May 2014 ~ CNC Infomation System

DIY 3d printable underwater housing for a digital camera

Here is a great project of homemade 3d printable casing for underwater photography made by MoonLanding. Underwater photographs show it works well and it's fully functional.
It consist of handles and enclosure mechanism mounted on thick acrylic pipe. The project is in development and end goal is to create fully 3d printed waterproof enclosure with only lens window as non-printed part.

Here are all the details, STL files and example photographs:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Underwater-Camera/?ALLSTEPS

SPOR solar battery charger with 3d printable case

Spor is a self-regenerating battery charger for USB devices. It can be charged by an outlet or passively via the sun. It can charge multiple devices at once, and can charge your phone practically as fast as a wall outlet. It also had 3d printable case.
Go and check it out:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spor/spor-solar-battery-chargers-usb-cables-and-accesso

Titan modification for Prusa Mendel

If you think that your Prusa Mendel sucks you can upgrade it in various ways. Here is one possibility: the Titan developed by Justin Trisnamawan and Andy Chu.
It is not well documented and there are no details or designs for the frame available, but maybe they will come in the future. It looks good.

Quadcopter made with 3d drawing pen

This quadcopter was made with 3D Air pen which is probably just another Asian 3d drawing pen (which may not be a bad thing). Build time was approximately 2.5 hours.

http://3dairpen.com/

Now there is also flying RC plane made with 3Doodler.

Update:
here is also tutorial on how to 3d draw your working propeller:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/08/how-to-make-diy-quadcopter-propeller.html

SCADBoard Library and SCADuino 3D printable Arduino breadboard

SCADBoard Library is an OpenSCAD library for making 3D printed circuit boards. You can load it into OpenSCAD and develop your own electronic boards.

SCADboard running in OpenSCAD

First project made with SCADboard is SCADuino, hopefully many more will fallow and library will grow in functionality.

SCADuino is a 3D printable version of the Breadboard Arduino from Arduino.cc. Using OpenSCAD and the SCADBoard library it is easy to create a 3D printable breadboard like the Breadboard Arduino.

Basically, you can 3d print a board where you can attach all the components needed to get functioning Arduino.

You will also need:

(1) Atmega328P with Arduino bootloader
(1) 7805 5V Voltage regulator
(2) LEDs
(2) 220 Ohm resistors
(1) 10k Ohm resistor
(2) 10 uF capacitors
(1)16 MHz clock crystal
(2) 22 pF capacitors
(1) Momentary normally open (“off”) button
Red and Black 22 AWG wire

Red surface board is printed with holes to fit the elements which are then connected with wires

All the STL files, guide and code to make it and run it can be found at:

http://scaduino.wordpress.com/

MOD-t 3d printer by New Matter

MOD-t is new contender at lowest priced consumer home 3d printer previously held by (still undelivered) M3D Micro. They also claim ease of use and combine their machine with model marketplace developed by Frog.

MOD-t technical specifications

The design is definitely beautiful

MOD-t vs. other 3d printers

MOD-t with marketplace on iPad

The Verge also ran a short video on it:

Here is the Mod-t Indiegogo page:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-matter-mod-t-a-3d-printer-for-everyone

New Matter hompage:

http://www.newmatter.com/

Same as with Mico, there are no independent reviews of this machine or more detailed videos or photographs of real printed objects.

Print The Legend 3d printing revolution documentary

I love documentaries and here is the one I'm waiting for. Print the Legend. Oh yes. Here is the trailer:

Here is interview with makers Luis Lopez and Clay Tweel (who previously made THE KING OF KONG, and MAKE BELIEVE) at SXSW 2014:

The documentary was bought by Netflix and will be available in 2014 for you lucky guys living in the countries with Netflix. For rest of us third world jungle dwellers without indoor plumbing, date of torrent release is unknown.

Print the Legend homepage:

http://printthefilm.com/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3557464/

Makerchair full size 3d printable chair

You will need a lot of filament for this project! It is a full size 3d printable chair which you can print on your standard home 3d printer in 202 or 77 interlocking pieces. Number of pieces depends on the model of chair. Makers say that it can be printed in ten days for cost of 30 USD.

