Tag: MakerBot

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MakerBot 3D printer listed in TIME magazine’s list of most influential tech gadgets

TIME Magazine is one of world’s most influential news publications. If something gets listed there, that definitely carries lot of weight. In one edition of TIME magazine about world’s most influential tech gadgets, 3D printing got a mention. Makerbot, most spoken about desktop 3D printer brand got a mention in TIME magazine in 49th position of 50 list of most influential gadgets of all time.

MakerBot entered the 3D printing industry around 2010 as one of the first mainstream manufacturers of consumer 3D printers and an advocate of the Open Source Hardware Movement. Within just few years, the company was acquired by industry giant Stratasys. The company seemed invincible with all the PR and brand it gained except for its own mis-steps such as launching a faculty line of 3D printers and extruders and patenting few ideas against its initial ethos of Open Source movement.  Its brand took a huge beating due to these missteps. MakerBot has shut down all retail locations, laid off 20 percent of its staff, downsized its Brooklyn manufacturing space, and finally outsourced its manufacturing once and for all.

But that didn’t stop this brand from being listed as most influential tech gadgets. It is because of the timing and the mind share it captured. This brand made the whole industry a household name in USA. Moreover, it has had a significant presence in high schools and universities across the country, introducing the next generation of engineers and scientists to the maker movement and propelling further research, development, and consumer interest.

 

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Best desktop 3D scanners

Desktop 3D scanners

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Most of us individuals are not experts at 3D designing and not all of us have the time or desire to become one. So, rather than designing an object from the scratch by using complex modeling softwares, one can rely on 3D scanning – an easy and time-saving method for capturing multi-dimensional models of objects. 3D scanning technology has been around for a while but until recently, 3D scanners have been used predominantly for industrial and professional needs. With the advent of 3D printing at consumer-level, the need for desktop scanners has increased more than ever. Accordingly, over the last  few years, 3D scanners have become more versatile, advanced, accurate  and  cheaper. Today, there are multiple options of affordable 3D scanners to choose from.

Let’s look at a few affordable desktop 3D scanners with their detailed specifications.

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3D Sense

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The 3D systems Sense Scanner is a perfect fit for those who are looking for a versatile, portable, and easy to use 3D scanner. This is one of the best 3D scanners due to its mobile design which allows one to perform on-the-go scanning. Using this handheld device, you can scan objects of incredible size with details up to a maximum resolution of 0.9mm and with an accuracy of 1mm. The scanner can even pick out an object against a busy background.

The accompanying ‘3D Sense software’, downloadable for free from 3D systems website, is very easy to use and provides options to scan objects or humans (both full body and busts ) in addition to basic editing options such as hole filling and solidifying. The final Scans can be exported in STL , OBJ and PLY formats and are ready to be  sent directly to a 3D printer or to edit further in any external softwares.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $419
Setup: Handheld
Scanning range: 0.35m-3m
Scan Accuracy: 1.0mm
Scan resolution: 0.9mm
Software: 3D sense
Scan Volume: 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2m (min) to 3 x 3 x 3m (max)

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iSense

[/fusion_title][fusion_imageframe image_id=”10655|full” max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.think3d.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/isense.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

iSense from 3D systems is a scanner designed solely for scanning with apple products such as iPads and iPhones.

Like it’s Windows counterpart, the iSense 3D scanner, which snaps onto an iPad/iPhone turns its existing 2D camera into a 3D scanner. iSense offers similar versatility and ease of use like Sense scanner to suit a variety of 3D scanning applications. If you already own an iPad/iPhone the iSense is probably your best option for a very cheap and reliable 3D scanner, as it costs just $399 and scans with a similar accuracy levels as a 3D Sense.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $399
Setup: Handheld – attached to iPad/iPhone6 & 6Plus
Scanning range: 0.4m-3.5m
Scan Accuracy: 1.0mm
Scan resolution: 0.9mm
Software: 3D sense
Scan Volume: 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.2m (min) to 3 x 3 x 3m (max)

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Matter and Form Desktop 3D Scanner

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The Matter and Form Desktop 3D Scanner is an affordable, accurate and easy to use 3D scanner. Following a very successful crowdfunding campaign, the Matter and Form desktop 3D scanner has gone on to establish itself as one of the most popular and reliable 3D scanners in the market. At the price of $600, the Matter and Form is hardly an investment, and yet performs just as well as many professional grade scanners. This device is a perfect fit for design studios and small businesses which requires the scanning of smaller objects.

