I met up with Brighton Fusebox Resident Ian Byrne from 3Dify to discuss what options are available.
We first discussed 3D printers, and there are so many 3D printers to choose from. Exploring Senses are interested in helping young people learn about how 3D printers work, how to build, calibrate, program and maintain them. 3D printing is new technology, which is developing rapidly. I discussed with Ian that we would like to purchase a 3D printer which meets the following requirements;
- Budget of up to £1700 (ideally would like to spend between £300-800)
- Open Source technology (software, hardware, and good forms which are highly populated by hardware/software 3D printer users)
- Small and portable
- Relatively easy to setup, use and maintain
- Sustainable - uses recycled filament materials
- Manufactured by a reliable company, who will hopefully be around for some time
Through the discussion it became apparent that there were two real contenders for an affordable and reliable 3D printer;
The PrintrBot Simple Black is PrintrBot's first all-metal 3D Printer. The all metal construction combined with a GT2 belt pulley system produces a 3D print that rivals those of other manufacturers which cost thousands more!
NEW FEATURES
STEEL & ALUMINIUM PARTS
It's hard not to notice the new aesthetics of the Simple. The steel and aluminium body not only looks much sleeker than its plywood counterpart, but also provides strength and stability. This means a quieter and more precise printing process!
PULLEY SYSTEM
The mechanics of the new Simple are also getting an upgrade with the introduction of the GT2 belt pulley system. Aside from featuring aluminium construction, this system will prevent belt slipping and backlash from reverse motion, which will result in cleaner prints.
SIMPLICITY FOR AN EASIER BUILD
As the name clearly suggests the idea behind this PrintrBot model has always been simplicity. As there are fewer parts only 5 major pieces and fewer fasteners. To compliment this simplification, new build instructions are also easier to follow!
BUILD VOLUME
The steel and aluminium Printrbot Simple comes with an extended build volume. Up about 5cm from the original, this new model has the capacity to print up to 3375cm²!!The second 3D printer option is the;
RepRapPro Omerond 3D Printer - £599
Click here for more information about the Omerod
We next discussed 3D scanning options. First on the list was the Microsoft V2 Kinect for Windows Scanner;
This scanner should be able to provide great accurate body part scans, it should be able to differentiate between fingers, finding the gaps to make clear defined scans of hands. This was not possible with the first X-Box 360 kinect scanner. Exploring Senses have ordered 1 x Kinect for Windows scanner, which should arrive in July 2014, in time for testing within our CommuniToy R&D Arts Council project.
Another scanning option is Autocad 123D Catch, a free application that can be used on mobile devices.
Previously the Sense 3D scanner was a contender for scanning, but the scanned image of small objects produced might not be detailed enough to produce a quality 3D printed object. Also the £300 price is not cheap, and you have to purchase proprietary software to use the scanner (not open source).
In the end we decided to go for the Microsoft Kinect One scanner and have pre-ordered our scanner which is due to ship in July 2014.
Exploring Senses are also interested in scanning environments, as we would like to create virtual worlds and adventure games that include Toy Hack avatars. Ian suggested we check out the Structure Sensor;
The Structure Senor is the first 3D scanner to be designed specifically for mobile devices such as the iPad Mini Retina. It can be used to create 3D scans of objects ready to be 3D printed. It can also be used to create augmented reality games and virtual world experiences.
The Minecraft/Oculas Rift/Razer Hydra Motion Controller youtube film is a prime example of a virtual world that has legs. Imagine the popularity of Minecraft plus the addition of creating your own Toy Hack avatars and monsters/friends. Lots of fun indeed!
The combination of these devices working together is pretty powerful. The conversation I had with Ian was very informative and inspirational. Big thanks to Ian Byrne from 3Dify for sharing some with me: )
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