Germany-based voxeljet announced a new 3D printing process they call HSS. voxeljet is known for their line of very large format 3D printers, which are specialized for the production of casting molds. Many companies use voxeljet technology to produce large cast metal parts, and in many circumstances, do so much more effectively than using conventional metal casting techniques. But the new HSS technology from voxeljet actually doesn’t involve metal – or casting, for that matter. It’s all about plastic. voxeljet has adapted their existing technology to create HSS. Their “core technology” used to create large casting molds involves jetting binder on a powder surface, which hardens to form the mold.…
For all of the nauseating “Smartphone of the Future” noise we’ve been hearing over the past week, let’s take a minute to go back to basics. SolidSmack favorite YouTuber Primitive Technology, a mastermind in working with natural materials to create functional shelters and objects, recently created his own furnace using—yep, primitive technology—for manufacturing ceramic goods. The simple design, which is made from mud and sticks, could theoretically also be used to smelt metals. “The purpose of this project was to test a simplified blower design connected to a furnace,” he explains. “I purposely did this to show that people in most natural environments should be able to replicate this design…
When it comes to long hours working in the shop, good quality and comfortable workwear couldn’t be more underrated. Heck—why wouldn’t you want to be comfortable? And while that beloved Pearl Jam 1994 World Tour shirt may do the job a few days out of the week, there’s no denying that there’s always room in the closet. And in our humble opinion, the Workwear Pocket Long Sleeve T-shirt from Carhartt is the perfect addition for all your work wear needs. Whether worn by itself or as a base layer, the rugged 100% cotton jersey-knit crew neck shirt includes a large left-chest pocket and a side-seamed construction pattern to minimize uncomfortable…
It’s time for another round of apps that cover the spectrum of your beloved mobile 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 and 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@www.solidsmack.com. Hit it! Trello (iOS — Free) Trello gives you perspective over all your projects, at work and at home. Logo Foundry (iOS -…
We’ve said it time and time again, but the Raspberry Pi is just so dang cool and we believe all designers and engineers should have one in their toolkit—if not on their desktop. While there is a bit of a slight learning curve, it’s nothing that today’s designers and engineers can’t handle on a leisurely Saturday. So why not start now? The Raspberry Pi Mastery Bundle includes 8 courses to get started creating your very own Amazon Echo or even a ‘vintage’ streaming internet radio over a weekend. Throw in your own 3D printed housings, and the opportunities are limitless! For a limited time, The Raspberry Pi Mastery Bundle is…
Welcome to our new ‘Ask An Engineer’ series, where Dan Slaski addresses questions that have you losing sleep or staring off into space during important meetings. Have a question for Dan? Send it in. Question: Why aren’t there more women in Engineering and what can be done to change that? Dear the Future Is Female, This is an important question with many complex social factors at play. I am a witness to this phenomenon but not an expert in a way that it would be appropriate to speak authoritatively on ‘the why’. The few female engineers I have had the opportunity to work with have been superb and more women designers of…