custom build cases for the OpenMoko Linux touchscreen. The device is not yet available, but OpenMoko has set precedents by releasing all of their software source code – and now the designs for the case too! The article… Continue reading OpenMoko, Open Case
3DScanCo
We haven’t previously posted on 3D scanning services, but we found one. Atlanta-based 3DScanCo provides industrial-quality scanning and modeling services. This highly capable company uses a wide variety of scanning technologies, including: 3D Laser Scanning, White Light Scanning, Photogrammetry, Machine Vision, Coordinate Measuring Machines, 3D CT / MRI Scanning, Theodolite, Trackers and something called “Destructive… Continue reading 3DScanCo
That 3D Pricing Effect
Previously we reviewed the amazing ZapFab 3D print service, in which users are permitted to post their own designs and have them used or even modded by others. The interesting bit we noticed was that we can browse the entire library of models stored at ZapFab and that includes seeing not only a pretty picture,… Continue reading That 3D Pricing Effect
HP On 3D Printing
GigaOm has posted an interesting video interview with Vyomesh Joshi, Executive Vice President of Imaging & Printing at HP. Joshi speaks of new twists in the 2D print industry, but our interest was perked up towards the 10 minute mark in the video, where he speaks of HP’s 3D printing interest. He said HP has… Continue reading HP On 3D Printing
3D Print Services Summary, 1Q08
We’ve identified many 3D printing services in previous posts. Today we’ll put them all together and classify them as per our prior post on the two types of services. Traditional (General industrial-quality and for professional usage)ProtoCAMMetropolitanWorksEnvizageAlphaPrototypesTangible Express QuickARC RedEye RPMMuur LabsTangerås Verksted & StøperiTech Workshop Sweet Onion Creations ConsumerFigurePrints (WarCraft avatars)Cosmic Modelz (3D Toy Modeling)… Continue reading 3D Print Services Summary, 1Q08
3D Modeling Contest
GraphicsCompetitions.com points out an “International Modeling Contest”. No, it’s not a runway in Milan – it’s a 3D design competition. Specifically, the contest seeks new designs for a scooter’s body and body parts. The contest is held by the SDT Institute Sezana, with major sponsors being Rhinoceros, Z Corp and Materialise. Oh, note that entries… Continue reading 3D Modeling Contest
Two Services, Your Choice
One of the most popular posts here at Fabbaloo is the identification of new service bureaus. Readers can quickly access the list of such posts by hitting our “Service” tag.But there’s more to it than that. One of the patterns we are beginning to observe is that there are two emerging forms of services. One… Continue reading Two Services, Your Choice
Zapped by ZapFab!
A tipster put us onto a new 3D print service: ZapFab. This Manchester, UK-based business is a bit different than your run-of-the-mill “send us your 3D file and we’ll print it” operation. They offer not only the printing process, but also have a highly usable user-generated library of pre-made designs of various types. Fabbaloo readers… Continue reading Zapped by ZapFab!
StrataSys Stock Falls
Stratasys, makers of the Dimension series and high-end FDM series of 3D printers, suffered an 18% drop in stock price after fourth-quarter 2008 earnings were announced. Earnings grew a measly 11%, down significantly from earlier quarters. However, we suspect this is simply due to a general slow-down in the US economy that is affecting many… Continue reading StrataSys Stock Falls
Advice on Buying a 3D Printer
A discussion thread at C4DCafe.com discusses the question, “what should you consider when buying a 3D printer?” The answer, not surprisingly, turns out to be “it depends on what you want to do”. As with any purchase, you must determine your intentions before proceeding. Once you know your direction, you can then consider the basic… Continue reading Advice on Buying a 3D Printer
Dimension Releases the 1200es Series
Dimension 3D Printing Group (a unit of Stratasys) has made available two new 3D Printers: 1200es BST ($26,000) 1200es SST ($34,900) The two key highlights of the 1200es series: A relatively large 10x10x12 inch build chamber (254 x 254 x 305 mm). (For comparison, the DesktopFactory 125ci has a 5x5x5 build chamber)… Continue reading Dimension Releases the 1200es Series
When Would You Start Using a 3D Printer?
