3D Printing Threads (Cosmetic/Virtual Threads vs Real 3D Threads)

3D Printing Threads - Actual Revolved Threads

There is a lot of confusion regarding 3D printing threads when it comes to the translation of CAD data to a physical prototype.  This is largely because CAD vendors have introduced some shortcuts to make it easier for engineers and designers to add “virtual” or “cosmetic” threads to the designs without manually drawing the actual […]

Polypropylene-like 3D Printing Material

PolyJet Polyropylene-like material (aka Endur) is now available from PartSnap® 3D Printing.  This material adds to our PolyJet line and complements our FDM 3D printing materials.   Polypropylene-like Material provides the high-resolution finish typical of PolyJet resin, but with increased flexibility to simulated polyethylene and polypropylene plastics.   Flexible Prototypes:   Spring-Mechanisms   Reusable Snap-fit Enclosures:   […]

3D Printed Fossils

Pictured below are 3D printed fossils of a new crocodyliform species called Paluxysuchus newmani.  The original fossils were discovered by field crews from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and studied by research scientist Thomas Adams of SMU.  The fossils were laser scanned and reconstructed in the Visualization Lab in […]

3D Printed Guns

What are we to do about 3D printed guns?  Some Americans rejoice at the idea; others panic. The now famous (or infamous) group Defense Distributed recently released plans for a fully 3D printed gun.  The only non-3D printed parts are a single nail required for the firing pin and a non-functional metal block “required” to […]

PartSnap Introduces Objet PolyJet VeroClear

PolyJet VeroClear material is now available from PartSnap® 3D Printing.  This material adds to our PolyJet line and complements our FDM 3D printing materials.   VeroClear comes out of the printer with a clear-frosted finish but it can be worked and polished to be optically clear. Here is a picture of VeroClear as-printed and after […]

3D Printing “Magic Arms” in ABS Using Stratasys FDM

Stratasys FDM Magic Arms in ABS

A touching story of how 3D printing can be used to change and improve lives.   The innovative doctors at Nemours use Stratasys FDM parts to build exoskeletons for children with disorders requiring assistance moving their arms.  They call the device a Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX): WREX is a modular body-powered orthosis that is mounted to a person’s […]

3D Printing Art by Neri Oxman

Featured is an incredible demonstration of 3D printing art scupltures.  Neri Oxman, architect, designer and assistant professor at MIT Media Lab, creates digital sculptures melding nature with digital design and additive manufacturing technology.  She uses Objet’s multi-material Connex 3D Printing to bring the designs to life.  In collaboration with Objet Geometries R&D, she appears to have access […]

Chrome Plated 3D Printed Parts

PartSnap is now offering a new finish: metal plated 3D printed parts with a VeroWhitePlus core.   The metal plating is available with matte and polished finishes and, in addition to its aesthetic value, it also provides structural enhancements to the parts.  RePliForm has developed an excellent multi-layed metal-plating technology that they call RePliKote.  Take a look […]

How to Use the PartSnap 3D Printing Instant Quote System

In July 2012, PartSnap® introduced a 3D Printing Instant Quote system allowing clients to seamlessly upload STL files, configure an order and purchase high-resolution 3D printed prototypes, all online.  The video below highlights some of the basic functionality of the system. Watch the demo full-screen: PartSnap 3D Printing Instant Quote System Demonstration Visit the PartSnap 3D Printing […]

High Resolution 3D Printed Scale Models

3D Printed Octopod Underwater Salvage V Here’s a common question I receive at PartSnap: How much detail can be handled in a 3D printed scale model?  When PolyJet is selected for prototyping and model-making, the answer is: a lot. The PolyJet process creates parts with layers 0.001″ or less!  It builds parts layer by layer, handling […]