Thursday, July 24, 2008

3D Printing a website away with Shapeways

Shapeways
  • A spinoff of Dutch electronics giant Philips Electronics, has figured out a way for artists and ordinary consumers to print 3-D models of their creations for a mere $50 to $150.
  • The tool allows budding artists, product designers and amateurs to use their own familiar tools to create 3-D models of their designs.
  • Then they can order 3-D physical models of the designs.
  • The company will deliver the molded plastic models in 10 days or less.
  • It accepts formats such as STL, Collada and X3D.
  • The designs can be “white, strong and flexible,” “cream robust,” “white detail” and “transparent detail.”
Questions :
  • How do they work/judge the pricing ?
  • How do I master using software which is associated with STL, Collada, X3D (Where do i get the software for this)?
I love this idea and think its very very cool but I still have to verify the designing aspect cause that could be a bottleneck to otherwise this extremely VIRAL concept (Can anyone send me an invite :D)

Check out the awesome video here





3 comments:

  1. Hi Ashish,

    I work with Shapeways, welcome to our community!
    To answer your questions:
    How do they work/judge the pricing ?
    You can upload your 3D image, and Shapeways will provide an instant price quote for your object.

    How do I master using software which is associated with STL, Collada, X3D (Where do i get the software for this)
    Well, as for mastering 3D software, unfortunately we can't quite help you out there. However, there are several great 3D programs that you can use including, Blender and Modo.

    Best,
    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Jessica for the update....

    I love the idea and will try to get hold of one of the softwares mentioned and will design my own 3D object....

    Looking forward to getting on to the platform of Shapeways when it opens(or if I get a Beta invite :D)

    All the best guys

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jessica,

    As Ashish said, thank you for the update. Interesting the idea of "printing 3D images" with a CNC ;) I remember i do sth similar (the cube) at the school.

    Are the programs you recommend freeware?

    Im also looking forward to try the service as soon as it opens (or also if i get an invitation).

    ReplyDelete