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Shapeways Allows You to Materialise Any 3D Object, Star Trek Style
Posted by Jesus Diaz at 11:00 PM on August 26, 2008
While visiting the Philips research lab here in Amsterdam I came across a company that is getting the Star Trek replicator closer to everyday life. Imagine being able to create any 3D object you want--a World of Warcraft avatar, a chess set, a lamp, a Lego piece you are missing, a house for a train model, or a fully articulated astromech droid--print it remotely, and have it delivered to your house in just 10 days, even without knowing any 3D software. This is exactly what Shapeways does. Not next century, but right now, today.
While visiting the Philips research lab here in Amsterdam I came across a company that is getting the Star Trek replicator closer to everyday life. Imagine being able to create any 3D object you want--a World of Warcraft avatar, a chess set, a lamp, a Lego piece you are missing, a house for a train model, or a fully articulated astromech droid--print it remotely, and have it delivered to your house in just 10 days, even without knowing any 3D software. This is exactly what Shapeways does. Not next century, but right now, today.
Shapeways is a spin-off from Philips' Lifestyle Incubator. On one side, it's a website where you can upload your 3D models--which can even have joins--or use an online 3D creator with access to everyday models. The online 3D creator is extremely easy to use, so anyone can modify them without any technical or product design knowledge. With this, anyone can make a candle holder or a fruit bowl out of song lyrics or a personal message by just typing it. Advanced users to access to 3D packages can upload any model they can imagine in a 3D standard format, like STL, Collada or X3D.
On the other side, there are different types of rapid prototyping machines that can create that model using a variety of materials, from nylon to plastic composites, each with different properties. For example, the nylon one results in a semi-flexible object, while a plastic called "Cream Robust" gives you an extremely hard finish. Once you select the material and submit your model to 3D printer, you will get it in your hands in 10 days, with an average cost of US$50 to US$150, including shipping.
While the system is not perfect yet - there's no colour yet and you can get different textures for the surfaces - the start is very promising and the possibilities are endless. As a consumer, the customisation of objects is attractive enough, but the ability to upload any object and receive it in 10 days is even more exciting (and I don't mean printing dildos, which--apparently/sadly/fortunately for Benny--is not allowed). Model makers, Lego aficionados, product designers, and toy lovers of any kind, will absolutely love this one. [Shapeways]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Hectorvex
Posted 11:27 PM 26/8/08
@The Ellsbury Contact Intern: You say that until you've seen a woman shit Star Wars figures.
Hectorvex
The Ellsbury Contact Intern
Posted 11:26 PM 26/8/08
Any toy can be a sex toy. Location, location, location.
/Demitri likes grapes
The Ellsbury Contact Intern
LiquidGravity
Posted 11:25 PM 26/8/08
@Cubic_Hour:
Yeah nothing new to me about the tech or the companies either.
We had one of those 3d printers to use in class where I got my mechanical design degree.
LiquidGravity
James
Posted 11:22 PM 26/8/08
Why does the headline try to play this out like it's some new amazing thing? Even the idea of cheap mail order 3d models isn't new. And Star Trek? What?
It smells like someone fell for Shapeway's August 12 press release. Way to go guys.
James
Cubic_Hour
Posted 11:22 PM 26/8/08
There are loads of other companies out there doing this. Here in Europe I use Materialise (materialise.com). They're able to print in all sorts of great materials. In the US, I've used RedeyeRPM before. Typically these places just require an .STL file (which can be exported from any 3D CAD program, it's just your design replicated using a triangular mesh).
Cubic_Hour
Hectorvex
Posted 11:11 PM 26/8/08
I saw a whiffle ball on the table. Who's the genius behind that one?
This is cool, no longer do I have to buy my candle holders and other mantle place accessories at Wal-Mart, I'll make my own!
Of course, it'd be more fun if they did accept adult oriented material. Could you imagine what the Japanese would be ordering? Perverts.
Hectorvex
Gann
Posted 11:42 PM 26/8/08
@akratos: You'd need a way to convert into a usable format.
Gann
strider_mt2k
Posted 11:40 PM 26/8/08
I've never seen this before, so there. :p
Thanks, Gizmodo!
