We’ve been really excited to see a major tool manufacturer like Dremel entering into the 3D printer arena. Their Idea Builder did well in our tests and we can truly imagine it sitting on a workbench in our neighbor’s garage.
We’re especially giddy today because Dremel has offered up one of their new 3D printers as a prize for a contest!
Here’s the topic: Assimilating a 3D Printer.
If you’re reading this, the chances are you already make stuff. You’re probably also very eager to get a 3D printer to play with. While we love 3D printers and put them through their paces regularly, we tend to only focus on what the printer itself can do.
For this contest, we want to see what you can do! We want you to give us a mixed-media project idea — something that uses 3D printing as well as some other form of construction. One example would be a wind chime: The frame could be an intricately printed piece of art and the chimes could be thin aluminum tubing. Another example would be a picture frame: The frame and stand could be 3D printed, but the glass obviously can’t be.
Entering:
To enter, all you have to do is share your plan with us in the comments. We would really love a picture or a drawing. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a perfect schematic, a napkin sketch will do. Hurry though; you have to have your entry in the comments before December 17th, next Wednesday.
Judging:
The editors at Make: will browse through your entries and find a single one that we all agree is the winner.
We’ll use the following criteria to determine whose is best:
Creativity: Did you come up with something interesting?
Feasibility: Is the project even possible?
Beauty: Every judge has their own opinion of what is beautiful. It may be intricacy, it may be simplicity. This allows the judges to include a healthy dose of personal opinion.
434 thoughts on “Share Your Idea For A Chance To Win A Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer!”
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I’d want to print out a the elements of a mini-arcade cabinet. Think like this little guy, but slightly larger because I’m blind: http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1fd2/. I’d also probably print out tiny space ships in other colors from the primary to affix on the sides because I’m a sucker for space stuff. Realistically I’d use a Pi as the ‘computer’ and I’d need to do some soldering work to get buttons in place, possibly some plasticard work to build a simple case for the Pi to keep it away from a monitor.
I’d like to design and make a snap-on lens for the camera on our school’s Microsoft Surface Pro 3 computers. Although it is a good device, the fixed-focus lens on the camera is farsighted — it cannot focus on documents that are less than two feet away. The lens itself would be a lens from an ordinary pair of magnification glasses found at the local pharmacy and a 3D printer would be invaluable in building a new frame that not only holds the lens but also clips it to the computer. I’m a fifth-grade teacher and see this project as one way that I can not only improve the devices we have but also continue to involve my students in the design, moving them along in the process of becoming Makers.
Build custom train cars for my train-obsessed 4 year old nephew.
I’d like to print out a model of a Slingshot and then use it as a model to cast it out of Bronze!
I’d like to be able to 3D print small aircraft models to use for my community Remote Controlled flight classes for underprivileged youth. They would be very useful when teaching smaller children how it all works and the maneuvers of the training. And as an added benefit the top students get to KEEP the planes upon course graduation!
My 85-yo dad wears leg braces to help with leg gait, very unsteady when he’s not wearing them. Since he’s now developed dementia he pulls the velcro off the riveted brackets making the braces unwearable. We make due with adhesive, but I have an idea to 3D print clips to hold the velcro in place at the tops of the braces and then print rings to close the velcro at the front. This way even if he does remove the clips they are easily replaceable without rendering the braces unusable and requiring a difficult trip to the orthopedic shop. Thanks!
Mini furniture and doll furniture for my daughters playhouse as well as accessories! A 3D printer would make this an affordable, customized method to design our own creations and whatever we dream up! Also, model pieces for matchbox cars and replaceable parts for RCs, anything is possible! I could even design cookie cutters of any shape we want ;)
Parts for the Project ARA phone.
I have an idea for a cinematic style holder for a cell phone that needs a housing (Printer for that) a mirror, and a metal attachment to accept SLR lenses. The idea being that You lay your cell down screen up with the camera pointed into a mirror (Down) that reflects the image from the SLR lens back into your cells camera. I made a cardboard/manila folder prototype some time ago and it worked pretty well, though the manila started to delaminate with the weight of the lens I had mounted. The whole idea being that you can take a cell phone and use it like a cinematic camera, with a nice lens mount that’s capable of using SLR lenses without breaking the bank. I really wanted to make a kickstarte on it, but not having a good prototype that I wasn’t scared to hand to someone else to try kind of made my unwilling to try. I think it would be a great project since I’ve seen quite a few older SLR lenses in flea markets and thrift stores that didn’t cost very much (Less than $35) that would’ve been a lot of fun to be able to use. My cell phone’s camera isn’t great, but since it doesn’t cost near what my DSLR cost, I use it often to shoot video with.
http://instagram.com/p/wcKnrbIbEN/ <—instagram photo. Sorry.
We teach STEAM classes to kids and are building a mobile classroom so that we can expand our classes. We just finished teaching a robotics class around a little 3D printed rover at a local Museum. We had to farm out our 3D printed bodies and our 3D printing demo to two different tech shops so that we could make it happen. We would love to be able to do this on our on and not have to rely on others to print for us. Here are some pics of our class: http://preview.tinyurl.com/p9ms5lo
The project I have in mind is creation of the custom parts for a snowbot. In the NorthEast there are frequent small snowfalls. Keeping the snow mostly cleared from the driveway allows solar heating of the underlying asphalt to melt and dry the surface on any sunny day, even if the air temp is below freezing. I currently do this several times a day during light snowfalls. I envision a persistent bot with a plow blade attached. The bot would trundle from side to side of the driveway pushing small accumulations of snow off to the edges while I sit with my feet up in my warm house. I want to prototype this first as a small proof of concept that handles clearing the porch and walkway. Just the thing 3D printed brackets, cams, and linkages are perfect for.
I think this is a GREAT contest idea……I also think not allow the under 18 crowd really limits the amazing results you would get. These younger kids bring an amazing creativity that adults sometimes lose when we get older. I think you should add a second giveaway for the younger crowd. I bet the entries blow away the adults.
Hi Joelle
I fix up old broken instruments (guitars, violins, ukuleles etc) and usually give them away…and keep a few. I get them at junk shops or curbside or sometimes have them given to me. It’s not a business so I like to keep my costs at a minimum. I salvage parts from anything that seems irreparable to use on others but, often, there are things like the heads of tuners, bridges, nuts, pick guards and other plastic odds and ends that are hard to source. I have an old 1930’s parlour guitar that was almost completely destroyed and that needs many new plastic parts and I’d like to be able to make them how I want, not take whatever I can find. I have to rebuild the entire neck from scratch and I’d like to electrify it. I’d need to print tuner heads, a bridge, a nut, volume/tone controls, parts for the pick-ups and a cover plate for the electronics. These new parts would be combined with a vintage acoustic parlour guitar body and a shiny new neck and fretboard.
Love to make covers for Pinewood derby cars! Kids can white/saw their car and design covers!
I’d love to develop my own miniature collections, so far being using private companies for that. I am freelance product designer and developing activities as multi-disciplinary creative. It would be great tool for me to keep working in product design as having strong skills in 3d modeling. Being follower / user of Dremel for years, i’m curious about the technical capacities of the machine. Best.
I want to use a 3D printer for costuming and cosplay. Print out the hard or impossible to find components and use them with more traditional costuming methods to complete the costume.
I’d Like to make this MSP430 robot dog a body and legs. Right now he’s a junk bot. I play to add another servo so he can wag his tail and I speaker so he can bark to sensor input.
I would like to motorize all sorts of items. One item for example could be a belt and tie hanger. Enjoy my 10 second paint diagram.
I would like to make kinetic sculptures that provide visualization for atmospheric data such as wind speed and direction and CO2 concentration. (think a flower that blooms when you breathe on the inlet.)
My son and I would like to make accessories for his remote control helicopter, that would be awesome.
I would design new water pics for our caterpillar enclosures in our lab! We raise hundreds of caterpillars in our lab each year for research and to create field guides. We are always finding new species and making new discoveries, and raise caterpillars from all around the country. The problem, though, is caterpillars eat a LOT. So we need to constantly provide them with fresh leaves, or give them bunches of plants kept fresh with water. Current, typical water pics for plants are large and awkward, usually not fitting into our typical rearing containers. And if they do fit, they tip over, drying out the plant and drowning the caterpillars. I would love to 3D print new water delivery systems for plants that fit nicely into the various small containers we use. We could print different heights for different types of plants, and perhaps even with a catcher at the bottom to collect the frass (caterpillar poop). They would be combined with rubber caps with a hole in the center, to be the cap on top where the plant is inserted. This would keep the plants fresher, make the caterpillars happier, and reduce the workload for the caterpillar wranglers in our lab. Thanks!
I would love to print 2 fencing players on a piste!! <3
I would like to use food grade filaments to make intricate and personalized piping bag nozzles or tips that are difficult to find in a store. After designing and printing the nozzles, all that is left is to attach them to a piping bag and use them with batter or frosting in baking.
Aside from making the random holiday decorative and costume items, primarily Halloween, my primary plan is custom hot rod hood ornaments and accessories complete with wired in LED or EL wire lighting.
My homemade design ninja star
https://grabcad.com/library/ninja-star–1
I would like to create a miniature model of Route 66 buildings/attractions.
Custom fitted phone case; Yes, I know there’s loads of phone cases but my phone in particular has a lens built on, making it almost impossible to find something simple and yet unique as a case.
I’d like to propose to local people( I’m from Reunion Island) to produce repair/replacement parts they may need but that are unavaible for sale.
For instance fluorescent lamp holder, that are usually made of plastic break quite easily. Unfortunately without a 3D printer, we have to buy a new set of lamp holder.
A 3d printer would be of great use for the local community who will this be able to discover a new type of repair kit!
I plan to help the community by building their 3D printed parts and improving my 3D modellling skills.
I would like to make a tool for helping break down the Tetra Pak boxes that many products come in these days. The Corners are glued down and are difficult to pull apart for flattening the box for the garbage. I think this would be a very useful tool for many people. I just need help in creating the final product. It is different then a bottle opener.
I would love to help my 93 year old father in-law build game pieces for the board game he designed this year. Art’s Rally Race. He already has a design in mind for the game pieces and mentioned that he would love to ‘cast’ these pieces.
He is truly an inspiration, showing all of us to keep ‘making’.
I would help my son build a cross bow trigger of his own design.
3D print parts to use with an Intel Galileo for a card shuffler and dispenser for my Talisman Board game. ( it has a lot of cards)
I’d use it to make odds and end pieces for my props – the small details that enhance each project.
Print parts to reuse glass bottles (start with standard Mason jars). Hummingbird feeder attachment, or a pet food dispenser comes to mind. Better yet, re-use interesting bottles and jars to make a Heron’s Fountain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heron%27s_fountain
I would use the printer for 2 purposes right away. The first would speed up my prototyping process as sending off to shapeways for every part is pretty slow. and I would be able to finish my Robotic CAT5 cable puller. I have designed and built the Pincer grip as seen here. http://www.instructables.com/id/Robot-Pincer-from-Software-installation-printing/ and I am working on the small chassis and drive line.
The second would be to provide access to new technology in a rural area to inspire STEM interest in the rural farming community that I live. If I don’t win I will have one eventually but it would be nice to get ahead of the curve to learn to use it properly before I try to teach 3d printing to children.
I want to use a 3D printer to help me make the induction system for my “Project Route 66 roadster” a reality by printing plastic molds to create sand castings for parts to convert old carburetors into throttle bodies with hidden integral mounted fuel injectors and ultimately a new aluminum intake manifold to mount the new assemblies onto the engine. The intake manifold will be more of a challenge due to its size, but several prints combined with some creative joinery and some glue will get me to where I need. There will also be some need for some art deco looking “bump stops” for the linkage assembly that would ideally be printed out of ABS plastic directly and cleaned up and installed. I could also print alignment jigs to assist in a clean install and attachment of the brazed polished copper fuel lines as well as some necessary covers to help hide various sensors and wiring to keep the vintage hot rod look while having my modern drivabilty characteristics that I am looking for. (Picture is not mine – borrowed for conceptual purposes)
I’d like an easier way to fix my son’s toys. The rc cars, actions figures, other and widget accessories he has are just so cheaply made. It would be nice to be able to repair some of these breaks with printed replacement parts. Lost puzzle piece or broken bumper? No problem let’s print one!
A 4D printer would blow your mind, but I’m going to save that for later.
Here’s my jpeg sumbission.
I would create a drone and use various bits to make it fly for my two little guys.
I would like to try make differently shaped surfaces to see how well to collect dew.
Hopefully to water some thirsty plants on my balcony that don’t get enough rain, but in my big dream to help people with limited access to fresh water.
I’d want to design & make my bicycle into a James BOnd Cargo Mobile. It’s already an Xtracycle; now it needs a dashboard with cables to devices taht could squirt water into the faces of pursuing puppies (the bottles with the appropriate power are too voluminous), an airhorn to alert that soul backing out of the driveway of my imminence — one that would put up with winter weather, unlike the AirZounds ones whose mounts break and seams separate — and GPS device holder so I could follow my map or if I were inside on the trainer, study and practice my programming on that adorable little computer. The rear-mounted airbag to inflate if a car struck me might come later…
Inspired by Twisty the Clown on American Horror Story, I want to make an exaggerated gnarly teeth mask. The bulk would be made up from plaster of Paris to conform with my face, and then the teeth are 3D printed. Dr_Ice has a good set of individual teeth on Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:174449) that I could inlay into the plaster.
I’m building a Navajo style loom for my daughter. Generally, after a weaver shuttles weft (horizontal) thread or yarn through the warp (vertical) threads, they use a comb like device to press the weft down tightly into the woven material they are creating. In more sophisticated loom designs, there is often a frame with a comb like grill, (known as a weaving reed), that the warp threads are threaded through. After putting a weft thread through the warp, the weaver pulls the frame toward the material to lock the weft in place.
If I had a 3D printer I would print plastic inserts that I could fasten in a standard frame slots to create a weaving reed. I could create inserts with different widths between the teeth to accommodate different size threads and yarns depending on what the weaver is making. The frame for the reed inserts would mount in the holes you see on the side of the example loom then pull down to lock the weft thread.
I would also print shuttles with internal bobbins for her to use to slide back and forth across the warp threads as they lay the weft in place.
This probably won’t be the winning comment but for years since the 3D printer came out, I have been itching to go into my own modelling business, such as making scale models for companies to see how something would work and if it works before they decide to buy all materials only to find out that it does not work and puts them in a hole. Its a dream of mine and although I would really love to win a 3D printer, as I am currently living off financial aid from my college, it would also be to go into a small business, from printing a design the consumer likes or even the design a consumer has made, the cost would only go off of how much filament was used, and as spools of filament are fair in price, the cost wouldnt be very expensive, making it affordable for just about everyone
I’ve always wanted to build a Mobile Virtual Presence device. With a 3D printer, I can build all the needed parts to create a prototype, using a used netbook and a webcam plus a USB based motor controller (I have a LAIKA from Kickstarter)… all I would need is to provide the motors and wheels (batteries) and a shell built by the 3D printer. An R2D2 holding up a netbook monitor panel and camera if you want to visualize it…
I would print a custom shell for my xbox one controller to add better grips , I would also print dog toys as our dogs go through them so fast. I also had an idea to design a device that protects the little area between my truck seat and the center console that everything but my hand can seem to fit down.
Mug Holder for my Grandma’s walker. You would be amazed how helpful this would be for my grandma with Alzheimers. She tries to balance the cup on her walker seat which inevitably spills. When she walks to set the cup down, she then forgets where. It’s an un-fun disease :0/
Also 3d print Christmas ornaments and crazy stuff to have elf on a shelf play with to make the kids laugh
I’m a cubmaster and asst. scoutmaster. I would make it available for the scouts for our Pinewood Derby. Boys and young men can be very creative, but it can be a challenge to make available great tools for that creativity. The size of this printer is also ideal for Pinewood Derby cars, as well as many other scoutcraft projects.
I have great ideas for building an emergency solar generator for disaster relief zones. Some parts would be custom 3D printed, while other electrical parts and obviously solar panels will not. This would be awesome since I can’t afford a 3D printer right now!
I would create a stopmotion animation using the 3d printer to create the more intricate objects such as lampposts or cars. The characters in the animation would be printed as well using interchangeable faces to show expressions or talking. The buildings would be created using clay detailed to create a brick pattern. Chairs and tables would be made using the same materials used to create real sized ones. I would probably make an action/mystery movie set in the future because the 3d printer would allow me to make complex cars using different materials. Like resin casting for wheels and the plastic from two liter soda bottles for windows. The people would be clothed using recycled fabric. And computers could be created using small wooden blocks (Or panels since computers are so thin these days!) And LED lights would be used for lights if it did not get to tight inside the models. All of the movie would be posted online along with behind the scenes update videos. Along with the design files for all 3d printed objects.
There are many uses I can find for a 3D printer around my home, but the one project I have discussed with my three children is to make a rolling ball sculpture. The idea is to use standard wood components like trim and molding and make the turns, drops, ball catchers, etc out of printed parts. The whole point is to teach 3D design and experiment with what works and what does not work. When we dial in a part, like a 180 degree turn from one wood molding to another, then to put that design online for others to print. Using wood would mean you learn to work with a common medium and the printed plastic parts teach you how to combine the two as well as overcome limitations inherent in each material. Of course, this would be a family project and might involve a school science project or two.
If I was lucky enough to win this then I’d users it to make woggles for our Scout Group, encouraging the Beavers, Cubs & Scouts to design their own… Maybe set a competition for each sections design… Make special designs for camps we attend (next summer the Scouts are off to Peak International Scout & Guide camp in Derbyshire), making extras to use as swaps with Scouts all over the world :D
We could then build a display board to keep one of each design… Obviously the display board would have to be 3D printed too… Jigsaw pieces with incorporated hooks that lock together around the Scout Hut ;)
Now I know I REALLY need one of these… The fun we’d all have, Scouts of all ages from the youngest Beaver (6) to the oldest leader (erm, yeah, like I’m going to put that age down!) enjoying computing & engineering, sooooo cool :D
My son, who is 9, would like to model a tree in tinkercad and light it up with RGB LEDs for a decoration in his room. He wants to use glow in the dark filament so that after he turns it off it will still glow while he goes to sleep. I want him to also wire up an Arduino so that he can program a sleep timer or something into
I’ve been making really detailed cardboard sculptures for awhile now (@kylescheele on Instagram), and I would love to incorporate 3D-printed parts to replicate smaller details, add movement (print armatures, gears, etc.), and try out new structural elements that won’t work with cardboard alone. I’ve got so many ideas already…
I would print car parts, molds for carbon fiber parts, and aquarium parts. I would also print the openrc truggy and just about anything else I could think of.
I am working on a home automation system, and a 3dprinter would allow custom enclosures for my sensor nodes that can go over a light switch, wall outlet, or otherwise, that is clean.
My plans go beyond off the shelf systems with monitoring of enviromental data, like barometric pressure, tempature, humidity.
i attached a picture of my current working prototype.
I will also be including a garden control system that controlls pumps, lights(for indoors), fans and vents, as well as enviromental monitoring, temps, humids, soil moisture, ppm, ph. The 3dprinter would allow me to make custom parts, custom enclosures for the custom electronics.
The 3d printer also allows me a platform to build other tools with, such as a pcb plotter or small cnc.
I would collect old laptops that have an easy fix like dead batteries or cracked screens or broken keyboards (or any easy solder fix) and I would remove the screens and create a case for the laptop motherboards and screen stands and then donate them to a better cause for desktop use. I would install Linux if they are very old so that they could still be useful for people who cannot afford computers. The idea can only work well if the motherboards have a special customized case because all models have different parts and designs. Combined with old computer keyboards, mice and accessories that are constantly being trashed, they could still be useful and can save the environment from garbage as well as giving computer access to someone who doesn’t have it.
Woo I’ve wanted a 3D printer for years. I want one for a number of electronic projects and hobbies but mainly for a robotic arm I’m working on and other smart robots with the arduino and the raspberry pi. I work with sheet metal a lot and have done several metals projects so the main construction would be made of that while all the intricate parts would be done using the 3d printer. Thanks!
I love the Arduino Esplora – but its bare circuit card construction makes it hard to hold and impractical for kids. I’d like to create a case for it, perhaps in Nintendo classic styling so that it is both rugged and attractive to my my kids.
I would like to create 3d printed letterpress plates and bespoke typography. Here’s a picture of creating simple letterforms in 3d that can be printed and fixed at type height for printing on a letterpress.
I don’t have a project in mind just yet – I’m still learning how to design and use 3d printers. However, if I got this one, I’d donate it to the Logan Library (Logan, Utah, USA) so that they could allow anyone to use it. They were able to borrow one for a few days and it was a big hit, but they would love to have one permanently. And I could use it to learn too!
3d working guns models for weapons improvement
I’m a jewelry designer. and I’m working on a line of jewelry that is plastic and crystal. Using the color of the extruded polymer to counter balance the crystals in the design. So a nice black plastic with white crystals or even RED crystals would be FANTASTIC and so beautiful! :D
In a lunch meeting earlier today, I sketched up ideas for a 3D printed Spider for a new telescope I’m designing. I’m an amateur telescope maker. The spider is the element which suspends the Secondary Mirror to divert the reflected light into the focuser and eyepiece. The mount I’m designing is suspended by wires and threaded rods adjust the optics. I think it’d be great to 3D print the threads integral to the parts! There are many other opportunities to optimize parts for the telescope!
I would like to explore 3d printing and transparent colored enamels (like epoxy) to make fake stain-glass designs.
I would make a small portable student paper printer that uses your own pen or pencil. I imagine it being about the size of a portable scanner and would fit in a laptop case with ease. To prep you would load your pen/pencil into a carriage holder and feed the paper horizontally. You could 3D print the case, gears, rollers, pen/pencil carriage, misc parts; integrate it with a stepper motors, pulley, and controller. It could be bluetooth capable or usb, and have an integrated battery.
Such a wonderful idea.
I’ve spent nearly 32 years getting kids interested in science, creativity, andeducation. A 3D printer from Dremel would allow me to make parts for the FIRST Lego and First Robotics teams in Washington State. I could finally use updated technology to show kids a path to a brighter and more productive future. FIRST is always looking for volunteers to coach, mentor and encourage kids to reach new heights. So even if I don’t win it. I hope someone that will help kids nation wide does. GO DREMEL!
Got the 3D Printer and Print another Clone 3D Printer
I would love to do a 3-d printed picture of my family, in a snow globe.
I have a robot that I built from a kit in 1983, a Heathkit Hero-1. Needless to say parts are no longer available. If I get this going again, I can use it to teach my Grand kids how to program a mobile computeing program.
