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.

The emergence of 3D printing technology and 3D printing marketplaces, like Shapeways, is enabling designers to publish innovative products that are ready for commercial use. One such product is this Rocket Espresso Cup by Isohedral which is 3D printed in glazed ceramics.

For a great design to catch the eye of consumers, it needs to be photographed in context. These warm, artistic photos truly tell the story of that morning espresso – a.k.a. rocket fuel. The photos were posted to Flickr, Tumblr, and other social networks, where they went viral and were reposted over 6,000 times.

• A spike in traffic to the Rocket Espresso product page that has lasted over a week,
• X number of sales of the cup to people all around the world
• Traffic increase across the entire site
• Increased sales to individual shops across the Shapeways site
• An inspiring story of the little rocket that could…

All this from a great design, beautifully photographed and shared into the social web….

This experience should help other designers with ideas for promoting their own products in the future.