GrabCAD Workbench Toy Design

Photo-Realistic Rendering of the Toy with 3D-Printed Parts

A few months ago I collaborated with Hardi Meybaum (CEO of Grabcad.com ) on a fun CAD design project, and recently received a nice email from Hardi that WIRED Magazine is doing an interview with him.  He asked if I could upload a few photo-realistic SolidWorks CAD software renderings of the final design.

The ‘Stand-Up’ Toy Concept that Turns Over to become a ‘Workbench’ Toy Box

[ Click on Image to See a Larger View ]

Hardi is a very smart individual, and unlike many CEOs, he had the forethought to test out the new Collaboration Area beta himself with someone like me, that he had never met in person, and ‘literally’ lived on the other side of the Earth.

Therefore, the purpose of this Toy Design Project was to test out GrabCAD’s ‘Workbench‘ Collaboration Area to see what existing items worked, and also to see what additional items would be helpful for individuals whom wished to collaborate on CAD design projects around the world.

Hardi later mentioned to me in an email, that during the process I had uploaded a video to better show our concept ideas, and he decided it would be a good idea to add Video Support Capabilities to the GrabCAD Workbench Area.

Example Video Showing the Workbench Toy Box Design

ScreenCast.com Example Video :  http://www.screencast.com/t/9BoSo7IRu

Close-Up View of showing some of the Learning & Play items on the Toy

Hardi wanted to design a toy for his newborn daughter, and I wished to incorporate 3D-Printed parts into the design … In the end we came up with a Toy Design that could be made out of wood and/or could have some ( or all ) of the parts 3D-Printed … and also modified/customized by others to fit their needs.

Using GrabCAD.com ‘Workbench’ Collaboration Area to Design Prototype

While brainstorming toy ideas, we discussed different options.  Hardi felt it would be nice to have a toy that was very stimulating through colorful items and tactile textured touchable shapes that would interest his daughter to play with the toy.  He also wanted a toy that would encourage & help children at this early development stage to stand up.

In addition, I thought it would be nice to design a toy she could use when she was very young, but also have the versatility for new & different learning items to be added & modified as she grew older.  Hence, the goal was a toy that could ‘transform’ into different items and therefore could be used for many years.

Designing the 3D-Printed ‘Base Unit’ that can be Modified by Others

After thinking about the ideas for a few days, I started drawing prototype designs in SolidWorks and came up with a base concept whereby others could design custom 3D-Printed parts to be added to this ‘Base Unit’.

Custom Parts can be Designed & 3D-Printed by Parents

Possibly, parents would want to 3D-Print custom designed toy attachments … or maybe they would like to add frames for custom pictures of family members or favorite pets?  There are even tri-shaped turning items on the upper area of the toy allowing for custom plastic laminated ‘paper-printed’ images to be slid into.

Turning Laminated Learning Labels can be Customized by Parents

Once the child gets older the entire Toy Unit is flipped over and it becomes a Toy Box with lids that can open to be used as a play area Table/Workbench.

Flipped-Over Open Toy Box being used as a Play Workbench

As you can see in the SolidWorks rendering below, the sides can flip around 360 degrees for storage inside the toy.  There are also mounting holes and room for different creative items to be designed for placement on the top of the unit.

The Toy Attachment Sides can be Turned Inside the Toy

We used SolidWorks Simulation to test fit-up & strength of assembled parts.

Screen-Capture image of the SolidWorks CAD Software

It was fun to try and think up what would interest a 6 to 18 month old child and I attempted to design items that where colorful, moved, and made noise.  During the process I thought it might be nice to add a ‘surprise’ for Hardi.  To me, it seemed as if he had to travel a lot for his work, and I thought it might nice to add a 3D-Printed iPad mount on the top of the toy to allow Hardi’s daughter to see and interact with him through ‘Facetime‘.