You can download the files and learn more here:

http://bitsandparts.org/#features

OpenExposer low cost open source SLA 3d printer

Mario Lukas developed OpenExposer, low cost open source SLA 3d printer. OpenExposer is much more than just a 3d printer, it can also be used as UV PCB exposer, laser harp or show laser. It will have different modules for different uses.

Mario writes in project comments:

"The main focus of the OpenExposer Project is on the little red box which should contain all electronic and optical parts. This box should be clampable to different modules. The 3D printer which i am building currently is only one of those clampable modules. For PCB etching i am planing to design a module which works like a laminator."

The frame is made from standard RepRap rods and parts. The main part of 3D printer system is a small slit cut into the bed, and a build platform that moves in the Z axis. The bed contains a UV laser and a polygon mirror recycled from a junk laser printer. By moving the bed in the Y direction, laser can be targeted anywhere on an X-Y plane. By adding a tank filled with UV curing resin on the bed there is a complete SLA printer.

It is currently still under heavy development but it looks very promising. There will be many problems to solve like varying focal length laser traces the arc from the polygon mirror since laser printers use a specialized type of lens to insure the focus is consistent, allowing a consistent spot size over the entire sweep of the beam.

Mani features:

unit for multiple laser exposing processes
Arduino compatible
low cost (standard laser printer) parts
case parts lasercut or 3d printable
up to 2 stepper motors can be connected
additional I/O ports for custom extensions
simple protocol
extendable host software

Project homepage with more details, build log and development updates:

http://hackaday.io/project/1129-OpenExposer

OpenExposer GitHub repository:

https://github.com/mariolukas/openexposer

The "Red Box" with SLA module. There are different modules planed like the one for PCB etching.

First test SLA print results of OpenExposer

Update (20.8.2014.):

Here is OpenExposer shown as working SLA 3d printer and its software tool chain:

Makrtoolbox Mk1 low cost open source 3d printer

The Mk1 3d printer is designed and built by father and son team: Earnie Garner and Earnie Garner Jr., who for the last ten years have owned and operated a local technology business in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
Technical specifications:

Build Volume: 6"x6"x6" (150mmx150mmx150mm)
Resolution: <50 microns (0.05mm) X/Y & 100 microns (0.1mm) Z
Nozzle Size: 0.3mm or 0.4mm
Hot End: J-Head ( easily replaceable, upgradeable)
Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
Materials: Tested with PLA and Nylon
Power: Includes 110v Power adapter. 12v 6amp
Controller: Ramps 1.4 board (Arduino based)
Software: G-Code compatible (Using Marlin Firmware) / Free Open
Source programs like Repetier Host or Pronterface

It will be open sourced and all the data will be available at company page.

You can get it in kit form for $ 399 trough their Kickstarter campaign where you can also see video of it in action:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1812501409/makrtoolbox-mk1-3d-printer

Company page:

http://makrtoolbox.com/

Sand blasting 3d printed objects for matte surface finish

Andreas Bastian made this guide for sand blasting 3d printed PLA objects to give matte surface finish with reduced visible layering and shiny parts.
His conclusions were:

Even blasting helps the final surface quality.
Additional shells (3 or 4) help keep the print sealed during washing.
After blasting, the matte surface is prone to absorbing skin oils and other particles, much the way an SLS print does.
The blasting grit will alter the color of lighter PLAs, the white took on more of a bone hue and the natural clear developed a somewhat murky color. The black PLA blasted to a very nice matte grey.

White PLA object inside sand blaster

Close-up of sand blasted black PLA object

Non-sand blasted compared to sand-blasted PLA

Source with more details and results photos:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Print-Finishing-Technique-for-Improved-Surface-/?ALLSTEPS

Andreas is also well known for his work on e-Nable and Open SLS 3d printer.