The scanner’s fold-able structure, collapsable to a size of just 3.5 x 8.35 x 13.5 inches, and weight of around 3 kgs makes it incredibly portable. The scanner can capture a staggering 2,000 points per second and scan at resolutions of around 0.43 mm. Using the free software downloadable from Matter and Form website, one can choose to scan an object either in single color or in multicolor. The software allows advanced users to configure a few parameters such as the level of details to be captured etc. One can export the final files in full-color or mono-color in point-cloud format or watertight STL, OBJ or XYZ formats that can be imported directly into Blender, Maya or almost any other 3D printing software.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $519
Setup: Stationary/desktop, can be folded for portability
Scan Accuracy: details within 0.43mm; size within 0.25mm
Scanning technology: HD CMOS sensor + 2 lasers
Software: Matter and Form Scan
Max object size and weight: 25cm high, 18cm diameter, 3kg

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Makerbot digitizer

[/fusion_title][fusion_imageframe image_id=”10652|full” max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.think3d.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/digitizer.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

The MakerBot Digitizer is a popular 3D scanner due to the prevalent use of MakerBot’s existing line of 3D printers and 3D printing tools. The MakerBot Digitizer is a stationary 3D scanner designed for capturing scans of small objects. The compact design of the unit makes it very portable and together with its versatile and powerful 3D modeling software, one can easily capture and edit 3D models.

Objects up to 20x20cm can be placed on the rotating platform, while two class-1 lasers capture the details from all the sides using the multi-scan technology. Hundreds of thousands of the scanned points are then reconstructed into a mesh within the software. One can then clean and edit the models to make watertight 3D models that are ready to be 3D printed, or easily share with the 3D printing community via MakerBot’s Thingiverse.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $799
Setup: Desktop
Scan Accuracy: 2.0mm
Scan Resolution: 0.5mm
Scanner Technique: Multi-scan technology
Software: Makerware for Digitizer
Scan Volume: up to 20.3 x 20.3 cm (Ø x H)

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Scanify

[/fusion_title][fusion_imageframe image_id=”10657|full” max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://www.think3d.in/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/scanify.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

Scanify from Fuel 3d works just like a typical digital camera. Using pre-calibrated stereo cameras and with photometric imaging, users can simply click a button and within a fraction of a second a 3D image is captured.

The Fuel3D Scanify Scanner is a handheld 3D scanner capable of capturing detailed structure and color information within a tenth of a second and the final scans are made available only within 30 seconds. It boasts the ability to capture a full 3D image with details down to 350 microns. Scanify is best-suited for capturing human faces, fabrics, flowers and leaves  where the details/texture is located on a single plane. Combined with the optional ‘Mobility pack’ comprising of a Tablet and an external battery, this 3D scanner can be very portable. The scanner offers a scanning resolution of up to 375,000 vertices and 750,000 polygons, an incredible level of detail for a handheld scanner.

Scanify uses a dual-laser stereo camera to capture high-resolution images. With the accompanying software one can stitch multiple scans together to create a complete 360 degree object. The final scans can be exported into STL, OBJ and PLY formats for easy editing in other external modeling applications.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $1,490
Setup: Handheld
Operating range: 350-450mm
Scan Accuracy: 350 microns (0.25 mm)
Scan Resolution: 210 x 300mm
Scanning Technology: Fusion of stereoscopic and photometric data
Software: Fuel3D Studio Starter
Scan Size: 210 x 300 mm (400mm diagonal)

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Structure Scanner

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The Structure Sensor 3D scanner by occipital was succesfully launched through kickstarter. At $379, it’s one of the most versatile and affordable 3D scanners around. It’s mobile design, as an attachment to an iPad, offers high portablility. The Scanner can capture dense geometry in real-time, with scanning resolutions as high as 0.5mm and with an accuracy of up to 4mm.

