If you are in search of a workflow that will enable you to efficiently prepare 3D scanned data for use in Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (MCAD) software environments, then you’ll want to know about R3DS Wrap 3 (Wp3). In short, Wp3 is a software application that non-rigidly fits a lightweight optimized basemesh to your imported scan data precisely matching it in all its glory! As if this were not enough, Wp3 basemeshes are formatted using four-sided or quad shaped polygons instead of triangles which is truly golden when it comes to preparing for use in MCAD! More on this in a moment. Digital Human Model MCAD Integration You might ask “Why…
Most readers of SolidSmack know how computer microchips work. But have you taken a good look at one, recently? I mean, a REALLY good look? To get a better sense of just how tiny the electronics in a microchip are, the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (or NISE Net for short) zoomed into an old microchip to see up close what makes them tick: Starting with a high-definition digital DSLR camera, the crew gets an excellent naked eye look at the chip. There isn’t much to see here, other than the accumulating dust on the outer sides of the chip and a closer look at the opened insides at the…
It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved smart device(s)! The Weekly App Smack is the best of new or updated design and productivity apps (and maybe a couple of fun ones, too) for the busy design or engineering professional. This week we have a list sure to make you more efficient. Do you have an app suggestion that has made your life easier or changed up your workflow? Let us know in the comments below or send it into tips@solidsmack.com. Hit it! SketchAR: learn how to draw (iOS — Free) Learn how to draw using new SketchAR 5.0 technology – computer vision and augmented…
After sanding a sheet of aluminum to a mirror finish, YouTube creator Skills and Trade decided to take their sanding skills a step further and try their hand at sanding and polishing a mini-fridge. Here’s what went down: Contrary to what you might think, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the fridge. It doesn’t have rust on its edges, nor does it look aged in any form or manner. In fact, the only reason they seem to be sanding and polishing it is, well, because they have a friggin’ sander and they can. Just like with their previous aluminum sheet project, they spray Alumicut lubricant over the front of the mini-fridge before starting the…
Get that stretch out of your system with this week’s Spotify-powered SolidSmack Radio Playlist. It’s fashioned up, ready to make you pull your shoulder blades back and knock out another week of meaningful work while you bob your head to the beat. Whether you’re in the shop milling aluminum, sketching the latest product prototypes or modeling up a 3D storm, consider these tracks as a tool for your process. This week on SolidSmack Radio we’re kicking things off with the classic “Lust for Life” from Iggy Pop before diving into tracks from Spoon, Wilco, Lana Del Ray, Ariel Pink, and others before wrapping up “Catfish Kate” from the original alt-rockers,…
Mondays might not be your favorite day of the week, but the good news is that we’re all in this together ladies and gentlemen. As purveyors of prime Grade A web content, the SolidSmack crew has done some of the heavy-lifting to make sure you get your Mondays started on the right track. Welcome to The Monday List. Every Monday, we link you up with some of the most insightful, informative, and socially-relevant stories to keep tabbed, bookmarked, reading listed, pocketed, or what have you to get your week started on the right foot. Be sure to check in each week for a new crop of freshly sprouted words curated straight…