If you are more interested in surface finish and smoothing of 3d printed objects with acetone look at:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/06/smoothing-and-polishing-pla-with-thf.html

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-on-acetone-vapor-smoothing.html

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/03/smoothing-models-with-acetone-vapor-bath.html

QU-BD One Up is one of the most affordable 3d printers sold and DELIVERED. Maybe even the most affordable on with price of 199 $. It is produced by Quintessential Universal Building Device, Inc. from Little Rock, Arkansas.
It is an interesting little low cost device and I'll look into it more in the future.

One Up Specs :

Minimum Layer Height: 50 Microns (Lower is Better)
Frame Material: Black Melamine MDF
Max Travel: Approximately 100x100x125mm
Maximum Travel Speed: 150mm/s
Maximum Print Speed: 100mm/s
Bed Material: Melamine Faced MDF (or Basalt)
Heated Bed: No, electronics support it so it can be added later
Linear Motion Type: X/Y Belts and Linear Bearings | Z Precision ACME Screws / Linear Bearings
X-Motor: NEMA 17 Motors w/ Up To 16x Microstepping
Y-Motor: NEMA 17 Motors w/ Up To 16x Microstepping
Z-Motor: NEMA 17 Motors w/ Up To 16x Microstepping
Electronics: Printrboard Electronics
Firmware: Marlin
Extruder: anUBIS w/ PTFE Liner
Filament: 1.75mm PLA, HIPS, Carbon PLA, Laywood (with optional heated bed upgrade it gets support for ABS)

There is also a version in acrylic which is little bit more expensive.

QU-BD got almost half a million dollar of funding on their Kickstarter campaign (they asked only for ten thousand):

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qu-bd/qu-bd-one-up-open-source-production-ready-3d-print

One Up homepage:

http://store.quintessentialuniversalbuildingdevice.com/product.php?id_product=144

QU-BD has wide variety of machines, one of the most interesting is this hybrid CNC with high power:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/02/qu-bd-rpm-rapid-prototyping-mill-3d.html

Robo 3d R2 printer with Titan controller and Makable marketplace

Robo 3D announced their new flagship, the R2 which will be available for pre-order this summer.

Robo 3D R2

R2 technical specifications:

10 x 10 x 10 inch build volume that is 40% larger than one on the Robo 3D R1
Equipped with dual nozzle and are therefore able to print with two different colors / materials combinations.
Metal hotends for multimaterial
Wifi enabled using the new Robo 3D Titan electronics board
Automatic leveling mechanism
R2 Rapid Speed Technology
LEDs
Teeter mechanism for ooze and knock prevention when extruding materials
Carbon filter to ensure safe, non-toxic 3D printing
Heated removable build plate
Nearly fully enclosed build chamber to get stabilized temperatures
Optimized software to get your printing quicker and easier
Price: unknown

R2 will be controlled with new Titan board:

Titan tech specs:

Power up to 25amps with 24volts = 600 watts
On board SD Card Port
Triple extruder capabilities or Dual Z drivers and Dual extruders
10 fans for optimal cooling of hot ends, motors and prints
On board rocker switch to turn printer on and off with flick of a switch
On board thermistor with fan control for active Titan cooling
2 RGB LED ports for lighting up your 3D printer
Use up to 6 motor drivers
Users the popular Arduino MEGA 2560 - works with Marlin, Sprinter, & Repetier Firmware

As many other 3d printer manufacturers, Robo 3d developed Makable marketplace to be the main space for getting models for their printers:

http://www.makable.com/

Looking good Robo 3D!

SPRING Technologies is exhibiting in booth 868 at the MMTS (Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show), from May 12 to 14.

SPRING's exhibit will highlight the features, benefits and applications of the company's flagship simulation software, NCSIMUL Machine and Player 9.1. Specifically, with the growing adoption of remote and mobile software accessibility, SPRING will demonstrate its recently introduced mobile system called WYSIWYC (What You See Is What You Cut).

Thanks to NCSIMUL Player 9.1 embedded on a fully rugged, mobile Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1 and connected to machine tool controllers such as FANUC CNCs, shop floor operators and managers are able to interact remotely - in 3D and in real time using intuitive touch controls - with one or several CNC machines and their machining processes, as they execute the CNC program on the machine. 3D animations of CNC machining processes, as well as related work instruction sheets are directly accessible from the mobile application.