Like 3D System’s iSense, Structure Sensor only functions through an iPad’s existing camera. In addition to the Structure app, the ‘structure SDK’ allows users to develop new applications and hack the scanner’s sensor for a variety of uses. Using a few third-party apps that are already available, one can use this scanner to scan 3D maps of interior spaces, measure the dimensions of a room automatically, and play games where virtual objects can interact with real-world objects. The scanner attaches to any iPad, version 2 and up, with ease, and is incredibly simple to set up.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: $379
Setup: Handheld
Scan Range: 40cm – 3.5m
Scan Accuracy: 4mm
Scan Resolution: 0.5mm
Software: Includes free access to Structure SDK
Scanning Technique: Structured light technology

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HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S3 (formerly: David SLS-3 3D Scanner)

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Structured Light Scanner Pro series  scanners are unique from other stationary or portable scanning devices as they rely on a projector based structured-light and an industrial HDMI camera with high quality lens for 3D scanning. These scanners are affordable and provide very high scanning accuracy in a matter of seconds. This 3D scanning method based on camera and lens is normally only available for Industrial-grade machines but HP has managed to bring it down to a consumer-level scanner.

The new HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S3  , building off from the previous HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S2  model is now available and can scan twice as fast as a Pro S2. Pro S3 stereo offers 0.05mm accuracy and a mesh density of 2.3 million vertices per scan – up from 1.2 million from Pro S2 . With the optional upgrade to the stereo package The HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S3 scanner captures a scan from two angles at a time – by utilizing the additional camera as part of the stereo upgrade-  to produce higher precision scans.One can utilize the included software ‘HP pro’ to align and fuse the scans into a 360-degree model. Additionally, the ‘HP pro’ software supports other scanners such as laser scanning, and is also compatible with a variety of cameras. The scanner is portable and along with a optional turntable allows for a 3D scanning of all sides of an object, large and small (60-500mm in size).

HP Pro software is capable of editing OBJ, STL and PLY model files that can then be exported to other third-party software for further processing. The software is highly flexible and offers an integrated 3D viewer, so you can quickly review the results of a scan. The software supports other scanners as well, such as laser scanning, and is also compatible with a variety of cameras.

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Technical Specifications:

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3D Scanner Price: 2940 Euros (SLS-3) 2360 (SLS-2)
Setup: Portable
Scan Accuracy: up to 0.05mm (up to 0,05% of scan size)
Scan Resolution: up to 0.05mm
Scanning Technology: Structured light technology
Software: David Pro
Scan Size: 60-500mm

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think3D is now the official reseller for Ultimaker, MakerBot and 3D Systems

authorized resellers
authorized resellers

Think3D has recently signed MoU’s with the top three leaders in 3D printing industry – 3D Systems, Ultimaker International Limited (UMI) and MakerBot Industries, LLC. As per each agreements think3D gets the license to sell the range of 3D printers and related products of UMI, MakerBot and 3D Systems in the southern part of Asia.

This agreement also leads to the fact that think3D holds the rights to market and position the products of the three top 3D printing brands and utilize its web portal, www.think3d.in, as a possible medium. The agreement makes think3D eligible to offer any kind of technical support and after-sales services to clients’ issues, relating to 3D printing and scanning in India.

Think3D Ultimaker MoU
MoU between Ultimaker International Ltd. and think3D

The official date of agreement for Ultimaker was dated on 4th of April, 2015, whereas, MakerBot and 3D Systems signed the MoUs on 8th and 12th of April, 2015, respectively.Nick Mayor, International Business Development Manager, Ultimaker International Ltd. stated, “I would like to welcome Think3D to the growing community of Ultimaker resellers around the world. We are looking forward to work with Think3D in building the Ultimaker brand in India.”

