I'm off in a few minutes to see my granddaughters and to take some birthday presents to a wonderful girl who is their friend.
On the spur of the moment, I decided to create a unique and special pencil box for her using my 3D printer. One of the raps about the items that can be made in a 3D printer is that plastic has so little intrinsic monetary value. But, that does not mean that an item made from plastic cannot have real value to the recipient.
And, the way to do that is to make that something a unique, one-of-a-kind item, that no one else has. The best way to do that is to personalize it. So, here is a personalized pencil box made just for Anna.
To me, personalization is one of the most important aspects of owning a 3D printer. Now I an off to deliver it to her! :)
I've been an early adopter of many, many cool products for more than a quarter of a century.
But, I don't know that I have EVER anticipated the arrival of ANY product like I am anticipating receiving the new Cube 3D Printer.
Perhaps that is because I already own a 3D printer and know how it can enhance a life. Or, perhaps it's because I've actually seen it in action and know what a great design it is. Or, perhaps it's because I will be able to pick it up and carry it anywhere because it is beautifully compact and rugged.
I could continue that last paragraph for a lot more sentences. Because there are many, many reasons why I love 3D printing and am particularly looking forward to the Cube 3D printer specifically.
I recently told my wife that of all the technologies I've embraced since the 1960's, 3D printing has to be the most personally rewarding. Having a 3D printer, along with a wonderfully easy 3D package, Moments of Inspiration, has been a real joy. There is nothing quite being able to turn abstract ideas into concrete, physical reality. Not only does it satisfy the creative instinct in us that have existed for years; but, I can tell you, personally, that it exponentially spawns completely new ideas.
I've spent the last few years researching the plasticity of the brain. Science has learned that we can GROW our brains. Learning and creativity, literally, ADDS molecular structure to our brains.
If you are a parent or grandparent that wants to encourage creativity in the lives of your children and grandchildren, then I highly recommend that you take a serious look at the Cube 3D printer. It's not just fun. It's not just artistic. 3D modeling and printing is more than the sum of its parts when it comes to expanding the mind and growing the brain.
I don't expect my head to explode from an out of control expanding brain. But, I do expect my creative ability to grow even more with the addition of the Cube. And, I expect my grand children's creativity to also take a positive leap as they come up with new ways to use 3D printing for school projects and their lives in general.
So, as you can imagine, hearing that a date has been set for the Cube to be shipped was more than a little bit exciting for me. And, after I receive it and have been able to test the designs on the Cube, itself, expect a flood of posts showing you some of the things I've enjoyed making and testing with my RapMan 3.2 3D printer.
In past posts we featured a designer from India. In fact, I think we have featured TWO designers from India. And, now we travel to Europe to meet another designer in our worldwide community and have an opportunity to learn from their 3D printing experience.
While "Lady Justice" is the sole design uploaded so far, it is actually one of a set of original figures created by Trompevenlo.
What struck me as I viewed the images for this design, was that it is obvious that it is a picture of an object that was printed by a 3D printer! Let's have a closer look. Notice the texture.
This was intriguing! So, it was time to find out more about this artist! :)
Using the key words "Bubble men", it wasn't long before I arrived at this delightful site originating in the Netherlands. Even the logo is delightful.
But, it doesn't stop there. I could show you some of the other pieces in the "Bubble Men" series along with another series called "The Scrappies". But, I'd much rather you visit their site and enjoy ALL of their work, which is definitely worth exploring. While there are areas still under construction, that will not stop you from enjoying the trip. And, I'm sure that you will join me in hoping ALL of the designs find their way to the Cubify site.
As my granddaughters would describe them "They're FUN and SPECIAL!"
But, there is another good reason for visiting www.Trompe.nl. And, that is a very informative video that shows how their designed are currently turned into bronze sculptures. I found it fascinating. I hope that Trompevenlo will share their experienceat turning designs into printed objects. I'm sure there is a lot we can learn from them.
Oh! I almost forgot. Check out their video showing the conversion of a 2D image into a 3D Cameo!
Thank you Trompevenlo for a nice trip to a nice site!
Alan Gregerman, who I mentioned in an earlier post, "Surrounded by Geniuses" encourages us to cultivate the genius that resides in all of us through developing a sense of Curiosity. If we are curious, we will cast a wide net in search of ideas that can help us with our specific interest or problem.
The Cube is an "Additive" technology. That is, we create object by ADDING plastic in layers. There is another technology that precedes the technology used by the Cube. And, that is "Subtractive" technology that is generally called CNC. CNC mills use bits to CUT AWAY material to reveal the target object.
I thought it would be instructive to nudge our curiosity in order to see if we can find some creative genius by taking a little field trip down the "Subtractive" road to see where it leads us. In particular, I'd like to see if looking at other technologies can help us appreciate the capabilities of the Cube and other 3D printers. But, we won't stop at the machines. I'm hoping we can also find some things that might be helpful in making the Cubify web site THE most satisfying it can be.
