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: 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.
Video: BBC Reports on the Growth of 3D Printing
From toys to cars – what will you make on a 3D printer? BBC reporter Dan Simmons looks into the amazing world of 3D printing.
Around 200 years ago the industrial revolution changed the way we create things. Today nearly everything we own is mass produced in factories but that could all be about to change again.
Just as consumer tech has helped many of us become photographers, DJs and even journalists – could it be about to remove the barriers to production itself.
In the video below, Simmons reports on MakerBot, Anarkik3D, the 3D Print Show, and more.
Stratasys and Objet Complete Merger Forming $3 Billion Company
Completing one of the most significant mergers in 2012, Stratasys and Objet now form a market leader in 3D printing with a market capitalization of $3.0 billion.
Stratasys, Inc. (SSYS) and Objet Ltd. announced the completion of their merger, forming a leader in 3D printing and direct digital manufacturing. The combined company will trade on the NASDAQ stock exchange as Stratasys Ltd. (“Stratasys”) under the symbol SSYS beginning December 3, 2012. Based on the closing price of Stratasys, Inc. stock on November 30, 2012, the market capitalization of the new company will be approximately $3.0 billion.
Stratasys boasts an impressive portfolio of 3D printing and direct digital manufacturing solutions, with systems that produce parts with a wide range of capabilities and materials. The company will offer three leading technologies: FDM® for functional prototypes and production parts; inkjet-based PolyJet® for prototyping parts with high feature detail and fine surface finish; and Solidscape® Drop-on-Demand (“DoD”) thermoplastic ink-jetting technology for complex wax patterns for investment casting of finished parts. With more than 260 channel partners around the world, Stratasys can leverage the extensive geographic reach of its marketing and sales organization to serve customers and grow awareness of 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production. In addition, Stratasys will have a world-class R&D team focused on developing new consumables and systems.
David Reis, chief executive officer of Stratasys, stated, “We are excited to move forward as one company and deliver the benefits this combination creates for our shareholders, our customers and our employees. Stratasys is now uniquely positioned to offer a comprehensive portfolio of innovative products and technologies, and we have the scale, team and financial strength to achieve our goals. I look forward to working closely with the board of directors, our senior management team and all of our employees to ensure a seamless transition as we continue to deliver advanced solutions to our customers worldwide.”
“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of this merger,” said Scott Crump, full-time executive chairman of Stratasys. “With our breadth of products, commitment to innovation, and outstanding, service-focused team, we will be well positioned to address customer needs across the entire 3D design and manufacturing spectrum. The combined company has a deep well of talent and a strong board and management team to lead us successfully as we continue to pave a new way forward for the 3D printing industry.”
Transaction Information
Consistent with the terms of the transaction, which was announced on April 16, 2012, Stratasys, Inc. has merged with a subsidiary of Objet, each former Stratasys common share has been converted into the right to receive one newly issued ordinary share of Stratasys Ltd., and Objet has changed its name to Stratasys Ltd. Former Stratasys stockholders hold approximately 55 percent of the combined company’s common stock, and former Objet shareholders hold approximately 45 percent on a fully diluted basis using the treasury stock method. Stratasys is maintaining dual headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel, and is incorporated in Israel.
Financial Benefits of the Transaction
The transaction is expected to create significant revenue synergies from increased sales, and to be accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share immediately. Beginning 18 months after closing, Stratasys expects to be generating between $7 and $8 million of annual net cost synergies and between $3 and $4 million in annual tax savings.
Leadership
David Reis, former chief executive officer of Objet, has assumed the role of chief executive officer; Erez Simha, former chief operations officer and chief financial officer of Objet, has assumed the role of chief operations officer (IL) and chief financial officer; Scott Crump, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Stratasys, Inc., has become full-time executive chairman of the board; and Elchanan Jaglom, formerly chairman of Objet, is serving as the full-time chairman of the executive committee.
Integration
Stratasys management will immediately begin the process of fully integrating the two companies, and the company has formed an executive committee comprised of four members of the board of directors to oversee the integration process. In the near term, customers can expect to work with each company as they always have, and in the coming months, will have the ability to purchase both Stratasys and Objet products from one channel partner point of contact. Learn more at www.StratasysForA3DWorld.com.
