Glow Forge: The one Non-Additive Manufacturing Product that Interests Me

When we set up the 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab in our YouthQuest Foundation offices, we very specifically decided that, unlike the usual maker spaces, we would concentrate ALL of our energies in providing the ultimate in 3D scanning, design and printing experiences for our at-risk students and their teachers.

Personally, my interests are in line with that focused vision.

But, I have to admit, there is one non-additive product that has captured my imagine in a big way.

It's a desktop laser cutter called Glow Forge.

Glow Forge Laser Cutter

I don't know whether it's the convenient size, the fact that they include an air filter in all but the most basic model (meaning no need for outside venting) or the fact that it has a camera that let's you simply draw your design with a pen or pencil and it will follow it.  Perhaps it is all three.

Or, just maybe it's the fact they they call the Glow Forge "The 3D Laser Cutter"!

But, whatever the reason, it's got me salivating over all the fun and creative things it can do.

This is a 3D PRINTING blog.  So, I'm not going to write any more.  But, I promise you that your creative juices will flow as you read about the Glow Forge laser cutter.

Glow Forge Laser Cutter.


Here is a YouTube video from Tested.com that helps explain why I am so stoked over the Glow Forge's potential.

Kind of self explanatory isn't it?

As Doors Close, New Doors Open!

The Cubify.com site is expected to be closed on Jan 16, 2016.  From that point on, all of the updates and accessories will be obtained through the 3D Systems web site.  Once the changeover is complete I will post the pertinent links.

But, life is a series of passages and as old doors close, new doors open.

One such new door is in the area of 3D Scanning.  In particular it involves a whole new breed of ultrabook class computers that include Intel's new RealSense scanner technology.

While the hardware might suggest a single development path, the reality will be quite different.  The reason why I believe that the RealSense scanning hardware is simply a launching platform is that there are already mulltiple early teams taking different paths on making use of RealSense to capture 3D scans.

Sense for RealSense, from 3D Systems brings us a Win8/10 app that encapsulates the scanning experience suitable for both local and cloud printing.   (An updated link to come after the Cubify move)

ItSeez3D takes a cloud-based approach.  Originally developed for the iSense or Structure scanners, they have ported the app for Win8/10 for 4th generation Haswell Intel Core processor products (or newer) using Intel's RealSense technology.

XYZPrinting recently introduced a handheld USB 3.0 RealSense scanner that is available from B&H Photo for just $168.90!   It includes scanning software.

While it doesn't appear on the Creative web site as yet, Creative produced the RealSense cameras for Intel's RealSense pre-release SDK package!

But, the company that prompted me to claim that techniques for taking advantage of RealSense are going to blossom in new directions is CAppASITY.  While I have not been able to test the product, Easy 3D Scan, the samples they display are fascinating.  It appears they provide the capability of using a Canon SLR with RealSense to producing high fidelity textures!  The result look stunning.

I'm a Canon 5D Mark II user, so this REALLY appeals to me.  :)

They have other products for scanning rooms and articles.  Very interesting.

All of this is brand new so we are just beginning to be able pull back the covers.  But, the little we know at this point sure peaks our interest. 

I recently purchased the HP Spectre 12-a000 X2 (m3 chip) which is a 12 tablet having the R200 (Rear Facing) Real Sense camera and have already done some testing using Sense for RealSense at the 3D ThinkLink Creativity Lab at our YouthQuest headquarters.  We invited cadets from our Youth Challenge classes to take part in a focus-group giving feedback on their scanning experiences comparing the handheld Sense and tablet-based RealSense.  Their observations will be published on the YouthQuest site.  I'll let you know when it's available.  I can tell you we certainly had fun learning to optimize the experience.  RealSense is real.  :)


We're ready to charge through this new open door!  :)