In the United States, more and more people are seeking to live a simpler, less expensive way of life and one way to live out this idea is to join in on the Tiny House Movement.

These Tiny Houses that we speak of usually measure in at about 400 square feet and, as you can see, they live up to their name, “Tiny Houses.”

Not only is this particular movement encouraging people to downsize, it’s also, as you would expect, environmentally and financially friendly – two other enticing benefits.

3D printing service bureau, Sculpteo, has highlighted the fact that there are a myriad of designs for Tiny Houses available for free online.

These designs range from custom brackets to shelves and the 3D printers that are used in the process are able to fabricate the smaller components that are used in construction as well.

The idea of Tiny Houses isn’t entirely new; in fact, last year, urban design professor Peter Ebner, along with his students in the UCLA 3M futureLAB, created a fully-functional “microhouse” that was built via 3D printing.

The students took on the challenge to create their prototype of the 3D-printed microhouse in just 10 weeks. At the end of that time period, the house was completed and was seven feet wide by seven feet long and 11 feet tall. The design was made in two halves, which were then joined to create an enclosed shell.

In this microhouse were a bed, kitchen, full bathroom, storage space and a small lounge area with room for a TV.

In order to build strong walls that would retain heat, the students modeled the interior of the walls to resemble the internal structure of bones, which are porous.  These walls assisted in the heating and cooling of the house.

The UCLA house was less than 50 square feet of home-sweet-home!

The microhouse, as pictured above from UCLA 3M futureLAB.

Albeit very interesting, Ebner chose 3D printing and portable microhomes as the focus of this particular project because it fits the mission of 3M futureLAB – using technology to develop solutions to social problems, like alleviating overcrowding in urban areas that have insufficient affordable housing, while using fewer materials.

Additionally, Sculpteo agrees with Ebner and his students in that 3D printing allows for mass customization that can improve safety features to protect homeowners in the future.

Now, the microhouse is just one example of the possibilities that remain with the creation of Tiny Houses. The future for the Tiny House Movement still hangs in the balance, but we think there’s room for big opportunities!

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://3dprint.com/88730/tiny-houses-meet-3d-printing/

https://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2015/08/11/3d-printing-and-the-tiny-house-movement-in-the-us/

https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/the-home-of-the-future-in-50-square-feet

Media:

https://cms.ipressroom.com.s3.amazonaws.com/173/files/20145/53ab5e41299b506db0001b6e_3D+printed+house+and+Ebner/3D+printed+house+and+Ebner_mid.jpg

https://static3.businessinsider.com/image/53f214a3eab8ea703458db7d-1200/tiny-house-plattsburgh.jpg

The post Tiny Houses = Big Opportunities for 3D printing! appeared first on Inventionland.

In collaboration with musical artist and violinist Laurent Bernadac, the French company known as 3Dvarius has designed a fully-playable electric violin.

Though that alone sounds extremely innovative, the creativity doesn’t stop there. In fact, this electric violin was actually created with the most advanced 3D-printing technology and based on the traditional Stradivarius, which is one of the cellos, violas, violins and other stringed instruments that was built by members of the Stradivari family, namely Antonio Stradivari, during the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Now that that short history lesson is over, let’s get back to how this 3D-printed violin was made. First, it was printed as a single piece. The process combines the precision of computer renderings and the extremely intricate skill of violin making.

Laurent Bernadac playing the 3D-printed violin. Image: designboom.com

Both of these talents were paired with Laurent Bernadac’s experience with violins and his knowledge of what exactly was needed in order to create a great violin.

The 3D-printed violin that 3Dvarius created was made to be lightweight and take into account all of the movements a violinist makes.

Throughout the research process, the acoustic and wave propagation through the body of the violin were studied, as well as the right mechanical resistance for the pressure of the strings.

To carry out this research, 3Dvarius used sterolithography, which is a technology that creates models layer by layer by curing photo reactive resin with an ultraviolet laser. Once this is complete, hand sanding takes place. This step is then followed by cleaning and polymerization that removes any excess resin and protects the internal makings of the violin.

Next is perhaps the most delicate step – the stringing of the violin. It’s during this step that the structure of the violin is introduced to actual string pressure.

Here’s an actual video of the making of the 3D-printed violin from 3Dvarius!

