Category Archives: Applications

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

3D Printing for Injection Molded Parts Design Validation

More Complex Injection Molded Design - Back Side View

It Pays To Prototype One of the most practical applications of high resolution PolyJet 3D Printing is for the validation of injection molded parts design.  Will the parts fit and function as intended?  With injection mold tooling costs running from $5,000 up to over $50,000 – it pays to prototype. Now you can leverage PartSnap’s […]

3D Printing for Architectural Models

PartSnap 3D Printing can be used for a wide range of architectural models and applications: 3D Printed Models of Architectural Structures 3D Printed Models of Furniture for Design, Staging and Decorating 3D Printed Models of Hardware and Architectural Details        Credits: CAD Models of Queen Anne furniture models are provided courtesy of Kacie Hultgren, http://www.thingiverse.com/PrettySmallThings […]

3D Printing the Free Universal Construction Kit

Below are some images of 3D printing samples of the Free Universal Construction Kit in VeroWhitePlus and VeroGray.  The Universal Construction Kit is an effort by Free Art and Technology (F.A.T.) and Sy-Lab to provide compatibility between LEGO blocks, Tinkertoys, K’Nex, Duplo and other proprietary building blocks and toys. Photos with dark background: Free Art […]