API Evangelist Blog
Introducing the new 3D print lab
Posted on 04-10-2013
We’ve just released a new and improved version of our 3D print lab.Let’s take a look at some of the new things we introduced.We haven’t changed the main idea of how the 3D print lab works.With no login required, you still upload a 3D file of your design for which you’ll see an instant price.Then you choose a material, a color/finish, rescale the model if necessary and order as many copies as you want.
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EFF’s Fight for Open 3D Printing Continues at Ask Patents
Posted on 03-18-2013
We’ve been working for some time—with your help—to ensure that improvidently granted patents don’t threaten exciting and growing 3D printing technology.The good news is that with the help of the Cyberlaw Clinic at Harvards Berkman Center for Internet and Society, we’ve been able to challenge a number of such dangerous patent applications at the Patent Office.But we’re not done.The project to challenge patent applications covering 3D printing technology is important not just because of the promise of that technology, but because we’re relying on a fairly new legal procedure called Preissuance Submissions.That procedure allows third parties to participate in the patent application process by providing patent examiners with prior art.
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Shapeways API Targets App Developers for Mainstream 3D Printing
Posted on 03-12-2013
Shapeways, 3D printing company, officially released the Shapeways API to inspire new apps specifically aimed at the 3D printing space.Shapeways hopes that the API (and accompanying developer portal) will help bring 3D printing into everyday use.Although 3D printing has developed into a profitable business for many 3D printer owners, it has yet to become mainstream.Shapeways representative, Elisa Richardson, commented on the app-based approach:
More than 8,000 Shapeways’ shop owners made over half a million in profits last year, and Shapeways’ expects the first Shapeways millionaire to arise soon.However, while in beta, the API proved a tremendous opportunity beyond brick and mortar, and Shapeways expects quick adoption.
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Industrial Revolution 3.0: Mike Senese and Peter Weijmarshausen Discuss the Future of 3D Printing - Shapeways Blog on 3D Printing News & Innovation
Posted on 03-11-2013
Well be posting a full audio of the panel shortly but in the meantime, check out #Future3DP on twitter for interesting quotes and questions about whether this technology is actually a game changer.
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Make Apps that Make Products with the New Shapeways 3D Printing API
Posted on 03-07-2013
We are proud to announce for formal launch of our 3D Printing API hosted at developers.shapeways.com.Our mission is to enable anyone to make anything they want.Todays launch is a huge step towards that goal and were hoping that you will join and celebrate with us and our community about Shapeways revolutionary marketplace and manufacturing platform.
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NASA Gets Serious About 3D Printing
Posted on 02-28-2013
However, there are significant challenges, not the least of which is safety.But theyre working on it.
Recently theyve been investigating the use of 3D printing for building components for the new Space Launch System, or SLS.The idea is straightforward: 3D printed parts can be much lighter than conventionally manufactured component because the additive process permits production of more efficient geometric shapes.Theyre using metal 3D printing technology from Concept Laser to produce engine parts.
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Disruptions: 3-D Printing Is on the Fast Track
Posted on 02-18-2013
At first glance, looking at past predictions about the future of technology, prognosticators got a whole lot wrong.The Web is a garbage dump of inaccurate guesses about the year 2000, 2010 and beyond.Flying cars, robotic maids and jet packs still are nowhere near a reality.Yet the prediction that 3-D printers will become a part of our daily lives is happening much sooner than anyone anticipated.These printers can produce objects, even rather intricate ones, by printing thin layer after layer of plastic, metal, ceramics or other materials.
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3D printing & the future of retail | Dalton Caldwell
Posted on 02-18-2013
“Retail chains are a fundamentally implausible economic structure if there’s a viable alternative,” he says.“You combine the fixed cost of real estate with inventory, and it puts every retailer in a highly leveraged position.Few can survive a decline of 20 to 30 percent in revenues.It just doesn’t make any sense for all this stuff to sit on shelves.There is fundamentally a better model.
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MAKE | 3D Printing Revolution: the Complex Reality
Posted on 02-16-2013
This miniature, high-precision assembly started with a CAD model and not much more. It cost about $10 to make it at home – with no 3D printer required.In the past couple of years, the concept of low-cost 3D printing has captured the hearts and minds of millions of geeks.The allure of an upcoming manufacturing revolution has seeped into the mainstream, too: take The Economist, which ran about two dozen articles about this technology within the last year alone.Something must be in the air!
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Uk Retailer Sainsburys Predicts That 3d Printing Will Shake Up The Retail Sector
Posted on 02-07-2013
Large UK retailer Sainsbury is already preparing its strategy for incorporating 3D printing into its offerings to outpace its competitors.Sainsburys IT director, Rob Fraser believes that 3D printing will effect the retail sector in ways they cannot yet even conceive.At Shapeways, we have been nurturing our 3D marketplace of 3D printed products for years as some of the best designers from all around the world are opening Shapeways shops and selling their 3D printed products on demand.Those designers are fully aware of the benefits of using 3D printing to make their products available to the public.The major benefits for designers being:
Designers do not need to invest financially in the product as all items are 3D printed on demand.
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