Post these agreements the potential consumers of these brands are more likely to get their products available at a much lesser price, compared to the cost of the actual price of the printers i.e., the price of the printer when they are directly shipped from the homelands.

Think3D is now among the key players for marketing and positioning the range of products of these 3D printing giants and this agreement gives think3D the opportunity to create a segment of customers for the three companies in India, and possibly, in the neighbouring countries. Being one of the known brands on 3D printing in India, this business opportunity will make think3D an accessible one-stop-shop for the potential Indian clients and the growing market in India, at large.

MoU between MakerBot and think3D
MoU between think3D & MakerBot Industries, LLC
3D Systems_MoU
MoU between 3D Systems & think3D
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Rockefeller invests in synthetic animal product manufacturing

3D printing Food
3D printing Food

Food, as we know it, is a favourite to the majority of human civilization and one of the strongest desires of a man. But since more than a decade there has been campaigns among organizations and people to ban animal slaughter. This has paved way for 3D printing technology for few years. 3D printing technology had, and is still continuing to have its notable implication in the food manufacting industry. Companies have invested in the food-based 3D printing as it’s apparently one booming area in 3D printing industry currently. Unfortunately not all the companies who’ve invested could continue with the face for much long. Makerbot, one of the ace 3D printing companies contributed to polymer-based 3D printing. Although 3D Systems, another leading 3D printing company, have taken a risk on investing in commercial kitchen although long-term impact of this kind of investment is not known.

However, there’s been a buzz in the 3D printing news when heir of Rockefeller has invested in Modern Meadows, a Brooklyn based company. Modern Meadows is responsible for manufacturing edible animal products without animal-slaughter. They manufacture synthetic meat using 3D printing technology.

Modern Meadows has a vision to introduce 3D printed meat to the masses, that will surely reduce animal slaughter. Their product – steak chip, has particularly got the attention of Justin Rockefeller, great-great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, Founder of Stand Oil.

Justin Rockefeller says, “I have eaten a steak chip. It tasted like a salty steak chip. It was delicious.” Clearly, earning fandom of Mr. Rockefeller will give an impressive branding edge to Modern Meadows.

Modern Meadows creates animal tissues with the help of 3D printing technology. Using these animal tissues they made their own edible “steak chips”.

Tissue engineer and co-founder of Modern Meadows, Andras Forgacs, states manufacturing one single pound of edible steak chips costs thousands of dollars. However he hopes the price will drop once the production starts picking up. Andras has said that  they are also trying their hands on creating artificially made animal leathers, which can be used for making wallets, car seats, etc.

Justin Rockefeller

Rockefeller said, “I would put this in the category of high-risk, high-return, high-impact,” He adds a inspiring thought, saying “Every major idea seems crazy at first. Even mobile telephones used to look like giant bricks and cost $5000 each in the early 90s, but visionary people imagined a world in which every single person on the planet has one of these mobile devices and they fit in your pocket.” True, isn’t it ?

Andras and his father Gabor Forgacs are also the founders of Organovo, which creates human tissues for testing and medical purposes.

A vehement researcher in the field of 3D printing of human tissue, Dr Tim Woodfield from Otago University said, “3D printing is a very exciting space and huge advances are likely in the next 10 or 20 years, however the research community remains somewhat skeptical because of the costs of engineering what may be an expensive or niche product.”

 

Feature Image courtesy: www.blogs.baruch.cuny.edu

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3D Print Replicas of Historical Ships

3D Printed Ships
3D Printed Ships

 The potential of 3D printing is immense as an educational tool. This is reason behind many schools stepping forward and wholeheartedly adapting to this new technology. As the technology is advancing 3DP is finding a suitable place at homes as well as kitchens!

