Magicfly’s 3D-Printed Moon Lamp fits on your desk and is exquisitely crafted according to NASA satellite images, all for $20 shipped with coupon code: YIQ3PMGN, today only, originally $24.99. The surface has the feel of real craters and mountains, thanks to a special PLA material extracted from corn stalks. When fully charged via USB cable, it can be operated with gentle taps or other vibrations, with colors changing from yellow, white, to warm white. Product page – be sure to enter coupon code: YIQ3PMGN during final checkout for the additional discount. Read more for another hands-on video review and additional information.
CIMON (Crew Interactive Mobile Companion), a 3D-printed, AI robot created to help astronauts, has made its debut aboard the International Space Station. Featuring a cartoon-like face that interacts with astronauts, with the first being German Alexander Gerst, whom he will help conduct experiments. The 11-pound robot was developed by Airbus and IBM, the latter who, created the Watson AI. To start, it will work with Gerst three times on three different tasks – an experiment with crystals, working together to solve a Rubik’s cube and perform a complex medical experiment – totaling around three hours of work. Read more for another video and additional information.
It’s only a matter of time until we see 3D-printed cars hit the streets, and that includes supercars as well, like the Hyperlight by industrial designer Lee Rosario. This hybrid vehicle is made from 100% reusable 3D printed parts and features a cam-less Freevalve V6 Hybrid Engine System, breathable “gills” located behind the front wheels use conductive airflow to power electric motors, and a keyless Biometric DNA touch access / startup system. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Amazing 3D printers, such as the Comgrow Creality Ender 3, don’t cost an arm and a leg anymore, but NERA takes the technology to the next level. It’s touted as the “world’s first fully 3D-printed e-Motorcycle,” and features a battery concealed within the body, while powered by an electric engine embedded in the back wheel. NOWlab at 3D printer company BigRep used a total of 15 pieces to build the bike, with everything, besides the electrical components, being 3D-printed, including the tires, rims, frame, fork, and seat. Read more for a video of it in-action and additional information.
In the future, just about everyone will be able to 3D print whatever they need on demand, and the HRE3D+ wheels just show one more possibility. They’re touted as the world’s first 3D-printed titanium wheel, created using a process called Electron Beam Melting. More specifically, the rim is titanium, while the rest of the wheel is carbon fiber for structural integrity and strength. Read more for additional pictures and information.
NASA held a multi-year challenege to design a 3D-printable Mars habitat using on-planet materials, and a handful of teams have taken home their share of a $100,000 prize, with first place going to Team Zopherus (bottom in image above). Since the five winners have already been chosen, they’re all set to build scale models next year of their digital representations. “We are thrilled to see the success of this diverse group of teams that have approached this competition in their own unique styles. They are not just designing structures, they are designing habitats that will allow our space explorers to live and work on other planets. We are excited to see their designs come to life as the competition moves forward,” said Monsi Roman, program manager for NASA’s Centennial Challenges. Read more for another video and additional information.
Halloween may be over, but it’s never too early to start planning for next year’s festivities. This 3D-printed Ghost Rider mask by “Mikeasaurus” will get your ideas flowing. It started with a Thingverse model of a skull mask that was already set up to be 3D printed in separate pieces, and the designwas modified by cutting out the middle to make it wearable. It lights up courtesy of self-blinking LEDs that are fitted inside the mask, while an e-cigarette device and an aquarium pump provide the smoke effect. Continue reading for two more videos and additional information.
Photo credit: Mathieu Stern
Photographer Mathieu Stern just happened to be in Iceland, and loves making unique camera lenses, so what could be better than creating one with real ice from an iceberg? “If glass can focus light, then ice should do it too,” said Mathieu. To make it happen, a custom lens body designed to hold ice within as its main lens element had to be 3D-printed first. Then, an ice sphere maker was hacked to create optical half spheres. Continue reading to see actual images taken with the lens and for more information.
Industrial designer David Gallego spent 7-months creating the Ferrari F25 Concept, an electric hypercar, that was modeled after iconic 1960s models, like the 250 LM, 330 P4, 350 Can Am, 512 S Berlinetta Speciale and 512 S Modulo Concept. Once the designs were completed, it was then 3D-printed to bring the vehicle one step closer to reality. Continue reading for more pictures and information.
New 3D printers are quite affordable, and that means many inventors have taken it upon themselves to create new gadgets, like CUDA, designed by student Archie O’Brien. This underwater jetpack was designed to help users glide through water weightlessly, and is powered by rechargeable batteries. Its custom flow system allows water to enter an upper valve intake before being pushed through stator fins, which reduce radial flow and enable you to go faster. Continue reading for more pictures and information.