I’d print mATX case components and start my new custom computer case business.
I have always made things in 3D but I am now learning how to use 3D CAD software so I would use a 3D printer to print my own version of Francis Underwood’s infamous ring from the Netflix series, House Of Cards which I would then make a cast of and recast the ring in metal and then have it gold plated. Maybe even try to gold plate it myself with a DIY electric plating system :)
I’d like to build a squirt gun to squirt my dog with that attaches to his leash. That way I can train him with distractions/negative feedback and have it less obvious that it’s due to me pulling the trigger. He knows what the spray bottle means.
I’ve been sketching and painting flight paths of birds (no, that is NOT
the name of the new Flaming Lips release) and have recently been trying
to sculpt them as well. My method has been unsuccessful so far but have
been thinking a 3D printer could be the solution! If not, back to resin
and spaghetti noodles…
I would like to 3D print lugs for a recumbent tadpole trike, using bamboo as the tubing. I could taylor make each lug to match the diameter of the bamboo pieces. Adding a lightweight, single layer fairing and electric rear assist would give me an awesome vehicle for short commutes to and from work. Much like the Organic Transit ELF, but way more organic.
I would use it to expand my capabilities to make positives molds for vacuum forming. This one was made using multiple layers of acrylic and an acrylic dome. The thin layer of polystyrene allows light through and glows. This particular piece is part of a much larger display shown in the video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruZwjDHxoRM
i would like to make a RC car with the part make form 3d printer. this rc car model could change it apperance because all part of it make like LEGO,
I want to 3D print a holder for my phone that looks like a fireplace, using brown filament that looks like wood. then maybe paint it too look more like wood, and use dollhouse miniatures to trim the ‘mantle.’ then, I would put an NFC tag in the back of it, so that when I slid my phone in, Tasker would launch a looping video/soundtrack of a roaring fire. I’d probably also add a dedicated charger to keep my phone powered up while the screen’s on.
I got the idea from a tiny fireplace for my phone I made for a christmas party. here’s a photo.
I see my next pinewood derby winner. I actually can see a new era of pinewood derby cars
I would like to make a laser enabled fly trap. I would use the 3D
printer to print the clips and base plate to hold all of the components.
The fly trap intelligence would come from an Arduino connected to an
LDR and/or a sound sensor. As the fly approaches the target area, the
shadow and/or noise from fly would trigger the laser to activate. The
fly would be in the path of the laser, and KABOOM!!. The Arduino would
control the laser through a relay setup. I would also have some 3-d
printed “laser catcher” for laser safety – so that the laser doesn’t
just pulverize everything in it’s path (outside of the target area).
To make an inspirational area for jamming on our synthesizer and making our own recordings, my son and I want to fabricate one entire faux wall of amplifiers/speaker cabinets in our rec room. The 3-d printer would create all the knobs, switches, and logos for our fake “wall of sound”, turning flat screen-printed wallpaper into a realistic floor-to-ceiling 3-d surface. Then we’d turn them up to eleven.
I would use it to print a theater for my daughters dolls, I would print the seats and stage and all the speaker and light mounts. I would use a Raspberry pi and 7″ lcd for the movie screen. Then my girls could pretend their dolls were going to the movies. I would also make it to where they could watch through view ports at the back of the theater to see it from the dolls perspective.
My 10 year old son and I like building stuff in the garage and he’s learning to weld. I’d make him a kid sized welding helmet (obviously use a legit welding lens) so he has one that fits properly. He’ll enjoy it more, it’ll be safer, and it’ll be fun!
This is my design of a low cost 3d printer:
It has auto leveling using an ultrasonic sensor and the z axis to level.
Check the thingiverse page to see images and it in 3d (click on thingiview).
Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:587834
I had an idea for my senior engineering project, and I made some prototypes with a 3D printer we had there. The idea was for strap-on roller skates, but with ball bearings instead of wheels, so that you can strafe in every direction. I’ll post pics soon
Here’s a picture
Here’s a poor quality picture
Planning to use it with my FIRST team, they are interested in printing some lego pieces
FIRST competitions are great! I’m currently mentoring an FTC team and two FLL teams, as well as being on an FTC team myself.
When I hear ‘Assimilating a 3D printer’ it makes me think of the assimilation of 3D printing into the average household. While fun and whimsical projects capture people’s attention and spread interest in the technology, it won’t become sustainably ubiquitous until it fills concrete utilitarian roles in a way that’s cheaper or more convenient than existing means.
I want to design and explore open source, printable plastic hardware items and consumables for DIY home maintenance. Electrical junction boxes, switch plates, plumbing parts, faucet handles, appliance knobs, plastic wallboard anchors, cable clips, drawer and cabinet pulls, tile spacers, shims, etc., etc. It makes much more sense to print out one anchor to hang a picture than to drive to the store and buy a dozen that were produced overseas and delivered in a truck. This also allows for more variety and customization than is available commercially.
Imagine planning a bathroom remodel with custom 3D printed faucet handles, plumbing elements, cabinet hardware, switch plates and lighting elements! Being able to design or crowd source just the right part and print it at home means never having to settle for ‘good enough’ from your local DIY big box again. I want to be a part of that future by designing practical 3D printed hardware items and sharing them with other DIYers.
I’m planning to create a swarm of UAVs with robot arms, to plant trees on rural areas. They would do it all automatically, the user would only supply the plants and mark the area to be planted. That’s actually a little more expensive than dropping seed bombs but more organized and smarter way to do the job.
Oh my, I have so many projects swimming around in my brain. To name a few:
-3D print glasses frames (prototype, attached) but this would take many iterations to get the hinges working in an ideal way as well as working out a way to insert the lenses.
-I’m working on making a longboard with inset edglit acrylic lights for safety, and would like to print the battery/electronics holster.
-custom pc gaming controller/design program oriented controller. Would allow key macros (as well as pointer control) for easy access to abilities or design program commands all contained in an ergonomic and aesthetic shape.
-and I would absolutely love to design a pair of working 3D printed headphones
-as well as a plethora of half-baked wearables
I have twin 8-year old girls who absorb almost everything.
I would love print the bones and organs of a frog or mouse, then cover them in latex. They could then explore the innards of the animal without the nastiness of a real animal.
A 3D printer is more than just a tool on a desk. It’s more than just a mechanical thing that can make more mechanical things. It is a door, a door among many others. It is a step, a step on a really long staircase. It’s the next part of my journey.
I’m a high school student with a passion for engineering. During my free time, I come up with tons of ideas, several different projects made up of many different things, including games, inventions, presents, and mechanisms.
I remember back when I first started engineering, when I designed fewer projects, things made of paper and cardboard. But that changed when I obtained a multitool. I now had access to plastic, wood, and thin pieces of metal. But even then, my projects were very small and simplistic. Then I got a soldering iron. It was cheap, $10, but those $10 took me from crafting to engineering. I was able to play with circuits, eventually building various projects from basic robots all the way up to watches.
A 3D printer may be a tool to some people, or even a machining tool to others. But to me, its a step, a step up from where I am now to where I could be in the future. Anyone can print something on a 3D printer, but it’s not just a printer for me, it’s the door to an awesome, engineering-filled future.
I teach a Making Class to a group of Homeschool kids in a small Texas town. Our budget for makes comes to around $15 per week and I end up spending a lot more than that just for them. Enough sob story, here are some of their ideas which we would make it a 3D printer… if we had one (this was an in-class discussion): chess pieces featuring likeness of the students, custom fit wheel chairs for injured pets, backpack hooks (the center doesn’t have any), phone cases, pencil grips, phone stands, backpack tags, action figures of the students, power cord organizers, things featuring the name and logo of the home school collective to be sold to raise money so we can do bigger builds.
This was from a few minutes of brain storming with some of the most creative kids I have ever worked with. We will get a 3D printer… someday… and what we make with it will be glorious!
Oh where to start?!! I have an idea for a new kind of mouse and everything has been done from scratch so far. Then there is the new portable tablet stand I want to make so I can put the tablet in either landscape OR portrait position…..how about the box I want to create to put my old smartphone in so I can use it as a mini-screen to monitor something online? I have no end to ideas and uses!
My 8 year old daughter has dyslexia and uses a multisensory approach to reading. We have begun making her flash cards for new words little pictures. For example we for city we highlight the ci in red as that is the sound she is learning this week. The Ty gets written in black. In blue we draw a skyscraper out of the t. This has been helping as she can associate the word with a picture and she gets to use her art skills. How cool would it be to add in her tinkering skills and design 3d flash cards which she could trace with her fingers as another pathway of learning the words?!
I would like to make custom enclosures for small data displays. I am particularly interested in stuff that integrates into existing systems and looks like it was meant to be there. For instance adding aftermarket gauges to a car dash usually results in a very non-oem look. Another example would be a bicycle computer that integrates into the handlebars and doesn’t stick out like a stopwatch on an armature.
I believe that 3D printers are the way of the future in terms of making diy/home made/maker/homegrown projects integrate into everyday objects in a way that is unobtrusive and attractive. I believe that this will open these types of projects to a wider audience. (My wife is certainly more accepting of the car-gauge projects that look like they belong vs the ones that are taped to the dashboard.)
I would like to create a half life-size model of a dog to use as an anatomy teaching tool. I would print the individual bones from existing MRI scans and mount them on a metal frame to create the complete skeleton. I would then print moulds for each muscle and fill the moulds with colored liquid latex to create the muscles for the model.
I would use this model to educate dog owners about their dogs injuries, and help them understand how to help them recover.
This probably won’t be the winning comment but for years since the 3D printer came out, I have been itching to go into my own modelling business, such as making scale models for companies to see how something would work and if it works before they decide to buy all materials only to find out that it does not work and puts them in a hole. Its a dream of mine and although I would really love to win a 3D printer, as I am currently living off financial aid from my college, it would also be to go into a small business, from printing a design the consumer likes or even the design a consumer has made, the cost would only go off of how much filament was used, and as spools of filament are fair in price, the cost wouldnt be very expensive, making it affordable for just about everyone
I am planning to make segway and a humanoid robot on my own as my final year project and there are many thing which are hard for me to found and i can not just go and buy a 3D printer so if i get a one from you i will use this to complete my project and many more things which you can’t even imagine. And further there are many other competitions based on 3D printing so i will aslso participate in them and make full use of 3D printer if i won.
I am a middle school teacher with a passion for helping my students find their inner maker. My 7th and 8th graders work on original design/build projects. 7th grade builds add-ons for underwater ROVs to collect data and specimens. This group would use the printer to custom design and print parts for mechanical and robotic arms, housings for ph, temperature, light etc sensors and water, dirt, organism collectors. The 8th graders design/build original inventions which will meet a need of some sort. (make the world a better place) students are working on everything from remote operated vehicles to find and help victims of natural disaster, an as strive robotic hand for arthritis patients, a tricked out set of crutches to the perfect pooper scooper. All of these, and many other project ideas would benefit from custom designed and printed parts!
BBuilding a pinhole camera adapter for a dslr for long exposures
I would like to make prototypes to test wind reduction shields for my camera microphone. One problem that arise is that even a slight wind cause noise, but the solutions that exist now are essentially putting a big furry sock over the end of the microphone. I did some contract work at a aircraft sensor plant and I want use some of the air control techniques I learned for sensors to reduce the effects of wind on my recording. A 3D printer would speed up prototyping and allow me to try shapes that can’t be tried using normal fabrication methods.
My son says he would like it to print NERF accessories :)
As a volunteer Fireman our equipment is quite expensive and often very specific. I would like to make a pocket clip that allows us to carry our flashlights shining down at the ground or pivoted upwards to be used as a task light. It needs to accommodate a wide variety of flashlights so a velcro strap would be incorporated. The clip would also house a pen, notepad and EMR scissors.
I and my father are building a R2D2 droid. The next step will be building a C3POO robot based on modified files of Inmoov robot. For both robots we really need a 3D printer in order to print all the details.
I would like to improve my design and make more of the swirly bubble wand http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:364565
3d printing to reproduce parts from classic cars, yachts, etc. would make it possible to affordably repair and maintain these beautiful works of art. Materials should include 316L stainless, silicon bronze, aluminum, etc. Printing of lost wax originals would be an acceptable alternative.
I want to make a diorama of dinosaurs with the Serenity crashing into a volcano. No real reason, except it reminds me of those dioramas we had to do in grade school.
I wold like to build everything that i can buy from local store for a big price , replacement parts , functional robot parts.
I’d love to explore the idea of prosthetic limbs. I’ve heard many stories through churches, news and communities of people just waiting in queue for a limb, or just merely not being able to afford it. If you can combine a 3D sculpt out of plastic and give it rigidity through metal or wire, I’d like to think it is something that can work. Of course, there are a few experiments going on out there, but I feel one more person on this front could definitely benefit the disabled community. (Or at least until they can get something fitted professionally :))
My second graders are making plans to redesign the future. They wish to start small by learning how to design and print 3D prototypes.
Here is a list of my mixed-media project ideas :
1] Custom light weight limb supporters for injured animals for indoor movement
2] Harry potter styled set of chess pieces.
3] Cheap school stationery materials like mechanical pencils, marked rulers, refillable ink pens, glossy slates(to be written on with) for less privileged children.
4] Beautifully designed guitar picks and capos
5]Awesome name tags for ngos, hacker space or clubs.
6] Screens and small tubes to be fitted in earthen pots which would allow slow drop by drop water supply.
contact: yashmjain@gmail.com, yashmjain@hotmail.com
PS: the sketches are lame,sorry for that :)
I would like to use the Dremel 3D Printer to build the enclosure for my experimental 3-axis gimbal designed for my DJI UAV :)
Manufacture hard/impossible to find parts for scale models.
Here is my idea: making accurate scale models.
An example: this printable 3D model depicts the Crossley 20/25 Tender. This light truck used by Royal Flying Corps in World War One.
Consists: 3D printed parts, photo etched brass parts, copper wires, and acetate sheet for window and lamp glasses.
The 3D printers gives the unlimited freedom for scale modellers, because whatever you be made real, what can draw.
lwcolors@gmail.com
Firstly, I’m sorry for my bad english. I want to develop a smartphone platform for tactical sports! I worked on an application during the 4 last years. it works great, the players can communicate and locate the teammates and mark enemies. Now I want develop the hardware, I build prototypes with an old school method and I really need a 3d printer to realise my ideas! Please choose me and come play with us in the nature :)
http://morgan-wild.com/lightning/website/graphics/diy/molle/preview.png
Firstly, I’m sorry for my bad english. I want to develop a smartphone platform for tactical sports! I worked on an application during the 4 last years. it works great, the players can communicate and locate the teammates and mark enemies. Now I want develop the hardware, I build prototypes with an old school method and I really need a 3d printer to realise my ideas! Please choose me and come play with us in the nature :)
Plastic earings for kids with an attachment string made of hemp.
As a collector of daguerreotypes I would like to be able to duplicate the old thermoplastic cases that were used to protect the protect the dags. In addition there exists the possibility of creating new designs.
I would make and create solar powered machines (weather and atmospheric monitors), solar powered gliders and rovers so the kids could create and learn how to harvest and use green energy, so we could get quite a lot new youngesters in late years into this kind of engineering field. It’s a long term plan which would make our planet less polluted.
I teach an engineering and design class to middle school kids. They are building prototypes and 3D modeling them on the computers. It would be great to have a Dremel 3D Printer to help them create actual prints of their creations! Here are a few samples of what they have made:
https://docs.google.com/a/northcantonschools.org/presentation/d/1qtgFmKmIN4tX9qOCyGx8TYlP598RBpid6E88f8HQ8qw/edit#slide=id.p
Please pick us, the kids are really excited about their inventions and innovations! They are the next generation of makers and Makezine readers!
love the self-pasting (?) toothbrush
Thank you, the young ladies that made it are very proud of it, and I am extremely proud of them!
Lucky! I wish my middle school had a program like that….
I work whith students that will become elementary teachers. Each year my studens design and build automata. We only have paper, cardboard and thoothpicks to make our asymmetrical wheels, gears and cogweels. The goal is to learn the mecanics. It would be wonderfull to be able to print the desired parts. This would also help the students to see how they can use 3D printers in their future work in school.
Cases and organizers. Cases for EDC kits, phones, gadgets and so. Organizers for drill and driver bits. Box cases for my arduino projects,gears and actuators. Too many ideas :/
I would like to develop a DIY projector project using just your phone, lens, and 3d printed parts. I already have some study. Hope you like it. More powers! Cheers!
Open Robotics platform – extruded aluminum frame with 3d printed joints and brackets to mount the motors. I am hoping to get some OpenBeam for Christmas but some of the angles and motor mounts I need are not available with their standard L brackets.
http://www.openrover.com
Hey! this is my robot arm , it’s in early development and i hope finish it soon.
It use stepper motors, arduino , the software is a modification of the same used in 3D printers (Marlin) so is GCode based and is totally 3d printed, even the gears!
My mail: dariomaurelli@gmail.com
This is a video link to see it in action https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202257113889298&set=vb.1234053186&type=3&theater
I would print customized parts for my dremel and my engraver so I could use them in new ways and expand my DIY projects
My wife makes custom chain maille and other wire-work jewelry. I’d love to help her expand that with 3d printed items. For myself, I’d use it for custom cases for my electronics and home brewery projects.
My plan isn’t really to make something, but rather create a system that students at my high school can print things! I would have a queue system that students would put STL files (or similar) and then I would print them, giving the item to them.
I want to print cool toys my nephews
I want to start building electronic cigarettes and spare parts for my current one. My first project to tackle would be to build a 26650 plastic box mod with an lcd diplay screen. And a integrated charging port, so I do not have to take the box mod apart. The printer could also help me with developing circuitry boards for said box mod.
When I first was introduced into the world of electronics it
was in the careful watch of a handful of employed and retired electrical engineers.
They all shared a common link in that
each also carried various levels of a ham radio license. It was a never ending enjoyment of building
kits, experimenting with ideas and trying new aspects of the hobby. One of the most enjoyable parts was learning
how to do hand-held radio direction finding aka Fox Hunting. One of the designs used parts from old
VHF/UHF terrestrial TV antennas but now the beasts are few. My brother and I would
setup hidden transmitters in the park and make an afternoon out if it finding
them. It gained some curious looks from the public but it also allowed us to
educate people on the hobby and show sides of it that not many even identified.
My first project with the printer would
be to take the design and make it as lightweight, easy to build, and fun to
make as I can.
Note cards are great for sketching out ideas:
http://goo.gl/hB9GrD
Thanks for the consideration
Ke4uil
I built a “lightboard” (basically, a whiteboard with glow-in-the-dark paint) for my 4 year old, who is afraid of the dark. My hope is that she’ll lose her fear if she gets used to it while having fun doodling with light. I built a light pen out of wood and a UV LED, but I would love to build a stencil pen with interchangeable stencils, so she can make many stars or smilies or snowflakes or whatever (the glow lasts less than a couple minutes). I’d basically re-make the pen in a longer, 3D-printed body with a clip on the end that would accept a variety of 3D-printed stencils.
I would like to bring the ideas of constructing and 3d printing to the school of my son to show the kids how things are made and not just bought, how it is to make something yourself,how it can be when your imagination can develop real things just by being interested in the process oft making.
Our kids can choose from multiple activities after school that unfortunately are unguided.And if they want it,they can Start it but never finish it. Its a kind of consuming just for fun but without a goal to achieve. I want to change that wasting oft resources. Why shouldn’t they learn from the beginning that you should only Start using resources Ehen you have a plan on HOW to use them right?
I’m not really planning on using this for an art project. I am an avid roleplayer. I dislike using foam or other building materials to make the terrain for my games as it is time consuming and it gets all over the place. A 3D printer would allow me to make mini-buildings, trees, roads, and other terrain features to enhance the gaming experience for my players.
Due to the diversity of such a project I can’t really draw it out, suffice to say that anything short of the figures used for such a game would be printed, from the walls used to make a farm or tavern to trees and bushes to wagons and carts.
I created full scaled fighter jet cockpit for flying simulations, its all made from cardboard to be cheap and my idea is to create alternative construction using IKEA Albert wooden planks and connect it by 3d printed joints, so i desperately need 3d printer to make it real. Also i am 3d artist and animator, so i have loads of models for printing. If you want to know more about my project, please visit my website dogfightboss.com
I’m a ceramic artist and homeschooling parent. As a ceramic artist I make functional and sculptural work. I can see using a 3-D printer to make custom stamps and textural plates for decorating functional pots, and making elements to add to sculptural work. Homeschooling is a mixed media project in constant motion, as an educator to two budding pre-teen boys, I can see many applications for a 3-D printer as a tool to enhance their educational experience. Frequently their creative juices are stirred by our subscription to Make Magazine. Their current interests include: working with their Lego Robotics kits, engineering model rockets, building a working model steam car, building a working mini-trebuchet, attempting the fused filament fiddle from Make magazine volume 40, the license plate guitars from volume 37, other homemade instruments, and art projects galore. I can see making nose cones and fins for rockets. We would make gears, wheels, and custom parts for the steam car we’ve begun work on, and other mechanical and robotic engineering projects. We would build bridges, pegs, and bodies for musical instruments. The artistic possibilities limited only by our imagination. We might make parts for a puppetry, a ventriloquist dummy, sets and pieces for stop motion animation, elements for assemblage and collage, or objects that are works of art in them selves. A 3-D printer would be an incredible tool that would unlock so many creative possibilities, I’m salivating just thinking about it!
I propose making this the centerpiece in a new hackerlab for our small rural Nebraska community. Being an agricultural community we have a very strong commitment to technology; farmers have been ‘makers’ for generations, self reliant early adapters that often have to ‘make it or do without.’ This legacy of innovation is reflected in active robotics and rocketry clubs via 4-H, giving us the context for a strong DIY maker community looking for that spark around which to coalesce. There are numerous practical and teaching applications available in a rural agricultural setting can be field tested and provide feedback to improve design and build, with the inherent opportunity to teach engineering, RAD, and process improvement disciplines as well as non-practical ‘fun’ applications to introduce the more advanced concepts to new users.
A friend has just had major shoulder surgery rendering his arm pretty much unusable. He is able to use his hand though but his arm is strapped to his torso. Most of his work involves keyboard- and mouse-heavy software which is really designed for us with two working arms.
Have put together system below that allows him to press ‘modifier’ keys on keyboard as well as ‘key combinations’ (ctrl+C etc) using slung arm. It has 3 shortcut buttons plus a 4th for swapping to another shortcut mode. The LED changes colour according to mode.
Would love a 3D printed case for it….looks like something out of Terminator at the minute.