First, the machine... The iModela from Roland.
First, I want to say that Roland has been making desktop milling machines for many years. And, they are rugged and excellent. I have been using an associates MDX-15 milling machine off and on for probably 10 years and it's still going strong. It is, however, a much bigger machine than the iModela and also functions as a 3D scanner, of sorts, using a probe. Here is an image of the MDX15 for comparison.
Based on my experience with the MDX-15, it is very apparent that Roland has upped their game on an already good product. First, they now include a sound dampening cover. While all current 3D machines make some noise, these things are really loud. And, as you can imagine, they throw some dust.
So, lets see the iModela in action...
As you can see, if you make it through the video there is a lot of set up to prepare the iModela for action. In particular, adjusting the cutting blade is still a pain. What is not clear is if they have fixed the problems of absolute repeatability from one session to another if there is an interval between sessions.
On the positive side, the resolution of the iModela is going to be better than that of the Cube and, if it follows the MDX-15, it can cut aluminum quite easily.
What is CANNOT do is create complex shapes in one pass. Here is where the Cube really outdoes the iModela. Now, they SHOW some apparently complex shapes on the iModela web site. But, these are not created in a single pass. And, Roland should be credited for clearly showing potential users what they have to do to create those more complex objects.
There is a fair amount of filing and glue that is used! Now, we can paint Cube parts. And, we can glue Cube parts. But, that is not necessary in order to create a very complex shape, like this marvelous item from designer Aryan called "Ball in a Cage" which can be created on the Cube as one printing session in one piece! (Nice job, Aryan!)
And, consider this model title "ED209" , also by Aryan...
I'm sure that we can agree that it would take a LOT if gluing together components if all one had was a CNC mill. Yet, a 3D Printer, like the Cube can create this in a single session as long as we want it as a static model. It's even possible to design it so that parts can move and still print it as one item.
Both additive and subtractive systems have their strengths and weakness. But, having used a CNC, dollar for dollar, I'd choose the Cube for the kinds of things I want to to do. The benefits of "Additive" technology simply outweigh the benefits of "Subtractive" technologies for those things that I envision making. Still, that does NOT diminish the obvious usefulness of the iModela and it's great to see the improvements. And, that includes the fact that they seem to have vastly improved the software for this new product. And, that brings us to my real reason for wanting to go on this little field trip.
With rare exception I REALLY I like the iModela Home Page as a portal for consumer customers. They really seem to have hit the bulls eye when it comes to hitting their target market... hobbyists. I love the color and the action of the scrolling panel that covers just about every aspect that one would want to know about the product, the software and what it can do. They demonstrate the capability with a wide variety of bright and vividly colorful objects.
Then, just below the scrolling panel they present a number of videos that further demonstrate the iModela experience. I have a love/hate response to some of the videos. First, most have music that may or may not go over well if I want to explore this site in places other than home. Secondly, while I appreciate Roland's honesty, some of the videos actually demonstrate why I DON'T want a CNC machine. As I said, there is a LOT of filing and gluing.
But, what the iModela site lacks is very important to point out!
It is very, very difficult to find a single USEFUL item on their page. I see a lot of plastic trinkets. And, a lot of painted funny characters. But, do they REALLY think all we want to do in 3D is create dime store trinkets???
I think the design goals of those interested in creating 3D objects are a lot more diverse than that. Yea. I DO want to create SOME funny creatures. And, I DO want to create some stamping tools or key chains. But, I want to create a LOT more than that.
I want to create USEFUL things. And, while I KNOW that the Roland is perfectly capable of creating some of those useful things. I want them to acknowledge the fact that desire by including a few.
And, that brings me back to the Cubify site... where 3D Systems has done just that. Based on the fact that the item Mark3DS uploaded has the 3D Systems logo, I'm guessing that he works for them. Here is a an elegantly simple and very useful "Smart Phone Prop".
By the way, Mark3DS also provided us with the perfect way to leave our little field trip by giving us "Helical Art", the perfect example of something an "Additive" system can do that a "Subtractive" system can only dream about doing!
Designers like Aryan, Mark3DS and the Cube are why I'm DEFINITELY a Cubify Fan!!!
What can the Cubify community learn from a former clown?
A LOT!!!
Especially when the clown in question is Derek Sivers, the founder of CDBaby, a hugely successful site where thousands of musicians sell their music.
Consider this short talk titled "How to Start a Movement"
We are about to embark on a movement. A HUGE movement. A REALLY HUGE movement! And, if we are to be leaders in that movement we need to recognize that every person in that movement is critical to its success. You can't have a crowd without participants as witnessed by this video!
