steven@thorstad.ca

MakerTron Design Contest on Pinshape

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Pinshape has just released a design contest that will last until October 15th. For any teachers out there, this looks like it may be a great class project. It incorporates aspects of both designing with given constraints, while also giving a very large degree of artistic freedom as well. Depending on the workload desired it could serve as either a team project or an individual project as there are several separate parts to be designed. Design contests like this are common on a variety of websites that have 3D models. Most of these design contests provide fun and exciting ways to get people printing and innovating in ways they may have not have previously thought to. Even if this challenge isn’t quite the right fit for your class, the template should carry over to a variety of other subjects by simply starting off with a core piece and encouraging creative solutions to whatever problem … Read more

3D Modelling with SketchUp

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The first program many people have used when beginning to 3D model would be SketchUp. Compared to the other free programs it has been around for a long time and still is a relevant program. It is a fairly easy to use piece of software and is well documented because of it’s popularity. Sketchup has released a series of tutorial videos to help you learn SketchUp if you are brand new or need to refresh on the basic. There are also a variety of forums and groups that are happy to help with specific questions you may have about SketchUp. One thing to note about SketchUp is that although it can export STL files, some versions have a tendency to create non-manifold 3D models when they are exported. This can make them unprintable depending on the severity. With careful modelling this is avoidable but is definitely something to be aware … Read more

3D Modelling with Sculptris

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Are you looking for a 3D modelling program that feels very natural to use? If so we have found Sculptris to be great tool. It is very easy to pick up and get started with as the initial learning curve is very small compared to many others. The idea behind how Sculptris works is that it is designed to feel like you are working with clay. You are given tools that allow you to manipulate and sculpt the clay as well as add and remove it. This free program is a great way jump into artistic 3D modelling that has almost no constraints on your creativity. If you are looking for a way to create precise or mechanical parts this may not be the program for you, but if you want to create organic shapes this is a great choice. Sculpteo has created a great tutorial that covers the whole … Read more

3D Modelling with Blender

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Blender is a very powerful piece of software. It is capable of creating everything from 3D models, to creating games and movies with the characters you rig in Blender. It is opensource software with no cost so it is a great tool to try out. Blender is considered to be a fairly complex piece of software but once people learn it, it is often a good fit for almost anything they want to create. Blender has a large community using it and supporting it. You can find Blenders recommended Tutorials here. They provide several different tutorials from different providers, lots of them are free though some of the content also requires subscriptions to access it. Once you have the basics down there is great documentation called the Blender Reference Manual that helps you learn how to better use the software. These manuals are free to access and serve as a … Read more

MakerBot Composite Filaments

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MakerBot has previously mentioned they will be releasing composite PLA filaments to expand their 3D printing ecosystem. These filaments should enable MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation users to print with a variety of new materials. These filaments will be available in Limestone, Maple, Bronze and Iron. MakerBot has recently announced a 2016 release of these new composite filaments. These filaments will be a great option for projects that require a unique material such as these to truly bring them to life. Be sure to check out MakerBot’s page on these filaments for additional details and some ideas on how these filaments can be used.