The Society of Digital Artists has a poll going on right now, which asks the headline’s question: “When would you start using a 3D Printer?” The results of the poll clearly indicate that most users would start using a 3D printer “when the cost drops below $1,000 for a machine”. A few indicated they… Continue reading When Would You Start Using a 3D Printer?
Robots Constructed with 3D Printer
At the Sandusky Robot Games students entered a competition in which they must construct a robot capable of tossing a 40″ inflatable ball over a set height. While they had many challenges in constructing such a device, they did make use of a 3D printer to manufacture certain necessary unique parts. The video shows the… Continue reading Robots Constructed with 3D Printer
OoeyGui Continues
We’ve written about Lou Amadio’s garage-based “Fabr” project before, in which he’s building his own 3D printer – including self-designed portions of the machine itself. He’s now released code and Sketchups for the 3D printer, the controller board and the decomposer plugin – which apparently has run across some difficulties with Sketchup. An upcoming post… Continue reading OoeyGui Continues
Geometric 3D Art
Bathsheba Grossman is an artist that specializes in that geometric zone where art, science and mathematics link together. She produces very unique designs, and many are available for direct purchase over the web. Pictured is the 3 and 3/4 inch long “MG” metal piece, priced at US$325. According to Bathsheba: I use a lot of… Continue reading Geometric 3D Art
Craftsman CompuCarve in Your Garage!
Head down to your local Sears store Right Now and pick up a new Craftsman CompuCarve Computer-Controlled Compact Woodworking Machine for only US$1799! This device uses specialized MAC or PC software that loads models onto a special memory card. The card is then inserted into the CompuCarve so that your PC doesn’t have to get… Continue reading Craftsman CompuCarve in Your Garage!
RepRapRepository?
The RepRap guys (who design and build homemade self-replicating replicators for hobbyist use) have an interesting discussion about online 3D model repositories. The big concern is the commanding lead that Google currently has over all other 3D source material. According to the post: The Google 3D Warehouse has reached 300,000 objects, while the RepRap object… Continue reading RepRapRepository?
Advances in 3D Imaging
New tech created by researchers from The Johns Hopkins University and Ben-Gurion University in Israel may greatly simplify 3D imaging of real objects. The FINCH technology (standing for Fresnel INcoherent Correlation Holography) uses a specialized arrangement of filters, lights and cameras to capture 3D information without having to scan individual planes of an object. While… Continue reading Advances in 3D Imaging
NASA Seeks 3D Printing
NASA’s Langley Research Center has posted an invitation for solicitations for a “high resolution 3D printer”. At first we thought this device might be headed to outer space, ready to rapidly produce any missing spacecraft parts during deep space missions. However, we then saw the specs: 110 VAC power requirement. Of course, we all know… Continue reading NASA Seeks 3D Printing
Multi-Material 3D Printer Hits North America
Object’s amazing multi-material Connex500 printer has been shown in North America for the first time at the Solidworks conference. Incredibly, this breakthrough device actually can deposit two different materials during a single print run. Imagine a printed object with both hard and soft portions. We’ve covered this amazing device before and again. We hope to… Continue reading Multi-Material 3D Printer Hits North America
DesktopFactory Wins Netxplorateur Award
The French Netxplorateur Forum has selected DesktopFactory as the recipient of their Netxplorateur of the Year award. DesktopFactory is one of only 10 of the 100 initiatives to receive the award. Cathy Lewis, CEO of DesktopFactory, said: “It is clear that Desktop Factory will forever change the way we think of ‘printing’ – from an… Continue reading DesktopFactory Wins Netxplorateur Award
RedEye RPM Goes Down Under
We’ve posted on RedEye RPM before; they are the service bureau arm of Stratasys, who manufacture various types of 3D print gear. This announcement ensures strong access to 3D print services for those in Australia and surrounding regions. Details about the service can be found here. Via BusinessWire.com
There’s Cuteness in RFIDs
Actually, it’s the other way around. Lisa Smith, Masters of Design student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago / Designed objects, has put RFIDs into something she calls the “Cuteness Generator”. She’s created unique 3D objects and embedded an RFID transmitter into each: They’re designed to be artifacts for schoolkids (K-12) that… Continue reading There’s Cuteness in RFIDs
Capture That Design!