(Sorry, Bennny.) :o
strider_mt2k
Lev_Astov
Posted 11:36 PM 26/8/08
It's just another rapid prototyping system. The Objet Eden PolyJet machine is one of the best, printing with 0.0006" thin layers. There are so many of these out there. Personally, having some experience buying this stuff, I'd recommend buying your rapid proto stuff from [www.redeyerpm.com]
Lev_Astov
akratos
Posted 11:30 PM 26/8/08
so could you possibly extract 3D models from most PC games(say HL2 or WOW) and upload those? Or does copyright laws come into play?
This question is not just for Shapeway, but any other company like this.
I think it'd be neat to have a Gordon Freeman or G-Man statue.
Maybe you could be like the table-top RPG players and color them in yourself.
Hmmmmmm.
akratos
LiquidGravity
Posted 12:09 AM 27/8/08
They let this model in. [www.shapeways.com]
I have a feeling its an 'external use only' chemical reason.
LiquidGravity
viper1080
Posted 12:08 AM 27/8/08
Yea have one of these machines at my architecture school Knowlton at OSU
viper1080
whatnot22
Posted 12:39 AM 27/8/08
I'm tired of some smartass always saying "this isn't new". Who the hell cares. It's new to some of us. Nobody can know everything, so lay off. Just because you knew ONE thing before somebody else, doesn't make you superior. Now go back to hiding in your cubicle.
whatnot22
liquidsoapdispenser
Posted 12:29 AM 27/8/08
Trash away, I'm not a professional commenter either (no star).
liquidsoapdispenser
Gann
Posted 12:25 AM 27/8/08
@liquidsoapdispenser: How about trashing you for lacking the etiquette to critique/nitpick with an email, instead of in the public forums?
Gann
liquidsoapdispenser
Posted 12:23 AM 27/8/08
@akratos: If you can extract the 3D model, I'm sure these companies would "print" it for you. How will they know where the 3D model came from? Kind of like getting a photo print, the photo labs don't know if you're printing something you don't have the rights to (though they may ask you to say you have the rights to the 3D model -- which would mean you'd have to lie). But I think most companies are worried about mass-produced knock-offs, not this kinda stuff.
BTW, I think there is plenty of reasonable critique about this overly enthusiastic post (eems like Gizmodo has covered a few 3D printers over the years). The idea of using someone else's 3D printer is cool and worth a post, but it doesn't seem as amazing or futuristic as Jesus is hyping it be. Plus I noticed several typos (or something):
"Advanced users to access to 3D packages can..." (users have access)
"While the system is not perfect yet, there's no color yet and you can get different textures for the surfaces..." (you can't get textures)
I have a feeling Jesus was sleep deprived when he wrote this one. Oh, and feel free to trash me for my typos (because I'm not a professional!).
liquidsoapdispenser
LiquidGravity
Posted 12:17 AM 27/8/08
Also this one [www.shapeways.com]
and this one [www.shapeways.com]
and probably more.
@akratos:
[www.shapeways.com]
[www.shapeways.com]
LiquidGravity
theespacepope
Posted 12:58 AM 27/8/08
Rapid prototyping is like a star trek replicator? Seriously? When I was still in school we had one of the only EBM machines in the country. It basically did what their machines (most RP machines) do, but the part was made out of titanium. RP is actually quite simple if you have to machine and something like SolidWorks. We used a few different kinds in college.
theespacepope
DaveTyranham
Posted 12:46 AM 27/8/08
This would be cool for the next generation of "Build-a-Bear Workshops"
DaveTyranham
liquidsoapdispenser
Posted 1:18 AM 27/8/08
[gizmodo.com]
liquidsoapdispenser
Polybius
Posted 1:15 AM 27/8/08
I want TRON and TR2N lightcycles!
Polybius
strider_mt2k
Posted 2:01 AM 27/8/08
Yup, Gizmodo has reported on this stuff before and Jesus is enthusiastic, if not entirely 100% on his spelling.
It was in all the papers.
strider_mt2k
Elliuotatar
Posted 2:01 AM 27/8/08
@Lev_Astov:
Now see, I'd go to that site, and I'd leave because "Send me a quote" says to me that the cost of having them do this sort of thing would be hideously expensive. So if I just wanted some little thing done as a consumer, I'd find another site that actually listed sample prices.
Elliuotatar
deftonesboy360
Posted 2:35 AM 27/8/08
These machines are great. I use one almost daily at the company I work for to make prototypes before we set up for production in China. The machine we have is a variation of the one in the video, though it be a lesser model, as the one in the video is like a couple hundred grand to buy. We got ours brand new for the price a new car ($30,000). Tons of fun to play with.
deftonesboy360
mpar
Posted 2:27 AM 27/8/08
wow this is amazing for me really really amazing ill check it
mpar
Accordion
Posted 2:48 AM 27/8/08
@LiquidGravity: @Hectorvex:
Like this???
