The M3D Pro's Error Recovery Demonstrated!

I know this is a Cube oriented blog.  But, our Cubes won't last forever.  So, it's important to see some viable options.

I just finished watching the M3D Live Stream which offered a Q & A session for their Pro KickStarter backers and potential backers.

During the session, they provided a link to a YouTube video that only lasts for a very few minutes; but, speaks volumes!  It's an early proof of concept test;  but, they clearly can achieve a self-aware 3D printer as promised.

Here is a link to the Error Recovery Test

We work with at-risk students and the ability of a 3D printer to recover from something like being deliberately stopped has some very real appeal! 

M3D Kickstarter Live Stream

Today, September 8, 2016 at 8:00PM, M3D will be testing Kickstarter's new Live Stream capabilities to communicate directly with people interested in hearing about their new Pro 3D printer.

I don't exactly know how the streaming, which is in beta, works; but, there is a sign-up for participating on M3D's KickStarter Page.

It's an excellent opportunity to ask questions of the M3D team.

A Glue that works with PLA

For years I have sought a glue that would work better than fingernail polish for attaching PLA.  In the quest to find a clear coat to protect 3D printed objects painted with alcohol marker ink, I think I have found it.

It's called Loctite GO2 All-Purpose ink and it does, in fact, bind PLA pieces together. 

Loctite GO2 Glue

When dry, it is flexible, much like silicone glue.  The drying time to set is about 30 minutes and the full cure time is 24 hours.

The great news is that it can do double duty.  Not only does it glue; but, it makes for an excellent clear coat that does not appear to smear alcohol marker ink.

Here's a more complete story on the IdeaRoom3D blog.

By the way, while most of the projects in the IdeaRoom3D blog are printed on an M3D Micro, the mini-blackboard project in which I create a personalized 3D printed chalkboard was printed on a Cube3.  The chalkboard paint from Rust-Oleum covered the PLA very well.  I tried it with a primer and without.  I prefer not to use a primer in the future.

Making Excellent Progress with Colorizing 3D Prints

In the short time that I have been working with the eCraft eBrush using Spectrum Noir markers, I have learned a LOT and enjoyed it even more!

This is the latest result.

Surfboard Colorized

It was printed on an M3D Micro in ABS-R and prepared for painting using a flap wheel sanding tool by Dremel and coated with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer before being painted.

The complete story on this process is in 2 articles on my IdeaRoom3D blog.

1. Preparation
2. Final Painting

Because the markers are dye based, the process should work equally well with 3D System's PLA, normal ABS and Nylon.

UPDATE ALERT ON M3D PRO

Yesterday, I received two emails communicating the progress of the M3D Pro development for those who are participating in the Kickstarter funding process.  I will be writing about this latest news later today, or tomorrow, after I have time to assess the many ramifications of the innovations that will be included in this new M3D 3D printer.  But, I can tell you now that M3D definitely gives Cube owners something to consider as their next 3D printer.

Another Step Testing Colorization

I continue to explore potential methods of adding value to 3D prints through colorizing them.  For now, I am focused on using the eBrush airbrush system and Spectrum Noir markers.  I will get around to testing these with PLA from the Cube; but, for now take a look at the results using flexible Tough 3D Ink from M3D.

Colorizing a 3D Printed Face

This is definitely showing some promise.

M3D PRO Now on Kickstarter!!!

When 3D Systems ceased production of the Cube series of printers, I began to explore alternatives.

That's when I became acquainted with M3D and the low-cost Micro 3D printer.   At YouthQuest Foundation, we have been experimenting with two of the Micro printers in our 3D ThinkLink lab and I have purchased one for my granddaughters.  It is destined to have an important role in our work with at-risk young people.  In fact, the YouthQuest Foundation's Board of Directors just approved a fund-raising campaign to purchase M3D Micro 3D printers as the anchor of a new peer mentoring program for our cadets.  So, we plan to purchase many more.

More importantly, as I studied the company behind the Micro, it was apparent that they were much more than simply a 3D printer manufacturing company.  At its heart it is an innovation company.  In fact, I was so impressed that I began the IdeaRoom3D blog to feature the M3D line of products.

Several weeks ago, I received an email from M3D that invited me to take part in a video they were creating.  Naturally, I jumped at the chance to meet the team at M3D and I am ALWAYS ready to talk about the wonderful benefits of 3D printing.

Today, I received an email that announced the opening of M3D's KickStarter campaign for the new sensor-rich M3D Pro!  Following the link, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the video in which I participated is on the Kickstarter page.  (I'm the old guy in the red shirt.)  :)

But, that is NOT why I am urging you to visit M3D's Kickstarter page.

Normally these days, I would avoid a KickStarter campaign for a new 3D printer like the plague.  So many in the recent past have ended badly.  But, this one is different.  Having been experimenting with the M3D Micro for a while now, I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am about this new development.  I have gotten to know this company and I've used their products which gives me the utmost confidence to pledge my support.

Remember that I said that M3D is more than simply a 3D printer manufacturer and at its heart M3D is an innovation company?  That is MORE than evident when one examines the M3D Pro.

I could waste your time by trying to write about all the many features I find appealing about this new, unique 3D printer.  But, the M3D KickStarter page does a much better job than I could in presenting all the wonderful new innovations it represents.

I missed out on their first KickStarter campaign for the Micro; but, we're not missing out on this one!  Count us in for a pledge!!!

Here is the Link to the M3D Kickstarter Page.

A New Series Exploring Colorizing 3D Prints

I apologize for doing this to you; but, I'm immediately going to refer you to my new blog ("IdeaRoom3D") that will focus on using M3D 3D printers and materials with an emphasis on classroom applications and creating crafts.  If you have been following this blog, it might be useful to you to also follow the new blog.

I am starting a new series  that will explore using Craftwell's eBrush airbrush system that primarily uses alcohol markers instead of traditional ink.  The goal is to use colorization to add value to the things we print.

While certainly not perfect, both the process (entirely enjoyable) and the results (better than expected) have convinced me that this system is perfect for 3D printing owners.  It's relatively easy to use, affordable and applies color quite well to both flexible and hard 3D printing materials.  I will also be testing it with the Z450 powder printer.  We have found that consumer 3D scanners use relatively low resolution color images so it is worth exploring coloring people scans with an airbrush system.

At any rate.take a look at my first try.  The article, with an image, can be found at this LINK.