For the full online story click here

New Tutorials added to the Tips and Techniques Section of the blog

May 2014 Tutorials:

How to change the Control setting:

How to create an NCPlayer File:

http://ncsimul.blogspot.com/p/tips-and-techniques.html

Aerospace Manufacturing and Design Online Magazine posted an article on SPRING Technologies to outline the result of several years’ collaboration with major aerospace customers, NCSIMUL Machine 9.1 can replicate material laying processes executed by numerical control (NC) machines.

This machining simulation software decodes NC programs, representing the machine environment in 3D to identify and analyze programming errors and collisions. A Composite option enables a dynamic representation of fiber ribbon laying, depicting the 3D form of the carbon fiber. Positioning of each fiber in the ribbon is managed independently.

The software alerts users to issues specific to the way composites are processed and liable to occur in machining. Alerts include fiber steering angle errors, twisting of taut fiber between the head and the position on the spool, fiber tension issues including speed disparities between fibers or sudden changes of direction that can create backwards laying.

Analysis functions can send information to the process planning department and the design office before going live. Analysis can be for the length of the laid material, layer thickness, fiber ribbon intersection angle, and aperture radius. The section-plane function gives insights into layering or possible holes in the material. At any time, the fiber path, or the end result of the material laying generated on the tooling in CAD, can be exported.

The software considers the shape of the initial tooling and the tension applied to the fibers. Fast algorithms enable fiber laying simulation with performances of 300m/min on a conventional CAD workstation.

For the full story click here

3Dvix - a new marketplace for 3d models

3Dvix is a new marketplace for 3d models.

From their description:

3DVIX is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell 3D models and 3D-printed objects. Here you will find amazing designs by 3DVIX community members who have chosen to make them available for sale. There are lots of cool designs to choose from. You choose, we print. You get it in the mail.

If you want to set up a store for your own designs, you’ll be in business in no time. You design it, we sell it – and manage the entire sales process so you don’t have to worry about machines, processes, inventory, invoicing or shipping. You focus on designing and promoting, we’ll do the rest – and will send you payments monthly for your portion of the sales proceeds.

If you don’t know how to design for 3D printing and want to learn, we will point you in the right direction. You will be creating your own models in no time. But if you’d rather hire a designer to convert your ideas into printable 3D models, we offer you that service as well. Just send us a brief description of your idea and a sketch for a design quote. We have a team of 3D designers ready to work on your project.
You can also shop for desktop 3D printers, printing supplies and training programs.
3DVIX is part of Prinvix, a global 3D-printing company with headquarters in Miami, Florida (USA).

Go and check it out:

http://3dvix.com/

Form 1 3d printed molecule models

Here are some cool colored 3d printed molecule models printed on Form 1.

From top to bottom, DNA, a bacteriophage, a carbon nanotube, ATP synthase, and an unfinished model of chromatin with DNA, nucleosomes, topoisomerase, and a transcription factor.

Source:
http://infinity-imagined.tumblr.com/post/86924143935/my-molecular-3d-prints-created-with-the-form1

Here are some tutorials how to 3d model molecules for 3d printing:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-to-3d-print-models-of-molecules.html

3d printing with guided slew ring wire embedding

Bas de Bruijn, well known for his "pressure adjusted velocity controlled extrusion", made made this interesting wire embedding setup where a slew ring turned by a stepper motor connected to a 5th axis on the control board guides the copper wire in front of the extruder head. The wire is covered by extruded material and be shaped on a surface into various forms.

There are some obvious limitations: the wire has to be continuous, wire can not be cut, no possibility to connect the electronic components which make it unsuitable for making of electronic components. However, according to Bas, it is quit suitable for other purposes like:

Coils
Antennas
RFID / NFC antennae
PCB’s
Flexible PCB’s (FPC’s)
embed tubes and other filament types into plastic or other materials, like starch, organic printable stuff etc. etc.
Use dissolvable PVA as an intermediate to bring wire/chips into tissue

Hopefully the project will be developed further!

