(506) 2240-6804
Where to 3d print stuff near me
3D Printing in 3 Steps (Yes, Only 3!)
3D Printing in 3 Steps (Yes, Only 3!) | Staples.comby Kevin Ackerman, Staples® Contributing Writer
Since it gives computer users the ability to produce tangible objects in a variety of materials and colors right from their desktop, 3D printing seems as if it would be technically complicated (or just magical). But in reality, it’s not all that different from printing in two dimensions on paper.
To produce a printed page, all computer users need is a document, a computer and access to a printer — and, of course, ink and paper. Likewise, printing in 3D only requires three similar things. Sure, the technologies differ, but that’s the basic gist, as these three steps explain.
Step 1: Develop a Concept
If you were to open a document file on your computer, hit some random keys on your keyboard and press Print, you’d have a paper printout — though it wouldn’t make much sense. With 3D printing, you can’t make a shape that easily, not even a poor one, so it’s worth beginning the process by putting some thought into your object.
Start by knowing what you’d like to print in three dimensions. If you don’t have an idea or concept, there are plenty of free suggestions online to get you started. Web sites like Thingiverse.com offer a library of pre-designed objects that you can print with any 3D printer to gain experience. Or you can be inspired by people who are already using 3D printing technology.
Phoenix-based sculptor Kevin Caron uses 3D printing to refine his artwork before making full-sized versions. "Mostly what I'm doing is proof of concept designs. You know, will it stand up, does it look right and are the proportions correct on it?” he says.
And Chris Considine, CEO and founder of Los Angeles–based CXC Simulations, uses 3D printing to prototype custom-designed parts for racing simulators that are so realistic, they are used by professional race car drivers.
"We need 3D orienting to see if the part feels exactly how we want it to feel,” he says.” We went through about 30 versions before we found the one that was perfect for us. Other than 3D printing, there’s truly no way you could have done that without building it over and over again."
Step 2: Hop on a Computer
Once you know what you want to produce, it’s time to sit down at a computer and make it happen. 3D prints are most commonly generated from an STL or .stl file. Standing for “stereolithography” (what 3D printing was named when it was first invented), this file format is to 3D printing what the .doc file is to document output.
To open and manipulate an STL file, you’ll need computer-aided design (CAD) software. For decades, these programs have been used by everyone from architects to product designers, so there are many kinds of CAD software available.
SketchUp is a free modeling program designed to be straightforward and allow anyone to create three-dimensional renderings, whether simple or complicated.
Likewise, Tinkercad keeps the design process easy by providing just three simple tools. It also runs in a Web browser and offers step-by-step design lessons to demonstrate how easy 3D printing can be.
Meanwhile, programs like AutoCAD are favored by many experienced professionals, having been used in the design and prototyping of millions of products throughout the years.
To run these programs, you don’t need a particularly powerful computer. Caron uses an HP desktop machine to create his digital sculptures. "It's not a big screaming gaming computer by any means,” he says. "It's just a small office computer and it handles the CAD program just fine.”
Step 3: Get Access to a 3D Printer
Most people assume they need to own a 3D printer to produce digitally rendered objects, but that isn’t true. Sure, owning a desktop 3D printer can put your designs within arm’s reach. But driving across town to pick up your objects at a Staples 3D printing service location or having them delivered by mail can be just as convenient for some businesses.
For example, Caron owns a CubeX™ commercial 3D printer. With the ability to print objects up to the size of a basketball, this device produces designs in plastic and in more than 4,000 different colors. He’s also used print-on-demand services to produce sculptures that he couldn’t make on his office’s machine.
"They’re breathtaking when you see them,” he says of the two acrylic sculptures. "The detail that I could view on the computer came out in the print — it just blew me away.” Caron is planning to scale his designs down and turn them into jewelry to sell. "I've gotten one back in a polished glass and it's stunning. You can’t tell it from gold other than by the weight."
If you are interested in using 3D printing but need help with these steps, visit one of our stores that offers 3D printing services (currently in Los Angeles and New York City). There, we can help you with all the steps, from getting in touch with designers to actual 3D printing.
You can even get in our 3D printing photo booth and have your face put on a figurine.
Go from Concept to Reality
Some businesses would argue that 3D printing, whether it’s done in the office or at an outside service, is worth its weight in gold. "I can go from concept in my head to holding the part in sometimes as quickly as an hour,” says Considine. "It’s a very powerful thing for an engineer to have. It's liberating."
