News

Over the next few weeks we will explore “The science of...” different issues related to 3D printing. This week we are exploring the magic of ABS filament! We will explore these topics through a series of interviews with Colin Hindle, Lecturer in Polymer Technology at Edinburgh Napier University, who is developing materials alongside us at 3DPrintWorks.

It is World Elephant Day today – so let’s all sit up and take notice of the dangers facing these wonderfully majestic and altruistic animals. Elephants have roamed the earth for around 55 million years, but throughout history they have faced hardships such as ivory poaching and the destruction of their habitats. 

The main reasons we love the Ultimaker 2 3D printer can be summed up in 3 words: Philosophy, Filament and Education. Philosophy Ultimaker was founded on the principles of Open Source.   The founder of the 3D open source project (called RepRap) is Adrian Bowyer whose philosophy is all about creating wealth through collaboration. 

Is the 3D printing hype justified? Will it really change the world as we know it? There is no doubt that 3D printing is a world-changer that will only be fully realised in years to come. In the meantime, the real question is “what is the best tool for the job”?

Bill McDougall has been playing chess for 42 years but had never before encountered a 3D printed chess piece until recently. As a member of the Portsmouth and Hampshire chess leagues, he has played in several tournaments, competed against a grandmaster and several international masters. 

National Marine Week is taking place again this year from 26th July – 10th of August. This year’s underwater theme will focus on the protection of starfish as The Wildlife Trusts ask children to make the starfish pledge and write to the Prime Minister about getting more places protected through Marine Conservation Zones.

As Love Parks Week takes place again this year on 25th July we turn our attention to how 3D printing could shape nature and the way our parks look in the future. We have celebrated the day by printing our very own park scene comprising a man, his dog, a park bench and some trees!

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games launch today – and we’re launching a pair of our own 3D running shoes to celebrate! We have champions such as Mo Farah and Usain Bolt in our midst as the Athletics kick off this Friday. For the duration of the games we will be making 3D figures related to some of the 17 sports taking place over the course of the fortnight.

The magic of 3D printing means we can have a detailed look at something which is otherwise so small that it can only be seen using x-ray techniques. When a PhD student at St Andrews University recently approached 3dprintworks, asking us to print the Fluorinase Momomerscale, we were more than happy to oblige.