Archive for the 'Product Design' Category

The DIY BluePrint: Inspired to Make It Yourself

Published
by
Josh
on May 13, 2008
in Product Design
. 1 Comment

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

I know, it’s only Tuesday and you’re saying, “Yeeeeah, I typically take my inspiration on Fridays - Thursdays at the earliest to knock some of thoooose projects out over the weekend, m’kay? thanks.” But folks, this just can’t wait, I tell you, and will probably get you through the week completely distracted by your potential… to MAKE.

The (crank reverb) Institute for the FUTURE (IFTF) has put together a eye opening Future of Making Map that you need to print out and smother yourself in for about ten minutes.

It reveals a changing mindset and discuss the technologies making it happen in the areas of design and manufacturing.

An emerging do-it-yourself culture of “makers” is boldly voiding warranties to tweak, hack, and customize the products they buy. And what they can’t purchase, they build from scratch. Meanwhile, flexible manufacturing technologies on the horizon will change fabrication from massive and centralized to lightweight and ad hoc.

However, it’s not saying that it will replace the traditional manufacturing industry, but that it will be combined to create more opportunities and ways of collaborating on design and manufacturing.

The New Annoyed
Doing something yourself can be one of the most frustrating and enjoyable projects you take on. If you’ve ever been annoyed at paying (too much) for a service after you see how it’s done you are amongst the many my friend. You’ve kind of realized all along that you are more interested in doing it yourself and that is why you have so many unfinished projects. Know what I mean?

For those in the CAD World
All this craftiness and DIY stuff may not seem applicable to the programs you use or companies you belong to. Look at the map again, because it should. On top of that, there’s companies like Protomold(Rapid Plastic Injection) and Ponoko(Laser-Cutting Create, Make-n-Sell), that are making prototyping and production more feasible. They mention Sketchup, a free 3D modeling program from Google, but even higher-end programs like SolidWorks is allowing people to create their ideas and get them closer to market - Like that Electric Unicycle guy.

You can totally see this happening as well. Just look at sites like Makezine, Etsy and BugLabs, ThinkGeek, Instructables and all the Steampunk stuff. People modding, hacking, modeling and figuring out ways to create.

Have these new sites and manufacturing methods inspired your own ideas? How do you think its going to change the way products are made?

BoingBoing Via Evan Yares

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Less Blood: The PEAK Surgical PlasmaBlade Designed in SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on May 8, 2008
in Product Design
. 3 Comments

Right now, I’m really glad I ate breakfast because I just watched the video of the new PlasmaBlade from Peak Surgical.

Peak Surgical, out of Palo Alto, CA, uses SolidWorks for their product design. They don’t quite fancy the slice, burn and wipe of traditional surgical methods so they’ve introduced plasma technology with this tiny device to reduce incisions, speed healing and send you home quicker.

“With the PlasmaBlade, tissue looks healthier, with no char…” - Kai Ihnken, M.D.

No char people-sounds like a good deal to me. They’ve cleared the pre-clinical testing for the PlasmaBlade with positive results and are moving on to get that FDA approval. If you like medical product demos, here’s the video. but BE WARNED… seriously, eat something first. PlasmaBlade Product Demonstration

Ya know, it’s sad really. All those gore movies with the scalpels are gonna be so unbelievable now because hey, why didn’t they just use Plasma technology to gut that person.


Via MedGadget

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

The Uno: Uni-Motorbike Designed in SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on May 1, 2008
in Product Design
. 5 Comments

Hold on people, we’re about to tear the fabric of uncool unicycle transportation into a million tiny bit. Ben Gulak has created the first production-ready, gyroscopic- powered, bi-wheeled motorcycle.

The aptly named “Uno” has two wheels right next to each other making it look like the coolest half of a crotch rocket you’ve ever seen.

When I first saw the photos, I knew some sort of CAD software was used. Sure enough…

“[Ben] didn’t know CAD software, but instead used the free Google software called Google SketchUp. Ironically, a salesman came knocking shortly after, trying to sell SolidWorks, a 3-D CAD software package. Ben explained he couldn’t afford anything like that, but he did show the salesman what he was working on. The next day a copy of SolidWorks and a SolidWorks for Dummies book arrived”

- Motorcycle Mojo

That is just plain cool.

The unit is powered by gyroscopic technology that balance you as lean forward to speed up and lean back to slow down. Ya know, like that Segway thing. It weighs a mere 120 lbs and with the current motor configuration can get up to a curb-blurring 25 mph.

One thing is for sure, if you have a good idea you’ve been working on, show it to a SolidWorks VAR. You just might get a free license of SolidWorks.

More about the bike with photos at Motorcycle Mojo!

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Earth Day: Raised-Bed Garden Designs in SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on April 22, 2008
in Product Design
. 4 Comments

raised-bed-design.jpgJust look at that, another year of wanton waste and excess and suddenly Earth Day is here again to make us feel guilty about throwing that milk bottle away.

While the eco-activism side of things makes me wretch slightly, I love to get outdoors and do the landscaping and the planting. It’s more because it’s nice to make things look cool instead of leaving them dry and barren.

Since I’m inside most of the day and it’s getting ready to rain, I’ll probably just think about planting something nice or go out and pull a weed. I’m also obsessively thinking of raised bed designs to cover our completely empty back yard. I’m not sure which material I’ll use, but I’m laying it out in SolidWorks first. Getting the layout has been one of the funnest parts because I’m able to update the design so quickly.