[www.shapeways.com]
Accordion
JediMasta
Posted 3:36 AM 27/8/08
buried for being ages old (what... this isn't Digg?). Don't get me wrong, this is cool stuff and all, but anyone who saw Jurassic Park 2 11 years ago saw this tech on the big screen being used for real to create some dino bone/whistle.
JediMasta
anatak
Posted 3:52 AM 27/8/08
It's an FDM machine and while there is absolutely nothing new about that, it is cool that they are using their web software to reach non-CAD type people.
As far a product design goes, if you can't get the part in 3 days, let alone 10, then it ain't rapid prototyping.
Open it up to dildos for Benny, and you've got something. Without that.... ehhhh..... nothing.
anatak
toyotaboy
Posted 3:37 AM 27/8/08
How does this keep making news? I've been using 3d printers for years, and the material is VERY expensive (but cheaper than a mold), and the machine itself requires a maintenance contract because it's always needing cleaning or parts replaced. Don't expect a consumer santa machine anytime soon folks!
toyotaboy
Bokusatsu_Tenshi
Posted 4:18 AM 27/8/08
It's just like companies that deals with graphic material, only they have a 3D printer instead. :D
Very nice... I'd like to have one of those around here where I live. Lots of fun stuff to do.
And I guess prices will go down as those printers get more popular...
Anyways, there's something weird going on the first video... things look kinda sped up, only they are not. Dunno how to explain...
Bokusatsu_Tenshi
bandit
Posted 5:44 AM 27/8/08
What's the size limit? I'd like to create a custom cover for my heat radiator but I have a feeling it's too big.
bandit
Jesus Diaz
Posted 8:10 AM 27/8/08
@James: href="#c7431665">toyotaboy: and the rest: It's news because for the first time ANYONE can order it at CHEAP prices. You have to see the article.
Jesus Diaz
man in gauze is king ramses II, actually
Posted 8:21 AM 27/8/08
Nothing stopping you from ordering the Burj Dubai and then shoving that up your ass, though.
I don't think I'll ever say a sentence like that again. Thank you for the opportunity, Jesus. :)
man in gauze is king ramses II, actually
Jesus Diaz
Posted 8:13 AM 27/8/08
@anatak: Exactly. Price, open to everyone, get model in 10 days. That's all new and put us closer to personal manufacturing.
Jesus Diaz
The Brain
Posted 9:15 AM 27/8/08
Comparing to star trek was quite a bit of a let down. This is just Fab@Home for money.
The Brain
FritzLaurel
Posted 11:21 AM 27/8/08
"Tea! Earl gray! Hot!"
FritzLaurel
not2techy
Posted 3:52 PM 27/8/08
Not a bad start.
But what we really need is a 3-D printer that mists chocolate into a highly cooled chamber, thereby enabling us to order custom-designed confections online.
The ability to coat the outside with a hard candy shell would be nice, too.
not2techy
Brian Sexton
Posted 4:40 PM 27/8/08
OK, so no dildo, but how about a tiny nude statue with a full-scale erect phallus . . . that is removable?
Brian Sexton
KVirtanen
Posted 4:56 PM 27/8/08
While I think this is 100% awesome, the audience in the first flick doesn't sound too convinced =D
KVirtanen
NealDike
Posted 2:50 AM 27/8/08
The 3D design software they're using in the second video is Blender. It's a great open-source multi-platform modeler and renderer. It also has a game engine that's extensible through Python. Check it out at Blender.org and the artist forums at blenderartists.org
NealDike
ReginaOwl
Posted 11:56 PM 26/8/08
I suggest exactly this equipment (made by someone else) has been in use for at least three years on car gear boxes. I thought it was only with Apple that you believed all the hype! Dear me what trusting souls you chaps are. drg40
ReginaOwl
OlYeller21
Posted 11:29 PM 26/8/08
This isn't anything new. The machine is called a rapid prototype machine and it's used in design so that a "cheap" part can be made to see how it fits/looks. While the bowled out side of one of the pieces is very smooth looking (which is somewhat hard to do), this technology has been around since the 80s. Maybe this company just made it a little better? The web integrated ordering system is a first though.
I love you Gizmodo but don't be fooled.
[en.wikipedia.org]
OlYeller21