The idea for this 3D-printed violin came to be in 2012. Its first prototype was created in polycarbonate in 2013; however, it was too heavy and difficult to play. So, the 3Dvarius team put their heads together and created the second and current prototype.

If the 3D-printed violin is a hit with violinists, 3Dvarius will consider a commercial release. Until then, we’ll enjoy the sound of innovation!

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://www.designboom.com/technology/3dvarius-3d-printed-violin-08-11-2015/

https://www.3ders.org/articles/20150807-this-gorgeous-3d-printed-transparent-electric-violin-sounds-fantastic.html

Media:

https://www.designboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3dvarius-laurent-bernadac-3d-violin-designboom-01-818×545.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=43&v=Gr-Vu4w35RM

https://www.designboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3dvarius-laurent-bernadac-3d-violin-designboom-02-818×545.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF0pOUBS3sg

The post 3Dvarius Strings Together Innovation appeared first on Inventionland.

So far, we’ve seen 3D printing create some amazing tangible objects. However, artist Ekaggrat Singh Kalsi wanted to take this innovation to a whole new level, so he came up with a “bright” idea.

Thanks to a modified 3D printer, Kalsi has been able to create art, namely floating color portraits.

As with any new idea, Kalsi had to refine his approach.

Initially, he began this hologram-making process by using a NIKON D3100, which focused on long exposure photography. However, he grew increasingly displeased with its confines of still imagery.

In fact, these shots didn’t even include the full color spectrum.

So, Kalsi found a Better Way to make a hologram. Over time, he refined the process, which ultimately has allowed him to print in full color.

Kalsi uses a new camera that automatically starts and stops, which is of benefit for the creative process. He also has attached an RGB LED bulb to the working end of the 3D printer that’s used to build a light-based structure.

A printer also was programmed to precisely control the movement of the LED and turn the light source on and off when necessary.

Essentially, Kalsi’s system “prints” a 3D-printed object line-by-line. As we mentioned before, a modified 3D printer is used, however a bright light is applied at regular stages of the process to illuminate the work.

While in progress, the human eye is not able to see the hologram. It’s the end video that shows the hologram.

His featured artwork is actually of his daughter’s face. Kalsi used a 3D scan to capture his daughter’s face, which was then communicated to his printer, in order to create the hologram.

It’s interesting to point out, however, that this isn’t the first time that hologram-making technology has been developed. In fact, students from Carnegie Mellon University (which is in Pittsburgh, too!) created a large robotic arm that could do the same thing.

Though Kalsi’s 3D printer is much more home-friendly, he has also improved, as we mentioned before, his preexisting designs to create full-color images.

Check out his video to see Kalsi’s 3D-printed innovation in action:

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://gizmodo.com/this-3d-printer-is-an-artist-that-paints-with-light-1715934355

https://inhabitat.com/ekaggrat-singh-kalsi-3d-prints-masterpieces-with-light/

https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-07/06/3d-printed-light

Media:

https://vimeo.com/131520686

https://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/ec308faa309f64606dbf613d401c49c8/202237273/sliced-light-ekggarat-singh-kalsi.jpg

The post This Hologram is a ‘Bright’ Idea! appeared first on Inventionland.

At Inventionland, we know a thing or two about cool offices; after all, we’ve been featured in countless news pieces that have showcased our creative design facility!

That’s why, when we saw this news article, we just had to share, because it combines two things that we have in common- a cool office space and the power of 3D printing!

As we mentioned before, this 3D-printed office will be the temporary headquarters for the staff of the nearby “Museum of the Future” in Dubai.

The 3D-printed office will be home to various teams of employees, as well as a small digital fabrication facility and 3D-printing exhibition space.

Image: Museum of the Future

All of the furniture inside, as well as the detailing and structural components, will be produced via 3D printing.

This project is the Museum’s first initiative as part of the partnership between Dubai and WinSun Global. The Museum claims that this 3D-printed office will be the most advanced 3D-printed structure that has ever been built and the first to actually be used.

What is this 3D-printed office really trying to prove? Well, according to H.E. Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Chairman of UAE National Innovation Committee, “This building will be a testimony to the efficiency and creativity of 3D printing technology, which we believe will play a major role in reshaping construction and design sectors.”

