MakerBot’s new 3D printer was revealed at a event in Brooklyn, NY today, and although the 3D printer isn’t a household item yet, this iteration brings the concept closer to ubiquity. 3D printers lay down PLA plastic to form actual objects from computer files, and since they’ve become small enough to fit in most homes a surprisingly robust community has grown around sharing plans online. These plans range from silly pieces that connect Lego and K’nex to useful replacement parts for electronics. With 3D printers, you can literally fabricate these things in your home.
After the news-filled event MakerBot held, just down the street from the Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, we found a fleet of cars ready to ferry us back to Manhattan. The cars weren’t there to return the press to their various offices, instead they shuttled us en-masse to the brand new MakerBot Store that opened today in NOHO. The small shop sits on Mulberry St., just half a block north of Houston — number 298 to be specific. Out front is a small discreet sign that reads “MakerBot.” What will really draw people inside is the six-foot tall 3D-printed track that guides giant ball bearings through a maze of curves and spirals in the window. Step inside and the sculpture becomes interactive. You spin a large wheel (also printed) and a magnet slowly moves the orbs up the wall before depositing them at the starting point and sending them hurtling through the multi-track course (video after the break). Almost everything in the shop, down to the posts and locks on the display cases, is also printed out on the company’s flagship product, the Replicator 2. In addition to buying the printers and compatible spools of plastic, you can also pick up trinkets created with them, such as the MixTape. If you want a less expensive example of the Replicator’s wares, there’s a gumball-style vending machine that dispenses toys when you insert a $5 token and give the knob a satisfying twist. For more, check out the gallery below.
When the first MakerBot appeared in 2009, the idea of 3D printing was a bit foreign to all but the most advanced fabricators. Company founder and CEO Bre Pettis says he used to get asked: “So what, do you have to wear special glasses to see it?” More »
The Replicator may have just been pushed off this writer’s Christmas list. (Note to self: send updated letter to Santa.) But, this isn’t a loss for MakerBot Industries, because it’s being replaced by the Replicator 2, the newest model of 3D printer from the company. This is a big boy version of its previous devices that were aimed more at tinkerers than serious designers, and that’s reflected in the $2,199 price. The build plate is significantly bigger, with the ability to spit out creations that measure 11.2 x 6.1 x 6.0 inches (410 cubic inches). That’s a full 37 percent larger than the original Replicator, but the machine itself is the same exact size. The frame is no longer assembled from laser-etched wood, instead there’s a powder-coated steel frame with PVC plastic sides to help shield the various moving parts and lend an air of professionalism to the affair. The extruder is designed specifically for use with MakerBot PLA, a new plastic material based on corn, that Bri Pettis claims wont expand when exposed to the heat — which means it wont contract when it cools, leading to smoother printed objects and less cracking. The new printer has a resolution of 100 microns, by comparison, the original Replicator had a layer resolution of 270 microns. Now each layer of plastic is as thin as a sheet of copy paper, resulting in smooth printed prototypes.
In a departure from previous models, the Replicator 2 is shipped fully assembled. You need only lift it out of the box and plug it in to get started. And one of our biggest complaints about the setup process, leveling the build plate, has been addressed. The new model now has a simplified three-point leveling system, what should eliminate some of the opportunity for error in the four-point system of its predecessor. The Replicator 2 even comes in an experimental dual-extrusion model for those that like life on the cutting edge, called the Replicator 2X, that retails for $2,799.
To run all this there’s a new software tool, called MakerWare that greatly simplifies the act of printing objects. You can even drag and drop multiple models into a virtual build platform, scale them and tweak them (either independently or simultaneously) before sending them to the Replicator 2. Perhaps, most interesting of todays announcements is the MakerBot Store — an actual physical shop — in NOLA. The company believes this will help expose people to 3D printing who might otherwise be confused by the concept. You can order the Replicator 2 now direct from MakerBot. But, be warned, there’s a four to six week lead time on deliveries.