The company that has understood this best is MakerBot and has contributed to several initiatives that had the potential to amalgamate 3D printing technology and the educational industry. The reason behind this could be the farsightedness of the company and the ability of the company to anticipate the potential revenue that could be generated by the acceptance of the MakerBot replicators by the various schools all over the country.

On 30th September the company introduced a new educational series in their Digital store. This series focuses on the five historical ships of all times. Just to encourage more people to come forward and accept this series wholeheartedly the company has kept one of the ships free for download. The free ship is ‘The Drakkar Ship’ while the rest of the ships can be downloaded for $9.99 each and if all five are to be downloaded then the price is set at $24.99.

Here is a description of the five ships that are there in the series.

The Sao Cristovao

This ship was the first ship to sail around the great continent of Africa in the year 1488. The printout of the entire ship can be taken in just nine hours. There are seven individual pieces which when assembled, the ship measures 51mm X 163mm X 186mm.

The Bao Chuan

This is principally a treasure ship which was used to explore the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean in the 15th century. The printing time is nine hours and consists of twelve pieces. When assembled the ship measures 51mm X 179mm X 172mm.

The Trinidad

The boat was used in the 15th century to explore the entire world. Unlike the other two ships this ship is a much elaborate model and requires a printing time of twelve hours and has thirteen different pieces. The ship when assembled measures 95mm X 204mm X 193mm.

The Drakkar

This ship was used in the early 1000s and with this ship Captain Leif Erikson discovred North America. While this one is free for download, the ship has twelve pieces and it needs a printing time of nine hours. When assembled the ship measures 102mm X 189mm X 154mm.

The Endeavor

This ship was used to explore places like Antartica, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti. The captain of the ship was Captain James Cook. The ship would take around eighteen hours to print and measures 72mm X 202mm X 213mm.

This collection of the five ships is the greatest collection in the educational series that has been launched by MakerBot in their digital store.

Source: http://3dprint.com/17441/makerbot-3d-printed-ships/

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3D Printing Technology Helps Cancer Patients

3D Printing Technology Helps Cancer Patient
3D Printing Technology Helps Cancer Patient

Cancer is one such disease which is excruciating for both the patient and their families. Till now there is no full proof medicine for cancer. There have been treatments like chemo therapy and among the most recent ones is the Electron Beam Therapy (EBM). This therapy is similar to the radiotherapy in which electrons are used to treat the malignant tumor. Since the rays that are used in this therapy are finite the dosage fades off very quickly consequently leaving the deeper tissues unaffected even after the successful completion of the procedure. The range of the treatment is determined by changing the amount of energy that is being used. There are several ways by which this energy can be modified one of which is through the application of bolus to the affected area.

What exactly is a bolus?

A bolus is a mass that has been made in such a way that it can function in a particular area. The modification of energy takes place by its thickness; this thickness allows the correct amount of energy to pass through it.

Role of 3D Printing:

Recently, the researchers at the Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Cancer Center in Halifax has published a paper in which they have stated the use of 3D printing for the creation of bolus for the EBM therapy. Prior to this conclusion the team had experimented with various other methods of bolus creation like fabrication with the help of milling machine from an electron pencil beam design. In these methods there were many problems such as the errors that are inherent in the process, the irregularities in individual patient’s surface. Therefore the ultimate way for the creation of bolus was 3D printing.

In order to check whether the perfect bolus was being created by the usage of this technology an experiment was conducted. In this experiment careful calculations were done on the model body surfaces and these were then converted into stereolithography files. These files were then printed in solid polylactic acid on a MakerBot Replicator 2. The researchers also used MakerWare in order to define the quality of the prints and in the creation of their print profile. The bolus was created with 100% infill in order to make it completely solid. After the bolus was printed it was attached to the various attachments and a CT scan of the entire combination was done to full verify the fittings and to conduct the final dose distribution. It was concluded that the bolus which was created by a 3D printer would not lead to any clinically significant errors in dose distribution. It also showed that the new bolus functioned better than the ones that were created previously.

