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Best of CES 2015 awards, maker-friendly tech: MakerBot's composite filaments
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-841203{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-841203, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-841203{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-841203").style.display="none";}catch(e){} When will you be able to 3D print stuff you'd actually want to keep around? Sooner than you think. We've heard of (and seen) composite filaments before -- plastic that can be printed, but contains other elements and materials -- but if MakerBot is getting involved, then the world of 3D printing is most likely going to follow. Revealing the ability to print plastic with bronze, limestone, maplewood and iron inside, we've called it one of the most exciting 3D-printing announcements in recent years and thus the rightful recipient of the Best Maker-friendly Technology award. (Now, when will they be able to print something like our awards trophy?)
MakerBot's composite materials will create things you'll want to keep
Enough with the primary-colored plastic trinkets. When can we start printing things we want? Things we'll use? While we're still not quite there, MakerBot's recently announced composite materials might get us closer. We talked to MakerBot's Director of Product Anthony Moschella about a year in 3D printing. He told us about the "chain of pain" that once was getting an idea or a design from brain to reality, how MakerBot's trying to smooth that process, and we sniffed a pseudo-maplewood hammer. For a reason. Watch it unfold below.
MakerBot wants you to start 3D-printing in metal and wood (sort of)
The future of 3D printing may depend on the ability print things with properties beyond cheap plastic. We've seen composite materials appear for 3D printers before, but the arrival of MakerBot to the scene should make progress a bit quicker. Announced at this week's CES, MakerBot will be rolling out new composite filaments that have been chemically bonded with new materials. You'll have to wait until late 2015, but it's probably going to be worth it: Maplewood, limestone, iron and bronze PLA composites are coming. And in real life, they look and feel far more impressive than you might think.
Makerbot's Apps Portal will help you prototype that (plastic) fusion reactor
So, you've printed tiny 3D statues of yourself, your friends, your family and rover/fluffy. Now what? If you'd like to prototype your wacky ideas but don't have a clue how to start, Makerbot's new Apps Portal may help. There are eight apps in total like Zotebook, which allows inexperienced users to rapidly prototype ideas on a mobile device. There's also Robot Factory for Makerbot, a mobile retro-robot design app for kids, and Makers Empire, an educational app to help kids learn the basics of 3D printing. All are designed to work with various Makerbot printers like the Replicator and Replicator Mini. You can hit the portal here to grab them -- that PLA robot isn't going to print itself (yet).
Sound Off! What are you making with 3D printing?
From making chess sets to creating new types of food, 3D printing has a lot of potential uses. As the prices of printers have gotten cheaper, it's easier than ever to get started. For someone who wants to jump into the wonderful world of 3D replication, what's the best way to get started? And if you're an old hat, what have you made that you're most proud of? Head over to the Engadget forums and share your creations!
MakerBot, Martha Stewart decorate parties with 3D-printed goods
We've discussed the reasons for having a 3D printer handy at length, and now MakerBot is looking to help decorate for your next evening soirée. The company teamed up with Martha Stewart Living to create designs for the Trellis Collection of coasters, napkin rings and holders for both LED votives (don't try regular candles, obvs.) and place cards. In addition to the downloadable files for printing, the pair collaborated on three new pastel PLA filament colors: Jadeite, Robin's Egg and Lemon Drop. If nothing else, that trio will have you properly prepped for spring events. The requisite files for each item are priced at 99¢, while nabbing the full lot will set you back a whole $3.
How 3D printing brings 'Skylanders' to life
Toys for Bob's Skylanders franchise isn't the only "toys to life" game in town anymore and Paul Reiche, co-founder and studio head, is well aware of the deep-pocketed competition. "We recognize that we've got Disney with Infinity and Nintendo with Amiibo and, you know, they have entered into this world with their own products. And it's really our job to make sure that, through innovation, we're leaders," he says. The franchise, which lets players control virtual versions of their RFID-equipped figurines in-game, was the first to successfully merge physical toys and video gaming as part of a new crossover entertainment category. Given that penchant for innovation, it's no surprise that the studio has now fully embraced 3D printing as a means of streamlining its in-house creative process.