Here are some attempts without the guide ring and with pre-positioned and fixated wire:

Source blog post with instruction details on setting the electronics:

http://basdebruijn.com/2014/05/additive-wire-laying/

Don't forget Spoolhead project which tried to develop wire embedding toolhead for 3d printers:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/09/embedding-metal-wire-in-3d-printed.html

Print results. It looks like nice small 3d printed antenna.

No, it is not a fruit 3d printer!

Hype machine is in action again with this "fruit 3d printer" contraption. Let us give some perspective to this:

It doesn't print actual fruit
Only "fruit" "printed" is a "raspberry" or to be more blunt, probably the only shape you can get from tiny spheres is raspberry. It is not even convincing raspberry.
It prints with tiny spheres of fruit paste or puree
All the parts of the machine look as made from technology that exist for some time and it is open sourced (any 3d printer + syringe extruder like Cellstuder)

From the source:

Cambridge design company Dovetailed is today launching its 3D fruit printer, creating ‘fruit’ you can eat.
The company, which is working with Microsoft in Cambridge, says it takes just seconds to print an apple or a pear, or any other type of fruit.
The printer uses a molecular-gastronomy technique called spherification. It combines individual liquid droplets with different flavours into a fruit shape.
It is aimed at chefs, foodies and anyone interested in making creative dining experiences. No specialist knowledge of cuisine or molecular-gastronomy is required, and, the fruit produced is all organic.

On of the commentators got the point of the technology with the touch of sarcasm (aka. in the correct way):

"So you basically have to load it with apple in order to print an apple? Ingenious!"

The technology could be very useful for some specific purposes and niche markets but no one benefits from the marketing hype.

Source article with more information:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/Business/Business-News/Unveiled-the-3D-printer-that-creates-fruit-you-can-eat-20140524070245.htm

Here is the company page:

http://www.dovetailed.co/

Fruit 3d printer. Nothing spectacular here.

You can see the "3d printed fruit" on the spoon here. I've seen some fruit before, this doesn't look like it ...

Update:

Here is the video of Dovetailed "fruit 3d printer" in action. It still doesn't look like anything near fruit printing.

AstroPrint wireless 3D printing platform by 3Dagogo

From the people who brought you 3Dagogo comes AstroPrint wireless 3d printing control platform. They are on Kickstarter now and managed to get funded in on day.

You can see their full campaign here:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/306530051/astroprinttm-wireless-3d-printing-software

Here is the summary:

AstroPrint allows you to use any smartphone or tablet as a beautiful and effective 3D printer interface. In addition, we built it to reduce failed prints by offering cloud based slicing that gets smarter over time.

What is AstroPrint?

AstroPrint is a software platform that performs all the functions of your favorite printer controllers and slicers, but with some huge benefits:
Wireless Printing - your printer is now wifi enabled!
Access from Anywhere - print from your local network or the internet.
Beautiful Interface - UI design is incredibly important to us...
Cloud Slicing - updates and optimizations are automatic.
Slicing Intelligence - recommended settings improve over time.
Camera Support - live viewing online & auto updates via text or email.
Online File Storage - access your files anywhere, anytime.
No Maintenance - self updating.
The AstroPrint platform consists of two parts that operate seamlessly together:

The AstroBox™ allows you to connect to, and control, your 3D printer over wifi from phones, computers, and tablets. The AstroBox can be used standalone, or in conjunction with our free online cloud slicing and file storage services at AstroPrint.com.
AstroPrint.com slices, organizes, and stores your designs in the cloud. In addition, through AstroPrint.com, you can connect to your AstroBox to control your printer.

Who is it for?
Beginners to 3D Printing - AstroPrint makes your 3D printer a 1-click-print device. AstroPrint will automagically set the most ideal settings for each of your prints, reducing your failed prints. This is based on your printer and filament manufacturer's suggested settings as well as our expert experience.
3D Printing Power-Users - Let's face it, sometimes you want to twerk every setting in Slic3r, but most of the time you want something super simple, right? AstroPrint has a simple interface, but gives you easy access to every advanced setting you could desire. Also, we organize your gcodes in relation to the STL's they were sliced from. This lets you print hassle free from anywhere, anytime.
How does it work?