In order to print this 2,000 square foot, 3D-printed office, engineers will use a 20-foot tall 3D printer that will be assembled onsite.

Special Reinforced Concrete (SRC), Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFG) will be used to construct the numerous decorative and structural components.

This project, run by the United Arab Emirates National Innovation Committee, will take just a few weeks to complete. The labor costs will be reduced by 50 – 80 percent while construction waste will decrease as well, between 30 – 60 percent.

As of late, the project completion date has not been announced.

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://www.gizmag.com/worlds-first-3d-printed-office-dubai/38253/

https://3dprint.com/77550/dubai-3d-printed-office/

Media:

https://3dprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/d4.jpg

https://www.sciencealert.com/images/jun-15/_dubai3d2.jpg

The post 3D-printed Office Will Soon Be in Business appeared first on Inventionland.

The innovation behind these 3D-printed creations is a small, Wi-Fi connected device by the name of the Ripple Maker. This invention allows a coffee drink to embellish delicious coffee milk foam with a natural coffee extract through Ripple Pods that extrude the written or visual liquid design.

This invention is more geared toward local coffee shops where foamy coffees are plentiful. Ripples offers a Better Way to connect with others through a common ground and shared love for none other than coffee.

It only takes about 10 seconds for Ripples to produce a 3D-printed design on any foamy drink in any sized mug up to seven inches high and 4.5 inches in width.

In this day and age, baristas are already seen as “artists” of sorts when it comes to their caffeinated creations. However, they will be able to take it up a notch, thanks to Ripples, which will have eager customers saying, “Thanks a-latte!”

Ripples gives customers the opportunity to make customizable art on their lattes by using an app. Once the design is transmitted to a Wi-Fi-enabled device, the creation gets printed right on to the customer’s latte.

Customers can sift through an existing Ripple from the hundreds of messages and images that are already in the app’s library or a customer can create their own from the camera roll on their device.

If a customer does, in fact, choose his or her own Ripple, its contrast, brightness and crop can be adjusted to how it will appear in the mug.

The ink for the Ripples’ designs are actually coffee extracts. Once the design is chosen, it’s sent to the Ripple Maker, which prints the design in a matter of seconds.

Take a better look at what Ripples has brewing, here!

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://3dprint.com/76087/ripple-maker-3d-print-coffee/

https://www.techtimes.com/articles/63408/20150624/custom-latte-art-ripples.htm

Media:

https://images.techtimes.com/data/images/full/101522/ripples-drink.jpg?w=600

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eApwjip-Bmw

The post Ripples Makes 3D-printed Coffee: Let that Invention Percolate! appeared first on Inventionland.

As the world of 3D printing continues to grow, so too does its innovation.

American Standard has embraced 3D printing and has created a brand new line of twisted faucets under their DXV line.

The designs of the 3D-printed faucets will definitely catch your eye and are capturing the capabilities of 3D printing, too.

American Standard uses a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing process to create some of their impressive kitchen hardware pieces.

The SLS process gives American Standard the creative license to fabricate objects using geometries that could not have been done with the use of standard casting techniques.

The process of creating these innovative 3D-printed faucets starts with a 3D model of the design. Next, the model is sent to the SLS 3D printer, where a layer of metal powder is laid down on the printing bed.

A laser then melts the metal powder into the shape of the first layer of the model. The first layer is sintered, another layer of metal powder is laid down on top of it and the process is repeated until completion.

What’s great about the SLS 3D printer is that it doesn’t require any support structure, which makes creating any shape that a designer can think of possible.

The DXV 3D-printed faucets have reinvented the way that water moves through them. In fact, the structure conceals the waterways through a decorative design, which gives a magical illusion when the water begins to flow.

American Standard’s DXV 3D-printed faucets are the first on the market. However, don’t expect to see them in your local hardware store anytime soon. These innovative faucets are only available in a select few showrooms and retailers.

Copyright Inventionland, 2015                                                                               

Sources:

https://gizmodo.com/these-impossibly-twisted-3d-printed-faucets-somehow-act-1712321989

https://3dprint.com/71349/3d-printed-sink-faucets/

Media:

https://3dprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/3dp_faucet_2-e1433592799792.jpg

The post These 3D-printed Faucets are Making Quite the Splash! appeared first on Inventionland.