Am sure there must be loads of other cool stuff to help out disabled/partially disabled/elderly people with rough&ready hack-togethers like this.
The image is a public domain animation of a pantograph using old-school methods of scaling things up and down. I would like to apply these principles to create a next-generation of 3D printers and desktop machine tools that have far tighter tolerances and much higher resolution.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantograph
With a dremel 3D printer I would like to design low cost playable musical instruments for music education. The drum would be my first design, I am testing the strength of PLA along with distributing the tension on the mylar head with metal hardware (M6 or M8 bolts and couplers). A melodica would be a great use of the stiffness of PLA for creating reeds and valves , with some rubber bands for the key response and glue for sealant. If I get that far there’s several playable guitar designs but I would like to have a playable single string bass to round out this 3D printable band.
Wow. So many good ideas; I almost didn’t post. I always look at technology and think “what could be improved?” “how can I make it mine?” I feel like the “maker movement” should be something to take seriously. Innovation is the evolution of design and hopefully one day in the future people will have widespread knowledge and confidence to DIY, hack, and tinker. To live in world where you can make what you want and only be limited by thought? That’s a world I want to live in. Anyway, here’s my design: It’s for a capacitive touch interface that replaces the iPhone home button and is powered by an ATtiny and a coin cell battery.
(would be nice to print the circuit on paper for that extra thin form factor)
when a friends dog suffered a back injury, I built a cart for him to use to get around while he healed. it was a very emotionally rewarding experience. I want to experiment with creating a line of modular prosthetics for disabled animals. continually having design ideas printed is not cheap.
I would use it for restoring/modding old computers. Like for the next one, when I am planing to put a intel NUC and miniature projector in old comodore 64, wich will have a new mehanical keyboard.
NO MORE FRAME LIMITATIONS FOR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES!!!! I would like to make, and enable others to make, a variety of wearing devices designed for your specific lenses. That way you can just SNAP your lenses into whatever one you want, and you are on your way with a wearable containing your prescription lenses. AWESOME!
I like to give a second life to object around me. Most of the time I pick up any kind of object that is found in the trash or in the thrift store. I want to explore my art style by mixing 3D printing to old abandoned object.
I want to make a série of shadow casting lamp using old lamp and glass. I want to use the printer for the detail of the projection.
Name tags. I think that this is the best idea since everyone at some time in their life has needed a name tag and millions around the world wear them every day throughout their lives but most of them are an eyesore that their embarrassed to wear.
But with this 3d printer they can be made with great fonts or have a 3d models decorating them or nice frame. They could be made with a different font and style for every day of the week and be a never ending conversation starter. They would be an expression of your style with charms and decorations that help you to meet new people and make a great first impression by showing your style and ingenuity while getting lots of attention. If they are printed with glow in the dark filament they will shine so brightly under a black light that everyone at the party will know who you are.
Here’s a picture of the one that I made with a CNC router that gave me the idea to make one with wood really nice on the CNC and inlay that with their name 3d printed with glow-in-the-dark filament and glue magnets to the back to attach to their clothing.
I like to give a second life to object around me. Most of the time I pick up any kind of object that is found in the trash or in the thrift store. I want to explore my art style by mixing 3D printing to old abandoned object.
I want to make a série of shadow casting lamp using old lamp and glass. I want to use the printer for the detail of the projection.
I’m developing a line of open-source automotive gauges that would certainly qualify as mixed-media. The feature a 3D printed clam-shell design in the industry standard 52mm footprint. Housed inside is an Arduino Micro crunching the numbers, an OLED display, and a Neopixel ring for customizable user display. The LED’s on the neopixel ring are diffused using a thin slice of acrylic tubing. On top will sit a beautiful laser-etched anodized aluminum gauge face, just beneath a crystal-clear acrylic face plate and another 3D printed bezel. The whole assembly is meant to provide auto-tuners and enthusiasts with an affordable, hackable gauge that can do anything any other gauge can do — plus more. User-interface will be capacitive touch. This is just the first iteration too. Eventually I will have various models, with different features, sizes, and configurations. OBD and CAN interface too.
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah201/chippernut/Research%20and%20Development/Drawing_front_zps4f7038a3.jpg
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah201/chippernut/Research%20and%20Development/3Dmodel-gauge_v1_zps604a2784.jpg
First Prototype
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah201/chippernut/Research%20and%20Development/IMG_20141211_102542592_zps8f3dd7b2.jpg
http://www.chippernut.com
I’d like to make a computerized knitting machine, as such
http://openknit.org/
I recently made a video about a DIY Iron Man arc reactor prop I made, and one of my viewers suggested that this would be a great candidate for a hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing project. A lot of the finer geometric pieces that required multiple machining operations could have been done easier on a 3D printer.
Thinking beyond this one project however, I have a friend who’s into cosplay, and I offered to help her recreate some props that would be really difficult or tedious to do by hand. There are a bunch of things that I would combine CNC and 3D printing for. Ex. A lightweight, but strong wooden frame to support 3D printed detailing. Throw in some LEDs now that I’m learning to machine my own circuit boards… and then 3D print a custom enclosure and battery holder. (One of my coworkers who’s an electrical engineer 3D printed his own battery pack, complete with external charging contacts, snap on lid, and locking mechanisms on the attachment points. <– inspiration)
I have never owned a 3D printer, and I've used Dimension and Objet printers at work. I'm really curious to see first hand just how far the industry has come in the consumer world.
I’m currently working on motorizing my grain mill. I have a motor that will work perfectly for the application, but none of my options for coupling the motor to the mill are quite what I want. To get a long life out of the motor I need to either be extremely precise in aligning the two shafts, or spend a lot of money on gears, pullies and belts, flexible couplers, etc. I came up with the idea to make a coupler that acts like the ball end of an allen wrench. This will allow me to couple the motor to the mill without worrying about a precise alignment, and if I 3-D print the parts, they’ll be very affordable! The beauty of 3-D priniting, in my opinion, is that parts which used to be too complex to feasibly manufacture in small quantities are now simple and cheap to make! Viva la 3-D!
Isnt caleb from hackaday and I freaking need one of these as I have amazeing ideas and aspergersI cant draw or explain my ideas but I can work a 3d modeler Im gonna have to make an entry
I will use this 3D printer for my final year project as i am working making my own segway and humanoid robot. There are many part which i need but i am not able buy them so i will use printer to make those parts and complete my project. And there are many 3D printing projects which available online so will participate in those also to show my skills and capabilities. This could happen if i win this 3D printer.
Thank You
When building a custom car or motorcycle, getting the taillights to look JUST right is a tough challenge. I’ve been interested in using a 3D printer to print custom light lenses, that fit the car or bike more perfectly! They need to fit to a metal or plastic housing for mounting and for the lightbulb assembly and wiring, and a metal bezel, which is sometimes chromed.
I am impressed and encouraged by the entries I have read over so far. There are many wonderful ideas. If I had a 3D printer, I would immediately put it to use to help http://botsforall.org a wonderful nonprofit organization opening up robotics clubs in the Miami. Having two very curious daughters (6 and 7 yrs old) I am constantly looking at ways to introduce them (and in turn the children who attend botsforall.org’s robotics clubs) to concepts that will lead them into more critical thinking while opening up their creativity and their sense of fun.
I am a big fan of arduino and have had some success in teaching it to my daughters but parts are too advanced, some too delicate, and kits too pricy to make it a scalable project.
Until now. Adding a 3D printer to our arsenal, ideas like easily reproducible housings to protect the boards become possible.
Making an assembly to attach a lilipad board to clothing without using thread and needle (snaps) now opens up a whole new world of wearable experiments.
In the same way christmas light bulbs are attached to plastic housings which then just push in to a rope of lights, similar assemblies (with snap bases) can help us attach lights or sensors to clothing, or other materials (LEGOs?)
This same idea can be used to eliminate soldering and introduce kids to circuitry without the fear or accident by making thumb-screw type connectors that young hands can manipulate.
Today, trying to come up with accessories that do what has been described above would be hard very costly leaving arduino as a very limited option for well to do centers. By having the option of 3D printing some of these accessories ourselves, the possibilities are only limited by our imagination and our reach to much needed neighborhoods becomes much more expansive.
My wife is a stay-at-home mom, but as a side job, she bakes cupcakes for children’s birthday parties for friends and my coworker’s kids. We’d use a 3D printer to make custom cupcake holders. Crowns, thrones, rocket ships – something that matches the birthday party’s theme or the child’s favorite toys
Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer + String + Puppy = Puppicorn
Sir,
firstly, let me tell u that I am pretty weak in english.
I came thinking about these stuffs ( I meant my project idea )when my son told me to buy a elctroboard (electronic skating board) for hime.i was unable 2 buy it due to its price.Later I thought of making an electroboard of my own.But I always want create something different.I was able to make a prototype of electronic skateboard (with Brushless motors) which can be controlled by hand movement /geasture(It was actually an accelerometer placed in a glove,powered by arduino mini pro).
But it was a little bit bulky and I was not able to impress my son.
This made me think about making wearable techs.
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My idea is,
To make a “smart bangle ”
which is able to ,
*Controll the electroboard (accelerometer based electronic skateboard )
*GPS tracking system.(for kid’s saftey)
*controll Bluetooth based gaming apps for kids ( like my son )
*Touchless gesture interaction with smart phone and other smart devices.
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Note : I had already prototyped this idea other than explained in the intro.I had also added a couple of more things like GPS based location display and fingerprint lock to the electroboard.
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The smart bangle and the enclosure of Electroboard driving circuit can be made efficent and portable only with a 3d printer.
wiIth these bulk stuffs condensed in the form of a ring, it would be an ideal Smart friend for Kids like my son.
So for making my idea come to realize to a wearable smart efficent device , I really need a 3d printer, bcos I had tried it with a lot of materials, I realized that to make a perfect enclosure for my product , I really need a 3d printer
I hope “Make” will make my son and all tech loving Kids Happy… :)
I would use this 3D printer to make the parts to build a Quantum Delta 3D printer!!! I have started with getting parts of the frame laser cut at a local Maker Space, but there are parts that need to be printed out.
Hello Makers! This is the deal: yall know the pinewood derby right? The Boy Scouts little car making and racing! Yes, where you get a small rectangular piece of wood that you sand down and carve to try and make it look like a car…? The only accessories you get are 4 plastic wheels and four nails to use as axles. Pretty tough deal isn’t it. I will use the Dremel 3d idea builder to take the pinewood derby world by storm. I will design 3d printable accessories kits for the cars. The idea is to combine the carved wood body of the car (that of course you carve with a Dremel rotary tool!) with custom 3d printed parts to make these tiny car models come alive! They will look like model replicas of the real thing! There will be kits to portrait vehicles of different eras and styles. I personally find the open wheel racecars of the 50’s totally fascinating so I went ahead and tried my theory on one of those. Take a look at the pictures, all the white stuff on the car is 3d printed! That is: the seat, the steering wheel, the dash, the gas cap, the exhaust pipe, the grille the rearview mirrors, the vents on the sides of the body, some suspension details and more! After a little bit of acrylic paint and decals… BOOM!
No more hotdog looking cars out there!
Maybe one day we will go 100% 3d printed derby! (See last picture
I’d love to be able to print out components to make a set of these!
It would be awesome to print out the “metal” components to be individually weathered and painted, and then get some unique raw wood to affix the pieces on, complete with leather stripping around the base. Perhaps even incorporate some additional higher-end components- one totem with translucent gemstones over a battery-powered light, one with a very small fountain, one with a mister, and one with a long-burning candle-wick!
A Gothic Pillow block assembly using a camshaft sleeve bearing for a V.A.W.T. turbine power transmission shaft to bring mechanical action to ground level where you could then spin a generator, air compressor or any belt driven equipment you wanted for that matter while still serving as a part of a decorative facade.
Granted it could be a Garden Gnome or a Dragon for all it mattered, depends on individual customer tastes when they find me.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sculpted-Demon-Gargoyle-Holding-Glass-Orb-Dramatic-Decor-Hanging-Wall-Sconce-/291002153719?fb_action_ids=10152546212223741&fb_action_types=og.shares
And for larger scale applications I could at least use it for making the investment casting pattern for a plaster / firebrick mold and a backyard charcoal foundry.
The advent of drones creates a new field of technological interests solely because of its versatile applications. It can be used to mount a camera which can monitor a select area , can carry a device that might detect temperature changes or it can be used to carry objects. With this, DIY drones are also becoming a trend. The objective of my mixed-media project is simple and that is to create a drone which some parts are 3D printed like the propeller or body frame. The rest will be using other forms of media such as metals and ICs for other constructions.
Sounds fun.
Nice project for home security too given the option for IR or thermal imaging and motion sensing driven by a low cost onboard Raspberry Pi or similar stamp module PC.
(In fact, dont worry about my post below, nice idea but I can carve by hand if I get really ambitious as it is. :) )
I want to try using lost PLA casting to make molds for injection molding.
Note : I had already posted comment about the same stuff before, as there were a few errors and upgrades in it , I tried to delete that post but I couldn’t delete it.This is the upgraded comment.
Dear Make,
Firstly let me tell u that I am pretty weak in English and please excuse me for that.I am a Make lover from India.I am very happy to see u guys doing such a wonderful job.I would like to introduce my idea,a “Smart Bangle for your kids”.I thought of making this kind of stuff when my son asked me to buy a electroboard (electronic Skateboard)for him.I thought of building it by my own.I always wanted to make something different, I made an electroboard controlled by hand Gestures (It was actually an accelerometer placed in a glouse , Powered by Arduino mini Pro). Placing the accelerometer in the most suitable part of the wrist was one of the toughest challenge, but eventually I was able to make it >but it was really bulky.I thought of making wearable controller but failed to make it compact as there was no specific enclosures or designs for it.
I had prototyped it with more upgrades (but I couldn’t make it able to access with voice commands but I hope I can do that in the future).I had included Electrobard controller,GPS Tracking system microspeaker with amplifing unit (for accessing phonecalls )& android controlled LED Color changing strip in my 2nd prototype.it was powered by an Intel’s Edison.
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My idea is to build a ,
*compact*wearable*Easy to access “Smart bangle” which is able to
; Ride electroboard with hand gestures,access phone calls, play games, change it’s strip’s color by a smart phone, touch less interact with smart devices ,voice command for smart phone control (Changing the song,taking selfies,changing phone modes without taking the phone of your pockets );(via bluetooth ),Vibrator for calling indication,LED blinking for blue tooth pairing indication and it also include a GPS Tracking system for locating your kid.It will be a “perfect fit” in your kid’s wrist.
I hope I can use “The HM-11 Bluetooth Low Energy chip”, n blue tooth 4.0 in my Smart bangle in order to achieve connectivity up to 10 feet and is powerful enough to connect up to 100 feet in the line of sight at minimal power, In the future
I had prototyped a wooden “model” of the smart bangle and it was a sucess( perfect fit on my son’s wrist)
I never owned a 3d printer before .I really need a 3d printer to make a the handy smart bangle and enclosure for electroboard driving circuit..
** The Smart bangle and compact enclosure for electroboard driving circuit can be printed in PLA ( Given sketches r not actual sized)
I also have another idea on printing materials, If dremel 3d printer is able to print using Flexible PLA ( As ultimaker do)”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB5L_JHyoNg ” , I can print the orange colored parts in the diagram using Flexible PLA, and make my product more convenient and easy to wear it.
I damn am sure, tech loving kids will really love this stuff and I will be very happy to see if “Make” will make my dream come true. :)
ThatZ an awesome project >>>
Co0L.
Hey, any schematics available ?
My kid will love that.
Wanna make one.
I like your idea and your passion. I hope you get a 3D printer and produce this wonderful device.
ThnkkZz Kate>>
I want to use 3d printed parts as a structure for solar powered boats and cars. I could print them to exactly match specifications of engines and panels, rather than having to carve them out of wood or foam. I could make a some very efficient solar prototypes this way.
i’d like to make the mechanical hammer that come from my current novel project…
if i get this printer i;d like to make the 3d model for this hammer
may i get it…
Hey! this is my robot arm , it’s in early development and i hope finish it soon.
It use 4 stepper motors, 2 servos for the claw (still in design) all drived by arduino , the software is a modification of the same used in 3D printers (Marlin) so is GCode based and is almost totally 3d printed, even the gears….for now, until cnc machining in aluminum .
My mail: dariomaurelli@gmail.com
This is a video link to see it in action https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202257113889298&set=vb.1234053186&type=3&theater
My idea, and I will attempt to upload a sketch, would be to create a cage or cage system that is modular to put used with Banzai tree gardening. I have always been fascinated with architecture that builds around or incorporates the earth into design. I know that standard techniques with wire and trimming creates beautiful trees, but I think there is some potential. For instance, placing a collection of soil and building around it and dropping a seed inside. If a material has a low melting point, you could even build around mature plants. Additionally, the level of customization, a family name or significant emblem, could be placed on the parts during printing. Thank you for consideration.
Below is a very basic sketch.
I don’t have a drawing yet, but I’m working on a base and domed top for a color changing night light for my 3 year old daughter, going to use a tiny Arduino with an RGB LED.
Hello, good day, first of all, I would like to thank you for this chance you give to everyone, my project will be researching and developing cheap, if not free, prosthetic limbs, in Guatemala, the medical condition it’s really deplorable, and I would like to help people, especially childs, with a little bit of hope, making easier their lives.
Concerning to the design,I could stick to my college design (they are developing one) if I found any trouble with mine, thanks a lot for your time and attention
My son is in science olympiad and is building a robot. He is going to use a robot chassis from sparkfun. The robot is supposed to pick up small objects such as ping pong balls, AA batteries, and lego bricks. He had a wonderful idea to use a 3d printer to print servo brackets and other attachments. This would allow him to produce a much better robot for the competition.
link to robot chassis: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12091
I want to build a full-sized working
labyrinth door knocker from the Jim Henson movie for my front door. I
could use the 3D printer to make the form on the outside and all of
the moving parts. This piece will need not only the 3D pieces, but
steel base plates and joint pins, glass for the peep holes, rubber
seals and insulation. This is not something to make and sell but to
learn off of. This item might seem silly but it would be fun to make.
My idea for a mixed-media use of 3D printing is stained glass.
Instead of difficult to use, toxic leading which is soldered together to hold the window in one piece, my project would use 3D printed joints. This would also allow complex stained glass designs to be executed relatively simply.
I’ve illustrated that point with the attached sketch of a simple countryside scene. To do that sort of design using traditional stained glass methods would be extremely difficult. To get the rolling hilltops would require multiple pieces of glass custom cut and ground to fit, as well as custom ground pieces of glass to form the boundary with the sky. The clouds and sun would require that the sky be made of many pieces in order to fit around the painstakingly ground clouds as well as the carefully shaped sun, and the need to cut and shape the glass would severely limit the options for the shapes of the clouds. The ground details, suggesting waves of grass in a field, would traditionally be painted onto the glass and then fired in a kiln to create a permanent bond.
All of this would be a difficult process requiring many many hours, all to achieve a relatively simple end goal.
But as I tried to show in my sketch, using 3D printing could make this far easier. The entire scene is composed of two rectangular pieces of glass, the green for the ground and the blue for the sky. The clouds, sun, and joint between the ground and sky (with its gently undulating hills) are all 3D printed pieces. By carefully shaping the object to be printed, the plastic (colored to closely match the glass it is mimicking – or more likely, using glass carefully chosen to match the available filament) can be used to create a shading effect adding chiaroscuro forced perspective to the joint between sun and sky creating greater depth than is normally available with stained glass.
Additionally, by selecting one of the more jewel-like PLAs available today, the sun can be made to shine in ways that glass just doesn’t, creating greater variety and interest in the scene.
The details which would normally be painted on and then kiln fired can be replicated by using a black filament and carefully epoxying them onto the surface of the glass.
The same scene can, with the assistance of 3D printing, be rendered far faster and ultimately in a more pleasing way than by traditional means, all without the use of lead or solder.
…plus you end up with three materials in the mix, 3D printed plastic, glass, and wood for the frame.
For a quick sketch of my concept, please see below:
Dear Make,
This is the second time to upload the idea because the first one was detected as spam.
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This is great event and I am very happy to participate in this contest.
My idea is “The character animation with 3D printer.” I want to try to make VERY SMOOTH stop-motional animation. I am so curious about the effect of stop motion technique with 24 frame per second(fps). I believe It will be meaningful trials because only the 3d Printer can make it possible so far.
I have some pictures and the conti, animatic.
Please check the animatic and other character animations on Youtube.
http://youtu.be/ekB63gsEsN4?li…
http://youtu.be/PrNhIbO-fEc?li…
Bek Choi
I’m looking to design creative problem solving toys for young and old alike.
Over then last few years I’ve observed some elderly becoming disengage in creative thinking activities. I have heard there are studies stating creative thinking for the elderly can help offset effects of Alzheimer’s/dementia.
My idea is to create open ended “toys” that have no “one way” to be used.
The first of these would be a marble drop style. The pieces would attach to a board using magnets. Sets of rails, holders, soft bells, swings, bounces, etc. can intermix to create a complex, but easy to use system.
This same system can be used with young kids also, with some slight changes.
(Sorry, picture was uploaded on its side. Should have been turned.)
I’m looking to design creative problem solving toys for young and old alike.
Over then last few years I’ve observed some elderly becoming disengage in creative thinking activities. I have heard there are studies stating creative thinking for the elderly can help offset effects of Alzheimer’s/dementia.
My idea is to create open ended “toys” that have no “one way” to be used.
The first of these would be a marble drop style. The pieces would attach to a board using magnets. Sets of rails, holders, soft bells, swings, bounces, etc. can intermix to create a complex, but easy to use system.
This same system can be used with young kids also, with some slight changes.
Me and my brother are band organ builders and we are finishing up our second one this week. Some of the small organ pieces are hard and redundant to make 100 time over again. A 3d printer will aid with the construction of our next organ that will be made by plans lays out by us. One of the small part is the shallot for reed pipe and or the stoppers. On top of that I make things by myself that a 3d printer would come in handy. One of my friend was born with a defect with his right hand. I have the file already to go and I would like to print him out a new hand. That’s not it thought. I have quadcopters where I would experiment with propeller efficiency. I will also help a family friend build a one handed controller for the xbox 1 for a disablited person.FYI I am 18 and my brother is 15. I am a future engineer.
I would build parts to modify my hexy the hexapod walking robot into a drawing robot. The prints would incorporate, servos, screws, electronics, and rubber. The part would fit into pre existing parts, and be the foot the robot walks on, but it would have a movable cylinder attached by arms that holds drawing implements of different sizes.