Simply plug your printer's USB cable into the AstroBox, connect to the 'AstroBox Wifi' network, and the box does the rest.
Instead of using Repetier Host or Pronterface to control your printer, you can now use AstroPrint straight from your phone, tablet, or computer.
So, what if the internet goes down, you ask? No worries, the box creates its own local wifi network. Using this network you can still control your printer through the AstroBox! Also, your print will not fail because of internet issues. The AstroBox automatically stores your gcode. Once the print begins, it will not need any connection to the internet, wifi, tablet, computer, or phone to proceed normally through the printing process.

When connected to the internet, the AstroBox uses your free AstroPrint.com account to slice, store/retrieve, and organize your files.
The AstroBox can automatically create and manage this account for you, or you can link your box to an existing AstroPrint.com account if you have already created one.
Another great feature of AstroPrint.com is that you can connect to your AstroBox (and therefore, your printer) from anywhere you have internet access. This allows you to check up on your printer, see a live report of your print, start/stop print jobs, and more. If you have a camera installed you can even watch the print as it happens.

AstroPrint homepage: AstroPrint.com

Update (2.1.2015.):

AstroPrint is deveoped and fully functional remote 3d printer management software now. It is open source and runs on Rapberry Pi, you can conrole your machine via web interface and use cloud slicer or any of many many options. Here is a review by Noe Ruiz of Adafruit:

You can also learn about it with full tutorial on Adafruit learning system:

https://learn.adafruit.com/astroprint-3d-printing

Virtual reality interface for 3d printing with CastAR glasses.

Ryan Smith developed this virtual reality interface for 3d printing with CastAR glasses. When you look at your 3d printer it will show VR version of printed object which can be animated to show more information about the object and interacted with. It enables preview and overlay to control interaction of two objects. Cool.

Something like this was already presented in much more advanced form with designing and control functionality based on Meta VR glasses:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/03/3d-sculpting-and-printer-control-with.html

More about CastAR glasses:

CastAR glasses source: tested.com (probably prototype version)

... accidentally .... :-)

Source: http://www.kdnuggets.com/2014/05/cartoon-data-visualization-3d-printer.html drawn by Jon Carter

PS: I wonder how come nobody made an Excel chart to STL tool or script or something ...

E3D v6 hotend released!

E3D is well known for their excellent hotends. Now they have released new model: the v6. v6 is next-generation full metal hotend for RepRap 3D printers.

E3D v6 hotend

v6 release video:

Here is v6 video review by Thomas Sanladerer:

How to assemble the v6:

v5 hot end was a success and lessons learned on it influenced the development of v6, Here are desgn guidelines by E3D:

Decrease bulk.
v5 is longer in the Z axis than many other hotends on the market due to significant safety margins in heat dissapation, screw in bowden fittings make bowden hotends even longer.
Our printed fan duct is a little bulky in X/Y which can create issues when space under carriages is restricted.
Make assembly and maintenance easier for the user.
Securing thermistors with kapton works well, but is difficult to achieve easily and neatly, especially for the new user. It also makes changing out thermistors a bit time consuming. Cementing in thermistors with fire cement or similar works well, but is messy and difficult, it also makes changing thermistors nearly impossible.
The printed fan duct is a bit tricky to remove as it has to be slid off the heatsink either up or down which can be tricky with wiring etc in the picture.
Improve support for flexible materials.
v5 works as well as any other hotend on the market for flexible filaments, however this inevitably means printing very slowly, getting messy prints and having to constantly battle with buckling in the extruder.
Flexible filaments are entering the market and have some exceptionally useful properties and we want to enable more people to use them with a better printing experience.
Shorten heat up times and increase accurate control of temperature.
v5 uses a set screw to secure the cartridge which works well, but because of the slight variances in heater cartridges the hole in which the cartridge sits has to have some clearance to allow it to easily slide into place, this affects heat up times and control.
Thermistor placement in v5 is close to the surface of the block, which makes things easier when your thermistor has to be insulated with kapton but this has some impact on the precision of the readings.
Fix niggling reliability issues.
v5 has a great track record of reliability with less than a fraction of one percent of users experiencing issues due to manufacturing issues, however we really wanted to eliminate any chance of future defects.
1.75mm Bowden users were experiencing a disproportionate amount of problems, which was traced back (with much help and hard work from Michael Hackney) to nozzle geometry in certain situations needing high extrusion pressures that resulted in starvation of filament flow.

