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And the debate begins….  Here is a link to the BBC report on Univ. of Texas law student, Cody Wilson, who is affiliated with Defense Distributed, the company that created the 3D printed gun.  This group has plans to publish online the blueprints for making the weapons.  I’m assuming they’re referring to publishing the .stl files required for the FDM process used in the gun’s fabrication.  In the video, Stratasys machines are used to print all aspects of the gun accept the firing pin itself, which is made of metal.  While this technology is few and far between at the moment, if it does become more and more mainstream this will  be a hotly contested debate.

There are certain members of Congress, like Chuck Schumer, who are backing a bill designed to ban 3D printed guns.  The bill is likely to pass due to fears that people will start to “open a gun factory in their garage.” (according to the article).  That might be a bit extreme.  Maybe it’s time we consider making more powerful metal detectors… firing pins will never be made out of anything except metal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this article about 3D printing on the moon using moon rocks.  This stems from a discovery that a 3D printing extrusion material can be manufactured out of moon rock, discussed in this article.  I guess I’ll be the first to coin the term ‘intergalactic sustainability’.

Laser cutting is a relatively new technology that is starting to hit more mainstream markets.  One of the markets that has been waiting for this technology’s versatility is the fashion world.  Laser cutting fabrics can produce eye-catching results when layered, stretched, hung, draped, or any other method.  Fashion blogs are keeping a close eye on this new way of prepping garments, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for fashion and lasers.  Check out this website for an interesting article about laser cut clothes.  And then go and check out the shoes on this article

 

 

 

If you’ve been toying with the idea of getting into the 3D printing business or you just want to own one to facilitate your own rapid prototyping at home, here is an info sheet on affordable desktop 3D printers for home use.  Thanks to Rapid Prototyping Manager, Justin Hopkins, for putting this together.  Each machine is listed in regards to its Pros, Cons, and Resolution.  If you have any questions, stop by and see us.

 

desktop printers under 10K

 

below are links to the manufacturers listed on the info sheet:

 

Solidoodle

FormLabs

3D Systems

Makerbot

Stratasys

Here at the labs we’re always looking for inspiration.  Justin Hopkins, Rapid Prototyping Manager of the SCAD Digilabs, has recently been enjoying the 3D printed jewelry of artist Joshua DeMonte.  His work and videos on his process can be viewed at this website

Soot, or Carbon Black in the manufacturing world, can conduct electricity.  Dr. Simon Leigh has found a way of melting carbon black with polyester particles to make a material that can be extruded from an FDM 3D printer.  The options are endless here, but simply imagine the many uses for a flexible conductive surface.  Leigh discusses some of the many uses in this article

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“3D printing will kill manufacturing” is the headline in a portion of this news story on technological predictions for 2013.  Read the article here

 

 

 

 

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Stay tuned to this blog for cool updates on laser cutting and 3D printing technologies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The release of desktop 3D printers is nothing terribly new, but Form1 has managed to make one that uses SLA technology versus the typical FDM seen in all other models.  This printer will be available soon, provided the Kickstarter funding goes through.

Check this out.  Using SLS Printing Methods,  Joshua Harker’s art project became the 3rd most funded project ever on Kickstarter

Josh Harker’s Kickstarter page

 

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