So, instead of shedding a tear about all the oxygen your cakehole is depleting, check out these raised bed garden designs. What would you use to make one? You can go crazy with the design, but, generally, they’re pretty quick projects to create in SolidWorks. You can also order your own raised-bed kits if you’ve spent too many earth years trying to create one. Here’s some inspiration and design details.
Continue reading ‘Earth Day: Raised-Bed Garden Designs in SolidWorks’

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

CoolGear: Not Just A Bottle Designed In SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on April 17, 2008
in Product Design
. 0 Comments

cool-gear-bottle.jpgIf only I had a ice-cold beverage that didn’t become hot and tasteless within a container that fit nicely to the shape of my hand.*sob* Your polycarbonate dreams of a cool beverage lasting till your final sip and designed in SolidWorks have arrived. CoolGear Inc. is designing their liquid holding devices in SolidWorks.

I know you’ve seen these in the stores. They have a freezing core with gel inside to keep things on the cool side. Personally, I prefer the stainless steel Kleen Kanteen types. There are entire arguments just within the container industry on the potential leeching and oversea manufacturing monopoly. Anyway, it’s an innovative product that goes beyond the ordinary water bottle.

coolgear-pill.jpg

coolgear-guppy.jpg

coolgear-riviera.jpg

Via SolidWorks

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Protomold Sample Cube: Rapid Injection Molding Goodness

Published
by
Josh
on April 9, 2008
in Product Design
. 2 Comments

protomold-sample-cube.jpgIf you’re involved in plastic design you may have heard of Protomold. If not, they’re a Rapid Injection Molding outfit. You can send them your 3D models and have a prototype created super fast for as little as $1795.

If you just completely glaze over when somebody mentions plastic design or want a interesting purple cube sitting on your desk, they have a free sample they’ll send you. It shows you good and bad practices and what to consider when creating a RIM part. Really cool.

You can go get a sample cube here.

Via Core77

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Very Cool Cutting Board Designed in SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on April 8, 2008
in Product Design
. 7 Comments

solidworks-cutting-board.jpgSlice! Dice! Oh, shazang! my favorite Scrubs episode is on right beneath my tomato slices! Sweet!

This fine example of kitchen gadgetry was created in SolidWorks 2008 and rendered in PhotoWorks by Marc Nardangeli, an industrial designer. It’s an acrylic board with a chromium handle and a flexible (OLED?) screen embedded within. The idea is, of course - to view your recipes on while you’re makin’ that magical lasagna for the kiddos.

I imagine it could come loaded with Wi-fi to access and flash memory to store your favorites. A great addition would be to link it to the top recipe sites or cooking site that has video download available.

Practical?
Maybe not the most practical when you have chicken and mushroom smeared across the display, but practicality is that stupid wall the prevents cool stuff from being thought up. There’s no reason it couldn’t work and it’s a great example of a specific solution applied to a niche market. How would you design it?

cutting-board-design01.jpg

cutting-board-design02.jpg

cutting-board-design03.jpg

ProductDesignForm Via BizToolBelt

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Buell Motorcycles Hiring Senior CAD Designer, SolidWorks Hiring Too.

Published
by
Josh
on April 8, 2008
in Product Design
. 2 Comments

buell-motorcycles.jpgLast week I gave you some tips on how to get hired on the spot. I got some good feedback from it and apparently some people are taking the advice. Like Caleb Stoll who just launched SolidWorks Unleashed and already has a healthy amount of great video posts.

Buell Motorcycles, which primarily uses SolidWorks, is looking for a Senior CAD Designer. They ask for a resume of course, but what would set you out amongst the others applying for the opportunity to design one of the coolest motorcycles around? Go for it.

Update?:SolidWorks has alos posted a job opening for a “Content & Social Media Manager.” Sounds like an interesting title huh? Here’s the specs…

The content and social media manager for SolidWorks Corporation will be responsible for leading the creation and execution of all global, online content strategies targeting a variety of customers and prospects including engineers and designers in industries ranging from machinery and metalworking to plastics and consumer goods.

So, now you have two places to try out some of your newly implemented hiring strategies. I’m sure it will also help if you tell them you read SolidSmack. :)

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Beautiful Architectural Design in SolidWorks

Published
by
Josh
on April 3, 2008
in Product Design
. 4 Comments

solidworks-architecture.jpgEvery once in a while I’ll come across some really nice looking images of models created with SolidWorks on Flickr, but finding exceptional Architectural Design created with SolidWorks is rare.

It’s not that architecture can’t be done in SolidWorks, it’s justs been focused primarily as a solution in the MCAD market. Architecture was my first interest and its excited to see some of the possibilities beyond motor housings and plastic moldings.

The designs below were created by Elmar Van Reijswoud from Gorinchem, Netherlands. He currently works at MAAQ Signing & Interior and you can check out his portfolio here.
Continue reading ‘Beautiful Architectural Design in SolidWorks’

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.

Student Designs in SolidWorks: Fruit, Rotors, Architecture and More

Published
by
Josh
on March 20, 2008
in Product Design
. 1 Comment

SolidWorks finished up their second year Student Design Contest a couple weeks ago and I’m finally getting a chance to look at some of the designs. I’m two things: hungry because I haven’t eaten breakfast and impressed cause these students did a rockin’ good job.

Most of the entries were from Universities around the world but a few were from high schools, including the winner, Matsuo Nezawa, who spent many hours modeling fruit and cacti. (The okra is a nice touch.)

All the entries look like they took an incredible amount of thought, some more than others but man, good stuff. Here’s the top three chosen. And here’s the other winning student designs.

swx-fruit.jpg

swx-rotor.jpg

swx-aec.jpg

If you haven't already, consider subscribing to SolidSmack so you can easily receive updates when new articles are published or announcements are made.