Related Articles
7 Things You Didn't Know About 3D Printing
In the ever-expanding universe of 3D printing, no one knows it all. Though the technology has been around since the 1980s, it’s only recently... Read more
8 Tips from MakerBot for Making Better 3D-Printed Objects for Your Small Business
Both an art and a science, 3D printing is actually easy to do, but difficult to master.
The experts at MakerBot have seen... Read more
Carrie Mae Rose
Does mankind’s destiny lie in the stars? Artist Carrie Mae Rose thinks so. Her show... Read more
Custom 3d Printing - Etsy.de
Etsy is no longer supporting older versions of your web browser in order to ensure that user data remains secure. Please update to the latest version.
Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript.
Find something memorable, join a community doing good.
( 1,000+ relevant results, with Ads Sellers looking to grow their business and reach more interested buyers can use Etsy’s advertising platform to promote their items.
You’ll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. Learn more. )
50 Cool Things to 3D Print / Sudo Null IT News
No ideas for 3D printing? Tired of worthless trinkets? Here is a list of 50 cool really useful things for 3D printing.
Like us, you're excited about the possibilities of 3D printing. But, unfortunately, the horizon is littered with trinkets, trinkets and other unnecessary things. We are in danger of being buried under a heap of useless rubbish.
Throw off the shackles of mediocrity! Let's create really useful things! Here is a list of cool things that you can make on a 3D printer right now. Prove to your family and loved ones that this wonderful technology can be used daily and in practice.
No access to 3D printer? No problem. Just upload your files to our 3D printing price comparison system and choose the best price, ONLINE!
Don't have a 3D printer to print these amazing things? Then come to
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #2: Power Outlet Shelf
Attach a shelf to your power outlet to support your phone while charging. The shelf has a slanted recess that allows you to keep your smartphone or tablet upright.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #3: Soap Dish
Elegant bathroom soap dish with two washable compartments. You can change the pattern of the inner pallet if you wish.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #4: Nightstand Tag Handles
The art of storage doesn't have to be boring. The Hobb Knob is a small pen with a label to describe the items in the drawers. Now you will never lose your socks!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D printable item #5: coasters with geometric patterns
When it comes to hot drinks, mug circles are an inevitable risk.
Things take a much more serious turn if there is a coffee-addicted inhabitant in the house. Available in three designs, these coasters help you avoid unsightly stains.
Download from Pinshape
3D Printing Cool Thing #6: Hinge Lamp
This hinged modular lamp consists of 6 main parts: base, body and top with LEDs. To make the lamp taller, you can add the required number of elements.
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #7: one-handed bottle opener
This boomerang-shaped bottle opener is useful for people who have difficulty performing activities that require the application of force, for example, when opening a plastic bottle. Print it out and give it to your grandmother. She will appreciate this gesture.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #8: shower head
Is swimming under a waterfall on your list of things to do before you die? The next best thing is a 3D printed shower head (probably).
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #9: Secret Shelf
Hide valuable documents and stash from prying eyes on this secret shelf.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #10: jar handle
Enhance empty jam jars with a printed handle. What could be easier?
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #11: Plastic Wrench
A full size general purpose plastic wrench. Actually for screwing and unscrewing around the house.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #12: business card holder
"What a delicate yellowish hue, and the thickness is tasteful, oh my god, even the watermarks." Do you have such a business card? Find her a pair in the form of this business card holder, printed in its entirety (yes, already with a hinged lid). Instructions for adding a custom logo are included.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Item #13: Alien Invader Shaped Toilet Paper Holder
Brighten up your bathroom with a functional printable model of a classic alien invader... ahem holding your toilet paper.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #14: lift platform
Here is a fully assembled lift platform. Printed in full. No need to fiddle with a bunch of details. The adjustable height can be used to lift or support an object of acceptable weight.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #15: Plant Feeder
Are indoor plants a victim of neglect? FORGET ABOUT IT. Print out this simple automatic plant drinker and your conscience will be clear.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #16: earbud holder
We spend a lot of money buying headphones on the go, but we don't protect them enough when we use them.
Hide your headphones safely in this 3D printed holder.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #17: Package Pen
We all know this situation. You trudge home from the supermarket, loaded with bags of groceries. The force of gravity causes plastic to crash into your palms, am I right? ENOUGH. Print these bag handles and forget about chafed palms forever!
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #18: tablet stand
There are times when you need to free your hands when using your smart device, such as watching TV shows or cooking recipes. This simple stand supports 7" and larger tablets in both portrait and landscape modes.