The only thing better than cookies are cookies shaped like geeky things. Like things from Super Mario Bros. for example. Oreos are good? Are you serious? They are just round cookies with cream in the center. Chips Ahoy? So what? These Super Mario cookie cutters will make some awesome cookies. Things just taste better when they are shaped like video game characters.
These 3D-printed Mario themed cookie cutters from Etsy seller WarpZone are just $18(USD) for a set of seven. All of your favorites are here, like Mario and Luigi, Boo, Toad, a star, Goomba and a mushroom. If you can find anything this frakkin’ cool in a bag of Keebler cookies… You can’t.
Come on Nintendo. You are missing a marketing opportunity here. Get with a cookie company and give us some cool snacks. Until they do, we will just have to make our own.
If you’re a lover of the Rolex timepiece lines Submariner, Sea Dweller, GMT, and more, you’re about to get strapped with a brand new technologically forward-thinking addition to your collection, the Everest Band – here combining futuristic 3D printing production with the crowdfunding environment known as Kickstarter. With the technology used by the team behind this project, the Everest Band was made specifically for the Rolex family (Explorer II and Yacht-Master included too!) With a tolerance for error so small it’ll make you flip, our short interview with Michael DiMartini of Everest Horology Products (the group behind the Everest Band), shows the real effort that must be put into creating 3rd party accessories for fine-tuned equipment as well!
The story goes like this: Everest Horology Products has a real love for the Rolex line of timepieces, and because they wanted a product that did not exist, they decided to make it themselves. The Everest Band is the group’s first product, and it’s been developed over the course of 8 months, from drawing board, to prototyping, to production. The watch band that’s at the center of this whole project was created with 3D prototyping and what’s called “opti-jet” technology to make the next-generation insert inside the band a reality in this product – and Everest Bands Kickstarter is the next big step.
“3d prototyping was incredibly important in both aesthetic and fit for this rather unique project. Since the Everest band was fitting on to a Rolex, where tolerance for error is around .005 mm, it had to be perfect. The room for error was so small that with accurate models we would know if we were going down the wrong path very quickly. It allowed for us to try different designs at an incredibly low price and test both a solid and flexible concept.
The flexible “opti-jet” technology we used was intrical in determining the solid end link insert. One thing that we know will set this product apart from the rest is the fact that the insert that we used has both a molecular bond and a mechanical bond. This type of double redundancy allows to ensure that we have a permanent piece that will never fall out. The majority of other designs are one or the other – without the 3d Prototyping we would not have been able to correctly make this design happen.” – DiMartini
Above: 3D prototype test model bands appear in a basic off-white tone before they’re perfected. Once the perfect size is found, the perfect colors come next.
The insert in the band here is not just so well made that there’s no danger of it falling out, it’s darn near impossible to pull out, too! With the air friction barrier action going on here there’s a solid product, inside and out, that’s like nothing else out on the market – not in Rolex watchbands, anyway. Have a peek at a demonstration of the Everest Band here to see the final product:
DiMartini also made it clear that Kickstarter was and is instrumental in getting this project off the ground. A startup situation like this makes it so startup debt – a killer, in many cases – doesn’t need to be as much of a factor as it traditionally has been in the past. The web as a whole, too, has been a perfect battleground for Everest Horology Products to take off in and with.
“Kickstarter is our marketing tool and we are the voice. It was a perfect scenario for a company like ours. … The web has been our way of getting out the word and been our main reason we are seeing the success we have. The Forums, Facebook, twitter, etc. have been absolutely incredible for allowing us to communicate with the public. We have used it to not only market the product, but also design it. We listened to what the market wanted and what others were missing.” – DiMartini
Take a peek at the Kickstarter project page for Everest Bands right this minute to get a better idea of what this team of innovators is aiming to do for the future of timepiece bands right this minute. And stay tuned with the Everest Horology Products group for future products as well – things are looking up!
