This week’s selection is “Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down” by J. E. Gordon.
design
Dassault Systèmes’ Two Prong Strategy
At SOLIDWORKS WORLD 2019 we had the chance to learn more about Dassault Systèmes’ software strategy.
Book of the Week: Engineer to Win
This week’s selection is “Engineer to Win” by Carroll Smith.
Mechanical Engineering and 3D Printed Roller Coasters
Even when 3D printing is fun and games, there’s a lot of engineering behind it.
Combining 3D Printing and Genetic Algorithms
I’m reading a fascinating press release from NYU that describes an unusual combination of 3D printing and what seems to be genetic algorithms.
How 3D Printing Can Reduce Emissions
I’m reading a piece from GE talking about emissions, and began thinking about 3D printing and emissions in general.
3D Pioneers Challenge To Award Boundary-Pushing Design in 3D Printing
The 2019 3D Pioneers Challenge is accepting entries in a €35,000+ design contest with a simple brief: push the boundaries.
Book of the Week: “Jewellery From Art Nouveau to 3D Printing”
This week’s selection is “Jewellery: From Art Nouveau to 3D Printing” by Alba Cappellieri.
513 Years and a 3D Printer Later, the Swiss Guard Don New Helmets
Almost a year after introducing their new 3D printed helmets, the Swiss Guard are donning them for service.
How to Prepare a Design Guide for Accurate Manufacturing Bids
For years we’ve been watching industrial designer Eric Strebel’s insightful design process videos; videos that show how he goes about making products from start to finish.
One Hundred Years of Bauhaus: Modernizing Modern Art Using 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss 100 years of Bauhaus design and an intersection with 3D printing.
MoMA and Machine Art: Then and Now
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss art: modern, machine, 3D printed.
How To Create Unique Low-Poly Designs Using SelfCAD
If you’ve yet to get your CAD jabbers on SelfCAD, you can spin it up and start modeling in less time than it takes to juice a pack navel oranges with your elbows at your co-worker’s desk–Tis a fact.
Melissa Ng Throws Down the (3D Printed) Design Gauntlet
Melissa Ng’s stunning Phoenix Gauntlets are inspired by 15th century armor and brought to new fashionable life with 3D printed jacket molds.
How To 3D Print A Rocket, No, For Real
A new video explains the secrets of 3D printing rocket engines.
3D Printing and Smart Fabrics
Charles Goulding and Andressa Bonafe discuss innovations in smart fabrics that might be impacted by 3D printing.
Morphi Fills Us In: What’s New In v3.5
Morphi has launched the first of several updates for 2019, introducing v3.5.
Fusion 360 Increasingly Acknowledges 3D Printing
In the latest Autodesk 360 Fusion update there are a couple of new features specifically addressing the needs of 3D printing.
Tips for Meeting Millennials’ Furniture Needs by Utilizing 3D Printing
Charles Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss 3D printing to appeal to millennials’ furniture buying preferences.
The Critical Importance of Software In 3D Printable Design
3D printing offers the ability to leverage designs in ways not previously possible, but only if the right software is used.
Book of the Week: The Design of Everyday Things
This week’s selection is “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman.
The Generative Design Challenge: Build a Better Bicycle Frame
A road bike frame is a study in elegance and minimalism.
Are Your 3D Designs Being Stolen?
I’m reading a detailed post by Ars Technica on automated theft of AutoCAD designs, but is this also applicable to 3D print designs?
Frustum Looking Toward Leadership in Generative Design, Acquired by PTC
Frustum has been busy with new releases — and today with a new parent company.
3D Printing Traditional and Modern Indian Jewelry
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi of R&D Tax Savers discuss the use of 3D printing in the creation of traditional and modern Indian jewelry.
Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge 2019 Now Open
Additive World has opened up entries for the 2019 edition of the Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge.
DesignSpark Mechanical 4.0 BETA Now Available
RS announced the availability of a new version of DesignSpark Mechanical.
3D Printing for Manhattan Chandelier and Lighting Designers
Charles Goulding and Andressa Bonafe of R&D Tax Savers discuss 3D printing in lighting design.
The Visual – Solid 3D Modeling Gap
3D designers hoping to 3D print 3D models had better ensure the models are indeed 3D printable.
Morphi 3.4 Adds Textures, Lighting, and Position Values to Latest 3D App Update
Morphi is a (sort of) free app for the iPad, Mac, and Windows devices that lets users push, pull, and craft 3D creations via a touchpad device.
More On 3D Printed Repairs
Our earlier post on the feasibility of performing self-repairs with 3D printing generated some feedback.
Simulation Challenges with 3D Printing
Simulation is an amazing technology for designing parts, but it’s harder to do when 3D printing parts.
Is This Really An $8M 3D Printed Home?
I’m reading a very curious report on Forbes describing an expensive California home that’s partially 3D printed, apparently.
