Launching 123D Beta 8

Posted by on December 22, 2011 No comments

We are eager to let you know that the newest revision of 123D is available for everyone to get their paws on. You get get the 123D Beta 8 for free.

Following further user feedback and trends in the maker community, in this release we focused in particular on improving the tools and techniques in the sketching environment as well as continuing to add additional tools and services for smoother and more direct fabbing workflows (3D printing and laser cutting).

Here a list of some of the more notable improvements or new features we implemented in Beta 8:

  • Sketching and drafting enhancements
  • My Corner and My Gallery – direct access to online storage and gallery
  • Improved tools for laser cutting and 3D printing
  • 3D printing directly from within 123D

    • For a more details about this release, here is a document that covers all the new and imporved tools we are introducing in Beta 8.

    What's New - Beta 8

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    3D Printing in Space

    Posted by on December 14, 2011 No comments

    Say what you may about The Singularity University, but 3D printing in outer space is a good idea. Not only does the idea seem to have fallen out of the future, it has very real practical application. By printing objects once in orbit, astronauts can make things with thirty percent less mass. There are obviously some hurdles to this approach and they are still working on perfecting the technology to work in zero gravity situations, but don't be surprised if some day astronauts are able to print out the tools they need (and even additional spacecraft).

    via space

    Posted in: 3D PrintingTagged as: ,

    3D Giveaway on Notcot

    Posted by on December 12, 2011 No comments

    Notcot is giving away some designer 3D printed jewelry from Nervous System. All you need to do to be eligible is to post what you would like most to see 3D printed.

    The thing I would most like to see 3D printed is a rockin' pair of headphones. How about you? What is on your 3D printing wish list?

    Posted in: 3D PrintingTagged as: ,

    Eyeglasses on Demand

    Posted by on December 8, 2011 No comments

    If you have a few hundred dollars burning a hole in your pocket and need a new pair of glasses, I recommend checking out Make Eyewear. Using 3D printing technology, they will make glasses and sunglasses to your specifications (with or without prescription lenses). Glasses start at $150 and go up from there, depending on the level of customization. However, if you are feeling a bit more enterprising, you can model your own pair and print them using our printing service. If you decide to go this route, I recommend checking out their manufacturing process to see study some of the finer points about eyeglass construction.

    Posted in: 3D Printing

    Sim City 2000 in (Real) 3D

    Posted by on December 6, 2011 No comments

    Everyone's favorite urban planning video game, Sim City 2000, is now available in 3D print-ready files. Thanks to avid enthusiast Michael Curry who is remodeling Sim City building-by-building as a form of stress relief, you can now have your own physical copy of the game. Whether or not this means Sim City 2000 will soon make a comeback as a real-time, role-playing, table-top game is yet to be seen. However, if the idea of this appeals to you, you can download the files from Thingiverse and easily print them using our 3D printing service.

    Posted in: 3D Printing

    123D Snowman Challenge

    Posted by on December 5, 2011 23 comments

    The days are getting rapidly shorter, the weather has turned frigid, and winter is setting upon us. Now, more than ever, is a great time to stay indoors and have some 3D modeling fun. So, curl up in front of your computer with a warm cup of cocoa and make a snowman!

    To help you get started, we have provided you with a snowman template and some snowman parts for you to decorate it with. However, don't feel obligated to limit yourself to only these parts. You may decorate the snowman however you wish.

    Anyone who uploads an original image or 3D model of their snowman to the 123D gallery before January 31st will be getting a free Instructables 1-year pro membership.

    Here is a helpful video to help you start to build your snowman

    Posted in: 123D, 123D Catch, 123D Make, 123D Sculpt, Challenges

    3D Scanning for Posterity

    Posted by on December 2, 2011 2 comments

    The Smithsonian 3D Digitization Team posted a time-lapse video of what is involved in making a 3D model of an ancient whale fossil in Chile. They appear to be using a high-end laser stylus to scan in the 3D model. This is a different modeling process than the photogrammetry used by 123D catch, but very cool nonetheless. It is great to see how this technology is put to use to create an archive of our history.

     

    Posted in: 123D Catch, 3D Capture

    123D Fab! at Autodesk University

    Posted by on December 2, 2011 No comments

    For this year's Autodesk University, Oliver has designed a fun interlocking building system that is going to be used as part of the 123D Fab! Contest. During the contest, entrants at the festival are going to compete to see who can build the best structure with cardboard parts such as wheels, levers, and gears. In preparation for the mayhem, thousands of parts were laser cut out of cardboard with the help of our laser cutting service.

    Stay tuned for updates from the event!

    Posted in: 123D, Challenges, Laser Cutting

    3D Laser Stereolithography at Home

    Posted by on December 2, 2011 No comments

    Instructables user RobHopeless posted instructions for building your own DIY Stereolithography setup at home. In other words, he created a DIY setup for printing 3D objects in a vat of UV-curable photopolymer resin using a laser. This is very cool because it is not only DIY, but also inexpensive. If you were to buy a commercial Steriolithography printer, you would end up spending tens of thousands of dollars. By contrast, this entire system was built for less than a thousand.

    Open-source systems like these are going to fundamentally change the way that objects are produced, as they will bring the prices down to a level where everyone will be able to afford to own a printer. The dream of designing something in 123D and then immediately printing it out on your personal printer is growing nearer by the day.

    Posted in: 123D, 3D PrintingTagged as: , ,

    Shapeways Sake Set Creator

    Posted by on December 2, 2011 No comments

    Over the weekend I stumbled upon the incredibly fun Sake Set Creator over at Shapeways. This quick and easy tool lets you shape small tea cups and get them printed out in food-safe ceramic. I spent a lot of time designing cups, but ultimately decided that the tool just wasn't robust enough for my mug designing needs. I needed to take things a step further and explore more extreme mug possibilities. So, I broke out my trusty copy of 123D and designed myself a fancier mug. I'm currently working on refining my design and ultimately plan to get it printed in ceramic. Stay tuned for the amazing results of my mug printing escapades.

    Posted in: 123D, 3D Printing
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