MakerBot's Bre Pettis opens a workshop for 3D printing innovation
When MakerBot announced that Bre Pettis would be stepping down as CEO earlier this month, we knew he wasn't going far. Today, the 3D printing guru's new project was revealed. The Pettis-led Innovation Workshop at Stratasys is called Bold Machines, and it looks to push "the frontier of 3D printing technology." Leveraging Solidscape 3D printers and devices both of the aforementioned outfits, the studio will work alongside "innovators" to flex its muscle. So, what's on tap to start? A movie made entirely with 3D-printed characters. The film focuses on Margo, a detective whose parents have gone missing during a space exploring expedition, and a businessman's evil schemes. In fact, you can go ahead and print your own Margot figure now, and production files for other characters, including the sinister Mr. Walthersnap (pictured with Pettis above), will be made available for at-home printing in the future.
MakerBot CEO steps down to join new parent company
Bre Pettis has done more than most to bring 3D printing to the masses. But when MakerBot was bought up by industrial giant Stratasys it became clear that things were about to change. One of the first big changes is coming soon as Pettis, a founder of the consumer 3D print shop, is leaving his post as CEO to join his new parent company Stratasys. He won't be involved in the day to day running of MakerBot any more, but he'll still be instrumental in guiding its future. He'll just now have a part in directing the vision of Stratasys as well. In a statement CEO David Reis said, "We are excited about these promotions and pleased to continue the positive momentum that Stratasys and MakerBot have experienced and achieved." Of course that tells us nothing about how the two companies will continue to evolve or if they'll ever merge under one banner.
MakerBot launches a blank dummy you can turn into art
If there's going to be a MakerBot in every home, then the company need more things that'll appeal to the mainstream user. That's why the 3D-printing firm has developed Zee, a plain doll-like statue that doubles as an art project for would-be painters. The company describes the figurine as an "open canvas, ready for your imagination," and hopes that you'll customize the doll to your own whims -- once you'd paid $0.99 for the template. The design is compatible with the fifth-generation Replicator, Mini and the Replicator 2, and will take just over two hours to paint. Of course, with those short legs and paunchy belly, we could imagine Zee getting mistaken for a religious figurine of some description, so keep an eye out in case these pop up in your local flea market in a few months time.
MakerBot chief believes self-driving cars will spur a need for 3D-printed organs
Self-driving cars are safer by their very nature, since they avoid the mistakes of human drivers. However, that improved safety may create some new problems -- at least, according to MakerBot founder Bre Pettis. He tells Fortune that scientists will likely have to step up work on 3D-printed organs if and when robotic vehicles take off, since a significant chunk of organ donations (which are already scarce) come from car accident victims. Pettis isn't disputing the value of reducing road fatalities, of course. The issue is more that hospitals have to be ready for possible shortfalls in natural transplants.
Makerbot plants its 3D-printing flag in Europe
Makerbot has just announced the launch of an EU division called Makerbot Europe in order to replicate its US 3D-printing success overseas. The company has already been successfully selling its Replicator Mini (above) and other models through distributor Hafner's Buro in Europe. However, it decided to acquire its distributor outright to make it easier to sell and market the 3D printers across Europe. Former Hafner chief Alexander Hafner will run the new division. MakerBot was itself recently bought by industrial 3D-printer maker Stratasys for $400 million, or so after selling nearly 22,000 3D printers across the US.
Engadget Daily: 3D motion capture, the tough reality of sapphire displays and more!
Today, we take a look at the history behind 3D motion capture animations, scratch-test a nearly indestructible sapphire display, watch iOS users join the AR war of Ingress and learn about a $20 chip that detects diabetes. Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
MakerBot 3D printers now available in a dozen Home Depot stores
The Home Depot's core business revolves around helping you craft things, so it stands to reason that you'd eventually find 3D printers there, doesn't it? Sure enough, that's what's happening today. You can now buy MakerBot's Replicator line at both the retailer's online store as well as a dozen brick-and-mortar locations spread across California, the greater Chicago area and New York City. In addition to hosting elaborate kiosks like the one you see here, shops will have staff on hand to both demonstrate 3D printing and give you keepsakes in hopes of clinching a sale down the road. It's tough to know if the Home Depot's gamble will pay off -- at last check, most people don't expect to find printers sitting alongside doorknobs and drill sets. If nothing else, it shows that the technology has a market outside of office supply stores and other places you might associate with run-of-the-mill 2D printing.