I am in the process of making a steam punk themed chess set. The pieces are to be 3D printed with the board being made from either 2kunds of wood or 2 colors of cut marble. Most of the pieces will feature characters with steam punk style clothing and custom designed weapons. The rook features steam punk style architecture and the night will be a stylized robot-like horse.
Hands free 3D printed Dremel clamp
Dremel supplies a handy universal tool for precise DIY work.
However, how accurate can you work on a small object if you have to manipulate a relatively heavy tool. That is why we better reverse things and create a stable situation: Fix the tool and manipulate the object.
As an option, two bright white LED’s can be inserted under an angle pointing at
the tool tip, resulting in a perfect environment for precision work.
LED the light shine.
The first
thing I want to print is an adapter bracket for the dish drying rack in my kitchen
sink. The rack is never large enough to hold both the dishes and the pots and
pans. I thought: “Wouldn’t it be great if it was 2 levels? And the level
on top was for pots and pans only?” So it needs a bracket that will
connect the 2 but still allow the top one to be easily removed.
The second
thing I want to print is a better fender bracket for my custom R/C robot. This
thing has given me issues ever since it was conceived,
The third
thing I want to print is some custom parts for some of my Transformers robots.
I have a decent collection of these and some of them have parts that makes me
question what the hell the toy designers were thinking. So Upgrades!
The fourth
thing is for an engine prototype design I have been working on for years. This
thing has been haunting me since high school. It’s time to bring it to life.
After that
I will have to think of something for the next week… :)
I would (firstly!) create modern innards for the Karotz interactive rabbit. The Karotz was an innovative product in its time, one of the first “internet of things” things and has a loyal following, ours reads out RSS feeds at set times, plays music and has a useful built-in webcam. It never achieved mass appeal however, so the servers the karotz needs to function are being turned off in February. I’d like to design and build a new interior for the plucky rabbit, using as many of the original components as possible but replacing the control circuit with a Raspberry Pi, probably the new A+ board. The 3d-printer would be invaluable for this as space in the karotz body will be tight, and all the components need to be precisely aligned (e.g. the pi, webcam, button and servos to move the ears). This would be a fantastic project as the schematics and 3d printed design could be shared with the karotz-loving community, giving this lovable but obsolete character a fresh new pi-powered life. This would also be great for Raspberry Pi tinkerers, as there’s likely to be a flood of these wi-fi rabbits on the secondhand market when the servers go off for good. I love to upcycle obsolete technology using modern components (instructables misterm) and often use meccano to fabricate internal fixings, with a 3d printer I could create solutions for much smaller and more detailed projects like the Karotz. I call my idea the Rabbit Pi.
I would print a 3d model of our solar system and show my daughter how the earth and planets moons travel around each other. print each planet to size and have her help paint them all. I would even include Pluto as my daughter told me she misses Pluto. I told her its still there but its not a planet anymore but still revolves around the sun.
3D Printed Display Case
Printed top and bottom caps for a transparent cylinder cut from 1.25 litre soda bottle
87mm (3 7/16 in) x 90mm (3 1/2 in) height display volume
Waste as a resource
I would like to develop a relatively low cost Braille e-book and image display reader for the blind. The device would be centered on a Blackberry Pi to process the e-books and images. Software would extrapolate the basic text and translate that into Braille characters. The device would be about 11 inches wide and 14 inches tall (or 279 mm by 355mm). The display area would have more Braille dots than were used to display the text content. Perhaps one line between each of the two lines used for characters and those lines would only be used when displaying image data. The image display would attempt to create a facsimile of the data as close as possible with the dots available creating a kind of pixilated relief the blind person could feel with their fingers. The device will need to have a rather large battery and perhaps a desk dock to power the unit. The desk docks could possibly be linked together to form a network allowing teachers to display content directly on the device during a lecture. The USB interface would be used to load e-books from a computer and an external SD card could be used for additional storage. On the right and left hand sides of the device would be large control buttons that make it easy for the user to navigate through an e-book and the stored images. There would be a back and forward button closest to the bottom, power and sleep mode closest to the top, and numbered buttons to navigate menus displayed on the Braille screen. The device should have a speaker output that could be used to give audible cues as to when a button was pressed, when the unit is docked or undocked, when the battery is running low, and possibly for playing audio books or music. As the docking mechanism is most likely to be placed on the back top of the device the most logical spot for a handle is the bottom of the device. The Braille dots, or pins, would be made of magnets encapsulated in printed plastic. There would be a set of small electro magnets that are controlled by the Raspberry Pi that would push the pins into place when active. It may also be possible to add a Braille keyboard to the device near the bottom to allow the user to input and save text which would be displayed as they type. The trick would be trying to figure out the best way to allow them to navigate their document so they could edit it without having to re-type it.
Although, I know true Braille books use a kind of short hand (“T” stands for “The”), I believe that blind literacy could benefit greatly if reading materials could be presented exactly the same as how sighted individuals read: letter by letter. I spent a year tutoring a blind student in Junior College and felt he was handicapped in more than one way due to the way he was taught. He might have been in college, but his vocabulary, spelling and comprehension were probably near a fourth grade level which made it difficult for him in his classes. The library of documents available to the blind is constantly growing, but still very far behind that available to the sighted due to budget constraints for programs that translate books into Braille format. If we could bridge that gap we could benefit he blind community greatly.
My idea is an emergency 9v battery charger that uses tea light candles to charge the battery. Not very original, or even optimal for charging batteries, but it would serve two purposes in a power outage:
1. Produce light
2. Charge batteries
It is based off of the German Christmas Carousels, but uses the more widely available tea light size candle for safety and to keep the distance from heat source to fan blades relatively constant, for a more even charge, and cheaper execution. A standard tea light will burn for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on environmental factors, so you get a longer charge.
Non-printed parts required would be tea light candles, a dc motor, and a thin metal rod. The stand for the candles, the gear to connect the metal rod to the dc motor, the frame to hold the metal rod and the fan blades and blade mount would all be 3-d printed. I included a rough drawing of the design.
SunLight
Solar powered OLED lamp with battery monitor and solar battery charger
Light from a direct connection to nature available globally
Five AA rechargeable batteries and color changing battery indicator
3D printed case and parts combined with standard parts from other sources
Low cost solar battery charger obtained from other sources
3D Printed Fruit Bowl
Upper rim is assembled from twelve identical printed sections glued together
72 – 3mm diameter bamboo skewers connect the rim with the base
Bamboo skewers are cut to 160mm lengths and glued into printed holes
3D Printed Vase
Vase with slatted wooden neck
Printed base and rim are connected with vertical wooden sticks
72 wooden popsicle sticks are inserted into printed slots in the base and rim
Popsicle sticks are also called ice pop sticks, craft sticks, and tongue depressors
My friend explained laminar flow to me one day while we were talking about possible projects to use his abandoned pool pump for. He was excited when we realized that it works like fiber optic lights too. He found build instructions online but the kind of fudge together PVC, modified slivers of PVC, straws and various other household items. I think a 3D printed honeycomb structure that fits inside a section odd 3D pipe will work just as well in terms of producing the laminar flow and even better for adding RGB LEDs while keeping the wires and electronics away from the water!
I don’t have a napkin handy but I hope this sketch helps.
I am an Information Technology teacher and would love to have a printer to use in my classroom and with my own kids/family. My idea is to create a personalized piece of artwork by taking a picture and breaking it down into a mosaic of plastic 3D printed tiles. Then I could glue or cement them onto a wooden board to recreate the picture in a mosaic style or even abstract fashion. Then I would frame it. I will likely use white plastic and paint the tiles which will make the print much easier. It would be great to introduce my students to creating puzzles in a similar way as a means of learning to 3D print.
3D Printed AM Radio Chassis
3D printed Case for the AM Radio project in the Sept 2014 issue of Everyday Practical Electronics
Printed case is 220mm wide by 140mm high and 75mm deep (outside measurements)
Case fits a 200mm by 120mm by 1mm aluminium face panel (see original article)
Stl print file contain radio chassis only
Tuning dial, volume knob and electronics are not included (see original article)
Chassis walls are 3mm thick
3D Printed DIY Carbon Fiber Walking Sticks
Lightweight and compact carbon fiber Walking Sticks with 3D printed parts.
Carbon Fiber Australia sells 10mm dia x 1 meter carbon fiber rods for $20 AUD. http://www.carbonfiber.com.au
Cut carbon fiber rod to length for custom fit
All connections are pressed fit unless noted as bolted – see exploded view
Use handle bar grips for standard 22.2mm bicycle handle bars
Two variations of the crutch tip bushing are included for different crutch tips
Easy break-away support material is included with some parts
I want to use a 3d printer to make hydroponic systems so people can grow their own food. I am using the 3d printer at the library to refine a peristaltic pump that was featured by your magazine a few weeks ago. I’ve got a design for a prototype that can grow 60 plants using printed pump parts and components available from local hardware/department stores.
My hope is to finish a system where people can combine simple, inexpensive, readily available parts with 3d printed parts they can download, and grow healthy produce in their own homes with a fraction of the space, water and resources used to grow commercially unsustainable produce.
A 3d printer will help me expedite my project and hopefully get my idea in the hands of many.
Thanks.
My son took a 3D printing class through a local club and made a thumb piano. After the class was over I thought of making a creative stand for holding my smartphone while it was charging. I pictured the plugged-in smarthphone as an electric guitar. The stand looks like a rocker on his knees playing the guitar. The “guitarist” is customizable.. just print out a picture of your favorite guitarist (or of yourself) and stick it on the head. This would not only be fun but also practical.
My son took a 3D printing class with a local club and made a thumb piano. After the class was over I thought of making a creative stand for holding my smartphone while it was charging. I pictured the plugged-in smarthphone as an electric guitar. The stand looks like a rocker on his knees playing the guitar. This is customizable… just print out a picture of your favorite guitarist (or of yourself) and stick it on the head. This would not only be fun but also practical.
My son took a 3D printing class with a local club and made a thumb piano. After the class was over I thought of making a creative stand for holding my smartphone while it was charging. I pictured the plugged-in smartphone as an electric guitar. The stand looks like a rocker on his knees playing the guitar. This is customizable… just print out a picture of your favorite guitarist (or of yourself) and stick it on the head. This would not only be fun but also practical.
http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaupload/tmp/5388aac69fe8e3dec666c16fdf7326d6ffdda24c6ef394075b4755bc/original.jpg?w=128&h=128
.
I would like to build some digigrade stilts to attach to my steel hooves in order to improve on my Krampus costume. As well as build some new lightweight horns, tail and new tongue.
I want to use a 3D printer to enhance my glass art. I can do this multiple ways. First is to print holders for LED lights on a Christmas star for a tree top. The star will be made of glass, but the LED’s need to be mounted somehow. Later I want to make a glass heron fountain that has a valve system that stitches the tanks to continue running. Being an engineer by the day I want to eventually design and build a 3D printer with glass as the medium.
I would make surf board fins and fin boxes to improve speed, performance, and turns. The custom fins could use different textiles to change the way the wave effects your surfing truly giving you a unique experience every time
I would like to suggest to make 2 types of Kaleidoscope as attached sketch.
First type is just convetional 3 pcs triangle type. By 3 D printing, we can make 3 parts.
The body can be made of black plastic with the slots for 3 mirrors and an eye piece will be also black color and would be designed with an eye hole. The object container will be made of rather transparent material for the lighting and will have compartment for the small objects. We cannot 3 D print the mirror. So we have to use glass type miror or any other material. When we played, we can use various kind of small objects for observing but we can 3D print out many figures or symbols with different color for more fun.
2nd type is to make Hexagon type Kaleidoscope. This will require 6 pieces of mirror and hexagon type body. I did not make detail configuration yet, but once we make this one, it will give more interesting stuffs. Let’s try.
Ken
My idea for the dremel 3D contest is to construct a surround speaker set, mixed media consisting of metal, plastic, printed shell and electronics. I wanted to keep the to the tech arena for this project. Connection would be Bluetooth or through a network so they can be used by any audio system and there will be a wired option.
I would like to make books for a blind person with braille, symbols and 3d pictures.
Thank you very much. Good luck!
I would use this to print many different custom enclosures, primarily my own customised baby monitoring system using a Raspberry Pi, Camera and a number of sensors, a repurposed laptop LCD panel into a digital photoframe and a home automation system comprising of a Raspberry Pi Touch Screen Heating and Lighting System (with nginx/apache controls), which would interface with a number of arduinos for zone control, which require custom built butterfly valve/stepper motor adapters and mounts. As I am on a kerosene based heating system I am using another arduino and a ultrasonic sensor to detect fuel levels, this also requires custom mounts and enclosures and a temperature sensor to measure outside temperature, and custom anemometer.
My greenhouse will also be automated using temperature/humidity sensors to open windows and moisture sensors to measure the moisture of the soil. The greenhouse has a gutter system that flows into a waterbutt and a 12v water pump.
These outside arduinos will be powered by a combination of 15w solar panels and 12v/24v motors used as a wind generators, which, along with the anemometer requires custom built blades and mounts.
The small wind powered generators will also be prototypes of a much larger system which hopefully will generate 1 kilowatt.
I would like to use the Dremel Idea Builder to create custom hands to my DIY wall clock. The hands will be sports related things, I think they will be baseball bat and baseball glove shaped, and a few ball could be markers at the numbers. This woulf be the coolest thing in my living room.
I would like to make 3D art sculptures of children’s drawings and turn them into art the children could make what ever they wanted and you could even start a museum at a school or where ever the place is and call it the children art emporium adults and kids alike could come see others art on display and make there own.
My idea is a minimalist birdhouse that is specifically designed for extrusion-based 3d printing. I modeled it using tetrahedrons for strength, simplicity, and printability. The design is expandable to 3 or more vertical bird homes. To combine the separate pieces, I designed a custom triangular fastener that provides a strong, flush fit. the different levels can also face one of three different directions. There is a vent/hanger at the top and a drain at the bottom. The design is available for download here: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:118795
I would love to develop a 3-D pattern for a DIY yarn winder. They’re horrendously expensive and ‘seem’ like they aren’t that complicated.
I want a 3d printer to build better Steampunk equipment and sidearms. A 3d printer would allow me to print out pieces to attach onto things, versus having to buy expensive parts or sculpt things by hand in clay, allowing things I make to have better detail, and therefor make better props for costumes!
I read the rules but it is not clear whether or not multiple entries are allowed. Can someone clarify? Thanks!
yep, go nuts!
I have an idea to integrate my house’s floor registers with some sort of micro controller where I can open and close the vents remotely or based on hours of the day. The 3D printer would be used to prototype “easy-to-install” replacement parts for the registers I have at home.
With that idea I could have the vents on the first floor closed during the night, etc.
Ultimaker Pen Plotter.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimaker-Pen-Plotter/
Read the top of the post description for proof of ownership.
I would make a comicon prop. I have designed a Harley Quinn pop gun that includes cork and wood in the final piece.
I would make shoes using tire treads as the sole and print the insole (custom formed for the wearers foot) and adhere the two together making “retreads” simple, green and ergonomicly comfortable, who doesn’t love a Win,Win,Win?
Wow! You can print lens for my camera or hood, may be difuser for flash, optical filter holder for bateriesor underwater box
I would like to make a Retractable Spiral Staircase, In this design, each stair that constitutes the assembly of the foldable staircase is in the shape of a sector whose narrow end is attached to a cylindrical ring which is placed onto a main solid rod one on top of the other to make it moveable around this rod (axis). Each cylindrical ring has a groove at its top and a pin at its bottom, which draws the above step when the staircase is folded or unfolded.
http://youtu.be/maNYWphrIX8
I would like to design a doggy toy launcher with a treat dispenser attachment. I want it so it dispenses a treat when a toy is put back in, to train my dog on how to use it, then remove the treat dispenser after he’s use to using it.
I’ve been working on a design for an art installation project that I’d like to put in a children’s hospital. I’d 3d print parts for paper flowers that would open and close also using arduino for moving to music and maybe involve LEDs
I would love to 3D print a waterproof enclosure for my “Critter Twitter Trap” (http://www.instructables.com/id/Critter-Twitter-Trap/) so it can be sold in easy to install kits.
My newer version has navigation buttons and a LCD so that all configuration can be done without a computer. I would offer the kits in Wifi, GSM, or Flutter Wireless (http://www.flutterwireless.com/) versions to meet pretty much any needs.
I have considered 3D printing molds to pour concrete/quikrete into as a project for my middle school students. They could create a series of desk organization pieces to raise funds by selling to teachers etc. iPhone, iPad, and iPod docks could also be produced. The 3D printer could also provide some unique textures.
Print customized grip enhancers for people with disabilities. Customized models would be developed for individual users, scanned and then printed.
Submission for Dremel: Idea Builder contest
To build a multi-axis robot arm, mountable on a desk, capable of object manipulation, scanning, and tooling including an attachment to manipulate a Dremel rotary tool for use in light duty (soft wood, plastic, foam) CNC milling. Use a Dremel to use a Dremel to make things!
I buy a lot of second hand toys that aren’t being made any more and would love to give them new life by printing out their missing parts
Hello to all
My name is Manuel and I have been a maker of sorts for years, Growing up there was not a whole of money or support from my family in regards to my projects such as scratch built models….airbrush, artwork. Many a times I would find something thrown away that I knew I could use……..for when it comes down to that i see things in a different light…meaning someone would see one thing from it and I would see what it could become :) If something was needed but no available funds was had , I improvised sometimes to the end point of it being better than with the original material. So why would I love to have a 3d printer? After years of hand sawing, sanding bits and pieces……I could develop the files that I need and print them…making sure the quality is just as the old maybe even better :) But alas much has not changed….the almighty dollar is still very vacant in my wallet…..and this would make a dream come true !
thanks :)
I have wanted to get started in 3-D printing for a while. I enjoy the hobby of building telescopes and with a 3-D printer I could make many accessories like camera mounts utilizing a separate bold to thread to the camera. I could make secondary mirror parts like the spider with adding stainless steel for the vanes. as you can imagine making these parts from wood adds a lot of weight to the end product and having them made from a lighter material only benefits the user and my back from having to lug them to a nice dark area..
Replace my old wood cabinet knobs and drawer pulls with ones that look like pine or fir cones. They would be the right size and just have to pre drill. Maybe the hole could be designed in. I would have to learn all about designing for 3D printing. I’m a retired graphic designer so I think I have some of the skills to make this happen. I’ve been researching on how to do this with real pine cones, but they fall apart. I also am looking at casting resin, which is messy. So, printing them would be extremely cool!
I would make a comicon prop. I have designed a Harley Quinn pop gun that includes cork and wood in the final piece.
I work in the pool industry and many parts are made from plastic, when these parts fail we usually can’t replace one, we have to replace them all, or worse yet, they are discontinued. With a 3D printer, I hope that I be able to bring back discontinued parts and/or replace individual parts. Hopefully one day I can print parts on demand, no more storing parts or ordering them, parts on demand!
I would like to use a 3D printer to make some SteamPunk Pen parts and then add electronics on a flexible circuit board to encase in clear resin and have some rgb LEDs controlled via a micro processor that is programmable using a micro USB port. That would make a pen both beautiful and fun for a developer/engineer type to have.
Dear Make,
I am a teacher by profession and my idea for using a 3D printer is to combine my expertise of electronics with the capabilities of 3D printing. I currently bring life to my robots by giving them bodies using existing scrap. An example is the caserol based minion robot submitted to element14’s forget me not design contest.(More details http://youtu.be/vz7rhnIBUwc)
Another example is a work in progress which is a self balancing robot which is made from scrap wood.(PIC Attached)
Another favorite is the quadcopter build tutorial I am doing at my blog and e14 http://embeddedcode.wordpress.com
In particular I would like to make the chassis for portable robotics platform which can be used with the BBB and raspberry PI and arduino. To begin with the chassis needs to be kind of lego like and have components that fit in. Not exactly NXT but something similar. To fit everything in the right mix is the challenge and might take some iterations and the end result will be a mix of electronics, mechanics which can be reused. Sensors can be lower cost (as documented on the blog) and can be made available to the DIY community.
Hope I was able to convey the idea.
Thanks and regards,
Inderpreet Singh
http://google.com/+InderpreetSingh
I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a 3D printer to make components for my jewelry/metalsmithing designs. The first two things that I would like to play with would be cameos, but I would love to make the in shapes other than oval and I could customize them for specific people or other designs, pets maybe. I’ve also been playing around with natural materials: moss, leaves, mushrooms and such but they are mostly just too fragile to hold up to much wear so if I could copy the shapes I could make something that would hold up to everyday wear.
I am a mechatronics engineer also a tooling design and manufacture technician worked with CAD/CAM technologies, and also a make/build aficionado, I do have a ton of projects which involves from creating simple toys and mechanism to drones and robots with 4 – 5 arduinos in them, I really need a 3d printer but they are really expensive here and hard to find, I can take care of the shipping expenses and upload multiple CAD parts for the projects! This is a video of a project that I found while on vacation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3LDvskASTc&list=UUsgPqa88XCjDD6-xkF6ld_A
I have enjoyed my 3D printer for the past 2 years now and as a design engineer, I must say it has totally changed the way I design. One of the many projects I enjoy is creating various tool holders from a mix of materials. In the example provided, I created a simple tool holder using a 3D printed plastic frame with dowel rods connecting them together. Simple example, yes, but if the point of this contest is promote the new Dremel printer, then a series of simple but powerful concepts need to showcase how simple, yet powerful this tool is. With a few design skills a father-son design team could have hours of fun and provide productive real world solutions to a variety of disciplines. For me personally, building with a 3D printer takes me back to working with tinker-toys but now I can design my own any way I want. And that’s power and creative freedom!
Image below
Hello fellow makers, my proposed project for the Dremel Idea Builder is to create an ornate and functional table lamp inspired by the iconic Atlas figure holding the world on his shoulders- my idea is to have the spherical mass he carries fitted with special lighting so that it shines and represents the sun
I intend to use the electronics from a cheap remote controlled LED bulb which is remotely dimmable and has a choice of colors for the glow.
The piece itself which i have begun modelling an example piece of is still a work in progress (Exhausted my stock of Blue-tack until the morning :-s ) once finished it will be scanned using a photogrammetry program such as Autodesk 123dCatch software before being tidied up and prepared for printing.
Although the sculpture currently has no legs i have decided he will have his right knee up to his chest, his left leg extended downward behind him and his left hand on the ground with his right arm reaching back clutching the sun on his shoulders-this particular choice of pose is to promote a stable tripod like base for the lamp & the finished sculpture will remain printable without supports of any kind by keeping all over hangs within 45 degrees of vertical
Also worth mentioning that this could be printed to resemble wood or even bronze with the use of special filaments that are available
Thank you for any interest in my idea :-)
For our fourth annual Westport Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, April 25, 2015, we’d like to use a 3D printer to make pinhole cameras and then have students and adults from our community create a photo exhibition of images taken with the cameras. This combines many of the aspects of STEAM learning and makes the project accessible to students in schools in our region as well as adults and even senior citizens.