Make different sized nozzles more suitable for their application and each size more identifiable.
All v5 nozzles share the same shape of tip that lays down the track of filament, we wanted to make the shape of each nozzle more suited to their particular use case and application so people can get the best results from each nozzle size.
Because all nozzles share the same shape they are hard to tell apart, particularly when there is plastic residue remaining on the nozzle. We wanted to make it easy to differentiate between nozzles.
Make it beautiful.
Looks matter! Our machined metal parts look awesome, but with them hidden behind a printed fan duct you can't admire all that wonderful engineering.

v6 on the left compared to v5 on the right.
You can also see that the entire Bowden coupling is contained inside the heatsink on v6.

v6 technical specifications:

Compact size: v6 is now 62mm in overall length, and the new polycarbonate fan duct results in significantly less bulk in X and Y dimensions.
Easy assembly and maintenance: All assembly is performed by either clipping or screwing together parts, no messy Kapton or adhesives are needed – The thermistor secures with a neat screw clamp and is insulated with high temperature glass fibre sleeving. Supplied ferrules mean that no soldering is needed.
Fast heat-up and better temperature readings: The heater cartridge is secured with a wrap-around clamp for excellent thermal contact, this reduces warm-up times and increases temperature control. The thermistor has been placed deep into the block and near to the nozzle in a close fitting hole for the most accurate readings and fast response.
Overhauled manufacturing techniques for increased reliability: The HeatBreak has a radically improved surface finish stemming from updated manufacturing techniques. The nozzle has been optimised for easier flow at low pressures.
Improved performance with flexible materials: Internal PTFE tubing runs deep into the hotend and can be arranged so that flexible filaments are constrained in the PTFE tubing right from the drive gear to deep in the hotend. PTFE never enters hot areas and so high temperature capability is maintained.
Maintains Compatibility: By keeping our previous mounting dimensions we have maintained compatibility with our plethora of community created mounting systems. Nozzles have kept their M6 threaded dimensions and so are interchangeable between v5 and v6.
Universal 1.75mm HotEnd: The incredibly compact tubing coupling system that is internal to the hotend means that we are able to eliminate the 1.75mm Direct and 1.75mm Bowden products and replace them with a single 1.75mm Universal product.

E3D v6 technical specifications

Here are cross sections of three versions of v6: from left to Right: 1.75mm Universal, 3mm Direct, 3mm Bowden.

E3D v6 is priced at £43-£48 range for a kit and £31-£33 for metal hotend only.

E3D v6 release page with much more details:

http://e3d-online.com/index.php?route=extras/blog/getblog&blog_id=21

3d printed guns, keys, drones in MIA video (provocation for the sake of it)

This music video by MIA was probably made to be "provocative", and it has all the "bad things to make with 3d printer" cliches like 3d printed guns and key copies.
MIA is commercial artist with "bad girl" and this type of presentation is to be expected. I can already hear some politicians and moralists screaming "3d printing is a danger". No it's not. I don't even think MIAs fan base is even much interested in 3d printing.

On other hand, it would be much more interesting to see young people in poorer countries working this technology. I know some semi-literate young guys living in small rural communities in Croatia who are unemployed or working as field day-laborers building their 3d printers and using bitcoin. THAT is an interesting story.

We need less fear mongering and more knowledge ...

They don't even use real 3d printed models in the videos but plastic toy guns

DIY wearable RaspberryPi display project by Adafruit

Adafruit has another great DIY project with wearable technology. They show you how to make wearable RaspberryPi display where the display attachment is 3d printed and can be attached to standard glasses frame. It's a sort of DIY Google Glass but with separate processing unit, no camera or even mobile internet access.

