So much news and so little time!
As the world of product design and engineering continues to shift shape thanks to recent developments in digital fabrication, cheaper and more powerful CAD platforms, an ever-increasing interest from a younger generation, and all-around interest in the field, SolidSmack exists to help drive the future of product design and engineering forward by bringing you the news.
Over the last year in 3D printing-related news, we saw everything from Local Motors’ 3D printed car to a Netflix documentary that sealed the deal for pushing 3D printing into the mainstream. Altogether, 2014 has shaped up to be the biggest year for developments in 3D printing yet.
Here, we’ve rounded up ten of of our most-read stories over the past 12 months that helped lead us into another great year of pushing the boundaries for what’s to come next in 2015.
Totally Weird Video Shows How 3D Printing is Faster Than Injection Molding
“I know, I know. After The Objet 1000 video, there was a hole in your soul that could only be filled by oddly informative, yet disturbing videos delivering the future of 3d printing in oddly informative, yet disturbing ways (emphasis on disturbing). While it lacks the sing-along qualities we desire, this new 3D Systems video delivers the totally weird, disturbing vibe, plus shows how 3D printing is faster than injection molding…”
A Closer Look at HP’s First 3D Printer and Multi Jet Fusion Technology
“Let’s be honest here: talking about new 3D printers has become an almost nauseating exercise. From Kickstarter dreams to different sizes of MakerBots, very little has truly changed the game of speed, quality and cost of getting something 3D printed. The Multi Jet Fusion technology announced by HP this morning has not only changed the game, it effectively positioned HP to control the entire court on which everybody plays…”
Bre Pettis Steps Down as CEO of MakerBot
“When MakerBot Industries was founded by Adam Mayer, Bre Pettis and Zach “Hoeken” Smith in early 2009, few (especially Adam, Bre and Zach) could have ever expected that the company would have taken off as much as it has…”
Autodesk’s Three Part Plan to Take Over 3D Printing
“Grunt, squeeze and pop that 3D printed champagne cork. Yesterday, at Autodesk University, the software company that serves manufacturing, architectural and the media and entertainment industries pushed further into additive manufacturing with three announcements…”
DIY Weekend Smack: Sugru Overmolding Using 3D Printed Molds
“Since it was developed by a post-grad student in Kilkenny, Ireland–Jane Ní Dhulchaointigh–Sugru has been an indispensable tool for those looking to apply quick fixes to industrial design problems ranging from weak iPhone cords to sharp edges and protective bumpers…”
Joshua Harker Deep-Dives Into New 3D Printing Territory With ‘Mazzo di Fiori’
“Artist, Designer and Inventor Joshua Harker (yes, he of Crania Anatomica Filigre fame) is at it again with an all-new Kickstarter campaign. After having raised over $75,000 for his 3D printed skull–which is still the most-funded sculpture project ever on Kickstarter–Harker is exploring new territory with the goal to help raise funds towards developing next-generation 3D printing technology with his Mazzo di Fiori & the Next Generation 3D Printer project that launched today…”
Netflix Premieres Their ‘Print the Legend’ 3D Printing Documentary Today
“Earlier this year SolidSmack reported on ‘Print the Legend’, a feature-length documentary that focused on the 3D printing revolution and what has become of it. Starting today, the film will be available on Netflix as one of their ‘Netflix Original’ documentaries…”
3D Printing Biomimicry Leads to Righteous Ripping
“Where the soft calls of ocean mammals meet carefully extruded polycarbonate plastic, high-performing and beautiful surfboard fins are born. Boardshaper Roy Stuart has combined two things that will save the world: biomimicry and 3D printing…”
We Got Up Close and Personal With Local Motors’ 3D Printed Car
“Earlier this week, SolidSmack reported on Local Motors’ latest project, the Strati. Having began with a crowdsourced design competition, the Strati is a single-print 3D printed electric car that is pushing Local Motors into a new territory as an on-demand automobile manufacturer…”
The Sugar Lab Founders Liz and Kyle von Hasseln Talk Shop and 3D Printing Sugar
“Back in May of 2013, SolidSmack reported on a couple that found themselves in a horrible predicament: they wanted to bake a birthday cake for a beloved friend, however they didn’t have an oven. Being the design savvy couple that they are, a 3D printed cake of their own design seemed like the best alternative. ..”
