In 3D CAD TECH

Wisdom of the Crowd: Going Wireless with Almond+ and Pinoccio Open-source Hardware

2 Mins Read

This post is part of our series on cool crowd-funded projects that are pushing forward technology in product development and introducing innovative product design. They’re all projects we’re contributing to as well. If you would like to participate and share your project or another you find interesting, submit it to kickit@www.solidsmack.com or let us know on Twitter @solidsmack with the hashtag #kickit.

When you don’t have enough wireless waves penetrating the thin membrane of your brain cage, you can always insure there’s new technology to boost the bands at the local crowdfunding sites. We’ve got a double dose for you this week with nifty gadgets to give you an edge on hardware development and update that hideous chuck of WiFi-providing plastic that we are ever so thankful connects you with this blog.

Read More
In DESIGN

The Beauty of Hand-crafted, Laser-cut Wood Charts (and Where They Come From)

3 Mins Read

Strap on your sea legs and spin up the laser cutter. Nautical charts are some of the best types of prints to plaster on the wall to give off an air of eclectic charm. You can, however, bump it up a notch with versions made out of wood, layers and layers of silky laser-cut wood. Little did I know that these wondrous layers of birch byways and coastlines were quite plentiful online, even available via Amazon. Finding out who actually manufactured them and how they went about creating them is a whole other story though.

Read More
In DESIGN

EngineerVsDesigner Episode 61: Carl Bass

1 Min Read

As if 2013 couldn’t get any better folks, EngineerVsDesigner is BACK! Yes we caught a few fishes but mainly we slayed the dragons and drank hot toddies. Now that we’re back, it’s time to get the party started with an individual who not only resides over his wood shop with magical powers but is also the CEO of Autodesk–Mr. Carl Bass! Hang tight and we’ll talk with Carl all about what’s happening with CAD in the Cloud, 3D printing, and how he gets his mystical powers. Be sure to check out this episode and our archive featuring over 60 interviews with some of the design industry’s biggest movers and shakers.

Read More
In RADIO

SolidSmack Radio | Sketch Slayer Playlist

1 Min Read

Are you constantly listening to the same Pandora station? How about the same iTunes album on repeat? Not any more folks–today brings us the all-new SolidSmack Radio powered by Spotify! Each Tuesday we’ll bring you the best of what’s new, as well as the best of what’s around. From powering through sketch sessions to racing through a final CAD iteration, SolidSmack Radio will keep you fueled up and also keep you updated with the best in new music from all genres. This week we’ll include some classics from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and David Bowie, as well as check out the latest offerings from artists such as The Knife and Jagwar Ma. Rock!

Read More
In DESIGN

Atomic Lighting Tubes Make Your Room Glow (and How To Make Your Own)

3 Mins Read

After the last time you wrapped strings of LED’s around your neighbor’s cat and sent it running through the dark shopping isles after pulling the fire alarm, you may be looking for a new, less flea-ridden project to satiate your LED lusts. May I grant you inspiration from Malgorzata Ratajczak and Sebastian Szlabs, the crafters of unique, hand-crafted lighting and creators of the Atomic lighting tubes. They’ve slapped the acronyms together to shoot LED infused lamp light from an array of PVC piping patterns. It’s certainly eye-catching and a light design that’s not all that hard to create yourself.

Read More