Fixing Toys With 3D Printing: Not For Everyone
Robert Maldonado undertook a challenging job to repair a broken toy using 3D printing and CAD, illustrating how challenging it can be.
Frustum Releases GENERATE for Windows
3D software maker Frustum released a Windows version of their powerful GENERATE tool.
The Challenge of Making Replacement Parts
I’m reading an interesting case study by 3D Hubs and have some thoughts about 3D printing spare parts.
TCT 2018 – Themes and Thoughts
Several notable themes presented throughout the duration of TCT Show 2018.
A Sustainable Place to Rest Your Rear
3D printing the seating of the future isn’t just getting personal, it’s sustainable.
Book of the Week: Make It, Wear It: Wearable Electronics for Makers, Crafters, and Cosplayers
This week’s selection is “Make It, Wear It: Wearable Electronics for Makers, Crafters, and Cosplayers” by Shahrye Cohen and Hal Rodriguez.
Kohler Corporation: Plumbing, Innovation and 3D Printers
Charles Goulding and Andressa Bonafe of R&D Tax Savers discuss Kohler’s work in 3D printing.
What Construction 3D Printing Must Do Next
After reading yet another wildly exaggerated story about 3D construction printing, I thought I’d make a list of things to do.
Logitech’s New MX Vertical Mouse Aims to Eliminate CAD-Induced Hand Strain
What you’re looking at right now isn’t a Bluetooth speaker. It isn’t even a pint-sized Roomba.
Looking Glass is a True Holographic Display For 3D Content Creators
Rather than forcing chunky peripherals on your head or hands via VR or AR, real holograms are the stuff of science fiction: true interactive displays which humans can interact with on a more personal level.
Anarkik3D’s Mac Odyssey
Anarkik3D announced a Mac version of their popular 3D design tool, but why won’t other vendors do the same?
Book of the Week: Snow Crash
This week’s selection is the mind-opening Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson.
How to Make Impossible Objects
3D printers are well known for their ability to make “impossible objects”.
Six Key Ways to Leverage 3D Print Design
3D printing technology isn’t for every application, but what is it good for?
Book of the Week: Manufacturing and Design: Understanding the Principles of How Things Are Made
This week’s selection is “Manufacturing and Design: Understanding the Principles of How Things Are Made” by Erik Tempelman.
See How McLaren Uses VR for Car Body Design
Before automobile technology even reached the point where two cup holders in a single car was an ovation inducing breakthrough
Book of the Week: Functional Design for 3D Printing
This week’s selection is the highly practical “Functional Design for 3D Printing” by Clifford Smyth.
How to Use TELEPORTATION to Speed Up R&D in Global Manufacturing
If you’re involved in the engineering of products manufactured globally, chances are you’ve been personally affected by SNAFU’s on an epic scale.
3D Hubs Launches Student Grant Program
Once again, 3D Hubs has launched their Student Grant Program.
Could This Be How 3D CAD is Done in the Future?
I saw something last week that shook me greatly: Live Parts from Desktop Metal.
The New Future for 3D Printing: MetaMaterials?
I’m reading more about the concept of metamaterials, and believe this is a lot more important than I imagined.
3D Design Futures: An Interview with Dr. Daniel Richards, Part 2
We asked Dr. Daniel Richards for his view of the future of 3D design.
3D Design Futures: An Interview with Dr. Daniel Richards, Part 1
We asked Dr. Daniel Richards for his view of the future of 3D design.
The Promise of Full, Actual, Internal 3D Printing
Stratasys announced something profoundly important this week, but I don’t think many people understand exactly how important this is.
Designing for production parts
How do we get to tomorrow, to use 3D Printing for true Manufacturing applications through to production?
Design of the Week: 3D Printed Models of London
This week’s selection is the highly detailed 3D Printed Models of London by Michal Konicek.
How to Draw
With over two decades of experience teaching how to design, draw, and render at the highest college level, concept designer Scott Robertson knows a thing or two about what it takes to make concepts ‘stick’ for his students.
How to 3D Print Your Own Products & Sell Them Online
With Mercedes-Benz announcing last year that it is now selling 3D printed spare parts for its cargo trucks, 3D printing is gaining momentum as a commercial strategy for large-scale manufacturers.
Efficiently Leveraging 3D Printer Resolution for Highly Complex Object Designs
Researchers from MIT have developed what appears to be a revolutionary 3D design system that could enable far more effective leveraging of 3D printing technology.
Telescoping 3D Prints?
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a computational technique that could solve issues in 3D printing and enable entirely new classes of printed parts.
Wacom Announces New Additions to Their Popular Cintiq Pro Lineup
Despite constant updates to the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface tablets to make them more appealing to professionals
What is This 3D Printer Doing in a Museum?
While strolling through a museum the other day, I literally stepped on a gigantic 3D printer. What was it doing there?
