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
Nano-Vaccines: 3D Printing Small to Fight Large-Scale Epidemics
Vaccines are a controversial topic today, but there is no doubt they have had a major impact on society by eradicating major diseases in the past. Scientists are continuing to research ways to make vaccines more effective.
North Carolina-based Liquidia Technologies is innovating on the manufacturing of vaccines. By utilizing 3D printing and nano-technology, Liquidia believes they can mass-produce more effective vaccines at a lower cost.
Applying nanoparticle fabrication techniques to vaccine production could dramatically cut their cost per dose. Joseph DeSimone and his spin out Liquidia, presented their nano-production process for vaccines at the American Chemical Society annual meeting in San Diego, US, and hope that their work will improve immunisation rates in the developing world.
DeSimone has done a lot of work on the mass production of nanoparticles using nanolithography – materials are moulded and then transferred to films in a streamlined, reel to reel, process. ‘We say we’re harnessing the power of the precision and uniformity of the microelectronics industry for making vaccines and medicines,’ he explains. And because this is a dry moulding technology, with no concerns about partitioning, DeSimone adds, ‘you can access compositions you couldn’t access before’.
Via RSC.
‘We say we’re harnessing the power of the precision and uniformity of the microelectronics industry for making vaccines and medicines,’ DiSimone explains.
Liquidia now has one vaccine in Phase I clinical trials and several others in development.
The video below provides an overview of Liquidia’s PRINT platform.
Vaccines research lab photo by Novartis AG used under Creative Commons License.
Objet Launches 3D Printing Joint Venture in Japan
Objet announced the establishment of Objet Japan KK, a new joint venture formed together with the 3D Printer division of Fasotec Co. Ltd, Objet’s longstanding distributor in the region.
From the press release:
The new entity is established in line with Objet’s global strategy to offer local support in key strategic markets, meeting the increasingly intricate requirements due to complexity of product portfolio and adapting to suit unique local conditions. Objet holds majority of ownership share of the new entity.
Objet has been providing the Japanese market cutting-edge 3D printing technology since 2003. Demand for the latest technology and advanced applications have been growing steadily over the years, and are expected to continue. Driven by the advanced requests, the new entity is established to be closer to the market for better understanding of specifications and to keep with the pace of the fast-changing Japanese market. Combining the experience of market knowledge and industry best-practices, Objet Japan is committed to satisfy both partners and customers on both products and services.
We profiled the merger between Stratasys and Objet in April, and showcased Objet’s 3D printed Fenway Park in May.
Via MarketWatch.
Akihabara photo by Danny Choo used under Creative Commons license.
Make Your Own Superhero: Your Face 3D Printed on Batman
Have you always wanted your own superhero action figure … of yourself? Now Firebox can help you fulfill that dream.
Step 1: Take 2 photos of your face and upload them to Firebox.
Step 2: Select a superhero template to personalize, from Batman to Superman to Captain America to Batgirl.
Step 3: Firebox 3D prints your action figure and ships it to you for $128.
Besides the cool factor, we were interested in this novel application of 3D printing. Firebox explains how it works:
Using advanced 3D printing technology your photographs will be turned into a fully-formed 3D version of your noggin – including eye colour, skin tone, hair style (or as close as possible) and hair colour. Accurate? It’ll be like looking in a teaspoon.
Learn more at Firebox.
Hat tip to geekosystem.
Strange Ideas: Eat Your Own 3D Printed Brain [Video]
In the realm of strange ideas, here’s a winner.
One researcher decided to MRI scan his own brain, 3D print a replica, and then use that print as a mold to cast a chocolate version of his very own brain. Then he ate it.
Inition co-founder Andy Millins gave his MRI brain scan data which he had on file after participating in an Imperial College research project. The team got to work by first extracting a 3D model from the sliced-image MRI data which was then 3D printed and used to create a latex mould for the casting of the chocolate brain. After consuming his own brain, Andy Millins, co-founder at Inition said: “I’ve been involved in some weird 3D projects over the years at Inition but eating my own chocolate brain was one of the most bizarre . We hope the detailed how-to on Instructables will give others food for thought.”
While I wouldn’t refer to this idea as world-changing, the attention to detail on this project is impressive. Watch the video below to see Andy Millins’s entire process. Perhaps some of the other chocolate 3D printing teams will be inspired.
Via Inition.
Brain scan photo by Liz Henry used under Creative Commons license.
What to 3D Print: Wired Showcases the Best of Thingiverse
Wired and Thingiverse teamed up to showcase some of the most impressive 3D printing designs that can be printed on your MakerBot.
Above is a genuine Mario Kart Koopa shell racer.
His goal was to build a full-size RC vehicle based on Mario Kart Koopa shells. The Makerbot’s constraints would have stymied a lesser designer, but by breaking the design into small parts, Skimbal created a large, multi-color object, where the resolution is barely noticeable. The project takes over 40 hours to complete, but it’s like being able to print the Mona Lisa in your garage.
Next we have a Lincoln Log cabin. We have covered the disruptive impact that 3D printing will have on the toy industry. Why buy expensive toys when you can 3D print cheap generics?
And finally, we have a novel design called Big Love Heart Gears. This is something that would not be possible with traditional manufacturing processes because the design is printed as one interconnected object.
Via Wired.
