Digital Art Zone now offering free downloads

It can be pretty costly to set yourself up with 3d modelling software, particularly when you’re after the good stuff.

So you can imagine the buzz that’s followed DAZ 3D’s recent release of three of their major titles as free downloads for all to enjoy.

Modelling human figures? DAZ Studio Pro will sort you out.
Landscapes and environmental animations? Bryce 7 Pro has it covered.
And the one that has us talking here at Ponoko… 3D models both for rendering/animation and ready to export as .stl files? Hexagon does this and more.

To purchase this software suite from the Digital Art Zone would once have left you on the nasty side of $800, but for a limited time full version downloads are completely free.

Now all that’s left is to fire up your imagination…

Digital Art Zone

Posted in Downloadable, Guy Blashki, Software, Tools + Apps by Guy Blashki | 2 Comments

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It’s a bird… it’s a plane…  it’s an RcSuperhero!

The Ponoko connection may be tenuous, but I’m going for it anyway. These remote controlled flying people are simply awesome.

The above clip was put together as a part of a viral marketing campaign for the film Chronicle, but don’t let that deter you if you’re keen to take to the skies yourself.

Downloadable PDF plans are available from RcSuperhero that you can send to your favourite laser cutting service; or you can get a head start and buy the laser cut foam, sub-structure and various parts in kit form. And then what? Simply whack in the required electronics and soon you’ll be launching your own human-shaped glider into the sky.

It must be quite a sight to behold in the flesh. What a brilliant idea.

via ubergizmo

Posted in Downloadable, Electronics + Robotics, Guy Blashki, Laser Cutting, Toys + Games by Guy Blashki | No Comments

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2012 may be the year of 3D printing: Lisa Harouni on TED

We may be preaching to the converted, but for those who still aren’t convinced (or maybe even aren’t aware) of just how exciting 3D printing is, this recent TED talk gives a neat overview.

The speaker is Lisa Harouni, CEO of Digital Forming. Having specialised for a number of years pioneering software development for 3D printing applications, she is well placed to convince even the most sceptical of viewers that we are indeed on the cusp of a manufacturing revolution.

via TED

Posted in 3D Printing, Downloadable, Guy Blashki, Interviews, Thoughts + Opinions, Inventions, Open Source by Guy Blashki | No Comments

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Embracing the sculptural beauty of machines in motion

Hot on the heels of this year’s Best of the Blog in Art post comes this mesmerising clip from filmmaker Ralph Steiner’s Mechanical Principles, a 1930’s masterpiece in which the inner workings of all kinds of devices are revealed.

Taking a moment to appreciate the sculptural qualities of decidedly practical devices unveils the poetry inherent in their movements. It’s quite hypnotic, and well worth sitting back to contemplate (and indeed enjoy) over your morning coffee.

via Make

Posted in Art, Electronics + Robotics, Guy Blashki, Inventions by Guy Blashki | 1 Comment

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Best of the Blog 2011: Art

Take a moment to step back and see the world a little differently with this selection of ten memorable works of art that appeared on the Ponoko blog during 2011.

From unique perspectives on everyday objects to different ways of capturing and expressing movement, join us to explore how artists continue to use digital manufacturing technologies in new and exciting ways.

1. Sculptures made with motion capture, 3D printing and bronze casting

The mesmerising motion of professional dancers and martial artists is captured in this intriguing project by Mathew Schwartz. Data from the sinuous movements is 3D printed before being cast in bronze, giving a unique perspective on human movement that would surely have Muybridge’s nod of approval.

(more…)

Posted in 3D Printing, Art, CNC Routing, Guy Blashki, Laser Cutting, Maker Movement, Technology by Guy Blashki | No Comments

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Coin blocks, laser cutting and 3D printing – Super Mario in the Digital Manufacturing Age.

For those of us who grew up with the ringing chimes of Super Mario coins in our ears, the clever tinkerers in the Digital Manufacturing community continue to provide nostalgic treats to satisfy all those retro-gaming cravings. Today we look back at five of our favourite Super Mario inspired projects.  

