Over the past few years, we’ve seen a bevy of “Maker Videos” that document how a traditional craftsman works and the philosophy behind his or her work. In contrast, there’s been a growing parallel interest in the strange fascination of destroying manufactured objects, too. But despite all of the iPhones dropped off of parking garages,…
There was a time when 3D modeling seemed out of reach for the everyday computer user (and oddly, even the designer or engineer), with accessibility locked into complex installations, licensing agreements and maintenance contracts. But now, more and more programs are dedicated to providing a wider audience access to 3D modeling tools. While many 3D programs are expensive or require high-end computers, a startup out of Slovakia is hoping to teach the masses with their new cloud-based 3D design tool named Vectary.
When you work with an Industrial Designer (or as one) and you’re developing a physical product you want to bring to market, at some point you will probably have to make a functional model or a working prototype. There are many levels of possible mock-ups. Usually, in the later design phases or pre-production stages, you will need to make multiples of a product for field testing. In this case you will often want to simulate your part as a production part using materials that emulate the final injection molded product. Urethane is ideal in this case and a simple two-part silicon mold will get you there.
With so many cool things coming out each week, it can be hard to wade through all the rock-awesomeness. With ‘Cool Tools’, we’ve done the hard work for you. This week we saw a new (free) writing app that deletes all of your words once the time goes off (!!), a candle that mimics a…
You’ve heard the joke. An engineer walks into a bar, unboxes a Chromebook and says, “I bet you, I can load Onshape on this here Chromebook in 10 seconds flat.” The bartender say, “No flippin’ way! You’re high on the crack cocaine! You can have the finest whiskey in this fine establishment if you can.” Well, the engineer flips open the Chromebook and before the bartender can even scoff, he’s got Onshape open, is spinnin’ the model, and chuggin’ straight from a bottle of Bushmills 21 Year Old Single Malt.