Back in the 1960s, when Gene Roddenberry was developing his ideas for the Star Trek series, one of his thoughts was that we would live in a society without money. His vision was that we would be more focused on self-actualization, which would drive … [Read more...] about Can open source 3D printing be more than a hobby?
Processes
UK-based service bureau highlights simultaneous multi-part 3D printing
Industrial Plastic Fabrications (IPF) bought its first Objet 3D printer four years ago, and now the company has 360 customers. Today, IPF offers a range of machining and fabricating services using varied technologies, but all its rapid prototyping/3D … [Read more...] about UK-based service bureau highlights simultaneous multi-part 3D printing
The 3D printer home market takes shape
It looks like the big players in the additive manufacturing market are taking the potential of the 3D printing home market seriously with the introduction of a new 3D printer from 3D Systems specifically geared to the home market, and rumors of a … [Read more...] about The 3D printer home market takes shape
Use a smart phone to share digital microscope images
This is an innovative design—a plastic mount that connects smart phones to microscopes to digitally capture and share scientific images. This is such an innovative idea, that Proto Labs made the co-founders, Andy Miller and Tess Bakke, winners of the … [Read more...] about Use a smart phone to share digital microscope images
Tips on Clips Part 2: Make it Snappy
Plastic’s ability to flex without permanently deforming allows molded parts to incorporate a variety of snap fasteners other than the common hooked cantilever clip. These include: • annular (round) snaps • torsional snaps, which store return … [Read more...] about Tips on Clips Part 2: Make it Snappy
3D printing’s stellar, amazing year
What a year 3D printing technology had in 2011! This approximately 25 year-old industry is enjoying a second round of “good buzz” thanks in large part to what have been labeled personal sized, hobby, or Maker units and the media fascination … [Read more...] about 3D printing’s stellar, amazing year
And the winner is…
For the past several years, Make Parts Fast parent magazine, Design World, has held a Leadership In Engineering competition among various companies in various industries. Winners are chosen by you, our audience. The guidelines for your choice are … [Read more...] about And the winner is…
Reality show involves 3D printing in competitive mountain bike design
Reality Redesigned is a new reality show contest sponsored by Z Corporation that uses 3D printing technology. This student-focused design competition and online reality show will “spawn daring new mountain bike designs created by inventive … [Read more...] about Reality show involves 3D printing in competitive mountain bike design
3D printing used to “print” blood vessels
One of the more interesting aspects of 3D printing technology is how science is using it to spark a number of potential developments, for example, its use in medical application. Some scientists have “printed” non-functioning organs out of … [Read more...] about 3D printing used to “print” blood vessels
3D printing functional guitar amplification devices
Fishman Acoustic Amplification works with the world's top instrument builders, artists and retailers. Using its Objet desktop 3D printer, the designers can print mechanically accurate guitar amplification device prototypes that customers can't tell … [Read more...] about 3D printing functional guitar amplification devices