Recreate Marcel Duchamp's lost chess set with your 3D printer
Conceptual artist Marcel Duchamp was known for his "readymades," which declared everyday objects to be works of art -- most notably "Fountain," a public urinal on a pedestal. Duchamp was also something of a chess obsessive and created both an ornate tabletop set and a travel version, the latter of which he wanted to mass-produce. The first of the pair, however, was thought to have been lost to a private collector, so no-one would ever again be able to play with it at least, until now.
MakerBot's iPad app lets you sculpt 3D-printed objects from your couch
As a rule, serious 3D printers need equally serious design skills if you're building objects from scratch. That's no longer true for MakerBot's Replicators, though; the company has just trotted out PrintShop, an iPad app that takes the hard work out of making simple objects. You can build your own bracelets, rings and signs without knowing a lick about modelling software. If you'd like to craft something a little more sophisticated, you can browse a collection of ready-made items from the Thingiverse. We'd still suggest a rookie-friendly device like Printeer if you're primarily interested in basic designs, but this could be an easy way to let your kids in on the action -- or just to make something without leaving your sofa.
What you need to know about 3D printing
Dutch designer Iris van Herpen used one to send collections down the runway. Mink hopes you'll rely on one to create custom makeup at home. Andrey Rudenko is optimistic that he can use one to help him build his next home. And soon we'll create new human organs with them. The mysterious agent of change I'm referring to is 3D printing, of course. Though these machines were previously accessible to only a small group of wealthy hobbyists, that's no longer the case. As 3D printer prices have decreased and accessibility has increased, it seems like the possibilities are endless. But before each home has its own 3D printer, the technology is poised to dramatically impact how the industries we depend on manufacture the gadgets -- and everything else -- we know and love.
MakerBot app lets you remotely check 3D prints in case they go all wrong
We love 3D printing, but let's face it: it's slow. Luckily, MakerBot has just given you a new way to track the progress of a printout from afar with its new iPhone app. Using the camera from any fifth-generation printer, MakerBot Mobile for iOS can show you an image of the build area every three seconds (from a local network) and ensure that Celtic skull isn't a beautiful failure. You can also use it to pause or cancel a job and get notifications when a 3D model is ready, for instance. It's also baked in its Thingiverse app, letting you browse thousands of models via the cloud and add them to your collections, or share your work on Thingiverse or social networks. Future updates include remote monitoring over a cellular network and more notifications (there's no Android app yet), but meanwhile, you can grab the iOS app right here.
You can now 3D print your own Sesame Street toys thanks to MakerBot
We first learned of MakerBot's Digital Shop plans back at CES, and now the 3D printing outfit has announced its first licensing agreement: Sesame Street. That's right folks, starting today, you can download the requisite files needed to print your own Mr. Snuffleupagus, with more characters making their debuts in the months to come. This particular option prints in just under three hours and only deducts $1.29 from your bank account. The downside? Snuffy's source files are only compatible with the Replicator 2 and fifth-generation Replicator -- according to the online shop's specs. It shouldn't be a surprise that characters from Sesame Street are the first available here as MakerBot CEO Bre Pettis used to work for Jim Henson's Creature Shop. "3D printing is like having an engineering education in a box, but with Sesame Street, it has a playful and familiar twist," Pettis said.
MakerBot's mammoth Replicator Z18 3D printer goes up for pre-order
If you want some truly heavy-duty 3D printing, you'll be glad to hear that MakerBot's Replicator Z18 is now available for pre-order. Pay $6,499 and you'll get to craft objects up to a lofty 18 inches tall once the printer ships this spring. Should that be a tad overpowered, you'll be just as pleased to know that MakerBot has started shipping the latest generation of its normal-sized Replicator for a more reasonable $2,899. Both devices offer built-in cameras, Smart Extruders and full networking, so you're really paying for capacity -- you only need to pay the Z18's premium if you really need the headroom.