Another Version of the Toy made Completely from 3D-Printed Parts

The 3D-Printed mount holds an iPad, iPhone, or iPad Mini just out of reach of a small child’s hands… However, there is an easy to grasp handle that sticks out allowing the child to grab and move the iPad while interacting with the traveling parent via FaceTime.   Hopefully, the child will see & hear their parent that is traveling and want to stand up to interact with the them using the toy to lean on.

I have no idea when the article in WIRED Magazine will come out or what it will include, but I thought it would be fun to explain why we did the Toy Project and to post of few more of the concept renderings on this blog.

JUST HAVING FUN!!

–CHEERS…

Porta-Band-Saw Tabletop Stand

Portable Band Saw being used with a ‘Vertical’ Tabletop Stand

This might be the most helpful; yet simplest, item I have made for my workshop.

UPDATE: I have used this Vertical Tabletop Band-Saw on many projects :

Adjustable Height Gantry Hoist Crane

‘Over-Jeep’ Workshop Lift-Table

Additional CTM Projects that the Tabletop Band-saw was used on …

A drawing  of the Porta-Bandsaw with dimensions is on the bottom of this Post.

Portable Band Saw Unit is Plugged into an Extension Cord On/Off Switch

It is a ‘Vertical Tabletop Stand’ for a portable ‘Deep Cut’ Variable Speed Band Saw that I purchased from the reconditioned area in the Milwaukee Tool Store.

Milwaukee 6230N ‘Deep Cut’ Portable Band Saw

The short story is I wanted a portable band saw I could use outside the shop, but needed a way to justify buying it since I knew it would not get used very often outside the workshop.   Then I noticed a vertical tabletop stand online and decided to make a stand of my own using leftover metal from the scrap bin.
( My favorite hobby – Scrap Metal Tool Design! *GRIN* )

Welded Vertical Tabletop Stand for the Portable Band Saw

I had some 6″ wide by 1/2″ thick flat-bar steel leftover from when I made my welding table and I cut it into 3 parts and welded it together.  Then I looked around my workshop and found some 1 1/4″ angle-iron in the scrap bin.  Cut the angle-metal to length, drilled some holes in it, and welded the angle to the Flat-bar portion.  ( Not the most complicated item ever designed *Smile* )

Portable Band Saw can be Quickly Bolted to Tabletop

Next, I removed the Cut-Guide ( Work-Steady Attachment ) from the Portable Band Saw to measure the hole dimensions for drilling of the new tabletop stand.

Milwaukee 6230N Drawing Showing the Location of the Work Steady Rest

[ CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE A LARGER VIEW ]

Once the holes were drilled and counter-sunk ( allowing the mounting screws to match up with the nuts located inside the slot in the saw’s aluminum body ) …
I then used the porta-band-saw to cut the ‘blade slot’ in the stand top.

Band Saw’s Work Steady Rest Removed to Mount Saw to Tabletop Stand

Then it was just a matter of screwing the band saw to the new vertical tabletop stand, and then using a set of all-thread rods to connect it to the welding table.

Being Used as a Vertical Band Saw on my Welding Table

It would be an understatement to say I use this Vertical Stand more than I expected.  It is quick to setup, easy to use, and if I tip the stand and saw on its side I can change the blades with the stand still attached to the Porta-Band-Saw.

Making some Welded Parts for a Friend using the Tabletop Band Saw Stand

 The band saw trigger is held down with an elastic Velcro strip … its variable speed dial is still adjustable … and the unit is turned On/Off with a plug-in switch.

Velcro being Used to Hold Switch … On/Off is Controlled with Plug-in Switch

If needed to cut some metal on those occasional projects outside the workshop…
It takes about 30 seconds to unscrew the portable band saw from the stand.