Fiverr Introduces ‘Fiverr Pro’ Platform for High-Caliber Design Talent
In the (relatively new) world of on-demand services ranging from car rides to grocery delivery, winners can come out on both sides:
Interesting 3D Prints for the Enterprise in Space Program
Enterprise in Space announced the finalists for its student design contest and I am impressed with the creative 3D printable designs.
Making Threaded Parts for 3D Printing: Easier Than You Think
Budget-Conscious makers have been challenged to develop threaded holes and bolts for their designs, but that problem seems to be going away.
Cloud-Based Design Analysis: Frustum’s Generate
Optimizing mechanical designs is a complex process and now there’s another option for doing so.
Many Interesting 3D Printing Projects Proposed at the Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge 2017
The winners of the Additive World Design for Additive Manufacturing Challenge 2017 have been chosen by a jury and there are some very interesting projects on the list.
“Envision The Future” 3D Printed Design Challenge Launched To Help The Blind and Visually Impaired
A partnership between MatterHackers, e_NABLE, Aleph Objects and Pinshape has sponsored a worthy design challenge.
nTopology’s 3D Lattice Generation Tools
nTopology provides software to generate complex lattices, perfect for use in 3D printing projects.
The Consolidation of Inexpensive 3D Design Tools
For several years there have been a great deal of choices when it came to 3D design for those on a budget. Now, there’s less choice.
Autodesk Wants You To Subscribe To Their 3D Software, They Really Do!
3D software giant Autodesk, whose products are used by many Fabbaloo readers, has announced significant price increases for their non-subscription products.
3D Slash Releases Version 3.0
France-based 3D Slash released a new version of their popular entry-level 3D design tool with some useful features.
A Lesson on Pricing Artistic 3D Prints
I’m reading a brief post on LinkedIn by noted 3D designer Janne Kyttanen regarding his experience with a 3D printed light design.
Can Automobiles Be Made More Efficient With 3D Printing: Yes and No
A report from the University of Nottingham proposes ways to make automobiles more fuel efficient through the application of 3D metal printing.
Onshape In-Context Assembly Design is Unlike Anything You’ve Ever Seen
Throughout all the years (decades? yeow!) I’ve use 3D modeling software, I can’t think of a time where I didn’t use some type of in-context assembly design.
There’s Still Time To Enter The Additive World Design Challenge
Every year a significant design contest takes place in Eindhoven
A 3D Jewelry Design System for the Public
I’m looking at another interesting attempt to leverage 3D printing for public use by JulBox.
Maix to Launch in January
A secretive project to enable consumers to “design” their own products is set to launch in a few weeks.
Phase 2 of NASA’s 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge is Open
NASA has opened up “phase 2” of their 3D Printed Habitat Challenge.
The HelmetHair Project Demonstrates a Key 3D Printing Application
It may seem to be a ridiculous application, but in fact this “HelmetHair” illustrates a perfect application for 3D printing.
A Metamaterial Demonstration Suggests Insane Future 3D Applications
I’m watching a video demonstrating a “meta material mechanism” and the mind boggles at what become of this concept.
20 Product Designers You Should Follow on Instagram Right Now
Love ’em or just plain don’t have time for ’em, social media platforms are here to stay.
Autodesk Announces Gift of $25,000 in Product Design Software for Every Fab Lab
When it comes to equipping tomorrow’s designers and engineers with the tools they need to create compelling projects today, few companies have been as generous in offering access to software, tools and even fabrication facilities as Autodesk has.
3DPrinterOS Breaks Silence With New Enterprise Capabilities
I haven’t heard much from 3DPrinterOS for a while, but now the reason for this is clear: they’ve been working on powerful integrations.
Le FabShop Shuts Down
A pioneering French 3D print firm, Le FabShop, has closed its doors forever.
The Top 5 Digital Platforms for Design Thinking
When it comes to designing that next great product – be it the latest device for a major client or your first side project
Regional 3D Print Services Emerge
In spite of the efforts of the major 3D printing industry companies to grow their empires around the world, there is still much opportunity for regional players to emerge.
Katrin Olina – “That Is What Technology Should Be Used for, – to Materialize Dreams as Well as to Make Our World More Interesting and Hopefully Better”
Nora Toure interviews 3D designer Katrin Olina.
5 Ways Fusion 360 Improves Team Collaboration
Well, well, well. We have quite a cocktail coming together here. We’ve poured in some Fusion 360 part modeling and assembly features, and squeezed in a little simulation.
Will Small Scale Desktop Production Tools Hurt or Further Enable Design Professionals?
Going back to the introduction of desktop publishing tools that allowed everyday Joes and Josephines to “design” and print documents with relative ease, the perceived value of professional design services has continued to decline as skills and processes that previously required years of training continue to be simplified and automated for nonprofessional users.
Gravity Sketch Simplifies Touch-Based 3D Design
A fun 3D design app has launched: Gravity Sketch.
An Unsolvable Challenge Facing Every 3D Designer
The recent controversy over misuse of Thingiverse 3D models highlights an ongoing issue facing all 3D designers: theft.