Automatic Design of 3D Printable Robots by Disney

Disney Research released their software demonstration which shows how it is possible to automatically design 3d printable robots that can move with different cinematic and motion systems.

You basically just input what you want a robot to do and algorithms calculate the 3d printable design. I see dark future for human engineers job security.

Now it is used for small robotic creatures, but I can see it being used to developed large military mechas or smaller mission customizable war bots.




From project description:

We present an interactive design system that allows casual users to quickly create 3D-printable robotic creatures. Our approach automates the tedious parts of the design process while providing sample room for customization of morphology, proportions, gait and motion style.

The technical core of our framework is an efficient optimization-based solution that generates stable motions for legged robots of arbitrary designs. An intuitive set of editing tools allows the user to interactively explore the space of feasible designs and to study the relationship between morphological features and the resulting motions. Fabrication blueprints are generated automatically such that the robot designs can be manufactured using 3D-printing and off-the-shelf servo motors.

We demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution by designing six robotic creatures with a variety of morphological features: two, four or five legs, point or area feet, actuated spines and different proportions. We validate the feasibility of the designs generated with our system through physics simulations and physically-fabricated prototypes.

Project homepage:

http://www.disneyresearch.com/publication/interactive-design-of-3d-printable-robotic-creatures/

It just needs to be bigger and carry some lasers!

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How To Design a Chainring Using Open Source Tools

Rich Olson has another great tutorial on how to design and make chainrings using open source software and low cost CNC.





Here is the link to original post with all the tools and scripts needed:

http://www.nothinglabs.com/chainringgen-making-a-chainring-with-open-source-software/


Rich makes a chainring for his bicycle but they have different uses in power transmission. Beside metal they can be also made on a small CNC from other materials like carbon fiber.




Finished carbon plate chainring for a custom bicycle:

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FlatFab software lets you design in 2d surfaces to make 3d objects for CNC cutting

FlatFab is a new CAD software that lets you intuitively design with two dimensional surfaces which you can then combine in 3d objects. It looks ideal for designing furniture or objects for CNC cutting.

I'm really getting interested in CNC cutting and milling since you can make larger functional objects like furniture from cheap materials like plywood.

Here is a simple FlatFab tutorial:



FlatFab homepage where you can download the software: http://flatfab.com/ 

There is no information on price or open source availability. It looks like it is in early stages of development so new features and improvements can be expected. It is available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Update:

Here is a response from FlatFab team member:

"hi, flatfab is not open source at the moment, but it is FREE, and we intend to keep it that way. we also plan to grow with our user community so try it out and keep your feature requests coming."

Nice job FlatFab!

FlatFab user interface

Small pencil holder made with FlatFab

Update:

here is flatfab UIST 2014 presentation "Interactive modeling with planar sections":

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Collection of Blender 3d printing design tutorials from beginner to intermediate level

I want to learn how to use Blender more for my 3d printing modeling  needs. Here is collection of tutorial videos I found you may find also useful.


Here is simple Blender 3d design for 3d printing tutorial by Jim Craig:




Here is one slightly more complex and detailed made by EcTechTime:




Tutorial by Benjamin Morgan on basic model and Blender setup preparing it for 3d printing:




Here is the entire playlist with many detailed Bender tutorial videos if you want to get into it deeper created by Jason Welsh:




Here is a detailed tutorial by i.materialise about preparing and checking 3d models for 3d printing:



Enjoy learning!

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How to 3d scan your prescription eyeglasses lens and design a 3d printable frame

Aaron Porterfield created two tutorials which I as a eyeglasses wearer appreciate. He (and I) often brakes his glasses so here is a solution if you can use some CAD software and have some equipment.

Here is detailed tutorial on how to 3d scan prescription eyeglasses lens by taking photos of a lens covered by masking tape:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3d-scanning-a-glasses-lens/

When you have a scanned lens (or lenses) you can design your custom 3d printable frame:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-design-3d-printed-glasses/?ALLSTEPS

There are a few simple(ish) steps involved, but nothing an average user can't master ...

And here is the final result:

You can print the frame on your home FDM machine but the results will be more rougher. For best quality use a SLS or PolyJet 3d printer.

Great work Aaron!

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Printednest 3d printed nests for city birds

Printednest wants to give birds 3d printed nests inside cities. They want to have our feathered little friends inhabit cities once again. Ok they will crap on you from above, but nature is GOOD ... right!?
Their designs look very cool! And the designs are already in 4th generation ...

Project homepage: http://www.printednest.com/

They are building a community and want more people to join them. You can build your nest and pin it on a map, even live feed from it ... Currently they have 40 nests in 27 cities in 7 countries.

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