The topic of 3D printing remains at the forefront of a lot of discussions. However, most 3D-printed objects, not including 3D-printed food, are usually printed in monochromatic colors, such as red, white and blue. Though these objects might be highly-detailed, they lack originality.

Researchers at Zhejiang University and Columbia University found this to be a problem, so they did something about it.

In fact, they found a Better Way to attach complex colors to objects to make them look somewhat real.

The method that the research team developed is known as computational hydrographic printing.

Let’s break computational hydrographic printing down into simpler terms.

First of all, hydrographic printing is not a new method; in fact, mass manufacturers have used it to add repetitive patterns onto cheaply-manufactured objects. This sort of printing involves both a vat of water and a thin, pre-printed film, which is sprayed with a softening agent.

Next, the object is lowered into the water and presses against the film, which then stretches around the object.

Once the object is removed from the water, it gives the illusion that it was part of the 3D-printing process.

However, the researchers discovered a flaw in the system and wanted to perfect it. The flaw was during the dunking phase and at this point of the process, the film stretches and, in turn, does not work on jobs that require precision.

After much thought and experimenting, they realized that they could use a 3D scan of the original object and pre-dip it into a simulated bucket of water and thinly-printed film. From this point, they could determine how to then position and align prints onto objects.

The researchers then used Microsoft Kinect 3D image mapping to improve the process.  The Kinect measures the exact position and orientation in relation to where the 3D-printed film will be placed on the object.

Though this is a Better Way to 3D-print in color, there are some limitations. Objects that feature highly concave surfaces or any surface might be hidden from view or scanning. Additionally, blending and precision still continue to be a challenge because when the film stretches out significantly, some color may become distorted.

The future of computational hydrographic printing hangs in the balance, however the research team does believe that this technique could be an easy way to add custom color to 3D-printed objects.

Here’s a better look at computational hydrographic printing in action:

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://mashable.com/2015/05/15/3d-printed-painting/

https://www.wired.com/2015/05/crazy-way-add-intricate-color-3-d-printed-creations/

Media:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUhPrAqiY0

https://rack.2.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDE1LzA1LzE1L2ZiLzNESHlkcm9ncmFwLjIwNDQ4LmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4OTYwMD4/f0dc4deb/92c/3DHydrographicZebra3.jpg

The post Computational Hydrographic Printing Just Got Real! appeared first on Inventionland.

It all began in 2012, when the 3D Printshow brought the technology and innovation of 3D printing to a global stage at the first-ever dedicated 3D printing event in the world.

Since then, the Printshow has grown to a global level and offers a series of events for industry, business, brands and consumers with a reputation for high-quality and high-value events.

As we mentioned before, at this year’s 3D Printshow London, a pop-up will be serving up a menu of only 3D-printed food.

The 3D Printshow Kitchen is the first of its kind and is in collaboration with an innovation lab that goes by the name of FabLab Maastricht. Together, they have hired a mysterious, unnamed “Michelin chef” to create the 3D-printed delicacies.

Although the 3D Printshow Kitchen’s focus is mainly on 3D printing food, the other focus is that the menu is comprised of “all natural foods.” In fact, the Michelin chef will be whipping up some dishes using fresh and seasonal ingredients, as well as a 3D-printed chocolate globe.

The dessert is actually a fully-functioning map of the world and holds various “flavor compartments” inside.

The goal of the 3D Printshow Kitchen is to show the event-goers that 3D printing can actually improve the way that foods are manufactured and prepared and to also streamline the process to offer greater efficiency and affordability.

This isn’t the first time that London has set the stage for various pop-ups. In fact, in February, a restauranteur turned an old double decker bus into a pizza restaurant!

All in all, we think it’s safe to say that the world’s hunger for 3D printing continues to grow!

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://3dprintshow.com/our-view/

https://www.eater.com/2015/5/14/8606469/3d-printed-food-pop-up-london

https://www.3printr.com/3d-printshow-london-to-feature-3d-printed-pop-up-restaurant-0028993/

Images:

https://www.3printr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/3d_printshow_london3.jpg

https://cdn.idigitaltimes.com/sites/idigitaltimes.com/files/styles/large/public/2015/05/17/3d-printed-food-restaurant-menu-popup.jpg?itok=S6B2Pw5i

The post 3D Printshow Kitchen is Dishing Out Innovation appeared first on Inventionland.