Different TPI Replacement Blades are Easily Changed on Portable Band Saw

The same day the Vertical  Porta-Band-Saw Stand unit was finished, I used it to cut some stainless steel for a friend using a 24TPI (teeth per inch) blade and it cut very accurately through the flat-bar like butter … Justifying the project. 🙂

Cutting a Long Piece of Stainless with the Band Saw

As you can see in the photo above – since the vice can be bolted down anywhere on my welding table – I used a bent piece of scrap sheet-metal clamped in the vice as a support to hold the long Stainless Steel flat-bar steady and level as I cut it into different shapes with the ‘Deep Cut’ portable band saw.

That’s it… a pretty Simple Stupid design… but it works!!

–CHEERS…

UPDATE ~

I was asked for the dimensions of my Porta-Bandsaw Stand.

The dimensions will depend on your Bandsaw type & model.  With that said, these are the dimensions for the Porta-Bandsaw stand I made using scrap metal found in my workshop.

Click on the Dimension Drawing to See a Larger View

It is important to Counter-Sink the Top Screws deep enough so the metal you cut will slide over the mounting screws … If you don’t have Flathead screws you can use normal screws and a 1/2″ drill bit to create the counter-sink depth.

Top-View Showing the Bandsaw Mounting Holes

Many ways to make the same type of stand … I hope these dimensions help you understand how I made my stand to help you design one for yourself.

Close-Up View Showing Underneath the Bandsaw Stand

Click on Any of These Images to See a Large Close-Up View

My welding table has mount holes for special clamps, and the holes dimensions apart are metric; thus, why the holes in this Band-Saw Stand are metric.

My Bottom Mounting Holes fit My Metric Welding Table Holes

~ CHEERS …

Additional CTM Projects

Aluminum Metal Casting Using 3D-Printed Mold Shapes

Metal Casting Sand Mold Flask – Pour in Molten Aluminum

Combination Gantry Hoist & Workshop Lift Table

Side-View SolidWorks Concept Rendering of the Extension Arm

Scissor Lift Workshop Table

Small Lift-Table used to Move Abrasive Blasting Cabinet onto Stand

How to Shorten a Pallet Jack for Smaller Workshops

Finished Project – Pallet Jack Shortened by 18″

Adjustable Height 2-Ton Gantry Hoist

Hoist in its Normal 9 Foot Under the i-beam Position

3D-Printed Household Items

ARLO Security Camera 3D Printed Mount

.  .  .  .

 

Frozen Dakota Rum Bottle

Photo-Realistic CAD Rendering of a possible Frozen Dakota Rum Bottle Design

I spend a lot of time up north in the heart of Sugar Beet Country visiting family & friends, and while I know next to nothing about growing beets, sometimes it is fun to think up other uses for common materials.  After reading an article about ‘Stuffed Molasses‘ I thought it might be fun to create a new use for sugar beets.

‘Boutique Distilleries’ are becoming a popular crop surplus solution in the United States.  Potato farmers are distilling Vodka, so why shouldn’t Sugar Beet farmers create a Rum distillery?  Many years there is a crop surplus of Sugar Beets, and the growers could be use these leftover beets to make ‘Molasses Sugar Syrup’ for the production of Frozen Dakota Rum.

Frozen Dakota – Chilled Rum Distillery

Frozen Dakota Rum Bottle Rendering Created with SolidWorks CAD Software

Farmers always seem to come up with new and creative ways to market their crops, and every product needs something to make it stand out on the shelf.

When one thinks of Rum, it is of hot beaches on the Caribbean islands and cool boat drinks made with Rum …and What could be Cooling, and also ironic, than to make Rum in a location many see as the cold & frozen Dakotas?

Since Frozen Dakota Distillery Chilled Rum makes one think of cold & ice – I attempted to make the bottle rendering represent the look of ice.

Just Brainstorming & Having Fun!!

— CHEERS….

BTW — The Dakotas are beautiful and nice for much of the year and I would encourage all to visit sometime – But ya might want to skip the months of December through February if you don’t like -30 degree weather. *GRIN*

Compact Workshop Welding Area

Initial Concept CAD Rendering for a Compact Workshop Welding Area

Decided to design a welding area for my home workshop.  I wanted the welding table to be strong enough to be functional when welding heavy items; yet, also movable and as compact as possible to save space.