* * * BRING ME THE SUN * * *
Hello fellow makers, my proposed project for the Dremel Idea Builder is to create an ornate and functional table lamp inspired by the iconic Atlas figure holding the world on his shoulders- my idea is to have the spherical mass he carries fitted with special lighting so that it shines and represents the sun
I intend to use the electronics from a cheap remote controlled LED bulb which is remotely dimmable and has a choice of colors for the glow.
The piece itself which i have begun modelling an example piece of is still a work in progress (Exhausted my stock of Blue-tack until the morning :-s ) once finished it will be scanned using a photogrammetry program such as Autodesk 123dCatch software before being tidied up and prepared for printing.
Although the sculpture currently has no legs i have decided he will have his right knee up to his chest, his left leg extended downward behind him and his left hand on the ground with his right arm reaching back clutching the sun on his shoulders-this particular choice of pose is to promote a stable tripod like base for the lamp & the finished sculpture will remain printable without supports of any kind by keeping all over hangs within 45 degrees of vertical
Also worth mentioning that this could be printed to resemble wood or even bronze with the use of special filaments that are available
Thank you for any interest in my idea :-)
Hi. I’m working on a heavy duty 3d
printable peristaltic pump. These type of pumps are commenly used in
hospitals and laboratories but they can also be used for pumping
water or chemicals.
Inside the pump is mounted a plastic
hose wich is pressed completely vacuum by the 3 rollers. This makes
the liquid flow through the pump.
Normally, this is a very expensive type
of pump, but when it’s 3d printed it will cost about 50-60 dollars
for the materials, including 7 purchased ball bearings.
Bacause it’s a bit heavy to make the
rollers turn and press the hose, a (3d printed) gearbox is needed to
make it run smooth.. That’s the box connected to the handle.
The prototype needs some adjustment and
fine tuning, but I think to have the pump running good and full working at the end of this year.
Next thing is experimenting with
different gears, tubes and rollers. After that the pump will be
designed in a way that it can be printed in much less time than this
one took…..
A history timeline with 3D icons from the period hanging/affixed to various wall shelf/timeline of the continents for my kids!!
I would like to create and share low power LED lighting designs. I created an “art lamp” (photo attached) that uses copper foil tape on the walls to get power to the light. Because LED lights are low heat, low power devices, it should be possible to create useful and attractive specialty lights that can be printed and installed where desired.
Hi Make.
My ears are funny, no, not funny to look at although they are that too.
Headphones don’t fit my ears properly. So my IDEA is to print custom headphone covers based on a scan of the ear.
So can I please have a beautiful Dremel Idea Builder to fix my funny ears?
Thanks
Make is my go to place for inspiration.
Here’s my idea…along a hiking trail install 3D printed boxes with hinged doors, and inside each box is a small diorama made up of more printed pieces. The diorama will tell a story, ideally in conjunction with each other. The diorama’s 3D printed parts can be operated by the viewer…either with direct manipulation of them, or in ways like pulling strings at the bottom of the box, or perhaps by blowing on a windmill inside the box, powering other things in there. The whole thing becomes a real-world interactive adventure as you move along.
I am a software engineer, and I have never 3D printed anything, so obviously my head is flooded with ideas. Not all practical or feasible at this time. I would probably start small, with a phone case or holder, maybe some 3D printed custom silverware just for fun. I would probably print my kids names on something just to get the hang of it. And eventually move into 3D printing cases for my IoT projects, custom toys/Robots, etc. I would also use it with my business, custom printed Business Cards, I would make a Windows Phone 8 app to control the printer from b/c well that’s what I do, Windows Phone apps. I would Probably even print parts our to build my daughter a doll house and other things just for fun and learning. And I would most definitely incorporate it into my daughters education, she would learn about 3d printing then print stuff on it. She Would have to learn all the components, extrudes etc, and what they do, and how they do it. A whole new generation of DIYers. But definitely the 3D business Cards, I only do B2B work, so I could get away with the printed cards. I am attaching a design pic for what I would like my card to look like when printed (I am not a photoshop expert so please forgive the crudeness), Custom Design: Embedded NFC Chip, so printing would be 2 stage, thin but sturdy, multi colored, Card would be a cube, front and right portion of card would be made out of my logo, no top or bottom, the back and left sides of the cube would be solid, one would have a QR code that contains my vCard, the other my name, email, website etc. Unique design, would definitely stand out, and up lol.
I dont know why the image looks like that on the left side, it does not look like that in my image editor …. Told you, I am not the photoshop champ, I write code LOL
Imagine Something like this image, but not solid …
I would like to make a micro laser engraver. I would be 3d printing the frame I designed and using the carriages and stepper motors from old DVD drives for the movement. I would recycle one of the lasers from the DVD drives for the burning diode. It would be controlled using an Arduino Uno hooked up to stepper drivers and an LM317 based laser driver circuit isolated on a relay. The Arduino would be running GRBL. Overall, I think it should only cost about $30 and bring laser engraving to the masses.
I have some plans in the works…
for creating a SLR camera mount to be used by a paraplegic/ physically restricted individual. Allowing all motion including pan, tilt, roll, and translation for horizontal and vertical movement, for finding the right angle. all this to be mounted to a chair, and have a display show live feed. focus and zoom, and adtl functions to be controlled with servos. allowing the freedom of the average photographer, with the restrictions of someone with physical limitations. All to be used mostly by one hand ‘joystick’ with microcontroller interpolating signals to several functions, from movement, to adjustment. Can potentially be retrofitted for physically-abled individuals for more steady, control and movement for photography/videography mounting. Also considering a stabilizer fixture too. [Similar design mentality to oxo’s peeler; designed for people with arthritis, requiring less effort, and grip than ever before, now is used by every demographic because it is easier on hands, for all. So I am creating this for someone that is handicapable, then will adapt the design to be used in other contexts.]
To the future bride that wants something a little different. I have had an idea to make a wedding veil That can also be worn as a cape. The only problem I have had is trying to find a light weight material to start with that will be comfortable enough to ware in your hair but study enough to hold the fabric. I believe this could be the answer. The clasp can be decorated to the brides desires.
I love scale models of cool things and I love the idea of renewable energy. So I would love to build a very detailed scale model of a wind and solar farm. The cool thing is that the solar panels will actually power the small wind turbines to make them spin at a scale looking speed. I would 3D print the turbines in detail. The base would be made of a nice hardwood with the top being covered in simulated grass like they use for model railroading. The base would hide all the wires and Lithium ion battery that would hold the charge from the panels. A usb port would be used to charge the battery as well. Scale and dimensions could change a little. That is why a 3D printer would come in so handy not just for the visible parts but for the internal parts as well. This would be a fantastic conversation piece. It may be cool also to add more usb ports and make it possible to charge your devices directly from the miniature wind/solar farm. Anyway that’s one of my many unique ideas. Thanks for your consideration and this opportunity.
Adam Leal
I am very interested in creating a set of reusable fittings that I can be used in sous vide machines. I would like to create a set of various shapes and forms that can be assembled in various combination to form racks and shapes to hold the vacuumed packed foods while they cook. A 3D printer would be the ultimate prototyping machine to verify the shapes and how they fit together.
How about a chair or stool made out of reclaimed tennis balls? Tennis balls are often available free or cheap from tennis clubs (I found this handy when I was coaching little kids in baseball and they were afraid of catching fly balls :-) ) Seems like one could 3D print a “ball connector” and then by drilling small holes in the tennis balls, the seat pad and back could be constructed from a grid of balls.
I would use a 3d printer to design, develop, make and then share the 3d CAD files for products to meet the needs of the disabled and the elderly (inclusive design).
The problem with many products is they’re designed for the average
person; but sadly this doesn’t mean that everyone is able to use these products.
Those that unfortunately aren’t able to use products can have varying special requirements, and often make up a small market, which doesn’t make it feasible for large companies to develop products to meet these peoples needs.
That’s why, as a Product Design graduate, I would like to develop products to help people with disabilities.
I would then like to share the designs and CAD files online for anybody to make and use.
A 3d printer would be an invaluable tool for not only developing the items, but also to check that the CAD files could be printed by somebody at home if they so wished to do so.
The first product would be a digital camera that the disabled (those particularly with poor sight or limited hand mobility) could use, as well as the elderly (who may have the disabilities mentioned earlier and also a more limited understanding of how to use digital products). It was a project I started while I was a student back in 2012.
The camera design would include;
– Adding a handle to the camera to make it easier for people with limited hand movement to hold.
– A large trigger instead of a small button for the ‘photo capturing’ method (to make it easier to press).
– Instead of having lots of buttons on the camera; a touchscreen would be utilised so that only the relevant buttons to the function at hand are displayed (to make operating the product easier and also meaning the digital ‘buttons’ can be bigger than physical buttons).
– A wrist-strap to stop the camera from falling if dropped.
After graduating in 2012, I stopped the camera project as I didn’t know how I could progress with it on my own.
However, over the last few weeks I have been looking at the ‘Raspberry Pi’ and believe with some software writing (and the compatible touchscreen and camera modules made for the ‘Raspberry Pi’), I could make working cameras to meet all the requirements I researched for this project 2 years ago.
This Christmas I’m hoping that Santa will be bringing me a Raspberry Pi and the bits I need to complete the software and electrical hardware parts for this project. (Fingers crossed!)
From there, I can then re-design the camera casing around the Raspberry Pi parts – which would be where the 3D printer would be used. To prototype, refine and test fit.
The wrist-strap would be made from cotton or braided leather; a flexible material that can’t be printed (and wouldn’t feel right being printed).
The image below is my design from back in 2012; until I know exactly what the components inside will be and have designed a casing to fit these, I won’t know exactly how this project will look – but that’s where the fun is!! :)
I would print parts to accommodate cannibalizing the printer to make an even larger printer. Including a gearing system to be able to set the step ratio up or down to make finer or coarser prints.
My idea is to further develop my custom folding quadcopter. My intentions are as follows: Altitude lock, gps lock, two way communication with a ground station, fpv (first person view), following a gps path, custom gimbal to be controlled by the ground station. I intend on making this a project on kickstarted when it is closer to being finished. I would use the Dremel 3D printer to print prototypes of different parts such as the top and bottom panels as seen below. I would also 3D print the parts of the gimbal that would hold a 3D printed camera mount (most likely a goPro). The motor mounts could also be 3D printed.
Hi MAKE!
My idea is: Dragons! Using a 3D printer in conjunction with other sculptural elements (such as clay, cloth/paper mache, and painting) I would make an army of beautiful dragons, trolls, and dryads that had awesome features)! I would also be up for doing instructables so other makers can have their very own <3
Wow! The possibilities could literally be endless! I hand-make my family Christmas gifts each year and it would be amazing to create a custom piece for each family member. I could even make toys for the family pets!
I’m thinking of a project for my MFA involving Medusa and the duality of beauty. I want to get a make-up compact and finish modelling up a ‘beautiful’ Medusa on the outside of the case with ZBrush (see my attachment!). I’m thinking I can use a printer to help me get the face and hair details about the right size, and something like ApoxieSculpt to blend the part onto the outside cover of the compact and to make more hair tendrils. Inside, I’d like to model a separate ‘hideous’ Medusa face that is positioned so that you can see it when you look in the compact’s mirror after opening the compact – evocative of how Perseus fought Medusa by using the polished reflection in his bronze shield, instead of looking at her directly. No actual makeup would be involved in the compact – it’d just be intended as a statement about beauty and the artificiality of what comes from within cosmetics like that.
Oh I know I wan t one to use to make weaving looms with and weaving cards how fun would that be
My birthday is on the 17th (hint, hint) but I would love to bring this to my son’s classroom as a awesome example of 3d printing. I encourage people volunteer in their local school. So far I’ve dressed as a dancing gorilla fire rose parade parking, the cat in the hat for classroom Doctor Seuss day, and face painting/airbrushing. In other words, yes I would like this please :)
Me, my wife, my two young kids, and my mother in law live in the suburbs of Tokyo in a very old house. The house is a traditional wood build and many people by now would have torn it down and built something new as houses only last about 40 years here because of the style and climate. We like our old house filled with character. That same character often comes in the shape of holes where insects or moisture got in and rotted it out. Some holes are big, but many others are really small. I thought it would be great to 3D print hole fillers (or caps for the big ones) in really bright colours to fix and brighten up the house.
I would love to add a 3d printer to my art studio and can come up with a million things to make, but within minutes, my favorite are experimenting with linocut block for printings and cookie cutters!
To increase STEAM interest in high school girls, I would like them to learn how to design and print 3d jewelry, ornaments, fingernails, etc.
Dear make,
I am a 13 year old from Minnesota and I love the prospect of perpetual motion. That is why I have made several attempts at a permanent magnet railgun that shoots around a circle with magnetic shielding at the back. It is a lot of work and I always end up messing up. I Accomplished the structure once but when I tried to It the magnets broke the wood. I hope that with a 3d printer the design and prototyping process will faster. I also hope that the structural integrity will improve to the point where it will not break.
I hope that you consider,
Cameron Hake
P.S. It would not let me add a picture
This summer, I built a patio on the back of my house with a large pergola. On the two far posts, I mounted outdoor speakers and ran the speaker wire back into the basement of my house. On one of the remaining poles, I mounted a weatherproof box that has an AC outlet plus a coaxial antenna jack and two female RCA connectors. The coax will be so I can carry a flat panel TV out to the patio in nice weather to watch college football games. The RCA jacks are stereo input so I can either pump the tv audio through the bigger speakers or so I (or guests) can plug in their phone/MP3 player to play music through the patio speakers. The RCA input lines also run into the basement where the speaker outputs terminate. To power the post speakers, I bought a small Class D amplifier board from Adafruit: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1752 The volume, mute, power can be controlled by SPI commands from a microcontroller. I have a spare Arduino FIO to connect to the amplifier board. The FIO will also control a bank of 3v relays that can switch the line input source to the amp between the RCA input jacks on the pergola post or a streaming media player hooked up in the basement. Right now, I plan to use Volumio on an Rpi, but I’m not 100% sure of that at this time. To make volume control on the patio easy for me or my less-techie guests, I am building a wireless controller. It is based on an Adafruit Trinket Pro 3v. It uses a Nokia 5110 mono screen also from Adafruit as its display. Input is via a rotary encoder from Amazon that has a momentary push button switch on the axis. Pushing the momentary toggles the input selector relay bank between the pergola post RCA jacks and the streaming media player. Turning the encoder knob changes the volume from mute all the way up to the amp’s max of 64. The current volume and selected input are displayed on the Nokia screen which goes to sleep after a short amount of inactivity. Wireless between the remote and the base unit will be via nRF24L01+ modules, but I haven’t gotten far enough in my code to implement them yet. Power for the remote comes from a 1S LiPo also from Adafruit and is charged by a LiPo charger backpack from Adafruit. Once I get everything working, I’d also like to add an Adafruit Qi wireless charging receiver coil so I can charge this device on my Nexus 7 Qi Charge cradle. The case for the remote control unit will have to be fairly durable, and would look terrible in a plain old project box. I would really like to win this Dremel printer so I can design and build an amazing housing for this project.
Here is a pic of the display screen
I have had the idea for quite some time, to design custom interface devices for use with video game consoles and PCs, for use by people with disabilities. Since disabilities can vary greatly, there is no one product that can cover all instances. Being able to produce custom parts would be much more efficient than my current capabilities.
I have few plans on paper as of right now, as most components will have to be custom designed, for individual needs.
My plan would be to make a small business using this for financial independence.
Dear all,
Firstly i apologize if my writing is not comfortable to read cause i’m bad in English. I have an idea to build a toy truck that operate by using a balloon. The balloon itself act as a fuel for the toy truck. It use pneumatic to control the speed and the balloon act as source of pressure. To control truck movement i plane add some electronics by wiring servo and arduino. Thats my idea.
One more thing. I’m currently working on smarthome project. I’m currently make a cloud computing human recognition (using opencv and ros) using ip camera and minipc (its not decided yet what minipc i should use, i’m still benchmarking on raspi, odroid, and cubieboard) and some web based gui so its like a router. If its done i plane to make a case for that smarthome module (with minipc and some sensor inside it) and release it to public.
Use a 3D printer and this material (http://www.gizmag.com/bone-like-material-3d-printer/20663/) to build a faux-ivory clarinet frame finished with metal keys (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/53.223). If you can create a reasonably convincing ivory substitute, share the process and encourage people to drive down the price of real ivory by flooding the market with fake ivory. Nothing would put poachers out of business faster than ivory losing value.
The Metmuseum link didn’t work, here is a direct link to them image:
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_53.223.jpg
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/images/h2/h2_53.223.jpg
I have been designing unique car bodies to be made out of styrofoam, plastics, and wood. these are then molded into fiberglass bodies for the actual car production. Using a 3d printer to make molding and trim pieces to attach to the parts to be molded would make things much easier and more precise than just carving them as is done now. Once the parts are molded the fiberglass parts have all of the detail of the finished product so that once they are assembled they look like the intended design. attached is a picture of the Batmobile in the process of production.
My idea is an AVR-microcontroller-based handheld game system. I’m working on a prototype now. I’ve used a CNC milling machine (a Shapeoko) to make the PCB, and I’d like to design a 3d-printable case for it.
I want to use 3d printing to construct the chassis and mechanical systems for a robot pet. i plan to program an atmel microcontroller to interpret data from ultrasonic rangefinder modules, 3 axis compass, and 3 axis accelerometer, as well as primitive compound eyes based on infrared phototransistors, and program in a set of fuzzy logic based behaviors dependent on input states, passage of time, battery levels, and other internally tracked values. this robot would navigate my apartment, explore its environment and map its surroundings, whilst also interacting in a limited way with my pet cats. with a 3d printer i would have a great deal of flexibility in my mechanical design and could easily create new hardware iterations to improve function and explore the effects of changing the shape and locomotion on the robots overall behavior. without a means of rapid prototyping it would be much harder to repair and modify the design as issues are found.
this crude “learning robot” based on multiple atmel microcontrollers networked together over serial links, each handling different “brain functions” such as vision and motor control, has the potential to create an interesting new toy robotics platform with multiple “plug and play” modules to expand and alter how it acts. if i am selected, i will make my project open source and provide the 3d files and firmware to the maker community to experiment with and modify
I would love experiment with a 3D printer’s ability to create rigid, yet deformable structures. In the attached example, a ratcheting mechanism and small hooks replace traditional shoelaces, but this requires a lattice-like frame that deforms comfortably as it pulls the shoe tight. The ability of a 3D printer to form the body of a mechanism into an integral mechanical component or linkage has pretty cool possibilities. I’ve been able to model some of these ideas using free tools like Sketchup but it would be great to try them out on a printer of my own.
I am a 12 year old boy in California, and I really like twisty puzzles (such as the Rubik’s Cube). I can solve rubik’s cubes type twisty puzzles of various types and sizes, up to the 7x7x7. Anyway, my idea is not one that will save the world or help people, but I still think it’s pretty cool. A while ago I got a Megaminx, which is a dodecahedron puzzle patented by Uwe Meffert in 1982. I really liked it, it was a fun puzzle to figure out.
My love of twisty puzzles inspired in me a love of 3D geometry. I started looking around for puzzles of different shapes, and I found out that there was a truncated Rubik’s Cube, where the corners and some of each edge piece is heavily truncated. I decided that it would be awesome to have a truncated dodecahedron, i.e. a truncated megaminx. Through some research, I found out that people have been making truncated megaminxes for several years, by hand. There are only a few in the world, and they look pretty cool. I would like to make one for personal use.
So here it is. A truncated megaminx. I found out it is technically considered a 32-sided Icosahedron.
The pieces would be made by 3D printer, and the core would come from a standard megaminx (QJ, Shengshou, MoYu, Mefferts, Hungarian Supernova, etc.). I would sticker it by hand, so it would be printed in just one color. I would definitely enjoy having this puzzle, as would most of the twisty puzzle community. Thank you for your consideration!
Another picture. This is the puzzle halfway through one turn. Looks like it will be one tough Rubik’s Cube, huh?
I would use a Dremel 3D printer to develop and produce things for medieval reenactments (goblets, armor, tools, instruments, etc.). Even though it’s not fitting for the time periods in question, being able to print off things for reference and quick resources is exceedingly useful. I have already designed small parts for quick fixes to existing armor, as well as tankards and measuring devices for finding helmet sizes. I’m also a current student studying 3D design and prototyping. Having access to a printer would aide in my studies and contribute to developing skills for a career.
My wife and I have been planning on “hacking”/ building “fandom” board games (Guess “Doctor” Who, Harry Potter Monopoly) from scratch and a 3d printer would be very helpful in the creation of many aspects.. it would also be really awesome to create my own mini for the pathfinder quest my wednesday night game night group is about to start,,
I made a water quality monitoring data logger and posted it on Instructables a while back. You can find it here: http://www.instructables.com/id/ORP-pH-Temperature-Data-Logger/ . It works quite well, but the case and the sample cell are a bit awkward. I would love to be able to 3D print an integrated case for the electronics and flow through sample cell for the pH, ORP, and temperature probes.
This is an IKEA hack. A 3d printed frame would hold a IKEA Honefoss mirror and have a cup for a tea candle. The 3d printed frame (the back) can be nailed/screwed into a wall. The mirror is held in place at each corner by 3d printed pieces that will snaphook into the 3d printed back. The cup that holds the candle will be 3d printed and snaphook into the back of the frame. By utilizing the snaphook method the frame/cup/corners can be better packed keeping with IKEA’s flatpack and assembly ideology – also would allow for disassembly.
I’d love to build a 12.75″ long Siege tank from the game StarCraft II to go along (in scale) with my command center and SCVs. A 3D printer would be extremely helpful in making the mechanisms needed to transform from tank mode to siege mode with the use of a few micro servos, especially in the turret region. I’m not trying to change the world, just make some awesome fan art.
My idea is a treasure chest made by 3D printing the frame and using popsicle sticks for the sides, top, and bottom. Take a look at my Sketchup model.
programing toy blocks each layer of blocks has to bee in the right order to light the whole row up for toddlers and parents to play with to help the kids to learn repitition and memorization
I got the idea from watching some combat videos on youtube. The camera men kept having to tuck their camera’s down or hold sideways when being shot at. This simple thumb operated swiveling camera monopod enables the user to see around corners or above walls with the flick of a switch.
