The move to the hinterland was upon us. We had shards of daylight split between vast nights, bridged only by the shifting tree worm’s shrieks. We were not sure if the wooded channel actually existed, but we were sure of the Hintergurgle. For once it knew what you were after, it would do everything to protect these links. Xiaodi Jin – Airy and ethereal are two words that come to mind, but then you’ve also got fat lava giants and other beasties. Rogue Falcon – Is it possible to make a Nissan Rogue look like the Mellinium Falcon? Outside of flattening it… pretty close. Mother’s Day Coupon Pack – It’s…
We all know Eric Strebel is a savant when it comes to prototype making. He’s done a hundred cast parts from a single master part, used a CNC machine to manufacture 200 vaccum-formed panels, and even showed us how to finish and paint different molds. In his latest video, Strebel dips into the world of slip casting and combines his knowledge of resin casting to create a prototype for a medicinal blow molded part. The trick involves stacking several layers of resin. Before mixing the resin, Strebel prepares a translucent color pigment which he then adds to the mixture. Once the mixture looks like purple slime that could double as…
When it comes to side projects, hours become days, days become weeks, and weeks can often become months or years. But what if getting a minimum viable product created could happen on a Saturday…assuming you aren’t building a flying car? Many successful entrepreneurs have been touting the benefits of the 1-Day MVP—a one-day, all-out sprint to go from fresh idea to app or hardware prototype. Sure, some projects may take a little more energy and time than others, but having the process and infrastructure in place to successfully glide ideas along is what counts the most. Which is exactly the premise behind the 1-Day MVP 2.0 online training course; one…
Researchers at CMU’s Morphing Matter Lab have developed a technique for 4D printing that could prove popular. 4D printing, if you are not familiar, is a variation of 3D printing in which the printed object is not static but somehow changes shape after normal 3D printing completes. There are a number of research projects underway in this area exploring ideas such as automatic unfolding of objects larger than the build volume, or mechanical muscles or even switches. The CMU MML project developed a rather simple technique for creating such shapes, in particular when the trigger for folding is heat. They devised several simple shapes and printed a flat, unfolded representation…
Autodesk’s SketchBook program, which serves as a jumping-off point for many artists, engineers, and CAD designers, is now totally free! I know what you’re thinking, but for now, there seem3 to be no strings attached to this deal. According to a blog post by Senior Product Manager Colin Smith, the aim of making SketchBook free is to give creators easy access to a fast sketching tool. And seeing as most people hurry towards anything that’s free, SketchBook aim’s to be the tool they’re looking for. Here, industrial designer Reid Schlegel breaks down his design process and how he integrates the tool into his workflow: Past subscribers to Sketchbook no longer…
Cherished by writers, designers, illustrators, and other creative professionals for its soft dark lead and unique flat eraser, the Blackwing 602 is worth trying at least once—but be forewarned: you may never go back to plain old #2 pencils again. Originally manufactured by the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company from 1934 – 1988, the Blackwing brand was acquired by California Cedar Products Company in 2008 and reintroduced to a new generation of creatives in 2012. And now, you can score your own 12-pack of the legendary pencil for just 23 bucks. Palomino Blackwing 602 Pencils 12-Pack — $22.95 Features: One pack of 12 Palomino Blackwing pencils Pencils feature a soft and…