Rendering of Movable Welding Table & Band Saw Stand

I needed a small welding table that would fit over the top of my metal band saw.

Re-positioned Steel Planks on Welding Table Top

Also wanted to be able to remove the 1/2″ thick metal flat-bar table top planks and re-position them to allow for easier clamping of specific welding projects.

Testing the Fit of the Band Saw Under the Welding Table during Fabrication

When fabricating the welding table I left some of the steel tubing ends open to allow a place to put partially used Stainless Steel & Aluminum TIG rods.

Custom made Vise-Grip Type Clamps fit in Welding Table Top Holes

Drilled holes throughout the table top steel planks to allow the vise to be placed anywhere on the table along with custom made Vise-Grip type bolt-on clamps.

Movable Welding Table with Vise & Custom Clamps

To conserve space, the metal band saw fits under the welding table on a stand with wheels that turn 360 degrees.  This allows me to quickly pull the band saw out and use it when needed, then quickly store it out of the way when not in use.

If needed the Welding Table & Band Saw Stand can be locked in place using leveling bolts.  (  Also added Wheels & Leveling Bolts to the Drill Press Stand  )

Added Leveling Bolts & Wheels to the Drill Press

I tried to keep the design for the table & stands as simple as possible so the items could be easily made by anyone who has the ability to cut and weld metal.

Band Saw Fits Under Welding Table when Not being Used

The SolidWorks CAD design files can be found on GrabCAD.com :
http://grabcad.com/library/welding-table-band-saw-stand-1

Adjustable Roller Stand with Metal Band Saw

Used scrap metal I found around my workshop, and an inexpensive roller purchased from Harbor Freight Tools, to make the Adjustable Roller Stand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-1-2-half-inch-roller-and-bracket-set-30026.html

Adjustable Roller Stand made from Left-Over Parts

By using smaller ‘inverter’ type welding technology, I was able to fit two welding machines on top of the stand that fits over my air compressor; thus, allowing me the flexiblity to TIG, MIG, and STICK weld – in my small workshop area – projects made of Mild Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel.

MIG, TIG, and STICK Weld with this Inverter Welding Machine

The Miller Multimatic™ 200 is a great all-around ‘inverter’ DC welder that has Multi-voltage plug (MVP™) allowing you to connect to common 120 or 230 volt power receptacles without the use of any tools—choose the plug that fits the receptacle and connect it to the power cord.  (Click to View Video)

My Messy Workshop ‘Compact’ Welding Area

I am sure there are much better designs for welding tables & stands available; however, these work great for my needs, and the challenge was to make them as simple and inexpensive as possible.

The next planned project for my small Home Workshop area is to build a Lift-Table that fits over the Jeep’s hood so I have a 4ft. x 8ft. work area.

UPDATE ~  ‘Over Jeep’ Workshop Lift-Table

— CHEERS…

DARWIND5 Wind Turbine

Harvistor – Darwind5 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

I made these SolidWorks Renderings in Tribute to a Very Fascinating Design.

Gizmag.com Article :  DARWIND5 Wind Turbine

My interpretation of the DARWIND5 in a SolidWorks Rendering

The DARWIND5 is an interesting Vertical Axis Wind Turbine of which (I feel) will be popular with individuals living Off-the-Grid

Unlike other Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, the Harvistor – Darwind5 design allows it to function at heights much lower than current Wind Energy units.

In addition, the 2012 Gizmag article mentions, ‘It doesn’t need a brake because it self-regulates the top RPM – until now, unregulated top speeds have been a problem with VAWT design.’

Hydrographic Dipped Snow-Camo Version for Hidden ‘Remote Locations’

In addition – Much to the approval of the Survivalist ‘Prepper’ crowd – As-well-as operating at lower heights, the custom mount options allow the Darwind5 to be lowered for Service & Storage in a hidden horizontal position until needed …this also means generating wind power without having a tall turbine unit giving away one’s location.

