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.

3d Systems Introduces WOOD Filament for the CubePro

This one caught me by surprise!

3D Systems as introduced wood filament along with an upgraded nozzle that allows the CubePro to use it.

CubePro Wood Filament

You can learn more about it HERE..

Not only have they concentrated on bringing this filament to CubePro users, they have exerted a great deal of effort in presenting finishing techniques that are sure to be useful for a wide variety of applications.

Finished 3D Printed Wood Objects

The techniques are outlined in a .PDF available on the Wood Filament product page.

New Nozzle

In  order to use the new wood filament, you will need to purchase and install a new "Advanced Nozzle" which costs $99.

Advanced Nozzle

The instructions for installing the new nozzle are also available on the Wood Filament product page.

I wish I could tell you how well it works; but, this new filament came as a complete surprise to me.  I can say that it is innovative enough for us to be very interested in using it in YouthQuest's 3D ThinkLink Lab.  The Nylon was a game changer and from everything I have learned about the wood filament, it is destined to be a game-changer as well!

For our cadets to be able to design wooden parts that could actually be incorporated into designs of actual wood fixtures is an important step forward in giving them practical and marketable skills.

Thank you CubePro team!!!  

Visiting MakeShaper and Witnessing Resilience Firsthand

Last week, I was teaching in the Virginia Beach area and decided, since I was already more than halfway there, that I would make a visit to MakeShaper's headquarters in Sanford, NC.   I like to get to know the people behind the products that we use and talk about in this blog.  I expected a find evidence of a commitment to quality.  But, nothing could prepared me for the lengths to which MakeShaper is making to ensure THE highest quality is delivered to their filament customers.

 A Tour to Remember

While I can't discuss all the steps that I saw being taken to produce the highest quality product, I can say that they even go so far as to build their own proprietary machinery if that is what it takes to better their peers.\

MakeShaper is a division of Static Control Components, which began in a garage about 30 years ago.  They sure have come a long way since then.  The facility, which creates 2D printer cartridges as well as the 3D filament that are of interest to us is absolutely massive!  Touring the facility is not only enlightening, it's exhausting for an old guy.  But, it was well worth it.

Resilience and Perseverance on a Grand Scale

And, speaking of old guys, one of the most impressive aspects of the tour came in the form of a piece of art and a photograph memorializing a day that could have been the end of Static Control Components (SCC).  In April of 2011 multiple tornadoes touched down in Sanford and decimated SCC's facilities.  The founder of SCC was 75 at the time and the damage was so severe that many though he simply might walk away.  But, he did not. They were contacting customers and shipping product in days.   Please read this story and view the images of the devastation.

Here is a link to a news video that is well worth visiting if you want to understand the company's character.

MakeShaper for 1st and 2nd Gen Cube & CubePro - More to come

The Makeshaper division is relatively young when compared to the age of parent organization.  So, their product line is still growing.  We saw 3D printers of virtually every make and model being used to develop and test new products.  The current filament choices available for the 1st and 2nd Cube and CubePro are limited to Red, Green, Blue, Black & White in PLA and ABS.  But, I expect that more choices will be forthcoming after extensive testing. 

More than Just Filament

Joining me on this visit was Jeff Epps of the Richmond County school system just miles from MakeShaper's headquarters.  A good deal of the time of the visit was devoted to talking about how 3D design and printing can literally change lives of at-risk students.   Both of us came away impressed by what we heard from MakeShaper's management. 

They 'get it'.

So, I don't expect that this meeting will be the last time we meet together to talk about our common goals in the communities in which we serve.

Bottom Line for 1st and 2nd Gen Cube & CubePro Owners.

The reason why I made the trip was to see if I could find evidence as to the steps MakeShaper was taking to ensure that we could trust their products in our printers.  I came away feeling that they are striving to be the manufacturer of THE most reliable filament available.

The comprehensive testing is there.  In fact, the level of testing is so much higher than the industry norm that I cannot even write about it in detail. 

The construction is there.  Every cartridge contains a bag of moisture protection INSIDE the cartridge for continuous protection.  The moisture protection bags are much heavier for additional storage protection.

The price is there.  Currently a 2nd Gen Cartridge is just $25 with free shipping for orders over $50.

So, I would urge you to consider trying MakeShaper.  And, let me know what you think.  After all, the real testing is in YOUR hands.  Only you can attest that the MakeShaper alternative is right for Cube owners.  But, I trust you will find my assessment to match your own.

MakeShaper Store

Let me know....

Great News for 2nd Gen Cube and CubePro Owners

I was recently sent a cartridge that fits the 2nd Gen Cube.  It came from a company called MakeShaper in North Carolina. 

I agreed to test a cartridge and those test have been completed.

Here is the result:

Test Print Using the MakeShaper Filament Cartridge

The first thing i noticed was that the moisture protection bag in which it is contained was much heftier than I am used to seeing.   I have had absolutely no problems with the cartridge.  Where it differs from the OEM version is that (1) it is held together with screws (T-10 Star) making it very easy to open and (2) it contains a pack of moisture protection tucked inside the cartridge.  Nice!

The cartridges for the 2nd Gen Cube are just $25.  And, those for the CubePro are just $65.  I have not tested the CubePro version.  But, at that price is sure looks like it's worth exploring.

The available colors in either PLA or ABS are:

• Red
• Blue
• Green
• Black 
• White

Here is a link to the 2nd Gen Cartridge order page...

By the way, I failed to mention that they offer free shipping on orders over $50.

Cartridges can also be ordered by phone... 919-776-6925.