It’s also be good for videoing yourself in large crowds. Enables you to easily capture the crowd and with a push of a button you can point camera down back at yourself in the crowd.
The head can swivel 360, but locks each 90 degree turn.
Dude, that’s awesome and can save lives!
Want to print patterns to make sand castings of this engine: https://www.flickr.com/photos/steamboat_ed/3539538333/in/set-72157618369235838
Want to use the engine to capture one of the lowest speed records on the books.
My fellow makers,
When I saw this, I debated whether or not to enter my project, but here goes:
Earlier this year I built a Lenz2 turbine for wind tunnel analysis for my thesis.
You can see Mr. Lenz’s work on http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/vawt.htm or search for “Lenz Turbine”.
In the pictures are the rotor assembly before mounting in the test stand, hacking light fixture reflectors for blade skins, printed blade end brackets, and max speed functional test.
The idea here is for a universal vertical axis wind turbine platform which can be scaled up or down, depending on the user’s requirements. It’s modular and the printed parts provide for any adjustments you need. Put any blade design you want into it!
The main shaft was pulled from a discarded split-type air conditioner, and the bearings salvaged from scrapped machinery.
The blade skin is polished aluminum salvaged from fluorescent light fixtures, and was riveted to the printed ribs.
The support arms are composite: printed ABS with a press-fit wood core. Of course you can use whatever is handy.
The disk brake is for a mountain bike, and was the most expensive part of the whole project. Of course I machined a steel flange for it – it needed to take the heat and stress. The caliper was held by a printed adapter to couple it to the measuring rig, which was all made from scrap metal parts. The rig’s platform was MDF I scored from a discarded office desk.
It stood up well to the punishment I put it through, and was still very stable at 15m/s air speed. None of the printed components showed signs of stress or fatigue. The one in the photos is 25cm high with 25cm diameter.
The total cost for the project was well under my budget. It came out to about $125 in the end.
As for aesthetics, you could give the blades a paint job, use wild colors for the printed parts, and even add winglets with some cool design, such as red winglets shaped like flames. I thought of using old election posters (made from good thick tarp material) as the blade skins, as a joke. I kinda like shiny things, so I’m happy with polished aluminum.
Who’s up for a scalable and customizable VAWT platform, for learning, work, fun, or home?
FYI – I gave my cordless Dremel a serious beating during the project, but it came out smiling as usual.
Cheers!
I want to
make a simple microscope by utilizing the camera of a tablet or smart phone. 3D
printers are used to print the constituent parts of the microscope: that is, the handle tablets or
smart phones that can be shifted to adjust the size and position of the camera,
part of the placement of mirrors and lenses, part of the drive system using a
rack and pinion, and a section to put the lights on lighting either from above
or from below. Or if possible a 3D printer can also be used to make a mold
lenses can be made of resin.
By using
the camera, function of
simple microscope is not only
a magnifying glass to observe the small object to make it look more vivid and
detailed, but also able to take pictures, record video, or image capture of
time-lapse which can be used for example to observe the process of growing
shoots of a bean seed. This simple microscope can be useful for students or
parents who want to accompany their children to learn and introduce small
objects are interesting when viewed in large size.
Sorry for my Engslih
Ok, my idea is to build an R/C controlled arduino based “jukebot”!
My bot will feature WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
It will carry a 250 gig hard-drive music database, all of which
Utilizes stacked intel galileo, and edison boards, for control connectivity and processing.
I woulsd create my drive components, mounting hardware, outer shell pieces, and other cosmetic pieces with a 3D printer if available!
When complete, i can drive the jukebot up to anyone and it will request that they pick a song from the database. The selection will then play from on board speakers as well as broadcast via Bluetooth to a larger house system.
I would like to incorporatea full color interactive touch screen, but
May utilize an android touch tablet with direct usb to the galileo processor, for the obvious advantages!
Thank you for reading!
Dean Johnston
San Antonio, Tx.
A turntable stand. The M.C. Escher
I created this Spice Rack http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:595370 that combines 3D printed pieces with 1/4″ hardwood slats. Could also use MDF or plywood.
Exo-Skull Immersive Assimilator
Personalized Head Mount for Immersive Display Using Smart Phone
* One size fits one human *
Forms of construction: 3D plastic printed head gear, Velcro, smart phone
– Personalized fit, modeled from head scan data, light weight rigid construction
– Avoid discomfort from heavy eyeglass type mounts or elastic head bands
– Avoid the bulk of foam padded-to-fit helmets of limited sizes
– Avoid bulky twist knob type band adjusters
– Integrated balance feature to offset mass of display for movement and comfort
– Snap-on user defined features for artistic identity
– Ventilated construction allows cranial cooling, brain growth adjustment feature
– Two part design to fit the build space of most printers, Velcro or snap type fasteners
– Parametric design process allows choice of most smart phone sizes
– Web based, user selectable personalization and design preferences
Additional Requirements:
– Head scan 3D point cloud model from service provider
– Wed based Exo-Skull interactive design interface site
– Immersive simulation games or software compatible with smart phone Wi-Fi
My idea is to print a frame that you can later pour in colored resin. This will give it a stained glass effect and can be used as decoration in the office, workshop, or outdoors; used by architecture students or professionals for accurate models; maybe many comnected together to make a beautiful design for a table with a glass top; even use an opaque contrasting color to use the printed part as the focus and the resin as the backdrop.
It would use grooves in the frame to hold the dried resin and a rounded top for a smooth look. The sketch shows a greyscale design held in a wooden base.
A Survival Kit (Wearable Oxygen)
What is it: A Portable Oxygen mask and wearable oxygen tank. The frame of the mask and casing of the tank would be 3d printed. The Hose, Air Tank, Head strap and plastic cover would not be printed but would be included in the kit.
For Who: For anyone who is in need of a supplemental oxygen supply, from Emergency personnel to Pilots but especially for those in need of a fresh and constant air supply, such as patients with respiratory issues. Imagine if these were handed out at ground zero on 9-11.
Where: Carry it anywhere with you, for instance in your pocket, around your neck, in a backpack or in a purse. The Oxygen kit could be stored in your clothing, encased in 3d printed capsules.
Why: Today, a person requiring a fresh oxygen supply is forced to lug around a heavy and not so discrete oxygen tank. This makes the supply of fresh inefficient, specifically during emergency relief efforts. A 3d printed, lightweight “wearable” oxygen kit, could store small oxygen tanks providing users up to several hours of breathing time.
Could you make a puzzle box with separate pieces to combine as solid box?
At our Civil Air Patrol squadron we are interested in flight and aerodynamics, a 3-D printer would allow us to make complex experimental structures to test on our R/C planes and rockets. It may also allow us to create other flying devices like the quad-copters that are becoming popular. Each of the cadets could create a virtual shape then print it out and test it without putting in a lot of work just to see if it would function as they expect. It would inspire them to try something new and very different.
This contest comes at a perfect moment, as I’m in the process of developing a set of 3D printed phone cases that have NFC tags embedded in them. The NFC tag switches the theme on the phone to match whichever case you have on. The cases could be used to switch back and forth between a home and a work profile, emphasizing your reading and music apps at home, while having productivity apps more centrally located at work. The more fashion conscious could use it to switch their phone’s theme to match their outfit/mood.
I have access to a few printers at university until I graduate in June, so I’ve made a few prototypes featured in this video:
When you have guests over for a party, don’t cast pearls before swine. This 3D-printed bottle lock helps your save the craft beers for those who appreciate them, and diverts your friends and family to the cheap ones.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Beer-Bottle-Lock/
as a teacher for animation I would use the 3D printer to make puppets and decors for our stop motion film projects. It would be a great opportunity for my students to design their puppets in 3D max, print them 3D on selfmade armatures, and then shoot it as a puppet movie.
for an example of my students work see http://youtu.be/7ne4SIf0xD0
or https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=791694457521255&set=vb.238932189464154&type=3&theater
To Make:
My son’s Middle
School ROV club is ramping up for this year’s competition and he and I have
been working on a design using the new technologies available through the
school’s STEM program: a new CAD computer, a 3D printer, and a Laser Cutter.
Our idea is to use the CAD program to design the vehicle’s frame and individual
parts. Then build the vehicle using the
Laser Cutter to make the frame and the 3D printer to make the struts that join
the frame together, the mounts to hold the thruster motors, the Kort nozzle
shrouds to make the thrusters safe and more efficient, and the housings to hold
the GoPro cameras on board. All of this is currently available through the STEM
program and would bring a very professional finished project into the
competition arena.
My Idea is to build a virtual reality head set just like Google Cardboard. Then what is so special about it you ask? Well, it will be tougher than the cardboard, and yes, it can fit phones of different size too!
as a teacher for animation I would use the 3D printer to make puppets and decors for our stop motion film projects. It would be a great opportunity for my students to design their puppets in 3D max, print them 3D on selfmade armatures, and then shoot it as a puppet movie. For some examples of their work see https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=791694457521255&set=vb.238932189464154&type=3&theater
or http://youtu.be/7ne4SIf0xD0
Customized chess pieces using family members would be nice. Dad as king, mom as queen, brothers/sisters as bishops/knights/rooks. Use your cousins/nieces/nephews or even in-laws if you want. Then have the family pets as pawns if you run out of relatives to use. :)
I have a pet bird with a foot injury that makes her limp due to a bent toe, if I were selected I will make a combination support brace for Merlee my bird. I have a few sketches of what the brace might look and fit. Thanks for consideration and happy holidays.
My 7-year-old son wants to be a paleontologist, so I’ve got this project in the works where I dry and bleach pieces of a chicken skeleton and then embed them in plaster for him to dig out. After he finishes excavating the pieces, we’re going to reconstruct a skeleton, and come up with ideas for what the missing parts might look like based on what we find in our collection of dinosaur books. If we had access to a 3d printer, we could model and print out the missing bones to fill in the gaps on our skeleton either based on his original designs or existing pictures and models that we come across. It would also make it easier to make small changes to our printed bones as we learn more during the process, not to mention it would ease the design process when we attempt to create a robot based on our finished “dinosaur” skeleton.
I am a sculptor trying to make my way in the competitive world of creativity. I mostly make little horses for collectors all over the world, I sculpt in clay and usually cast my creations in resin using traditional methods, but being a CAD user in my “day job” I have started combining my two passions by sculpting digitally too.
Recently I had one of my sculptures laser scanned and now have the CAD data for her which I have been working on in a digital sculpting program, I would love to be able to produce an up-scaled print of her to enable me to make the most of my work. If I had a 3D printer at my disposal I would be able to produce copies in a variety of sizes, plus all sorts of accessories that would not be sensible to cast in the traditional way, such as wings or a horn to make her more fantastic, or accessories such as mini grooming kits, shoes and tack to make her more of an interactive creation for younger collectors.
I believe that 3D printing is the way forward for low-volume manufacturers such as me. They are the perfect answer to bringing traditional craftsmanship into the 21st century and helping the humble artist to thrive in this competitive modern world.
I would use the Dremel 3D printer within a local after school enrichment program (ASEP) and summer camp. The printer would be used by the kids for their inventions (Invention Convention) and also to create props for a video story (Asian Techno Theater). Here is a link to the program: http://staraces.org/?page_id=1911 in which you can see more details… We did not have our own 3D printer to use and relied on a local university to assist. Having a our own 3D printer would be a tremendous boost to the program.
Jim Dutcher
Remember the dioramas you made in elementary school? I would like to bring that concept into the 21st century with my students. We would use what we have learned about animal classification in science to create a new animal. This creature may have characteristics from several different animals as well as mythical characteristics. Being able to design and build a 3D version of their creature would practically bring it to life! The students would also design the ideal habitat for the creature. They would then write stories–sending their creature on adventures. In an age where too many kids sit in front of a TV screen, this project would bring back creativity, problem-solving, and imagination in an engaging way.
Hi! Currently I’m developing a tilt rotor UAV project to perform VTOL and cruising capability. If I win a Dremel 3D printer, I would like to design and print lots of mini prototype of my tilt rotor to be used during Youth Inventors’ Camp that my team and I organize annually. This is to enhance the younger generations’ interest in developing creative projects and become a great generation for the betterment of the future. Thank you!
My idea comes from the mind of a middle school educator who has been involved with First Lego League and other competitions that most kids have already spent time with.
What I am developing and think would be amazing is a 3D printed car challenge where teams of students design a car chasis(small like remote control car or matchbox size) and with the addition of Arduino or other processor have races or competitions. The younger kids the controllers would be pre programmed while older kids would have to program as well as design.
The other idea is to redo the pinewood derby races by making 3D printed custom car instead of ones from a kit.
I would print a moving garden sculpture that also happened to be a sprinkler, something that moves via the pressure of the water, it would also have a rain sensor built-in so it only sprinkles when it needs to, the aim would be for an attractive ornament, interesting as a work of art in it’s own right. Something like these:
http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0002Jq
but smaller and 3d printed!
I want to make tiny mobile robots that are driven by micro motors and 3D printed base, shaft and wheels. I wanted to make it easy to use and mass produced. It’s going to be able to trace the line and avoid some obstacles. Below is the base of the mobile robot that I wanted to develop using the 3D printer.
nice project. looking forward on that product
A 3D printed skateboard mold! The mold would be 3D printed to the shape you like, but the press is made of metal and jacks etc.
Like the picture! :) (This is my own design)
I would make an accurate representation of lunar phases in 3D: a project that combines the tactile (craters) with the visual (lighting). An indoor reminder to go outside and look up!
Hi, my friends and I like to eat potato chips like pringles and master potato. Because my hand is quite large, and I need turn the the tin upside down. Because of that, my chips scattered on the floor. With that, I want to make a container that allows chips that go out without the need to enter the hand. When overturning the only tin, the chip will fall and we can eat comfortably. The picture below will facilitate further the story line. This product is good to distribute to all people because all people love chips. Yippi!
Always wanted one of these.
My plan is to mix 3D prints with wood and glass to create a bespoke table.
There will be 29 printed parts and 1 glass table top with a wooden underside.
The prints will be sandwiched between the wood and glass to create an intricate tabletop made from 4 different Celtic Knot designs (all of which are ready to be printed).
To go with the table is a stool design, which could incorporate lights on the inside to make it a feature in a room or outdoors.
Hope you like the idea.
I’ve been trying to think of a really good idea all week because I would LOVE to have a 3D printer on my workbench. After looking through the comments, though, I want to instead use my comment to encourage choosing one of the STEM/STEAM classrooms as the winner. A 3D printer going towards getting kids excited about the endless possibilities it provides for making is much more important than my having one all to myself.
I have been working with mixed media for awhile now and getting a 3D printer is at the top of my list to make those pieces that I just can’t get to work or seem to find parts for. I work with leather, super sculpty, wood, metals, furs and anything else that I can get my hands on to go along with the projects that I do.
I’d like to step up my game and bring more fantastic and frightening things to the world of art and function. I’ve add a picture of one of my pieces that is mixed media project. (leather, metal & clay). I can just imagine the limitless possibilities that a 3D printer would unlock in my field.
Print your path!. You don’t need CNC if you have a 3D printer.
All we need is to:
1. print a path tool (the green one) with thread for Dremel
2. print a plate with your path(the red one).
3. Fallow the path with special tool and cut any shape you want! ;-)
Print the templates for different shapes and cut with accuracy!
James Caudle. I am a insurance agent by day and a amateur machinist/tinkerer/metal caster by night. (Read ‘Maker’) This contest is a great idea! I have always wanted a 3d Printer to explore projects and art with my young sons.
With this printer I would build many projects. Some are big, some small, some fully realized, and most ephemeral. One of the first projects would be a Interactive Chess Board.
I love chess but some people are not spatially inclined while others do not know the rules; like my sons. This project would teach and add beauty to one of the oldest games in existence.
This board would compliment your personalized chess set. I’ve designed a set of abstract pieces opposing a symmetrically traditional side. Both utilizing the negative space possible with a 3d Printer. Playing the game would result in a light-show where LEDs illuminate the possible moves of the piece you depress. Even my 4 year old could see the possible moves.
I’m wanting to finish a custom climate controller for my reptile terrarium. Because reptiles are happiest when they get very specific levels of daylight, temperature, and humidity, I want to build an automated system to handle all of it.
I have a custom heat pad that warms a perch area, which is also on the hot side of the terrarium (Near the heat lamp).
I also have a full spectrum daylight bulb, which should only be on during daylight hours.
Finally, I have a fan that pulls the humidity out of the tank as it builds up from the soaking pool (On the cool side of the terrarium).
These are all controlled by an Arduino and basic sensors (The light sensor is actually mounted outside of my window to detect daylight). I have a LCD shield with buttons which allow me to adjust the set points for everything, as well as report the current conditions in the tank.
What I lack is a good case for the controller.
I would like to make something fancy that blends in with a good terrarium setup.
I have 3d scans of tree bark that I think would work great, if I used it as a texture to create a box to hold the power supply, Arduino, and relays.
If it comes out nice enough, I may even be able to make more and sell them…
This system is amazingly useful, and cheap to make. All I need is a proper enclosure to finish what could be a wonderful new item for people with reptiles.
This is my first exploration into 3d printed furniture components. The two white pieces are 3D printed. The wood is solid walnut. There are no mechanical fasteners or glues attaching the 3D pieces to the wood, or the wood pieces to each other. The only glue used was to affix the wooden planks to each other to make the table top.
My goal is to come up with a system of simple wood pieces and 3D connectors that can be easily assembled to create a variety of furniture types. The 3D printer allows me to explore joints that would otherwise be almost impossible to make. And the fact that there are no mechanical fasteners or glue makes it very easy to dis-assemble and ship. With my own 3D printer, I could more easily run through design iterations and prototypes.
Moving forward, I’d like to use a 3D printer to create casts for the joints, so I can explore other materials. I’d also like to design and develop other pieces of furniture that would be simple enough for anyone to make with a set of basic woodworking tools and a 3D printer. Goodbye, IKEA!
great entry! email me at caleb@makermedia.com ASAP!
Well, I’m personally a huge fan of video games and would probably use it to make a full size arcade cabinet.
It would be using many different components of course. The wood for the cabinet itself, the glass for the monitor. I would use the printer to make all the plastic parts required such as joysticks and buttons, and just the basic interaction portion.
And probably a gun too for the FPS fans ;)
As with most kids, getting my boys to brush and floss is like pulling teeth (hah!) In an effort to add a bit of fun to our daily routines, my husband and I created Captain Toothbrush and Flossy. Now, instead of whining about having to brush, my boys talk about the caped crusaders fighting the nasty Sweet Tooth or maybe the treacherous Commander Cavity. Good thing they have Commissioner Mouthwash and the Toothpaste Police to help!
As of right now, Capt. Toothbrush and Flossy only exist in the minds of my children and as a coloring page. I would love to bring these fun and important characters to life with the help of the Dremel 3D Idea Builder. The majority of the figure would be made of plastic with additional parts to include fabric capes, bristles, and string for floss. Plaque doesn’t stand a chance!
A place of honor for the iconic Dremel wrench, but also a way to keep track of it!
The base can be made of hardwood, and screwed to the print from below, or simply glued in place.
I see a lot of great ideas here. I’m an artist and would love to have a 3D printer …the possibilities are endless. Off the top of my head though, I would love to be able to print articulated skeletons to put inside of my handmade art dolls. This would allow the doll to be soft but have the ability to hold a pose and objects. I’m not exactly set on which form of articulation I would model it after…. whether limited range, like a real joint or something with more range of motion like a simple ball in socket . But once printed and assembled, it could be put inside of the fabric body and I could even use the printer to print articulated hands that could be covered in fabric, allowing for a cloth look but giving it the ability to grip. I would love to be able to bring this to life!
A framework for a vertical arden for any home or apartment consists of a tank top , a filter drop water slowly and watering all the sand sustained . And a tray at the bottom to collect excess water . Also you could add an Arduino with humidity sensor and alert when water is needed .
Proposal:
I am building a 1:40 scale model of the French naval “Tall Ship”,
L’Etoile. The model is based on a kit
produced in the mid 1980s which I had put aside due to the time constraints of
fatherhood!
The ship and her sister (La Belle Poule) were launched in 1932, and played
a role in the second world war with the Free French Naval Forces in Great Britain
(including at Dunkirk). Pictures can found by googling “L’Etoile et
La Belle Poule”. Over 80 years old she has been rebuilt on occasion and still
serves as an active ship in the French Navy, training cadets in the art of
sailing.
I finally have the time and the model came out of the closet and I
discovered that the internet allowed me to see thousands of photos of the ship
which is still in service. This of course showed changes from the 30 year old kit.
There are numerous changes in the ship from the model which is based on
an older configuration. The main use of
the printer for this project will be to print out 1:40 scale figures based on
the internet photos of the ship at sea.
I would like to create a model showing the ship under sail with a
working crew. However 1:40 figures are not standard, and naval figures are not
available at reasonable cost even in close scale sizes, and even if available would be generic and probably unrealistic. I propose to model a set of figures based on internet photos of the crew at work and create a “snapshot” of a working Tall Ship at sea.
A secondary use of the printer will be to model parts of the rigging
that have been upgraded or are not shown in sufficient detail on the provided
plans to model accurately. This will include some new portholes that have
replaced older style ones, and equipment associated with the “zodiac” ships
boat .
My son has commercial animation software training and will be able to
help me computer-model figures, which can be imported in the Dremel environment as .STL files
I tried uploading a photo of the model in progress (side and deck planking done) but it wouldn’t load properly. I estimate that the remainder of the model
will take over a half year to finish. The model as photographed was built using
birch planking on a plywood frame and the kit includes all block and tackle,
and sails which will allow a very realistic model to be built..
Figured out the problem: Add to ship (l’etoile) proposal.
I want to make candy dispensing sculptures of political and social figures in squatting postures.
When you push on their heads (or bend them forward… not sure on the internal mechanism at this point), candy pops out of their bums. So childish! But so cool.
And ripe for fun commentary!
Sculptures will be made using several disciplines, from amateur engineering, to woodworking and carving, to painting, and to 3D designing. This is something I planned on making at some point anyhow, but being able to print some 3D printed components would be awesome. Project would ultimately be posted in step-by-step format on my instructables account (seamster.)
I can’t think of a better person to give a 3D printer to than me, but I’m biased.
Hello,
As a 3D artist, I have been wanting to take my creations from a digital world to ours. My idea, after working with the printer to learn it’s limitations and strengths, is to create several pieces to be used for tabletop gaming. From counters to 3d terrain to enhance the imaginations of the players.
My idea is a joint project between myself and my 4 year old daughter. She wants us to make a Gum Ball Sorting Machine.