In all seriousness, I feel there will be a lot of interest in the Darwind5 in the near future.  This is one ‘Green Technology’ design that will actually function in Urban as-well-as Remote locations — Great Design!!   Well Done!!

One Possible Design for the DARWIND5 ‘Tilting’ Stand

DARWIND5 Field Test Video : http://youtu.be/2Fo1gTh7nJQ

2012 Field Test of the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Measuring 3.5 Meters

— CHEERS…

NOTE:  The ‘Survivalist’ and ‘Prepper’ comments are my own opinion, and in no way represent the thoughts or opinions of the Harvistor Darwind5 designers… but nevertheless, their design is brilliant and I enjoyed creating the Renderings!!

Load Leveling Lifting Attachment

Custom Load Leveling Lifting Attachment

From time-to-time I will design something new using SolidWorks CAD software that I now feel would have been very helpful to assist with projects in my past.

Load Leveler with One Side Extended

Several years ago, prior to designing items with CAD Software, I use to fabricate & weld a lot of heavy metal items.  Some items weighed much more on one side than the other; thus, when lifting, they had a tendency to want to tip.

Adjustable Extensions on Load Leveling Design

A ‘Load Leveler’ is connected with shackles to chains/cables between the lifting device (such as a crane) and the item one wishes to lift.  It allows the person lifting to adjust the pivot point; thus, leveling or angling the items being lifted.

Load Leveling Extensions Equally Spaced

There are a lot of Load Leveling Lifting Attachments one can purchase; however, I wanted to design one that was easy for others to fabricate in their own shop using common materials.  Also wanted it easy to move the extensions out on one side or the other by just the use of a few bolts.

Removable Bolts/Pins allow the Extension of One Side or the Other

At times it is helpful to lift an item and then be able to adjust that item in the air to tip it one way or the other to clear other parts.  In addition, many parts need to be mounted at an angle and the center threaded unit allows for fine leveling adjustments.

‘Cut-Away’ View Showing Inside of Load Leveler

In addition, many parts need to be mounted at an angle. The Center Threaded Adjustment Unit can be turned with a wrench or socket, allowing for very accurate adjustments to hold heavy parts at a specific angle while you connect the parts together by using mounting bolts, or welding the items together.

Movable Center Lifting Unit with ‘ACME Thread’ Fine Adjustment

This Load-Leveling design can be manufactured using common materials in many different sizes depending on the length & weight of the items you are lifting.

Design Allows for Different Sizes, Weights & Lengths

I posted the Mechanical Drawings & CAD Files for this Load-Leveler design on GrabCAD.com ( http://grabcad.com/library/load-leveler ).  As of the date of this blog post, the design files have been downloaded  605 times.

Load-Leveler Design Files can be found on GrabCAD.com

— CHEERS…

Silk-Screen Printing Unit

This Concept Project has a special place in my heart because it was the first concept I was able to present using SolidWorks ‘Photo-Realistic’ Rendering.

Silk-Screen Printing Unit that Breaks into Small Parts for Shipping.

Prior to this project, my old laptop did not have the capability to use all the abilities SolidWorks provided for Rendering CAD images.   I like to use the analogy that not being able to use ‘Rendering’ with SolidWorks is like owning a Ferrari and not being able to shift past 2nd gear … You have the best money can buy, but can’t fully enjoy it, and that can be VERY frustrating. *GRIN*

Silk-Screening Table SolidWorks ‘Photo-Realistic’ Rendering

The design challenge was to make a Silk-Screen Unit that could fit into the ‘Flat-Rate’ USPS shipping boxes that allow for shipping items up to 70 pounds for one low flat rate.  When done this unit could be shipped for about $100 cheaper than comparable units.

