This 3D printer is also a scanner and laser engraver
FLUX’s print head is modular, so you can swap in whatever type of function you’d like. The company said food and ceramic 3D printing are in the works.
3D scanning startup Fuel3D closes $6.4M Series A round
Fuel3D is prepping to release its relatively inexpensive consumer 3D scanner next year after raising $6.4 million in a second Series A round. Investors contributed $2.6 million in the first round in February. On top of increasing production, Fuel3D will use the money to expand into commercial applications such as biometrics and eyewear. The startup recently started shipping its first units to Kickstarter backers, who were originally scheduled to receive them in April. 3D scanners are of particular interest to 3D printer owners, who can use them to scan physical objects and then print a replica.
BMW workers get thumb protection courtesy of 3D scanning and printing
BMW is 3D-printing “finger cots” for some of its factory workers, the German carmaker said this week. Working alongside ergonomics researchers from the Technical University of Munich, BMW uses mobile 3D hand scanners to create tailored thumb-protectors for each worker. The printing is done with a selective laser sintering (SLS) process, using a precisely targeted laser to form a pre-modelled solid mass out of a thermoplastic polyurethane powder. The cots act as splints to counter thumb joint stress, helping workers who are fitting rubber plugs.
Making a maker: Checking off the holiday shopping list with a DIY chess set
3D printing and laser cutting offer a fun way to create a high-quality board and pieces. I’ll use 3D scanning to further customize the pieces.
Apple buys Israeli 3D sensor outfit PrimeSense for a reported $350M
The deal gives Apple proven technology (it powers Microsoft’s Kinect controllers) that could be used in a wide range of contexts.
Microsoft demos 3D scanning mobile app in hopes of making it easier to 3D print
The app would compete with Autodesk 123D Catch, but build design files in a slightly different way.
Walmart’s UK subsidiary Asda trials 3D scanning and printing
Customers of an Asda store will soon be able to buy figurines of themselves. With big chains standing to gain a lot from the rise of 3D printing, it’s no surprise to see the firm tentatively piloting the technology.
Microsoft updates Kinect for Windows SDK for better 3D scanning, green screen
Microsoft’s SDK update for the Kinect offers a lot of new features, including more accurate 3D scanning
What a model train project can teach us about the future of 3D scanning and printing
A new Kickstarter project aims to fund the production of model trains for an extremely niche group of people. The way this is being made possible offers an insight into the future of manufacturing.