After this, 3D printers might become a standard equipment in the cancer hospitals. With the help of a 3D printer the medical costs will be reduced and the logistics would be simplified. The ways in which the healthcare industry can benefit from 3D printers has been proved in various domains.

Image Credit: Indydina with Mr.Wonderful (flickrhandle: littlesister)

 

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Industries 3D Printing will soon be Disrupting

3D Printing changes the face of many traditional industries like defence, space, manufacturing, education, food, healthcare etc

With the dawn of 3D printers the traditional ways of manufacturing are changing with leaps and bounds. A few years back 3D printing was an important technology for the creation of proto-types but now 3D printing seems to have captured the entire consumer market right from electronics to toys, healthcare to space. There is a long list of industries that are bound to be disrupted by the large scale usage of 3D printers. In this article we will see some of the industries that are greatly affected by the adaptation of 3D printers.

3D Printing effect on traditional Manufacturing

3D printing will very soon replace the traditional manufacturing industry. The production of parts at a faster rate with the help of 3D printers is something that is attracting a lot of manufacturers to switch to this technology. The various mass production manufacturing industries that will sooner or later experience the 3DP are: electronic production, jewelry industry, manufacturing of the various automotive parts and the manufacturing of toys.

Healthcare Industry:

Bio-printing is growing at a very rapid pace and now it is also being considered as the fastest growing form of 3D printing. In this form of 3D printing ink jet style printers are used to make living tissues. Organovo plans to commercialize 3D printed liver tissues. They have amalgamated their efforts with the National Eye Institute and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences to print eye tissue.

With the help of 3D printing now medical solutions can be more personalized as per the needed of the patients. The implanting of soft tissue organs such as ear, finger or kidney can be easily done by 3D printing and will soon be done widely.

The other applications of 3D printing in this sector would be metal hip implants, skull implants, orthopedic insoles, body braces, and jaw transplants have already been manufactured on 3D printers.

The recent development made in this sector with aid from 3D printing is that of the origin of a new process known as the Block Cell Printing. In this process 100% of the cells are living as compared to the earlier process in which only 50%- 80% of the cells would survive.

Defense Industry:

The equipments that are used in this sector are either very complex or very dangerous to use. So the quantity in which it is produced is not very high. The volume of production is relatively low. The parts of these equipments are mostly custom made and a there will be a frequent need for replacing them once they are worn out. With 3D printers the replacement parts can be built on site which results in saving a lot of time and money in ordering the replacement parts.

3D printed guns have also been done last year. The defense departments of countries like US and Australia are thinking of installing 3D printers in their respective departments. A platoon that would be solely 3D printing the parts that are needed by the soldiers will be seen very soon.

Education Sector:

3D printing has proved the positive impact that it can create on students by the various experiments that were done in many schools and colleges around the globe. Some colleges and universities such as University of Michigan have already started using this technology in their regular curriculum.

MakerBot one of the biggest 3D printing company has recently announced the establishment of the MakerBot Academy. It is a crowdfunded plan which will enable the entry of 3D printers in every school in America. The company also plans to establish MakerBot Innovation Centers in the various colleges and universities starting from the State University of New York at New Palz.

Culinary Industry

Chocolates are something that are loved and enjoyed by people of all age groups. Customization of chocolate has been something that has lately overpowered this industry. Chocolates of different shapes and sizes have attracted many people who want to gift their loved ones something sweet. Chocolates that are shaped like logos of companies, names and other objects are being widely printed all over the world with much ease as compared to the traditional methods. 3D printing has become so versatile that anything can be printed that can exist in powder or liquid form. In other words things that can be extruded from a nozzle or a syringe can be 3D printed. Sugar sculptures are something that is just another miracle that can be done by 3D printing.

The other materials that can be 3D printed are cheese and sauces. In one of the recent developments in this sector is the 3D of pizza, an egg plant dish, corn pasta and panna cotta.