Sheet-Metal Table that fits into Flat-Rate USPS Boxes

— CHEERS …

3D-Printed Micro R/C Crawler

SolidWorks Rendering of a Micro Rock-Crawler Prototype

Here are some more images and ‘Photo-Realistic’ SolidWorks CAD Renderings of the 3D-Printed Micro Rock Crawler R/C Toy Project.

UPDATE

Jim is now selling the Micro-Crawler Chassis on Lynx Micro Tech:
https://lynxmicrotech.wordpress.com/chassis-kits/

All these items in Photo were Create by Jim and Can Now be Purchased

http://www.shapeways.com/shops/lynxmicrotech

Also Wheel Rims and other 3D-Printed Parts … Well Done Jim!!

Original ‘Tuber’ Micro Rock Crawler Design

Jim Frye (formerly the owner of Lynxmotion Robotics) came up with an idea to create Mirco R/C Rock Crawlers using 3D-Printed parts.  I had drawn him a few robotic CAD parts in the past, so he contacted me to help him with the CAD designs using SolidWorks.

Micro Rock Crawler Tube Chassis & Rims are 3D-Printed

At first Jim was unaware I had the ability to create concept ‘Photo-Realistic’ renderings using SolidWorks CAD Software, but soon the renderings became the center-point for design creation.   Jim came up with the designs and I turned them into mechanical CAD files & image renderings.

CAD Rendering showing the Crawler’s Front & Back Maximum Articulation

We were also able to use the ‘Simulation’ abilities of SolidWorks CAD software to check mechanical items such as part clearances & maximum suspension articulation.

Micro Rock Crawler Prototype shown in SolidWorks CAD Software

SolidWorks allowed us to completely design the Crawler Prototypes in the computer prior to any 3D-Printing or Fabrication…

First 3D-Printed Chassis Concept Design

Once we had a Chassis Design Concept, Jim purchased a High-End 3D-Printer and started makes test parts.

Real-World 3D-Printed Crawler Parts

Jim is very experienced in creating real-world robotic & toy parts; however, for me it was quite surreal to see items I had been drawing in the computer for months actually be 3D-Printed into real-world parts.

‘Tuber’ 3D-Printed Chassis in a Live Test

Jim made Real-World moving Rock Crawler Prototypes using the 3D-Printed parts designed in SolidWorks.

One of the 1st Moving 3D-Printed Prototypes

On a Leap-of-Faith, Jim took my suggestion that he should spend several thousand dollars to buy SolidWorks, and that I would teach him how to use it by making ‘Screen-Captured’ tutorial videos for him using our Micro-Crawler SolidWorks designs as the subject in the help videos.

Example of Tutorial Video:  http://www.screencast.com/t/tbo3Ig3oZ

Jim has since become quite proficient using SolidWorks!

New SPECTER Chassis Designs

The next step was to start designing different custom Chassis styles.

Close-Up of Fastback Chassis Style

The SPECTER was the next Micro R/C Rock Crawler design item to make it to a real-world moving prototype.
Link to YouTube Video of the SPECTER: http://youtu.be/KHbt6tFj7QI

The SPECTER Moving Prototype Crawler

From time-to-time Jim would surprise me with other Crawler parts he was making using his CNC Laser…

Laser Cut & Etched Crawler Rims

Jim is now selling the Micro-Crawler Chassis on Lynx Micro Tech:
https://lynxmicrotech.wordpress.com/chassis-kits/

UPDATE– CLICK HERE to See the New ‘Scorpion‘ Micro-Crawler Design …

New ‘Scorpion’ Micro-Rock-Crawler Concept Rendering

Jim is now selling the Micro-Crawler Chassis on Lynx Micro Tech:
https://lynxmicrotech.wordpress.com/chassis-kits/

— CHEERS . . .

3D-Printing & Plastic Part Molds

CLUTTER OF IDEAS — Need to get the ball rolling and get some of these ideas out of my head, so here is a start to the ‘Clutter of Ideas’ to look at and organize later.   Once again, if you have stumbled upon this blog, it isn’t secret, but it is written to myself.  Therefore, it will be disorganized and cluttered with random thoughts and ideas so I can get them out of my head and relax knowing I can review them later.  It’s my backup memory.

