On 3D Printing

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 »

Retailer Asda Launches 3D Printed Portrait Service in the UK

October 16, 2013 News

For years, retail shops have operated portrait studios, where families or individuals can come get professional-looking photos taken at a reasonable price.

Well, UK-based Asda is taking this concept to a new dimension. Asda has become the first supermarket in the UK to offer customers the ability to get a 3D printed miniature of themselves right in the store.

“We’re trialling an exciting new service — offering you the chance to pick up a detailed 3D printed miniature version of you and your family while you’re doing your weekly shop!” said Asda in an announcement. “The technology produces highly realistic ‘mini me’ figurines at whatever scale you like!”

Starting this week, Asda is pioneering its 3D printing offering in its York store.

How to get a 3D printed portrait at Asda

Asda has setup a small studio in its store where a customer stands motionless and a store employee 3D scans the customer with a handheld scanner. From the scan a model is built and Asda then 3D prints the model in ceramic offsite.

3D printed miniatures cost £40 and up, and can be printed in white, bronze, or full color.

Asda is inviting customers to scan anything, including people, pets and even cars. “Good luck scanning pets…” wrote one customer on an Asda forum. To get the scan, a subject does need to remain still for a few minutes which might make capturing pets and children a challenge.

Watch this video to see a woman being 3D scanned and her likeness created on a 3D printer.

ESA Announces The AMAZE Project to Bring Metal 3D Printing to Space

October 15, 2013 News

The European Space Agency (ESA) is making a major push into metal 3D printing

Today, at the London Science Museum, the ESA is showcasing complex 3D printed parts made of metal that can withstand temperatures at 1000°C – fit for space and the most demanding applications on Earth.

Moving from plastic to metal

3D printers are great from rapid prototyping or creating industrial objects out of plastic, but what about metal?

The ESA and the EU, together with industrial and educational partners, are developing the first large-scale production methods to 3D print with metal. This technology would allow the creation of complex objects in space — imagine full-scale systems like reactors or rockets.

“We want to build the best quality metal products ever made. Objects you can’t possibly manufacture any other way,” said David Jarvis, ESA Head of New Materials and Energy Research, in an interview with BBC.

Above: a titanium 3D printed structure

This novel technology offers many advantages. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, can create complex shapes that are impossible to manufacture with traditional casting and machining techniques. Little to no material is wasted and cutting the number of steps in a manufacturing chain offers enormous cost benefits.

The AMAZE project – Additive Manufacturing Aiming Towards Zero Waste & Efficient Production of High-Tech Metal Products – began in January and factory sites are being set up in France, Germany, Italy, Norway and the UK to develop the industrial supply chain.

Below is a video produced by the ESA.

MakerBot Has Glow-in-the-Dark 3D Printer Filament for Halloween

October 14, 2013 News

Get Your 3D Printed Ghosts Ready for Halloween

Desktop 3D printer company MakerBot has launched glow-in-the-dark filament just in time for Halloween.

Made with a special dye, MakerBot Glow-in-the-Dark PLA Filament glows a ghostly green in the dark. You don’t need sunlight to power up your glow-in-the-dark 3D print: any light source will do the trick in just two to three minutes.

To get your filament, go to the MakerBot store and stock up.