Here you can get the STL files:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:302243

Detailed guide on Adafruit learning platform:

https://learn.adafruit.com/diy-wearable-pi-near-eye-kopin-video-glasses

Thingiverse user D10d3 made his version which doesn't need standard glasses frame:

http://www.thingiverse.com/make:75851

Here are some other similar projects:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/08/3d-printed-wearable-glasses-computer.html

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/search/label/google%20glass

3d printing Nutella with Discov3ry extruder

Mmmm ... Nutella ... and Discov3ry extruder 3d printing with it ...

Compact 3d printed macro photography stand

Photography equpiment is expensive and there is more pleasure in making it yourself. JonasK designed and made this 3d printable mini macro photography studio.

Construction manual, STL files and example photographs can be found here:

http://www.instructables.com/id/3D-printed-Mini-Macro-Studio/?ALLSTEPS

How to upgrade RepRapPro Huxley with "Fanned Up" modifications

Four university students (Aaron, Ananda, Matt & Michael) created an upgrade kit and guide for RepRapPro Huxley model. The upgrade includes: laser cut frame is in 6mm MDF, z axis bracket, fan upgrades and maintenance guide.

They also summarized the maintenance needed for Huxley model:

Daily
Use acetone based cleaning solution (nail polish remover will work) to wipe the bed, ensure it is not heated.
Ensure rear fans are clear of cable obstruction.
When feeding filament ensure it has a pointed end, this will help its feeding into the hot-end and extruder.
Ensure the y axis linear rods are in place in the supports.
Ensure that the nut holding the x axis idler is finger tight.
Run the printer fans for no less than 3 minutes before print to ensure smooth operation.
Weekly
All the daily checks plus:
Ensure all the nuts are tight (there are 48 of them).
Check that all 6 bearings are in place.
Monthly
All the Daily and Weekly checks plus:
Cleaning the nozzle: Raise the z axis 50mm from home and the hot-end to 200 through 'Pronterface'. Clean the nozzle of any excess material using a wooden spatula or knife **CAUTION** THIS MUST BE DONE WITH EXTREME CAUTION, the hot-end is at up to 250 degrees C!
Check belt tension on x and y axis. (refer to assembly instructions)
Check that all five steppers are firmly attached to the frame/supports.
Tighten the U brackets connecting the z axis motors to the threaded rods.
Check end stops for wear.
Grease linear rods x6 with WD-40 or similar lubricant.
The electric connectors and screws should be checked for tightness.
Check bed wires for integrity replace if worn.

Here is Instructables page with all the details:

http://www.instructables.com/id/RRP-Huxley-FU-Fanned-Up-Improvements-to-the-Huxley/?ALLSTEPS

Thingiverse page (not public at the moment):

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:74001

Hot to build DIY Delta from junk matrix printers and a scanner

This homemade Delta was built by Hesam with parts from old paper dot matrix printers and scanner. Frame is made from 16mm MDF board. MDF and some steel parts are cut on CNC but there are no 3d printed parts. It is controlled by Arduino Leonardo.

Primary design guidelines were:

Build volume: 200x200x200 mm
Footprint: 600x650 mm
Print surface: 200x200 mm heated glass which never moves.
Mass of end effector with hotend: less than 600 grams.
Positioning speed: up to 80 mm/s in all 3 directions.
Positioning accuracy: at least 10 steps/mm in all 3 directions.
Simplicity and use of recycled parts
Hardware cost: less than 400 USD.

Sliders were made three Epson LQ 2170 dot matrix printers bought from scrapyard for less than 20$

Heated build platform made from Epson flatbed scanner and heating element which can heat it up to 120 C and is controlled by thermostat

Detailed guide and files to CNC cut the wooden frame:

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-delta-3D-printer-using-low-cost-recycled-parts/?ALLSTEPS

Here is first post about 3d printer made from old inkjet printer and scrap scanner:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-3d-printer-made-from-scrap.html

For another wood frame ultra low cost Delta with NO cnc cut or 3d printed parts take a look at:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/03/delta-twister-ultra-low-cost-diy-3d.html

or look at:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/2014/06/repscrap-diy-3d-printer-from-salvaged.html (detailed guide focused on printer made from salvaged inkjet parts with DC motors)

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