Download from Pinshape
Cool 3D Printing Item #19: Plant Drinker #2
Another horticultural art contraption. It is especially suitable for kitchen plants. The next time you buy fresh herbs for cooking, transplant them into this neat device and they'll stay fresh all week long.
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool thing for 3D printing #20: door stop
Tired of everyone slamming doors at home or in the office? Then you need an UNCOMPROMISING door stop. Light weight, child safe, designed for easy installation and easy fabrication on an FDM 3D printer. The creator of the stop also claims that the device can be used to repel zombie attacks, however this version has not been verified.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #21: Windshield Scraper
If you want to quickly and easily get rid of snow and ice on your car windshield with this handy scraper. Printed without support, at the end there is a hole for a lace.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Thing #22: Water Hose Control
This special nozzle regulates the flow of water in the garden hose, about 2 liters per minute. It’s great if you have water limits set in the height of summer.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printing Cool Item #23: Modular Wine Rack
Whether you're new or a connoisseur in the world of wine, this modular wine rack is the perfect storage solution for your fine drink. bottles of WIRA. It can be expanded (or narrowed) according to your collection by printing only the required number of modules.
Download from 3DShook
Cool thing for 3D printing #24: whistle for protection
This original design whistle is easy to make and carry. Durable and very loud. How loud? How about 118 decibels? This is more than enough to get people to hear about your emergency.
Download from ThingiVerse
3D Printable Cool Thing #25: Apple Headphone Holder
Download from ThingiVerse9
3D Printable Thing: Cool Thing #20016 Holder of an umbrella for a wheelchair
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
28: Protection for disk
Download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 29: Form for Snegles
Download from ThingiVerse
Cool 3D Printable Item #30: Wine Bottle Protector
Download from MyMiniFactory170004
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 31: Pocket ashtray
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 32: Rodist Roll for a glass 9000 9000 9000 9000 download from MYMINIFACTORY
3D Printable Cool Item #33: Apple Remote Stand
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #34: Key Holder
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 35: Holder of the cutlery for people with disabilities
Download from Myminifactory
Current Passing No. 36: Cover wine bottle
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #37: Paper cup holder
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No.
38: Case for blades
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 39: Holder for a children from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #40: Towel Rack
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #41: Holder for a glass
Download with Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D Press No. 42: Holder for a phone in the shower
download from Myminifactory
Twisting thing for 3D printing No. 43: Holder No. 43: Holder No. 43: for beer glasses
Download from MyMiniFactory
Cool thing for 3D printing #44: MacBook Pro stand
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing for 3D printing No. 45: Protection for SD-Cart
download from Myminifactory
Cool thing No. 46: BATERIOUS 9000
Download from MyMiniFactory
3D Printable Cool Item #47: Ice Cream Cone Holder
Download from MyMiniFactory
Printable Cool Item #40016 shower set
download from Myminifactory
Cool Spring No.
49: Evacal separator
download from Myminifactory
Cool Press No. 50 for 3D:
Download from MyMiniFactory
Want more exciting news from the world of 3D technology?
Follow us on social. facebook networks:
Design measurement: 14 3D printed items
- Forbes Life
- Alisa Kornilova-Rivkind Author
3D printed designer items available for purchase now
In April 2014, architect and designer Philippe Starck launched an online store where anyone can choose a template and customize the look of interior items, and then print the thing on a 3D printer.
Stark expressed his confidence that the 3D printer will completely change the way we look at design: stores will turn into open creative platforms where customers can produce unique products.
The market for 3D printed items and self-printing instructions is growing daily. Online retailers have emerged that specialize in 3D printing for everything from furniture and musical instruments to shoes and desserts.
Forbes has selected 14 3D printed designer items available for purchase right now.
Jewelry pendants collection Chestahedron
Californian architect Frank Chester promotes "freedom from freedom of creativity" - the rejection of both a superficially objective and purely subjective approach to art in favor of discovering the original "spiritual" forms in nature. For a long time studying biomorphic structures and Platonic solids (regular polyhedra with spatial symmetry), he discovered a new geometric figure - heptahedron chestaghedron.
Subsequently, it turned out that his heptahedron exactly corresponds to the configuration and internal structure of the human heart. A series of pendants with chestahedrons made of metal alloys, bronze and silver was released in June 2014 using 3D printing as a progressive version of the usual heart pendants, introducing new knowledge and technologies.
