How Laser Sintering Works
David Bourell of UT Texas describes how laser sintering works. This method of 3D printing uses a laser that fuses plastic powder, building up layer by layer somewhat same way as filament-based 3D printers do. [Via @cenmag]
Digital Fabrication
Digital fabrication tools have revolutionized the way designers, engineers, and artisans express their creativity. With the right resources, you can learn to use these powerful instruments in no time! Whether it’s 3D printing or laser cutting that interests you, these articles will provide useful tutorials and inspiration for makers of all levels. Discover how digital fabrication can open up new possibilities so that your craftsmanship is truly extraordinary!
FabLab: What Would You Make?
MIT’s Professor Neil Gershenfeld gave a fascinating and engaging talk at the Carnegie Institute of Washington on November 3rd. The event was a benefit for the emerging FabLabDC, which is intended to provide a high-tech fabrication laboratory within sight of the US Capitol.
Terminology of the Lathe
Quick, now: What are the two most fundamental measurements of the capacity of a metalworking lathe? If you said…
How-To: Mini Metal Lathe
Back in Plastics Month, we featured a simple shop-made plastics extruder built by Instructables user Random_Canadian. Now the arbitrary Canuck returns with this pint-sized metal lathe built with a 14″ piece of precision aluminum T-slot extrusion, and some characteristically resourceful salvage including an electric motor from a cordless weed trimmer, a variable speed switch from a cordless drill, and a tailstock center improvised from a countersink.
How-To: Pistol Flamethrower
Scares off wildlife, starts campfires, melts ice, burns weeds, and works wonders on nose hair. What could possibly go wrong? The grip is built up from laminated laser-cut 1/8″ ply. Nice design from Instructables user PDRWLSN.
LeBigRep, a Giant 3D Printer
LeBigRep is a monster RepRap capable of building within a 1-meter cube. Inspired by the RepRap Project, the idea arose of having a machine which could actually produce objects exceeding the dimension of objects produced by desktop fabbing devices as the RepRap, Makerbot, etc. Imagine printing furniture, sculptures and other life size structures and experimenting […]
Printable Iron Man Shoelace Covers
Everything about this printable from Thingiverse user DrewPetitclerc makes me happy. Especially his description: “For many decades I’ve had trouble getting interesting shoe designs, my size is not common and I got tired of being told no or we have these in white or black only, so when I found you can design your own on the internet…”