Printing prosthetics on the MakerBot
Over on the MakerBot forums, Youssef Tayeb just shared this full-scale model of a trans-tibial socket, which was printed in 16 pieces, and reinforced with a layer of fiberglass.
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!
Beautiful Modeler – use an iPad to make 3D models
Beautiful Modeler – use an iPad to make 3D models… Beautiful Modeler is a software tool for gestural sculpting using a multi-touch controller such as an iPad. Each finger is used to control a single touch point in the model, with multiple layers working to build up 3D volume. As the controller is connected over […]
The DARPA Digital Manufacturing Analysis, Correlation and Estimation (DMACE) Challenge
OK, so maybe the Digital Manufacturing Analysis, Correlation and Estimation Challenge isn’t as sexy as your grand robot challenges or your race to space prizes, but hey, if you’re into digital manufacturing, and are excited by the idea of using crowdsourcing to advance knowledge of the field and to explore the capabilities of DM, then […]
Rubber band contest on Thingiverse
Nathan Patterson, aka Thingiverse user pattywac, has organized a pair of user-funded design contests and is soliciting entries and prize donations for each. The first, with a current prize pool of $100US, is to design the cleverest MakerBot-able object that incorporates a rubber band. Two of my favorite entries so far are shown above.
The second contest, to design the most useful improvement for the MakerBot itself, is also ongoing, and currently has a prize pool of $65US. Both contests end on Sunday, November 14. [Thanks, Nathan!]
Printable iris-lid jewelry box, with video
Last week I posted about this cool twist-action irising jewelry box by Matt, from Seattle, WA, (aka Thingiverse user msruggles) and the first real prototype that user Linkreincarnate printed on his Up! personal 3D printer.
Since that time, Matthew LaBerge of Minneapolis, MN, (aka Thingiverse user labmat) has printed his own copy and posted a video showing off its mechanical action. Bonus points for the lovely blue color!
Matt’s printer–which he calls “IceBot One”–is a heavily customized rig using MakerBot electronics and components from what appears to be a salvaged CNC mill. Check out the deets in his Flickr stream.
It’s also worth noting that, since first posting his original design, msruggles has published a shortened version that will print faster and use less material.
Laser cutter gas containment chamber
Jeri Ellsworth made this quick and dirty gas containment chamber for her laser cutter — to be able to test the gases generated from the lasing of various materials — using a silicon wafer (which the beam passes through) and a cookie tin. This rig can also be used to contain materials that might otherwise […]
PLA as a dissolvable support material
The folks at iFeelBeta.de have created a chemical formula that will dissolve 3D-extruded PLA but leaves ABS alone. This is critical because it allows you to print a fabject with overhangs: you use the PLA as a support structure during the print, and when done you dissolve it. Now all we need are dual-extruder printers! […]