Price: $69 to $299
Soda sunglasses
Multicolored bioplastic Soda sunglasses showcase a new way of interacting with the consumer, offering a choice of ready-made glasses and separate temple frames in 4 shapes and 22 colors in any combination (plus versatile dark lenses). With glasses, the buyer receives instructions for self-3D printing of the frame and its subsequent assembly. The store takes on the feel of a workshop—the site includes a video of a printer being printed and a link to an updated moodboard of things and looks that inspire Soda designers, from gummy bears and car concepts to sneaker ads and silent movie frames.
Price: €39.99
Slow food bowl for cat food
Dutch Monique de Wilt designed a slow feeding device for one of her cats, who always tries to swallow a portion of wet food as quickly as possible and suffers from nausea afterwards. A ceramic lid with holes in the shape of a cat's paw makes you extract and eat each piece individually.
Price: €31.37
Nooka watch with PU bracelets
A limited edition of 12 unisex sports watches from the American brand Nooka with lightweight polyurethane bracelets created using laser cutting and 3D printing. For each of the dials, you can pick up three types of bracelets - "Trillion", "Honeycomb" or "Waves".
Price: $99-139
Elvis Pompilio & MGX fedora hat
A sophisticated version of the classic fedora hat in white polyamide by renowned Belgian hat maker Elvis Pompilio, who has worked with fashion houses Christian Dior and Valentino.
The 3D fedora is distinguished from straw prototypes by its refined weaving pattern and noticeably less weight.
Price: €496
Case for iPhone 5\5S
Cases for digital gadgets are the simplest and most popular things created using household 3D printing. Among the countless shell options for the latest iPhone, you'll find a durable, polished polyamide case with a retro spinning dial that mimics the mechanics of older phones.
Price: €13.95
Wine bottle decoration Inter Culture
Openwork "shoulder" in white polyamide for bottles on the festive table from Tokyo-based brand Inter Culture. There are four shapes and sizes to choose from: Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, traditional Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Price: €49.01
Vertigo Polka bag
Vertigo Polka is a brand of designer accessories from Illinois.
Its founder, Robert Drummond, has specialized exclusively in 3D printing for the past four years. Small interior ceramics, bags and a large selection of jewelry made from a variety of materials, from nylon thread to silver and gilded brass, made the brand famous. One of the novelties is a miniature women's satchel bag, an actual model in the spirit of glam-sport and futurism, made of flexible polyamide mesh with a grainy matte surface that is pleasant to the touch and an optional chain length over the shoulder.
Price: €117
Eragatory Gold Plated Cutlery
Founder of the Belgian-British brand Eragatory Isai Bloch believes that 3D printing has a special potential, allowing you to find a balance between pure art and applied tasks. For example, to make gilded cutlery ergonomic, respectable and link together traditional etiquette, the decline of baroque luxury and associations with instruments of torture.
The creators emphasize that all Eragatory items must be produced only on a 3D printer.
Price: from €140 to €250 per item
Table and floor lamps
Lamp shades are one of the popular options for experimenting with 3D printing. The simplest are varieties of openwork and mesh designs. The Dazzle Lamp series, designed by Belgian architect and programmer Cornel Cannaerts, takes a far more sophisticated approach, using Z Corp's most advanced color printer capable of transmitting 390,000 unique colors and hundreds of thousands of possible combinations. The desired range of shades can be borrowed from any image and transferred in the form of a mosaic pattern to the inside of the lampshade. When the light is on, the gray-white lampshades on the outside become colored.
Price: on request, individually for each luminaire
Leather and bioplastic ankle boots Bryan Oknyansky
British designer Brian Oknyansky plans to change the fashion shoe market with a development that allows custom-made pairs to be stamped.
Trial model - open ankle boots with a lace-up top made of genuine leather and a massive bioplastic base.
The colors of the three printed parts - sole, 15 cm heel and platform - can be freely chosen from a ten-color palette. Bulky-looking shoes are light and comfortable: the height of the heel is compensated by the height of the platform, and an ergonomic soft insole is built between the bioplastic and the foot. An architect by training, Oknyansky also custom-designs futuristic footwear made from leather and titanium alloys, using 3D technologies from the fields of space aviation and automotive. In the 2013/2014 season, the designer was nominated for several UK professional fashion and technology awards.
Price: £400
Set of five stools
Janne Kyttanen's five stackable Monarh stools provide an alternative to wicker furniture. The advantages are low weight, mobility and a beautiful lattice structure, complemented by silhouettes of butterflies.