Yet another way to obtain a 3D design for your 3D printer: handheld 3D laser scanners! Creaform’s 2.1 pound Handyscan 3D laser scanner can capture a design from actual 3D objects. Features: Accurate, fast and easy to use 3D digitizing scanner Plug-&-Play system Self-positioned without measurement arm Single connection through FireWire port High-definition camera… Continue reading Capture That Design!
Design and the Elastic Mind
Design and the Elastic Mind is the name of a new exhibit to open in February at New York City’s MOMA. The exhibit will feature the work of Finnish designer Janne Kyttänen, who is one of the founders of Freedom of Creation, a firm we’ve posted on previously. The exhibit runs from February 24th through… Continue reading Design and the Elastic Mind
RedEye RPM Adds Modeling
RedEye RPM, the service unit of Stratasys, announces the availability of an architectural modeling service. According to their website, RedEyeArc says: RedEye ARC is your solution to fast turnaround, high quality, 3D plastic models that bring your blueprints to life. We use innovative 3D printing technology to build architectural models that will exceed your expectations… Continue reading RedEye RPM Adds Modeling
Generator.X 2.0 Photos
We came across a large (270 photo) and truly amazing collection of photos taken from the recent Generator.X 2.0 event. While not all exhibits were created with 3D printing, all used modern fabbing techniques. Via Flickr
1,000 TechShops?
We’ve posted about TechShop before, but at a recent meetup in Portland, Oregon, visitors learned about TechShop’s plans for opening a new shop in that area. While the discussion is a bit clipped, there are tons of details about TechShop operating procedures, equipment and future plans. One ominous nugget said: the COO is from Kinko’s… Continue reading 1,000 TechShops?
3D Printing Replaces Sculpting?
We think it will. And so do some of the participants discussing the idea at CGSociety.org, the Society of Digital Artists. A recent forum post by RobertoOrtiz, Forum Leader, asks: I been wondering lately if the advent of cheap 3d scanners and advanced tools to handle scanned 3d data will allow for a renaissance of… Continue reading 3D Printing Replaces Sculpting?
Fabbing as a Futuristic Technology?
Melanie Swan, the principal of MS Futures Group, presents an inspiring list of eleven technologies that she believes will dramatically affect the future. Included in her list are such technologies as: biotechnology, nanotech, inexpensive access to outer space, virtual reality and a whole lot on artificial intelligence. Hidden in her list is fabbing, on which… Continue reading Fabbing as a Futuristic Technology?