I hope you realize that if you are reading this blog, that you are going to be able to look back twenty years from now and proudly point out that you were there at the beginning of a wide open opportunity for untold numbers of people and you were smart enough to be a part of it.
Few things could validate your genius more than joining the Cubify.com community and then encouraging others to join. As our numbers grow so will the enthusiasm and realization of the full scope of the importance of what we are doing in a way that I doubt any of us can appreciate just now. But, as author Malcolm Gladwell explains so well, at some critical moment the Tipping Point will be reached and an explosion of creativity and opportunity will be unleashed.
That is what this blog is all about... helping each of us realize the incredible opportunity coming our way through both a new technology and our new peer-to-peer community.
I urge you to subscribe to Derek Sivers by going to his site. His marketing observations will be a big help to you as you come up with 3D designs to offer to others in our community. His CDBaby experience will be invaluable to you. Reading "The Tipping Point" is another great way to prepare as we wait for the release of the Cube and final version of Cubify.com.
Finally, I love to see and point out the work of creative people. So, I'd like to urge you to create your own blog where you can highlight your work and make contact with your own fans. And, please send me a link so that I can enjoy it as well!. Working together is what a community is all about.
I met Denise O'Connor, the first follower of this blog, through the blog that she writes about paper crafting. She's new to 3D printing. But, I doubt if she will be new very long. She's an incredibly talented and helpful person. Check our her blog, Purple Paper Paradise, and see why she's a well respected leader in the paper craft field. I'm sure you will pick up some ideas about how to make a site that people want to visit.
By the way, I fully expect Denise to be THE key person that introduces the crafting community to the wonderful benefits of being able to enhance their work through 3D printing. I'm proud to knw her and I'm very glad that she's here.
In the coming days we will explore some other possible ways to set your designs apart from the noise as Cube owners, and others, search out items to meet their needs.
My granddaughters (9 & 12) and I spent some time this weekend checking out the videos from CES that show the Cube 3D printer in action. They are as excited as I am at the prospect of being able to print real objects in 3D in their very own home and school. What's not to like about that!!!
By the way, the Nano bracelet was a huge hit since the oldest got a Nano for Christmas.
Here are some of our favorite videos. I thought it would be a good idea to bring five of the best of them together in one place. The "Views" indicates the number of YouTube views that were reported at the time this entry was composed.
I hope this is helpful to you in your quest to learn more about Cubify.com and the Cube 3D printer.
1.. Submitted by: Cubify3Ds Views: 36,900
The initial introductory video produced by 3D Systems. Excellent overview of both Cubify.com and the Cube 3D printer.
2. Submitted by: Hak5Darren Views: 3,045
Probably the most comprehensive video thus far. It's a live interview
with Cathy Lewis of 3D Systems. You have to endure some ads. But, it's
worth it,
3. Submitted by: TechReviewChannel09 Views: 309
An excellent introduction to the Cube by Rajeev Kulkarni, General Manger of the Consumer Solutions Div., 3D Systems for C/Net
4. Submitted by: HotelGansevoort Views: 835
Another excellent interview of Cathy Lewis, VP International Marketing of 3D Systems. presenting an introduction to Cubify.com and the Cube.
5. Submitted by: PCPro Views: 4,459
A short, but very clear, view of a Nano bracelet being printed. Good video for catching the printing strategy used by the Cube printing open spaces without support materials.
Here are some links to additional Cube videos we watched...
In thinking about the possibilities related to the invitation to create and upload apps to Cubify, it dawned on me that stating the obvious might not be a bad thing to do.
Apps will not have to be complex to be extremely useful.
In fact, having a large number of single purpose apps is probably MORE useful in encouraging home users to consider 3D than a handful of comprehensive 3D applications that might be difficult to learn. Let's use our imaginations to see just how simple an app might be and still be, potentially, wildly popular.
First, lets examine the output of the app. All it would do is create a simple heart shaped pendent with a partially customized message. We'll call our imaginary app "HeartExpressions"
The customization, in this case, can be as little as having the user enter a name. That's it.
The user opens the app, enters the name, presses "Print" and the 3D Object could be ready to be printed.
The important thing is to remember that developers don't have to feel that they must deliver comprehensive applications that do all things for all people. Sometimes it is the little things that mean the most. And, I can guarantee you, that if you create an app that I can use to create custom messages in little pendents for special occasions, I will DEFINITELY buy it!
I would like to encourage app developers to ponder the many benefits of simple extrusion in creating 3D Objects that will have broad appeal to consumers. The heart, above, is just one example. For inspiration explore the world of paper crafting. A good place to start is Denise O'Conner's Purple Paper Paradise Blog or Nicole Boucher's Nicki's Cardstock Creations blog both of which are full of creative projects that can give app developers ideas for some very nice single purpose apps that would appeal to the crafting community.