Our sorting machine, if we win a Dremel 3D printer, would be constructed using the following:
– Stainless steel hopper for holding gum balls
– 3D printed shute for feeding the gum balls
– 3D printed robotic arm with claw grip or pneumatic pickup
– 3D printed mounts for Raspberry Pi and Arduino
– Actuator for releasing gum balls
– Web cam for identifying gum ball color and identifying destination bin (one bin per color)
– Servos and steppers as needed
– Raspberry Pi and Arduino
– Wooden platform
– 3D printed gears as needed
– Pneumatic suction cup and pump if chosen as pickup method
– Wiring and electronic components as needed
– LEDs for lighting and cool factor
– Decorations deemed necessary by my daughter to make it pretty
My daughter developed, at an early age, a keen interest in robotics and electronics. We started the project with an old Lego Mindstorms RCX system but quickly ran into limitations. A 3D printer would allow us to create a new design and overcome these limitations.
The Gum Ball Sorting Machine will:
– Take a hopper full of gum balls
– Create a single file line of gum balls in the shute
– Dispense one at a time into the pick up area
– Determine the color of the gum ball using the mounted camera
– Grab the gum ball
– Rotate to bin area
– Determine appropriate color bin using the camera
– Drop the gum ball
– Rotate back to pick up area
– Dispense another gum ball
– Repeat until pick up area is empty
Upon successful implementation of this set up we could begin to adopt it to have more intelligence and object recognition. And with a 3D printer the limitations are with our imaginations.
Apologies for the Post-It Note drawing.
Hi there,
Hope this isn’t too late. My idea is just a Remote Control toy.
Its a STOL electric model of the Enterprise E from Star Trek (not much of a trekkie fan to be honest) as it would have some commercial appeal and easy recognition aswell as being a bit different in terms of R/C aircraft.
Design would use multiple sections 3D printed to allow model development and modification easily with a view to injection molding if commercially viable.
The disc at the front would utilise a vertically arranged fan with a left and right side louver type directional control surfaces using a simple electric actuator whilst the nacelle things would use a turbine each with again directional control provided by louvers all powered by Nema 17 steppers as that is what I am capable of programming an Arduino with (limited abilities here).
To fit the Nema 17’s figure the model has to be about 1.25m long which would be impressive but would require the nacelles to be out of proportion to fit the required turbine assembly. Whether this is even physically capable of flight I’m not sure but it would be fun to find out.
Included a basic drawing to give an idea of what I mean.
Hope you like it.
Kind regards,
Shane
Normal walking stick is usually made of rattan for the body and metal for the grip. The grip can be replaced with a 3D printed one that been customized for the individual by having him/her grasp a mould such as plasticine which is then 3D scan, printed and fitted to the rattan stick. This has the advantage of egonomic, choice of color to print out(woody grain color for example), light weight and non slipping. Additionally the 3D printed grip can be designed to house small emergency devices such as a compass, torch light, a siren, and engraved with the individual blood type, ailments and medical allergies etc.
Being a HS librarian, I would love to print tactile children’s
books. I would partner with our early
childhood education program to discuss
What goes into a great children’s story?
What audience we would make them for?
How many pages would a book like this need?
We could partner with our districts preschool program to
read them. Students that early childhood education need
to understand that they can geek out and make a great end product.
It would be great to have the use of a Dremel Idea Builder 3D printer to custom design jewelry bezels. Currently the only bezels I have access to are in shapes and sizes that are predetermined by mass marketing.
Being able to custom design jewelry bezels would allow for one of a kind designs. Attached is a sample photo of a bezel that would feature LEGO pieces as the mixed-media component. Once the base bezel was created, the pieces could be placed in any combination the wearer would like.
There would be no limit to a jewelry designers creativity if we were able to get our hands on a 3D printer. ;)
Endless possibilities. What designer doesn’t dream of that!
Hello Make,
I am Amol (undergraduate),one of your fan from India .I just love your site plus all the contents you have regarding 3d printers because I just love 3D printers.As I am pursuing production Enggineering which makes 3D printing a important topic for me.Some time ago I didn’t even knew that what a 3d printer was but one day when I saw one of them at my school during an exhibition I was just like a mad guy who was after their parents for one just like a child who is after their parents for a newly launched console ( But its like impossible for me to get one ,U know that.Its mainly because of the heavy price tag that 3D printers have with them)..And from console I want you to present my idea of “ 3D PRINTED GAMING CONSOLE ”.My idea is to make its body using a 3D printer .Plus even the buttons and joystick can be made from a 3D printer.
In detail :-
REMOTE
REMOTE PHOTO (1)
1. First of all, we can make its body as you can see in the picture of remote, both
the upper and lower part using a 3D printer .
2. We can also make those buttons and joysticks through a 3D
printer.
3. With that all we can fix them with the various electronics
components e.g. boards ,shockers ,etc within the body of remote .
MAIN CONSOLE
CONSOLE PHOTO(2)
Here’s the exploded view of a PS3 console .So what we can do is that we can make its body using a 3D printer and then they can fit all the required electrical
components inside it .
Main Points – This will surely reduce the cost of consoles which will make them more affordable than they are in present (e.g. Rs.40,000 for a PS4 console, that’s way too much for gift for a kid).When the material is concerned we can use Polycarbonate (PC) which is strong and very resistant to impact – this
material is used when making bullet proof glass. Polycarbonate is an extremely
tough and durable thermoplastic material that is temperature resistant.
Or if we are looking for more better alternative then we can use ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) it is useful for making durable parts that need to withstand higher temperatures,it can also be post-processed with acetone to provide a glossy finish .When using 3D printers for making the body of a gaming
console, we can give them a refreshed look as this process can make their body
more colorful as well as make them transparent (would look nice for a console).Plus body made by this process will be more tough and durable as compared to those ones used now.And when talking about heat both these materials can resist heat that the console and remote will normally produce during their functionality .And the best part company can make their body by using a small 3D printer instead of using those big and costly machines :that’s a bonus……
FACTORY PHOTO (3)
And as I am a school boy I can’t often ask my parents to fund my projects .That’s the reason why I was after them for the printer
,that’s obvious that you can buy a $1,000 printer for a school going kid, that’s
the reason why I want it .As me and my brother are in a habbit of doing several
project like an electric skateboard .While ,nowadays we are working on a board that can run on both land and water plus we are also focusing on Arduino
Uno based project such that we can operate our project wirelessly by our mobile
phones .So it can help us a lot for the same .Hope you like my idea and you help me out for my upcoming projects because we love making new things . And sorry for my English I know its horrible .Thanks for the same and bearing my horrifying English .
As I cannot upload them directly here so I mentioned them at their spot .
ACCESSORIES FOR RE – USE OF CONTAINERS
Design of accessories for the re use of discarded packaging: organizing elements, caps and accessories that allow granting new functions, prolonging its life.
The proposed raises not only innovate from reuse but also from savings in utility. Thus achieving an effective product, contributing to sustainability in the care of the environment, raising awareness to consumers making responsible drinking.
As a glass artist and graphic designer I’m obsessed with the idea of printing glass.
Recently I read that glass powder could be printed if mixed with some sort medium that would allow it to be able to move through printer.
To create 3-D printed functional glass art forms would be amazing!!!
This piece is a continuous motion lazy-susan. Top would be made from fused glass, aluminum, copper and plastic all . The base guts make out of wood, copper and aluminum parts. And lit from the bottom so it really shows off the glass and glows.
My sketch consists in a storage box for the bicycle handlebar, made with PLA.
The box has three departments:
1. Smartphone box: with touch screen so that you can manipulate it.
2. Portable speaker box: with headphone output
3. Storage Box: for keys, wallet …
As a glass artist and graphic designer I’m obsessed with the idea of printing glass.
Recently I read that glass powder could be printed if mixed with some sort medium that would allow it to be able to move through printer.
To create 3-D printed functional glass art forms would be amazing!!!
This piece is a continuous motion lazy-susan. Top would be made from fused glass, aluminum, copper and plastic all . The base guts make out of wood, copper and aluminum parts. And lit from the bottom so it really shows off the glass and glows.
Have those neck pillow things ever worked for you? I get just as little sleep on a plane or in a car with one as I do without one. With a Dremel Idea Builder, I think I could remedy that problem.
Imagine a custom fit brace that could support your head and prevent your road trip snooze from being disturbed by your friend’s leadfoot lane-changing tactics. The part would, of course, be fitted with a nice, comfortable combination of memory foam and cloth of your choice to ensure maximum nappage.
I haven’t seen many 3D printed objects integrated with cloths and padding, but there are definitely plenty of applications for custom fit and designed pieces. Throw in a custom lumbar support and your next road trip or intercontinental flight could be comparable to a day at your favorite five star spa retreat.
Being fascinated with ways to make antiquated things using new technology, my idea is to produce a mechanical music box with 3d printed music cylinder and box. The mainspring and musical pins/metal comb would need to be made from machined steel, but the cylinder itself would be 3d printed. Instead of having pins printed on the cylinder itself, there would be holes left in the places where the pins would be. Metal inserts would then be placed into each of these holes extending beyond the opening to provide the pins that contact with the tines of the comb (also made from steel) responsible for creating music. The cylinder would be removable and allow for a selection of songs to be played.
Accompanying software that can take MIDI input and translate it into a layout for the cylinder would also be possible, and allow for easy creation of more music.
I would use the 3d printer to make a low cost sensitive midi keyboard. The main barrier to learning a musical instrument is cost – it can be hundreds or more.
This keyboard would be hexagonal keyed with pressure sensitive piezo sensors to detect how hard the keys were pressed (which could be used to determine how loud the sound was). The layout would be a Wicki-Hayden layout – logical and compact.
Every three octaves would be grouped together on a board with a chip. Each board would slot together and communicate with i2c to allow the keyboard to expand – you could start with a small keyboard and then add more octaves as desired.
A 3d printer would be a great help as the most important bit of the music keyboard is the feel of keys – it would take many prototypes to get this right. With a 3d printer, I could quickly iterate the designs instead of waiting weeks for a print service only to have to change it again.
The keyboard could be plugged into a computer an use a program such as the linux sampler (https://www.linuxsampler.org/index.php) or directly into a synthesiser
My image below shows more about this keyboard idea (Edit: uploader has made the image blurry – cleaner image at https://www.flickr.com/photos/99878876@N02/15416133314/sizes/l )
Here’s a fun and simple idea: a 3D tic-tac-toe game. A 3D “X” and a 3D “O” can be played on a 3x3x3 platform made from clear polystyrene squares and support rods with the game squares etched or routed by lines in the bottom of the square boards. The 3D X’s would be two pyramids with the tops touching each other (one upside down on top of the other) and the 3D O’s would be spheres having a grove cut all around it making a spiral design from the top to the bottom (with an o ring on the bottom to hold it up). I made prototype game pieces using architectural model building tools and custom jigs and materials, but now my son’s friends want the game and I don’t have the tools anymore. A 3D printer would be perfect to generate the game pieces!
Dear Make,
This is a drone, I have been meaning to make, but alas my reprap 3D printer board seems to have died. It is a smallish quadrotor with a 3D printed body and motor mounts, laser cut top and bottom and aluminum thin-wall tubing for the arms. It is designed to fit a 3000 mAh battery inside along with power distribution circuits and RX so all that would show on top would be a recessed Pixhawk autopilot and GPS module. I designed it up in Autodesk Fusion 360 (startup edition) and have all the parts ready to go with the exception of the 3D Printed parts. This Dremel 3D printer would make my day.
My hope is to make ornaments for an STEAM club at a local high school as a fundraiser. I hope that we can make something kinda cool that will get kids into engineering and by the time they discover they’re doing math, it’ll be too late…
It won’t save the world, but maybe one of these kids will.
Here’s the sketch.
Here’s the sketch.
As a special ed teacher in functional skills classroom, I can think of tons of things to print for my kids. They all have different needs, but the first thing I would create is a framework for LEDs for one of my students (who has mobility issues) to create a sensory toy for him to interact with.
Hold-wire is a solution to grip our cables in a controlled place, and even to the daily routine of picking up the cables (USB, phone charger, headphones, etc..) that are rolled up with our rolling chair.
There’s a concept drawing of the idea:
There are so many excellent things out there that people have put together with 3D printing that one can’t help but be inspired. I’ve spent some time using a Type A machine at the local TechShop in SF and i’ve definitely been bitten with the 3d printing bug. While I started with small items (LED light surrounds for my bedroom and board game pieces) it’s the potential to build shapes that would otherwise be impossible or costly with other forms of manufacture that has captured my imagination.
To that end, I imagine using a 3d printer to build a table that would be impossible otherwise. While the style I have in mind changes, the process remains the same: use the printer to build detailed exteriors in semi-transparent material while leaving internal cavities that can be back filled with a stronger material that would form the bones of the table. And I do mean bones. The design would leave cavities of mock skeletons up the legs to the top of the table, which would then be filled with either resin or well plasticized cement that would become the internal structure of the legs and the surface of the table. Please forgive my poorly hand drawn representation, but it gives the general idea.
I have already done experiments with dividing smaller prints into multiple components then gluing them together to form 1 larger print and the same principle would apply here. The biggest challenge is having a printer that I can dedicate to making the many smaller pieces that would be combined into a single table. Booking time on a shared printer is not feasible. With a printer of my own, I would be able to print all of the necessary components in a reasonable amount of time.
This is something that I can’t see any way to create in the limited space I have available aside from using a 3d printer. I hope you find it as interesting an idea as I do!
My idea is for a stringless, electronic guitar. For finger-picking or strumming, it uses an array of six laser diodes paired with light sensors, and when you break the light path for any given “string,” that constitutes a pluck. Chord selection is done via an ultrasonic rangefinder that is located where the neck of a regular guitar would attach. To select a chord you hold your hand a certain distance from the rangefinder. So for example, you would hold your non-strumming hand 12 inches from the instrument to have it play a G chord, and move it out to 18 inches to switch to a D chord. (The resolution of these rangefinders is about two inches, so the instrument would assign the six chords to six “zones” extending out from the instrument.)
Just below the rangefinder would be an IR light sensor, and this is used to select your major, minor, and diminished 7th chords through the use of a special glove that has two finger holes (think of it as a mitten split down the middle). Your index&middle finger would go into one side, and ring&pinkie in the other. Each of the two “fingers” has an IR light source, and the sensor on the instrument reads the intensity of light received. By clenching your fist, no IR light is read, and that signifies a major chord. Opening the hand gives 100% light transmission, and this signifies the selection of the minor chord. If you extend only one finger (making like a pretend gun), the 50% intensity results in your diminished 7th.
The construction would be 3D printed plastic with a curved spine of wood—both for aesthetics and sturdiness. The Arduino microcontroller and battery supply would all be encased in the plastic portion of the instrument. A WiFi shield would be used to transmit the MIDI information from the instrument to a computer, keyboard unit, or some kind of MIDI controller.
As a MIDI device, you could program it to mimic a guitar, a banjo, lyre, lute, or any number of stringed instruments. I think the versatility of the design could really lead to some interesting experimentation!
There are several good answers here. It has been inspirational to read through all the creative ideas everyone has.
If I had access to a 3d printer, I would most likely spend a lot of time working on 3d printed robot parts as my 11 year old son and I learn how to build robots with arduinos, legos and other DIY systems.
We are also participating in the Global Space Balloon Challenge and I would like to design a few parts to help in keep the payload more stable. I was thinking about a swivel of sorts so the balloon can spin in the wind but the payload would not spin as much. I would also try to design a few mounts for cameras or experiments in the payload. Who knows I would perhaps even be able to create a light weight 3d printed casing to hold the payload in. Another idea is to create a gyro that would help level out and potentially help counter act some of the rotation and movement created by the wind up against the payload. Trying to keep the weight low, I would try to design a 3d printed flywheel for the gyro.
Another fun project would be designing fingernail looking finger tip picks to help in playing guitar.
We all know that drinking coffee on a “to go” cup is not the same as drinking it on a normal cup.
I was wondring why? It’s coffee…
One day I asked for a coffee on a famous-cafe-that-everybody-knows-its-name-but-I-won’t-put-it-here; I paid and, when it was the time to take the cup, my hand flew searching something that wasn’t there, I repeated the movement, while I was looking the cashier, and again, something was missing….. but what? I looked down and…. THERE WAS NO HANDLE?!?!?!
They gave me it on a “to go” cup, so I had to go out, yes it was quite cold outside. But that wasn’t the main matter. It was that I hadn’t a handle, I had lost the romanticism of taking a coffee…
And there’s the solution I found: (I’ve done some sketches)
Basically, it’s a reusable 3D printed handle structure that can be used in different cup sizes, to enjoy the coffee with all its glamor and romanticism.
ENJOY IT :D
PS: I tried to do my best, related to the use of english (i’m an 18 years old guy from Barcelona… so… I’m still studying it)
I would make the pirate lagoon board game I designed for my niece and nephew. The object of the game is to collect as many 3d object pairs as you can. The first piece is located under trap doors around the edges of the game. The second is in the Lagoon that is covered with strips of elastic or stretch fabric allowing hands to fit inside without seeing the items inside. After opening a trap door the player reaches in the lagoon searching for the items match. If they choose the wrong item they have to leave it in the trap door and the other goes back into the lagoon. Supply list includes book board, small hinges, latches and stretch fabric. 3d items would be the decorative pirate ship, player pieces, treasure chest, palm tree and objects to match.
My sons and I have played HeroClix, and now they are into Dungeons and Dragons. I thought it would be cool to make a 3D game board for their games. The base would be made of interlocking acrylic pieces, and could be cut with a laser marker I have access to at work. The pieces would contain alignment holes that would accept structures/buildings, walls, trees – basically whatever you could print that you would want as a 3D structure in the game. The board would be reconfigurable due to the interlocking pieces, and could even be placed on top of a HeroClix or D&D map if clear acrylic sheet were used.
Oh man! So many things I could, and would make! But I think the most advanced, and exciting project would be a motorized Autobot. I would take the guts out of an R/C car, print replications of the outside of the car, but create a design so that it may “transform” into a humanoid figure, while still being able to drive in vehicle form. The Autobot would probably be either Optimus Prime, or the original Bumblebee.
Though I admit I have no current blueprints for such a creation, this would be at the top of my list to accomplish.
Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!
PS. I would also use the printer to create parts for my “Homegrown Drone”
Print my own clothing at home
I teach at a public school in a k-5 science lab. I have one child that has limited mobility with her hands and uses a wheelchair at all times. She is a smart child and enjoys participating as best she can. Instead of raising her hand to participate, she calls out or has to shake her head. This is not an effective way to seek help or respond in our large classrooms. It would be wonderful for her classmates and me to design and print a lever that she could roll her hand onto to raise a flag or some type of notification that she would like to answer a question. I don’t have a schematic because I feel it would be important to have her friends aid in the creation.
I would like to donate the printer to my school. We are trying to create a robotics team and a 3d printer could really help. We are a small school district with limited funding, and 3d printed gears versus metal could save lots of money. I hope that would help kickstart a robotics team we have been trying for years to form.
I plan to print the parts for a voice controlled drone that has a range of 500 miles or more
Hi,
As you know there is no limitation for a maker to build things, but with the right tools it’s very easier. In last years I’ve made new things and have fixed many broken devices for myself and my friends. Sometimes it was very difficult to made a specific part from wood or plastic with hand. A 3D printer would be a big help. BTW I posted two pictures of a 7 blade knife which I built for my sister-in-law. I made four handle before this one but they weren’t good. If I had access to a 3D printer it was very easier.
My new project is a Hair cutting machine that I need to build a narrow air inlet and some guiding templates for different hair cut patterns and your 3D printer would be a big help!
My moto is: ” impossible means I’m possible” !
Thank you for all your efforts.
Best,
Cyrous
I’d like to build a new hologram-ish zoetrope and 3D print each frame. I’d like to make a seed grow into a tree. Rough draft tree image, and live recorded video of my previous build (Please ignore my humming, I was really bored).
Hi again,
I couldn’t upload the sketch for air inlet, so here it is.
I want to 3d print a cool new advent calendar (for next year). Like some other advent calendars, mine would have small square doors that “flip” to display a holiday scene on the opposite side. A small but realistic looking tree would be affixed on top of the calendar. It will be decorated with tiny ornaments and micro individually addressable RGB LED lights, hand wired so the thread sized wires blend in well with the tree. Initially all lights would be off. When you flip the first door, an animated light sequence would flash throughout the entire tree as a traditional holiday song plays through a simple piezo buzzer. When the song is done, a single LED light will remain lit on the tree.
On day two, a different light show will take place with a different song. When the song is done, two lights will remain lit on the tree. The sequence would continue until the 25th day is reached. At that point a more dramatic light show would be presented and the star at the top of the tree would be lit.
How is it done?
The case and doors would be completely 3D printed. The tree is a small scale blue spruce that is very “full” and will hide the thread size wires very well. It will also be decorated with various hand made tiny ornaments (some 3D printed and painted).
The doors have embedded rare earth magnets as shown in the attached mock-up. When “closed”, they are held securely by a piece of steel in the top corner of the given day box. When the door is flipped, a reed switch switch is triggered to indicate it is open. An additional tiny steel rod is place under the reed switch to keep the door secure. Everything is powered by a hidden Arduino. My goal is to make this look as low-tech as possible while behaving very high-tech when you flip each door. The final product would likely be much more elaborate than what you see in the attached mock-up, but this should give you a good idea of what I’m thinking. I’m not aware of anything that has been done like this to date.
If I had a 3D printer, I would gladly make this available in kit form for others that are interested.
I would print out the pieces to make a small robot, then program that robot to assemble pieces printed into new robots and amass a small army of robots
I love the idea of secret compartments, and one of the best ways to make sure no one accidentally finds a secret stash is to make sure it only opens under specific circumstances, like when a key or code is used, or it’s at a specific location, etc. My idea is to use the expansion of water when it freezes to open the compartment. I like to call it the Icebox. Below is a brief explanation of how it would work. I don’t have all the details worked out, but the basic concept is there. For simplification, I’m modelling it as just a basic canister, but the idea could be translated into almost any other shape or size, such as a figurine, to keep its true purpose unknown.
I included a simple sketch of a cut-away view of the canister, with the yellow being the lid and the black the outer edge. Also included is a close-up of the latch mechanism.
The lid (in yellow) is hinged at the top left of the outer frame (in black) and held shut by the latch, which snaps over the catch (the small black square) which is part of the frame. The only way to free the latch is by pushing the cylinder (magenta) to the right, which pushes the latch off the catch and allows the spring-loaded lid to pop open. The cylinder moves inside a hollow reservoir (light blue), which opens at the other end to a small filling shaft (dark blue) that leads to the bottom of the canister. Most importantly, the top part of the canister (above the red line) can be twisted with respect to the bottom part of the canister (probably rotating only 90 degrees or so).