Space industry

The venturing of 3d printers in this industry has been something that is very recent. One of the most logical usages of this technology is the 3D printing of the various parts, tools and gadgets that are needed on board of a space ship. This makes the crew which is onboard very self sufficient.

3D printing can also accelerate the building of parts for the International Space Station. NASA has collaborated with the Marshall Space Flight Center to launch the very first 3D printer in space. This printer will manufacture parts in zero gravity. In another effort to make these printers an active member on space ships an engineer has won a grant from NASA for creating a machine that would print food for the astronauts who are on board.

These are few examples which clearly indicate how 3d printing is slowly changing the way manufacturing is being done today. Moreover it shows the potential that this technology carries. It also gives us a sense that it can serve important civic purposes and also become an engine for economic development.

Environmental Effect of 3D Printing

The traditional methods of mass production are very wasteful and dirty. In more than one way 3D printing lowers down the level of waste and also the carbon footprint that the manufacturing industry can have on the planet. Some of the benefits of using 3DP over the traditional manufacturing techniques are:

  • Fewer wasted materials
  • Possibility of longer life span of the object that is created.
  • Cutting down the transportation cost
  • Fewer unsold products as production is done only when there is a demand. (no warehousing)

Image Credit: Luke Peterson (flickr handle: lukepeterson)

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The Next Generation 3D Printers

Next generation 3D Printers

The evolution of human race from Gorillas to Homo sapiens if is considered to be outstanding then the evolution of printing from Wood block printing to 3D printing is no less adventurous. 3D printing is not only futuristic but also versatile, flexible and highly adaptable. A technology which is as straight forward as putting layers on top of layers to form an object could one day be stated as the reason for the second industrial revolution is exceptional. 3D printing really is ushering a new era of almost all the existent industries. As the application of this technology is expanding and the prices are dropping more and more people are able to afford a 3D printer at homes and offices.

Various companies, research organization as well as various universities are working towards expanding the capabilities of 3D printers. A few years down the line 3D printers could print only in specific material like plastic, but now the list of materials that can be used in 3D printers have become quite long and the usage of other materials in 3D printing is expanding rapidly. The prices of these machines were sky high but also the expiration of the patents the prices have become quite in the budget. In this article we plan to cover a few Gen-next 3D printers that are betting on changing the 3D printing industry and also the influence of 3D printing on other industries.

3D Metal printers

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Sigma Labs Inc. and Interactive Machines Inc. in which these two companies plan to form a joint venture in order to develop and commercialize 3D metal printing machines. The new 3D metal printer will be designed to produce an increased output up to 10 X over the 3D printers that are currently available in the market. The collaborative effort of these two companies plan to demonstrate a proto-type during the third quarter of 2014 but before this is done adequate financial support is to be gathered to implement this business plan. The machine thus made out of this collaboration will be an output of a unique combination of the expertise of the two companies. The machine will be designed in such a way that it will significantly outperform the existing 3D metal printing devices in terms of deposition rate while maintaining requisite part quality.

Frank Yopak, President of Interactive Machines said, “I believe that the market for such a system is significant as most users of 3D metal equipments are currently limited by slower production rates and lower overall machine productivity.”

Another metal 3D printer that is creating a lot of buzz is Sciaky’s electron beam additive manufacturing technology or the EBAM which can print enormous metal proto types. It has a volume of 19′ x 4′ x 4′ and can 3D print in materials such as titanium, tantalum, stainless steel, and Inconel. The technology has a fully articulated electron beam welding gun which converts a CAD model into a 3D printed part.

MakerBot reveals the Gen-next of 3D Printers

The CEO of MakerBot Bre Fettis flaunted two 3D printers from MakerBot that are aimed for usage at home, offices and industries. These two printers named MakerBot Mini; the Desktop 3D, and the Replicator Z18 3D. These printers are the fifth generation replicator machines by MakerBot. The built volume of these printers is almost 11% larger than the predecessor. The layer resolution which is almost 100 micron is quite high. The company is hoping that this fifth generation of 3D printers as will set new standards for ease of use, quality and reliability. The machine is app and clod enabled. These two products were put on show at the 2014 CES.