The Three Modes of 3D Printing
Over the past few months we’ve been observing developments in the 3D printing space, and it is becoming apparent that there are are three delivery modes for this technology: Industrial – This mode is common today, where high-quality, terribly expensive, difficult to operate fabbing devices are typically owned and operated by industrial designers, architectural firms… Continue reading The Three Modes of 3D Printing
OptoIsolator
Ok, we admit this is only marginally related to 3D printing, but it is interesting enough that we thought we’d point it out to readers. It’s a work of art that includes a mechanical eyeball that literally follows you as you move near the exhibit. What’s the 3D print connection? The black case was printed… Continue reading OptoIsolator
A Different Kind of Prototyping
Gene Anzalone uses 3D printing in a slightly different way than we’ve seen before. He prints 3D objects as other engineers might. But then things are a little different. He uses the objects directly in design meetings rather than taking traditional 2D diagrams. The 3D objects instantly convey much more information about the item under… Continue reading A Different Kind of Prototyping
Independent 3D Printing
No, this isn’t about a fabbulous new way to print 3D objects. It’s about the popular news service, “The Independent”, who have just published an introductory story on 3D printing. The piece is intended to tell general readers about this new technology and how it may affect our lives profoundly: The extraordinary thing about this… Continue reading Independent 3D Printing
Media Mixing
We spotted this interesting idea: improve the robustness of printed objects by altering the mix. Evidently a Swinburne professor mixed iron powder with a nylon polymer, extruded it into a composite filament for their Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) machine and printed some inserts. This increased the longevity of the printed parts substantially. Even better, they… Continue reading Media Mixing
Generator X 2.0 Revisited
Remember back to early December? We posted about the GeneratorX 2.0 workshop, an exhibition of designer works who used various digital fabrication techniques to produce amazing items. ArtDaily reports on a presentation entitled “Beyond the Screen”, where participants from the GeneratorX 2.0 workshop will show their works. As we’ve suggested many times before: there are… Continue reading Generator X 2.0 Revisited
3D Vase with a Difference
In the past we’ve posted on specific and unusual objects printed using 3D print technology. This is another one – with a slight difference. This object, the Kisos flower vase can be purchased! Yes, the maker, Umamy, offers a limited run of these beautiful vases for sale on eBay at a cost of USD$400 each.… Continue reading 3D Vase with a Difference
ProtoCAM Service
According to their website, ProtoCAM is the: largest rapid prototyping bureau in the Eastern United States, providing a unique blend of manufacturing engineering / rapid prototyping consulting along with stereolithography and other advanced rapid prototyping techniques. While they do not provide instant online quotes, they do accept a large variety of CAD formats, including… Continue reading ProtoCAM Service
3D Printing Assists Cardiac Procedure
As usual, inventive minds are developing innovative uses for 3D printing. This time European medical technicians developed an “anatomically correct 3D rapid prototyping model” of a patient’s heart in an STL file. They then used a 3D printer (Zcorp 510) to punch out the model. Why do this? Because they were then able to easily… Continue reading 3D Printing Assists Cardiac Procedure
Free Stuff
Chris Anderson, editor of Wired Magazine and proponent of the Long Tail theory, speaks at Nokia World 2007 regarding his newest theory: Free. That’s what happens to business, the economy and indeed civilization itself when advanced technologies, including 3D printing and its inherent one-to-one manufacturing capability become widespread. Anderson speaks on the effects these developments… Continue reading Free Stuff
3D Landscapes
PrintWeek reports on a printing company in Wales who have used a 3D printer to produce an accurate model of the Teign Estuary in Devon, UK. Evidently Bluesky’s 3D model includes: a real-world view of the estuary and surrounding area, including trees and buildings. We’ve previously seen 3D prints of objects, buildings and artistic designs… Continue reading 3D Landscapes
3D Toys with Fabr
Many people are considering unique uses for and implications of 3D printing. Lou Amadio wants to be able to print toys for his four-year-old son, or at least create replacement components for those toys inevitably broken or lost by the youngster. Lou’s approach is a bit more extreme than many might consider: he’s not only… Continue reading 3D Toys with Fabr
Two More 3D Print Services