3D-Printed Dual Wheel R/C Micro Rock Crawler

Brainstorming Thoughts — 3D-Printing & Plastic Part Molds

The 3D-Printed Micro-Crawlers were fun to work on with Jim to get a better understanding of 3D-Printing, but I see a need for making faster parts using 3D-Printing as a ‘Mold Making’ tool instead of a tool that makes the actual parts.

Currently ABS plastic 3D-Printed has only about  30% to 40% the strength of normal injection molded ABS plastic; thus, the finished 3D-Printed parts on small items like these Micro-Crawlers are fine but other larger parts are just too brittle and weak.  Yes, more and more 3D-Printing materials are being developed every month ( See http://www.materialise.com/press/launch-of-the-first-fully-functional-flexible-material-in-3d-printing ), but at-this-time I see a need to create a new type of ‘Mold Making’ process whereby the mold shapes are created with CAD software, then a mold shape is 3D-Printed, then this shape or puck is then used to create a Food Grade Silicone Rubber Mold (http://www.makeyourownmolds.com) that is either used to create the parts and/or used to create a new mold that is made from chemically hardening metal (Think – JB Weld type material)

Then once you have a Chemically Hardened Mold that can handle the heat & pressure of plastic injection molding process then have a Generic Mold enclosure that will hold these chemically hardened molds created from a 3D-Printed shape.   Thus, the time and cost of creating Plastic Injection Molds can be greatly reduced and can be used my many more individuals and businesses because INSTEAD of having to CNC machine metal molds taking many hours and possibly thousands of dollars $$ … Instead, the same process can be completed using this 3D-Printed mold shape process for far less expense to create a mold that can make between 20 -500 plastic parts at a time.  Instead of hundreds or thousands of dollars per mold, we are talking $20 – $50 per mold and that also includes the cost of the material to create the 20-500 plastic parts.

What this accomplishes is the ability to make fewer parts for as little or less many than it currently takes because you have to make thousands of parts to make up for the ‘CNC Machining’ expense.

3D-Printed ‘Puck’ Shape with Plastic & Food Grade Silicone molds

In addition, changes are not an issue any more with this new process, because if a change needs to be made to a part mold then all one has to do is make the changes in the CAD software, press a button and start the 3D-Printing, then go to bed… then Wake up in the morning and use the 3D-Printed shape to create a Food Grade Silicone Rubber Mold that can be used to re-make the part if made out of Resin (  http://makezine.com/2013/05/02/resin-casting-going-from-cad-to-engineering-grade-plastic-parts/ )

Chocolate cooling in molds floating on a bath of cool water.

…or… the Food Grade Silicone Rubber Mold can be used to make a new ‘Chemically Hardening’ metal mold to be used in the injection molding machine.

In Short — 3D-Printing is currently too slow & too weak for normal production of plastic parts.  Also, current plastic injection molds are very expensive to create due to the CNC machining cost; therefore, making it too expensive to make update changes overnight and/or make smaller runs of plastic parts in the numbers of 20 – 500 parts.   YET, this new Concept Solution for make Plastic Part Molds would allow more people and/or smaller businesses to create plastic parts at a very inexpensive price per part when making only a few parts at a time and/or making custom or prototype parts and/or making parts for one’s self in your home workshop, etc.

Custom made Chocolates & Candies — Weddings — Custom Shapes & Logos

… Next Phase will be to refine 3D-Printing and/or Molds made from 3D-Printing for the creation of Spare Parts on Space Travel.   Use parts made out of materials that can be crushed and ground up to be re-used in the 3D-Printing process and/or can be re-chemically hardened into a shape to provide spare parts.  Thus, instead of having to bring spare parts that take up space just use re-use material to create a new spare part when needed.   Use ‘Repair Bots’ to install parts and service equipment ( That’s a Brainstorming Concept all on it’s own to be added to this blog later )

UPDATE …

Jim used his fancy 3D-Printer to make some examples for me of the 3D-Printed shapes or ‘pucks’ to create the ‘Food Grade’ Silicon molds … the printing resolution on Jim’s 3D printer is quite good!!