1. Question Mark Block Lamp

Bryan Duxbury’s Question Mark Block Lamp (available in kit form or fully assembled from his Etsy store) features laser-cut plexiglass with a custom PCB mounted inside that hosts an ATTiny microcontroller and LED array.

I designed this Super Mario Question Mark Block lamp to behave as much like the “real” thing as I could without having it eject coins. The bottom is capacitive-touch sensitive, and when you trigger it, the lamp toggles its light and plays the classic coin sound.

The addition of a 1up sound after multiple toggles is a nice touch, making the interactive element one step closer to the ‘real’ thing.

(more…)

Posted in 3D Printing, Electronics + Robotics, Functional Art + Objects, Guy Blashki, Laser Cutting, Maker Movement, Open Source, Toys + Games by Guy Blashki | No Comments

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Best of the Blog 2011 – Toys & Games

Playful creativity is often a key ingredient when DIY makers challenge conventions, pushing the boundaries of both traditional and emerging technologies. Some designs reference toy nostalgia from days gone by, while others give an entirely new face to toys – with results quite unlike anything that has come before.

Continue reading for some seriously fun highlights from Toys & Games in 2011.

1. CNC controlled Etch-a-Sketch

Using the wizardry of 3d printing and a little DIY CNC programming, Ben Jackson from Portland, Oregon technified his Etch-a-Sketch. The whole process is thoroughly documented on Thingiverse, paving the way for others to bring their own Etch-a-Sketch well and truly into the 21st century.

(more…)

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The Makers are heading Down Under

Heading to Australia for the first time on Saturday, January 14th, Maker Faire is set to turn Melbourne’s Swinburne University of Technology into a DIY showcase.

It takes a certain quirky flair to stand out from the crowd in this environment, and you can be sure that with projects ranging from rockets to robots, DIY tech to engaging workshops and installations, there will be surprises in store for everyone.

Tinkerers, enthusiasts, hackers and specialist groups from across Australia are all heading down to Melbourne to share their own versions of the weird and wonderful creativity that Maker Faire has become known for.

When: Saturday, January 14th, 2012, 10 am to 4pm
Where: The Atrium, Swinburne University of Technology,
Hawthorn campus, 467 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122

Head over to the Maker Faire Melbourne website to see a few profiles of Featured Makers; and although it is a free event, pre-registration has already sold out… so for those lucky ones who scored a ticket, have a great day at the Faire this weekend!

Maker Faire Melbourne

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Make a vase from your own profile

For those who enjoy a novelty gift, the new iPhone app from Sculpteo might be just what you’ve been looking for.

A free download onto your favourite i-device is all that it takes. Use the app to snap a picture, and then with just a few simple manipulations the resulting data is prepared for printing as either a vase, a bowl or a coffee cup.
It’s not all about putting your pointy-nosed mug on a mug – the app can also be used to model your twitter statistics or customize an iPhone case.

With access to the Sculpteo community, this app is a great way to introduce people to the world of 3D printing and the possibilities that are enabled by the technology that we carry around with us in our daily lives.

Sculpteo via Engadget

Posted in 3D Printing, Downloadable, Functional Art + Objects, Guy Blashki by Guy Blashki | Comments are off for this post

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Best of the Blog 2011 – Functional Art & Objects

Whether it’s laser cutting, 3D printing, or simply craftsmanship at its finest, there has been much to be amazed and inspired by here on the Ponoko blog over the past calendar year. We’ve gathered together (in no particular order) ten noteworthy Functional Art & Objects posts from 2011.

1. Exploring the technical and aesthetic potential of 3D ceramic printing

Professor John Balistreri from BGSU talks through this groundbreaking research project, demonstrating the ability of 3D printing to create complex ceramic forms that are impossible to produce using traditional techniques. Amongst other things, you can check out how they are duplicating handmade objects by incorporating the use of a 3D scanner.

(more…)

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