3D printing fossils with virtual Paleontology

3D printing seems to be one of the friendliest technologies around. The mixing of 3D printing with other technologies produces things which are impeccable. The new development will support the statement made above. The combination of CT scan and 3D printing is helping Paleontologists to recreate ancient fossils. Sergio Azevedo and his team at the National Museum of Brazil in Rio have used a CT scanner to find out the orientation of a specimen that was found by Sergio Azevedo. The fossil was scanned and a 3D replica was printed out in resin. This enables a safe access to the inner structures which is usually paleontologists cannot access.

The fossil which was found by Sergio Azevedo turned out to be a crocodile which was 75 million year old and was extinct. Azevedo has used this technology to produce 3D printed replicas of dinosaurs as well.

3D Systems’s Projet x60: Break the monotony of single color

3D systems launched the new ProJet x60 series which has an unparalleled ability to print 90% of the colors that are available in Photoshop and new VisJet PXL materials utilizing 3D System’s color jet printing technology. It offers enhanced functionality, utility and productivity. The ProJet x60 can make full color models along with precision. From architectural white to photo realistic pastels or bold vibrant colors all can be done quickly and affordably by this printer. It has a faster print mode option, mobile connectivity and also a powerful coloring and file preparation software tool.

Cutting the cost of Micro and Nano manufacturing: 3D printers

There are numerous examples of improved products when any technology is mixed with 3D printing. Here is yet another such example of 3D printer and a drawing programme amalgamation. Researchers at KTH Microsystem Technology hope to use this combination to produce micro- and nanostructures required for the millions of devices and sensors of the future at prices which are as affordable as computers. This is being considered as the inexpensive printing if 3D silicon structures.

Prof. Frank Niklaus of KTH Microsystem Technology says, “It could be made very easy, flexible and cheap compared with today’s manufacturing processes. All you’ll need is a 3D printer and someone to draw the structure in a drafting programme on a computer.” This technology consists if a layer by layer process for defining 3D patterns in silicon using focused ion beam writing followed by silicon deposition.

These are a few notable gen-next 3D printers. 3D printing is changing with every passing day and the application of this technology is finding a place in a wide array of industries. As per the recent progress that has been made it is clear that when this technology is mixed or combined with other existing technology the output is magnifique!

Image Credit: wlodi(flickr handle: wlodi)

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iMakr opens new store in New York City

Imakr Store logo

Trailing along the path from a London based store to the grand opening of the second store in NYC, iMakr seems to take the world by a storm. Located at 152 Allen Street on the Lower East Side is the brand new NYC iMakr Store. The step taken by iMakr to open a new store in NYC is definitely a milestone, as iMakr is an independent retailer store in which devices can be purchased from different vendors.

The opening of the store was a grand success with many big shots of the 3D printing industry, journalists, innovators and hobbyists witnessing the ceremony. On this occasion a large crowd which was around 300 people had gathered in the store to see a wide range of 3D printers, scanners, and 3D printing supplies, as well as 3D printer training and support. The store had products such as MakerBot gear from MakerBot, 3D printers from 3D Systems, Flashforge and Solidoodle. In order to showcase the potential of 3D printing, the store displayed the various objects that were 3D printed by world famous designers and artists.

Some of the famous people of 3D printing industry such as Sam Cervantes, CEO Solidoodle, Michele Marchesan, COO of 3D Systems, Brian Quan, MD of Tier Time US, Josh Ellis, Founder of MakerJuice and Erica Fingar, Product Manager of NinjaFlex were a part of this event. The opening speech was given by the founder of iMakr Sylvain Preumont. Everyone was startled by the live performance on a 3D printed violin which the company very rightfully related as “3D printing related entertainment.”

Image Source: John Abella (flickrhandle: jabella)