1- 3D Printer Hacked to Create Tattoo Robot

The French Ministry of Culture recently hosted an event known as the “Public Domain Remix.” Its students were each given the task to hack and recreate an electronic device in the allotted 8 hours.

One group of students, who called themselves “Appropriate Audiences,” chose a 3D printer to be their electronic device to hack. Their idea? Turn the 3D printed into a 3D printing tattoo machine.

At first, the group replaced the printing nozzle with a pen, which allowed the machine to demonstrate its ability to produce designs. After the event was over, the students decided to take their idea little bit further, not being completely satisfied with the 3D printing pen machine they had just invented, and set out to replace the pen with an actual tattoo instrument. To their surprise – it worked as well. The students then tested their idea on silicone-produced skin to see how it would perform.

But would it work on actual human skin? Surprisingly, they had no problem convincing a volunteer to test the newly hacked machine. While the process was time consuming and tedious, the design team made a circular 3D printed tattoo for their first volunteer.

While 3D printers won’t likely replace tattoo artists any time soon; it does make for an interesting thought. And if it does happen to take off in the future? At least you will only have one person to blame if your tattoo is poorly designed –yourself!

SOURCE: 3DPRINTER.NET

2- The Lix: The Smallest 3D Printing Pen to Date

You have probably heard of the 3Doodler, the 3D printing pen that allows you to draw 3D designs in midair. The 3D pen was designed to make 3D printing designs possible, without the need for a 3D printer.

Since the 3Doodler first came out, the biggest complaint was the shape. The 3Doodler is big and bulky, making it awkward to handle and difficult to use.

The latest 3D printing pen, known as “The Lix,” offers a promising alternative. At half the width of the 3Doodler, the Lix is easier to use and more closely resembles an actual pen.

While the launch date for the Lix is still unofficial, it has been receiving a fair amount of the spotlight.

The Lix, in comparison with the 3Doodler, is not only slimmer but the buttons are located farther apart, making them easier to push. The Lix is compatible with ABS and PLA plastics which are fed through the top of the pen. The company will also be selling sticks of plastic to accompany the pen.

While it should go without saying, it’s important to note that the Lix is not a child’s toy – it becomes hot and emits fumes as it melts the plastics.

The startup company that developed the pens was established this year. Its founders, Delphine Eloise Wood, Anton Suvorov, and Ismail Baran, have backgrounds in technology and art.

The Lix 3D printing pen will debut on Kickstarter for \$70 before selling for a full market price, estimated to be around \$140.

SOURCE: 3DPRINTER.NET

Google releases Project Ara developers kit, 3D printed modules coming early 2015 

Google officially released the Project Ara Module Developers Kit (MDK) v0.10. The kit provides the information that third-party manufacturers need to get started on creating components for the modular smartphone. 

Paul Eremenko, Head, Project Ara said in a Google+ post, "Today we're announcing the first release of the Project Ara Module Developers Kit (MDK) v0.10. This is a very early version but our goals are to give the developer community an opportunity to provide feedback and input, and to help us ensure that the final MDK - anticipated at the end of 2014 - is elegant, flexible, and complete." 

The device will be coming in three different Ara skeleton sizes – mini, medium and large. Larger skeletons will be able to accommodate more Ara modules than smaller ones. Each size will start with a basic "skeleton" that will then accept components to build a phone, primarily sourced from third parties. There will be different device layouts available within each size category. Users will be able to choose from touchscreen-only setups, as well as options with physical QWERTY keyboard, or even a number pad. 

In order to ensure all basic phone components work together, the MDK features guidelines for the size and design of these components, such as processors, display units, Wi-Fi chips, batteries, as well as reference designs and CAD files. And manufacturers will be required to follow them.  

The final MDK version will be released by the end of 2014.

Project Ara was originally announced last year, Google took a quick move by signing a deal with 3D Systems in February 2014 to create a continuous high-speed 3D printing production platform and fulfilment system in support of Project Ara. 

The next generation 3D printer is capable of printing enclosures for Ara modules in volume. It will be able to print 600-dpi color images on module enclosures made out of multiple types of materials. The printer will even be able to print custom designs on the surfaces of the blocks to give buyers the look they want.

Google expects that eventually, users can print electrical elements such as the antennas using 3D printing. Avi Reichental, 3D Systems President and CEO Avi Reichental said his company's work with Google will help to overcome the challenges in this type of printing. "Some of the circuitry in the first generation will be very traditional," he said.

Reichental said the company will be able to deliver the first Project Ara modules in early 2015 since Google is apparently targeting the first quarter of next year for actual Project Ara devices and components to go on sale, alongside a dedicated marketplace for additional modules.

Google plans to hold a series of Developers Conferences, and first one kicks off next week at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.

Project Ara won't be a replacement for current smartphones but represents a good opportunity for 3D printing, said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Earlier, Google gave the world its first glimpse of the Project Ara modular prototype smartphone at the 'Launch' event in San Francisco. Watch the video below showing the size of the device.

 SOURCE: 3DERS.ORG

Sneaking Duck: 3D Printed Eyeglasses That Are Totally Unique

A company called Sneaking Duck has just introduced a game changer that will change the way you look at eyeglasses. Sneaking Duck is set to launch a range of 3D printed eyeglasses that will allow customers the option of customizing the frame’s color, arm length, and even write a message of the frame.

While there are already numerous companies offering 3D printed frames, most focus on either prescription lenses or sunglasses. Sneaking Duck is looking to join the crowds with their customizable, made-to-order, no-two-frames-are-the-same 3D printed frames.

While users can now pick one of several designs and customize them to their liking, the plan is to offer even more customizable frames to the mix. The 3D printed frames are made using a nylon material that is said to be more durable and flexible than your typical plastic frames. Each eyeglass frame is custom designed to fit you and your style.

Sneaking Duck is based in Australia, and after you submit your order it will be processed and sent to New York for manufacturing. The whole process is said to take about five weeks.

Chief executive of Sneaking Duck, Mark Capps, says that the idea has been in the works for nearly two and a half years. “But it’s taken us that long to find someone who could deliver what we want and really make sure it’s a product and not a gimmick,” he said.

SOURCE: 3DPRINTER.NET

3D Printed Smart Lamps by Philips Hue

On Friday, Philips Hue announced three new products that will be available for customers. One of these products is 3D printed artistic luminaries.

Also known as light sculptures, these 3D printed lamps are inspired by nature and are able to be controlled with the latest technology.

Philips Hue is a Wi-Fi enabled lighting system that allows you to control brightness and hue from your smartphone or tablet. They also allow you to set the lights to dim as bedtime nears and gradually illuminate to wake you up in the morning.

Philips has taken their lighting to a new level with 3D printing, allowing them to create a more eye-catching design. The designs were co-created with design teams WetelOberfell and Strand+Hvass. The products, known as 3D smart luminaries, incorporate 3D printed shapes and hue bulbs. The lamps are available in both pendant and table styles and are fully compatible with the hue systems.

The designs are so complex that they could not have been produced without the help of 3D printing.

“The result is an exquisite light effect that transforms a lifeless living space into a colorfully lit ode to nature,” Designer Gernot Oberfell says.

With numerous designs, all featuring inspiration by images from nature, the lamps are definitely one of a kind.

The luminaries will be on display, March 31st-April 4th, at the Light and Building show in Frankfurt, Germany.

SOURCE: 3DPRINTER.NET