Digital Fabrication

Digital fabrication tools have revolutionized the way designers, engineers, and artisans express their creativity. With the right resources, you can learn to use these powerful instruments in no time! Whether it’s 3D printing or laser cutting that interests you, these articles will provide useful tutorials and inspiration for makers of all levels. Discover how digital fabrication can open up new possibilities so that your craftsmanship is truly extraordinary!

OpenBeam Mini Kossel

OpenBeam Mini Kossel

The first deltabot in our tests printed well but it’s still a machine for the hands-on tinkerer.

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3D Printing Umbilical Cord Clamps in Haiti

Our organization, iLab // Haiti has brought the first two 3D printers (Replicator 1’s) to the country of Haiti. We’re teaching them to 3D model using SketchUp and Rhino, with the hope of teaching Autodesk’s Inventor. They will be printing medical devices like umbilical cord clamps, to bypass the inefficient and corrupt import systems that are currently the only option available.

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3D Printing in a Redwood Forest

As part of the Project 387 artist residency program nestled on a 150-acre property in the redwood forests of Northern California, Oakland-based Smith|Allen Studio brought large-scale 3D printing to the woods. What they created is a 10’x10’x8′ architectural structure titled Echoviren, which was entirely 3D printed in sections using plant-based PLA on a small army […]

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Inspiration: Laser-Cut Leather

Inspiration: Laser-Cut Leather

Leather lends itself to the intricate design possibilities of a laser cutter, because it is pliable enough to wear on the body, but sturdy enough to hold its shape, even with large cutouts. I’ve collected a few of my favorite examples of laser-cut leather here, to serve as inspiration.

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Will 3D Printers Save the World?

Will 3D Printers Save the World?

3D printers have exploded in popularity with promises of reinventing everything from manufacturing to entrepreneurship. While 3D printing has a few detractors and people who point out that it won’t live up to the hype, I believe 3D printing will actually do more than reinvent the way we design and build things. Ultimately, I believe it will dramatically improve lives in 3rd world countries by empowering everyone to improve their own lives.

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DiResta: Skull Ring

DiResta: Skull Ring

Jimmy wants a ring that makes an impression. Jimmy gets out the wax, a hobby knife, and a Dremel tool and sets to work.

In each bi-monthly episode of DiResta (every other Wednesday at 2pm PT), artist and master builder Jimmy DiResta (“Dirty Money,” “Hammered,” “Against the Grain,” “Trash for Cash”) lets us into his workshop, to look over his shoulder while he builds whatever strikes his fancy.

More details here: http://blog.makezine.com/2012/09/14/diresta-skull-ring/ ‎

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