Mashable - The Social Media Guide - Latest Comments in Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

Jeff Barr — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:59:53 -0000

This is definitely cool, but did you know Fabjectory has been doing this for a while, in living color, for Second Life avatars, Mii characters, and Google SketchUp objects?

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

Pete Cashmore — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:33:13 -0000

Oh right, *now* I understand what will2c was getting at - he was saying that the game characters weren't user-generated. The OGLE site shows a Second Life character though, so in that case I guess the character was at least user-modified.

I'm off to the Second Life sandbox to build myself a rocket-launcher!

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

csven — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:25:02 -0000

willc2 said "Strictly speaking, this is not user-generated content. 3D artists build those models. Itâ€™s like saying a screenshot is user-generated."

Which is why I'm interested in Second Life. However, the experiment I'm pursuing with Doom3 is strictly a learning exercise (and a cautionary one for all my fellow industrial designers/3D modelers who need to be aware of what I posted earlier).

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

Pete Cashmore — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:50:32 -0000

willc2,

I guessed that price range because I was looking at ZCorp machines (the Roland machines appear to be subtractive - does that count as 3D printing?). Anyway, at that price I think we could kickstart the Mashable 3D Printing Emporium.

Update: Scrub that. I just saw csven's comment about sub-$10k printers and online printing services. I remember eMachineshop was the one of the first to offer fabrication online, but I expect the services have moved on since then. TAD, have you got room in your garage for one of these things? You could be our US distributor. ;)

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

willc2 — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:39:40 -0000

It think this programs is super-cool, but...

Strictly speaking, this is not user-generated content. 3D artists build those models. It's like saying a screenshot is user-generated.

Roland makes affordable 3D Miller/Scanners in the $3000-$4500 range. That's the price of a Mac G5 + 20" Monitor combo.

Here is their site:
http://www.rolanddga.com/pr...

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

csven — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 18:36:57 -0000

Actually, I believe a sub-$10k printer was revealed in December. Can't recall if it was that or a 3D laser scanner though (interesting juxtaposition). I've also seen rumors that HP is working on a prosumer 3D printer using inkjet technology. That would be excellent, but who knows. If not, I do know one thing for sure: I just saw a used one being offered online for $9k.

The other option is to go to a service bureau. I'm calling around and what I'm learning is that per part costs have dropped more quickly than I'd realized. I'm currently trying to obtain some costing data, but what I really need to do is take a model I made and send it out for quotes to see what I really get back.

You might also want to read my recent posts regarding this new tool. It may yield more than just triangles. Here's the most recent link: http://blog.rebang.com/?p=594

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

TAD — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 13:30:42 -0000

Still, I bet there's guys out there willing to fork over $18k to print out a model of their uber 1337 paladin.

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

Pete Cashmore — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 12:59:54 -0000

TAD,

We're not even in the sub-10k price range yet - and that includes buying second hand on eBay. Give it a few more years.

Re: Printing Virtual-World Objects on Your Desktop

TAD — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 11:56:26 -0000

Weren't we talking about 3D printers not too long ago, Pete? Are they finally coming down to prices that mortals can afford? Either way, this is cool, but it really just makes me jealous of people that get to play with cooler toys than me. Wowee or some other cheapo consumer electronics/toy company needs to create and sell a sub-$1k 3d printer. They'd sell like hotcakes!