3D-Printed shapes called ‘Pucks’ Used to Pour the Flexible Silicon Over

… Next step is to make the Flexible Silicon Molds for Candy Chocolates …

CHEERS!!

.  .  .  .

IS IT A BAD MEMORY… or…

iPhone Submarine made from 3D-Printed Parts

For years I have been solving other people’s design & fabrication problems.  Most of the time I have only a few days (or sometimes just overnight) to fix designs & fabrication issues that others have worked on for months.  Yet, I enjoy the deadlines, because the limited time seems to generate more interest, and interest creates ideas.

Lately, it has become almost a hobby to look for something on a website that isn’t working and design a solution… and then randomly (and sometimes anonymously) send the solution to the owners of the company.  Usually never hear back from them, but sometimes I make a new friend, and other times I get a ‘strongly worded response’ telling me to leave their designs alone. *GRIN*

The Submarine also works with GoPro Video Cameras

With the onset of 3D-Printing and other technology, that I feel will completely change the world in the next 10 years, I have decided to work on a few design concept solutions of my own.  They are very random and have no order of importance, some are silly, some are just helpful, and others are more complicated.  Many concepts build off of other concepts, so once one item is finished, parts of it might be used on future concept solutions.

3D-Printed Parts that Make Up the iPhone Submarine

In the future 3D-Printing (Generalized Term) is going to change how many things are done in our world.  I will get deeper into those thoughts later, but for now, I would compare the advancement of 3D-Printing as to where the Internet was in 1996.  Very new, lots of concept ideas, but not many people have figured out what to do with it yet… but back to my memory and the reason for this blog…

Open View of iPhone Submarine

I seem to be able to hold concept and memories for about 2 weeks, then they start to fade if I have not thought about them.  Not sure if it is a bad memory, or just having too many balls in the air, but I find myself going back and looking at old websites or twitter posts to help me remember what I was working on months ago.

The problem seems to be I get deep into one project and by the time I am finished with it I have forgotten many of the design concept on other projects I thought of while working on the current project.  I make notes but sometimes forget I made the notes or even where to find them.  Recently I got very sick for over 2 weeks and was at a complete lost where I left off and what I was working on prior to being sick.

Under View of iPhone Submarine

In addition, I use different computers at home, in the workshop, and when travelling and it would be nice to be able to read my thoughts no matter what computer I am on, even if it is not one of my normal work computer… such as an iPad or smartphone.

It would be nice to just be part of a ‘Think-Tank’ and have someone else keep track of the thoughts and concepts, but at this time, no one really knows I exist (other than the people I help) … so until such time someone invites me into there Think-Tank, I guess I will just have to work on this stuff myself and continue to randomly help strangers solve their needed solutions.

BTW — No point to the images… I just put them in here so that I have a copy of them if I ever need them as a CAD ‘Rendering’ example.  (Mechanical Designs & Renderings are Done Using SolidWorks Design/Engineering Software)

Top View of iPhone Controlled Submarine Toy

I created this iPhone Submarine to enter a Shapeways.com 3D-Printing contest on GrabCAD.com … I think I got 6th place or something like that *GRIN*
Maybe someday I will Print it and build it.

Back View of the iPhone Submarine

Figured out a way for the iPhone signal to transfer underwater to control the Submarine & transfer video data… kinda expected the DOD to be knocking at my door the next day, but nothing… hummmm, have to admit I was let down… Oh, well… maybe someday someone will be interested in the solution… quite simple, but still waiting for some company to figure it out?
Whatcha gonna do, it sucks to be anonymous.  *GRIN*

Bottom View of iPhone Submarine

— CHEERS …