3D Printing News

A roundup of the top 3D printing news from July 1 to July 7:

Tuesday, July 2

• Bukito 3D Printer: Portable 3D Printer on Kickstarter
• iPhone App PhotoUpLink Launches 3D Printed Photo Frames

Thursday, July 4

• Top 10 Countdown: Most Popular 3D Printing Stories in June 2013

Friday, July 5

• MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis to Keynote Inside 3D Printing Chicago

Photo App Developer Publishes Designs for 3D Printed Photo Frames

Since 2006, independent software designer Mark S. Morris has been working on PhotoUpLink® for various platforms, first for Mac and Windows then for iPhone, allowing multiple photos to be conveniently uploaded by iPhone users to Tumblr photosets, Facebook albums, FTP sites and email attachments.

Morris has added to his repertoire by creating a 3D printed picture frame. Called the PhotoUpLink Picture Frame, users can download the files and print it themselves to serve as frames for their favorite photographs The PhotoUpLink Picture Frame is an answer for those who are always looking for that perfect picture frame to store their most memorable photographs – now both the frame and photo can be printed at home.

The picture frame will hold one wallet size 3” x 2” photo print. This frame size is built for compatibility with most 3D printers for personal use, and has been extensively tested to be home 3D printable with ABS, PLA and even wood FDM filament types. The frame files include desk stands for landscape or portrait photo orientation, and it 3D prints with rear holes for wall hanging.

The PhotoUpLink Picture Frame is a free download available now on MakerBot Thingiverse. The frame can also be purchased with no logo on Cubify as a 3D print in a variety of materials including color plastics, ceramics, sandstone or metals, then shipped to your door.

You can view photos of the 3D printed frame on Flickr.

The frame will take about an hour to print, each stand about 30 minutes at 50 – 70% fill. A higher fill percentage makes a sturdy frame with a good base weight. The stand slot is designed to be a tight fit, you may need to trim and manually finish the print. Wallet size photo prints are easily home printed or ordered online.