Some Laser Cutting Action For Ya

From the box project. First time on the laser cutter.

RIP Lou Reed

Lou Reed, one of my favorite musician's, past away yesterday. I was devastated by this news, but seeing all of these respects to him online made me feel a whole lot better. It seems that every subreddit I subscribe to had posts about him. Even /r/3dprinting had a tribute to him, which is where I found this awesome print of their first album with Nico. Check it out:

3D Printers in Haiti

When Dr. Adrian Bowyer (founder of the RepRap project) began RepRap, one of his main goals was to bring these self-replicating machines to improvised countries. I found it very inspiring and totally possible when I saw videos of the RepRap project in South Africa. A whole digital fabrication lab being eagerly used by both kids and adults, it was truly amazing. 

Now, although the printers being used in Haiti are Makerbot Replicators, the heart of the idea is there regardless. I feel that 3D printers are a great solution to many of these countries problems. Haiti is a country lacking infrastructure, so there's literally no way to ship things to citizens. 3D printing can help alleviate both of these issues. In everything I've read, the people of these impoverished countries have quickly picked up on the CAD software, and seem to really enjoy it. 

The article below talks of Haitians 3D printing umbilical cord clamps... This is only the beginning of what this technology could do to help bring these nations out of poverty. 

http://makezine.com/2013/10/18/3d-printing-umbilical-cord-clamps-in-haiti/

1989 Batmobile Design

A lot of batman appearing on my blog lately.

Thingiverse Picks of the Week

Now that I'm utterly obsessed with Thingiverse, I've decided to do a weekly list of the five awesome designs every week...

1.) Hilbert Cube

Comments: I like this design because it encapsulates the wavy 3d-printed aesthetic in a simple box shape. And it even looks cooler printed!

2.) Holy Batman Shelf!

Comments: This school seriously needs a bigger printer solely for the purposes of printing this shelf. THIS IS THE COOLEST THING EVER! Thingiverse is really the greatest thing in the world. A website filled with groundbreaking designs that cost nothing beyond the raw materials... Love it.

3.) Pet Monster Chubs

Comments: I feel that of everything I see on Thingiverse, the things I'd print the most are just toys. From Millennium Falcons to custom toys, Thingiverse has everything you need to be a giving father and still spend all your time on the computer. 

Thank you Internet

In researching the Lid design, I actually found a pretty detailed diagram depicting the mechanism that allows the lid to go up and down.

Arthur, I'll be emailing you about this design over the weekend. I certainly have my work cut out for me on this one.

The Stein

After seeing my fathers massive collection of these things, I felt inspired to recreate for 3D printing. I plan to couple the lid idea with the Can King handle. So, the final product will be a Can handle with an attached lid that can be flipped on and off. I'm hoping the plastic materials will be strong enough to hold. In due time, we will see. 

Draft Design for Object Accessorie

Dissatisfied with the way you consume your favorite canned beverage? Looking for a new and exciting way to chug beer at the next party? Then check out the Can King!! I'm hoping that I can get this to clip on to a 12 oz can... This is a rough design. I plan on messing with the text on illustrator, and actually getting the dimensions correct. This is just a draft of sorts...

Atom 3D Printed Guitar

The only thing I love more than technology is music, and this right here is a fasinating blend of all my favorite things. This bad boy costs a whooping $3,500. I was initially skeptical, since a plastics are quite possible the worst material for sustaining sound. But apparently the creator uses a wood body as an inner core. The hardware used is rather sub-par to, definitely not adding up to the price tag. Disregarding the logistics, LOOK AT HOW SWEET IT LOOKS...

Les Paul inspired, 2 seymour duncan pickups. This thing is cool as heck. I love how 3D Printing is bringing a new aesthetic to essentially everything. The future is certainly coming on.

And here's a video if you want to see it in action. Though be warned: the poor quality of the amp used compromises the sound quite a bit. 

3D Printing OUT OF THIN AIR