Do you still have Fisher Price’s toy record player from the 70s? Instructables member Fred27 figured out a way to play pretty much any tune you want on the toy, thanks to a bit of code and the wonders of 3D printing.
Fred27 initially printed his first batch of Fisher Price records using a CNC machine, but because his first Instructable became quite popular, he decided to write a second one that involves 3D printing. As Fred27 said, 3D printers are cheaper than CNC machines, and you can even outsource the printing for a relatively cheap price.
Here’s one of Fred27′s custom records, a short copy of the Star Wars theme. This particular record was made via CNC, but the 3D printed records should work exactly the same.
Head to Instructables to figure out how you can have print your own Fisher Price record. You can also buy Fred27′s records on Shapeways. As for the record player, you can find some on eBay and Amazon. I wonder if it’s also possible to scan and make .STL files out of vinyl records. That could be a great way of preserving them.
A Kickstarter entry has managed to stir the fairness pot by touting a MakerBot Replicator clone called TangiBot — legally copied from the original 3D printer‘s open source plans. The project’s creator, Matt Strong, says that the device will offer “the same performance and features at a roughly 33 percent discount” to Makerbot’s $1,800 price tag, thanks to Chinese manufacturing. That’s inflamed some in the 3D printing fraternity, who take exception to the exact copying of a design without any improvement. The founder is unrepentant, however, saying that “MakerBot’s technology is nothing new” and insists his replica product’s lower price will open up 3D printing to more hobbyists. TangiBot has addressed a trademark gripe from its doppleganger by removing the MakerBot references from Kickstarter — but hey, we know a KIRF when we see one.
If you are part of the Rapid Equipping Force in the US Army, then you will be pleased to hear that this rapid prototyping wing has just been deployed to Afghanistan, scientists, 3D printers and all. This particular wing’s duty is pretty unique, remaining far away from the battlefield action and yet providing no less support as they are capable of churning out customized pieces of equipment required on the battlefield thanks to the wonders of 3D printing, save in mobile form these days. Talk about significantly cutting down the amount of time required in order to produce wanted equipment, not to mention virtually removing shipping times from afar!
The printer used is capable of churning out plastic parts while a CNC system, a Haas OM-2 in this case, is able to create parts out of steel and aluminum. The thing is, you always get what you pay for, and in the name of speed and convenience, each of these mobile 3D printing labs will cost approximately $2.8 million which includes 3D printing devices, a full stock of relatively traditional tools such as saws and welders, and a pair of engineers in each lab. Hand me a 3D printed assault rifle there mate, I seem to have misplaced mine in the last Taliban skirmish.
We’ve seen a handful of beautiful replicas of the Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device, but this replica by deviantART member Melissa aka techgeekgirl is special because most of its exterior parts were 3D-printed based on files from the game itself. Melissa even claims that it’s more detailed than NECA’s officially licensed replica. Oh snap!
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.
MakerBot’s new 3D printer was revealed at a event in Brooklyn, NY today, and although the 3D printer isn’t a household item yet, this iteration brings the concept closer to ubiquity. 3D printers lay down PLA plastic to form actual objects from computer files, and since they’ve become small enough to fit in most homes a surprisingly robust community has grown around sharing plans online. These plans range from silly pieces that connect Lego and K’nex to useful replacement parts for electronics. With 3D printers, you can literally fabricate these things in your home.
If you are part of the Rapid Equipping Force in the US Army, then you will be pleased to hear that this rapid prototyping wing has just been deployed to Afghanistan, scientists, 3D printers and all. This particular wing’s duty is pretty unique, remaining far away from the battlefield action and yet providing no less support as they are capable of churning out customized pieces of equipment required on the battlefield thanks to the wonders of 3D printing, save in mobile form these days. Talk about significantly cutting down the amount of time required in order to produce wanted equipment, not to mention virtually removing shipping times from afar!