To open the canister:
1. Flip it upside down.
2. Fill the reservoir with water through the filling shaft (which bends and twists to prevent tampering).
3. Twist the two halves of the canister so that the reservoir no longer lines up with the filling shaft. This effectively seals off the water in the reservoir.
4. Flip the canister back over and empty the extra water from the filling shaft.
5. Put the canister in the freezer and wait.
As the water freezes and expands, it has nowhere to go but to press against the cylinder and open the lid! To close it again, let it thaw and drain and click the lid shut.
A variation could be made where the reservoir is permanently filled and sealed off, but that may or may not be harder to make.
The beauty of this box is that it can be implemented in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials. A 3D printer would be optimum for making much of the insides, since there are all sorts of shapes and cavities that would be nearly impossible to mill out of wood or metal. Some other non-printed pieces may be needed to seal everything properly or attach parts together, but after that the possibilities are endless. If you wanted a nice looking box you could carve the outside from wood, or you could go for metal for a sturdier design. Because it can be built into any shape, the design is open to anyone’s imagination, and thus can be customized to be cleverly hidden in virtually anything. It could be a small statue that sits on your coffee table, with the head as the lid. The filling hold could be quite small, so no one would notice it, and even if they did, who would think if filling it with water and sticking it in the freezer?
RE: Dremel Idea Builder 3D Printer
Looking for a 3D printer that can produce spheres (sizes 10 inches – 24 inches in diameter / single skins and hollow. Eventually will serve as a prototype for a large manufacturiong machine that will produce / mfg much larger spheres (8.5 feet – 30 feet in diameter) for a multitude of uses.
Hello,
I would like to print a mechanism to improve the utility of the Dremel rotary tool. We all love to use the Dremel free-hand for various tasks like sanding, polishing, or cutting. However, there are times when we need to cut or route a simple straight line, and this can be a real pain in the butt. The kick-back due to inconsistent feed rate makes it nearly impossible to get a nice slot.
I would like to build an simple linear power feed, especially for the Dremel, that is compatible with the standard Dremel accessory thread. The key here is to keep it cheap and simple, the non-printed components need not consist more of two polished guide rails, some threaded rod on a gearmotor, and a rechargeable battery. The printed components would be the traveling block that the Dremel screws in to, and the blocks on both ends of the guide rails to hold everything together.
It would also only have around 6″ of travel to keep it pretty compact. It would be best suited to use with the Dremel perpendicular to the work piece (slotting) but I would also like to design it so that it could be used with the Dremel parallel to the work piece (cutting wheel).
Please note that the Dremel model in my photo is terribly out of proportion (smaller than it should be), and I did not show the threaded rod or drive motor. Just a 3 minute mock up to get the point across!
Anyway, I hope you think this would be a fun idea,
Jascha Wilcox
I came up with this idea after my brother showed me Sphero’s radio
controlled, robotic ball. The thought struck me- Hey? I could build the
same thing as a cube!
Movement:
The cube uses the angular momentum of the flywheels to achieve locomotion. By spinning the flywheels at high speeds then quickly stopping them the jolt will cause the cube to flip onto another side. Imagine a small car accelerating
forward at a high speed, while the car is accelerating the break is
applied, and the front wheels are locked up. If the conditions are
correct the car will flip onto it’s hood. This is the same concept.
Also, because the flywheels work in the same way as a gyroscope, the
cube could theoretically balance on one edge or corner.
Control:
A cube, flipping and jerking in random directions, may be pretty cool,
but without control not much can be accomplished. The flywheels are
controlled by the brushless motors behind them, which are in turn
controlled by the motor controllers, which are in turn controlled by an
Arduino. The Arduino uses input from accelerometers and commands from a
smart phone to direct the cube.
3D Printing:
All of the support pieces can be printed with a 3d printer. The cube’s main frame would need to be printed with an SLA printer, or in separate parts because of the unsupported top edges of the cube.
Taking It Farther:
The building and assembling of the robot will be made faster
when the parts are printed. This makes it an excellent applicant for the field of
Swarm robotics(Many robots working together to accomplish a particular
task). By simply adding neodymium magnets to the edges, the robot cubes
can connect themselves together to build different objects, pictures or
gadgets. They could be a “base” for a more another complex system.
3D printing is changing the world as we know it. We watched the same thing happen with the desktop computer, 3d printing will become a milestone in home manufacturing and sustainability
I think it would be cool to build customizable wallets/money clips. The wallet walls would be 3D printed and the joints could be made out of either fabric,thinly printed plastic, rubber or even a hinge joint integrated into the design. You can add metal clasps or magnets ( for a money clip style). The great thing about this is that you can customize it easy so everyone gets what they want. The goal of a 3D printer is to help people make and fast prototype, this ideas could be a fantastic beginner design for those looking to get into 3D printing. Thank you for your consideration!
Looking for a 3D PRINTER THAT CAN PRODUCE SPHERES (10 inches – 24 inches diameter) single skins , hollow, this will be a challenge to any 3d printer. Eventually thru r&d and reverse engineering, will serve as a prototype model to serve as an aid in the design and develo[pment for a large manufacturing machine to produce spheres from 8.5 feet in diameter up to 30 feet in diameter for a multitude of uses.
1. A canvas perspective painting. A 2D landscape that grows into 3d. Paint foreground, the roots, and lower part of the trunk of a tree. The upper part of the trunk and branches would gradually extend out from the canvas. This would be made out of the 3D plastic. The tree would literally grow out of the canvas.
2. A beaded purse with the frame made from the 3D printer
3. Creative closures, like buttons, for clothing and fiber arts projects
4. Doll Artistry – Complete figure or partial (head; lower legs and feet; lower arms and hands) from the 3D printer. Dressed in fine costuming apparel. Beautiful 1 of a kind dolls. Imagine the fine detail of face, the delicate features of hands gesturing. For reference see works of art by ‘Tireless artist’, Dorot Zaukait.
To test capacity and aerodynamic details, I want to employ Dremel’s 3D Idea Builder to prototype the payload container of my DashRation emergency
survival pack. During times of human strife such as earthquakes, floods and
war, the tragedy at hand is often multiplied many times over due to the massive
displacement of survivors and loss of infrastructure support. Even when aid
outposts can be established rapidly, roads are often impassible and mass supply
depots near airstrips are too far away to reach scattered victims in severely
damaged outlying areas.
DashRation is approximately 4 inches long by 1.75 inches wide, lightweight plastic container fitted with a glued on biodegradable Styrofoam 3-bladed folding airfoil. The wings are folded flat against the container for compacted
transport and when distributed en masse by an aircraft fly-over, the blades extend away from the container body to create significant drag. The purpose of the design is NOT to fly but rather keep the 5 ounce container from reaching terminal velocity where it could harm innocents below. This allows close-in air drops to broken cities and other affected areas that may be unreachable by motor vehicles or where first responder aircraft cannot land safely or in sufficient numbers to supply the overwhelming need.
The container’s design is special in that it is slightly smaller at the bottom than the top to encourage airflow to increase speed and provide higher pressure airstreams through the fluted base under the wing. The flange on the top not only serves as a rail for the vacuum seal covering the contents and preventing spoilage for at least 5 years, but it also serves as a slightly canted glue surface for the styro wing. That 2 or 3 degree bend in the container flange surface in concert with the wing’s folding creases will provide positive stress-flex so the wing flaps deploy upon release from their packing brick yet maintain rigidity in flight. Once exposed to a hostile environment, the packaging is all biodegradable and will begin breaking down within 90 days of deployment. State of the art clay and milk protein based Styrofoam and soy inks are also environment friendly, so better than 90% of the entire system should simply ‘vanish’ if left un-retrieved in remote locations.
The interior consists of 2 chambers one of which contains 2 ounces of potable vitamin enriched and UV purified water located primarily at the base of the container as ballast to ensure proper flight orientation. The second compartment houses a ¾ ounce, 300 calorie protein rich granola bar, a flexible Fresnel lens for fire starting, and a self-piercing straw to access the water chamber. There is also ample space for two water purification tablets and a 1 quart reflective foil water collection bag which doubles as an emergency signaling device. The wing surface is printed in high visibility orange / black with abbreviated emergency ration instructions printed in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, Russian, and French.
With any advance warning of impending crisis, this product
can be staged in sufficient quantities based on expected refugee population with
air-drop mass coverage beginning within hours of the event rather than days. While a single DashRation pack can provide life-sustaining aid with fresh water,
food, and fire-making (or just harassing ants) – a typical adult will require at least 4 ration packs per day to maintain adequate health while aid authorities re-establish a traditional supply chain and crisis response.
Thanks for the opportunity to develop this dream into reality. – W.C.C.
Dear Make,
I am a sophomore MechE major at the University at Buffalo and am currently on the UB Space Bulls team. We are currently competing in NASA’s RASC-AL Robo-Ops contest and we are building a low-cost planetary rover. Last year our rover performed admirably despite being 1/10 the cost of the competition (namely a prestigious Institute in the Boston area). Our rover remained lightweight and competitive thanks to innovative uses of 3D printed shells in order to house advanced composites. This semester, Buffalo’s 3D printing lab will be charging $15 an hour on prints. This increase in cost is sure to put a dent in our already lessened budget. This printer would give us the opportunity to design and print our rover parts at the lowest possible costs as well as experiment with new flexible filament technology which we hope to implement. The 3D materials will work in conjunction in Aluminum elements, working as custom built joints without the need for costly machining. Below I have attached a link to our website as well as some CAD drawings of our basic conceptual models. One drawing is our basic rover design and the other is a section of our rocker bogie style suspension.
UB Space Bulls: http://spacebulls.eng.buffalo.edu/
Thank you for your consideration,
Daniel Christian
Suspension and Chassis Mechanical Team Lead, UB Space Bulls
I am a nurse in a rehab unit and have seen a problem that can be fixed with a 3d printer and some silly putty. Many of the people I work with have some sort of muscular dystrophy, their muscles are weak, and working on getting their strength back. They make utensils that have big handles so they can grip them better, and that is where the problem comes in. They are difficult to keep track of due to them having to get cleaned and if they drop them, it’s all over because they are not something we can keep a stock of. My idea is to use a 3d printer that will print a handle in 2 halfs that has a deep channel that well accept many different sizes of handles. That creates another problem, that it will just come out because there are so many different sizes of handles, enter the silly putty. By putting silly putty in the channel it will grip whatever size you put in it. It could still use a good once over but I think it would allow people more freedom to go about their day and use whatever utensil comes in front of them. Here is a rough sketch, I just saw the post and did not have a lot of time, but it’s something that I think could help a lot of people.
Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity first of all. Honestly, I’d say that the effort I would put into owning a 3D printer would be limitless. Having in your possession a wonderful piece of technology like this, deserves a lot of extra time and attention and devotion. The opportunity to create and make a better tomorrow is right in front of you, whether it’s through science, art, or music, etc. The ways in which one may invent are endless. Of the many things I would create, the one that stands out more than the others, is the memory box. Something to remember ones that have passed by carving certain images, or having it personalized. Jennifer Lanter
I would create a 3D-printed companion robot powered by a smartphone! It would keep me company in my dorm room when I’m alone or keep the company of my mom or father when they’re by themselves! It would have many degrees of freedom, a transparent body that lights up with RGB LEDs and could communicate with the smart phone over bluetooth! The robot would use the phone’s camera and display for additional types of interactions!
I plan to 3D-print a 3D photobooth as shown below (Disclaimer: Not my photo. I got it from the internet). I plan to use wood rails for the room corners, leaving the middle empty, allowing for a more consistent lighting, which is essential in producing high-quality 3D scans. For the scanner sensor, I have the option of using a Kinect or a high-resolution camera. Everything will be automated, using an Arduino microcontroller. Stepper motors and drive belts will control the 360 scanning motion. While bluetooth tranceivers will be used to control and access the camera.
Hi,
My idea for the contest is for a a pendulum clock to be incorporated into a 3D printed dimensional case.
The base measures 8″ long x 5.5 inches wide and a height of aprpoximately 1″ There will be holes at the 4 corners to accept 3/4″ columns that are round with a slight taper as they rise to a height of 7″, The top is slightly smaller than the base and accepts the top of the columns.
Suspended from the underside of the top is a small box that will house the clock mechanism. This will be a battery operated quartz pendulum clock that can be purchased from a hobby store.
The box for the clock is 4″ wide and 4″ tall. The depth in about 2 1/2 inches. The front of the box will have an open circle in tit to accept the 3″ diameter clock mechanism. The bottom of the clock enclosure base has a slot designed into it so the pendulum can swing left and right. This box can either be designed to slide together along the edges or can be glued lightly on the inside surfaces.
If possible the clock enclosure could be made as part of the top, for the sides and front. Then only the bottom and and base of the box would be separate pieces.
The back of the box will be designed to be removed by sliding it through a groove left or right so the time can be changed and the battery removed as needed.
I have designed the base and top to have tapered edges for more visual interest. The base and top also could have a design in it rather than just being flat. The design element for the base or top could be almost anything and add a very interesting dimension to the piece. The base does could have openings in it, geometric designs. Many fun elements could be designed to make the base and top very interesting. With a depth of 1″ for the top and bottom it leaves many possibilities for dimensional creativity.
The dimensions of the entire case can be printed withing the Dremel 3D printer platform I believe. I would print the pieces in 2 different color PLA plastic. The design would probably require 5 or 6 print cycles to get every piece made. The top and base in black, the columns in silver or gold. The clock enclosure in black also. Many color combinations are possible.
If the columns as i envision could not be made round on the Dremel 3D Idea Builder they could be made square and tapered. Total printed pieces 11. The number of individual pieces would be less if part of the clock housing is fabricated as part of the design top.
Everything would be 3D printed except for the clock. The clock is the mixed media.
That is my idea.
Thank you for considering my proposal.
Bruce Neckritz
neckritz@comcast.net
Hello,
Hello,
My sister’s cat is constantly running away from any human interaction, much like myself, and will not go into his shed when the sun sets. He also is very keen about tricking us into feeding him multiple times in one single hour( which isn’t good for him or us). He is unfortunately partially hearing and visually impaired. My project includes a simple Arduino feeder and lock. A light sensor is used to read in a sun value and when the right value shines of the sensor, a simple lock is released sounding a piezo and propping the door open ( he goes in and out during the day). A vat holding about a gallon of food sits nearby and empties a specified amount of food into a cup which then rapidly vibrates from him to hear and come to where the food is and where a bright LED is flashing and finally the food is emptied into the bowl when the Arduino senses weight on a mat in front of the bowl…. A timer begins for about 2-5 hours and repeats the food process (not the lock)…. When the timer is up or the sun has gone down (whichever comes first) the food process begins once more and after the mat senses weight it will close and lock the shed door for the night…. This project include numerous 3d printed parts such as the vat (and stand for the vat), the cup, the bowl, the enclosure for both the electronics and the sensors, the pins and lock for the door and mounts for the sensors and lock….It also includes many non-printable parts such as the Arduino and sensors, servos, LED(s), piezo and power supply…. As well as food of course…..
Thanks for reading!
Happy Holidays
Antonio Huete
South San Francisco, CA
My idea is to make a good Hydrogen fuel system with H20 ! I think it will be great because it is eco-friendly and good for every one !
The glowing mushrooms, 3D prints combined with led lights make good ambient lighting regardless of the object. For Christmas season you could use “snowmans or little houses, for fall tiny mushrooms are nice to
look at too.
The hanging planter, can be used as a planter or a decorative lamp shade. Due to its shape it nice to look at even without plants. The various holes make good
spots to place different plants in it, or make a nice looking pattern
of light on your wall.
The Pencil Vase is a simple, fast and without support printable 3D object. You can clip in pencils, or crayons to build a little vase for home decorations, to put in crafts materials, flowers or other things. It is fun and geeky object for every desk.
A custom themed pinball machine. You could use the 3d printer to print functional and decorative components. For example, a Game of Thrones themed pinball machine: dragons, Winterfell, The Wall, etc. It would definitely be mixed media; you would have some metal machined components, wooden components, and electronics to control scoring and light displays. You could even make it modular so you could easily switch theme.
For some reason my cube pictures were not posted. Here they are:
Since Christmas is around the corner here’s a project for the holidays. This mini Christmas tree can be made easily by snapping together parts without any glue utilizing a mixed media of printed parts and wooden dowels. The stand structure and the star topper can be printed on a 3d printer. The pole has cavity holes in which users can plug in wooden dowels to create the branches forming the rest of the tree. Users can then decorate with ornaments. Can be great décor around the house or office to spice up the holidays.
Unlike most trees that are thrown to the curb after Christmas creating more waste, this product was thoughtfully created for a second life as well. When Christmas is over and the ornaments are taken off, the stand can be utilized as a modern decor piece or a functional piece such as a key holder or to hang jewelry. The dowels can customized by the user for a whole new look by changing around the lengths of the dowels, quantity, and placement.
Happy Holidays.
I would make a paper recycler and a printing press. The idea is to integrate this two devices in one. I would use the printer to make the frame, the plates and the moulds for the letters or words. The handles, the screws and the nuts would be made out of steel and the mosquito net material depends on each person. This project could increase the amount of people that recycle paper at home and also help to reduce the use of wood in the frames used in traditional paper recyclers, therefore help the environment.
Thank you very much for this opportunity not only because you´re letting us design something but also because the design could help people to help the enviroment.
I would think that a 3d printing system which made stick on labels in braille might be a reasonable use of a printer.
Type in the label, on a PC, send it to the printer.
Nearly anything could be labeled as long as the double stick tape was capable of adhering to both surfaces.
I want to make a sweet guitar pick Drexel bit so that I can rock out super fast on my guitar by inserting the guitar pick bit into my Drexel rotary tool and let her go!
3D print everything
I’d like to make a 4 pick rotary bit so that I can rock out faster on my guitar by inserting the bit into a rotary tool and putting it down on my strings to let em sing
You can also print a mould of any symbol or personal branding
Hello. What if we used 3d printing as a shape shifter for materials & for its own merit
My Idea is to 3d print a doll head that has curled cavities that connect to a spray can of one-component polyurethane foam.
This lets you 3d print the shape of the head & leave the
head to a secondary process.
My concept is to build a series of 3D printed tools that will allow you to build things out of aluminum cans.
Everything from tools that help you cut cans, flatten them, bend them, bind them and more.
My concept is to convert cans into safe and usable materials so people can build things such as aluminum clothing, cool machines, scalable artwork an more.
So, my name is Christian Rodriguez and I am an aspiring engineer going to Santa Barbara City College. Currently, my friends and I had an idea to be able to connect a peripheral that allows you to manipulate 3D rendered objects in empty space. Not quite sure what exactly will be its “worldy purpose” but basically its to make science really cool and fun to play with for kids. Our school hosts science days like once a semester where families come together with their kids to be exposed to some of the sciences at our college. We imagine kids walking up to a computer monitor and making shapes in thin air, kind of manipulate them and design their own objects. And when everything is all done, we let their imagination come to life by outputting the objects to a 3D printer and they go back home with their own creation! Of course this idea will snowball into something much greater…..but for now….we want to this because its fun, and perhaps it will inspire kids to interact with the world and imaginations differently!
i would try to design and print a spoon and a cup that would tackle the difficulty of those with Parkinson disease trying to eat and drink and struggle to not spill anything and make a mess. This would offer those with Parkinson some peace of mind :)
I want to make with this baby the parts for a cnc router and a laser metal cutter. then I will print jewels as i am a jewel-maker/mechanical engineer and could really boost my creativity.
Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you the 3D Printed Fish Tank!
The custom designed and 3D printed base and frame provides mounting points for the five glass panels to be installed and sealed with sealant to ensure your water does not escape. Customisation and themes can be integrated into the frame to give your tank and its inhabitants their own unique style. The top cover is 3D Printed and designed to incorporate a light, filtration pump and electronics for heating the water to your tropical fishes requirements.
And what to put into your fish tank apart from the fish? 3D Printed decorations and ornaments to match your external tanks theme of course!
I am intending to make a raspberry pi portable complete with a camera, touch screen and battery with the 3D printer i would make a cool case to hold it all together. If you are interested please follow the discussion on Element 14 http://www.element14.com/community/thread/38433/l/raspberry-pi-style-i-pod-touch-pi-pod
With a 3D printer I will make an stealth autonomous drone for monitor my house and yard.
Stealth:
All image processing will be done by a RPi. On top of the drone will be one camera that will make a picture of the top sky of the drone. Beneath the drone will be a thin TFT screen that will display the image from the top. The motors will be fixed on thin steel bars so that on a distance of 20m above you hardly see them.
Autonomous:
The drone will check it’s battery state periodical. When battery will go down drone will come down for recharging, and another drone will take its place. The charging will be made wireless.
Charging station will have solar battery to charge and recharge it’s own battery.
Communication:
All communication will be done via wireless signal from my home network.
I would like to re-create the German flying craft, as designed by Rudolph Schriever in the 40’s. This used rotating turbine blades, like Schauberger’s engine, to force air through a series of chambers in a disc. I have tried to carve it from wood, styrofoam, and construct it from cardboard, but these each proved faulty. I would like to use small electric motors to provide multiple turbines, and the lighter weight provided by a 3D printed chassis would allow them to support the craft for both vertical takeoff and forward propulsion. These crafts would be more stable than drones, and could be scaled up easily to revolutionize personal transport.
Hello, I call my creation the “Horus Duck”. It is supposed to look like the eagle of the horus mask from the movie Star Gate but my friend says it looks more like a duck than an eagle that’s why I named it like that.
I created it for my 2yo daughter. It is supposed to be a headband which can be controlled using smartphone via bluetooth(or using a TV remote control). The eyes are bi-color LED and it has a buzzer inside to emulate a birds tweet(I couldn’t think of a way to make it quack?)
Originally I used binder clips as an improvised pan and tilt. The base of the head is a ping pong ball. I’d like to 3D print the pan and tilt including the enclosure to make it more presentable and safe.
aah, too late… :D
Here’s a video anyway, enjoy…
www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=XKKYgyPrv1A
Hi Caleb! I would like to create a “snake actuator”, using a 3d printed skeleton and nitinol wire. Every nitinol wire is clamped between metal pivot (see diagram). When heated by electric current the wire get shorter, this bending the structure locally. Switching off the current let the wire cool down and go back to its original size. Every movement could be combined in order to get a “snake-like” motion. Everything has to be controlled by a cpu (eg. arduino+shield).