Math Monday: Catenary Arch Toy
Here is a seven-piece arch in the shape of a catenary, similar to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can make the pieces using the files available here.
3D Printing & Imaging
If you’re a maker, 3d printing is an incredibly useful tool to have in your arsenal. Not only can it help bring your projects to life faster, but it can also offer unique results that would be difficult (or impossible!) to achieve with traditional methods. In these blog posts, we’ll provide you with some essential information and tips regarding 3D printing for makers—including the basics of how to get started, plus creative tutorials for spicing up your projects. Whether you’re already familiar with 3d printing or are just starting out, these resources will help take your game-making skills even further!
Zero to Maker: Adventures in 3D Scanning
Then, SNAP! Andrew and I both jumped as all of the cameras shuttered simultaneously. That was it: quick and painless. I took my turn in the chair, and remained unphased as the simul-shutter snapped my photo….later that night, I had a 3D model of my head swirling around on my iPhone screen.
Plywood Living Hinge Design for Laser Cutters
Another cool technique for your bag of CNC panel-cutting tricks. The booklets and photos shown here are from the Dutch firm Snijlab lasersnijden (which, obviously, translates as “Snijlab Laser Ninjas”). The method is kind of like kerf-bending, but the cuts go all the way through the substrate.
Can DigiFab and Manual Craftsmanship Co-Exist?
Among MAKE readers, we’re nearly unanimous in agreeing that the rise of digital fabrication is a complete game-changer for crafters, hackers, and tinkerers of all stripes. Laser cutters, CNC mills, and 3D printers have altered the way we think about design, and raised the bar for quality and precision in our work. I’m a passionate adopter of these technologies, but am also wary of the cultural shift they represent as they become more ubiquitous.
PLA Seed Bomb
Tony Buser’s F-Bomb packs soil and flower seeds into a bomb-shaped and biodegradable PLA shell. Sure, there are cheaper and more efficient ways to do this… but… pfft… The idea is to stuff it with some compost and seeds and then throw it somewhere that you think could use some color, but you either can’t […]
Jeffrey Lipton of Fab@Home on 3D Printing
Jeffrey Lipton of Fab@Home demonstrates their 3D printing system at Maker Faire Bay Area 2011. This open source personal manufacturing machine can print with many different materials from plastic to cookie dough. When used in a classroom, Fab@Home furthers STEM education by making students comfortable with the software, hardware, fabrication, and materials.
Thing I Must Print Immediately: Lucky Charms Cereal Sifter
If I were six years old today, I would owe a huge debt of gratitude to Thingiverse user Thomas Lombardi, who created this 3D printable Lucky Charms sorter. There’s no doubt that we’re in the midst of a 3D printing revolution, but nothing has made me happier about it than this incredible invention. It’s an absolutely brilliant idea, it has been brought to fruition, and now it has been shared with the masses. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what the 3D printing revolution is all about.
