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 »

 

Video: Stephen Colbert 3D Printed Bust at MakerBot Thingiverse

Stephen Colbert 3D Printed Bust

Found something fun tonight! Over at MakerBot Thingiverse is a 3D printed bust of Stephen Colbert’s head. And below is a video of the bust being 3D printed.

Enjoy!

3D Printing at CES 2013 Roundup: MakerBot, Stratasys and More

CES 2013 was shaping up to the the year of 3D printing with 8 major exhibitors showing of 3D printers, 3D printing marketplaces, and more. We visited the booths, heard the announcements, and talked to the teams. Here is our recap.

MakerBot Has Several Major Announcements

CES 2013 MakerBot 3D Printing Bre Pettis

Last year, MakerBot won Best of CES 2012 in the Emerging Tech category. We think MakerBot deserves an award this year again for the biggest announcements. In our exclusive footage of Bre Pettis, the MakerBot CEO revealed the new MakerBot Replicator 2X “experimental” 3D printer, announced changes to the Thingiverse API, and talked about the plans for “bot farms.”

CES 2013 MakerBot 3D Printers

Stratasys and Objet

CES 2013 Stratasys Objet Booth

Recently merged Stratasys and Objet were exhibiting at CES 2013, showing Mojo 3D printers in action.

3D Systems Wins Best Emerging Tech with New Cubify 3D Printer

CES 2013 Cubify CubeX 3D Printer

3D Systems had announced that they would bring the next generation 3D printing showcase to CES, and they did by introducing two new printers.

Above photo courtesy of core77:

This year they pulled the sheets off of not one, but two machines: Their updated Cube 2, a faster and more accurate update to the original, and their larger CubeX, which can print “basketball size” (10.75″ x 10.75″ x 9.5″) in both ABS and PLA.

The Rest

What else did you see at CES? Write your thoughts in the comments!

 

Exclusive Video from CES: MakerBot’s Bre Pettis Announces New Printer and More

CES MakerBot Replicator 2X 3D Printer

At CES 2013 this past week, MakerBot announced a new 3D printer called the Replicator 2X, updates to its Thingiverse library, new materials, and more. We were onsite to record MakerBot CEO’s special announcement in the exclusive, full video below.

Pettis called the Replicator 2X an experimental machine. MakerBot published more details about the new Replicator 2X on its blog:

We call the MakerBot Replicator 2X an Experimental Desktop 3D Printer for a couple reasons. Unlike the MakerBot Replicator 2, which is optimized for PLA filament, the MakerBot Replicator 2X is optimized for the more traditional thermoplastic ABS. So why is a traditional plastic “experimental”? Because it’s a tricky material. ABS requires careful calibration and control to get consistently nice things, and the user of the MakerBot Replicator 2X should be prepared for the challenge. We know that many of you still prefer ABS, so our engineers have worked long and hard to deliver a great tool for the job.

We want you ready for experiments coming in the future, too. The MakerBot Replicator 2X has side-by-side extruders so that you’re prepared for new developments in dual extrusion technology. Want to try making things in multiple colors? The Replicator 2X is ready for the test.

Here’s are a few of the great things in the Replicator 2X:

-  High-tolerance aluminum build plate that’s machined for crucial flatness to make it resistant to warping or sagging that could affect the quality of your prints.

-  New easy-load filament lever makes loading filament as easy as flipping a light switch.

-  Re-designed filament feeding system dramatically reduces stripping, skipping, and jamming.

-  Enclosed sides keep drafts at bay and stabilize the ABS cooling period for less cracking and peeling.

Crayon Creatures Turns Kids Drawings Into 3D Printed Figurines

Crayon Creatures Sun

Crayon Creatures is a service that turns kids drawings into 3D printed figurines. Using a custom digitalization process and a high-end 3D printer, Crayon Creatures can deliver an awesome reward for your child’s creativity.

Think “Where the Wild Things Are” meets 3D printing. The service writes on its about page:

Children drawings are weird and beautiful.
Kids produce an immense amount of drawings that populate fridges, living rooms and workspaces of parents, family & friends.
Those drawings are amazing, We love them.

Here you can turn those drawings into volumetric figurines.
Nice looking objects that will decorate your home and office with a colorful touch of wild creativity.

We will bring to life the kid’s artwork by modeling a digital sculpture and turning it into a real object using 3D Printing technology.

Below is a graphic illustration the transition from paper drawing to sandstone figurine.

Crayon Creatures Process

The end result looks amazing in the photographs provided by Crayon Creatures, which was not surprising once we learned that the service was created by design studio cunicode.

One thing that might be surprising is the price. Each figurine costs €99 plus €15 shipping. That’s definitely expensive for a doodle. But just imagine how happy it could make your child.

Crayon Creatures Llama

Visit Crayon Creatures to check out the service for yourself!

3D Systems Will Bring Next Generation 3D Printing Showcase to CES 2013

3D Systems logo

3D Systems is planning to make a splash at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this coming week. You can read our detailed guide to CES 2013 to learn about all of the exhibitors.

Since 1986 3D Systems has transformed entire industries with powerful 3D content-to-print tools. The company intends to democratize access to affordable 3D content-to-print solutions for professionals and consumers. Launched last year at CES, Cubify is 3D System’s consumer zone (www.cubify.com).

In the press release below, 3D Systems indicates that it will be bringing their full suite of consumer 3D printers, and even printers for kids!

ROCK HILL, South Carolina, January 3, 2013 – 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) announced today that it will bring its next generation consumer 3D printing experience  to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV, January 8-11, 2013, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the Main Hall, booth 15447 and the MommyTech zone, booth 71003 in the Venetian.
3D Systems plans to showcase its new line of consumer 3D printers, 3D printed products, and apps delivering an exclusive 3D lifestyle experience. Attendees can sip a cup of coffee at the Cube Café while checking out the only home desktop 3D printers on the market, try on designer printed fashion and gadget accessories and get creative with gamified 3D design apps. Toy and entertainment brands and app developers are invited to learn how to monetize their intellectual property and creativity on 3D Systems’ hosting, publishing and production platform, Cubify, and join in the 3D printing revolution.

True to its commitment to children’s education, 3D Systems will deliver a second kid-centric 3D printing experience to the MommyTech zone located at the Venetian Hotel. 3D Systems will have its full range of child-friendly and education-centric solutions ranging from 3D printers to design software and apps. Avi Reichental, President and CEO of 3D Systems, will participate in a Kids@Play panel on “The Transformation of Play: How 15 Years of ‘Smart Toys’ Have Changed Children’s Play” on Wednesday, January 9th, 2013 at 9:45am at the LVCC North Hall – N256.

“We are thrilled to bring our next-gen consumer 3D printing experience to CES 2013,” said Cathy Lewis, CMO 3D Systems. “We invite toy and entertainment brands and developers to experience our secure Cubify hosting, publishing and production platform and introduce the 3D lifestyle to their audiences.”

Learn more today about 3D Systems consumer offerings on Cubify.com.

About 3D Systems Corporation
3D Systems is a leading global provider of 3D content-to-print solutions including 3D printers, print materials and on-demand custom parts services for professionals and consumers alike. The company also provides CAD modeling, reverse engineering and inspection software tools and consumer 3D printers, apps and services. Its expertly integrated solutions replace and complement traditional methods and reduce the time and cost of designing and manufacturing new products. 3D Systems products and services are used to rapidly design, communicate, prototype or produce real functional parts, empowering customers to create and make with confidence.