3D Printing Provides a Creative Outlet

Posted Thursday, September 25th, 2014 by Robyn Warner.

Whether your creativity comes out best in the kitchen or with a paint brush in hand, you might be interested to know what’s new in the world of 3D printing.

MakerBot.com

A Blank Slate

MakerBot, a 3D printer manufacturer, has provided a different kind of canvas for both well established artists and aspiring artists alike. The 3D form is named Zee and is a figure with a very simple human-like body without any hair or expression. Zee was inspired by blank vinyl toys in Japan when design head Lane Feuer noticed them. MakerBot sent 30 of the Zee dolls to leading artists from around the world. The results were fascinating.

It only takes a little bit of creativity and paint to make your own stunning Zee creation. The dolls are available at the MakerBot store located in downtown Manhattan. Be prepared to enter a world of inspiration if you step in to the store. Also, look for Sesame Street characters to become available for 3D printing from MakerBot.

mashable.com

An Edible Form of Expression

In the past, 3D printers could use a corn-based material or plastic to print creations. Now you can imagine printing forms using melted chocolate, meringue, fondant or even Nutella. 3D printing just got a whole lot more enticing for those of us with a sweet tooth. Structure3D printing is the company bringing this technology to us through the program they call Discov3ry. Structure3D is still in the process of raising funds to help with production costs, but already has a starter kit available to those of us who can’t wait to get started. Interested in reading more about how this process works? What would you create?

mashable.com

Design Your Own Car…Eventually

We may be a little way off from seeing this happen, but that is the direction that 3D printing is headed. The first ever drivable car was showcased last week at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago. The car is called Strati and was created by a company called Local Motors. Though it is a small two-door coupe, the project took nearly 44 hours to print. While other cars typically have between 5,000 and 6,000 parts, the Strati only has 49.A few tests also need to be conducted to ensure the car is highway ready. If your curiosity is piqued, read more about the Strati.

Robyn Warner

Robyn Warner has been writing since she learned how to hold a pen. She wrote her first book of poems before the age of 10. Though creative writing is her preference, she is enjoying life in the technical blog world. Robyn’s goal in her 30s is to use her writing to inspire fellow cancer survivors and have a job that gives her the flexibility to live anywhere and never wear shoes.