The Stereo Microscope is My Friend

If there is a tool that I count on more than my stereo microscopes, then I sure can't think of one.  I find a low power microscope will tell me things that I just cannot validate any other way.And, the performance and precision of a 3D printer is no exception.  So, for the first time, I was able to examine the prints from the cube under 10x to 40x and analyze the characteristics of printed surfaces.My favorite test shape is an extruded...

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The Cube - Opening the Box and Setting Up

If you look at the steps contained in this video, you'll see that the time it takes to open up the Cube packaging and print out the first sample piece is WAY shorter than it takes to render the video to show it!!!The process was not without some confusion.  And, I should have worn my glasses,  But, the fact that with a little effort I was able to actually read the LCD screen on the Cube is a bit of a miracle in and of itself..I hope this video will be helpful to other new Cube owners.  I already knew the Cube was a great 3D Printer. ...

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Loading your first Cube Cartridge

The process of "Load Cartridge" can be a little confusing.I actually believe that the instructions that you are given when you press "Load Cartridge" are actually for Re-Loading a cartridge... which is what we will be doing 99.9% of the time after we have our Cube up and running.The "Load Cartridge" process seems to assume that your are CHANGING cartridges, which is the thing we will be doing after the first load.  It is actually describing the "Re-Load Cartridge" process.Obviously, describing steps that do no apply for our initial setup can...

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IT'S HERE! But, needed adjustment

My Cube arrived this afternoon and I quickly opened it, set it up and began testing it.I videotaped the process just as it played out.  I'll be putting that video up this evening.ALERT!!I had hoped that I could just insert the cartridge and start printing.  That was not to be the case.  However, the issue I ran into is common to ALL 3D printers and is an easy thing to address.As it came out of the box, the gap between the extrusion head and the print bed was probably more than 1mm.  That is far too large for prints to work correctly. ...

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Creating a Handle with Insert in Moment of Inspiration

Most of the items I will be uploading to the Cubify store have more than one purpose.  Of course, the primary purpose is to offer a useful item for Cube owners to download.  But, a very important secondary purpose is to provide an opportunity to introduce applications and techniques that are useful for those Cube owners that want to create their own objects.The Nail Holder is no exception.  It is very useful to learn how a handle with a matching insert can be designed.  Well fitted inserts are going to be an important part of...

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Something Useful #1 - Nail or Screw Holder

One of the roadblocks all of us have encountered when we initially try to introduce 3D printing to people is the completely false idea that smaller 3D printers are only good for making plastic novelties and trinkets.Some of that is our fault.  Most of the samples we see are little more than trinkets we can pick up in local stores for a few bucks.  And, at first glance, even the art objects that we show people have little value because they...

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Using Moment of Inspiration to Create the Counter-Rotating Stars

I thought it might be fun to show you how I created the counter-rotating stars in the test STL that I introduced earlier.My primary 3D application is called "Moment of Inspiration".  It can be found at MOI3D.com.I have long searched for a program that was simple enough for me to use; yet, powerful enough to do something useful.  I needed something that was a cross between a traditional CAD program and an organic 3D application.  I found what I was looking for in MOI 3D.I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to...

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An STL to Test the Cube - Part 2

After the first version of the STL designed to test the Cube printer when it arrives, I had this feeling that I was treating it like I did my students on the first day of school when I was teaching.  The bulk of the years that I taught was with the 7th - 9th grades.  And, one had to be a bit creative to survive a full year.I found, as many teachers can attest, that it helps if, on the first day of school, the students come to think their...

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Tomorrow is Today!

Well.  It's finally come.  The tomorrow that we have been anticipating.  It's no longer a day away.  It's here.The official announcement has been posted on the Cubify Blog!There is no telling when all of us that pre-ordered the Cube will find one on their doorstep.  But, at least those close to the shipping point should see them start showing up by early next week.I also note that some are going to be hand delivered.  I suspect that service is most likely for those employees inside of 3D Systems that pre-ordered one.  ...

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Getting Ready with some Tough Love!

Based on what I have seen from afar... and, for a few minutes up close... I am a Cubify Fan.But, that does not mean that I am not going to make my Cube earn its keep.  It is going to have to perform well to earn my full respect.  So, I'm getting ready for its debut with a little bit of tough love in the form of a tortuous STL file designed to let the Cube show me its stuff.Actually, I may have to modify the ST:L a bit before uploading it to Cubify.com because the love might be a little TOO tough.It turned out that while I was making the...

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Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow...

"Tomorrow" has played a significant role in so many dramatic productions, from Shakespeare to "Annie".  But, today it's playing a significant role in the drama that is unfolding as the first true consumer focused 3D printer is released.  Tomorrow is the day that the Cube 3D printer is finally leaving the warehouses and being shipped to consumers all over the world.So, what will be receiving when the delivery truck shows up at our doors?First,...

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2D to 3D Print - Sparky the Fire Dog

I thought it would be helpful to show a second 3D print that originated as a series of standard photographic images.  This time I printed out Sparky the Fire Dog.Sparky is a large remote control vehicle that fire departments use at events to help them teach children fire safety.  Here is one of the images that I took at the Montgomery County Fair (Maryland).Sparky The Fire Dog R/C VehicleThere are some interesting things about this subject. ...

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From Point & Shoot Camera to Cube Printer

Some time ago, long before I knew about the Cube, I became interested in a program by Autodesk that purported to turn a series of 2D images into a 3D object.  When I began using it, the program was called PhotoFly.  They later folded the PhotoFly project into their 123D initiative, which is a suite of 3D programs designed to be easy for users.  It's now called 123D Catch.  Right now it can be downloaded as a beta.In experiments,...

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Cubify Odyssey Tour - Meeting the People

In my first post about the Cubify Odyssey Tour coming to Washington, DC, I focused on what I learned new about the Cube.In this post, we'll focus on people's reaction to seeing a home 3D printer.  Their reactions follow a common path.  First, confusion and then smiles as they finally get what a 3D printer can do.  It was fascinating to watch.But, first I have a complaint.  I was looking forward to hanging out with the WHOLE team...

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