Motorola Mobility, a Google company, is building a 3D printed modular phone, and has partnered with 3D Systems for commercial fulfillment. More »
The Captured Dimensions pop-up studio was located in the Smithsonian Castle and featured approximately 80 digital cameras all connected to 3D software. More »
Microsoft expanded their support for 3D printing by launching a Windows 8 app called 3D Builder. It includes a library of objects you can edit and 3D print. More »
3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced the availability of the Sense 3D scanner, the first 3D scanner designed for the consumer and optimized for 3D printing. More »
With rumors circling that 3D Systems will be purchased by IBM, the stock soars. We look at why IBM might be interested in the 3D printing giant. More »
Yearly Archives: 2012
Video: Objet’s Largest Ever 3D Printer Objet1000 Hits the Market
The Objet1000 is Objet‘s largest ever 3D printer. With a build platform of 1000 x 800 x 500 mm (39 x 31 x 20 inch), the system enables designers, engineers and manufacturers to quickly and easily create large and very precise models for prototyping parts and products in automotive, defense, aerospace, consumer goods, household appliances and industrial machinery sectors. The system features Objet Connex multi-material technology offering standard and ABS plastic performance, a choice of over 100 materials and the ability to mix up to 14 different materials in a single prototype or model to achieve the true look, feel and function of your intended end product.
will.i.am, Britney Spears, and 3D Printing = 20 Million Views
Which 3D printing video has over 20 million views on YouTube? The new music video for Scream & Shout by will.i.am featuring Britney Spears released in November 2012.
will.i.am taps into much of today’s modern lifestyle, from smartphones to digital cameras to fast cars, in the music video. And there is a special cameo by a MakerBot 3D printer that creates a replica of will.i.am’s head. This is probably the most publicity MakerBot has received since it was founded in 2009!
Watch the MakerBot 3D printing segment on YouTube, or watch the whole music video below.
Video: A Look Inside Staples Easy Button Solution For 3D Printing
Earlier this month, Irish 3D printing company Mcor Technologies secured a massive deal with retail giant Staples to develop a new service called Staples Easy 3D in Europe.
The video below shows how this service will enable consumers to order a 3D print as easily as photo prints are ordered today.
Make Magazine Publishes a Holiday Gift Guide for 3D Printing
Popular among “makers,” Make is a leading source of DIY goodness. The magazine has published a holiday gift guide for 3D printing, ranging from plastic filament to 3D printers.
When it comes to home 3D printing, most of us still haven’t taken the plunge. If you, or someone on your gift list, is still in the toe-dipping stage, maybe the smartest thing to do is to start at the stocking-stuffer level with a copy of the MAKE Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing. It’s the best deal going when it comes to getting oriented in the exploding consumer 3D-printing scene. Or, if you’ve already made up your mind to gift someone a 3D-printer, grab a copy for yourself to help guide that decision, then pass it along in the box!
Or, if you’re in a hurry (and it’s worth noting that lead times on 3D printers can be fairly long) our online guide, linked below, can get you started shopping right now. Within, you’ll find a tasty assortment of gifts for desktop manufacturers of all skill levels, from experienced pros to total n00bs, arranged in pricetag order from $30-$3,000. Here’s wishing you speedy shopping and a relaxing winter break!
View the entire gift guide.
Review: Mixee Me Lets You Design and 3D Print Your Own Mini-Me
In November, 3D printing startup Mixee Me launched their public beta. As one of Mixee Me’s first customers, here is our review. Our 3D printed model appears in the photo above standing next to an iPad.
What They Offer
Mixee Me offers a free, online design tool to create your own avatar-like character. There are a range of hair styles, clothing, and expressions to choose from. Once you are finished with your design, it is uploaded to the Shapeways marketplace where you can purchase a 3D printed model for $25 + shipping.
Design
Pros: Designing the avatar was easy and quick. No 3D modeling experience was necessary. Plus it was free!
Cons: The options for hair styles and expressions were relatively limited. You could upload your own design but that requires some graphic design knowledge. This can easily be addressed as they add more styles.
Checkout
Pros: The model was automatically uploaded to Shapeways and available for checkout. We received an email to notify us that it was ready.
Cons: The model was placed in the MixeeMe account rather than a personalized account.
Price
$25 seems fair given where 3D printing technology is today, but expensive compared to a similar toy one could purchase at retail.
Quality
From a distance, the quality is great. It is a cute little character that can be placed on any shelf or mantle. Our character is posing on a piano keyboard in the photo below.
Close up, the 3D printing lines are apparent in the sandstone material which suggests that the resolution is not very fine. We don’t know if this is a design flaw or a limitation of Shapeways.
All in all, it’s a fun keepsake.
Overall
In summary, Mixee Me is a fun new service where you can make little characters to adorn your office or house. We hope to see more options and flexibility in the future, as well as natural price declines to make the purchase more appetizing to consumers.
You can design your own at mixeeme.com.