This week we uncovered two more 3D print services: Metropolitan Works – Their Digital Manufacturing Centre is the UK’s “largest resource of new technology for rapid prototyping, manufacture, research and experimentation”. Envizage – an Australian-based company providing a wide variety of rapid prototyping services, including not only 3D printing, but also selective laser sintering, stereolithography,… Continue reading Two More 3D Print Services
3D Scanner from NextEngine
We’ve discussed the idea of having large libraries of 3D models in the future, so that we can quickly print out any required object. But where exactly do these models come from? There are only two possibilities: Design it yourself. Obviously difficult, especially if you don’t have specialized training and a whole lot of… Continue reading 3D Scanner from NextEngine
Kids and 3D Printers
A technology center in Wahpeton, North Dakota, USA, now offers students the use of a 3D printer. We’re quite certain this isn’t the only school doing so, but we suspect a trend is beginning. In fact, it isn’t the only one. Thorpe St Andrew School in Norfolk, UK is also installing a 3D printer, specifically… Continue reading Kids and 3D Printers
Fab-onomics
We’ve been wondering how property rights will work in the future, when anyone will be able to punch out objects on their 3D printer as necessary. Will you go to Home Depot to get that bolt? Or perhaps you will just print one? Do you have the design for the bolt? Maybe you need to… Continue reading Fab-onomics
Electric Light Shoe
Freedom of Creation is at it again – this time creating an astonishing 3D shoe for a Japanese marketing campaign. The project was quite complex, as one can see from the incredible detail in the shoe object. From the press release: After seeing the concept from StawberryFrog, Janne Kyttanen and Mads Thomsen conceived a microcosm… Continue reading Electric Light Shoe
Printing Tissue by Ink-Jet
It’s not exactly Fabbing as we know it, but the World Intellectual Property Organization now includes an entry on printing live tissue. Yes, I mean punching out “mammalian cells” via an ink-jet process. Evidently the cells are deposited in layers, much like 3D printing, onto an existing substrate. In some cases the substrate is itself… Continue reading Printing Tissue by Ink-Jet
.STL ?
Frequently we’ve mentioned the use of .STL files when describing 3D printing services. But what are they, exactly? .STL is a computer file format, specifically designed to capture a three-dimensional model of an object. This kind of file format is frequently accepted by 3D print services as a way for you to tell them precisely… Continue reading .STL ?
AlphaPrototypes Service
We’ve uncovered yet another Rapid Prototyping 3D Print service: AlphaPrototypes. This west coast USA-based firm provides a simple way to upload your .STL files and print high-quality 3D objects, shipped to you “in about 24 hours.” While they don’t identify the specific 3D printer being used, it is a ZCorp model – the favorite among… Continue reading AlphaPrototypes Service
3D Science Fiction
Wouldn’t anyone like a boss like Phillip Torrone’s? The drafter had access to a Spectrum Z510 3D Printer at work, and his boss let him test the system in an unusual way: Whenever we had to reset the system or replace the print heads, we would run a test file through. My boss at the… Continue reading 3D Science Fiction
The Fabaroni
Ok, we’ve heard of expensive media for 3D printers, paper, sugar and other wacky stuff going in “raw” and coming out as usable 3D objects. Today it’s pasta dough! The Fabaroni home-made 3D printer is capable of printing 3D objects with a moving head, much like other inexpensive 3D printers. In fact, it “loosely follows… Continue reading The Fabaroni
DesktopFactory LOSES Innovator of the Year Award
Our favorite yet-to-be-seen device, the low-cost DesktopFactory 125ci 3D printer has lost out to Tangible Express as the recipient of the first annual “Rapid” Innovator of year award, as determined by the Low Volume Manufacturers Association. Who is Tangible Express? They are a 3D fabrication service, like many others. However, previous posts in Fabbaloo typically… Continue reading DesktopFactory LOSES Innovator of the Year Award
More Acoustical Objects
Architectradure reports on yet another experiment with sound making devices produced by 3D printing technology, following up on our recent acoustical post. In this experiment, designer and engineer Amit Zoran has produced a unique guitar by assembling parts designed with software and produced by a 3D printer. Using specialized software, Zoran designed chambers suitable for… Continue reading More Acoustical Objects
The Future of Personal Manufacturing
Platform Design has an interesting article and video on the topic of personal fabrication. Presenter Neil Gershenfeld speaks less on specific device and technologies, but more on the social aspects – including the sense personal power that appears when individuals have the ability to create the things they want. He also discusses the issues that… Continue reading The Future of Personal Manufacturing