This spring, you might be thinking of a list of home improvements that you would like to do. Maybe renovate the kitchen or even update the furniture in your living room. If you plan on the latter, would you ever consider using 3D-printed furniture?

Winbo, a Chinese company, has created and continues to create 3D printers that are able to print objects of all shapes and sizes.

The company specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of 3D printers and 3D-printing materials.

But, as we’ve seen last year and into this year, 3D printing has the capability to pretty much print anything under the sun. Winbo has taken this notion into account as they have printed small-sized home models, as well as life-sized, usable 3D-printed furniture.

The inspiration for this innovative endeavor of 3D-printed furniture stems from the realization that more and more people are customizing and personalizing their homes, rather than choosing fixed designs.

So, Winbo decided to use their 3D printers to print home models at first. Then, the company took their home plan idea a step further when they created actual, useful 3D-printed furniture.

Although the idea of 3D-printed furniture has been done before, the attention to detail to which Winbo 3D prints their furniture is unlike anything anyone has ever seen.

Winbo’s first creation was a 3D model of a very detailed chair. The company used one of their printers to print pieces, one pieces at a time, of a life-sized chair.

From that point on, the 3D-printed furniture train did not stop; in fact, Winbo has 3D-printed tables to match the chairs and the company is currently working on printing a large desk as well.

This feat is more about showing what 3D printers are capable of, rather than the style and comfort of the 3D-printed furniture.

Winbo’s site currently features an array of the 3D-printed furniture that they’ve created thus far that ranges from lamps to sofas and everything in between.

Above is a picture of some of Winbo’s 3D-printed furniture from 3Dprint.com.

The opportunities are endless with Winbo’s 3D-printed furniture. Who knows, they might come out with porch furniture or maybe even a bedroom set. Only time will tell!

Copyright Inventionland, 2015

Sources:

https://3dprint.com/35379/winbo-3d-printed-chairs/

Images:

https://3dprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/winbo2.jpg

The post Take a Seat on this 3D-printed Furniture appeared first on Inventionland.

Well, it’s no surprise that 3D printing has been put to use again. This time, these inventors’ wheels were turning when they decided to create a 3D-printed car! Yes, you read that right, a fully-functional, 3D-printed motor vehicle!

The Strati is the world’s first 3D-printed car and was invented by Jay Rogers, who is the CEO of Local Motors.

The Strati is a small, electric car that is equipped with two seats and is comprised of 49 3D-printed parts, as opposed to the 5-6,000 parts that are in most cars.

The largest of the 49 parts of the Strati is the 3D-printed body, in addition to the traditional parts such as the windshield, seats, wheels and motor.

Three phases went into constructing the Strati, which in Italian means “Layers.” We find that to be a very fitting name for the construction of this invention.

In phase one, the 3D printing of the car took place due in part to a Cincinnati Incorporated Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM). This step in the process took over 44 hours and used cutting-edge technology otherwise known as additive manufacturing.

The second phase, subtractive manufacturing, took place during one day of milling on a machine that was provided by Thermwood. Once that was complete, the third and final step was the rapid assembly phase. During this phase, a team that was led by Local Motors put the final touches on their 3D-printed car.

Local Motors wasn’t the only company that had a hand in making this 3D idea into a reality. In fact, there were quite a few companies that offered their skill and expertise to invent the first 3D-printed car. For example, SABIC Innovative Plastics offered carbon-reinforced ABS plastic that was used to 3D print some of the first iterations of the Strati. Additionally, Siemens provided the “Solid Edge” software that was used for the structural design elements, while Renault donated the powertrain from the Twizy. But, a car can’t move without wheels and those four integral parts were built by Fifteen52 to match the car’s design.

After all of these phases were complete, the key was put in the ignition and the car took a ride down the road of innovation.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Strati!

Copyright Inventionland, 2014

Sources:

https://mashable.com/2014/09/16/first-3d-printed-car/

https://venturebeat.com/2014/09/23/worlds-first-3d-printed-car-takes-inaugural-drive/

Media:

https://www.carblogger.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/3d-auto-strati-569×340.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5dmCIJ_8Rc

The post These Inventors Wheels Were Turning! appeared first on Inventionland.