Morphi is a (sort of) free app for the iPad, Mac, and Windows devices that lets users push, pull, and craft 3D creations via a touchpad device. Its simple nature makes it ideal for starting kids out in the world of 3D modeling and showcasing their work — with tools such as stop motion and AR/VR to name a few. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fgGrdVTAn0 The app has been out for quite a while now, receiving a slew of updates since its 2014 release on the iPad. In its newest 3.4 patch, Morphi has added 3D visualization/rendering tools which now allows users to add and edit textures onto 3D models, put in some basic object…

Don your favorite bathrobe, cream that coffee and get comfortable with this week’s SolidSmack Weekend Reader. The Weekend Reader features a handful of the most interesting articles featured on the ‘Smack over the past week ranging from tips and tricks to inspirational designs, processes, and more. So lay back, relax and take a load off while reading the top stories on SolidSmack this past week. Oh and uh…don’t forget to shed some much-needed sunlight on your face, too. Make a Massive 8-Foot A-10 Warthog -(From Dollar Store Foam Board) Have you ever fancied building and fly your own model aircraft? Well nowadays its more possible than ever, and even on…

While the Nintendo Switch Labo lets you create your own external peripherals, there’s no getting around the fact the vanilla Labo consists of flimsy cardboard. To this end, people have been finding other materials to better improve Nintendo’s ambitious—but in some cases, materially flawed—creation. And what better material to use than LEGOs! Apart from being a bit on the heavy side when all is said and done, LEGOs are a perfect stand-in for cardboard—such as what industrial designer Vimal Patel did with his own Labo. While he has made accessories such as a steering wheel controller and several stands for the Nintendo Switch prior to the Labo’s release, the Labo really…

Near the end of last year, Shapr3D revealed that the kernel in their 3D modeling iOS app had been replaced with Siemens’ Parasolid. This week, they’ve revealed their sketch engine has been replaced by Siemens’ D-Cubed–the same sketch engine used in SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, Solid Edge, NX, Onshape and others. What does this mean? Shapr3D is now using the exact same dev components as the big boys. It also means, if you ever wanted something like a SOLIDWORKS on the iPad… well, the complete package is finally here. Forget that we’ve been thinking and talking about this since 2010 and that it’s now 2018. Someone finally did it and, as I…

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’ll get the groove going with the super chill “Blood Red Sentimental Blues” from Cotton Jones before diving into fresh tracks from Real Estate, Ariel Pink, Tennis, Jerry Paper, and others before wrapping things up with…

When it comes to precision assemblies and repairs, no two screwdrivers are alike. And while you may have an entire tool caddy loaded with precision screwdrivers for whatever job comes at you, you’re still not doing your wrist any favors. With a 100+ RPM motor with both forward and reverse controls, the first-of-its-kind General Tools 500 Cordless Power Precision Screwdriver is a must for effortless work sessions—be it assembling your latest prototype or simply swapping out batteries on your favorite device. The quick-change chuck allows for effortless swapping between 1/8-inch slotted, Phillips and Torx bits while an ergonomic handle design provides multiple grip positions to accommodate a variety of working…