Rapid Prototyping
“manufacturing for the masses”
I began experiments in Rapid Protyping in 2009, creating digital 3D models destined for printing in 3D using the services of Shapeways
What is Rapid Prototyping?
A machine prints out your 3d mesh/model using a process called additive manufacturing. It applies many thin layers to build your model from the ground up, allows for some very unique results that would be impossible to manufacture or craft with traditional methods. Recent advances in the technology have seen the introduction of color and other materials including glass and metal. Here is a good little intro video by the Makerbot team
What’s in it for me? If you can build it in your computer then there is a bloody good chance you can get it built for real. For an artist not familiar with traditional sculpture or sculpting techniques this allows for some inspiring possibilities.
It isn’t exactly cheap at this stage, but there are several techniques to reduce costs with efficient modelling techniques.
Rapid Prototyping is also used for non-artistic pursuits including product prototyping and custom parts and tooling.
My 3d Printing tests
Three Sisters
Digital model was made using 3D Coat
Three Sisters, a digital model recreated using Rapid Protyping via Shapeways
Three Sisters
Rapid Prototype test print #1
Untitled digital model
3D Printing by other creators
Jake’s scrimshaw skull
http://sculptforms.blogspot.com
Jasolo
Candlestick Loopetal 13 by jasolo
toxi
Printed subdivision lattice (20100813-153648-66mm)
Maria JB
3D-Printed U-Boat by Matthew LaBerge
Rapid Prototyping resources
3D Printing Digital Sculptures 
Thingiverse - a place to share digital designs that can be made into real, physical objects. Let’s create a better universe, together!
Makerbot - MakerBot is an affordable, open source 3D printer. It makes almost anything up to 4″x4″x6″. Build your own MakerBot and it makes things for you.
HeeksCAD, my favorate Open Source CAD/CAM software
Rapid Prototyping video’s and other resources
Blogs
Blog for the RepRap project at www.reprap.org – a project to create an open-source self-copying 3D printer.
HydraRaptor http://hydraraptor.blogspot.com/My attempts to make a rapid prototyping machine that I will use to make parts for a machine that will be able to make parts for a copy of itself.
What is design http://watsdesign.blogspot.com/
